CN114727361A - Processing method and device for network function selection and network equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention discloses a processing method and device for network function selection and network equipment. The method comprises the following steps: in the process of a terminal initiating a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session establishment flow, after a first type of Session Management Function (SMF) is selected by an access and mobile management function (AMF), the SMF interacts with a second type of SMF, and first information sent by the second type of SMF is received, wherein the first information is access information related to the PDU session; the first type of SMF selects a first type of User Plane Function (UPF) based on the first information.

Description

A processing method, device and network equipment for network function selection

technical field

The present invention relates to the technical field of wireless communication, in particular to a processing method, apparatus and network equipment for network function selection.

Background technique

In the process of establishing a Protocol Data Unit (PDU, Protocol Data Unit) session (PDU session), there is a limit to the User Plane Function (UPF, User Plane Function) that the Session Management Function (SMF, Session Management Function) can manage. When the location where the user is located needs a UPF, but the location is beyond the management area of the PDU Session Anchor (PSA, PDU Session Anchor) SMF (PSA SMF), it is necessary to insert a UPF into the PDU session that can manage the area where the user is located. SMF and UPF.

Currently, the Access and Mobile Management Function (AMF) first chooses to access the SMF (V-SMF, Visited-SMF) or the intermediate SMF (I-SMF, Intermediate-SMF), and then chooses to access the UPF (V-SMF) UPF) or intermediate UPF (I-UPF), after completing the selection of the visited network, the V-SMF/I-SMF contacts the PSA SMF, and the PSA SMF selects the PSA UPF.

This method may have problems in some vertical industry application scenarios. Some vertical industry users require that branches in different provinces or the same province be connected to the headquarters, but at the same time, some traffic must not be present, so it is required to access the network. Insert PSA UPF in user specific location (campus).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to solve the existing technical problems, the embodiments of the present invention provide a processing method, apparatus and network device for network function selection.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the technical scheme of the embodiment of the present invention is realized as follows:

In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a processing method for network function selection, the method comprising:

When the terminal initiates the PDU session establishment process, after the first type of SMF is selected by the AMF, it interacts with the second type of SMF, and receives the first information sent by the second type of SMF, where the first information is the PDU session relevant access information;

The first type of SMF selects a first type of UPF based on the first information.

In the above solution, the first information includes a data network access identifier (DNAI, DN AccessIdentifier) and/or a data network name (DNN, Data Network Name);

The first type of SMF selects a first type of user plane function based on the first information, including:

The range of the first type of SMF selection region satisfies the first type of UPF of the DNAI and/or the DNN.

In the above scheme, the DNAI corresponds to a specific region.

In the above solution, the method further includes: the first type of SMF sends downlink tunnel information to the second type of SMF.

In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a processing method for network function selection, the method comprising:

During the process of establishing a PDU session by the terminal, the second type of SMF interacts with the first type of SMF to determine the first information; the first information is the access information related to the PDU session; the first type of SMF is After the AMF is selected, it interacts with the second type of SMF;

The second type of SMF sends the first information to the first type of SMF.

In the above solution, the determining of the first information includes:

The second type of SMF determines the data DNAI based on the policy control and charging (PCC, Policy Control and Charging) policy of the user and the user location, and/or determines the DNN corresponding to the PDU session.

In the above scheme, the DNAI corresponds to a specific region.

In the above solution, after the second type of SMF interacts with the first type of SMF, the method further includes: the second type of SMF selects a second type of UPF.

In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a processing method for network function selection, the method includes: in the process of initiating a PDU session establishment process by a terminal, the AMF selects the first type based on the DNN corresponding to the PDU session SMF, the first type of SMF is used to select the second type of SMF, and the UPF is selected with a delay.

In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a processing apparatus for network function selection, the apparatus includes: a first receiving unit and a first selecting unit; wherein,

The first receiving unit is configured to interact with the second type of SMF after being selected by the AMF in the process of initiating the PDU session establishment process by the terminal, and receive the first information sent by the second type of SMF, the first information access information related to the PDU session;

The first selection unit is configured to select a first type of UPF based on the first information.

