WO2023280168A1 - 群组用户通信方法及装置、网络设备和计算机可读存储介质 - Google Patents

群组用户通信方法及装置、网络设备和计算机可读存储介质 Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023280168A1
WO2023280168A1 PCT/CN2022/103952 CN2022103952W WO2023280168A1 WO 2023280168 A1 WO2023280168 A1 WO 2023280168A1 CN 2022103952 W CN2022103952 W CN 2022103952W WO 2023280168 A1 WO2023280168 A1 WO 2023280168A1
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Prior art keywords
group
user equipment
entity
upf
upf entity
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English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
陈琳
丰孝英
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ZTE Corp
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ZTE Corp
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Priority to EP22836917.9A priority Critical patent/EP4369748A4/en
Priority to US18/577,254 priority patent/US20250016527A1/en
Publication of WO2023280168A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023280168A1/zh
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/06—Selective distribution of broadcast services, e.g. multimedia broadcast multicast service [MBMS]; Services to user groups; One-way selective calling services
    • H04W4/08—User group management
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W40/00—Communication routing or communication path finding
    • H04W40/02—Communication route or path selection, e.g. power-based or shortest path routing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W40/00—Communication routing or communication path finding
    • H04W40/24—Connectivity information management, e.g. connectivity discovery or connectivity update
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W76/00—Connection management
    • H04W76/10—Connection setup
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W76/00—Connection management
    • H04W76/40—Connection management for selective distribution or broadcast
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W76/00—Connection management
    • H04W76/40—Connection management for selective distribution or broadcast
    • H04W76/45—Connection management for selective distribution or broadcast for Push-to-Talk [PTT] or Push-to-Talk over cellular [PoC] services
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W76/00—Connection management
    • H04W76/10—Connection setup
    • H04W76/11—Allocation or use of connection identifiers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W88/00—Devices specially adapted for wireless communication networks, e.g. terminals, base stations or access point devices
    • H04W88/14—Backbone network devices

Definitions

  • the present application relates to the technical field of communication, and specifically relates to a group user communication method, a group user communication device, a network device, and a computer-readable storage medium.
  • 5G fifth-generation mobile communication
  • VN Virtual Network
  • Group group
  • the virtual network group can provide partners with a customized 5G industry LAN, so that the enterprise terminal and the enterprise cloud are in the same "local area network".
  • the communication between group users in a 5G virtual network group (VN Group) relies on the session management function entity to deliver the packet detection rule (Packet Detection Rule, PDR) and packet forwarding rule (Forwarding Action Rule, FAR), when there are too many users in the group, the performance consumption of the system will increase.
  • PDR Packet Detection Rule
  • FAR Forwarding Action Rule
  • An embodiment of the present application provides a group user communication method, which is applied to a user plane function (UPF) entity.
  • the group user communication method includes: receiving a message forwarding request from a first user equipment; and configuring the message forwarding request as request forwarding The message is sent to the target user equipment, the first user equipment and the target user equipment are user equipment of the same virtual network group; by searching the group-level routing information of the current UPF entity, the UPF entity associated with the target user equipment is determined; and by the target user equipment The associated UPF entity forwards the packet requesting to be forwarded to the target user equipment.
  • UPF user plane function
  • An embodiment of the present application provides a group user communication method, which is applied to a network function library function (NRF) entity, and the group user communication method includes: receiving a network function (NF) discovery request of a first user plane function (UPF) entity , the NF discovery request includes a group identifier, the group identifier is the identification information sent by the session management function (SMF) to the first UPF, and the group identifier is configured to identify a virtual network group; the NF discovery response is sent to the first UPF Entity, the NF discovery response carries the UPF information and peer tunnel information of the peer UPF entity associated with the virtual network group; and receives the group-level routing information of the first UPF entity, and sends the peer UPF entity to the first UPF entity The group-level routing information of the first UPF entity, so that the first UPF entity can establish the group-level routing information of the first UPF entity according to the group-level routing information of each peer UPF entity, and implement the virtual network based on the group-level routing information of the
  • An embodiment of the present application provides a group user communication method, which is applied to a session management function (SMF) entity.
  • the group user communication method includes: sending an N4 session establishment request to a first user plane function (UPF) entity; session establishment request Carry the group identifier and the device identifier of the first user equipment, the group identifier is configured to identify a virtual network group; receive the N4 session establishment response of the first UPF entity; the first UPF entity is establishing an N4 session for the first user equipment
  • the group-level routing information corresponding to the equipment information of the first user equipment is added to the group-level routing information of the first UPF entity, and the user equipment in the virtual network group is performed according to the group-level routing information of the first UPF entity. communication between.
  • An embodiment of the present application provides a group user communication device, which is applied to a user plane function UPF entity.
  • the group user communication device includes: a receiving module configured to receive a message forwarding request from a first user equipment; a message forwarding request configuration In order to request forwarding the message to the target user equipment, the first user equipment and the target user equipment are user equipment of the same virtual network group; the search module is configured to determine the target user equipment associated by searching the group-level routing information of the current UPF entity A UPF entity; and a sending module configured to forward the message requested to be forwarded to the target user equipment through the UPF entity associated with the target user equipment.
  • An embodiment of the present application provides a group user communication device, which is applied to a network function library function (NRF) entity, and the group user communication device includes: a receiving module configured to receive a network function of a first user plane function (UPF) entity (NF) discovery request, the NF discovery request includes a group identifier, the group identifier is the identification information sent by the session management function (SMF) to the first UPF, and the group identifier is configured to identify a virtual network group; the sending module, It is configured to send an NF discovery response to the first UPF entity, and the NF discovery response carries the UPF information and the peer tunnel information of the peer UPF entity associated with the virtual network group; the receiving module is also configured to receive the group level of the first UPF entity Routing information, and send the group-level routing information of the peer UPF entity to the first UPF entity, so that the first UPF entity establishes the group-level routing information of the first UPF entity according to the group-level routing information of each peer UPF entity , and perform
  • An embodiment of the present application provides a group user communication device, which is applied to a session management function SMF entity, and the group user communication device includes: a sending module configured to send an N4 session establishment request to a first user plane function (UPF) entity;
  • the session establishment request carries the group identifier and the equipment identifier of the first user equipment, the group identifier is configured to identify a virtual network group; and the receiving module is configured to receive the N4 session establishment response of the first UPF entity; the first UPF entity
  • add the group-level routing information corresponding to the equipment information of the first user equipment to the group-level routing information of the first UPF entity, and according to the group-level routing information of the first UPF entity Information is communicated between user devices within a virtual network group.
  • An embodiment of the present application provides a network device, including: at least one processor; and a memory, on which at least one computer program is stored, and when the at least one computer program is executed by the at least one processor, the at least one processor realizes the above-mentioned Group user communication method.
  • An embodiment of the present application 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 processor, the above group user communication method is implemented.
  • FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a network architecture of a fifth-generation communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application
  • Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the communication mode of the user equipment in the 5G VN group under the 5G communication scenario provided by the embodiment of the present application;
  • FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a scenario of providing group services across SMF service areas provided by an embodiment of the present application
  • FIG. 4 shows a schematic flowchart of a group user communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application
  • FIG. 5 shows a schematic flow diagram of a UPF entity registering with an NRF entity provided in an embodiment of the present application
  • FIG. 6 shows a schematic flow diagram of a UPF entity updating registration information to an NRF entity provided by an embodiment of the present application
  • FIG. 7 shows a flow chart of UPF accessing a user equipment of a virtual group user provided by an example of the present application
  • FIG. 8 shows a flow chart of UPF accessing a user equipment of a virtual group user provided by an example of the present application
  • FIG. 9 shows a schematic flow diagram of the interaction between UPF and NRF provided in the example of this application.
  • FIG. 10 shows a schematic structural diagram of a UPF internal module provided according to an embodiment of the present application.
  • Figure 11 shows a flow chart of the group user communication method provided by the embodiment of the present application
  • Fig. 12 shows a flowchart of a group user communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application
  • FIG. 13 shows a schematic structural diagram of a group user communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application.
  • FIG. 14 shows a schematic structural diagram of a group user communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application.
  • FIG. 15 shows a schematic structural diagram of a group user communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application.
  • Fig. 16 shows a structural diagram of an exemplary hardware architecture of a computing device capable of implementing the group user communication method and apparatus according to the embodiments of the present application.
  • the network architecture based on the fifth-generation communication system is a service-based architecture, which uses the 5G network to provide VN (Virtual Network, virtual network) Group (group) functions. It is the third generation partnership project (3rd Generation Partnership Project) , 3GPP) is one of the more market-promising technologies at the relevant stage, which can provide partners with customized 5G industry local area networks, so that enterprise terminals and enterprise clouds are in the same "local area network”. This technology is mainly for enterprise cloud access, intelligent manufacturing and other fields, and realizes flexible group management of terminals, direct communication and access to enterprise cloud anytime and anywhere.
  • 3GPP Third Generation Partnership Project
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture of a fifth generation communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application.
  • the network architecture of the communication system includes but is not limited to: terminal equipment (User Equipment, UE) 101, radio access network (Radio Access Network, RAN) 102, access and mobility management function (Access and Mobility Management function, AMF) entity 103, authentication server function (Authentication Server Function, AUSF) entity 104, unified data management function (Unified Data Management, UDM) entity 105, session management function (Session Management function, SMF) entity 106, user plane function (User plane function) UPF) entity 107, policy control function (Policy Control Functionality, PCF) entity 108, network function library function (NF Repository Function, NRF) entity 109, network slice selection function (Network Slice Selection Function, NSSF) entity 110, application function ( Application Function, AF) entity 111, and data network (Data Network, DN) 112.
  • terminal equipment User Equipment, UE
  • Radio Access Network Radio Access
  • UE101 can access the 5G network and obtain services through the wireless air interface.
  • UE101 exchanges information with the base station through the air interface, and exchanges information with the AMF103 of the core network through non-access stratum signaling (Non-Access Stratum, NAS).
  • Non-Access Stratum Non-Access Stratum
  • RAN102 is responsible for air interface resource scheduling and air interface connection management for UE101 to access the network.
  • AMF103 is the core network control plane entity, mainly responsible for user mobility management, including registration and temporary identifier allocation; maintenance of idle (IDLE) and connection (CONNECT) states and state migration; switching in the connection (CONNECT) state; Trigger paging and other functions in idle (IDLE) state.
  • AUSF104 is a control plane entity of the core network, and is mainly responsible for authentication and authorization of users to ensure that users are legitimate users.
  • UDM105 is a control plane entity of the core network, belongs to the user server, and permanently stores user subscription data.
  • SMF106 is the core network control plane entity, mainly responsible for maintaining Protocol Data Unit (Protocol Data Unit, PDU) session (Session), responsible for allocating user Internet Protocol (Internet Protocol, IP) addresses, with Quality of Service (Quality of Service, QoS) control and billing functions, as well as receiving downlink data packets in idle (IDLE) state, buffering and notifying AMF103 to page users, etc.
  • PDU Protocol Data Unit
  • IP Internet Protocol
  • QoS Quality of Service
  • UPF107 is a functional entity of the user plane of the core network, responsible for forwarding user data packets, and also has functions such as collecting statistics on user data packets for charging.
  • PCF 108 is a control plane entity of the core network, and is a functional entity responsible for access and mobility management policies, UE policies, session management policies and charging rules. This functional entity mainly generates access and mobility management policies, UE routing policies, QoS rules and charging rules for user data transfer based on service information, user subscription information, and operator configuration information.
  • NRF109 is a core network control plane entity, responsible for dynamic registration of service capabilities of network functions and discovery of network functions.
  • NSSF110 is the core network control plane entity, responsible for the selection of the target network slice instance (Network Slice Instance, NSI).
  • NSI Network Slice Instance
  • AF111 is an application entity responsible for providing users with specific services.
  • the DN112 can be used to provide service data networks, such as data networks corresponding to services such as operator services, Internet access, and third-party services.
  • the communication system may further include: a binding support function (Binding Support Function, BSF) entity and a capability exposure function (Network Exposure Function, NEF) entity.
  • BSF Binding Support Function
  • NEF Network Exposure Function
  • the BSF entity can be used to query the PCF where the session is located according to the session information, such as: IP address, Media Access Control (MAC) address, and the group user communication method provided by the embodiment of the present application is used to expand the NF
  • the protocol function can also be used to query the SMF or UPF information where the session is located.
  • the NEF entity is the control plane entity of the core network, and is responsible for opening up the mobile network capabilities to the outside world.
