WO2023165277A1

WO2023165277A1 - Session management method, communication device, and storage medium

Info

Publication number: WO2023165277A1
Application number: PCT/CN2023/071977
Authority: WO
Inventors: 王嘉明
Original assignee: 中兴通讯股份有限公司
Priority date: 2022-03-01
Filing date: 2023-01-12
Publication date: 2023-09-07
Also published as: CN114339854A

Abstract

The present application discloses a session management method, a communication device, and a storage medium, which are applied to an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element in a 5G virtual network group. The session management method comprises: when a first SMF network element communicatively connected to the AMF network element fails, acquiring second SMF information corresponding to a second SMF network element, the second SMF network element and the first SMF network element corresponding to a same anchor user plane function (A-UPF) in a same 5G virtual network group (S110); and establishing a protocol data unit (PDU) communication connection with the second SMF network element according to the second SMF information (S120).

Description

Session management method, communication device and storage medium

Cross References to Related Applications

This application is based on a Chinese patent application with application number 202210190891.6 and a filing date of March 1, 2022, and claims the priority of this Chinese patent application. The entire content of this Chinese patent application is hereby incorporated by reference into this application.

technical field

The present application relates to the technical field of communication, and in particular to a session management method, a communication device and a storage medium.

Background technique

The existing 3GPP standard requires that the same 5G virtual network group can only belong to one session management function (Session Management Function, SMF) network element, so that users of the same 5G virtual network group can choose the same SMF when establishing a PDU session. However, such a limitation will lead to a reduction in communication reliability. If the SMF network element to which it belongs fails, it will cause the users in the 5G virtual network group to be unable to communicate. In order to ensure the network availability of the 5G virtual network group, it may be necessary to ensure that the same 5G virtual network group belongs to multiple SMF network elements during actual deployment. However, when the SMF network element used fails, the PDU session under the same 5G virtual network group may re-select the SMF network element for communication. When the selected SMF fails, the PDU sessions under the same 5G virtual network group may select different SMF network elements. At this time, the advantages of local routing under the 5G LAN service will not be able to be used, and the delay of the communication process will increase. The network load increases.

Contents of the invention

The following is an overview of the topics described in detail in this article. This summary is not intended to limit the scope of the application.

Embodiments of the present application provide a session management method, a communication device, and a storage medium.

In the first aspect, the embodiment of the present application provides a session management method, which is applied to an AMF network element with an access and mobility management function, and the session management method includes: communicating with the first SMF network element connected to the AMF network element In case of failure, obtain the second SMF information corresponding to the second SMF network element, the second SMF network element and the first SMF network element correspond to the same anchor user plane in the same 5G virtual network group Function A-UPF: establish a protocol data unit PDU communication connection with the second SMF network element according to the second SMF information.

In the second aspect, the embodiment of the present application also provides a session management method, which is applied to the SMF information storage network element, and the session management method includes: acquiring the second SMF information corresponding to the second SMF network element; sending to the AMF network element The second SMF information corresponding to the second SMF network element, so that the AMF network element establishes a PDU communication connection, the second SMF network element and the first SMF network element correspond to the same anchor user plane function A-UPF in the same 5G virtual network group.

In the third aspect, the embodiment of the present application also provides a session management method, which is applied to the first SMF network element, and the session management method includes: receiving PDU session creation request information sent by the AMF network element, and the PDU session creation request The requested information includes 5G virtual network group information; according to the 5G virtual network group information, the second SMF information corresponding to the second SMF network element is obtained, and the second SMF network element corresponds to the same network element as the first SMF network element. The same anchor user plane function A-UPF in the 5G virtual network group; sends PDU session creation response information to the AMF network element according to the PDU session creation request information, and the PDU session creation response information includes the second SMF network The second SMF information corresponding to the element.

In the fourth aspect, the embodiment of the present application also provides a communication device, including: a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored on the memory and operable on the processor, and the processor implements the above when executing the computer program. The session management method in the first aspect either implements the session management method in the second aspect or the session management method in the third aspect.

In the fifth aspect, the embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores computer-executable instructions, and the computer-executable instructions are used to execute the session management method in the first aspect as described above or implement the session management method in the first aspect as described above. The session management method of the second aspect or the session management method of the third aspect as mentioned above.

Other features and advantages of the technical solution of the present application will be set forth in the following description, and partly become obvious from the description, or can be understood by implementing the technical solution of the present application.

Description of drawings

The accompanying drawings are used to provide an understanding of the technical solution of the present application, and constitute a part of the specification, and are used together with the embodiments of the present application to explain the technical solution of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation to the technical solution of the present application.

FIG. 1 is a schematic flow diagram of a session management method applied to an AMF network element provided by an embodiment of the present application;

Fig. 2 is a flowchart of a specific method of step S110 in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a flowchart of a specific method of step S210 in Fig. 2;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of another specific method of step S210 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of another specific method of step S110 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a schematic flowchart of a session management method applied to an SMF information storage network element provided by an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 7 is a schematic flowchart of a session management method applied to an SMF information storage network element provided by another embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a specific method of step S610 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a schematic flowchart of a session management method applied to a first SMF network element provided by another embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a session management method applied to a 5G LAN provided by an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a session management method applied to 5G LAN provided by another embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a session management method applied to a 5G LAN provided by another embodiment of the present application;

Fig. 13 is a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application.

Detailed ways

In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present application clearer, the technical solution of the present application will be described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described here are only used to explain the application The technical solution is not intended to limit the technical solution of this application.

It should be noted that although a logical order is shown in the flowchart, in some cases, the steps shown or described may be performed in a different order than in the flowchart. The terms "first", "second" and the like in the specification and claims and the above drawings are used to distinguish similar objects, and not necessarily used to describe a specific sequence or sequence.