In the above scheme, the first information includes DNAI and/or DNN;

The first selection unit is configured to select the first type of UPF whose region range satisfies the DNAI and/or the DNN.

In the above scheme, the DNAI corresponds to a specific region.

In the above solution, the apparatus further includes a first sending unit configured to send downlink tunnel information to the second type of SMF.

In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a processing apparatus for network function selection, the apparatus includes: a determining unit and a second sending unit; wherein,

The determining unit is configured to interact with the first type of SMF during the process of initiating the PDU session establishment process by the terminal to determine first information; the first information is access information related to the PDU session; the first Class SMF interacts with the second class SMF after being selected by AMF;

The second sending unit is configured to send the first information to the first type of SMF.

In the above solution, the determining unit is configured to determine the DNAI based on the user's PCC policy and the user's location, and/or determine the DNN corresponding to the PDU session.

In the above scheme, the DNAI corresponds to a specific region.

In the above solution, the apparatus further includes a second selection unit, configured to select the second type of UPF after interacting with the first type of SMF.

In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a processing device for network function selection, the device includes: a third selection unit, configured to, during the process of initiating a PDU session establishment process by a terminal, based on the corresponding PDU session The DNN of selects the first type of SMF, which is used to select the second type of SMF, and delays the selection of the UPF.

In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program is stored, and when the program is executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method described in the foregoing first aspect of the embodiment of the present invention; or, When the program is executed by the processor, the steps of the method described in the foregoing second aspect of the embodiment of the present invention are implemented; or, when the program is executed by the processor, the steps of the method described in the foregoing third aspect of the embodiment of the present invention are realized.

In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a network device, including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and running on the processor, where the processor implements the present invention when executing the program For example, the steps of the method described in the foregoing first aspect; or, when the processor executes the program, the steps of the method described in the foregoing second aspect of the embodiments of the present invention are implemented; or, when the processor executes the program, this method is realized Embodiments of the Invention The steps of the method described in the foregoing third aspect.

In the processing method, device, and network device for network function selection provided by the embodiments of the present invention, on the one hand, in the process of initiating a PDU session establishment process by a terminal, after the first type of SMF is selected by the AMF, it interacts with the second type of SMF, The second type of SMF determines first information, and sends the first information to the first type of SMF, where the first information is access information related to the PDU session; the first type of SMF is based on the first information Select UPF. In the embodiment of the present invention, a new UPF selection method is adopted. After the AMF selects the first type of SMF, the UPF is not selected temporarily, that is, the UPF is selected after a delay, and the second type of SMF sends the access information related to the PDU session to the first type of SMF. Class SMF, and the first class SMF selects the appropriate UPF according to the access information, so as to meet the requirement of no traffic in vertical industry application scenarios, that is, vertical industry users require branches in different provinces or the same province to connect Enter the headquarters, but at the same time to meet the needs of some traffic not to go out, it can better meet the actual needs of vertical industry customers.

On the other hand, during the process of establishing a PDU session initiated by the terminal, the AMF selects the first type of SMF based on the DNN corresponding to the PDU session, and the first type of SMF is used to select the second type of SMF and delay the selection of UPF. The AMF in the embodiment of the present invention can select the corresponding first-type SMF according to the DNN, so that the DNN can provide users with end-to-end isolated network resources.

Description of drawings

1 is a schematic diagram of a flow chart of a PDU session establishment in a related technical solution;

2 is a schematic flowchart 1 of a processing method for network function selection according to an embodiment of the present invention;

3 is a second schematic flowchart of a processing method for network function selection according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic flowchart 3 of a processing method for network function selection according to an embodiment of the present invention;

5 is an application schematic diagram of a processing method for network function selection according to an embodiment of the present invention;

6 is a schematic diagram 1 of a processing apparatus for network function selection according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a second schematic diagram of a processing apparatus for network function selection according to an embodiment of the present invention;

8 is a schematic diagram 3 of a processing apparatus for network function selection according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic structural diagram of a hardware composition of a network device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed ways

Before the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention are described in detail, the PDU session establishment process in the related art is briefly described first. As shown in Figure 1, the PDU session establishment process includes:

1. The UE initiates a PDU Session Establishment Request (PDU Session Establishment Request) to the AMF.

2. The AMF performs SMF selection (SMF Selection); in this example, the visited SMF (V-SMF, Visited-SMF) is selected.

3a-3b, the AMF sends a session management context creation request (Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContextRequest) to the V-SMF, and the V-SMF sends a session management context creation response (Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContextResponse) to the AMF.