  • the network architecture also includes the following reference points:
  • N1 reference point between UE101 and AMF103
  • N2 reference point between (R)AN102 and AMF103;
  • N3 reference point between (R)AN102 and UPF107
  • N4 reference point between SMF106 and UPF107
  • N5 reference point between PCF108 and AF111
  • N6 reference point between PSA UPF107 and data network 112
  • N7 reference point between SMF106 and PCF108; N8: reference point between UDM105 and AMF103;
  • N10 reference point between UDM105 and SMF106
  • N11 reference point between AMF103 and SMF106
  • N12 reference point between AMF103 and AUSF104
  • N13 reference point between UDM105 and AUSF104
  • N15 a reference point between PCF108 and AMF103 in a non-roaming scenario, or a reference point between PCF108 and AMF103 in a visited location in a roaming scenario; N22: a reference point between AMF103 and NSSF110.
  • the AMF entity may be referred to as AMF
  • the AUSF entity may be referred to as AUSF
  • the UDM entity may be referred to as UDM
  • the SMF entity may be referred to as SMF
  • the UPF entity may be referred to as SMF
  • the PCF entity may be referred to as PCF
  • the NRF entity may be abbreviated as NRF
  • the NSSF entity may be abbreviated as NSSF
  • the AF entity may be abbreviated as AF.
  • FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a communication mode of user equipment in a 5G VN group in a 5G communication scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application.
  • user equipments in a 5G VN group are exemplarily shown, such as UE1, UE2, UE3, UE4 and UE5.
  • UE1, UE2, UE3 and UE5 are associated with UPF1
  • UE4 is associated with UPF2
  • UE5 is associated with UPF3.
  • 5G VN group communication includes one-to-one communication and one-to-many communication.
  • One-to-one communication supports unicast traffic forwarding between two UEs within a 5G VN or between a UE and a device on a DN.
  • One-to-many communication supports forwarding of multicast traffic and broadcast traffic from one UE (or device on DN) to multiple or all UEs and devices on DN within the 5G VN.
  • 5G VN group communication can include the following three statistical methods: local switch method, N6-based communication method and N19-based communication method Way.
  • the data traffic is switched locally by a single UPF entity.
  • PSA shared PDU session anchor
  • the uplink (Up Line, UL)/downlink (Down Line, DL) service of 5G VN communication is forwarded to or from the DN.
  • the UL/DL communication used for 5G VN group communication is forwarded between PSA UPFs of different PDU sessions through N19.
  • N19 is based on shared user plane tunnels of PSA UPF sharing a single 5G VN group.
  • N19 is the reference point between two PSA UPFs for 5G LAN type services.
  • the 5G VN group includes UPF internal interfaces, such as internal interface (VN Internal Interface) 1 and internal interface 2. It can be seen from Figure 2 that no matter which communication method is used, it is necessary to use the UPF internal interface and perform the following two-step detection and forwarding process to realize traffic forwarding in the 5G VN group.
  • the first step is to forward the data packet received from any 5G VN group member (communication mode: communication through PDU session, communication through N6 or communication through N19) to the associated UPF internal interface (that is, the data packet
  • the destination interface of the packet is set to 5G VN internal interface).
  • the PDR installed on the UPF internal interface detects the packet and forwards it to the corresponding 5G VN group member (using the corresponding way of communication).
  • the communication between group user equipment relies on SMF to issue PDR and FAR instructions through the N4 interface.
  • the N4 signaling will be interacted.
  • Challenges are raised, especially the existing Ethernet Packet Filter (Ethernet Packet Filter) can only support 16 MAC addresses to carry, and the IP filter can only carry 4 IP addresses. Users frequently go online and offline or move, and the PDR/FAR of the session needs to be continuously modified, which increases the performance consumption of the system.
  • FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a scenario of providing group services across SMF service areas provided by an embodiment of the present application.
  • UE302 and UE303 in radio access network RAN301 are associated with UPF304, and UPF304 is within the service area of SMF305; enterprise data network 306 is associated with UPF307, and UPF307 is within the service area of SMF308 .
  • SMF305 is within service area 1
  • SMF308 is within service area 2
  • service area 1 and service area 2 are different service areas.
  • FIG. 4 shows a schematic flowchart of a communication method for group users provided by an embodiment of the present application.
  • the group user communication method may be applied to UPF.
  • the group user communication method may include steps S410 to S430.
  • S410 Receive a packet forwarding request from the first user equipment; the packet forwarding request is configured as a request to forward a packet to a target user equipment, and the first user equipment and the target user equipment are user equipment of the same virtual network group.
  • the current UPF entity when the current UPF entity receives a data packet of any 5G VN group user equipment, and needs to forward the data packet to the target user equipment of the same 5G VN group, it can search The UPF entity associated with the target user equipment forwards the packet requesting to be forwarded to the target user equipment. Realize the dynamic formation of group networks across UPFs. Since UPF is not limited to being associated with the same SMF, it can realize the dynamic formation of group networks across SMFs, which simplifies the complexity of network operation and maintenance.
  • the UPF at the visiting location that forwards the data packet can support local distribution of tunnel identifiers and Nupf service interfaces, and has registered with the NRF, and can be discovered by other UPFs.
  • the group user communication method may further include steps S11 and S12. S11.
  • the current UPF entity After the current UPF entity is powered on, it sends a registration request to the network function library function (NRF) entity; the registration request carries registration information, and the registration information includes at least virtual network group information supported by the current UPF entity.
  • S12. Receive a registration response returned by the NRF entity in response to the registration request, to determine that the current UPF entity has successfully registered on the NRF entity.
  • NRF network function library function
  • the UPF entity registers the supported group information with the NRF entity.
  • the UPF entity only needs to register with the NRF entity once when it is powered on, and does not need to register frequently, thereby simplifying the network operation and maintenance process.
  • Fig. 5 shows a schematic flow chart of a UPF entity registering with an NRF entity provided by the embodiment of the present application.
  • the UPF may support static LAN configuration, and after the UPF is powered on, registering with the NRF may include steps S501 to S503.
  • the UPF registers the supported virtual network group information with the NRF.
  • the virtual network group information may include a list of supported virtual network groups and associated N19 tunnel information.
  • the UPF may also register with the UPF the IP address and/or MAC address information of the user equipment associated with the UPF.
  • the NRF stores the virtual network group information.
  • the NRF returns a registration response to the UPF.
  • the registration information also includes group-level tunnel information associated with the current UPF entity; after it is determined that the current UPF entity is successfully registered on the NRF entity, the group user communication method further includes steps S21 and S22.
  • the registration update request carries the updated registration information
  • the predetermined trigger event includes at least one of the following items: the change of the virtual network group information configured by the current UPF entity, the access of the current UPF entity to a new virtual network group, and the association of the current UPF entity Group-level tunnel changes for .
  • the registration information can be updated to the NRF.
  • the trigger event also includes user equipment change; the device information includes: at least one of the device network address and the MAC address of the device media access control layer ; User equipment changes include: new user equipment access and existing user equipment offline.
  • the UPF entity needs to register the user equipment information under the virtual network group with the NRF entity, when a new user equipment accesses or the user equipment goes offline, it is also necessary to trigger the UPF entity to register with the NRF entity. Sign up for updates.
  • Fig. 6 shows a schematic flowchart of updating registration information from a UPF entity to an NRF entity provided by the embodiment of the present application.
  • the process of updating registration information to the NRF may include the following steps S601 to S604.
  • local configuration changes include deletion or addition of groups; or new groups are connected to UPF; changes to group-level tunnels include changes to group-level tunnels due to O&M or management requirements.
  • the UPF initiates a registration update request to the NRF, where the registration update request includes updated registration information.
  • the NRF stores the updated registration information.
  • the NRF may also check whether other UPFs have subscribed to the information, and the subscription includes one of implicit subscription and explicit subscription, so as to send a change notification message to the relevant UPF.
  • the NRF returns a registration response to the UPF.
  • the group user communication method before receiving the message forwarding request of the first user equipment, the group user communication method further includes steps S31 to S34.
  • S31 Receive an N4 session establishment request from a session management function (SMF) entity; the session establishment request carries group-level session information, and the group-level session information includes a group identifier and an equipment identifier of the first user equipment, and the group identifier is configured to identify a virtual network group.
  • SMF session management function
  • the current UPF entity finds the establishment information of the virtual network group, add group-level routing information corresponding to the equipment information of the first user equipment to the group-level routing information of the current UPF entity.
  • S33 Trigger the peer UPF entity associated with the virtual network group to update the group-level routing information of the peer UPF entity according to the user equipment address information of the first user equipment.
  • the current UPF entity finds the establishment information of the virtual network group, it means that the current UPF entity has joined the virtual network group, and if the first user equipment is not the first user equipment to access the current UPF entity, Then the current UPF entity has stored its own group-level routing information, and it is not necessary to re-establish its own group-level routing information, and directly add the group-level routing information corresponding to the equipment information of the first user equipment to the group-level routing information of the current UPF entity. Can.
  • the SMF when any member user equipment in the virtual network group establishes an N4 session, the SMF only needs to send the group identification information, and does not need to send the group PDR and FAR; the UPF discovers the virtual network group to the NRF
  • the associated peer UPF can report its group-level routing information to the NRF entity, and receive the group-level routing information of the peer UPF issued by the NRF, so as to learn the peer route independently and trigger the peer UPF to update its group Level routing information to facilitate the subsequent dynamic formation of group networks across UPFs or SMFs.
  • the UPF can obtain the diversion rules (or called traffic diversion rules) in the diversion rule library through the in-band tunnel, and use the traffic diversion rules to control all chained user equipment in the next few days. Network traffic for traffic distribution.
  • the group-level session information registered by the UPF to the NRF in step S31 includes, but is not limited to: group ID, the device ID of any user equipment in the virtual network group that needs to establish an N4 session, and the tunnel of the group-level tunnel Tunnel Endpoint Identifier (TEID), tunnel capacity load and other information.
  • group ID the device ID of any user equipment in the virtual network group that needs to establish an N4 session
  • TEID tunnel Tunnel Endpoint Identifier
  • the group user communication method further includes the following steps S41 to S45.
  • the current UPF entity establishes a group-level N19 tunnel of the virtual network group.
  • S45 Generate group-level routing information of the current UPF entity according to the group-level routing information of the peer UPF entity issued by the NRF entity.
  • the current UPF entity does not find the establishment information of the virtual network group, indicating that the current UPF entity has not yet joined the virtual network group, and the first user equipment is accessing the current UPF for the first time; in this case, the UPF The entity can discover the peer UPF information associated with the virtual network group from the NRF entity through the network service discovery interface (NFDiscovery), and then build the N19 tunnel by itself to learn the IP/MAC forwarding table information to generate and store the group-level routing of the current UPF information.
  • NFDiscovery network service discovery interface
  • the registration information carried in the registration request may include an address segment for subsequent allocation of user equipment in the virtual network group. address.
  • the registration information carried in the registration request may include the device information in the virtual network group, which is used to separately register with the NRF the device information of the user equipment in the virtual network group; at this time , if the first user equipment accesses the current UPF for the first time, in the process of establishing an N4 session establishment request for the first user equipment, it is necessary to trigger the peer UPF entity associated with the virtual network group, according to the user equipment of the first user equipment
  • the address information updates the group-level routing information of the peer UPF entity.
  • step S33 can be realized in the following two ways.
  • the above step S33 may include: sending a first group-level session update request to the NRF entity;
  • the first group-level session update request carries the device information of the first user equipment, and the first group-level session update request is configured to request the NRF entity to notify each peer UPF entity to increase the group-level corresponding to the device information of the first user equipment routing information.
  • the UPF may directly update the group-level session information to the NRF, and then the NRF notifies each UPF of the change information, so that each UPF adds group-level routing information corresponding to the equipment information of the first user equipment.
  • the above step S33 may include: sending the first access to each peer UPF entity Announcement, the first access announcement carries the equipment information of the first user equipment, so as to inform each peer UPF entity to add group-level routing information corresponding to the first user equipment information.
  • the UPF may send an access announcement about the new user equipment to each peer UPF, and notify the device information (IP address, MAC address, etc.) of the associated new access user equipment.
  • FIG. 7 is a flow chart of UPF accessing user equipment of virtual group users provided by an example of the present application.
  • UPF1 is the current UPF
  • UPF2 and UPF3 are peer UPFs associated with the virtual group
  • UE1 is the first user equipment in the virtual user group (GROUP1)
  • the current UPF accesses the virtual group user’s UPF for the first time.
  • the user equipment is the first user equipment UE1.
  • the process for the user equipment to access the UPF may include steps S701 to S710.
  • the SMF initiates an N4 session establishment request for the first user equipment UE1.
  • the N4 session establishment request carries group identification information of the virtual user group GROUP1.
  • the N4 session establishment request is a session establishment request sent by the SMF to the UPF1 in response to the user access request of the first user equipment UE1.