It should be noted that in the description of this application, several means one or more, and multiple means two or more. Greater than, less than, exceeding, etc. are understood as excluding the original number, and above, below, within, etc. are understood as Include this number.

The 3GPP R16 protocol introduced support for the fifth generation mobile communication technology (5th Generation Mobile Communication Technology, 5G) local area network (Local Area Network, LAN) service, providing LAN private communication similar to IT networks. User Equipment (UE) using dedicated communication under the same 5G LAN forms a 5G virtual network (Virture Network, VN) group, and each 5G virtual network group is assigned a 5G VN group ID. Communication data between users under the same 5G virtual network group can be routed locally through the anchor user plane function (Anchor UPF, A-UPF), or through the N19 interface between two A-UPFs, or through the N6 interface through the data Network (Data Network, DN) for routing. The specific method depends on the relationship between the A-UPF network elements accessed by the communication parties. If the communication parties belong to the same A-UPF network element, the A-UPF network element will directly route the data locally; if they belong to different A-UPF network elements and support the N19 interface, the data routing and forwarding will be performed based on the N19 interface; otherwise, based on the N6 The interface performs data routing and forwarding through the DN.

In order to ensure the availability of the 5G LAN network, a 5G virtual network group is deployed to belong to multiple session management function (Session Management Function, SMF) network elements. The three communication data routing methods of 5G LAN services are: local routing communication based on A-UPF network elements, communication based on N19 interface and communication based on N6 interface. Among them, the local routing communication based on A-UPF does not need to be forwarded through the N19 interface or the N6 interface, so the delay is the lowest, and the network load can also be reduced. Based on this, the 3GPP standard requires that the PDU sessions of users under the same 5G virtual network group should belong to the same SMF network element, and the SMF network element should choose the same PDU session as much as possible for the PDU sessions of the same 5G virtual network group. An A-UPF network element. That is, when users under the same 5G virtual network group communicate based on a certain SMF network element among multiple SMF network elements, it is beneficial for the SMF network element to select the same A-UPF network element for communication, which is conducive to the realization of 5G Low-latency communication and low-load network status within the virtual network group. When the SMF network element is faulty, in order to restore the communication between users in the 5G virtual network group while maintaining the advantages of low-latency communication and low network load, it is necessary to re-select the same backup SMF network element.

Therefore, the present application provides a session management method, a communication device, and a computer-readable storage medium. In the case that the first SMF network element communicatively connected to the access and mobility management function (Access and Mobility Management Function, AMF) network element fails, the AMF network element can obtain the second SMF information corresponding to the second SMF network element. The second SMF network element and the first SMF network element correspond to the same 5G virtual network group. According to the obtained second SMF information, the AMF network element in the 5G LAN with the 5G virtual network group selects the second SMF network element to re-establish the PDU communication connection, restore the communication in the 5G virtual network group, and achieve lower communication delay and Low-load network status improves communication reliability and communication quality.

Embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Referring to FIG. 1 , FIG. 1 is a schematic flowchart of a session management method applied to an AMF network element provided by an embodiment of the present application. The session management method is used to ensure the communication in the 5G virtual network group, which may include but not limited to steps S110 and step S120.

Step S110: When the first SMF network element connected to the AMF network element fails, the AMF network element obtains the second SMF information corresponding to the second SMF network element, and the second SMF network element corresponds to the first SMF network element In the same anchor user plane function A-UPF in the same 5G virtual network group.

In this step, the first SMF network element can configure the traffic forwarding method for the user plane function (User Plane Function, UPF) network element, so that the traffic in a 5G virtual network group can be forwarded between PDU sessions, and it also plays a role Manage the role of PDU sessions in 5G virtual network groups. When the first SMF network element fails, communication in the 5G virtual network group cannot be performed normally. At this time, the AMF network element obtains the second SMF information corresponding to the second SMF network element, and is used to reselect the same second SMF network element to resume communication in the 5G virtual network group. The second SMF network element also plays the role of configuring the traffic forwarding method for the UPF network element and managing the PDU sessions in the 5G virtual network group. After the failure of the first SMF network element, the probability of PDU sessions under the same 5G virtual network group selecting different SMF network elements is reduced. Selecting the same second SMF network element to restore the communication in the 5G virtual network group is conducive to the unified traffic forwarding method in the 5G virtual network group configured by the same SMF, such as using only one anchor user plane function (Anchor UPF, A -UPF) network elements for local routing. When the traffic forwarding method in the 5G virtual network group is unified, when an A-UPF network element is configured to communicate in the 5G virtual network group, it will help reduce the load on the network, reduce communication delay, and improve the performance of the 5G virtual network group. Communication rate for dedicated communication between UEs.

It should be noted that, in order to ensure the availability of the 5G LAN network, in actual deployment, a 5G virtual network group belongs to multiple SMF network elements. The first SMF network element does not specifically refer to a certain network element. Those skilled in the art can select the first SMF network element according to the actual situation. This application does not make specific restrictions on the selection of the first SMF network, as long as it can realize 5G The communication between UEs in the virtual network is enough.

Step S120: the AMF network element establishes a PDU communication connection with the second SMF network element according to the second SMF information.

In this step, the AMF network element selects the second SMF network element corresponding to the second SMF information to re-establish the PDU communication connection according to the second SMF information, and restores the communication in the 5G virtual network group.

It should be noted that, for multiple SMF network elements belonging to a 5G virtual network group, each SMF network element has corresponding SMF information. The SMF information includes but is not limited to: SMF ID and fully qualified domain name (Fully Qualified Domain Name, FQDN), SMF network element address, port number and other information.

