WO2022143373A1 - Communication method and node - Google Patents
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- 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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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
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- H04W76/10—Connection setup
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
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- H04W28/02—Traffic management, e.g. flow control or congestion control
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- H—ELECTRICITY
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- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
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- 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
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- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
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- 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
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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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Abstract
The present application relates to the technical field of communications. Disclosed are a communication method and a node, which are used for solving the problem of, during session establishment or terminal device switching, there being a need to configure a forwarding rule for a plurality of intermediate nodes on a transmission path of application layer messages such as a GTP-U message, resulting in complex configuration. The method comprises: a source node encapsulating a message in an application layer message, wherein a message header of the application layer message comprises an identifier of a destination node of the application layer message; and the source node sending the application layer message to a first intermediate node, wherein the first intermediate node is located on a path, between the source node and the destination node, for transmitting the application layer message.
Description
相关申请的交叉引用CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
本申请要求在2020年12月28日提交中华人民共和国知识产权局、申请号为202011576733.1、申请名称为“一种通信方法及节点”的中国专利申请的优先权,其全部内容通过引用结合在本申请中。This application claims the priority of the Chinese patent application filed on December 28, 2020 with the Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China, the application number is 202011576733.1, and the application name is "a communication method and node", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference Applying.
本申请实施例涉及通信技术领域,尤其涉及一种通信方法及节点。The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of communication technologies, and in particular, to a communication method and a node.
目前,在第五代移动通信技术(5th generation mobile networks,5G)***中,接入网设备和用户面功能网元之间可建立上行通用分组无线服务(general packet radio service,GPRS)隧道协议用户面(GRPS tunnelling protocol user plane,GTP-U)隧道和下行GTP-U隧道。在下行数据传输中,数据网络可向用户面功能网元发送下行报文,用户面功能网元通过下行GTP-U隧道将所述下行报文转发至接入网设备,接入网设备再将所述下行报文转发给终端设备。在上行数据传输中,终端设备可发送上行报文至接入网设备,接入网设备通过上行GTP-U隧道,将所述上行报文转发至用户面功能网元,用户面功能网元再将所述上行报文转发给数据网络。At present, in the 5th generation mobile networks (5G) system, 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. In downlink data transmission, 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. In uplink data transmission, 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.
然而,现有GTP-U隧道是节点间的隧道,GTP-U报文的报文头中仅有向下一跳节点传输的隧道标识。但是对于一个会话,接入网设备和用户面功能网元之间可能还存在多个中间节点,这就需要对传输GTP-U报文的路径上的多个中间节点进行转发规则的配置。另外,在终端设备发生切换时,终端设备切换前和切换后的两个接入网设备之间也可能存在多个中间节点,同样也需要对两个接入网设备之间传输GTP-U报文的路径上的多个中间节点进行转发规则的配置。而过多的配置,会影响会话建立和终端设备切换的效率,带来更高的时延,影响用户体验。However, 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. However, for a session, 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. In addition, 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.
发明内容SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
本申请实施例提供一种通信方法及节点,用以解决会话建立或终端设备切换时,需要对GTP-U报文等应用层报文传输路径上的多个中间节点进行转发规则的配置,配置复杂的问题。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.
第一方面,本申请提供了一种通信方法,该方法包括:源节点将报文封装在应用层报文中,所述应用层报文的报文头中包括所述应用层报文的目的节点的标识;所述源节点向第一中间节点发送所述应用层报文,所述第一中间节点位于所述源节点和所述目的节点之间传输所述应用层报文的路径上。可选的,所述应用层报文为GTP-U报文。In a first aspect, 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. Optionally, the application layer message is a GTP-U message.
采用上述方法,通过在GTP-U报文等应用层报文的报文头中引入目的节点的标识,使得位于源节点和目的节点之间传输应用层报文的路径上的中间节点,可以基于应用层报文的报文头中目的节点的标识确定转发路径进行转发,无需对中间节点进行GTP-U隧道等转 发规则的配置,降低了在会话建立和终端设备切换时的配置复杂度,有利于提高会话建立和终端设备切换的效率,提高用户体验。Using the above method, by introducing the identifier of the destination node into the packet header of the application layer packet such as the GTP-U packet, 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.
在一种可能的设计中,所述应用层报文的报文头中包括所述目的节点对应的隧道标识。可选的,所述隧道标识包括所述目的节点的标识。In a possible design, the packet header of the application layer packet includes the tunnel identifier corresponding to the destination node. Optionally, the tunnel identifier includes the identifier of the destination node.
上述设计中,可以在应用报文的报文头中携带目的节点对应的隧道标识,进一步标识目的节点接收应用层报文的隧道,同时还可以对目的节点对应的隧道标识进行扩展,实现通过目的节点对应的隧道标识指示目的节点的标识,有利于保证应用层报文的可靠传输。In the above design, 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.
在一种可能的设计中,所述方法还包括:所述源节点接收来自会话管理功能网元的会话消息,所述会话消息包括所述目的节点的标识;或,所述源节点接收来自会话管理功能网元的切换命令,所述切换命令包括所述目的节点的标识。In a possible design, 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.
在一种可能的设计中,所述源节点为第一接入网设备、所述目的节点为用户面功能网元;或,所述源节点为用户面功能网元、所述目的节点为第一接入网设备;或,所述源节点为第一接入网设备、所述目的节点为第二接入网设备。In a possible design, 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 access network device; or, the source node is a first access network device, and the destination node is a second access network device.
上述设计中,在会话建立或终端设备切换时,会话管理功能网元可以通过会话消息或切换命令将目的节点的标识配置给源节点,使得源节点可以将目的节点的标识封装在应用层报文的报文头中,从而避免对位于源节点和目的节点之间传输应用层报文的路径上的中间节点进行转发规则的配置,有利于提高会话建立和终端设备切换的效率。In the above design, when a session is established or a terminal device is switched, the session management function network element 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.
第二方面,本申请提供了一种通信方法,该方法包括:源节点将报文封装在应用层报文中,所述应用层报文的报文头中包括一个或多个中间节点的标识,所述一个或多个中间节点位于所述源节点和目的节点之间传输所述应用层报文的路径上;所述源节点向第一中间节点发送所述应用层报文,所述第一中间节点位于所述源节点和所述目的节点之间传输所述应用层报文的路径上。可选的,所述应用层报文为GTP-U报文。In a second aspect, 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. Optionally, the application layer message is a GTP-U message.
采用上述方法,通过在GTP-U报文等应用层报文的报文头中引入位于源节点和目的节点之间传输应用层报文的路径上的一个或多个中间节点的标识,使得中间节点可以基于应用层报文的报文头中包括的一个或多个中间节点的标识确定转发路径进行转发,无需对中间节点进行GTP-U隧道等转发规则的配置,降低了在会话建立和终端设备切换时的配置复杂度,有利于提高会话建立和终端设备切换的效率,提高用户体验。By adopting the above method, 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.
在一种可能的设计中,所述一个或多个中间节点可以包括所述第一中间节点。In one possible design, the one or more intermediate nodes may include the first intermediate node.
上述设计中,源节点连接的第一中间节点的标识可以包含在应用层报文的报文头中,也可以不包含在应用层报文的报文头中,在源节点连接的第一中间节点的标识不包含在应用层报文的报文头中时,有利于减小应用层报文的报文头的大小,降低应用层报文的传输开销。In the above design, 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. When 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.
在一种可能的设计中,所述应用层报文的报文头中还包括所述目的节点对应的隧道标识。In a possible design, the packet header of the application layer packet further includes the tunnel identifier corresponding to the destination node.
上述设计中,在应用层报文的报文头中包括目的节点对应的隧道标识,可以进一步标识目的节点接收应用层报文的隧道,有利于保证应用层报文的可靠传输。In the above design, 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.
在一种可能的设计中,所述方法还包括:所述源节点接收来自会话管理功能网元的会话消息,所述会话消息包括所述一个或多个中间节点的标识;或,所述源节点接收来自所述会话管理功能网元的切换命令,所述切换命令包括所述一个或多个中间节点的标识。In a possible design, 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.
在一种可能的设计中,所述源节点为第一接入网设备、所述目的节点为用户面功能网 元;或,所述源节点为用户面功能网元、所述目的节点为第一接入网设备;或,所述源节点为第一接入网设备、所述目的节点为第二接入网设备。In a possible design, 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 access network device; or, the source node is a first access network device, and the destination node is a second access network device.
上述设计中,在会话建立或终端设备切换时,会话管理功能网元可以通过会话消息或切换命令将位于源节点和目的节点之间传输应用层报文的路径上的一个或多个中间节点的标识配置给源节点,使得源节点可以将一个或多个中间节点的标识封装在应用层报文的报文头中,从而避免对源节点和目的节点之间传输应用层报文的路径上的中间节点进行转发规则的配置,有利于提高会话建立和终端设备切换的效率。In the above design, when the session is established or the terminal device is switched, 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.
第三方面,本申请提供了一种通信方法,该方法包括:第一中间节点接收来自源节点的应用层报文,所述应用层报文的报文头中包括所述应用层报文的目的节点的标识;所述第一中间节点根据所述目的节点的标识,转发所述应用层报文。可选的,所述应用层报文为GTP-U报文。In a third aspect, 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. Optionally, the application layer message is a GTP-U message.
在一种可能的设计中,所述应用层报文的报文头中包括所述目的节点对应的隧道标识。可选的,所述隧道标识包括所述目的节点的标识。In a possible design, the packet header of the application layer packet includes the tunnel identifier corresponding to the destination node. Optionally, the tunnel identifier includes the identifier of the destination node.
在一种可能的设计中,所述第一中间节点根据所述目的节点的标识,转发所述应用层报文,包括:所述第一中间节点根据所述目的节点的标识,获取所述应用层报文向所述目的节点传输的下一跳节点;所述第一中间节点向所述下一跳节点发送所述应用层报文。In a possible design, 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.
在一种可能的设计中,所述源节点为第一接入网设备、所述目的节点为用户面功能网元;或,所述源节点为用户面功能网元、所述目的节点为第一接入网设备;或,所述源节点为第一接入网设备、所述目的节点为第二接入网设备。In a possible design, 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 access network device; or, the source node is a first access network device, and the destination node is a second access network device.
第四方面,本申请提供了一种通信方法,该方法包括:第一中间节点接收来自源节点的应用层报文,所述应用层报文的报文头中包括一个或多个中间节点的标识,所述一个或多个中间节点位于所述源节点和目的节点之间传输所述应用层报文的路径上;所述第一中间节点根据所述一个或多个中间节点的标识,转发所述应用层报文。可选的,所述应用层报文为GTP-U报文。In a fourth aspect, 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. Optionally, the application layer message is a GTP-U message.
在一种可能的设计中,所述应用层报文的报文头中还包括所述目的节点对应的隧道标识。In a possible design, the packet header of the application layer packet further includes the tunnel identifier corresponding to the destination node.
在一种可能的设计中,所述第一中间节点根据所述一个或多个中间节点的标识,转发所述应用层报文,包括:所述第一中间节点根据所述一个或多个中间节点的标识,获取所述应用层报文向所述目的节点传输的下一跳节点;所述第一中间节点向所述下一跳节点发送所述应用层报文。In a possible design, 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.
在一种可能的设计中,所述方法还包括:所述第一中间节点删除所述一个或多个中间节点的标识中所述第一中间节点的标识,或删除所述一个或多个中间节点的标识中所述第一中间节点的下一跳节点的标识。In a possible design, 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.
在一种可能的设计中,所述源节点为第一接入网设备、所述目的节点为用户面功能网元;或,所述源节点为用户面功能网元、所述目的节点为第一接入网设备;或,所述源节点为第一接入网设备、所述目的节点为第二接入网设备。In a possible design, 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 access network device; or, the source node is a first access network device, and the destination node is a second access network device.