  • UPF1 does not find the establishment information of GROUP1 locally, and queries NRF for UPF information managed by the NRF and peer tunnel information. For example, NRF returns UPF information of the peer UPF such as UPF2 and UPF information of UPF3.
  • UPF1 establishes a group-level N19 tunnel of GROUP1, and registers group-level session information with the NRF.
  • UPF1 sends an access notification to UPF2, and notifies UPF2 of the IP address or MAC address information of the first user equipment UE1.
  • UPF1 sends an access notification to UPF3, and notifies UPF3 of the IP address or MAC address information of the associated first user equipment UE1.
  • some implementations may include the above steps S704 to S705, and some implementations may not include the above steps S704 and S705; for example, when the UPF1 entity registers with the NRF entity, if the UPF1 entity registers a virtual For user equipment information under the network group, an access notification can be sent to UPF2 and UPF2 respectively by performing the above steps S704 and S705.
  • the group-level session information may also be directly updated to the NRF, and then the NRF notifies each UPF of the change message.
  • UPF1 returns a session establishment success response to the SMF.
  • the SMF returns a user access success response to the first user equipment UE1 in response to the session establishment success response.
  • the uplink packets of the first user equipments UE1 to UE2 arrive at the UPF1.
  • the UPF1 searches for a forwarding relationship.
  • UPF1 discovers that UE2 is associated with UPF2, and then forwards the message through the N19 tunnel.
  • UPF2 After receiving the downlink message, UPF2 forwards it to UE2.
  • the current UPF discovers the peer UPF information associated with the group from the NRF, then builds the N19 tunnel by itself, learns the route of the peer, and receives the first
  • group communication across UPFs is realized under 5G.
  • FIG. 8 is a flow chart of UPF accessing user equipment of virtual group users provided by an example of the present application.
  • UPF1 is the current UPF
  • UPF2 and UPF3 are peer UPFs associated with the virtual network group Group
  • UE1 and UE2 are any two user equipments in the virtual user group (GROUP1).
  • UPF1 has been accessed by user equipment UE1 of GROUP1 and needs to access another user equipment UE2 in GROUP1 again.
  • the process for the user equipment UE2 to access the UPF may include steps S801 to S811.
  • the SMF initiates an N4 session establishment request for UE2, carrying group information of GROUP1.
  • UPF1 finds the group information of the group GROUP1 locally, and directly adds the group-level routing information corresponding to the equipment information of UE2 to the local group-level routing information of UPF1, such as a local forwarding table.
  • the UPF1 sends the UE2 access notification to the associated UPF2, and notifies the IP or MAC address information of the accessed UE2.
  • the UPF1 sends the UE2 access notification to the associated UPF3, and notifies the IP or MAC address information of the accessed UE2.
  • some implementations may include steps S803 to S804, and some implementations may not include steps S803 and S804, for example, when the UPF1 entity registers with the NRF entity, if the UPF1 entity registers a virtual network with the NRF entity For user equipment information under the group, an access notification is sent to UPF2 and UPF3 respectively by performing the above steps S803 to S804.
  • the group-level session information may also be directly updated to the NRF, and then the NRF notifies each UPF of the change information.
  • UPF1 returns a session establishment success response to the SMF.
  • the SMF returns a user access success response to the UE2 in response to the session establishment success response.
  • UE2 initiates a multicast or broadcast message, and reaches UPF1.
  • UPF1 searches for the forwarding relationship, and if it finds that there is a local user in the group GROUP1, it directly performs local forwarding.
  • UPF1 finds that there are still users in the group on UPF2, then copies and forwards the message to UPF2 through the N19 tunnel.
  • the UPF2 After receiving the downlink message, the UPF2 forwards it to the corresponding user.
  • the UE offline process is also similar to the process shown in Figure 8, the difference is that in step S802, UPF1 finds the information of the group GROUP1 locally, and directly transfers the group-level routing information corresponding to the offline device from the local group-level routing information of UPF1 and in steps 803 and 804, UPF1 sends a notification to UPF2 and UPF3, instructing UPF2 and UPF3 to delete the group-level routing information corresponding to the device information of the offline device.
  • Fig. 9 shows a schematic flowchart of the interaction between the UPF and the NRF provided by the example of the present application.
  • user equipments UE1 to UE4 are user equipments in the same virtual network group Group1, and UE1 and UE3 access UPF1, and UE2 and UE4 access UF2.
  • UPF2 registers supported group information with NRF, and UPF2 can also register an address segment with NRF for subsequent access to users in the virtual network group device, or separately register the device information of the user equipment in the virtual network group with the NRF.
  • the NRF sends a change notification message (Nnrf_NFStatusNotify) to UPF1 according to the registration information carried in the registration request.
  • UPF1 can discover peer UPF information (Nnrf_NFDiscovery) associated with the group from the NRF through the discovery interface.
  • Nnrf_NFDiscovery peer UPF information
  • UPF1 builds the N19 tunnel by itself and learns the IP/MAC forwarding table information.
  • UPF exposes group-level LAN session information to NRF and learns peer routes, which facilitates the dynamic formation of group networks across UPFs (or cross-SMFs), simplifying the complexity of network operation and maintenance.
  • Fig. 10 shows a schematic structural diagram of a UPF internal module provided by an embodiment of the present application.
  • the internal modules of UPF may include: business message processing module (Packet Forward Unit, PFU) 1001, PFU management module (PFU manger, UPM) 1002, state data backup module (Local DataBase, LDB) 1003, message Analysis (Deep packet inspection, DPI) 1004, configuration management service (Operation Administration and Maintenance, OAM) 1005, hypertext transfer protocol load balancing module (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Load Balance, HTTP LB) 1006 and message forwarding control protocol adapter ( Packet Forwarding Control Protocol Adapter, PFCP Adapter) 1007.
  • PFU1001 is configured to forward and process packets from ports N3, N6, and N9.
  • UPM1002 is configured for PFU life cycle management, user plane resource allocation and management; sending and receiving N4 port messages, processing PFCP node related messages; distributing PFCP session messages to PFU; and implementing requirements and PFU can be separated or combined.
  • LDB1003 provides state data backup for other microservices in UPF, and realizes stateless operation of other microservices in UPF; the implementation requirements can be separated or combined with PFU.
  • DPI1004 in the 5G core network (5GC), DPI exists as an independent microservice; it may also be deployed in one with the PFU.
  • OAM1005 configuration management service in NF, completes functions such as configuration and tracking.
  • HTTP LB1006 configured as a protocol load balancing module, is also responsible for HTTP protocol encoding and decoding.
  • PFCP Adapter1007 is responsible for encoding and decoding PFCP protocol.
  • a customer terminal equipment may have multiple Ethernet terminals attached to it, that is, a customer terminal equipment may have At least one MAC address, which needs to be collected in time and released to all associated UPFs in the virtual network group.
  • the group user communication method further includes: sending a second group-level session update request to the NRF entity registered with the current UPF entity;
  • the second group-level session update request carries the new MAC address of the first user equipment, and the second group-level session update request is configured to request the NRF entity to notify each peer UPF entity associated with the virtual network group to add the new MAC address Corresponding group-level routing information.
  • the group-level session information can be directly updated to the NRF, and then the NRF notifies each UPF of the change.
  • the group user communication method further includes: sending a second access notification to each peer UPF associated with the virtual network group; the second access notification carries the new MAC address of the first user equipment to inform Each peer UPF entity adds group-level routing information corresponding to the new MAC address of the first user equipment.
  • the UPF1 entity when the UPF1 entity registers with the NRF entity, if the UPF1 entity registers the user equipment information under the virtual network group with the NRF entity, it sends access to each peer UPF associated with the virtual network group. Notification, so that all associated UPFs in the virtual network group update the group-level routing information corresponding to the new MAC address.
  • the group user communication method further includes: sending a third group-level session update request to the NRF entity registered with the current UPF entity, so as to request the NRF entity to notify the virtual network group association
  • Each peer UPF entity deletes the group-level routing information corresponding to the aging MAC address.
  • the group user communication method further includes: sending the first The third access notification is sent to each peer UPF associated with the virtual network group; the third access notification carries the aging MAC address of the first user equipment to inform each peer UPF entity to delete the group level corresponding to the aging MAC address routing information.
  • the aging MAC address is the MAC address of the user equipment associated with the current UPF entity, and within the preset aging time of the MAC address, there is no corresponding message exchange for the aging MAC address.
  • the current UPF can set a MAC aging timer, and if there is no message corresponding to the MAC address within the set time, a MAC aging process is initiated, and the associated UPF is notified to delete the corresponding MAC forwarding record.
  • step S430 may include steps S51 and S52.
  • the UPF entity associated with the target user equipment is the current UPF entity, forward the packet requesting to be forwarded to the target user equipment through local switching.
  • the UPF entity associated with the target user equipment is any peer UPF entity in the virtual network group, then forward the message requested to be forwarded to the peer UPF entity associated with the target user equipment through the group-level N19 tunnel, so as to pass The peer UPF entity associated with the target user equipment forwards the packet to the target user equipment.
  • the message can be sent to the peer UPF entity associated with the target user equipment through the group-level N19 tunnel, so as to forward the message to the target user equipment through the peer UPF entity associated with the target user equipment.
  • the user equipment realizes group equipment communication across UPF.
  • the packet requesting to be forwarded is a multicast or broadcast packet, and the above step 430 includes steps S53 and S54.
  • S53 Forward the packet requested to be forwarded to the local user equipment through local switching; the local user equipment is the user equipment associated with the current UPF entity in the virtual network group.
  • S54 through the group-level N19 tunnel, forward the message requested to be forwarded to the peer UPF entity associated with other user equipment, so as to forward the message requested to be forwarded to other user equipment through the peer UPF entity associated with other user equipment; other user equipment It is the user equipment associated with any peer UPF entity in the virtual network group.
  • the message can be sent to the peer UPF entity associated with the virtual network group through the group-level N19 tunnel, so as to forward the message to the associated UPF entity through the peer UPF entity.
  • Each user equipment of the UPF realizes group equipment communication across the UPF.
  • the group user communication method further includes steps S61 and S62.
  • the current UPF receives the message sent by the peer UPF entity, it directly internally forwards the message to the target user equipment.
  • the user equipment corresponding to the destination address of the message is a user equipment associated with the current UPF entity; if the message sent by the peer UPF entity is a group broadcast or broadcast message, the user equipment corresponding to the message destination address is each user equipment associated with the current UPF entity.
  • the current UPF can choose to send the message forwarded by the peer UPF entity to a target device (for unicast messages) or to each accessed user equipment (for multicast or broadcast message) to realize group device communication across UPF.
  • FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of a communication method for group users provided by an embodiment of the present application.
  • the group user communication method can be applied to NRF, and the group user communication method includes steps S1110 to S1130.
  • NF network function
  • UPF user plane function
  • S1110 Receive a network function (NF) discovery request of a first user plane function (UPF) entity, where the NF discovery request includes a group identifier, and the group identifier is identification information sent by the session management function (SMF) to the first UPF, and The group ID is configured to identify a virtual network group.
  • NF network function
  • UPF user plane function
  • S1120 Send an NF discovery response to the first UPF entity, where the NF discovery response carries UPF information and peer tunnel information of the peer UPF entity associated with the virtual network group.
  • S1130 Receive the group-level routing information of the first UPF entity, and deliver the group-level routing information of the peer UPF entity to the first UPF entity, so that the first UPF entity, according to the group-level routing information of each peer UPF entity, Establish group-level routing information of the first UPF entity, and perform communication between user equipments in the virtual network group according to the group-level routing information of the first UPF entity.
  • the NRF receives the NF discovery request of the UPF, so that the UPF entity can discover the peer UPF information associated with the virtual network group from the NRF entity through the network service discovery interface (NFDiscovery). , and then self-build N19 tunnel, learn IP/MAC forwarding table information to generate and store current UPF group-level routing information; UPF realizes cross-UPF group device communication according to the group-level routing information, and realizes cross-SMF dynamic group formation Network, simplifying the complexity of network operation and maintenance.
  • NFDiscovery network service discovery interface
  • the communication between the user equipments includes message forwarding, and the first UPF entity is associated with the first user equipment; the first UPF entity receives the message forwarding request of the first user equipment to request forwarding the message
  • the group-level routing information of the first UPF entity is configured to determine the UPF entity associated with the target user equipment, so that the first UPF entity passes through the UPF entity associated with the target user equipment , forwarding the packet requested to be forwarded to the target user equipment.
  • the group user communication method further includes: receiving a registration request sent by the first UPF entity, where the registration request carries registration information, and the registration information includes at least the virtual network group supported by the first UPF entity Group information: store virtual network group information supported by the first UPF entity, and send a registration response to the first UPF entity to indicate that the first UPF entity has successfully registered on the current NRF entity.