It should be noted that the reselected second SMF network element is determined by the corresponding second SMF information, but the second SMF network element does not specifically refer to a certain SMF network element, but refers to the network element other than the first SMF network element One of the other SMF network elements that can also manage the 5G virtual network group.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 , FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a specific method of step S110 in FIG. 1 . Step S110 is explained: that is, obtaining the second SMF information corresponding to the second SMF network element at the AMF network element may also include but not limited to step S210.

Step S210: the AMF network element obtains the locally stored second SMF information corresponding to the second SMF network element.

In this step, in a 5G LAN with a 5G virtual network group, the AMF network element can receive all connection and session related information from the user equipment (UE) in the 5G virtual network group, but is only responsible for handling connection and mobility management tasks. Based on the 5G VN group granularity, the AMF can configure the first SMF information and the backup second SMF information corresponding to each 5G VN group. The AMF network element acquires locally stored second SMF information, where the second SMF information corresponds to the second SMF network element. The local acquisition of the second SMF information does not require other network elements to perform information interaction, and the second SMF network can be determined more quickly, so as to restore communication in the 5G virtual network group more efficiently, and reduce the loss caused by the disconnection of private communication between users. loss, but also improve the user experience.

It should be noted that during actual deployment, a 5G virtual network group belongs to multiple SMF network elements, and multiple SMF network elements correspond to multiple SMF information. Therefore, multiple SMF information is stored in the AMF network element, including the first SMF information corresponding to the first SMF network element in the 5G virtual network group and the SMF information corresponding to other SMFs. The second SMF information is one of multiple SMF information corresponding to other SMFs.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 , FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a specific method of step S210 in FIG. 2 . Step S210 is described, this step S210 may include but not limited to step S310, step S320 and step S330:

Step S310: The AMF network element sends an SMF query request to the SMF information storage network element, and the SMF query request carries 5G virtual network group information.

In this step, the SMF information storage network element includes: a network storage function (NF Repository Function, NRF) network element and/or a group management function (Group Manage Function, GMF) network element. The NRF network element is used to register, manage, and check the status of the network function (Network Function, NF) in the 5G LAN. When each NF is started, it must register with the NRF network element to provide services. The registration information includes the NF type , addresses, service listings, and more. The GMF network element manages the 5G virtual network group. Therefore, in the 5G local area network, both the NRF network element and the GMF network element can locally store the SMF information of the multiple SMF network elements to which the 5G virtual network group belongs. The AMF network element sends an SMF query request to the SMF information storage network element, and the SMF query request carries 5G virtual network group information. In some embodiments, the corresponding 5G virtual network group information carried in the SMF query request includes, but is not limited to, a 5G virtual network group ID.

It should be noted that the 5G virtual network group may also include 5G virtual network group member information, 5G virtual network group data, etc., wherein the 5G virtual network group data also includes PDU session type, data network domain name, etc. Those skilled in the art can configure the 5G virtual network group information according to the actual situation, and select an appropriate second SMF network element according to the 5G virtual network group information.

Step S320: After the AMF network element obtains the SMF information and stores the first SMF information and the second SMF information corresponding to the first SMF network element, after the network element obtains the first SMF information and the second SMF information corresponding to the first SMF network element according to the 5G virtual network group information query, the SMF response information sent, the SMF response information It carries the first SMF information and the second SMF information corresponding to the first SMF network element.

In this step, the AMF network element obtains the SMF response information sent by the SMF information storage network element. The SMF response information is in response to the SMF query request sent by the AMF network element. The SMF information storage network element selects the SMF network element corresponding to the 5G virtual network group according to the 5G virtual network group ID, and obtains the corresponding SMF information according to the SMF network element. In some embodiments, the SMF response information includes first SMF information corresponding to the first SMF network element corresponding to the 5G virtual network group ID and second SMF information corresponding to the second SMF network element.

Step S330: The AMF network element stores and processes the first SMF information and the second SMF information locally.

In this step, the AMF network element stores and processes the first SMF information and the second SMF information locally. In order for the AMF network element to use the first SMF information to select the first SMF network element to perform communication in the 5G virtual network group. When the first SMF network element fails, the AMF network element will re-establish the PDU session according to the second SMF information, and restore the 5G virtual network group communication within.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 , FIG. 4 is a flow chart of another specific method of step S210 in FIG. 2 . Step S210 is described, this step S210 may include but not limited to step S410, step S420 and step S430:

Step S410: the AMF network element sends PDU session creation request information to the first SMF network element.

In this step, the AMF network element selects the first SMF network element to activate the session based on the corresponding 5G VN group ID, and the AMF network element sends the PDU session creation request information to the first SMF network element. In some embodiments, the PDU session creation request information carries 5G virtual group network information. In some embodiments, the 5G virtual network group information is a 5G VN group ID.

It should be noted that the 5G virtual network group information includes, but is not limited to, 5G virtual network group member information, 5G virtual network group data, and the like. Those skilled in the art can configure the 5G virtual network group information according to the actual situation, and select an appropriate second SMF network element according to the 5G virtual network group information.

Step S420: The AMF network element obtains the PDU session creation response information sent by the first SMF network element, and the PDU session creation response information includes the second SMF information.

In this step, the AMF network element obtains the PDU session creation response information sent by the first SMF network element, and the PDU session creation response information responds to the PDU session creation request information. The PDU session creation response information carries the second SMF information corresponding to the 5G VN group ID.

It should be noted that the second SMF information includes but is not limited to: SMF ID and fully qualified domain name (Fully Qualified Domain Name, FQDN), SMF network element address, port number and other information.

Step S430: The AMF network element stores and processes the second SMF information locally.