第五方面,本申请实施例提供一种通信装置,该装置具有实现上述第一方面或者第二方面中各个步骤的功能,所述功能可以通过硬件实现,也可以通过硬件执行相应的软件实现。所述硬件或软件包括一个或多个与上述功能相对应的单元(模块),比如包括通信单元和处理单元。In a fifth aspect, 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.
在一个可能的设计中,该装置可以是芯片或者集成电路。In one possible design, the device may be a chip or an integrated circuit.
在一个可能的设计中,该装置包括处理器和接口电路,所述处理器与所述接口电路耦合,用于实现上述第一方面或者第二方面中各个步骤的功能。可以理解的是,接口电路可以为收发器或输入输出接口。该装置还可以包括存储器,所述存储器存储有可被处理器执行的用于实现上述第一方面或者第二方面中各个步骤的功能的程序。In a possible design, 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. It can be understood that 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.
在一个可能的设计中,该装置可以为源节点。In one possible design, the device may be a source node.
第六方面,本申请实施例提供一种通信装置,该装置具有实现上述第三方面或者第四方面中各个步骤的功能,所述功能可以通过硬件实现,也可以通过硬件执行相应的软件实现。所述硬件或软件包括一个或多个与上述功能相对应的单元(模块),比如包括通信单元和处理单元。In a sixth aspect, 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.
在一个可能的设计中,该装置可以是芯片或者集成电路。In one possible design, the device may be a chip or an integrated circuit.
在一个可能的设计中,该装置包括处理器和接口电路,所述处理器与所述接口电路耦合,用于实现上述第三方面或者第四方面中各个步骤的功能。可以理解的是,接口电路可以为收发器或输入输出接口。该装置还可以包括存储器,所述存储器存储有可被处理器执行的用于实现上述第三方面或者第四方面中各个步骤的功能的程序。In a possible design, 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. It can be understood that 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.
在一个可能的设计中,该装置可以为第一中间节点。In one possible design, the device may be the first intermediate node.
第七方面,本申请实施例提供了一种通信***,包括源节点和第一中间节点,其中,所述源节点具有执行上述第一方面或第二方面提供的方法的功能,所述第一中间节点具有执行上述第三方面或第四方面提供的方法的功能。In a seventh aspect, 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.
第八方面,本申请实施例还提供了一种计算机程序,当所述计算机程序在计算机上运行时,使得所述计算机执行上述第一至第四方面中任一方面提供的方法。In an eighth 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.
第九方面,本申请实施例还提供了一种计算机可读存储介质,所述计算机可读存储介质中存储有计算机程序,当所述计算机程序被计算机执行时,使得所述计算机执行上述第一至第四方面中任一方面提供的方法。In a ninth aspect, 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.
第十方面,本申请实施例还提供了一种芯片,所述芯片用于读取存储器中存储的计算机程序,执行上述第一至第四方面中任一方面提供的方法。In a tenth aspect, 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.
第十一方面,本申请实施例还提供了一种芯片***,该芯片***包括处理器,用于支持计算机装置实现上述第一至第四方面中任一方面提供的方法。在一种可能的设计中,所述芯片***还包括存储器,所述存储器用于保存该计算机装置必要的程序和数据。该芯片***可以由芯片构成,也可以包含芯片和其他分立器件。In an eleventh aspect, 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. In a possible design, 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.
上述第三方面至第十一方面所能达到的技术效果请参照上述第一方面或第二方面所能达到的技术效果,这里不再重复赘述。For the technical effects that can be achieved by the third aspect to the eleventh aspect, please refer to the technical effects that can be achieved by the first aspect or the second aspect, which will not be repeated here.
图1为本申请实施例提供的网络架构示意图;1 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture provided by an embodiment of the present application;
图2为现有GTP-U报文封装格式示意图;2 is a schematic diagram of an existing GTP-U message encapsulation format;
图3为本申请实施例提供的PDU会话的上行GTP-U隧道示意图;3 is a schematic diagram of an uplink GTP-U tunnel of a PDU session provided by an embodiment of the present application;
图4为本申请实施例提供的PDU会话创建过程示意图之一;FIG. 4 is one of the schematic diagrams of a PDU session creation process provided by an embodiment of the present application;
图5为本申请实施例提供的UE切换过程中的临时GTP-U隧道示意图之一;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;
图6为本申请实施例提供的通信过程示意图之一;FIG. 6 is one of schematic diagrams of a communication process provided by an embodiment of the present application;
图7为本申请实施例提供的GTP-U报文封装格式示意图之一;FIG. 7 is one of schematic diagrams of GTP-U message encapsulation formats provided by an embodiment of the present application;
图8为本申请实施例提供的GTP-U报文封装格式示意图之二;FIG. 8 is the second schematic diagram of the GTP-U message encapsulation format provided by the embodiment of the present application;
图9为本申请实施例提供的GTP-U报文封装格式示意图之三;FIG. 9 is the third schematic diagram of the GTP-U message encapsulation format provided by the embodiment of the present application;
图10为本申请实施例提供的通信过程示意图之二;FIG. 10 is the second schematic diagram of the communication process provided by the embodiment of the present application;
图11为本申请实施例提供的GTP-U报文封装格式示意图之四;FIG. 11 is a fourth schematic diagram of a GTP-U packet encapsulation format provided by an embodiment of the present application;
图12为本申请实施例提供的PDU会话的GTP-U隧道示意图;12 is a schematic diagram of a GTP-U tunnel of a PDU session provided by an embodiment of the present application;
图13为本申请实施例提供的PDU会话创建过程示意图之二;FIG. 13 is the second schematic diagram of the PDU session creation process provided by the embodiment of the present application;
图14为本申请实施例提供的UE切换过程中的临时GTP-U隧道示意图之二;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;
图15为本申请实施例提供的UE切换过程示意图;15 is a schematic diagram of a UE handover process provided by an embodiment of the present application;
图16为本申请实施例提供的通信装置结构示意图之一;FIG. 16 is one of schematic structural diagrams of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;
图17为本申请实施例提供的通信装置结构示意图之二。FIG. 17 is the second schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application.
本申请实施例提供的技术方案可以适用于如图1所示的5G网络架构。图1所示的5G网络架构中可包括三部分,分别是终端设备部分、数据网络(data network,DN)部分和运营商网络部分。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.
其中,运营商网络可包括网络开放功能(network exposure function,NEF)网元、策略控制功能(policy control function,PCF)网元、统一数据管理(unified data management,UDM)网元、应用功能(application function,AF)网元、接入与移动性管理功能(access and mobility management function,AMF)网元、会话管理功能(session management function,SMF)网元、(无线)接入网((radio)access network,(R)AN)以及用户面功能(user plane function,UPF)网元等。上述运营商网络中,除(无线)接入网部分之外的部分可以称为核心网部分。为方便说明,后续以(R)AN称为RAN为例进行说明。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. 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. In the above-mentioned operator network, the part other than the (radio) access network part may be referred to as the core network part. For convenience of description, the following description is given by taking (R)AN called RAN as an example.
终端设备(也可以称为用户设备(user equipment,UE))是一种具有无线收发功能的设备,可以部署在陆地上,包括室内或室外、手持或车载;也可以部署在水面上(如轮船等);还可以部署在空中(例如飞机、气球和卫星上等)。所述终端设备可以是手机(mobile phone)、平板电脑(pad)、带无线收发功能的电脑、虚拟现实(virtual reality,VR)终端、增强现实(augmented reality,AR)终端、工业控制(industrial control)中的无线终端、无人驾驶(self driving)中的无线终端、远程医疗(remote medical)中的无线终端、智能电网(smart grid)中的无线终端、运输安全(transportation safety)中的无线终端、智慧城市(smart city)中的无线终端、智慧家庭(smart home)中的无线终端等。Terminal equipment (also known as user equipment (UE)) is a device with wireless transceiver functions that can be deployed on land, including indoor or outdoor, handheld or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on water (such as ships). etc.); can also be deployed in the air (eg on airplanes, balloons, satellites, etc.). 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.
上述终端设备可通过运营商网络提供的接口(例如N1等)与运营商网络建立连接,使用运营商网络提供的数据和/或语音等服务。终端设备还可通过运营商网络访问DN,使用DN上部署的运营商业务,和/或第三方提供的业务。其中,上述第三方可为运营商网络和终端设备之外的服务方,可为终端设备提供他数据和/或语音等服务。其中,上述第三方的具体表现形式,具体可根据实际应用场景确定,在此不做限制。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. Wherein, the specific expression form of the above third party can be specifically determined according to the actual application scenario, and is not limited here.
接入网设备,也称为(无线)接入网((radio)access network,(R)AN)设备,是一种为终端提供无线通信功能的设备。接入网设备例如包括但不限于:5G中的下一代基站(g nodeB,gNB)、演进型节点B(evolved node B,eNB)、无线网络控制器(radio network controller,RNC)、节点B(node B,NB)、基站控制器(base station controller,BSC)、基站收发台(base transceiver station,BTS)、家庭基站(例如,home evolved nodeB,或home node B,HNB)、基带单元(base band unit,BBU)、传输点(transmitting and receiving point,TRP)、发射点(transmitting point,TP)、移动交换中心等。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.
AMF网元是由运营商网络提供的控制面网元,负责终端设备接入运营商网络的接入控制和移动性管理,例如包括移动状态管理,分配用户临时身份标识,认证和授权用户等功能。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. .
SMF网元是由运营商网络提供的控制面网元,负责管理终端设备的协议数据单元(protocol data unit,PDU)会话。PDU会话是一个用于传输PDU的通道,终端设备需要通过PDU会话与DN互相传送PDU。PDU会话由SMF网元负责建立、维护和删除等。SMF网元包括会话管理(如会话建立、修改和释放,包含UPF和RAN之间的GTP-U隧道维护)、UPF网元的选择和控制、业务和会话连续性(service and session continuity,SSC)模式选择、漫游等会话相关的功能。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.
UPF网元是由运营商提供的网关,是运营商网络与DN通信的网关。UPF网元包括数据包路由和传输、包检测、业务用量上报、服务质量(quality of service,QoS)处理、合法监听、上行数据包检测、下行数据包存储等用户面相关的功能。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.
DN,也可以称为分组数据网络(packet data network,PDN),是位于运营商网络之外的网络,运营商网络可以接入多个DN,DN上可部署多种业务,可为终端设备提供数据和/或语音等服务。DN, also known as packet data network (PDN), is a network outside the operator's 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.
UDM网元是由运营商提供的控制面网元,负责存储运营商网络中签约用户的用户永久标识符(subscriber permanent identifier,SUPI)、安全上下文(security context)、签约数据等信息。UDM网元所存储的这些信息可用于终端设备接入运营商网络的认证和授权。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. The information stored by the UDM network element can be used for authentication and authorization of terminal equipment to access the operator's network.
NEF网元是由运营商提供控制面网元。NEF网元以安全的方式对第三方开放运营商网络的对外接口。在SMF网元需要与第三方的网元通信时,NEF网元可作为SMF网元与第三方的网元通信的中继。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. When 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.
PCF网元是由运营商提供的控制面功能,用于向SMF网元提供PDU会话的策略。策略可以包括计费相关策略、QoS相关策略和授权相关策略等。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.
AF网元,是提供各种业务服务的功能网元,能够通过NEF网元与核心网交互,以及能够和策略管理框架交互进行策略管理,例如向核心网提供路由规则、处理策略等。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.
图1中Nnef、Npcf、Nudm、Naf、Nudr、Namf、Nsmf、N1、N2、N3、N4、N6,以及未示出的UPF网元之间的通信接口N9为接口序列号。这些接口序列号的含义可参见3GPP标准协议中定义的含义,在此不做限制。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. For the meanings of these interface serial numbers, refer to the meanings defined in the 3GPP standard protocol, which is not limited here.
可以理解的是,上述网元或者功能既可以是硬件设备中的网络元件,也可以是在专用硬件上运行的软件功能,或者是平台(例如,云平台)上实例化的虚拟化功能。可选的,上述网元或者功能可以由一个设备实现,也可以由多个设备共同实现,还可以是一个设备内的一个功能模块,本申请实施例对此不作具体限定。It can be understood that the above 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). Optionally, 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.