  • the UPF can be registered with the NRF entity, so that the UPF becomes a registered UPF device on the NRF entity, so as to be used for subsequent group device communication.
  • the registration information also includes group-level tunnel information associated with the current UPF entity; after sending the registration response to the first UPF entity, the group user communication method further includes steps S71 to S73.
  • S71. Receive a registration update request from the first UPF entity; the registration update request carries updated registration information, and the updated registration information is the registration information updated by the first UPF entity according to a predetermined trigger event.
  • S72. Store the updated registration information.
  • S73. Send a registration update response to the first UPF entity, which is used to indicate that the first UPF entity successfully updates the registration on the current NRF entity.
  • the registration information can be updated with the NRF.
  • the updated registration information includes updated device information; then after step S72, the group user communication method further includes step S74.
  • the NRF may check whether other UPFs have subscribed to the registration information, and the subscription includes one of implicit subscription and explicit subscription, so as to send a change notification message to the relevant UPF.
  • the group user communication method further includes steps S1140 to S1160.
  • S1140 Receive a group-level session update request sent by the first UPF entity.
  • S1150 Store updated group-level routing information of the first UPF entity.
  • S1160 Send a group-level session change notification to the peer UPF entity associated with the virtual network group, where the group-level session change notification carries updated group-level routing information.
  • the above group-level session update request includes: a first group-level session update request, the first group-level session update request carrying updated group-level routing information of the first UPF entity; or, a second group-level session update request, the second group-level session update request
  • the new MAC address of the first user equipment is carried in the level session update request; or the third group level session update request carries the aging MAC address of the first user equipment in the third group level session update request.
  • the group user communication method further includes: sending a group-level session change notification to the peer UPF entity associated with the virtual network group, the group-level session change notification carrying the first UPF entity Updated group-level routing information.
  • the SMF when any member user equipment in the virtual network group establishes an N4 session, the SMF only needs to issue group identification information, and does not need to issue group PDR and FAR; UPF Discover the peer UPF associated with the virtual network group to the NRF, and report its own group-level routing information to the NRF entity, and receive the group-level routing information of the peer UPF issued by the NRF, so as to learn the peer route independently and trigger The peer UPF updates its own group-level routing information to facilitate subsequent cross-UPF or cross-SMF dynamic formation of a group network to achieve cross-UPF or cross-SMF group communication.
  • FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of a communication method for group users provided by an embodiment of the present application.
  • the group user communication method can be applied to SMF, and the group user communication method includes steps S1210 and S1220.
  • S1210 Send an N4 session establishment request to a first user plane function (UPF) entity; the session establishment request carries a group identifier and an equipment identifier of the first user equipment, and the group identifier is configured to identify a virtual network group.
  • UPF user plane function
  • the first UPF entity adds group-level routing information corresponding to the device information of the first user equipment to the group-level routing information of the first UPF entity, and according to the first UPF entity
  • the group-level routing information of the virtual network group communicates between user equipments.
  • the SMF when the SMF sends the N4 session establishment request to the first user plane function UPF entity, it only needs to send the group identification information, and does not need to send the group PDR and FAR, Therefore, the communication of group users no longer depends on the PDR and FAR instructions issued by SMF, which reduces the dependence of UPF on the control plane in the 5G LAN deployment scenario, and simplifies the N4 interface message bandwidth and signaling interaction process.
  • the communication between user equipments includes message forwarding; in the case where the first UPF entity receives the message forwarding request of the first user equipment, if the message forwarding request is configured to request forwarding the message to the same
  • the group-level routing information of the first UPF entity is configured to determine the UPF entity associated with the target user equipment, so that the first UPF entity forwards the request through the UPF entity associated with the target user equipment. packets to the target user equipment.
  • the group user communication method provided by the embodiment of this application can enhance the self-deployment and self-government capabilities of the UPF in the 5G LAN deployment scenario, reduce the dependence on the control plane, simplify the N4 interface message bandwidth and signaling interaction process, and provide UE Provides an elastic autonomous network model, supports cross-regional free movement to access LAN sessions; meets the business needs of cross-regional intercommunication, makes full use of the 5GC network, and accelerates the application of 5G LAN services.
  • 5G LAN technology is mainly used in vertical industries.
  • the group user communication method provided by the embodiment of this application can be applied to industries such as coal mines, power grids, and industrial control; such as sinking private networks, cross-regional private network services for medium and large enterprises, and industrial control Domain cross-regional control business and so on.
  • FIG. 13 shows a schematic structural diagram of a group user communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application.
  • the group user communication device is applied to a user plane function (UPF) entity, and the group user communication device may include a receiving module 1310 , a search module 1320 and a sending module 1330 .
  • UPF user plane function
  • the receiving module 1310 is configured to receive a message forwarding request from the first user equipment; the message forwarding request is configured to request forwarding a message to a target user equipment, and the first user equipment and the target user equipment are user equipment of the same virtual network group.
  • the searching module 1320 is configured to determine the UPF entity associated with the target user equipment by searching the group-level routing information of the current UPF entity.
  • the sending module 1330 is configured to forward the packet requesting to be forwarded to the target user equipment through the UPF entity associated with the target user equipment.
  • the sending module 1330 is further configured to send a registration request to the network function library function (NRF) entity after the current UPF entity is powered on before receiving the message forwarding request of the first user equipment;
  • the registration request carries Registration information, the registration information includes at least virtual network group information supported by the current UPF entity;
  • the receiving module 1310 is also configured to receive a registration response returned by the NRF entity in response to the registration request, so as to determine that the current UPF entity is successfully registered on the NRF entity.
  • NRF network function library function
  • the registration information also includes group-level tunnel information associated with the current UPF entity;
  • the sending module 1330 is further configured to, after determining that the current UPF entity is successfully registered on the NRF entity, under the trigger of a predetermined trigger event, send to the NRF
  • the entity initiates a registration update request;
  • the registration update request carries updated registration information, and the predetermined trigger event includes at least one of the following items: the virtual network group information configured by the current UPF entity changes, and the current UPF entity accesses a new virtual network group , and the group-level tunnel associated with the current UPF entity;
  • the receiving module 1310 is also configured to receive a registration update response returned by the NRF entity in response to the registration update request, so as to determine that the current UPF entity is successfully registered and updated on the NRF entity.
  • the trigger event also includes user equipment change; the device information includes: at least one of the device network address and the MAC address of the device media access control layer ; User equipment changes include: new user equipment access and existing user equipment offline.
  • the group user communication device may further include a receiving module 1310 , a route learning module, a triggering module and a sending module 1330 .
  • the receiving module 1310 is further configured to receive an N4 session establishment request of a session management function (SMF) entity before receiving a message forwarding request of the first user equipment;
  • the session establishment request carries the group identifier and the device identifier of the first user equipment , the group identifier is configured to identify the virtual network group;
  • the routing learning module is configured to add the group-level routing information corresponding to the device information of the first user equipment to the current UPF entity if the current UPF entity finds the establishment information of the virtual network group
  • the trigger module is configured to trigger the peer UPF entity associated with the virtual network group, and update the group-level routing information of the peer UPF entity according to the user equipment address information of the first user equipment;
  • the sending module 1330 is further configured to return a session establishment response to the SMF entity, which
  • the group user communication device may also include a sending module 1330, a receiving module 1310, a tunnel establishment module and a route learning module. If the current UPF entity does not find the establishment information of the virtual network group, the sending module 1330 is further configured to add the group-level routing information corresponding to the equipment information of the first user equipment to the group-level routing information of the current UPF entity , sending a network function (NF) discovery request to the NRF entity, the NF discovery request includes a group identifier; the receiving module 1310 is also configured to receive the NF discovery response returned by the NRF entity in response to the NF discovery request, and the NF discovery response carries the peer UPF The UPF information of the entity and the peer tunnel information; the tunnel establishment module is configured to establish a group-level N19 tunnel of the virtual network group for the current UPF entity; the sending module 1330 is also configured to report the group-level routing information of the current UPF entity to the NRF entity; The routing learning module is configured to generate group-level routing information of the current
  • the trigger module is further configured to send a first group-level session update request to the NRF entity; the first The group-level session update request carries the equipment information of the first user equipment, and the first group-level session update request is configured to request the NRF entity to notify each peer UPF entity to add group-level routing information corresponding to the equipment information of the first user equipment .
  • the triggering module is further configured to send to each peer UPF entity through the sending module 1330
  • the first access notification carries the device information of the first user equipment, so as to inform each peer UPF entity to add group-level routing information corresponding to the first user equipment information.
  • the sending module 1330 is further configured to send a second group-level session update request to the NRF entity registered with the current UPF entity; the second group The UPF session update request carries the new MAC address of the first user equipment, so as to request the NRF entity to notify each peer UPF entity associated with the virtual network group to add group-level routing information corresponding to the new MAC address.
  • the sending module 1330 is also configured to send a second access notification to each peer UPF associated with the virtual network group; the second access notification carries the new MAC address of the first user equipment to inform each The peer UPF entity adds group-level routing information corresponding to the new MAC address of the first user equipment.
  • the sending module 1330 is further configured to send a third group-level session update request to the NRF entity registered with the current UPF entity, so as to request the NRF entity to notify each virtual network group association
  • a peer UPF entity deletes the group-level routing information corresponding to the aging MAC address
  • the aging MAC address is detected, and the registration information carried when the current UPF entity sends a registration request to the NRF entity includes the device information in the virtual network group, then
  • the sending module 1330 is further configured to send a third access notification to each peer UPF associated with the virtual network group; the third access notification carries the aging MAC address of the first user equipment to inform each peer UPF entity Delete the group-level routing information corresponding to the aging MAC address;
  • the aging MAC address is the MAC address of the user equipment associated with the current UPF entity, and within the preset aging time of the MAC address, there is no corresponding message exchange for the aging MAC address.
  • the sending module 1330 is further configured to forward the packet requested to be forwarded through local switching if the UPF entity associated with the target user equipment is the current UPF entity To the target user equipment; if the UPF entity associated with the target user equipment is any peer UPF entity in the virtual network group, forward the requested message to the peer UPF entity associated with the target user equipment through the group-level N19 tunnel , so as to forward the packet to the target user equipment through the peer UPF entity associated with the target user equipment.
  • the packet requested to be forwarded is a multicast or broadcast packet
  • the sending module 1330 is also configured to forward the packet requested to be forwarded to the local user equipment through local switching
  • the local user equipment is a virtual network group
  • other user equipments are user equipments associated with any peer UPF entity in the virtual network group.
  • the receiving module 1310 is also configured to receive a message sent by the peer UPF entity of the virtual network group; the message sent by the peer UPF entity carries the message destination address, and the message destination address corresponds to The user equipment is associated with the current UPF entity; the sending module 1330 is further configured to forward the message sent by the peer UPF entity to the user equipment corresponding to the destination address of the message.
  • the user equipment corresponding to the destination address of the message is a user equipment associated with the current UPF entity; if the message sent by the peer UPF entity is a group broadcast or broadcast message, the user equipment corresponding to the message destination address is each user equipment associated with the current UPF entity.
  • the current UPF entity when the current UPF entity receives a data packet of any 5G VN group user equipment and needs to forward the data packet to the target user equipment of the same 5G VN group, it can search The UPF entity associated with the target user equipment forwards the packet requesting to be forwarded to the target user equipment. Realize the dynamic formation of group networks across UPFs. Since UPF is not limited to associate with the same SMF, dynamic formation of group networks across SMFs can be realized, which simplifies the complexity of network operation and maintenance.
  • FIG. 14 shows a schematic structural diagram of a group user communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application.
  • the group user communication device is applied to a network function library function NRF entity, and the group user communication device may include a receiving module 1410 and a sending module 1420 .
  • the receiving module 1410 is configured to receive a network function (NF) discovery request of a first user plane function (UPF) entity, where the NF discovery request includes a group identifier, and the group identifier is an identifier sent to the first UPF by a session management function (SMF) information, and the group ID is configured to identify a virtual network group.
  • NF network function
  • UPF user plane function
  • SMF session management function
  • the sending module 1420 is configured to send an NF discovery response to the first UPF entity, where the NF discovery response carries UPF information and peer tunnel information of the peer UPF entity associated with the virtual network group.
  • the receiving module 1410 is also configured to receive the group-level routing information of the first UPF entity, and deliver the group-level routing information of the peer UPF entity to the first UPF entity, so that the first UPF entity establish the group-level routing information of the first UPF entity, and perform communication between user equipments in the virtual network group according to the group-level routing information of the first UPF entity.
  • the communication between the user equipments includes message forwarding, and the first UPF entity is associated with the first user equipment; the first UPF entity receives the message forwarding request of the first user equipment to request forwarding the message
  • the group-level routing information of the first UPF entity is configured to determine the UPF entity associated with the target user equipment, so that the first UPF entity passes through the UPF entity associated with the target user equipment , forwarding the packet requested to be forwarded to the target user equipment.