In this step, the AMF network element stores and processes the second SMF information locally. In order to facilitate the failure of the first SMF network element, the AMF network element can quickly re-establish the PDU session according to the second SMF information, restore the communication in the 5G virtual network group, and improve the user experience.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 5 is a flowchart of another specific method of step S110 in FIG. The step of SMF information will be explained. The step S110 may include but not limited to step S510 and step S520:

Step S510: The AMF network element obtains the first SMF failure notification information sent by the SMF information storage network element, and the first SMF failure notification information includes the second SMF information corresponding to the second SMF network element.

In this step, the SMF information storage network element includes: a network storage function NRF network element and/or a group management function GMF network element. In addition to locally storing the SMF information of multiple SMF network elements to which the 5G virtual network group belongs, the NRF network element and the GMF network element can also detect the state of the first SMF network element. When the SMF information storage network element detects that the first SMF network element fails, it sends the first SMF failure notification information to the AMF network element. In some embodiments, the first SMF fault notification information includes second SMF information corresponding to the second SMF network element. Based on the state detection function of the SMF information storage network element, the AMF network element can know the failure of the first SMF network element in a timely manner, and can timely provide information for the 5G virtual network according to the second SMF information in the first SMF failure notification information. The PDU sessions in the network group select the same second SMF network element. In order to re-establish the dedicated communication between users in the 5G virtual network group, reduce the loss caused by the interruption of communication between users in the 5G virtual network group, while maintaining the advantages of low latency and low load of communication in the 5G virtual network group . The SMF information storage network element can obtain fault information in real time, so that the AMF network element can real-time Make adjustments accordingly to rebuild the PDU communication connection of the 5G virtual network group.

Step S520: Obtain second SMF information corresponding to the second SMF network element according to the first SMF failure notification information.

In this step, the AMF network element obtains the second SMF information. Based on the obtained second SMF information, the AMF network element selects the same second SMF network element for the PDU session in the 5G virtual network group in a timely manner, restores the dedicated communication between users in the 5G virtual network group, and reduces the The loss caused by the interruption of communication between users, while maintaining the advantages of low latency and low load of communication within the 5G virtual network group.

An embodiment of the present application also provides a session management method applied to an SMF information storage network element, including the following steps: the SMF information storage network element obtains the second SMF information corresponding to the second SMF network element. The SMF information storage network element sends the second SMF information corresponding to the second SMF network element to the AMF network element, so that the AMF network element can communicate with the second SMF network element according to the second SMF information when the first SMF network element is faulty. A PDU communication connection is established, and the second SMF network element and the first SMF network element correspond to the same 5G virtual network group. The session management method applied to the SMF information storage network element will be described below with reference to FIG. 6 , FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 .

Referring to FIG. 6 , FIG. 6 is a schematic flowchart of a session management method applied to an SMF information storage network element provided by an embodiment of the present application. The session management method is used to ensure communication in a 5G virtual network group, wherein the SMF information storage network element obtains the second SMF information corresponding to the second SMF network element; sends the second SMF corresponding to the second SMF network element to the AMF network element Information, so that the AMF network element can establish a PDU communication connection with the second SMF network element according to the second SMF information when the first SMF network element is faulty, and the second SMF network element and the first SMF network element correspond to the same 5G The same anchor user plane function A-UPF in the virtual network group. Wherein, sending the second SMF information corresponding to the second SMF network element to the AMF network element, this step may include but not limited to step S610 and step S620:

Step S610: the SMF information storage network element receives the SMF query request sent by the AMF network element.

In this step, the SMF information storage network elements include: NRF network elements and GMF network elements. In the 5G local area network, both the NRF network element and the GMF network element can locally store the SMF information of the multiple SMF network elements to which the 5G virtual network group belongs. The SMF information storage network element receives the SMF query request sent by the AMF network element. In some embodiments, the query SMF query request information carries corresponding 5G virtual network group information, such as a 5G virtual network group ID.

It should be noted that the NRF network element and the GMF network element play similar roles in a 5G local area network with a 5G virtual network group. Therefore, the NRF network element and the GMF network element can participate in the session management method provided in the embodiment of the present application at the same time, and it can be understood that only the NRF network element can also participate in the session management method provided in the embodiment of the present application.

Step S620: The SMF information storage network element sends the second SMF information corresponding to the second SMF network element to the AMF network element through the SMF response message, and the SMF response message responds to the SMF query request.

In this step, the SMF information storage network element sends SMF response information to the AMF network element, the SMF response information responds to the SMF query request sent by the AMF network element, and the SMF response information carries the second SMF corresponding to the second SMF network element. The SMF information may also carry first SMF information corresponding to the first SMF network element. The second SMF network element and the first SMF network element correspond to the same 5G virtual network group, and the SMF response information enables the AMF network element to establish with the second SMF network element according to the second SMF information when the first SMF network element fails. PDU communication connection.

Each 5G virtual network group has a corresponding 5G virtual network group ID. Therefore, before the SMF information storage network element sends the SMF response information, the SMF information storage network element first selects the corresponding 5G virtual network group according to the 5G virtual network group ID. SMF network element, and obtain corresponding SMF information according to the SMF network element. Finally, the SMF information is obtained SMF response information. In some embodiments, the SMF response information may carry: first SMF information corresponding to the first SMF network element corresponding to the 5G virtual network group ID and second SMF information corresponding to the second SMF network element. The SMF response information enables the AMF network element to establish a PDU communication connection with the second SMF network element according to the second SMF information when the first SMF network element fails, so as to ensure communication in the 5G virtual network group.