4. V-SMF performs UPF selection (UPF Selection). In this example, the visited UPF (V-UPF, Visited-UPF) is selected.

5a-5b, the V-SMF sends an N4 session establishment request (N4 Session EstablishmentRequest) to the V-UPF, and the V-UPF sends an N4 session establishment response (N4 Session Establishment Response) to the V-SMF.

6. The V-SMF sends a PDU session creation request (Nsmf_PDUSession_Create Request) to the home SMF (H-SMF, Home-SMF).

7. H-SMF performs subscription data retrieval/subscription from UDM (Subscription data retrieva/Subscribe)

8. PDU Session Authentication/Authorization is performed between the UE and the UDM.

9a. H-SMF performs PCF Selection. In this example, the home PCF (H-PCF, Home-PCF) is selected.

9b. Session management policy association establishment or SMF initiated session management policy association modification (SM Policy Association Establishment or SMF intiated SM PolicyAssociation Modification) is performed between the H-SMF and the H-PCF.

10. The H-SMF performs UPF selection (UPF Selection). In this example, the home UPF (H-UPF, Home-UPF) is selected.

11. SMF initiated SMPolicy Association Modification is performed between the H-SMF and the H-UPF.

12a. The H-SMF sends an N4 Session Establishment Request (N4 Session Establishment Request) to the H-UPF, and the H-UPF sends an N4 Session Establishment Response (N4 Session Establishment Response) to the H-SMF. The H-UPF sends the first downlink data (First Downlink Data) to the V-UPF.

12c. The H-SMF initiates a registration (Registration) to the UDM.

13. The H-SMF sends a PDU session creation response (Nsmf_PDUSession_Create Response) to the V-SMF.

In the process of establishing a PDU session, due to the limitation of the UPF area that the SMF can manage, when the user's location needs a UPF, but the location exceeds the management area of the PSA SMF of the PDN session, it needs to be in this PDU session. Insert an SMF and UPF that can manage the user's area.

It should be noted that the above example in FIG. 1 uses a home routed (Home Routed) method. When the user is in the international roaming state, in addition to the need to select the PSA SMF and PSA UPF of the home operator network for the PDU session, it also needs to insert the UPF into the visited network for charging and other functions. Since the home operator network cannot manage the UPF of the visited operator network, the V-SMF/V-UPF needs to be inserted into the visited operator network. When the user is in a non-international roaming state, when the AMF at the user's location cannot select a PSA SMF that can cover the location (for example, the user moves between large domestic areas), the I-SMF/I-UPF needs to be inserted.

As can be seen from the example shown in Figure 1, in the related scheme, AMF first selects V-SMF or I-SMF, and then V-SMF or I-SMF selects V-UPF or I-UPF, and after completing the selection of the visited network After that, V-SMF/I-SMF contact PSASMF, and PSA SMF selects PSA UPF.

This method may not be able to meet the requirement that traffic is not present in vertical industry application scenarios. Based on this, the following embodiments of the present invention are proposed.

The present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

The embodiment of the present invention provides a processing method for network function selection, which is applied to the first type of SMF. FIG. 2 is a schematic flowchart 1 of a processing method for network function selection according to an embodiment of the present invention; as shown in FIG. 2 , the method includes:

Step 101: During the process of initiating the PDU session establishment process by the terminal, after the first type of SMF is selected by the AMF, it interacts with the second type of SMF, and receives the first information sent by the second type of SMF, where the first information is the access information related to the PDU session;

Step 102: The first type of SMF selects a first type of UPF based on the first information.