  • the group user communication device may further include a receiving module 1410 , a storage module and a sending module 1420 .
  • the receiving module 1410 is also configured to receive the registration request sent by the first UPF entity before receiving the network function NF discovery request of the first user plane function UPF entity; the registration request carries registration information, and the registration information includes at least the virtual network function supported by the current UPF entity.
  • Network group information; the storage module is configured to store virtual network group information supported by the first UPF entity; the sending module 1420 is configured to send a registration response to the first UPF entity to indicate that the first UPF entity is successfully registered on the current NRF entity.
  • the registration information also includes group-level tunnel information associated with the current UPF entity; the receiving module 1410 is also configured to receive the registration update request of the first UPF entity after sending the registration response to the first UPF entity; the registration update request carry updated registration information, the updated registration information is the registration information updated by the first UPF entity according to a predetermined trigger event; the storage module is also configured to store the updated registration information; the sending module 1420 is also configured to send a registration update response to the first UPF entity The UPF entity is used to indicate that the first UPF entity successfully updates and registers on the current NRF entity.
  • the sending module 1420 is also configured to send the subscription to The UPF of the registration information sends a change notification for the registration information.
  • the receiving module 1410 is further configured to receive the group-level session update request sent by the first UPF entity after sending the group-level routing information of the peer UPF entity to the first UPF entity;
  • the storage module is configured to store the The updated group-level routing information of a UPF entity;
  • the sending module 1420 is configured to send a group-level session change notification to the peer UPF entity associated with the virtual network group, and the group-level session change notification carries updated group-level routing information;
  • the session update request includes: a first group-level session update request, carrying updated group-level routing information of the first UPF entity in the first group-level session update request; or, a second group-level session update request, a second group-level session update request.
  • the request carries the new MAC address of the first user equipment; or the third group-level session update request carries the aged MAC address of the first user equipment.
  • the sending module 1420 is further configured to, after sending the group-level routing information of the peer UPF entity to the first UPF entity, send a group-level session change notification to the peer UPF entity associated with the virtual network group, and the group The updated group-level routing information is carried in the session change notification.
  • the NRF receives the NF discovery request of the UPF, so that the UPF entity can discover the peer UPF information associated with the virtual network group from the NRF entity through the network service discovery interface (NFDiscovery), Then self-build N19 tunnel, learn IP/MAC forwarding table information to generate and store current UPF group-level routing information; UPF realizes cross-UPF group device communication according to the group-level routing information.
  • NFDiscovery network service discovery interface
  • FIG. 15 shows a schematic structural diagram of a group user communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application.
  • the group user communication device is applied to the session management function SMF entity, and the group user communication device may include a sending module 1510 and a receiving module 1520 .
  • the sending module 1510 is configured to send an N4 session establishment request to a first user plane function (UPF) entity; the session establishment request carries a group identifier and an equipment identifier of the first user equipment, and the group identifier is configured to identify a virtual network group.
  • UPF user plane function
  • the receiving module 1520 is configured to receive the N4 session establishment response of the first UPF entity.
  • the first UPF entity adds group-level routing information corresponding to the device information of the first user equipment to the group-level routing information of the first UPF entity, and according to the first UPF entity
  • the group-level routing information of the virtual network group communicates between user equipments.
  • the communication between user equipments includes message forwarding; in the case where the first UPF entity receives the message forwarding request of the first user equipment, if the message forwarding request is configured to request forwarding the message to the same target user devices in the virtual network group,
  • the group-level routing information of the first UPF entity is configured to determine the UPF entity associated with the target user equipment, so that the first UPF entity forwards the packet requested to be forwarded to the target user equipment through the UPF entity associated with the target user equipment.
  • the SMF when the SMF sends the N4 session establishment request to the first user plane function UPF entity, it only needs to send the group identification information, and does not need to send the group PDR and FAR, so that The communication of group users no longer depends on the PDR and FAR instructions issued by SMF, which reduces the dependence of UPF on the control plane in the 5G LAN deployment scenario, and simplifies the N4 interface message bandwidth and signaling interaction process.
  • FIG. 16 is a structural diagram illustrating an exemplary hardware architecture of a computing device capable of implementing the group user communication method and apparatus according to the embodiments of the present application.
  • a computing device 1600 includes an input device 1601 , an input interface 1602 , a central processing unit 1603 , a memory 1604 , an output interface 1605 , and an output device 1606 .
  • the input interface 1602, the central processing unit 1603, the memory 1604, and the output interface 1605 are connected to each other through the bus 1610, and the input device 1601 and the output device 1606 are respectively connected to the bus 1610 through the input interface 1602 and the output interface 1605, and then communicate with other components of the computing device 1600. Component connections.