Referring to FIG. 7 , FIG. 7 is a schematic flowchart of a session management method applied to an SMF information storage network element provided by another embodiment of the present application. The session management method is used to ensure the communication in the 5G virtual network group, which may include but not limited to step S710 and step S720:

Step S710: the SMF information storage network element detects whether the first SMF network element is faulty.

In this step, the SMF information storage network element includes an NRF network element and/or a GMF network element. In addition to locally storing the SMF information of multiple SMF network elements to which the 5G virtual network group belongs, the NRF network element and the GMF network element can also detect the state of the first SMF network element. That is, the SMF information storage network element detects whether there is a fault in the first SMF network element.

Step S720: In the case of detecting that the first SMF network element is faulty, send the second SMF information corresponding to the second SMF network element to the AMF network element through the first SMF fault notification information.

In this step, when the SMF information storage network element detects that the first SMF network element has a fault, it sends the first SMF fault notification information to the AMF network element, and the first SMF fault notification information carries information related to the second SMF network element. Corresponding second SMF information. After receiving the first SMF failure notification information, the AMF network element selects the corresponding second SMF network element according to the second SMF information in the first SMF failure notification information, and re-establishes the PDU communication connection in the 5G virtual network group. It should be noted that the second SMF information corresponds to the second SMF network element, and the second SMF network element and the first SMF network element correspond to the same 5G virtual network group.

When the SMF information storage network element detects that the first SMF network element fails, the SMF information storage network element will promptly notify the AMF network element of the failure of the first SMF network element through the first SMF failure notification message, and make the AMF network The unit obtains the second SMF information from the first SMF failure notification information. The SMF information storage network element provides reliable information for the AMF network element to re-establish the dedicated communication between users in the 5G virtual network group based on the same SMF network element. This step has strong real-time performance, and can timely and effectively reduce losses caused by interruption of communication between users in the 5G virtual network group.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a specific method of step S610 in FIG. Step S830:

Step S810: The SMF information storage network element receives the SMF registration request sent by the first SMF network element, and the SMF registration request includes the first SMF information, the second SMF information and the 5G VN group information.

In this step, the NRF network element in the SMF information storage network element is used to register, manage and check the network function (Network Function, NF) in the 5G LAN. When each NF starts, it must go to the NRF network element to perform Registration is required to provide services. The GMF network element in the SMF information storage network element manages the 5G virtual network group, and also needs to register and manage the network functions in the 5G LAN. The GMF network element maintains the primary and backup relationship between the first SMF network element and the second SMF network element. That is, the GMF network element can identify the first SMF network element and the second SMF network element that is the backup network element of the first SMF network element. The first SMF network element can configure the second SMF network element information corresponding to each 5G VN group ID, the second SMF information corresponds to the second SMF network element, and the second SMF network element is a backup network element of the first SMF network element. The NRF network element or the GMF network element receives the SMF registration request of the first SMF network element. In some embodiments, the SMF registration requests The request includes the first SMF information corresponding to the first SMF network element, and additionally carries the 5G VN group ID supported by the first SMF network element and the second SMF information corresponding to each 5G VN group.

Step S820: The SMF information storage network element stores and processes the first SMF information, the second SMF information and the 5G VN information locally.

In this step, the SMF information storage network element stores and processes the first SMF information, the second SMF information and the 5G VN information locally, so as to facilitate subsequent calls and improve work efficiency.

Step S830: the SMF information storage network element sends an SMF registration response to the first SMF network element to complete the registration.

In this step, it further includes: the SMF information storage network element returns a registration response message to the first SMF network element, and notifies the first SMF network element that the registration is successful. The SMF information storage network element stores and processes the first SMF information and the second SMF information locally, so as to send the first SMF information or the second SMF information according to the needs of network functions. The SMF information storage network element manages the information of the first SMF network element and the information of its backup network element. The SMF information storage network element can adapt to the change of the SMF network element in the 5G local area network in a timely manner, and update the information corresponding to the SMF network element in a timely manner.

Referring to FIG. 9 , FIG. 9 is a schematic flowchart of a session management method applied to a first SMF network element provided by another embodiment of the present application. The session management method may include but not limited to step S910, step S920 and step S930:

Step S910: The first SMF network element receives the PDU session creation request information sent by the AMF network element, and the PDU session creation request information includes 5G virtual network group information;

In this step, the AMF network element selects the first SMF network element to activate the PDU session based on the corresponding 5G VN group ID. The first SMF network element receives the PDU session creation request information sent by the AMF network element, and the PDU session creation request information carries 5G virtual network group information. In some embodiments, the 5G virtual network group information is a 5G VN group ID.

Step S920: Obtain the second SMF information corresponding to the second SMF network element according to the 5G virtual network group information, and the second SMF network element and the first SMF network element correspond to the same anchor user plane in the same 5G virtual network group Function A-UPF.

In this step, through the 5G virtual network group information, such as the 5G VN group ID, the second SMF information of the specified second SMF network element can be obtained, which is conducive to improving the efficiency of information acquisition.

Step S930: The first SMF network element sends PDU session creation response information to the AMF network element according to the PDU session creation request information, and the PDU session creation response information includes the second SMF information corresponding to the second SMF network element.

In this step, the first SMF network element carries the backup second SMF information corresponding to the 5G VN group ID, such as SMF ID or FQDN, in the PDU session establishment response information sent to the AMF network element. The second SMF network element and the first SMF network element correspond to the same 5G virtual network group determined by the 5G virtual network group information.