另外,上述5G网络架构仅是本申请提供的技术方案适用的一种可能的网络架构示例,本申请提供的技术方案还可以适用于未来的网络架构或其它类似的网络架构,如6G网络架构等。In addition, the above-mentioned 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. .
现有GTP-U隧道是节点间的隧道,GTP-U隧道可以通过GTP-U报文的报文头中携带的IP地址和隧道标识(如隧道端点标识(tunnel endpoint identifier,TEID))标识。如图2 所示,为现有GTP-U报文封装格式示意图,可以通过GTP-U报文的报文头(非有效载荷(payload)部分)中的IP/UDP标头(header)字段携带的目的IP地址和TEID字段携带的TEID标识该GTP-U报文传输的GTP-U隧道。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. As shown in 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.
具体的,对于一个PDU会话,SMF网元会为该PDU会话创建RAN到UPF网元之间各段的GTP-U隧道,包括RAN到UPF网元之间各段的上行GTP-U隧道,以及UPF网元到RAN之间各段的下行GTP-U隧道。以图3所示的PDU会话的上行GTP-U隧道为例,包括RAN到I-UPF网元之间N3接口的GTP-U隧道(tunnel)2(通过I-UPF网元的IP地址和上行TEID2标识),以及I-UPF网元到UPF网元之间N9接口的上行GTP-U隧道1(通过UPF网元的IP地址和上行TEID1标识)。其中,I-UPF网元为位于RAN和UPF网元之间的中间UPF网元,起着转发RAN发往UPF网元的GTP-U报文的作用。Specifically, for a PDU session, 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. Take the upstream GTP-U tunnel of the PDU session shown in Figure 3 as an example, including the GTP-U tunnel 2 of the N3 interface between the RAN and the I-UPF network element (through the IP address of the I-UPF network element and the upstream TEID2 identification), and the upstream GTP-U tunnel 1 of the N9 interface between the I-UPF network element and the UPF network element (identified by the IP address of the UPF network element and the upstream TEID1 identification). 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.
如图4所示,仍以图3中的组网架构为例,假设I-UPF网元被I-SMF网元管理,UPF网元被SMF网元管理(图3中I-UPF网元和UPF网元同时被SMF网元管理,如果I-UPF网元和UPF网元同时被SMF网元管理,则可以省略下述PDU会话创建过程中I-SMF网元和SMF网元之间信令交互的步骤),具体的PDU会话创建过程可以包括:As shown in Figure 4, still taking the networking architecture in Figure 3 as an example, 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 (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:RAN向AMF网元转发来自UE的会话创建请求(如PDU会话创建请求)。S401: The RAN forwards a session creation request (eg, a PDU session creation request) from the UE to the AMF network element.
S402:所述AMF网元向选择的I-SMF网元转发所述会话创建请求。S402: The AMF network element forwards the session creation request to the selected I-SMF network element.
作为一种示例:AMF网元可以通过PDU会话创建会话管理(session management,SM)上下文请求,向I-SMF网元转发会话创建请求,也即将所述会话创建请求透传给I-SMF网元,其中PDU会话创建会话管理上下文请求中携带所述会话创建请求。As an example: 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.
S403:所述I-SMF网元和选择的I-UPF网元进行N4会话创建/修改请求和应答的交互,配置所述I-UPF网元的上行隧道端点标识和下行隧道端点标识。S403: 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.
具体的,I-SMF网元接收到会话创建请求后,选择I-UPF网元。如果由I-SMF网元为I-UPF网元分配上行隧道端点标识和下行隧道端点标识,则I-SMF网元在向I-UPF网元发送的N4会话创建/修改请求中指示所述上行隧道端点标识和所述下行隧道端点标识;如果由I-UPF网元分配上行隧道端点标识和下行隧道端点标识,则I-UPF网元会在向I-SMF网元发送的N4会话创建/修改应答(也可以称为N4会话创建/修改响应)中指示所述上行隧道端点标识和所述下行隧道端点标识。Specifically, after receiving the session creation request, 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 tunnel endpoint identifier and the downlink tunnel endpoint identifier; if the I-UPF network element allocates the uplink tunnel endpoint identifier and the downlink tunnel endpoint identifier, the I-UPF network element will create/modify the N4 session sent to the I-SMF 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.
S404:所述I-SMF网元向SMF网元转发所述会话创建请求,并在所述会话创建请求中指示所述I-UPF网元的下行隧道信息(包括所述I-UPF网元的IP地址和下行隧道端点标识)。S404: 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:所述SMF网元和选择的UPF网元进行N4会话创建/修改请求和应答的交互,配置所述UPF网元的上行隧道端点标识。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.
具体的,SMF网元接收到会话创建请求后,选择UPF网元。如果由SMF网元为UPF网元分配上行隧道端点标识,则SMF网元在向UPF网元发送的N4会话创建/修改请求中指示所述上行隧道端点标识;如果由UPF网元分配上行隧道端点标识,则UPF网元会在向SMF网元发送的N4会话创建/修改应答中指示所述上行隧道端点标识。Specifically, after receiving the session creation request, 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.
S406:所述SMF网元向所述I-SMF网元发送会话创建应答(如PDU会话创建应答),并在所述会话创建应答中指示所述UPF网元的上行隧道信息(包括UPF网元的IP地址和上行隧道端点标识)。S406: 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).
S407:所述I-SMF网元向所述AMF网元发送所述会话创建应答,并在所述会话创建 应答中指示所述I-UPF网元的上行隧道信息(包括I-UPF网元的IP地址和上行隧道端点标识)。S407: 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).
作为一种示例:I-SMF网元可以通过PDU会话创建会话管理上下文应答(也可以称为PDU会话创建会话管理上下文响应),向AMF网元发送所述会话创建应答,也即将所述会话建立应答透传给AMF网元,其中PDU会话创建会话管理上下文应答中携带所述会话建立应答。As an example, 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.
S408:所述AMF网元向所述RAN发送会话请求(如PDU会话请求),所述会话请求中包括所述会话创建应答中指示的信息,如I-UPF网元的上行隧道信息。S408: 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.
S409:所述RAN分配下行隧道端点标识。S409: The RAN allocates a downlink tunnel endpoint identifier.
S410:所述RAN向所述AMF网元发送会话请求(如PDU会话请求),所述会话请求中指示所述RAN的下行隧道信息(包括RAN网元的IP地址和下行隧道端点标识)。S410: 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).
S411:所述AMF网元向所述I-SMF网元发送会话修改请求(如PDU会话修改请求),所述会话修改请求中指示所述RAN的下行隧道信息。S411: 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.
S412:所述I-SMF网元和所述I-UPF网元进行N4会话创建/修改请求和应答的交互,配置所述RAN的下行隧道信息、所述UPF网元的上行隧道信息。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.
在一种可能的实施中,I-UPF网元的上行隧道标识,也可以由I-SMF网元或I-UPF网元确定后通过步骤S412中I-SMF网元和I-UPF网元进行的N4会话创建/修改请求和应答的交互指示给对方,在S403中I-SMF网元和I-UPF网元进行的N4会话创建/修改请求和应答的交互,可以不指示I-UPF网元的上行隧道标识。In a possible implementation, 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. In S403, 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.
S413:所述I-SMF网元向所述AMF网元回复会话修改应答(如PDU会话修改应答)。S413: The I-SMF network element returns a session modification response (eg, a PDU session modification response) to the AMF network element.
由上述图3和图4可知,现有GTP-U隧道是节点间的隧道,因此如果PDU会话对应的RAN和UPF网元之间包括多级中间UPF网元时,在创建PDU会话的过程中就需要对RAN和UPF网元之间包括的多级中间UPF(I-UPF)网元进行配置,会影响PDU会话建立效率,带来更高的时延,影响用户体验。As can be seen from the above Figures 3 and 4, 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.
另外,在现有UE切换过程中,需要创建临时GTP-U隧道用于转发切换过程中的下行数据,如图5所示,I-UPF1网元服务于RAN1,I-UPF2网元服务于RAN2,在UE从RAN1切换到RAN2的过程中,为了保证切换过程中数据不中断,下行数据流会从UPF网元经I-UPF1网元发送至RAN1,这时UE的空口已经切换到RAN2,因此RAN1无法将下行数据直接转发至UE。现有方案的解决方法是:在UE从RAN1切换到RAN2前,先创建RAN1到I-UPF1网元、I-UPF1网元到I-UPF2网元以及I-UPF2网元到RAN2的临时GTP-U隧道,之后在切换过程中,RAN1接收到的下行数据会通过预先创建的临时GTP-U隧道,经过I-UPF1网元、I-UPF2网元发送到RAN2,之后发送到UE;在切换完成后,再删除创建的临时GTP-U隧道。In addition, in the existing UE handover process, a temporary GTP-U tunnel needs to be created to forward downlink data in the handover process. As shown in Figure 5, the I-UPF1 network element serves RAN1, and the I-UPF2 network element serves RAN2 , in the process of the UE switching from RAN1 to RAN2, in order to ensure that the data is not interrupted during the switching process, the downlink data flow will be sent from the UPF network element to the RAN1 through the I-UPF1 network element. At this time, 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.
结合现有的GTP-U隧道创建机制,可知UE切换前创建的临时GTP-U隧道以及切换后删除临时GTP-U隧道都需要逐节点进行创建或配置,如果中间UPF网元(如图5中I-UPF1网元和I-UPF2网元)被不同的SMF网元管理,配置会更加复杂。Combined with the existing GTP-U tunnel creation mechanism, it can be seen that 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.
为解决会话建立(如PDU会话建立)或终端设备(UE)切换时,需要对GTP-U报文等应用层报文传输路径上的多个中间节点(如多个中间UPF)进行GTP-U隧道等转发规则的配置,配置复杂的问题,本申请实施例提出一种通信方案,通过对GTP-U报文等应 用层报文的封装格式进行改进或扩展,通过在报文头中携带用于目的节点的标识和/或一个或多个中间节点的标识,实现对源节点和目的节点之间传输应用层报文的路径的指示,进而避免对中间节点进行GTP-U隧道等转发规则的配置带来的信令和时延开销,提高用户的体验。In order to solve the problem of session establishment (such as PDU session establishment) or terminal equipment (UE) switching, it is necessary to perform GTP-U on multiple intermediate nodes (such as multiple intermediate UPFs) on the transmission path of application layer packets such as GTP-U packets. The configuration of forwarding rules such as tunnels is complicated. The embodiment of the present application proposes a communication scheme. By improving or expanding 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.
另外,需要理解,在本申请实施例中,至少一个还可以描述为一个或多个,多个可以是两个、三个、四个或者更多个,本申请不做限制。在本申请实施例中,“/”可以表示前后关联的对象是一种“或”的关系,例如,A/B可以表示A或B;“和/或”可以用于描述关联对象存在三种关系,例如,A和/或B,可以表示:单独存在A,同时存在A和B,单独存在B这三种情况,其中A,B可以是单数或者复数。为了便于描述本申请实施例的技术方案,在本申请实施例中,可以采用“第一”、“第二”等字样对功能相同或相似的技术特征进行区分。该“第一”、“第二”等字样并不对数量和执行次序进行限定,并且“第一”、“第二”等字样也并不限定一定不同。在本申请实施例中,“示例性的”或者“例如”等词用于表示例子、例证或说明,被描述为“示例性的”或者“例如”的任何实施例或设计方案不应被解释为比其它实施例或设计方案更优选或更具优势。使用“示例性的”或者“例如”等词旨在以具体方式呈现相关概念,便于理解。In addition, it should be understood that, in the embodiments of the present application, 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. In this embodiment of the present 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. In order to facilitate the description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, in the embodiments of the present application, 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. In the embodiments of the present application, 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.