In this embodiment, the terminal initiates a PDU session establishment process, as shown in Figure 1 for details, that is, the terminal sends a PDU session establishment request to the AMF, and the AMF selects an SMF with reference to related technologies, and the selected SMF is recorded as the first type of SMF. Exemplarily, the first type of SMF is V-SMF or I-SMF; the second type of SMF is PSA SMF; correspondingly, the first type of UPF is V-UPF or I-UPF, and the second type of UPF is PSAUPF. That is, in this embodiment, after being selected by the AMF, the first type of SMF does not select the first type of UPF, but contacts the second type of SMF (ie PSA SMF), from the second type of SMF (ie PSA SMF) to the first type of UPF. One type of SMF (ie V-SMF or I-SMF) sends PDU session related access information. Further, the first type of SMF (ie V-SMF or I-SMF) selects the first type of UPF (ie V-UPF or I-UPF) according to the access information related to the PDU session.

In some optional embodiments of the present invention, the first information includes DNAI and/or DNN; the first type of SMF selects a first type of user plane function based on the first information, including: the first type of SMF The range of the selected region satisfies the first type of UPF of the DNAI and/or the DNN.

In this embodiment, the DNAI represents the identifier of the user plane access of one or more DNs in which the application process is deployed. Exemplarily, the DNAI corresponds to an area range, for example, different areas may correspond to different DNAIs. Then the first type of SMF can select the first type of UPF (ie V-UPF or I-UPF) according to DNAI and/or DNN.

Optionally, the DNAI corresponds to a specific region range. For example, in order to meet the requirement that traffic does not appear in vertical industry application scenarios, the DNAI corresponds to the designated park area, that is, the first type of SMF (ie V-SMF or I-SMF) selects the first type of SMF within the park area corresponding to DNAI. One type of UPF (ie V-UPF or I-UPF).

In some optional embodiments of the present invention, the method further includes: sending, by the first type of SMF, downlink tunnel information to the second type of SMF.

In this embodiment, the downlink tunnel information may represent routing information of downlink data in the core network. Due to the new UPF selection method provided by the embodiment of the present invention, after the first type of SMF is selected by the AMF, the first type of UPF is not selected immediately, but the first type of UPF is selected delayed; After the information is selected to a suitable first-type UPF, the first-type SMF sends the downlink tunnel information to the second-type SMF (ie PSA SMF); because the second-type SMF (ie PSA SMF) does not currently know the first-type SMF selection The first type of UPF, so the second type of SMF (ie PSA SMF) is convenient to know the routing information of downlink data according to the downlink tunnel information, or the second type of SMF (ie PSA SMF) can also send the downlink tunnel information to the selected second Type UPF, so that the second type UPF can send downlink data to the first type UPF according to the downlink tunnel information.

Based on the above embodiments, the embodiments of the present invention further provide a processing method for network function selection, which is applied to the second type of SMF. FIG. 3 is a second schematic flowchart of a processing method for network function selection according to an embodiment of the present invention; as shown in FIG. 3 , the method includes:

Step 201: During the process of establishing a PDU session initiated by a terminal, the second type of SMF interacts with the first type of SMF to determine first information; the first information is access information related to the PDU session; the first Class SMF interacts with the second class SMF after being selected by AMF;

Step 202: The second type of SMF sends the first information to the first type of SMF.

In this embodiment, the terminal initiates a PDU session establishment process, as shown in Figure 1 for details, that is, the terminal sends a PDU session establishment request to the AMF, and the AMF selects an SMF with reference to related technologies, and the selected SMF is recorded as the first type of SMF. Exemplarily, the first type of SMF is V-SMF or I-SMF; the second type of SMF is PSA SMF; correspondingly, the first type of UPF is V-UPF or I-UPF, and the second type of UPF is PSAUPF. That is, in this embodiment, after being selected by the AMF, the first type of SMF does not select the first type of UPF, but contacts the second type of SMF (ie PSA SMF), from the second type of SMF (ie PSA SMF) to the first type of UPF. One type of SMF (ie V-SMF or I-SMF) sends PDU session related access information. Further, the first type of SMF (ie V-SMF or I-SMF) selects the first type of UPF (ie V-UPF or I-UPF) according to the access information related to the PDU session.