The 3GPP protocol supports 5G local area network (Local Area Network, LAN) services. UEs using dedicated communication under the same 5G LAN form a 5G virtual network group, and each 5G virtual network group is assigned a 5G VN group ID. In order to ensure the availability of the 5G LAN network, a 5G virtual network group is deployed to belong to multiple SMF network elements. When the currently used SMF network element fails, the same SMF network element among the multiple SMF network elements belonging to the same 5G virtual network group is selected to restore communication in the 5G virtual network group. In this way, low-latency communication and low-load network status between users in the 5G virtual network group are maintained. With reference to an example, the above session management method applied to a 5G local area network with a 5G virtual network group will be described.

Example one:

Referring to FIG. 10, FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a session management method applied to a 5G LAN provided by an embodiment of the present application. Including but not limited to the following steps:

Step S1010: the UE registers with the AMF network element, and sends a PDU session establishment request to the AMF network element.

In this step, the UE registers with the AMF network element and triggers a PDU session establishment request under a certain 5G virtual network group. It should be noted that there may be a single or multiple UEs registered to the AMF network element.

Step S1020: The AMF network element sends an SMF query request to the NRF network element or the GMF network element, and the request carries 5G VN group information.

In this step, the AMF network element is triggered by the UE, selects the SMF network element for the PDU session of the 5G VN group, and sends the SMF query request to the NRF network element. In some embodiments, the SMF query request is used to notify the NRF network element that the AMF network element needs SMF information, and carries 5G VN group information.

Step S1030: the NRF network element returns SMF response information, where the SMF response information includes first SMF information and second SMF information.

In this step, the NRF network element queries to obtain a group of SMF network elements to which the 5G VN group belongs, and determines the first SMF network element, and the NRF network element uses the first SMF information corresponding to the first SMF network element and the backup second The second SMF information corresponding to the SMF network element is returned to the AMF network element together.

Step S1040: The AMF network element selects the first SMF network element to initiate the first PDU session creation request message according to the first SMF information returned by the NRF.

In this step, the AMF network element determines the first SMF network element to be used according to the first SMF information returned by the NRF network element. When the AMF network element initiates the first PDU session creation request information to the first SMF network element, it saves the second SMF information corresponding to the second SMF network element serving as the backup network element locally.

Step S1050: the first SMF network element returns the first PDU session establishment response information to the AMF network element, and completes the establishment of the PDU session.

Step S1060: The AMF network element detects that the first SMF network element has a fault.

Step S1070: The AMF network element reselects the second SMF network element to initiate the second PDU session creation request message.

In this step, the AMF network element uses the locally saved second SMF information to select the same second SMF network element, and re-initiates the establishment of the second PDU session.

Step S1080: the second SMF network element sends the second PDU session creation response information to the AMF network element.

This step re-establishes the PDU session based on the same second SMF network element that was backed up, so as to ensure the dedicated communication between users in the 5G virtual network group.

Example two:

Referring to FIG. 11, FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a session management method applied to a 5G LAN provided by another embodiment of the present application. Including but not limited to the following steps:

Step S1110: the UE registers with the AMF network element, and sends a PDU session establishment request to the AMF network element.

Step S1120: The AMF network element sends an SMF query request to the NRF network element or the GMF network element, and the request carries 5G VN group information.

In this step, the AMF network element is triggered by the UE, selects the SMF network element for the PDU session of the 5G VN group, and sends the SMF query request to the NRF network element. In some embodiments, the SMF query request is used to notify the NRF network element that the AMF network element needs SMF information and carries 5G VN group information.

Step S1130: the NRF network element returns SMF response information to the AMF network element, and the SMF response information includes the first SMF information.

In this step, in this step, the AMF network element selects the first SMF network element through the NRF network element. The NRF network element query obtains a group of SMF network elements to which the 5G VN group belongs, and determines the first SMF network element, and the NRF network element corresponds to the first SMF information corresponding to the first SMF network element and the backup second SMF network element The second SMF information is returned to the AMF network element together.

Step S1140: The AMF network element selects the first SMF network element to initiate the third PDU session creation request message according to the first SMF information returned by the NRF, and carries the 5G VN group ID.

In this step, the AMF network element determines the first SMF network element used according to the first SMF information returned by the NRF network element, and sends a third PDU session creation request message to the first SMF network element.

Step S1150: The first SMF network element returns the third PDU session creation response information to the AMF network element, and the third PDU session creation response information carries the backup second SMF information corresponding to the 5G VN group ID.

In this step, the establishment of the PDU session is completed, and at the same time, the AMF network element stores the second SMF information corresponding to the second SMF network element serving as the backup network element locally.

Step S1160: the AMF network element detects that there is a fault in the first SMF network element.

Step S1170: The AMF network element re-initiates the fourth PDU session creation request message to the second SMF network element.

In this step, the AMF network element uses the locally saved backup second SMF information to re-establish the PDU session.

Step S1180: the second SMF network element returns the fourth PDU session creation response information to the AMF network element.

This step completes the reconstruction of the PDU session in the 5G virtual network group based on the same SMF network element.

Example three:

Referring to FIG. 12, FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a session management method applied to a 5G LAN provided by another embodiment of the present application. Including but not limited to the following steps:

Step S1201: The UE registers with the AMF network element, and sends a PDU session establishment request to the AMF network element.

Step S1202: The AMF network element sends an SMF query request to the NRF network element or the GMF network element, and the request carries 5G VN group information.

Step S1203: the NRF network element returns SMF response information to the AMF network element, and the SMF response information includes the first SMF information.

In this step, the NRF network element selects the first SMF network element for the AMF network element.

Step S1204: the AMF network element sends an SMF subscription request to the NRF network element and/or the GMF network element;

The SMF subscription request in this step is used for the AMF to subscribe the status of the preferred SMF to the GMF.

Step S1205: the NRF network element and/or the GMF network element returns an SMF subscription response to the AMF network element.