下面结合附图详细说明本申请实施例。The embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
图6为本申请实施例提供的一种通信过程示意图,该过程包括:FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a communication process provided by an embodiment of the present application, and the process includes:
S601:源节点将报文封装在应用层报文中,所述应用层报文的报文头中包括所述应用层报文的目的节点的标识。S601: 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.
在本申请实施例中,应用层报文可以是承载在二层(数据链路层)或三层(网络层)以上的报文,如GTP-U报文、通用路由封装(generic routing encapsulation,GRE)报文、虚拟扩展局域网(virtual extensible local area network,VXLAN)报文等,目的节点的标识可以为目的节点的IP地址、媒体访问控制(media access control,MAC)地址等。其中,对于会话(如PDU会话)的上行数据传输,源节点可以为第一接入网设备(RAN1)、目的节点可以为UPF网元;对于会话的下行数据传输,源节点可以为UPF网元、目的节点可以为RAN1;另外,在UE的切换过程,源节点还可以为RAN1、目的节点还可以为RAN2,其中RAN2为UE切换后接入的接入网设备,RAN1为UE切换前接入的接入网设备。In this embodiment of the present application, 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. Wherein, for uplink data transmission of a session (such as a PDU session), 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.
另外,对于会话的上行数据传输或下行数据传输,以及UE的切换过程,位于源节点和目的节点之间传输应用层报文的路径上的中间节点可以为中间用户面功能(I-UPF)网元,起着对将源节点发送的应用层报文向目的节点转发的作用。In addition, for the uplink data transmission or downlink data transmission of the session and the handover process of the UE, 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.
以应用层报文为GTP-U报文为例,为了避免对中间节点进行GTP-U隧道等转发规则的配置,可以对GTP-U报文的封装格式进行改进或扩展,通过GTP-U报文的报文头实现对中间节点向目的节点转发GTP-U报文的转发路径的指示。Taking application layer packets as GTP-U packets as an example, in order to avoid configuring forwarding rules such as GTP-U tunnels on intermediate nodes, 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.
方式一:如图7所示,可以在GTP-U报文的报文头中增加用于携带GTP-U报文的目的节点的标识的字段,如标识(Target)字段。中间节点可以根据GTP-U报文的报文头中包括的目的节点的标识,确定向目的节点转发GTP-U报文的转发路径。Manner 1: As shown in FIG. 7 , 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.
在一种可能的实施中,在GTP-U报文的报文头中还可以携带目的节点对应的隧道标识,如目的节点对应的隧道端点标识,用于标识目的节点接收GTP-U报文的GTP-U隧道。其中目的节点对应的隧道端点标识可以通过在GTP-U报文的报文头中增加其它字段携带,如通过增加P-TEID字段携带。In a possible implementation, 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. GTP-U tunnel. 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.
方式二:如图8所示,也可以将GTP-U报文的报文头中TEID字段扩展为N-TEID字段,通过N-TEID字段携带端到端隧道标识,通过端到端隧道标识来标识目的节点从源节点接收GTP-U报文的隧道,在源节点和目的节点之间传输GTP-U报文的路径上,各节点均使用该端到端隧道标识来标识GTP-U隧道。Mode 2: As shown in Figure 8, 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.
在一种可能的实施中,N-TEID字段可以由TEID字段和Target字段构成,其中TEID字段用于携带目的节点对应的隧道标识,如目的节点对应的隧道端点标识,Target字段携带目的节点的标识,如目的节点的IP地址等。目的节点对应的隧道标识和目的节点的标识构成端到端隧道标识。中间节点可以根据N-TEID字段中目的节点的标识,确定向目的节点转发GTP-U报文的转发路径。In a possible implementation, 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.
另外,如图9中(A)和(B)所示,在GTP-U报文的报文头中增加Target字段或将GTP-U报文的报文头中TEID字段扩展为N-TEID字段的同时,还可以在GTP-U报文的报文头中增加用于携带传输路径信息的字段,如UPF列表(list)字段。其中传输路径信息中包括位于源节点和目的节点之间传输GTP-U报文的路径上一个或多个中间节点的标识,中间节点还可以根据GTP-U报文的报文头中包括的一个或多个中间节点的标识,确定向目的节点转发GTP-U报文的转发路径。其中,中间节点的标识可以为中间节点的IP地址、中间节点对应的隧道标识等。例如:对于会话的上行数据传输,中间节点对应的隧道标识可以为中间节点的上行隧道端点标识。In addition, as shown in (A) and (B) in FIG. 9 , 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 At the same time, 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. For example, for the uplink data transmission of the session, the tunnel identifier corresponding to the intermediate node may be the uplink tunnel endpoint identifier of the intermediate node.
在一种可能的实施中,在UPF list字段中可以携带源节点的下一跳中间节点的标识,也可以不携带源节点的下一跳中间节点的标识。参照图5所示,以源节点为RAN1、目的节点为RAN2为例,I-UPF1为源节点的下一跳中间节点,RAN1在封装发往RAN2的GTP-U报文时,在GTP-U报文的报文头中的UPF list字段中可以仅携带I-UPF2的标识,也可以同时携带I-UPF1的标识和I-UPF2的标识。In a possible implementation, 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. Referring to FIG. 5 , taking the source node as RAN1 and the destination node as RAN2 as an example, 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.
需要理解的是,上述通过Target字段携带目的节点的标识、通过N-TEID字段携带端到端隧道标识、通过UPF list字段携带传输路径信息仅是一种示例,还可以通过GTP-U报文的报文头中其它字段携带目的节点的标识、端到端隧道标识等,本申请实施例对此不进行限制。It should be understood that the above-mentioned carrying the identifier of the destination node through the Target field, carrying the end-to-end tunnel identifier through the N-TEID field, and carrying the transmission path information through the UPF list field are only examples, and can also be carried through the GTP-U message. Other fields in the packet header carry the identifier of the destination node, the identifier of the end-to-end tunnel, etc., which are not limited in this embodiment of the present application.
作为一种示例,对于会话的上行数据传输或下行数据传输,源节点可以从来自会话管理功能网元的会话消息中获知目的节点的标识、传输应用层报文的路径上一个或多个中间节点的标识、目的节点对应的隧道标识等信息中的一项或多项。其中,会话消息可以为会话创建/修改请求(如N4会话创建/修改请求)、会话创建应答等,可以理解的是,对于会话的下行数据传输源节点可以为UPF网元、目的节点可以为RAN1,会话管理功能网元可以向UPF网元发送包括RAN1的标识的会话创建/修改请求;对于会话的上行数据传输,源节点可以为RAN1、目的节点可以为UPF网元,会话管理功能网元向RAN1发送的会话创建应答,在经由其它网元向RAN1转发时,也可能称为其它消息,如由接入与移动性管理功能网元向RAN1转发时,也可以称为会话请求,在会话请求中携带有所述会话创建应答或携带有所述会话创建应答中包括或指示的信息,如UPF网元的标识等。As an example, for uplink data transmission or downlink data transmission of a session, 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. It can be understood that 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. For example, when forwarded by the access and mobility management function network element to RAN1, 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.
对于UE的切换过程,源节点可以从来自会话管理功能网元的切换命令中获知目的节点的标识、传输应用层报文的路径上一个或多个中间节点的标识、目的节点对应的隧道标识等信息中的一项或多项。可以理解的是,对于UE的切换过程,源节点可以为RAN1、目的节点可以为RAN2,切换命令在会话管理功能网元和RAN1之间的其它网元转发时也 可能称为其它消息,如由接入与移动性管理功能网元向RAN1转发时称为切换命令,在会话管理功能网元向接入与移动性管理功能网元发送时,还可以称为UE上下文更新应答等。For the handover process of the UE, 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. It can be understood that, for the handover process of the UE, 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 When the access and mobility management function network element forwards it to RAN1, it is called a handover command, and when 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.
作为一种示例,当UE上的某一个应用被启动时,触发UE请求创建一个PDU会话,UE向其接入的RAN(如RAN1)发送PDU会话创建请求,RAN1将PDU会话创建请求经由接入与移动性管理功能网元等网元发送至会话管理功能网元,会话管理功能网元为PDU会话选择UPF网元,并将UPF网元的标识通过PDU会话创建应答发送至接入与移动性管理功能网元,由接入与移动性管理功能网元通过PDU会话请求将PDU会话创建应答或PDU会话创建应答指示的UPF网元的标识等信息发送给RAN1,RAN1获知UE的PDU会话的上行报文的目的节点为UPF网元、目的节点的标识为UPF网元的标识。当RAN1接收到来自UE的该PDU会话的上行报文,可以将上行报文采用如图7或图8或图9所示的封装格式封装为GTP-U报文,在GTP-U报文的报文头中Target字段中携带UPF网元的标识,用于中间节点根据UPF网元的标识,确定向UPF网元转发GTP-U报文的转发路径。As an example, 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. 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.
在一种可能的实施中,对于源节点向目的节点传输应用层报文的路径上一个或多个中间节点的标识。源节点还可以根据源节点本地配置的路由策略(如包含源节点向源节点所在网络中各个节点或设备发送应用层报文的传输路径的路由表)或会话管理功能网元下发的路由策略,以及目的节点的标识,确定向目的节点传输应用层报文的路径,进而确定向目的节点传输应用层报文的路径上一个或多个中间节点的标识。In a possible implementation, the identification of one or more intermediate nodes on the path where the source node transmits the application layer message to the destination node. The source 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. , and 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.
此外,在本申请实施例中,还可以在中间节点上预先配置向目的节点转发的转发规则。转发规则具体的可以是:Target字段为目的节点的标识时,根据目的节点的标识向目的节点转发应用层报文。In addition, in this embodiment of the present application, a forwarding rule for forwarding to the destination node may also be preconfigured on the intermediate node. Specifically, 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.
可以在UPF网元上预先配置向RAN1转发的转发规则。转发规则具体的可以是:Target字段为RAN1的标识时,向位于UPF网元和RAN1之间传输应用层报文的路径上的中间节点转发应用层报文。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.
类似的,可以在RAN1上预先配置向UPF网元或RAN2转发的转发规则。转发规则具体的可以是:Target字段为UPF网元的标识时,向位于RAN1网元和UPF网元之间传输应用层报文的路径上的中间节点转发应用层报文;Target字段为RAN2的标识时,向位于RAN1和RAN2之间传输应用层报文的路径上的中间节点转发应用层报文。Similarly, 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. When the identification is performed, 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:所述源节点向中间节点发送所述应用层报文,所述中间节点接收所述应用层报文。S602: The source node sends the application layer packet to an intermediate node, and the intermediate node receives the application layer packet.
其中,所述中间节点位于所述源节点和所述目的节点之间传输所述应用层报文的路径上。Wherein, the intermediate node is located on the path for transmitting the application layer message between the source node and the destination node.
以源节点为RAN1、目的节点为UPF网元、应用层报文为GTP-U报文为例,RAN1将来自UE的上行报文封装为如图7或图8或图9所示的GTP-U报文后,RAN1可以向传输GTP-U报文的下一跳节点发送封装后的GTP-U报文,如向服务于RAN1的I-UPF网元发送封装后的GTP-U报文。Taking the source node as RAN1, the destination node as the UPF network element, and the application layer packet as the GTP-U packet as an example, 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:所述中间节点根据所述目的节点的标识,转发所述应用层报文。S603: The intermediate node forwards the application layer packet according to the identifier of the destination node.
仍以应用层报文为GTP-U报文为例,位于源节点和目的节点之间传输GTP-U报文的路径上的任一中间节点接收到来自源节点的GTP-U报文后,可以根据GTP-U报文的报文头中包括的目的节点的标识,确定GTP-U报文向目的节点传输的下一跳节点,并向所述下一跳节点发送所述GTP-U报文。作为一种示例:中间节点可以根据GTP-U报文的报文头 中Target字段或N-TEID字段携带的目的节点的标识,以及本地路由策略(如包含中间节点向中间节点所在网络中各个节点或设备发送GTP-U报文的传输路径的路由表)或SMF网元下发的路由策略,确定向目的节点转发所述GTP-U报文的转发路径,进而确定GTP-U报文向目的节点传输的下一跳节点。Still taking the application layer packet as an example of a GTP-U packet, 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. According to the identifier of the destination node included in the message header of the GTP-U message, determine the next hop node of the GTP-U message to the destination node, and send the GTP-U message to the next hop node. arts. As an example: 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). or the routing table of the transmission path of the GTP-U packet sent by the device) or the routing policy issued by the SMF network element, determine 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.