  • the input device 1601 receives input information from the outside, and transmits the input information to the central processing unit 1603 through the input interface 1602; the central processing unit 1603 processes the input information based on the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 1604 to generate output information, and The output information is temporarily or permanently stored in the memory 1604, and then the output information is transmitted to the output device 1606 through the output interface 1605; the output device 1606 outputs the output information to the outside of the computing device 1600 for use by the user.
  • the computing device shown in FIG. 16 can be implemented as a network device that can include: a memory configured to store a computer program; and a processor configured to run the computer program stored in the memory. A program to execute the above-mentioned group user communication method.
  • the embodiment of the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, where the computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, the group user communication method described in the above-mentioned embodiments is implemented.
  • the various embodiments of the present application can be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof.
  • some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software, which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device, although the application is not limited thereto.
  • Computer program instructions may be assembly instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state setting data, or source code written in any combination of one or more programming languages or object code.
  • ISA instruction set architecture
  • Any logic flow block diagrams in the drawings of the present application may represent program steps, or may represent interconnected logic circuits, modules and functions, or may represent a combination of program steps and logic circuits, modules and functions.
  • Computer programs can be stored on memory.
  • the memory may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as, but not limited to, read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), optical memory devices and systems (digital versatile disc DVD or CD), etc.
  • Computer readable media may include non-transitory storage media.
  • the data processor can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment, such as but not limited to general purpose computer, special purpose computer, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), programmable logic device (FGPA) and processors based on multi-core processor architectures.
  • DSP digital signal processor
  • ASIC application specific integrated circuit
  • FGPA programmable logic device

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Abstract

本申请提出一种群组用户通信方法、一种群组用户通信装置、一种网络设备和一种计算机可读存储介质，该群组用户通信方法包括：接收第一用户设备的报文转发请求；其中，报文转发请求配置为请求转发报文到目标用户设备，第一用户设备和目标用户设备为同一虚拟网络群组的用户设备；通过查找当前用户面功能(UPF)实体的组级路由信息，确定目标用户设备关联的UPF实体；以及通过目标用户设备关联的UPF实体，转发请求转发的报文至目标用户设备。

Description

群组用户通信方法及装置、网络设备和计算机可读存储介质
相关申请的交叉引用
本申请要求于2021年7月7日提交的中国专利申请NO.202110765555.5的优先权，该中国专利申请的内容通过引用的方式整体合并于此。
技术领域
本申请涉及通信技术领域，具体涉及群组用户通信方法、群组用户通信装置、网络设备和计算机可读存储介质。
背景技术
移动通信目前已经发展到第五代移动通信(5th-generation，5G)阶段。5G的网络架构和前几代移动通信技术的网络架构相比，主要特点是基于服务化的架构。利用5G网络提供虚拟网络(Virtual Network，VN)群组(Group)功能，是相关阶段较具市场前景的技术之一。
虚拟网络群组(VN Group)可为合作伙伴提供定制化5G行业局域网，使得企业终端与企业云共处于同一个“局域网”中。在目前5G通信场景下，5G虚拟网络群组(VN Group)中群组用户之间的通信依赖会话管理功能实体下发报文识别规则(Packet Detection Rule，PDR)和报文转发规则(Forwarding Action Rule，FAR)的指示，当群组内用户过多时，系统的性能消耗会增加。
公开内容
本申请实施例提供一种群组用户通信方法，应用于用户面功能(UPF)实体，该群组用户通信方法包括：接收第一用户设备的报文转发请求；报文转发请求配置为请求转发报文到目标用户设备，第一 用户设备和目标用户设备为同一虚拟网络群组的用户设备；通过查找当前UPF实体的组级路由信息，确定目标用户设备关联的UPF实体；以及通过目标用户设备关联的UPF实体，转发请求转发的报文至目标用户设备。
本申请实施例提供一种群组用户通信方法，应用于网络功能库功能(NRF)实体，该群组用户通信方法包括：接收第一用户面功能(UPF)实体的网络功能(NF)发现请求，NF发现请求中包括群组标识，群组标识是会话管理功能(SMF)发送至第一UPF的标识信息，且群组标识配置为标识一个虚拟网络群组；发送NF发现响应至第一UPF实体，NF发现响应中携带虚拟网络群组关联的对端UPF实体的UPF信息和对端隧道信息；以及接收第一UPF实体的组级路由信息，并向第一UPF实体下发对端UPF实体的组级路由信息，以使第一UPF实体根据每个对端UPF实体的组级路由信息，建立第一UPF实体的组级路由信息，并根据第一UPF实体的组级路由信息进行虚拟网络群组内用户设备之间的通信。
本申请实施例提供一种群组用户通信方法，应用于会话管理功能(SMF)实体，该群组用户通信方法包括：发送N4会话建立请求至第一用户面功能(UPF)实体；会话建立请求中携带群组标识和第一用户设备的设备标识，群组标识配置为标识一个虚拟网络群组；接收第一UPF实体的N4会话建立响应；第一UPF实体在为第一用户设备建立N4会话的过程中，将与第一用户设备的设备信息对应的组级路由信息添加至第一UPF实体的组级路由信息，并根据第一UPF实体的组级路由信息进行虚拟网络群组内用户设备之间的通信。
本申请实施例提供一种群组用户通信装置，应用于用户面功能UPF实体，该群组用户通信装置包括：接收模块，配置为接收第一用户设备的报文转发请求；报文转发请求配置为请求转发报文到目标用户设备，第一用户设备和目标用户设备为同一虚拟网络群组的用户设备；查找模块，配置为通过查找当前UPF实体的组级路由信息，确定目标用户设备关联的UPF实体；以及发送模块，配置为通过目标用户设备关联的UPF实体，转发请求转发的报文至目标用户设备。
本申请实施例提供一种群组用户通信装置，应用于网络功能库功能(NRF)实体，该群组用户通信装置包括：接收模块，配置为接收第一用户面功能(UPF)实体的网络功能(NF)发现请求，NF发现请求中包括群组标识，群组标识是会话管理功能(SMF)发送至第一UPF的标识信息，且群组标识配置为标识一个虚拟网络群组；发送模块，配置为发送NF发现响应至第一UPF实体，NF发现响应中携带虚拟网络群组关联的对端UPF实体的UPF信息和对端隧道信息；接收模块，还配置为接收第一UPF实体的组级路由信息，并向第一UPF实体下发对端UPF实体的组级路由信息，以使第一UPF实体根据每个对端UPF实体的组级路由信息，建立第一UPF实体的组级路由信息，并根据第一UPF实体的组级路由信息进行虚拟网络群组内用户设备之间的通信。
本申请实施例提供一种群组用户通信装置，应用于会话管理功能SMF实体，该群组用户通信装置包括：发送模块，配置为发送N4会话建立请求至第一用户面功能(UPF)实体；会话建立请求中携带群组标识和第一用户设备的设备标识，群组标识配置为标识一个虚拟网络群组；以及接收模块，配置为接收第一UPF实体的N4会话建立响应；第一UPF实体在为第一用户设备建立N4会话的过程中，将与第一用户设备的设备信息对应的组级路由信息添加至第一UPF实体的组级路由信息，并根据第一UPF实体的组级路由信息进行虚拟网络群组内用户设备之间的通信。
本申请实施例提供一种网络设备，包括：至少一个处理器；以及存储器，其上存储有至少一个计算机程序，当至少一个计算机程序被至少一个处理器执行时，使得至少一个处理器实现上述的群组用户通信方法。
本申请实施例提供了一种计算机可读存储介质，该计算机可读存储介质存储有计算机程序，当该计算机程序被处理器执行时实现上述的群组用户通信方法。
关于本申请的以上实施例和其他方面以及其实现方式，在附图说明、具体实施方式和权利要求中提供更多说明。
附图说明
图1示出本申请实施例提供的第五代通信系统的网络架构示意图；
图2示出本申请实施例提供的5G通信场景下5G VN组内的用户设备的通信方式示意图；
图3示出本申请实施例提供的跨SMF服务区提供群组服务的场景示意图；
图4示出本申请实施例提供的群组用户通信方法的流程示意图；
图5示出本申请实施例提供的UPF实体向NRF实体注册的流程示意图；
图6示出本申请实施例提供的UPF实体向NRF实体更新注册信息的流程示意图；
图7示出本申请示例提供的UPF接入虚拟群组用户的用户设备的流程图；
图8示出本申请示例提供的UPF接入虚拟群组用户的用户设备的流程图；
图9示出本申请示例提供的UPF与NRF的进行交互的流程示意图；
图10示出根据本申请实施例提供的UPF内部模块的结构示意图；
图11示出本申请实施例提供的群组用户通信方法的流程图
图12示出本申请实施例提供的群组用户通信方法的流程图；
图13示出本申请实施例提供的群组用户通信装置的结构示意图；
图14示出本申请实施例提供的群组用户通信装置的结构示意图；
图15示出本申请实施例提供的群组用户通信装置的结构示意图；以及
图16示出能够实现根据本申请实施例的群组用户通信方法和装置的计算设备的示例性硬件架构的结构图。
具体实施方式
为使本申请的目的、技术方案和优点更加清楚明白，下文中将结合附图对本申请的实施例进行详细说明。需要说明的是，在不冲突的情况下，本申请中的实施例及实施例中的特征可以相互任意组合。
为了增强信息安全，企业网以及工业网络均基于LAN(Local Area Network，局域网)来实现设备的互通，这对于用户使用很不方便，使用时需要特殊的具有局域网权限的终端设备，另外有线网络设备布设以及维护成本很高，且机器手臂或传感器连接并不方便。
基于第五代通信系统(5G)的网络架构是基于服务化的架构，利用5G网络提供VN(Virtual Network，虚拟网络)Group(群组)功能，是第三代合作伙伴计划(3rd Generation Partnership Project,3GPP)相关阶段较具市场前景的技术之一，可为合作伙伴提供定制化5G行业局域网，使得企业终端与企业云共处于同一个“局域网”中。该技术主要面向企业云接入、智能制造等领域，实现终端的灵活组管理、直接通信及随时随地接入企业云。
图1为本申请实施例提供的第五代通信系统的网络架构示意图。该通信系统的网络架构包括但不限于：终端设备(User Equipment，UE)101、无线接入网(Radio Access Network，RAN)102、接入和移动管理功能(Access and Mobility Management function，AMF)实体103，鉴权服务器功能(Authentication Server Function，AUSF)实体104、统一数据管理功能(Unified Data Management，UDM)实体105、会话管理功能(Session Management function，SMF)实体106、用户面功能(User plane function UPF)实体107、策略控制功能(Policy Control Functionality，PCF)实体108、网络功能库功能(NF Repository Function，NRF)实体109、网络切片选择功能(Network Slice Selection Function，NSSF)实体110、应用功能(Application Function，AF)实体111、以及数据网络(Data Network，DN)112。
UE101可以通过无线空口接入5G网络并获得服务，UE101通过空口和基站交互信息，通过非接入层信令(Non-Access Stratum，NAS)和核心网的AMF103交互信息。
RAN102负责UE101接入网络的空口资源调度和以及空口的连接管理。
AMF103是核心网控制面实体，主要负责用户移动性管理，包括注册和临时标识分配；维护空闲(IDLE)和连接(CONNECT)状态以及状态迁移；在连接(CONNECT)状态下的切换；以及在用户空闲(IDLE)状态下触发寻呼等功能。
AUSF104是核心网控制面实体，主要负责对用户的鉴权、授权，以保证用户是合法用户。
UDM105是核心网控制面实体，归属用户服务器，永久存储用户签约数据。
SMF106是核心网控制面实体，主要负责维护协议数据单元(Protocol Data Unit，PDU)会话(Session)，负责分配用户互联网协议(Internet Protocol，IP)地址，具有服务质量(Quality of Service，QoS)控制和计费功能、以及用户空闲(IDLE)状态下收到下行数据包进行缓存并通知AMF103寻呼用户等功能。