Based on this step, when the GMF network element detects the failure of the first SMF network element, it can notify all subscribers to this SMF The AMF network element of the network element status of the network element.

Step S1206: The AMF network element selects the first SMF network element according to the first SMF information to initiate fifth PDU session creation request information.

Step S1207: the first SMF network element returns the fifth PDU session creation response information to the AMF network element.

From step S1206 to step S1207, the establishment of the PDU session is completed based on the first SMF network.

Step S1208: the NRF network element or the GMF network element detects that the first SMF network element has a fault.

In this step, if the GMF detects that the first SMF network element fails, the GMF network element notifies all AMFs that subscribe to the SMF status and carries the backup second SMF information corresponding to the 5G VN group;

Step S1209: the NRF network element or the GMF network element sends the first SMF failure notification information to the AMF network element, and the information carries the backup second SMF information.

Step S1210: The AMF network element re-initiates the sixth PDU session creation request message to the second SMF network element.

Step S1211: The second SMF network element returns the sixth PDU session establishment response information to the AMF network element.

Steps S1210 to S1211 complete the reestablishment of the PDU session in the 5G virtual network group based on the same second SMF network element.

Fig. 13 is a communication device 1300 provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 13, the communication device 1300 includes but is not limited to:

The memory 1320 is used to store programs; the processor 1310 is used to execute the programs stored in the memory 1320. When the processor 1310 executes the programs stored in the memory 1320, the processor 1310 is used to execute the above session management method. The processor 1310 and the memory 1320 may be connected via a bus or in other ways.

The memory 1320, as a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, can be used to store non-transitory software programs and non-transitory computer-executable programs, such as the session management method described in the embodiment of this application. The processor 1310 executes the non-transitory software programs and instructions stored in the memory 1320 to implement the above session management method.

The memory 1320 may include a program storage area and a data storage area, wherein the program storage area may store an operating system and an application program required by at least one function; the data storage area may store and execute the session management method described above. In addition, the memory 1320 may include a high-speed random access memory, and may also include a non-transitory memory, such as at least one magnetic disk storage device, a flash memory device, or other non-transitory solid-state storage devices. In some embodiments, the memory 1320 includes memory located remotely from the processor 1310, and these remote memories may be connected to the processor 1310 through a network. Examples of the aforementioned networks include, but are not limited to, the Internet, intranets, local area networks, mobile communication networks, and combinations thereof.

The non-transitory software programs and instructions required to implement the above-mentioned session management method are stored in the memory 1320, and when executed by one or more processors 1310, the above-mentioned session management method is executed, for example, the method as shown in Figure 1 is executed Steps S110 to S120, method steps S210 in FIG. 2 , method steps S310 to S330 in FIG. 3 , method steps S410 to S430 in FIG. 4 , method steps S510 to step S520 in FIG. 5 , method steps in FIG. 6 S610 to S620, method steps S710 to S720 in Fig. 7, method steps S810 to S830 in Fig. 8, method steps S910 to S930 in Fig. 9, method steps S1010 to S1080 in Fig. 10, method steps in Fig. 11 S1110 to S1180, the method steps S1201 to S1211 in FIG. 12 .

In one embodiment, the storage medium stores computer-executable instructions, and the computer-executable instructions are executed by one or more processors 1310, for example, executed by one of the processors 1310 in the above-mentioned communication device 1300, so that the above-mentioned one Or a plurality of processors 1310 execute the above-mentioned session management method, for example, execute method steps S110 to S120 in FIG. 1, method steps S210 in FIG. 2, method steps S310 to S330 in FIG. 3, and the method in FIG. 4 Steps S410 to S430, method steps S510 to step S520 in FIG. 5, method steps S610 to S620 in FIG. 6, method steps S710 to S720 in FIG. 7, method steps S810 to S830 in FIG. Method steps S910 to S930, method steps S1010 to S1080 in FIG. 10 , method steps S1110 to S1180 in FIG. 11 , method steps S1201 to S1211 in FIG. 12 .

The session management method according to some embodiments of the present application has at least the following beneficial effects: in the event that the first SMF network element communicating with the AMF network element fails, the AMF network element can obtain the second SMF network element corresponding to the second SMF network element. SMF information. The second SMF network element and the first SMF network element correspond to the same 5G virtual network group. According to the obtained second SMF information, the AMF network element in the 5G virtual network group selects the same backup second SMF network element to re-establish the PDU communication connection, which is conducive to the same SMF configuration and unified traffic forwarding method in the 5G virtual network group , to restore communication within the 5G virtual network group, while achieving low communication delay and low-load network status, improving communication reliability and communication quality.

The session management method according to some other embodiments of the present application has at least the following beneficial effects: the SMF information storage network element stores the information of the SMF network element in the 5G network, and the SMF information storage network element acquires the second SMF network element corresponding to the second SMF network element. SMF information, and send the second SMF information corresponding to the second SMF network element to the AMF network element. When the first SMF network element is faulty, the AMF network element can select the corresponding second SMF network element according to the second SMF information, and re-establish the PDU communication connection. The SMF information storage network element provides reliable information for the AMF network element to re-establish the PDU communication connection, which is beneficial to the 5G virtual network group to re-establish reliable, low-latency, and low-load communication. The SMF information storage network element can also send the first SMF failure notification information to the AMF network element in a timely manner when detecting that the first SMF network element has a failure, so that the AMF network element can timely send the first SMF failure notification information according to the first SMF failure notification information. , re-establish the PDU communication connection with the second SMF network element, restore the communication in the 5G virtual network group, and effectively ensure the reliability of the communication in the 5G virtual network group.