In some optional embodiments of the present invention, the determining of the first information includes: the second type of SMF determines the DNAI based on the user's PCC policy and the user's location, and/or determines the DNN corresponding to the PDU session.

In this embodiment, the DNAI represents the identifier of the user plane access of one or more DNs in which the application process is deployed. Exemplarily, the DNAI corresponds to an area range, for example, different areas may correspond to different DNAIs. Then the first type of SMF can select the first type of UPF (ie V-UPF or I-UPF) according to DNAI and/or DNN.

Optionally, the DNAI corresponds to a specific region range. For example, in order to meet the requirement that traffic does not appear in vertical industry application scenarios, the DNAI corresponds to the designated park area, that is, the first type of SMF (ie V-SMF or I-SMF) selects the first type of SMF within the park area corresponding to DNAI. One type of UPF (ie V-UPF or I-UPF).

In some optional embodiments of the present invention, after the second type of SMF interacts with the first type of SMF, the method further includes: the second type of SMF selects a second type of UPF.

In the embodiment of the present invention, a new UPF selection method is adopted. After the AMF selects the first type of SMF, the UPF is not selected temporarily, that is, the UPF is selected after a delay, and the second type of SMF sends the access information related to the PDU session to the first type of SMF. Class SMF, and the first class SMF selects the appropriate UPF according to the access information, so as to meet the requirement of no traffic in vertical industry application scenarios, that is, vertical industry users require branches in different provinces or the same province to connect Enter the headquarters, but at the same time to meet the needs of some traffic not to go out, it can better meet the actual needs of vertical industry customers.

The embodiment of the present invention also provides a processing method for network function selection, which is applied in AMF. FIG. 4 is a third schematic flowchart of a processing method for network function selection according to an embodiment of the present invention; as shown in FIG. 4 , the method includes:

Step 301: During the process of establishing a PDU session by a terminal, the AMF selects a first type of SMF based on the DNN corresponding to the PDU session, and the first type of SMF is used to select the second type of SMF and delay the selection of UPF.

With the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, when the terminal initiates the process of establishing a PDU session, the AMF selects the first type of SMF based on the data network name (DNN) corresponding to the PDU session, and the first type of SMF is used to select the second type of SMF. SMF-like, and delayed selection UPF. The AMF in the embodiment of the present invention can select the corresponding first-type SMF according to the DNN, so that the DNN can provide users with end-to-end isolated network resources.

The processing method for network function selection in the embodiment of the present invention is applicable to the scenario shown in FIG. 5 . In order to meet the requirements of vertical industry data not being present, V-SMF/V-UPF and I-SMF/I-UPF are inserted After that, the offloading UPF can be further inserted to offload part of the data flow in the PDU session locally. For example the PSA UPF inserted in the figure (UPF PDU Session Anchor 2 in Figure 5).

Based on the above embodiments, the embodiments of the present invention further provide a processing apparatus for network function selection, which is applied to the first type of SMF. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram 1 of a processing apparatus for network function selection according to an embodiment of the present invention; as shown in FIG. 6 , the apparatus includes: a first receiving unit 32 and a first selecting unit 31 ; wherein,

The first receiving unit 32 is configured to interact with the second type of SMF after being selected by the AMF in the process of initiating the PDU session establishment process by the terminal, and receive the first information sent by the second type of SMF, the first information sent by the second type of SMF. The information is the access information related to the PDU session;

The first selection unit 31 is configured to select the first type of UPF based on the first information.

In some optional embodiments of the present invention, the first information includes DNAI and/or DNN;

The first selection unit 31 is configured to select the first type of UPF whose region range satisfies the DNAI and/or the DNN.

In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, the DNAI corresponds to a specific region range.

In some optional embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus further includes a first sending unit 33, configured to send downlink tunnel information to the second type of SMF.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the first selection unit 31 in the device may be composed of a central processing unit (CPU, Central Processing Unit), a digital signal processor (DSP, Digital Signal Processor), a micro-control unit ( MCU, Microcontroller Unit) or Programmable Gate Array (FPGA, Field-Programmable Gate Array); the first receiving unit 32 and the first sending unit 33 in the device can be implemented through a communication module (including: basic Communication suites, operating systems, communication modules, standardized interfaces and protocols, etc.) and transceiver antenna implementation.