在一种可能的实施中,如果GTP-U报文的报文头中包括位于源节点和目的节点之间传输所述GTP-U报文的路径上一个或多个中间节点的标识时,中间节点还可以根据所述一个或多个中间节点的标识,确定向目的节点传输的下一跳节点。In a possible implementation, if the header of the GTP-U message includes the identifiers of one or more intermediate nodes on the path for transmitting the GTP-U message between the source node and the destination node, 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.
另外,为了提高GTP-U报文的转发效率,便于中间节点对下一跳节点的快速获知,如果中间节点转发的GTP-U报文的报文头中包括的一个或多个中间节点的标识中包含自身的标识,中间节点在向在下一跳节点转发所述GTP-U报文时,可以删除所述一个或多个中间节点的标识中自身的标识;或者,中间节点在向下一跳节点转发所述GTP-U报文时,删除所述一个或多个中间节点的标识中下一跳节点的标识。In addition, 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.
上述主要是以基于目的节点的标识,实现对中间节点向目的节点转发应用层报文的转发路径的确定进行介绍的,在另一种可能的实现中,也可以基于位于源节点和目的节点之间传输应用层报文的路径上的一个或多个中间节点的标识,实现对中间节点向目的节点转发应用层报文的转发路径的确定。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.
图10为本申请实施例提供的一种通信过程示意图,该过程包括:FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a communication process provided by an embodiment of the present application, and the process includes:
S1001:源节点将报文封装在应用层报文中,所述应用层报文的报文头中包括一个或多个中间节点的标识。S1001: 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.
其中,所述一个或多个中间节点位于所述源节点和目的节点之间传输所述应用层报文的路径上。Wherein, 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.
仍以应用层报文为GTP-U报文为例,如图11所示,为了避免对中间节点进行GTP-U隧道等转发规则的配置,可以在GTP-U报文的报文头中增加用于携带传输路径信息的字段,如UPF list字段。其中传输路径信息中包括位于源节点和目的节点之间传输GTP-U报文的路径上一个或多个中间节点的标识,使得中间节点可以根据GTP-U报文的报文头中包括的一个或多个中间节点的标识,确定向目的节点转发GTP-U报文的转发路径。Taking the application layer packet as an example of a GTP-U packet, as shown in Figure 11, in order to avoid the configuration of forwarding rules such as GTP-U tunnels on the intermediate node, you can add a message to the packet header of the GTP-U packet. A field used to carry transmission path information, such as the UPF list field. 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.
在一种可能的实施中,为了便于中间节点对目的节点的识别,在传输路径信息中还可以携带目的节点的标识,也即GTP-U报文的报文头中不仅有位于源节点和目的节点之间传输GTP-U报文的路径上一个或多个中间节点的标识,还有目的节点的标识。In a possible implementation, in order to facilitate the identification of the destination node by the intermediate 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 identifiers of one or more intermediate nodes on the path where the GTP-U message is transmitted between nodes, as well as the identifiers of the destination nodes.
在另一种可能的实施中,为了便于中间节点对目的节点以及目的节点接收GTP-U报文的隧道的识别和确定,在传输路径信息中还可以携带目的节点对应的隧道标识。例如:对于会话的上行数据传输,目的节点对应的隧道标识为目的节点的上行隧道端点标识,在传输路径信息中携带目的节点的上行隧道端点标识。目的节点的上一跳的中间节点可以根据目的节点的上行隧道端点标识,识别目的节点,并确定目的节点接收GTP-U报文的GTP-U隧道,向目的节点转发GTP-U报文。In another possible implementation, in order to facilitate the intermediate node to identify and determine the destination node and the tunnel through which the destination node receives the GTP-U message, the transmission path information may also carry the tunnel identifier corresponding to the destination node. For example, for uplink data transmission of a session, 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.
另外,如图9中(A)和(B)所示,在GTP-U报文的报文头中增加UPF list字段的基础上,还可以在GTP-U报文的报文头中增加Target字段或将GTP-U报文的报文头中TEID字段扩展为N-TEID字段,关于UPF list字段、Target字段或N-TEID字段的描述可以参照图6所示的通信过程中的描述,不再进行赘述。In addition, as shown in (A) and (B) in Figure 9, on the basis of adding the UPF list field to the header of the GTP-U message, 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. For the description of 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.
此外,需要理解的是,如图9中(B)所示,当GTP-U报文的报文头中增加UPF list字段时,N-TEID字段中的Target字段不仅可以为目的节点的标识,还可以为全局统一标识等信息,只要保证N-TEID字段携带的端到端隧道标识唯一即可。In addition, it should be understood that, as shown in (B) in Figure 9, when the UPF list field is added to the header of the GTP-U message, 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.
在本申请实施例中,还可以在中间节点上预先配置向目的节点转发的转发规则。转发规则具体的可以是:Target字段为目的节点的标识时,向目的节点转发应用层报文,如果Target字段为全局统一标识而非目的节点的标识时,转发规则具体的可以是:根据UPF list字段中的传输路径信息转发应用层报文。In this embodiment of the present application, 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.
可以在UPF网元上预先配置向RAN1转发的转发规则。转发规则具体的可以是:Target字段为RAN1的标识时,向位于UPF网元和RAN1之间传输应用层报文的路径上的中间节点转发应用层报文;或者如果Target字段为全局统一标识而非目的节点的标识时,向中间节点转发应用层报文的同时,在UPF list字段中指示RAN1的标识。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 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.
类似的,可以在RAN1上预先配置向UPF网元或RAN2转发的转发规则。转发规则具体的可以是:Target字段为UPF网元的标识时,向位于RAN1网元和UPF网元之间传输应用层报文的路径上的中间节点转发应用层报文;Target字段为RAN2的标识时,向位于RAN1和RAN2之间传输应用层报文的路径上的中间节点转发应用层报文。或者如果Target字段为全局统一标识而非目的节点的标识时,向中间节点转发应用层报文的同时,在UPF list字段中指示目的节点(UPF网元或RAN2)的标识。Similarly, 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. When the identification is performed, the application layer packet is forwarded to the intermediate node located on the path for transmitting the application layer packet between RAN1 and RAN2. Or if the Target field is a global unified identifier instead of the identifier of the destination node, 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:所述源节点向中间节点发送所述应用层报文,所述中间节点接收所述应用层报文。S1002: The source node sends the application layer packet to an intermediate node, and the intermediate node receives the application layer packet.
其中,所述中间节点位于所述源节点和所述目的节点之间传输所述应用层报文的路径上。Wherein, the intermediate node is located on the path for transmitting the application layer message between the source node and the destination node.
S1003:所述中间节点根据所述一个或多个中间节点的标识,转发所述应用层报文。S1003: The intermediate node forwards the application layer packet according to the identifiers of the one or more intermediate nodes.
具体的,中间节点根据所述一个或多个中间节点的标识,转发所述应用层报文的实现,可以参照图6所示的通信过程中的描述,不再进行赘述。Specifically, for the implementation of the 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.
仍以应用层报文为GTP-U报文为例,下面结合部分PDU会话创建或UE切换过程,对GTP-U报文传输,以及对GTP-U报文传输的隧道配置过程,进行介绍。Still taking the application layer message as an example of a GTP-U message, the following describes the 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.
场景一:PDU会话,以GTP-U报文采用图9中(B)所示的封装格式为例,如图12所示,对于PDU会话的上行数据传输,源节点为RAN1、目的节点为UPF网元、RAN1和UPF网元之间的中间节点为I-UPF网元;对于PDU会话的下行数据传输,则源节点为UPF网元、目的节点为RAN1、UPF网元和RAN1之间的中间节点为I-UPF网元。假设I-UPF网元被I-SMF网元管理、UPF网元被SMF网元管理。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.
如图13所示,为PDU会话创建过程示例,该过程包括:As shown in Figure 13, it is an example of a PDU session creation process, which includes:
S1301:RAN1向AMF网元转发来自UE的会话创建请求(如PDU会话创建请求)。S1301: RAN1 forwards a session creation request (eg, a PDU session creation request) from the UE to the AMF network element.
S1302:所述AMF网元向选择的I-SMF网元转发所述会话创建请求。S1302: The AMF network element forwards the session creation request to the selected I-SMF network element.
S1303:所述I-SMF网元向SMF网元转发所述会话创建请求。S1303: The I-SMF network element forwards the session creation request to the SMF network element.
在一种可能的实施中,I-SMF网元还可以在转发的会话创建请求中指示I-SMF网元选择的I-UPF网元的标识,如I-UPF网元的IP地址。In a possible implementation, 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:所述SMF网元和选择的UPF网元进行N4会话创建/修改请求和应答的交互,配置第一端到端隧道端点标识(N-TEID1)。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).
所述N-TEID1用于标识UPF网元从所述RAN1接收GTP-U报文的隧道,用于UPF 网元对来自RAN1的GTP-U报文的接收。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.
具体的,SMF网元接收到会话创建请求后,选择UPF网元。如果由SMF网元为UPF网元分配N-TEID1,则SMF网元在向UPF网元发送的N4会话创建/修改请求中指示所述N-TEID1;如果由UPF网元分配N-TEID1,则UPF网元会在向SMF网元发送的N4会话创建/修改应答中指示所述N-TEID1。Specifically, after receiving the session creation request, 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.
S1305:所述SMF网元向所述I-SMF网元发送会话创建应答(如PDU会话创建应答),并在所述会话创建应答中指示所述N-TEID1。S1305: 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.
在一种可能的实施中,如果N-TEID1中Target字段为全局统一标识(如全局统一标识1),而非UPF网元的标识时,在所述会话创建应答中还可以指示所述UPF网元的标识,如UPF网元的IP地址。In a possible implementation, if the Target field in N-TEID1 is a global unified identifier (eg, global unified identifier 1), rather than the identifier of a UPF network element, 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.
S1306:所述I-SMF网元向所述AMF网元发送所述会话创建应答,所述会话创建应答中指示所述N-TEID1。S1306: The I-SMF network element sends the session establishment response to the AMF network element, where the session establishment response indicates the N-TEID1.
在一种可能的实施中,如果N-TEID1中Target字段为全局统一标识,而非UPF网元的标识时,在所述会话创建应答中还可以指示所述UPF的标识;或在所述会话创建应答中指示传输路径信息,传输路径信息中包括UPF网元的标识,还可以包括I-UPF网元的标识。In a possible implementation, if the Target field in N-TEID1 is a global unified identifier instead of the identifier of the UPF network element, 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.
另外,如果需要配置N-TEID1会话相关的策略,I-SMF网元还可以向I-UPF网元发送会话策略,如在会话策略中配置通过N-TEID1识别GTP-U报文对应的会话等。In addition, if you need to configure a policy related to the N-TEID1 session, the I-SMF network element can also send the session policy to the I-UPF network element. .
S1307:SMF网元向所述RAN1发送会话请求(如PDU会话请求),所述会话请求中指示所述N-TEID1。S1307: 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.
S1308:所述RAN1分配第二端到端隧道标识(N-TEID2)。S1308: The RAN1 allocates a second end-to-end tunnel identifier (N-TEID2).
N-TEID2用于标识RAN1从所述UPF网元接收GTP-U报文的隧道,用于RAN1对来自UPF网元的GTP-U报文的接收。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.
S1309:所述RAN1发送会话请求(如PDU会话请求)到所述AMF网元,并在所述会话请求中指示所述N-TEID2。S1309: 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.