The session management method according to the remaining embodiments of the present application has at least the following beneficial effects: the first SMF network element manages the PDU session in the 5G virtual network group, and can receive the PDU session creation request information sent by the AMF network element, which includes 5G Virtual network group information. The first SMF network element acquires the second SMF information corresponding to the second SMF network element according to the 5G virtual network group information. The first SMF network element sends PDU session creation response information to the AMF network element according to the PDU session creation request information, and makes the PDU session creation response information carry the second SMF information. The first SMF network element sends the backup second SMF information of the second SMF network element to the AMF network element in advance, which simplifies the process for the AMF network element to obtain the second SMF information and improves the efficiency of obtaining the second SMF information.

The embodiments described above are only illustrative, and the units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, that is, they may be located in one place, or may be distributed to multiple network units. Part or all of the modules can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

Those skilled in the art can understand that all or some of the steps and systems in the methods disclosed above can be implemented as software, firmware, hardware and an appropriate combination thereof. Some physical components or all physical components can be implemented It is software executed by a processor, such as a central processing unit, a digital signal processor, or a microprocessor, or implemented as hardware, or as an integrated circuit, such as an application-specific integrated circuit. Such software may be distributed on computer readable media, which may include computer storage media (or non-transitory media) and communication media (or transitory media). As known to those of ordinary skill in the art, the term computer storage media includes both volatile and nonvolatile media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. permanent, removable and non-removable media. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cartridges, tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or can Any other medium used to store desired information and which can be accessed by a computer. Furthermore, as is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, communication media typically embody computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and may include any information delivery media .

Claims

A method for session management, applied to an access and mobility management function AMF network element, the method comprising:

When the first SMF network element connected to the AMF network element fails, obtain the second SMF information corresponding to the second SMF network element, and the second SMF network element corresponds to the first SMF network element In the same anchor user plane function A-UPF in the same 5G virtual network group;

Establish a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) communication connection with the second SMF network element according to the second SMF information.
The session management method according to claim 1, wherein said acquiring the second SMF information corresponding to the second SMF network element further comprises:

Acquiring locally stored second SMF information corresponding to the second SMF network element.
The session management method according to claim 2, wherein, before acquiring the locally stored second SMF information corresponding to the second SMF network element, further comprising:

Send an SMF query request to the SMF information storage network element, wherein the SMF query request carries 5G virtual network group information;

Obtain the SMF response information sent by the SMF information storage network element after obtaining the first SMF information and the second SMF information corresponding to the first SMF network element according to the 5G virtual network group information query, the SMF The response information carries the first SMF information and the second SMF information;

and storing the first SMF information and the second SMF information locally.
The session management method according to claim 2, wherein, before acquiring the locally stored second SMF information corresponding to the second SMF network element, the method further comprises:

sending PDU session creation request information to the first SMF network element;

Obtain the PDU session creation response information sent by the first SMF network element, the PDU session creation response information includes the second SMF information, and the PDU session creation response information responds to the PDU session creation request information;

The second SMF information is stored locally.
The session management method according to claim 1, wherein said acquiring the second SMF information corresponding to the second SMF network element further comprises:

Obtain first SMF failure notification information sent by the SMF information storage network element, where the first SMF failure notification information includes second SMF information corresponding to the second SMF network element.
The session management method according to claim 3 or 5, wherein the SMF information storage network element comprises: a network storage function NRF network element and/or a group management function GMF network element.
A session management method, applied to SMF information storage network elements, comprising:

Obtain second SMF information corresponding to the second SMF network element;

Sending the second SMF information corresponding to the second SMF network element to the AMF network element, so that the AMF network element can use the second SMF information and the first SMF information when the first SMF network element is faulty. Two SMF network elements establish a PDU communication connection, and the second SMF network element and the first SMF network element correspond to the same The same anchor user plane function A-UPF in the 5G virtual network group.
The session management method according to claim 7, wherein the sending the second SMF information corresponding to the second SMF network element to the AMF network element comprises:

receiving the SMF query request sent by the AMF network element;

sending the second SMF information corresponding to the second SMF network element to the AMF network element through SMF response information, where the SMF response information responds to the SMF query request.
The session management method according to claim 7, wherein the sending the second SMF information corresponding to the second SMF network element to the AMF network element comprises:

Detecting whether there is a fault in the first SMF network element;

In a case where a failure of the first SMF network element is detected, the second SMF information corresponding to the second SMF network element is sent to the AMF network element through the first SMF failure notification information.
The session management method according to claim 8, wherein, before receiving the SMF query request sent by the AMF network element, it also includes:

receiving the SMF registration request sent by the first SMF network element, the SMF registration request including the first SMF information and the second SMF information corresponding to the first SMF network element;

and storing the first SMF information and the second SMF information locally.
The session management method according to claim 7, wherein the SMF information storage network element comprises: a network storage function NRF network element and/or a group management function GMF network element.
A session management method, applied to a first SMF network element, said method comprising:

Receive the PDU session creation request information sent by the AMF network element, and the PDU session creation request information includes 5G virtual network group information;

Obtain the second SMF information corresponding to the second SMF network element according to the 5G virtual network group information, and the second SMF network element and the first SMF network element correspond to the same anchor in the same 5G virtual network group Click the user plane function A-UPF;

Sending PDU session creation response information to the AMF network element according to the PDU session creation request information, where the PDU session creation response information includes second SMF information corresponding to the second SMF network element.
A communication device, comprising: a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored on the memory and operable on the processor, wherein the processor executes the computer program to implement any one of claims 1 to 6, Or the session management method described in any one of claims 7 to 11, or the session management method described in claim 12.
A storage medium storing computer-executable instructions, the computer-executable instructions being used to execute the session management method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, or any one of claims 7 to 11, or The session management method of claim 12.