The embodiment of the present invention also provides a processing device for network function selection, which is applied to the second type of SMF. FIG. 7 is a second schematic diagram of a processing apparatus for network function selection according to an embodiment of the present invention; as shown in FIG. 7 , the apparatus includes: a determining unit 41 and a second sending unit 42; wherein,

The determining unit 41 is configured to interact with the first type of SMF during the process of initiating the PDU session establishment process by the terminal to determine first information; the first information is access information related to the PDU session; the first information is the access information related to the PDU session; One type of SMF is selected by the AMF to interact with the second type of SMF;

The second sending unit 42 is configured to send the first information to the first type of SMF.

In some optional embodiments of the present invention, the determining unit 41 is configured to determine the DNAI based on the user's PCC policy and the user's location, and/or determine the DNN corresponding to the PDU session.

In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, the DNAI corresponds to a specific region range.

In some optional embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus further includes a second selection unit, configured to select the second type of UPF after interacting with the first type of SMF.

In this embodiment of the present invention, the determining unit 41 and the second selecting unit in the device can be implemented by CPU, DSP, MCU or FPGA in practical applications; the second sending unit 42 in the device can be implemented in practical applications It can be implemented through communication modules (including: basic communication suite, operating system, communication modules, standardized interfaces and protocols, etc.) and transceiver antennas.

The embodiment of the present invention also provides a processing device for network function selection, which is applied in AMF. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram 3 of a processing apparatus for network function selection according to an embodiment of the present invention; as shown in FIG. 8 , the apparatus includes: a third selection unit 51, which is configured to, in the process of initiating a PDU session establishment process by a terminal, based on The DNN corresponding to the PDU session selects the first type of SMF, the first type of SMF is used to select the second type of SMF, and the UPF is selected with a delay.

In this embodiment of the present invention, the third selection unit 51 in the device may be implemented by a CPU, a DSP, an MCU, or an FPGA in practical applications.

It should be noted that: when the processing apparatus for network function selection provided by the above-mentioned embodiments performs the processing for network function selection, only the division of the above-mentioned program modules is used as an example for illustration. The above-mentioned processing distribution is completed by different program modules, that is, the internal structure of the device is divided into different program modules, so as to complete all or part of the above-described processing. In addition, the processing apparatus for network function selection provided by the above embodiments and the processing method for network function selection belong to the same concept, and the specific implementation process is detailed in the method embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

An embodiment of the present invention further provides a network device, and the network device may specifically be the first-type SMF, the second-type SMF, or the AMF in the foregoing embodiments. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a hardware structure of a network device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 9 , the network device includes a memory 62 , a processor 61 , and a computer program stored in the memory 62 and running on the processor 61 . , when the processor 61 executes the program, it implements the aforementioned steps of the processing method for network function selection in the first type of SMF in the embodiment of the present invention; or, when the processor 61 executes the program, it implements the present invention. The steps of the foregoing embodiment of the present invention are applied to the processing method for network function selection in the second type of SMF; or, when the processor 61 executes the program, the foregoing embodiment of the present invention is applied to the AMF for network function selection. The steps of the selected processing method.

The network device may further include a network interface 63 . The various components in the network device are coupled together by a bus system 64 . It will be appreciated that the bus system 64 is used to implement the connection communication between these components. In addition to the data bus, the bus system 64 also includes a power bus, a control bus and a status signal bus. However, for the sake of clarity, the various buses are labeled as bus system 64 in FIG. 9 .