UPF107是核心网用户面功能实体，负责用户数据报文的转发，也具有对用户数据报文进行统计用于计费等功能。
PCF108是核心网控制面实体，是负责接入和移动性管理策略、UE策略、会话管理策略和计费规则的功能实体。该功能实体主要根据业务信息和用户签约信息以及运营商的配置信息产生接入和移动性管理策略、UE路由选择策略、用户数据传递的Qos规则和计费规则等。
NRF109是核心网控制面实体，负责网络功能的服务能力的动态注册以及网络功能发现。
NSSF110是核心网控制面实体，负责目标网络切片实例(Network Slice Instance，NSI)的选择。
AF111是应用实体，负责为用户提供特定的业务。
DN112可以用于提供业务数据网络，例如运营商业务、互联网接入、第三方业务等业务对应的数据网络。
在一些实施方式中，通信系统还可以包括：绑定支持功能 (Binding Support Function，BSF)实体和能力开放功能(Network Exposure Function，NEF)实体。
BSF实体可以用于根据会话信息，如：IP地址、媒体接入控制层(Media Access Control，MAC)地址，查询会话所在的PCF，本申请实施例提供的群组用户通信方法用于扩展该NF协议功能，也可以用于查询会话所在的SMF或UPF信息。
NEF实体是核心网控制面实体，负责移动网络能力的对外开放。
在图1中，该网络架构中还包括如下参考点：
N1：UE101和AMF103之间的参考点；N2：(R)AN102和AMF103之间的参考点；
N3：(R)AN102和UPF107之间的参考点；N4：SMF106和UPF107之间的参考点；
N5：PCF108和AF111之间的参考点；N6：PSA UPF107和数据网络112之间的参考点；
N7：SMF106和PCF108之间的参考点；N8：UDM105和AMF103之间的参考点；
N10：UDM105和SMF106之间的参考点；N11：AMF103和SMF106之间的参考点；
N12：AMF103和AUSF104之间的参考点；N13：UDM105和AUSF104之间的参考点；
N15：非漫游场景下PCF108和AMF103之间的参考点,或者漫游场景下拜访地的PCF108和AMF103之间的参考点；N22：AMF103和NSSF110之间的参考点。
在本文下述的一些描述中，AMF实体可简称为AMF，AUSF实体可简称为AUSF，UDM实体可简称为UDM，SMF实体可简称为SMF，UPF实体可简称为SMF，PCF实体可简称为PCF，NRF实体可简称为NRF，NSSF实体可简称为NSSF，AF实体可简称为AF。
图2示出本申请实施例提供的5G通信场景下5G VN组内的用户设备的通信方式示意图。
在图2中，示例性地示出了5G VN组中的用户设备，例如UE1、 UE2、UE3、UE4和UE5。UE1、UE2、UE3和UE5与UPF1相关联，UE4与UPF2相关联，UE5与UPF3相关联。
在一些实施方式中，5G VN组通信包括一对一通信和一对多通信。一对一通信支持在5G VN内的两个UE之间或UE与DN上的设备之间的单播流量转发。一对多通信支持将多播流量和广播流量从一个UE(或DN上的设备)转发到5G VN内的多个或所有UE和DN上的设备。
如图2所示，根据转发路径，5G VN组通信可以包括如下三种统计方式：本地交换(local switch)方式、基于N6(N6-based)的通信方式和基于N19(N19-based)的通信方式。
基于本地交换方式，如果当前UPF实体是同一5G VN组的不同PDU会话的共用PDU会话锚点(PDU session anchor，PSA)的UPF实体，则数据流量由单个UPF实体在本地交换。
基于N6的通信方式，5G VN通信的上行链路(Up Line，UL)/下行链路(Down Line，DL)业务被转发到DN或从DN转发出去。
基于N19的通信方式，用于5G VN组通信的UL/DL通信通过N19在不同PDU会话的PSA UPF之间转发。N19基于共享单个5G VN组的PSA UPF的共享用户面隧道。N19是5G LAN型业务的两个PSA UPF之间的参考点。
在图2中，5G VN组中包括UPF内部接口，例如内部接口(VN Internal Interface)1和内部接口2。通过图2可知，无论哪种通信方式，都需要使用UPF内部接口并执行如下两步检测和转发过程，来实现5G VN组内的流量转发。
第一步，将从任一5G VN组成员(通信方式为：通过PDU会话进行通信、通过N6进行通信或通过N19进行通信)接收到的数据包，转发到关联的UPF内部接口(即该数据包的目标接口设置为5G VN内部接口)。
第二步，安装在UPF内部接口(即，该数据包的源接口设置为5G VN内部接口)上的PDR检测到该数据包，并将其转发到相应的5G VN组成员(使用相对应的通信方式)。
如图2所示，目前5G通信场景下，群组用户设备之间的通信依 赖SMF通过N4接口下发PDR和FAR指示，此种方式下若群组内用户过多时，会对N4信令交互提出挑战，特别现有以太包过滤器(Ethernet Packet Filter)仅能支持16个MAC地址携带，而IP过滤器也只能携带4个IP地址。用户频繁上下线或者移动，还需要不停的修改会话的PDR/FAR，增加了系统的性能消耗。
图3示出本申请实施例提供的跨SMF服务区提供群组服务的场景示意图。在图3中，无线接入网RAN301内的用户设备UE302和用户设备UE303与UPF304相关联，UPF304在SMF305的服务区域范围内；企业数据网络306与UPF307相关联，UPF307在SMF308的服务区域范围内。SMF305在服务区域1范围内，SMF308在服务区域2，服务区域1和服务区域2为不同的服务区域。
如图3所示，由于依赖SMF的直接控制，只能限定一个Vn群组在一个SMF下接入，当用户设备UE302需要与企业数据网络306进行通信时，无法实现跨SMF服务区提供群组服务，也造成了SMF容灾功能无法实施。
图4示出本申请实施例提供的群组用户通信方法的流程示意图。该群组用户通信方法可以应用于UPF，如图4所示，该群组用户通信方法可以包括步骤S410至S430。
S410，接收第一用户设备的报文转发请求；报文转发请求配置为请求转发报文到目标用户设备，第一用户设备和目标用户设备为同一虚拟网络群组的用户设备。
S420，通过查找当前用户面功能(UPF)实体的组级路由信息，确定目标用户设备关联的UPF实体。
S430，通过目标用户设备关联的UPF实体，转发请求转发的报文至目标用户设备。
根据本申请实施例提供的群组用户通信方法，当前UPF实体接收到任一5G VN组用户设备的数据包，并需要将该数据包转发到同一5G VN组的目标用户设备时，可以通过查找到的该目标用户设备关联的UPF实体，转发请求转发的报文至目标用户设备。实现跨UPF动态组建群组网络。由于UPF并没有限定为关联同一SMF，因此可以实现 跨SMF的动态组建群组网络，简化了网络运维的复杂性。
在一些实施方式中，转发数据报文的拜访地有UPF能够支持本地分配隧道标识以及Nupf服务化接口，并且已经向NRF注册，可以被其它UPF发现。
在一些实施方式中，在步骤S410之前，该群组用户通信方法还可以包括步骤S11和S12。S11，当前UPF实体上电后向网络功能库功能(NRF)实体发送注册请求；注册请求中携带注册信息，注册信息至少包括当前UPF实体支持的虚拟网络群组信息。S12，接收NRF实体响应注册请求返回的注册响应，以确定当前UPF实体在NRF实体上注册成功。
通过步骤S11和S12，UPF实体向NRF实体注册支持的群组信息，在实际应用时，UPF实体只需要在上电时向NRF实体注册一次即可，无需频繁注册，从而简化网络运维流程。
图5示出本申请实施例提供的UPF实体向NRF实体注册的流程示意图。
如图5所示，UPF可以支持静态LAN配置，当UPF上电后，向NRF注册可以包括步骤S501至S503。
S501，UPF向NRF注册支持的虚拟网络群组信息。
在该步骤中，虚拟网络群组信息中可以包括支持的虚拟网络群组列表，以及关联的N19隧道信息。在一些实施方式中，UPF还可以向UPF注册该UPF关联的用户设备的IP地址和/或MAC地址信息。
S502，NRF存储该虚拟网络群组信息。
S503，NRF向UPF返回注册响应。
通过上述步骤S501至S503，实现UPF实体向NRF实体的注册。
在一些实施方式中，注册信息还包括当前UPF实体关联的组级隧道信息；在确定当前UPF实体在NRF实体上注册成功之后，该群组用户通信方法还包括步骤S21和S22。
S21，在预定触发事件的触发下，向NRF实体发起注册更新请求。
注册更新请求中携带更新的注册信息，预定触发事件包括如下项中的至少一项：当前UPF实体配置的虚拟网络群组信息变更、当前 UPF实体接入新虚拟网络群组、以及当前UPF实体关联的组级隧道变更。
S22，接收NRF实体响应注册更新请求返回的注册更新响应，以确定当前UPF实体在NRF实体上注册更新成功。
在该实施方式中，当UPF配置变更、或者接入新的群组或用户后，可以向NRF更新注册信息。
在一些实施方式中，若注册信息还包括虚拟网络群组中的设备信息，则触发事件还包括用户设备变更；设备信息包括：设备网络地址和设备媒体接入控制层MAC地址中的至少一种；用户设备变更包括：新的用户设备接入和已有用户设备下线。
在该实施方式中，假如UPF实体需要向NRF实体注册虚拟网络群组下的用户设备信息，则当有新的用户设备接入，或用户设备下线时，也需要触发UPF实体向NRF实体的注册更新。
图6示出本申请实施例提供的UPF实体向NRF实体更新注册信息的流程示意图。
如图6所示，当UPF配置变更、或者接入新的群组或用户后，向NRF更新注册信息的流程可以包括如下步骤S601至S604。
S601，UPF本地配置变更或群组级隧道有变更。
例如，本地配置变更包括删除或新增了群组；或有新的群组接入到UPF；群组级隧道有变更包括由于运维或管理需求，使得群组级隧道有变更。
S602，UPF向NRF发起注册更新请求，该注册更新请求中包含更新的注册信息。
S603，NRF存储更新的注册信息。
在一些实施方式中，NRF还可以检查是否有其他UPF订阅了该信息，该订阅包括隐式订阅和显示订阅中的一种，以向相关UPF发送变更通知消息。
S604，NRF返回给UPF注册响应。
通过上述步骤S601至S604，实现UPF实体向NRF实体的注册更新。
在一些实施方式中，在接收第一用户设备的报文转发请求之前，该群组用户通信方法还包括步骤S31至S34。
S31，接收会话管理功能(SMF)实体的N4会话建立请求；会话建立请求中携带组级会话信息，组级会话信息包括群组标识和第一用户设备的设备标识，群组标识配置为标识虚拟网络群组。
S32，若当前UPF实体查找到虚拟网络群组的建立信息，则将与第一用户设备的设备信息对应的组级路由信息添加至当前UPF实体的组级路由信息。
S33，触发虚拟网络群组关联的对端UPF实体，根据第一用户设备的用户设备地址信息更新对端UPF实体的组级路由信息。
S34，向SMF实体返回会话建立响应，用于指示第一用户设备的N4会话建立成功。
在该实施方式中，若当前UPF实体查找到虚拟网络群组的建立信息，表示当前UPF实体已加入该虚拟网络群组，且若第一用户设备非首个接入当前UPF实体的用户设备，则当前UPF实体已存储有自身的组级路由信息，则无需重新建立自身组级路由信息，直接将第一用户设备的设备信息对应的组级路由信息添加至当前UPF实体的组级路由信息即可。
在该实施方式中，虚拟网络群组内的任一成员用户设备建立N4会话时，SMF只需要下发群组标识信息，不需要下发群组PDR和FAR；UPF向NRF发现虚拟网络群组关联的对端UPF，并可以向NRF实体上报自己的组级路由信息，并接收NRF下发的对端UPF的组级路由信息，从而自主学习对端路由，以及触发对端UPF更新自己的组级路由信息，以便于后续跨UPF或者跨SMF动态组建群组网络。
在一些实施方式中，UPF可以通过带内隧道，获取导流规则库内的导流规则(或称为流量分流规则)，用于根据流量分流规则对未来若干天内的所有挂链的用户设备的网络流量进行流量分配。
在一些实施方式中，步骤S31中UPF向NRF注册的组级会话信息包括并不限于：群组标识、虚拟网络群组中需要建立N4会话的任一用户设备的设备标识、组级隧道的隧道终点识别码(Tunnel  Endpoint Identifier，TEID)、隧道容量负载等信息。
在一些实施方式中，若当前UPF实体未查找到虚拟网络群组的建立信息，则步骤S32之前，该群组用户通信方法还包括如下步骤S41至S45。
S41，向NRF实体发送网络功能(NF)发现请求，NF发现请求中包括群组标识。
S42，接收NRF实体响应NF发现请求返回的NF发现响应，NF发现响应中携带对端UPF实体的UPF信息和对端隧道信息。
S43，当前UPF实体建立虚拟网络群组的组级N19隧道。
S44，向NRF实体上报当前UPF实体的组级路由信息。
S45，根据NRF实体下发的对端UPF实体的组级路由信息，生成当前UPF实体的组级路由信息。
在一些实施方式中，当前UPF实体未查找到虚拟网络群组的建立信息，表示当前UPF实体还未加入该虚拟网络群组，第一用户设备为首次接入当前UPF；在该情况下，UPF实体可以通过网络服务发现接口(NFDiscovery)，向NRF实体发现虚拟网络群组关联的对端UPF信息，然后自建N19隧道，学习IP/MAC转发表信息，以生成并存储当前UPF的组级路由信息。
在本申请实施例提供的群组用户通信方法中，UPF实体向NRF实体注册时，在注册请求携带的注册信息中可以包括一个地址段用于后续为接入虚拟网络群组内的用户设备分配地址。此时，在为第一用户设备建立N4会话建立请求的过程中，即使第一用户设备为首次接入当前UPF，也可以无需触发虚拟网络群组关联的对端UPF实体，根据第一用户设备的用户设备地址信息更新对端UPF实体的组级路由信息。
而在UPF实体向NRF实体注册时，在注册请求携带的注册信息中可以包括该虚拟网络群组中的设备信息，用于向NRF单独注册虚拟网络群组内的用户设备的设备信息；此时，若第一用户设备为首次接入当前UPF，则在为第一用户设备建立N4会话建立请求的过程中，需要触发虚拟网络群组关联的对端UPF实体，根据第一用户设备的用 户设备地址信息更新对端UPF实体的组级路由信息。且上述步骤S33可以通过如下两种方式来实现。
在一些实施方式中，若当前UPF实体向NRF实体发送注册请求时携带的注册信息包括虚拟网络群组中的设备信息，则上述步骤S33可以包括：向NRF实体发送第一组级会话更新请求；第一组级会话更新请求中携带第一用户设备的设备信息，且第一组级会话更新请求配置为请求NRF实体通知每个对端UPF实体增加与第一用户设备的设备信息对应的组级路由信息。
在该实施方式中，UPF可以直接向NRF更新组级会话信息，然后由NRF将变更信息通知到各个UPF，以使各个UPF增加与第一用户设备的设备信息对应的组级路由信息。
在一些实施方式中，若当前UPF实体向NRF实体发送注册请求时携带的注册信息包括虚拟网络群组中的设备信息，则上述步骤S33可以包括：向每个对端UPF实体发送第一接入通告，第一接入通告中携带第一用户设备的设备信息，以告知每个对端UPF实体增加与第一用户设备信息对应的组级路由信息。
在该实施方式中，UPF可以分别向各对端UPF发送关于新用户设备的接入通告，告知关联的新接入用户设备的设备信息(IP地址、MAC地址等)。
下面通过图7和图8，描述两个示例的用户设备接入UPF的流程示意图。
图7为本申请示例提供的UPF接入虚拟群组用户的用户设备的流程图。在图7中，UPF1为当前UPF，UPF2和UPF3为虚拟群组关联的对端UPF，UE1为虚拟用户群组(GROUP1)中的第一用户设备，且当前UPF首次接入虚拟群组用户的用户设备即第一用户设备UE1。
如图7所示，用户设备接入UPF的流程可以包括步骤S701至S710。
S701，SMF为第一用户设备UE1发起N4会话建立请求。
在该步骤中，N4会话建立请求中携带虚拟用户群组GROUP1的群组标识信息。在步骤S701之前，该N4会话建立请求是SMF响应于第 一用户设备UE1的用户接入请求,向UPF1发送的会话建立请求。
S702，UPF1本地未找到GROUP1的建立信息，向NRF查询该NRF管理的UPF信息及对端隧道信息，示例性地，NRF返回了对端UPF例如UPF2的UPF信息和UPF3的UPF信息。
S703，UPF1建立GROUP1的组级N19隧道，并向NRF注册组级会话的信息。
S704，UPF1向UPF2发送接入通告，向UPF2告知第一用户设备UE1的IP地址或MAC地址信息。
S705，UPF1向UPF3发送接入通告，向UPF3告知关联的第一用户设备UE1的IP地址或MAC地址信息。
如果Group1关联更多的UPF，流程如步骤S704或S705，此处不再赘述。