在一种可能的实施中,如果N-TEID2中的Target字段为全局统一标识(如全局统一标识2),而非RAN1的标识时,在所述会话请求中还可以指示所述RAN1的标识,如RAN1的IP地址。In a possible implementation, if the Target field in N-TEID2 is a global unified identifier (such as global unified identifier 2), not the identifier of RAN1, the identifier of RAN1 may also be indicated in the session request, Such as the IP address of RAN1.
S1310:所述AMF网元向所述I-SMF网元发送会话修改请求(如PDU会话修改请求),所述会话修改请求中指示所述N-TEID2。S1310: 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.
在一种可能的实施中,如果需要配置N-TEID2会话相关的策略,I-SMF网元还可以向I-UPF网元发送会话策略,如在会话策略中配置通过N-TEID2识别GTP-U报文对应的会话等。In a possible implementation, if the N-TEID2 session-related policy needs to be configured, 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.
S1311:所述I-SMF网元向所述SMF网元转发所述会话修改请求,所述会话修改请求中指示所述N-TEID2。S1311: The I-SMF network element forwards the session modification request to the SMF network element, where the session modification request indicates the N-TEID2.
在一种可能的实施中,如果N-TEID2中的Target字段为全局统一标识,而非RAN1的标识时,在所述会话修改请求中还可以指示所述RAN1的标识。另外,如果步骤S1303中没有指示I-UPF网元的标识,在所述会话修改请求中还可以指示所述I-UPF网元的标识。In a possible implementation, if the Target field in the N-TEID2 is a global unified identifier instead of the identifier of RAN1, the identifier of RAN1 may also be indicated in the session modification request. In addition, if 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:所述SMF网元和所述UPF网元之间进行N4会话修改请求/应答交互,配置所述N-TEID2。S1312: Perform N4 session modification request/response interaction between the SMF network element and the UPF network element, and configure the N-TEID2.
在一种可能的实施中,如果N-TEID2中的Target字段为全局统一标识,而非RAN1 的标识时,SMF网元还可以发送传输路径信息到UPF网元,所述传输路径信息中包括所述RAN1的标识,还可以包括所述I-UPF网元的标识。In a possible implementation, if the Target field in N-TEID2 is a global unified identifier instead of the identifier of RAN1, 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.
此外,在本申请实施例中,还可以在I-UPF网元上预先配置向UPF网元/RAN1转发的转发规则。转发规则具体的可以是:Target字段为UPF网元的标识时,向UPF网元转发GTP-U报文;Target字段为RAN1时,向RAN1转发GTP-U报文。或者如果Target字段为全局统一标识而非目的节点的标识时,转发规则具体的可以是:根据UPF list字段中的传输路径信息转发GTP-U报文。In addition, in this embodiment of the present application, 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. Or if the Target field is a global unified identifier rather than the identifier of the destination node, the forwarding rule may specifically be: forward the GTP-U message according to the transmission path information in the UPF list field.
可以在UPF网元上预先配置向RAN1转发的转发规则。转发规则具体的可以是:Target字段为RAN1的标识时,向I-UPF网元转发GTP-U报文;或者如果Target字段为全局统一标识而非目的节点的标识时,向I-UPF网元转发GTP-U报文,UPF list字段中指示RAN1的标识。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.
类似的,可以在RAN1上预先配置向UPF网元转发的转发规则。转发规则具体的可以是:Target字段为UPF网元的标识时,向I-UPF网元转发GTP-U报文;或者如果Target字段为全局统一标识而非目的节点的标识时,向I-UPF网元转发GTP-U报文,UPF list字段中指示UPF网元的标识。Similarly, the forwarding rule for forwarding to the UPF network element may be pre-configured on RAN1. Specifically, 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.
由上述图12和图13可知,通过在RAN1和UPF网元之间传输GTP-U报文的路径上,使用端到端隧道标识(如N-TEID1和N-TEID2),使得中间UPF网元上不需要配置会话粒度的转发规则,而可以基于GTP-U报文的报文头中的目的节点的标识或传输路径信息确定转发路径。As can be seen from the above Figures 12 and 13, by using the end-to-end tunnel identifiers (such as N-TEID1 and N-TEID2) on the path for transmitting GTP-U packets between RAN1 and UPF network elements, 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.
需要理解的是,上述PDU会话创建过程,是以上行和下行的端到端隧道端点标识不同为例,进行说明的,如果上行和下行的端到端隧道端点标识相同时,仅执行其中的上行或下行隧道创建过程即可,即仅执行上述N-TEID1或N-TEID2的配置过程即可。It should be understood that 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.
场景二:UE切换场景。Scenario 2: UE switching scenario.
如图14所示,UE从RAN1切换到RAN2,并且RAN1与I-UPF1网元互通,RAN2与I-UPF2网元互通,因此UE切换后,I-UPF1网元也将切换到I-UPF2网元;切换后,管理RAN1的AMF1网元也将切换到管理RAN2的AMF2网元,为简化过程,假设I-UPF1网元、I-UPF2网元和UPU网元都被SMF网元管理。As shown in Figure 14, 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.
如图15所示,为UE切换过程示例,该过程包括:As shown in Figure 15, it is an example of the UE handover process, and the process includes:
S1501:RAN1向AMF1网元发起UE切换(handover)请求,包括RAN2的标识。S1501: RAN1 initiates a UE handover (handover) request to the AMF1 network element, including the identifier of RAN2.
S1502:核心网网元选择I-UPF2网元,创建RAN2到UPF网元的上行GTP-U隧道。S1502: 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.
其中,创建RAN2到UPF网元的上行GTP-U隧道的过程,可参照图13中创建RAN1到UPF网元的上行GTP-U隧道的过程,不再进行赘述。上行GTP-U隧道的信息,如用于RAN2到UPF网元的上行数据传输的端到端隧道标识、传输路径信息等信息会被发送到RAN2。For 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分配第三端到端隧道标识(N-TEID3)。S1503: RAN2 allocates a third end-to-end tunnel identifier (N-TEID3).
S1504:所述RAN2发送切换应答(handover response)到AMF2网元,所述切换应答中指示所述N-TEID3。S1504: The RAN2 sends a handover response (handover response) to the AMF2 network element, and the handover response indicates the N-TEID3.
在一种可能的实施中,如果N-TEID3中的Target字段为全局统一标识(如全局统一标识3),而非RAN2的标识时,在所述切换应答中还可以指示所述RAN2的标识,如RAN2的IP地址。In a possible implementation, if the Target field in N-TEID3 is a global unified identifier (such as global unified identifier 3), rather than the identifier of RAN2, the identifier of RAN2 may also be indicated in the handover response, Such as the IP address of RAN2.
S1505:所述AMF2网元发送UE上下文更新请求到SMF网元,所述UE上下文更新请求中指示所述N-TEID3。S1505: 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.
在一种可能的实施中,如果N-TEID3中的Target字段为全局统一标识,而非RAN2的标识时,在所述UE上下文更新请求中还可以指示所述RAN2的标识,如RAN2的IP地址。In a possible implementation, if the Target field in N-TEID3 is a global unified identifier instead of the identifier of RAN2, the identifier of RAN2 may also be indicated in the UE context update request, such as the IP address of RAN2 .
S1506:SMF网元发送UE上下文更新应答到AMF2网元,所述UE上下文更新应答中指示所述N-TEID3。S1506: 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.
在一种可能的实施中,如果N-TEID3中的Target字段为全局统一标识,而非RAN2的标识时,在所述UE上下文更新应答中还可以指示所述RAN2的标识,如RAN2的IP地址。In a possible implementation, if the Target field in N-TEID3 is a global unified identifier instead of the identifier of RAN2, the identifier of RAN2 may also be indicated in the UE context update response, such as the IP address of RAN2 .
另外,SMF网元还可以确定UE切换过程中下行数据由RAN1到RAN2的传输路径信息,例如由RAN1到I-UPF1网元,由I-UPF1网元到I-UPF2网元,再由I-UPF2网元到RAN2网元。SMF网元还可以在所述UE上下文更新应答中指示所述传输路径信息。In addition, 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. UPF2 NE to RAN2 NE. The SMF network element may further indicate the transmission path information in the UE context update response.
S1507:所述AMF2网元向所述AMF1网元发送UE上下文创建应答,其中所述UE上下文创建应答中携带所述UE上下文更新应答或携带所述UE上下文更新应答中包括的信息,如N-TEID3。S1507: 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.
完成步骤S1507,即完成了UE的切换的准备过程。After step S1507 is completed, the preparation process for the handover of the UE is completed.
S1508:所述AMF1网元发送切换命令(handover command)到RAN1,所述切换指令指示所述N-TEID3。S1508: The AMF1 network element sends a handover command (handover command) to the RAN1, and the handover command indicates the N-TEID3.
需要理解的是,S1508中切换命令指示的信息包括S1506中UE上下文更新应答指示的信息,如果UE上下文更新应答中还指示有RAN2的标识、传输路径信息等,在S1508中切换命令中也相应指示所述UE上下文更新应答指示的RAN2的标识、传输路径信息等。It should be understood that 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.
S1509:RAN1接收到来自UPF网元的GTP-U报文时,向RAN2转发所述GTP-U报文。S1509: When RAN1 receives the GTP-U message from the UPF network element, it forwards the GTP-U message to RAN2.
具体的,RAN1可以根据N-TEID3中的Target信息确定RAN2的标识,如果Target是全局统一标识,那么根据指示的RAN2的标识或传输路径信息中目的节点的标识确定RAN2的标识,之后根据转发策略(本地配置或SMF网元预先配置),确定将GTP-U报文先发送到I-UPF1网元。RAN1在转发的GTP-U报文中封装RAN2的标识(Target字段或者UPF list字段中),可选的在UPF list字段中封装I-UPF2的标识(这种情况下可选的在UPF list字段中封装I-UPF1的标识)。Specifically, 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).
S1510:所述I-UPF1网元在接收到来自RAN1的GTP-U报文后,根据GTP-U报文的报文头中的RAN2的标识以及本地转发策略(本地配置或SMF网元预先配置),向I-UPF2网元转发所述GTP-U报文,或者根据所述GTP-U报文中的传输路径信息,向I-UPF2网元转发报文。之后I-UPF2网元采用类似的方式向RAN2转发所述GTP-U报文。S1510: 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.
S1511:UE完成切换过程,释放RAN1及UPF网元上原会话相关的资源。S1511: The UE completes the handover process and releases the resources related to the original session on the RAN1 and the UPF network element.
在另一种可能的实施,在UE进行切换准备过程中,SMF网元可以直接将RAN1到RAN2的传输路径信息配置给RAN1,RAN1在接收到来自UPF网元的GTP-U报文时,在转发GTP-U报文时,将RAN1到RAN2的传输路径信息封装在转发的GTP-U报文中,从而避免在中间UPF网元(如I-UPF1网元、I-UPF2网元)等进行会话粒度的GTP-U隧道的映射关系的配置。作为一种示例,参照图5所示,SMF网元可以在创建RAN1到I-UPF1 网元、I-UPF1网元到I-UPF2网元以及I-UPF2网元到RAN2的临时GTP-U隧道后,将I-UPF1网元的标识TEID4、I-UPF2网元的标识TEID5、RAN2的标识TEID6作为传输路径信息发送给RAN1,用于标识RAN1对来自UPF网元的GTP-U报文的转发的路径。In another possible implementation, during the handover preparation process of the UE, 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. 5 , 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. After that, 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.
上述主要从源节点和中间节点之间交互的角度对本申请提供的方案进行了介绍。可以理解的是,为了实现上述功能,各网元包括了执行各个功能相应的硬件结构和/或软件模块(或单元)。本领域技术人员应该很容易意识到,结合本文中所公开的实施例描述的各示例的单元及算法步骤,本申请能够以硬件或硬件和计算机软件的结合形式来实现。某个功能究竟以硬件还是计算机软件驱动硬件的方式来执行,取决于技术方案的特定应用和设计约束条件。专业技术人员可以对每个特定的应用来使用不同方法来实现所描述的功能,但是这种实现不应认为超出本申请的范围。The solution provided by the present application has been introduced above mainly from the perspective of interaction between the source node and the intermediate node. It can be understood that, in order to realize the above functions, each network element includes a corresponding hardware structure and/or software module (or unit) for performing each function. Those skilled in the art should easily realize that 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.