It will be appreciated that the memory 62 may be either volatile memory or non-volatile memory, and may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM, Read Only Memory), a programmable read-only memory (PROM, Programmable Read-Only Memory), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM, Erasable Programmable Read-only memory) Only Memory), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM, Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), Magnetic Random Access Memory (FRAM, ferromagnetic random access memory), Flash Memory (Flash Memory), Magnetic Surface Memory , CD-ROM, or Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM, Compact Disc Read-Only Memory); the magnetic surface memory can be a magnetic disk memory or a tape memory. The volatile memory may be Random Access Memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache memory. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Synchronous Static Random Access Memory (SSRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory Memory (DRAM, Dynamic Random Access Memory), Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM, SynchronousDynamic Random Access Memory), Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (DDRSDRAM, Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory), Enhanced Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (ESDRAM, Enhanced Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory), Synchronous Link Dynamic Random Access Memory (SLDRAM, SyncLink Dynamic Random Access Memory), Direct Memory Bus Random Access Memory (DRRAM, Direct Rambus Random Access Memory) . The memory 62 described in the embodiments of the present invention is intended to include, but not be limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

The methods disclosed in the above embodiments of the present invention may be applied to the processor 61 or implemented by the processor 61 . The processor 61 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capability. In the implementation process, each step of the above-mentioned method can be completed by a hardware integrated logic circuit in the processor 61 or an instruction in the form of software. The above-mentioned processor 61 may be a general-purpose processor, a DSP, or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, and the like. The processor 61 may implement or execute the methods, steps, and logical block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor or the like. The steps of the method disclosed in combination with the embodiments of the present invention can be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware decoding processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module may be located in a storage medium, and the storage medium is located in the memory 62, and the processor 61 reads the information in the memory 62, and completes the steps of the foregoing method in combination with its hardware.

In an exemplary embodiment, the network device may be implemented by one or more Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC, Application Specific Integrated Circuit), DSP, Programmable Logic Device (PLD, Programmable Logic Device), Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD, Complex) Programmable Logic Device), FPGA, general-purpose processor, controller, MCU, microprocessor (Microprocessor), or other electronic component implementations for performing the aforementioned method.

In an exemplary embodiment, the embodiment of the present invention further provides a computer-readable storage medium, such as a memory 62 including a computer program, and the computer program can be executed by the processor 61 of the network device to complete the steps of the foregoing method. The computer-readable storage medium can be memory such as FRAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash Memory, magnetic surface memory, optical disk, or CD-ROM; it can also be various devices including one or any combination of the above memories.

An embodiment of the present invention further provides a computer-readable storage medium, on which a computer program is stored, and when the program is executed by a processor, implements the aforementioned processing for network function selection applied to the first type of SMF in the embodiment of the present invention The steps of the method; or, when the program is executed by the processor, it implements the steps of the aforementioned processing method for network function selection in the second type of SMF in the embodiment of the present invention; or, when the program is executed by the processor, the present invention is realized Embodiments The foregoing steps are applied to the processing method for network function selection in AMF.

The methods disclosed in the several method embodiments provided in this application can be arbitrarily combined under the condition of no conflict to obtain new method embodiments.

The features disclosed in the several product embodiments provided in this application can be combined arbitrarily without conflict to obtain a new product embodiment.

The features disclosed in several method or device embodiments provided in this application can be combined arbitrarily without conflict to obtain new method embodiments or device embodiments.

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

The unit described above as a separate component may or may not be physically separated, and the component displayed as a unit may or may not be a physical unit, that is, it may be located in one place or distributed to multiple network units; Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution in this embodiment.

In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present invention may all be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may be separately used as a unit, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit; the above-mentioned integration The unit can be implemented either in the form of hardware or in the form of hardware plus software functional units.

Those of ordinary skill in the art can understand that all or part of the steps of implementing the above method embodiments can be completed by program instructions related to hardware, the aforementioned program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and when the program is executed, execute It includes the steps of the above method embodiments; and the aforementioned storage medium includes: a removable storage device, a ROM, a RAM, a magnetic disk or an optical disk and other media that can store program codes.

Alternatively, if the above-mentioned integrated unit of the present invention is implemented in the form of a software function module and sold or used as an independent product, it may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention may be embodied in the form of software products in essence or the parts that make contributions to the prior art. The computer software products are stored in a storage medium and include several instructions for A computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) is caused to execute all or part of the methods described in the various embodiments of the present invention. The aforementioned storage medium includes: a removable storage device, a ROM, a RAM, a magnetic disk or an optical disk and other mediums that can store program codes.