图16和图17为本申请的实施例提供的可能的通信装置的结构示意图。这些通信装置可以用于实现上述方法实施例中源节点或中间节点的功能,因此也能实现上述方法实施例所具备的有益效果。在本申请的实施例中,该通信装置可以是图6或图10中的源节点,也可以是图6或图10中的中间节点,还可以是应用于源节点或中间节点的模块(如芯片)。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. In this embodiment of the present application, 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).
如图16所示。通信装置1600可以包括:处理单元1602和通信单元1603,还可以包括存储单元1601。通信装置1600用于实现上述图6或图10中所示的方法实施例中源节点或中间节点的功能。As shown in Figure 16. 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 .
一种可能的设计中,处理单元1602用于实现相应的处理功能。通信单元1603用于支持通信装置1600与其他网络实体的通信。存储单元1601,用于存储通信装置1600的程序代码和/或数据。可选地,通信单元1603可以包括接收单元和/或发送单元,分别用于执行接收和发送操作。In a possible design, 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 . Optionally, the communication unit 1603 may include a receiving unit and/or a sending unit for performing receiving and sending operations, respectively.
当通信装置1600用于实现方法实施例中源节点的功能时:处理单元1602,用于将报文封装在应用层报文中,所述应用层报文的报文头中包括所述应用层报文的目的节点的标识;通信单元1603,用于向第一中间节点发送所述应用层报文,所述第一中间节点位于所述通信装置和所述目的节点之间传输所述应用层报文的路径上。When the communication apparatus 1600 is configured to implement the function of the source node in the method embodiment: 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.
在一种可能的设计中,所述应用层报文的报文头中包括所述目的节点对应的隧道标识。In a possible design, the packet header of the application layer packet includes the tunnel identifier corresponding to the destination node.
在一种可能的设计中,所述隧道标识包括所述目的节点的标识。In a possible design, the tunnel identification includes the identification of the destination node.
在一种可能的设计中,所述通信单元1603,还用于接收来自会话管理功能网元的会话消息,所述会话消息包括所述目的节点的标识;或,接收来自会话管理功能网元的切换命令,所述切换命令包括所述目的节点的标识。In a possible design, 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.
在一种可能的设计中,所述通信装置为第一接入网设备、所述目的节点为用户面功能网元;或,所述通信装置为用户面功能网元、所述目的节点为第一接入网设备;或,所述通信装置为第一接入网设备、所述目的节点为第二接入网设备。In a possible design, 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. an access network device; or, the communication device is a first access network device, and the destination node is a second access network device.
在一种可能的设计中,所述应用层报文为GTP-U报文。In a possible design, the application layer message is a GTP-U message.
在另一种可能的实施中,处理单元1602,用于将报文封装在应用层报文中,所述应用层报文的报文头中包括一个或多个中间节点的标识,所述一个或多个中间节点位于所述通信装置和目的节点之间传输所述应用层报文的路径上;通信单元1603,用于向第一中间节点发送所述应用层报文,所述第一中间节点位于所述通信装置和所述目的节点之间传输所述应用层报文的路径上。In another possible implementation, 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.
在一种可能的设计中,所述一个或多个中间节点包括所述第一中间节点。In one possible design, the one or more intermediate nodes include the first intermediate node.
在一种可能的设计中,所述应用层报文的报文头中还包括所述目的节点对应的隧道标识。In a possible design, the packet header of the application layer packet further includes the tunnel identifier corresponding to the destination node.
在一种可能的设计中,所述通信单元1603,还用于接收来自会话管理功能网元的会话消息,所述会话消息包括所述一个或多个中间节点的标识;或,接收来自所述会话管理功能网元的切换命令,所述切换命令包括所述一个或多个中间节点的标识。In a possible design, 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. A handover command for the session management function network element, the handover command including the identifiers of the one or more intermediate nodes.
在一种可能的设计中,所述通信装置为第一接入网设备、所述目的节点为用户面功能网元;或,所述通信装置为用户面功能网元、所述目的节点为第一接入网设备;或,所述通信装置为第一接入网设备、所述目的节点为第二接入网设备。In a possible design, 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. an access network device; or, the communication device is a first access network device, and the destination node is a second access network device.
在一种可能的设计中,所述应用层报文为GTP-U报文。In a possible design, the application layer message is a GTP-U message.
当通信装置1600用于实现方法实施例中中间节点的功能时:When the communication apparatus 1600 is used to implement the function of the intermediate node in the method embodiment:
通信单元1603,用于接收来自源节点的应用层报文,所述应用层报文的报文头中包括所述应用层报文的目的节点的标识;处理单元1602,用于根据所述目的节点的标识,转发所述应用层报文。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.
在一种可能的设计中,所述应用层报文的报文头中包括所述目的节点对应的隧道标识。In a possible design, the packet header of the application layer packet includes the tunnel identifier corresponding to the destination node.
在一种可能的设计中,所述隧道标识包括所述目的节点的标识。In a possible design, the tunnel identification includes the identification of the destination node.
在一种可能的设计中,所述处理单元1602根据所述目的节点的标识,转发所述应用层报文时,具体用于根据所述目的节点的标识,获取所述应用层报文向所述目的节点传输的下一跳节点;所述通信单元1603,还用于向所述下一跳节点发送所述应用层报文。In a possible design, when forwarding the application layer packet according to the identifier of the destination node, the processing unit 1602 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.
在一种可能的设计中,所述源节点为第一接入网设备、所述目的节点为用户面功能网元;或,所述源节点为用户面功能网元、所述目的节点为第一接入网设备;或,所述源节点为第一接入网设备、所述目的节点为第二接入网设备。In a possible design, 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 access network device; or, the source node is a first access network device, and the destination node is a second access network device.
在一种可能的设计中,所述应用层报文为GTP-U报文。In a possible design, the application layer message is a GTP-U message.
在另一种可能的实施中,通信单元1603,用于接收来自源节点的应用层报文,所述应用层报文的报文头中包括一个或多个中间节点的标识,所述一个或多个中间节点位于所述源节点和目的节点之间传输所述应用层报文的路径上;所述处理单元1602,用于根据所述一个或多个中间节点的标识,转发所述应用层报文。In another possible implementation, 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.
在一种可能的设计中,所述应用层报文的报文头中还包括所述目的节点对应的隧道标识。In a possible design, the packet header of the application layer packet further includes the tunnel identifier corresponding to the destination node.
在一种可能的设计中,所述处理单元1602根据所述一个或多个中间节点的标识,转发所述应用层报文时,具体用于根据所述一个或多个中间节点的标识,获取所述应用层报文向所述目的节点传输的下一跳节点;所述通信单元1603,还用于向所述下一跳节点发送所述应用层报文。In a possible design, when forwarding the application layer packet according to the identifiers of the one or more intermediate nodes, the processing unit 1602 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.
在一种可能的设计中,所述处理单元1602还用于删除所述一个或多个中间节点的标识中所述通信装置的标识,或删除所述一个或多个中间节点的标识中所述通信装置的下一跳节点的标识。In a possible design, 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.
在一种可能的设计中,所述源节点为第一接入网设备、所述目的节点为用户面功能网元;或,所述源节点为用户面功能网元、所述目的节点为第一接入网设备;或,所述源节点为第一接入网设备、所述目的节点为第二接入网设备。In a possible design, 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 access network device; or, the source node is a first access network device, and the destination node is a second access network device.
在一种可能的设计中,所述应用层报文为GTP-U报文。In a possible design, the application layer message is a GTP-U message.
有关上述处理单元1602和通信单元1603更详细的描述可以直接参考图6或图10所 示的方法实施例中相关描述直接得到,这里不加赘述。More detailed descriptions about the above-mentioned processing unit 1602 and the communication unit 1603 can be obtained directly by referring to the relevant descriptions in the method embodiments shown in FIG. 6 or FIG. 10 , and details are not repeated here.
如图17所示,通信装置1700包括处理器1710和接口电路1720。处理器1710和接口电路1720之间相互耦合。可以理解的是,接口电路1720可以为收发器或输入输出接口。可选的,通信装置1700还可以包括存储器1730,用于存储处理器1710执行的指令或存储处理器1710运行指令所需要的输入数据或存储处理器1710运行指令后产生的数据。As shown in FIG. 17 , 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. It can be understood that the interface circuit 1720 can be a transceiver or an input-output interface. Optionally, 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.
当通信装置1700用于实现图6或图10所示的通信方法时,处理器1710用于实现上述处理单元1602的功能,接口电路1720用于实现上述通信单元1603的功能。When the communication device 1700 is used to implement the communication method shown in FIG. 6 or FIG. 10 , the processor 1710 is used to implement the function of the above-mentioned processing unit 1602 , and the interface circuit 1720 is used to implement the function of the above-mentioned communication unit 1603 .
作为本实施例的另一种形式,提供一种计算机可读存储介质,其上存储有指令,该指令被执行时可以执行上述方法实施例中适用于源节点或中间节点的通信方法。As another form of this embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, 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.
作为本实施例的另一种形式,提供一种包含指令的计算机程序产品,该指令被执行时可以执行上述方法实施例中适用于源节点或中间节点的通信方法。As another form of this embodiment, 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.
作为本实施例的另一种形式,提供一种芯片,所述芯片运行时,可以执行上述方法实施例中适用于源节点或中间节点的通信方法。As another form of this embodiment, 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.
本领域内的技术人员应明白,本申请的实施例可提供为方法、***、或计算机程序产品。因此,本申请可采用完全硬件实施例、完全软件实施例、或结合软件和硬件方面的实施例的形式。而且,本申请可采用在一个或多个其中包含有计算机可用程序代码的计算机可用存储介质(包括但不限于磁盘存储器、CD-ROM、光学存储器等)上实施的计算机程序产品的形式。As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, 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.
本申请是参照根据本申请实施例的方法、设备(***)、和计算机程序产品的流程图和/或方框图来描述的。应理解可由计算机程序指令实现流程图和/或方框图中的每一流程和/或方框、以及流程图和/或方框图中的流程和/或方框的结合。可提供这些计算机程序指令到通用计算机、专用计算机、嵌入式处理机或其他可编程数据处理设备的处理器以产生一个机器,使得通过计算机或其他可编程数据处理设备的处理器执行的指令产生用于实现在流程图一个流程或多个流程和/或方框图一个方框或多个方框中指定的功能的装置。The present application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the present application. It will be understood that each flow and/or block in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of flows and/or blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to the processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, embedded processor or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine such that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device produce Means for implementing the functions specified in a flow or flow of a flowchart and/or a block or blocks of a block diagram.
这些计算机程序指令也可存储在能引导计算机或其他可编程数据处理设备以特定方式工作的计算机可读存储器中,使得存储在该计算机可读存储器中的指令产生包括指令装置的制造品,该指令装置实现在流程图一个流程或多个流程和/或方框图一个方框或多个方框中指定的功能。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.
这些计算机程序指令也可装载到计算机或其他可编程数据处理设备上,使得在计算机或其他可编程设备上执行一系列操作步骤以产生计算机实现的处理,从而在计算机或其他可编程设备上执行的指令提供用于实现在流程图一个流程或多个流程和/或方框图一个方框或多个方框中指定的功能的步骤。These computer program instructions can also be loaded on a computer or other programmable data processing device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process such that The instructions provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the flow or blocks of the flowcharts and/or the block or blocks of the block diagrams.
尽管已描述了本申请的优选实施例,但本领域内的技术人员一旦得知了基本创造性概念,则可对这些实施例作出另外的变更和修改。所以,所附权利要求意欲解释为包括优选实施例以及落入本申请范围的所有变更和修改。While the preferred embodiments of the present application have been described, additional changes and modifications to these embodiments may occur to those skilled in the art once the basic inventive concepts are known. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be construed to include the preferred embodiment and all changes and modifications that fall within the scope of this application.