The above are only specific embodiments of the present invention, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention. should be included within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims (20)

1. A processing method for network function selection, the method comprising:

in the process of a terminal initiating a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session establishment flow, after a first-class Session Management Function (SMF) is accessed and selected by a mobile management function (AMF), the SMF interacts with a second-class SMF and receives first information sent by the second-class SMF, wherein the first information is access information related to the PDU session;

the first type SMF selects a first type user plane function UPF based on the first information.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the first information comprises a data network access identification, DNAI, and/or a data network name, DNN;

the first type of SMF selects a first type of UPF based on the first information, and the method comprises the following steps:

the first type of SMF selection region ranges satisfies the DNAI and/or the first type of UPF of the DNN.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the DNAI corresponds to a specific regional scope.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:

and the first type SMF sends downlink tunnel information to the second type SMF.

5. A processing method for network function selection, the method comprising:

in the process of a terminal initiating a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session establishment flow, a second-type Session Management Function (SMF) interacts with a first-type SMF to determine first information; the first information is the access information related to the PDU session; the first type of SMF is accessed and interacts with the second type of SMF after being selected by a mobile management function (AMF);

and the second type SMF sends the first information to the first type SMF.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein determining the first information comprises:

and the second type SMF determines a data network access identification DNAI based on the policy control and charging PCC policy of the user and the user position, and/or determines a data network name DNN corresponding to the PDU session.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the DNAI corresponds to a specific regional scope.

8. The method according to any of claims 5 to 7, wherein after the interaction between the second type of SMF and the first type of SMF, the method further comprises:

and the second type SMF selects a second type user plane function UPF.

9. A processing method for network function selection, the method comprising:

in the process of a terminal initiating a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session establishment process, an access and mobile management function (AMF) selects a first type of Session Management Function (SMF) based on a Data Network Name (DNN) corresponding to the PDU session, and the first type of SMF is used for selecting a second type of SMF and delaying selection of a User Plane Function (UPF).

10. A processing apparatus for network function selection, the apparatus comprising: a first receiving unit and a first selecting unit; wherein,

the first receiving unit is configured to interact with a second type of SMF after being selected by the AMF in a process of initiating a PDU session establishment procedure by a terminal, and receive first information sent by the second type of SMF, where the first information is access information related to the PDU session;

the first selection unit is used for selecting the first type UPF based on the first information.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first information comprises DNAI and/or DNN;

the first selection unit is used for selecting a first type UPF of which the region range meets the DNAI and/or the DNN.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the DNAI corresponds to a specific regional scope.

13. The apparatus according to any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the apparatus further comprises a first sending unit, configured to send downlink tunnel information to the second type SMF.

14. A processing apparatus for network function selection, the apparatus comprising: a determining unit and a second transmitting unit; wherein,

the determining unit is used for interacting with the first type SMF in the process of initiating the PDU session establishment flow by the terminal to determine first information; the first information is the access information related to the PDU session; the first type SMF is accessed and interacted with the second type SMF after being selected by a mobile management function AMF;

the second sending unit is configured to send the first information to the first class SMF.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the determining unit is configured to determine a DNAI based on a PCC policy of a user and a user location, and/or determine a DNN corresponding to the PDU session.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the DNAI corresponds to a specific regional scope.

17. The arrangement according to any of the claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the arrangement further comprises a second selection unit for selecting a second type of user plane function, UPF, after interacting with the first type of SMF.

18. A processing apparatus for network function selection, the apparatus comprising: and a third selecting unit, configured to select, in a process in which a terminal initiates a PDU session establishment procedure, a first type of SMF based on a DNN corresponding to the PDU session, where the first type of SMF is used to select a second type of SMF and delay selection of a UPF.

19. A computer-readable storage medium, on which a computer program is stored which, when being executed by a processor, carries out the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4; or the program, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method of any one of claims 5 to 8; alternatively, the program when executed by a processor implements the steps of the method of claim 9.

20. A network device comprising a memory, a processor and a computer program stored on the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor when executing the program implements the steps of the method of any one of claims 1 to 4; or the processor, when executing the program, performs the steps of the method of any one of claims 5 to 8; alternatively, the processor implements the steps of the method of claim 9 when executing the program.

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