显然,本领域的技术人员可以对本申请实施例进行各种改动和变型而不脱离本申请实施例的精神和范围。这样,倘若本申请实施例的这些修改和变型属于本申请权利要求及其等同技术的范围之内,则本申请也意图包含这些改动和变型在内。Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications to the embodiments of the present application without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments of the present application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the embodiments of the present application fall within the scope of the claims of the present application and their equivalents, the present application is also intended to include these modifications and variations.
Claims (30)
- 一种通信方法,其特征在于,包括:A communication method, comprising:源节点将报文封装在应用层报文中,所述应用层报文的报文头中包括所述应用层报文的目的节点的标识;The source node encapsulates the message in an application layer message, and the header of the application layer message includes the identifier of the destination node of the application layer message;所述源节点向第一中间节点发送所述应用层报文,所述第一中间节点位于所述源节点和所述目的节点之间传输所述应用层报文的路径上。The source node sends the application layer message to a first intermediate node, where the first intermediate node is located on a path for transmitting the application layer message between the source node and the destination node.
- 如权利要求1所述的方法,其特征在于,所述应用层报文的报文头中包括所述目的节点对应的隧道标识。The method according to claim 1, wherein a packet header of the application layer packet includes a tunnel identifier corresponding to the destination node.
- 如权利要求2所述的方法,其特征在于,所述隧道标识包括所述目的节点的标识。The method of claim 2, wherein the tunnel identifier includes an identifier of the destination node.
- 如权利要求1-3中任一项所述的方法,其特征在于,所述方法还包括:The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the method further comprises:所述源节点接收来自会话管理功能网元的会话消息,所述会话消息包括所述目的节点的标识;或,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,所述源节点接收来自会话管理功能网元的切换命令,所述切换命令包括所述目的节点的标识。The source node receives a handover command from the session management function network element, and the handover command includes the identifier of the destination node.
- 如权利要求1-4中任一项所述的方法,其特征在于,所述源节点为第一接入网设备、所述目的节点为用户面功能网元;或,The method according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the source node is a first access network device, and the destination node is a user plane function network element; or,所述源节点为用户面功能网元、所述目的节点为第一接入网设备;或,The source node is a user plane functional network element, and the destination node is a first access network device; or,所述源节点为第一接入网设备、所述目的节点为第二接入网设备。The source node is a first access network device, and the destination node is a second access network device.
- 如权利要求1-5中任一项所述的方法,其特征在于,所述应用层报文为通用分组无线服务隧道协议用户面GTP-U报文。The method according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the application layer message is a general packet radio service tunneling protocol user plane GTP-U message.
- 一种通信方法,其特征在于,包括:A communication method, comprising:源节点将报文封装在应用层报文中,所述应用层报文的报文头中包括一个或多个中间节点的标识,所述一个或多个中间节点位于所述源节点和目的节点之间传输所述应用层报文的路径上;The source node encapsulates the message in an application layer message, and the header of the application layer message includes the identifiers of one or more intermediate nodes, and the one or more intermediate nodes are located at the source node and the destination node. on the path for transmitting the application layer message between them;所述源节点向第一中间节点发送所述应用层报文,所述第一中间节点位于所述源节点和所述目的节点之间传输所述应用层报文的路径上。The source node sends the application layer packet to a first intermediate node, and the first intermediate node is located on a path for transmitting the application layer packet between the source node and the destination node.
- 如权利要求7所述的方法,其特征在于,所述一个或多个中间节点包括所述第一中间节点。8. The method of claim 7, wherein the one or more intermediate nodes comprise the first intermediate node.
- 如权利要求7或8所述的方法,其特征在于,所述应用层报文的报文头中还包括所述目的节点对应的隧道标识。The method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the packet header of the application layer packet further includes a tunnel identifier corresponding to the destination node.
- 如权利要7-9中任一项所述的方法,其特征在于,所述方法还包括:The method according to any one of claims 7-9, wherein the method further comprises:所述源节点接收来自会话管理功能网元的会话消息,所述会话消息包括所述一个或多个中间节点的标识;或,the source node receives a session message from the session management function network element, the session message includes the identifiers of the one or more intermediate nodes; or,所述源节点接收来自所述会话管理功能网元的切换命令,所述切换命令包括所述一个或多个中间节点的标识。The source node receives a handover command from the session management function network element, the handover command including the identification of the one or more intermediate nodes.
- 如权利要求7-10中任一项所述的方法,其特征在于,所述源节点为第一接入网设备、所述目的节点为用户面功能网元;或,The method according to any one of claims 7-10, wherein the source node is a first access network device, and the destination node is a user plane function network element; or,所述源节点为用户面功能网元、所述目的节点为第一接入网设备;或,The source node is a user plane functional network element, and the destination node is a first access network device; or,所述源节点为第一接入网设备、所述目的节点为第二接入网设备。The source node is a first access network device, and the destination node is a second access network device.
- 如权利要求7-11中任一项所述的方法,其特征在于,所述应用层报文为通用分组无线服务隧道协议用户面GTP-U报文。The method according to any one of claims 7-11, wherein the application layer message is a general packet radio service tunneling protocol user plane GTP-U message.
- 一种通信方法,其特征在于,包括:A communication method, comprising:第一中间节点接收来自源节点的应用层报文,所述应用层报文的报文头中包括所述应用层报文的目的节点的标识;The first intermediate node receives the application layer message from the source node, and the message header of the application layer message includes the identifier of the destination node of the application layer message;所述第一中间节点根据所述目的节点的标识,转发所述应用层报文。The first intermediate node forwards the application layer message according to the identifier of the destination node.
- 如权利要求13所述的方法,其特征在于,所述应用层报文的报文头中包括所述目的节点对应的隧道标识。The method of claim 13, wherein a packet header of the application layer packet includes a tunnel identifier corresponding to the destination node.
- 如权利要求14所述的方法,其特征在于,所述隧道标识包括所述目的节点的标识。The method of claim 14, wherein the tunnel identification includes an identification of the destination node.
- 如权利要求13-15中任一项所述的方法,其特征在于,所述第一中间节点根据所述目的节点的标识,转发所述应用层报文,包括:The method according to any one of claims 13-15, wherein the first intermediate node forwards the application layer packet according to the identifier of the destination node, comprising:所述第一中间节点根据所述目的节点的标识,获取所述应用层报文向所述目的节点传输的下一跳节点;The first intermediate node obtains, according to the identifier of the destination node, a next hop node for transmitting the application layer message to the destination node;所述第一中间节点向所述下一跳节点发送所述应用层报文。The first intermediate node sends the application layer message to the next hop node.
- 如权利要求13-16中任一项所述的方法,其特征在于,所述源节点为第一接入网设备、所述目的节点为用户面功能网元;或,The method according to any one of claims 13-16, wherein the source node is a first access network device, and the destination node is a user plane function network element; or,所述源节点为用户面功能网元、所述目的节点为第一接入网设备;或,The source node is a user plane functional network element, and the destination node is a first access network device; or,所述源节点为第一接入网设备、所述目的节点为第二接入网设备。The source node is a first access network device, and the destination node is a second access network device.
- 如权利要求13-17中任一项所述的方法,其特征在于,所述应用层报文为通用分组无线服务隧道协议用户面GTP-U报文。The method according to any one of claims 13-17, wherein the application layer message is a general packet radio service tunneling protocol user plane GTP-U message.
- 一种通信方法,其特征在于,包括:A communication method, comprising:第一中间节点接收来自源节点的应用层报文,所述应用层报文的报文头中包括一个或多个中间节点的标识,所述一个或多个中间节点位于所述源节点和目的节点之间传输所述应用层报文的路径上;The first intermediate node receives an application layer packet from the source node, the packet header of the application layer packet includes the identifiers of one or more intermediate nodes, and the one or more intermediate nodes are located between the source node and the destination node. on the path for transmitting the application layer message between nodes;所述第一中间节点根据所述一个或多个中间节点的标识,转发所述应用层报文。The first intermediate node forwards the application layer packet according to the identifiers of the one or more intermediate nodes.
- 如权利要求19所述的方法,其特征在于,所述应用层报文的报文头中还包括所述目的节点对应的隧道标识。The method of claim 19, wherein the packet header of the application layer packet further includes a tunnel identifier corresponding to the destination node.
- 如权利要求19或20所述的方法,其特征在于,所述第一中间节点根据所述一个或多个中间节点的标识,转发所述应用层报文,包括:The method according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the first intermediate node forwards the application layer packet according to the identifiers of the one or more intermediate nodes, comprising:所述第一中间节点根据所述一个或多个中间节点的标识,获取所述应用层报文向所述目的节点传输的下一跳节点;The first intermediate node acquires, according to the identifiers of the one or more intermediate nodes, a next-hop node for transmitting the application layer message to the destination node;所述第一中间节点向所述下一跳节点发送所述应用层报文。The first intermediate node sends the application layer message to the next hop node.
- 如权利要求19-21中任一项所述的方法,其特征在于,所述方法还包括:The method of any one of claims 19-21, wherein the method further comprises:所述第一中间节点删除所述一个或多个中间节点的标识中所述第一中间节点的标识,或删除所述一个或多个中间节点的标识中所述第一中间节点的下一跳节点的标识。The first intermediate node deletes the identification of the first intermediate node in the identification of the one or more intermediate nodes, or deletes the next hop of the first intermediate node in the identification of the one or more intermediate nodes The ID of the node.
- 如权利要求19-22中任一项所述的方法,其特征在于,所述源节点为第一接入网设备、所述目的节点为用户面功能网元;或,The method according to any one of claims 19-22, wherein the source node is a first access network device, and the destination node is a user plane function network element; or,所述源节点为用户面功能网元、所述目的节点为第一接入网设备;或,The source node is a user plane functional network element, and the destination node is a first access network device; or,所述源节点为第一接入网设备、所述目的节点为第二接入网设备。The source node is a first access network device, and the destination node is a second access network device.
- 如权利要求19-23中任一项所述的方法,其特征在于,所述应用层报文为通用分组 无线服务隧道协议用户面GTP-U报文。The method according to any one of claims 19-23, wherein the application layer message is a general packet radio service tunneling protocol user plane GTP-U message.
- 一种源节点,其特征在于,包括:A source node, characterized in that it includes:通信单元,用于接收和发送数据;communication unit for receiving and sending data;处理单元,用于通过所述通信单元,实现权利要求1-12中任一项所述的方法。A processing unit, configured to implement the method of any one of claims 1-12 through the communication unit.
- 一种第一中间节点,其特征在于,包括:A first intermediate node, comprising:通信单元,用于接收和发送数据;communication unit for receiving and sending data;处理单元,用于通过所述通信单元,实现权利要求13-24中任一项所述的方法。A processing unit, configured to implement the method according to any one of claims 13-24 through the communication unit.
- 一种通信***,其特征在于,包括:A communication system, comprising:源节点,用于实现权利要求1-12中任一项所述的方法;A source node for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1-12;第一中间节点,用于实现权利要求13-24中任一项所述的方法。A first intermediate node for implementing the method of any one of claims 13-24.
- 一种计算机可读存储介质,其特征在于,所述计算机可读存储介质中存储有计算机程序,当所述计算机程序被计算机执行时,使得所述计算机执行如权利要求1-24中任一项所述的方法。A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, 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 any one of claims 1-24. the method described.
- 一种计算机程序,其特征在于,当所述计算机程序在计算机上运行时,使得所述计算机执行如权利要求1-24中任一项所述的方法。A computer program, characterized in that, when the computer program is run on a computer, the computer is caused to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-24.
- 一种芯片,其特征在于,所述芯片用于读取存储器中存储的计算机程序,执行如权利要求1-24中任一项所述的方法。A chip, characterized in that, the chip is used to read a computer program stored in a memory, and execute the method according to any one of claims 1-24.
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