在本示例中，一些实施方式中可以包括上述步骤S704至S705，一些实施方式中可以不包括上述步骤S704和S705；例如，当UPF1实体向NRF实体注册时，若UPF1实体向NRF实体注册了虚拟网络群组下的用户设备信息，则可以通过执行上述步骤S704和S705，分别向UPF2和UPF2发送接入通告。
在一些实施方式中，也可以直接向NRF更新组级会话信息，然后由NRF将变更消息通知到各个UPF。
S706，UPF1向SMF返回会话建立成功响应。
在该步骤中，SMF响应于会话建立成功响应，向第一用户设备UE1返回用户接入成功响应。
S707，第一用户设备UE1到UE2的上行报文到达UPF1。
S708，UPF1查找转发关系。
S709，UPF1发现UE2关联在UPF2，则通过N19隧道转发报文。
S710，UPF2收到下行报文后，转发给UE2。
通过上述步骤S701至S710，当前UPF在虚拟网络群组的用户设备首次接入时，向NRF发现群组关联的对端UPF信息，然后自建N19隧道，学习对端路由，并在接收第一用户设备的报文转发请求时，在5G下实现跨UPF实现群组通信。
图8为本申请示例提供的UPF接入虚拟群组用户的用户设备的流程图。
在图8中，UPF1为当前UPF，UPF2和UPF3为虚拟网络群组Group1关联的对端UPF，UE1和UE2分别是虚拟用户群组(GROUP1)中的任意两个用户设备。在该实例中，UPF1已有GROUP1的用户设备UE1接入，需要再次接入GROUP1内另外一个用户设备UE2。
如图8所示，用户设备UE2接入UPF的流程可以包括步骤S801至S811。
S801，SMF为UE2发起N4会话建立请求，携带GROUP1群组信息。
S802，UPF1本地找到群组GROUP1的群组信息，则将与UE2的设备信息对应的组级路由信息直接加入UPF1本地的组级路由信息，例如本地转发表。
S803，UPF1向关联的UPF2发送UE2接入通告，告知接入的UE2的IP或MAC地址信息。
S804，UPF1向关联的UPF3发送UE2接入通告，告知接入的UE2的IP或MAC地址信息。
在本示例中，一些实施方式中可以包括步骤S803至S804，一些实施方式中，可以不包括步骤S803和S804，例如，当UPF1实体向NRF实体注册时，若UPF1实体向NRF实体注册了虚拟网络群组下的用户设备信息，则通过执行上述步骤S803至S804，分别向UPF2和UPF3发送接入通告。
示例性地，在一些实施方式中，也可以直接向NRF更新组级会话信息，然后由NRF将变更信息通知到各个UPF。
S805，UPF1向SMF返回会话建立成功响应。
在该步骤中，SMF响应于会话建立成功响应，向用户设备UE2返回用户接入成功响应。
S806，UE2发起组播或广播报文，到达UPF1。
S807，UPF1查找转发关系，如果发现群组GROUP1有用户在本地，则直接进行本地转发。
S808，UPF1发现群组内还有用户在UPF2上，则将报文通过N19 隧道向UPF2进行复制转发。
S809，UPF2收到下行报文后，转发给相应用户。
假如群组用户还接入在UPF3上，UPF3的处理步骤S810和S811与上述S806至S809描述的UPF2的处理步骤类似，此处不一一描述。
对于UE下线流程也与图8所示的流程类似，不同之处在于步骤S802，UPF1本地找到群组GROUP1的信息，则直接将下线设备对应的组级路由信息从UPF1本地的组级路由信息中删除；以及步骤803和804，UPF1向UPF2和UPF3发送通告，告知UPF2和UPF3删除下线设备的设备信息所对应的组级路由信息。
在上述示例中，对于单播报文的流程处理可以参考图8中描述的步骤S707至S710，本申请不再赘述。
图9示出本申请示例提供的UPF与NRF进行交互的流程示意图。
在图9中，用户设备UE1至UE4为同一虚拟网络群组Group1中的用户设备，且UE1和UE3接入UPF1，UE2和UE4接入UF2。
UPF1上电时和UPF2上电时，均可以向NRF发起注册请求。
如图9中“901”，以UPF2向NRF注册为例，UPF2向NRF注册支持的群组信息，并且，UPF2还可以向NRF注册一个地址段，用于后续接入虚拟网络群组内的用户设备，或向NRF单独注册虚拟网络群组内的用户设备的设备信息。
如图9中“902”，NRF根据注册请求中携带的注册信息，向UPF1发送变更通知消息(Nnrf_NFStatusNotify)。
如图9中“903”，UPF1可以通过发现接口，向NRF发现群组关联的对端UPF信息(Nnrf_NFDiscovery)。
如图9中“904”，UPF1自建N19隧道，学习IP/MAC转发表信息。
在本示例中，UPF通过向NRF暴露组级LAN会话信息并学习对端路由的方法，便于跨UPF(或者跨SMF)动态组建群组网络，简化了网络运维的复杂性。
图10示出本申请实施例提供的UPF内部模块的结构示意图。在图10中，UPF内部模块可以包括：业务报文处理模块(Packet Forward  Unit，PFU)1001、PFU管理模块(PFU manger，UPM)1002、状态数据备份模块(Local DataBase，LDB)1003、报文解析(Deep packet inspection，DPI)1004、配置管理服务(Operation Administration and Maintenance，OAM)1005、超文本传输协议负载均衡模块(Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Load Balance，HTTP LB)1006和报文转发控制协议适配器(Packet Forwarding Control Protocol Adapter，PFCP Adapter)1007。
PFU1001，配置为转发和处理N3、N6、N9口的报文。
UPM1002，配置为PFU生命周期管理，用户面资源分配和管理；收发N4口报文，处理PFCP节点相关消息；分发PFCP会话消息给PFU；以及实现要求与PFU可分可合。
LDB1003，为UPF内部其他微服务提供状态数据备份，实现UPF内其他微服务的无状态运行；实现要求与PFU可分可合。
DPI1004，5G核心网(5GC)中，DPI作为独立微服务存在；也可能与PFU合一部署。
OAM1005，NF内的配置管理服务，完成配置、跟踪等功能。
HTTP LB1006，配置为协议负载均衡模块，同时也负责HTTP协议编解码。
PFCP Adapter1007，负责PFCP协议编解码。
在本申请实施例提供的群组用户通信方中，对于以太网(Ethernet)接入，一个客户终端设备(Customer Premise Equipment，CPE)可能会下挂多个以太终端，即一个客户终端设备可以具有至少一个MAC地址，需要及时收集MAC地址，并发布到虚拟网络群组内所有关联的UPF。
在一些实施方式中，若侦测到第一用户设备有新的MAC地址接入，则该群组用户通信方法还包括：向当前UPF实体注册的NRF实体发送第二组级会话更新请求；第二组级会话更新请求中携带第一用户设备的新的MAC地址，且第二组级会话更新请求配置为请求NRF实体通知虚拟网络群组关联的每个对端UPF实体增加与新的MAC地址对应的组级路由信息。
在该实施方式中，可以直接向NRF更新组级会话信息，然后由NRF变更通知到各个UPF。
在一些实施方式中，若侦测到第一用户设备有新的媒体接入控制层MAC地址接入，且当前UPF实体向NRF实体发送注册请求时携带的注册信息包括虚拟网络群组中的设备信息，则该群组用户通信方法还包括：发送第二接入通告至虚拟网络群组关联的每个对端UPF；第二接入通告中携带第一用户设备的新的MAC地址，以告知每个对端UPF实体增加与第一用户设备的新的MAC地址对应的组级路由信息。
在该实施方式中，当UPF1实体向NRF实体注册时，若UPF1实体向NRF实体注册了虚拟网络群组下的用户设备信息，则分别向虚拟网络群组关联的每个对端UPF发送接入通告，以使虚拟网络群组内所有关联的UPF更新该新的MAC地址对应的组级路由信息。
在一些实施方式中，若监测到老化MAC地址，则该群组用户通信方法还包括：向当前UPF实体注册的NRF实体发送第三组级会话更新请求，以请求NRF实体通知虚拟网络群组关联的每个对端UPF实体删除与老化MAC地址对应的组级路由信息。在一些实施方式中，若监测到老化MAC地址，且当前UPF实体向NRF实体发送注册请求时携带的注册信息包括虚拟网络群组中的设备信息，则该群组用户通信方法还包括：发送第三接入通告至虚拟网络群组关联的每个对端UPF；第三接入通告中携带第一用户设备的老化MAC地址，以告知每个对端UPF实体删除与老化MAC地址对应的组级路由信息。
老化MAC地址为当前UPF实体所关联用户设备的MAC地址，且在预设的MAC地址老化时长内，老化MAC地址不存在对应的报文交互。
在该实施方式中，当前UPF可以设定MAC老化定时器，在设定的时间内都没有该MAC地址对应的报文，则发起MAC老化流程，通知关联的UPF删除对应的MAC转发记录。
在一些实施方式中，若请求转发的报文为单播报文，则上述步骤S430可以包括步骤S51和S52。
S51,若目标用户设备关联的UPF实体为当前UPF实体，则通过本地交换的方式转发请求转发的报文至目标用户设备。S52,若目标用 户设备关联的UPF实体为虚拟网络群组中的任一对端UPF实体，则通过组级N19隧道，转发请求转发的报文至目标用户设备关联的对端UPF实体，以通过目标用户设备关联的对端UPF实体转发报文至目标用户设备。
在该实施方式中，对于请求转发的单播报文，可以通过组级N19隧道发送报文至目标用户设备关联的对端UPF实体，以通过目标用户设备关联的对端UPF实体转发报文至目标用户设备，实现跨UPF的群组设备通信。
在一些实施方式中，请求转发的报文为组播或广播报文，则上述步骤430包括步骤S53和S54。
S53,通过本地交换的方式转发请求转发的报文至本地用户设备；本地用户设备为虚拟网络群组中的与当前UPF实体相关联的用户设备。S54,通过组级N19隧道，转发请求转发的报文至其他用户设备关联的对端UPF实体，以通过其他用户设备关联的对端UPF实体转发请求转发的报文至其他用户设备；其他用户设备为虚拟网络群组中的与任一对端UPF实体关联的用户设备。
在该实施方式中，对于请求转发的组播或广播报文，可以通过组级N19隧道发送报文至虚拟网络群组关联的对端UPF实体，以通过对端UPF实体转发报文至所关联的各用户设备，实现跨UPF的群组设备通信。
在一些实施方式中，该群组用户通信方法还包括步骤S61和S62。
S61，接收到虚拟网络群组的对端UPF实体发送的报文；对端UPF实体发送的报文中携带报文目的地址，且报文目的地址对应的用户设备与当前UPF实体相关联。
S62，将对端UPF实体发送的报文，转发至与报文目的地址对应的用户设备。
在该实施方式中，若当前UPF接收到对端UPF实体发送的报文，则直接进行内部转发至目标用户设备。
在一些实施方式中，若对端UPF实体发送的报文为单播报文，则报文目的地址对应的用户设备为当前UPF实体关联的一个用户设 备；若对端UPF实体发送的报文为组播或广播报文，则报文目的地址对应的用户设备为当前UPF实体关联的每个用户设备。
在该实施方式中，根据报文类型，当前UPF可以选择将对端UPF实体转发来的报文，发送给一个目标设备(针对单播报文)或每个接入的用户设备(针对组播或广播报文)，实现跨UPF的群组设备通信。
图11示出本申请实施例提供的群组用户通信方法的流程图。该群组用户通信方法可以应用于NRF，该群组用户通信方法包括步骤S1110至S1130。
S1110,接收第一用户面功能(UPF)实体的网络功能(NF)发现请求，NF发现请求中包括群组标识，群组标识是会话管理功能(SMF)发送至第一UPF的标识信息，且群组标识配置为标识一个虚拟网络群组。
S1120,发送NF发现响应至第一UPF实体，NF发现响应中携带虚拟网络群组关联的对端UPF实体的UPF信息和对端隧道信息。
S1130,接收第一UPF实体的组级路由信息，并向第一UPF实体下发对端UPF实体的组级路由信息，以使第一UPF实体根据每个对端UPF实体的组级路由信息，建立第一UPF实体的组级路由信息，并根据第一UPF实体的组级路由信息进行虚拟网络群组内用户设备之间的通信。
在本申请实施例提供的群组用户通信方法中，NRF接收UPF的NF发现请求，以使UPF实体可以通过网络服务发现接口(NFDiscovery)，向NRF实体发现虚拟网络群组关联的对端UPF信息，然后自建N19隧道，学习IP/MAC转发表信息，以生成并存储当前UPF的组级路由信息；UPF根据该组级路由信息实现跨UPF的群组设备通信，实现跨SMF动态组建群组网络，简化网络运维的复杂性。
在一些实施方式中，用户设备之间的通信包括报文转发，第一UPF实体关联有第一用户设备；在第一UPF实体接收到第一用户设备的报文转发请求，以请求转发报文至同一虚拟网络群组中的目标用户设备的情况下：第一UPF实体的组级路由信息，配置为确定目标用户设备关联的UPF实体，以使第一UPF实体通过目标用户设备关联的 UPF实体，转发请求转发的报文至目标用户设备。
在一些实施方式中，在步骤S1110之前，该群组用户通信方法还包括：接收第一UPF实体发送的注册请求，注册请求中携带注册信息，注册信息至少包括第一UPF实体支持的虚拟网络群组信息；存储第一UPF实体支持的虚拟网络群组信息，并发送注册响应至第一UPF实体，以指示第一UPF实体在当前NRF实体上注册成功。
在上述实施方式中，可以实现UPF向NRF实体的注册，使UPF成为NRF实体上已注册的UPF设备，以用于后续的群组设备通信。
在一些实施方式中，注册信息还包括当前UPF实体关联的组级隧道信息；在发送注册响应至第一UPF实体之后，所述群组用户通信方法还包括步骤S71至S73。
S71，接收第一UPF实体的注册更新请求；注册更新请求中携带更新的注册信息，更新的注册信息是第一UPF实体根据预定触发事件更新的注册信息。S72，存储更新的注册信息。S73，发送注册更新响应至第一UPF实体，用于指示第一UPF实体在当前NRF实体上更新注册成功。
在该实施方式中，UPF向NRF实体的注册成功后，当UPF配置变更或者接入新的群组或用户后，可以向NRF更新注册信息。
在一些实施方式中，若注册信息还包括虚拟网络群组中的设备信息，则更新的注册信息中包括更新的设备信息；则在步骤S72之后，该群组用户通信方法还包括步骤S74。
S74，向订阅注册信息的UPF发送针对注册信息的变更通知。
在该实施方式中，NRF可以检查是否有其他UPF订阅了该注册信息，该订阅包括隐式订阅和显示订阅中的一种，以向相关UPF发送变更通知消息。
在一些实施方式中，在步骤S1130之后，该群组用户通信方法还包括步骤S1140至S1160。
S1140，接收第一UPF实体发送的组级会话更新请求。S1150，存储第一UPF实体的更新的组级路由信息。S1160，发送组级会话变更通知至虚拟网络群组关联的对端UPF实体，组级会话变更通知中携 带更新的组级路由信息。
上述组级会话更新请求包括：第一组级会话更新请求，第一组级会话更新请求中携带第一UPF实体的更新的组级路由信息；或者，第二组级会话更新请求，第二组级会话更新请求中携带第一用户设备的新的MAC地址；或者第三组级会话更新请求，第三组级会话更新请求中携带第一用户设备的老化MAC地址。
在一些实施方式中，在步骤S1130之后，该群组用户通信方法还包括：发送组级会话变更通知至虚拟网络群组关联的对端UPF实体，组级会话变更通知中携带第一UPF实体的更新的组级路由信息。
根据本申请实施例提供的群组用户通信方法，虚拟网络群组内的任一成员用户设备建立N4会话时，SMF只需要下发群组标识信息，不需要下发群组PDR和FAR；UPF向NRF发现虚拟网络群组关联的对端UPF，并可以向NRF实体上报自己的组级路由信息，并接收NRF下发的对端UPF的组级路由信息，从而自主学习对端路由，以及触发对端UPF更新自己的组级路由信息，以便于后续跨UPF或者跨SMF动态组建群组网络，实现跨UPF或者跨SMF群组通信。
图12示出本申请实施例提供的群组用户通信方法的流程图。该群组用户通信方法可以应用于SMF，该群组用户通信方法包括步骤S1210和S1220。
S1210，发送N4会话建立请求至第一用户面功能(UPF)实体；会话建立请求中携带群组标识和第一用户设备的设备标识，群组标识配置为标识一个虚拟网络群组。
S1220，接收第一UPF实体的N4会话建立响应。
第一UPF实体在为第一用户设备建立N4会话的过程中，将与第一用户设备的设备信息对应的组级路由信息添加至第一UPF实体的组级路由信息，并根据第一UPF实体的组级路由信息进行虚拟网络群组内用户设备之间的通信。
在本申请实施例提供的群组用户通信方法中，SMF在发送N4会话建立请求至第一用户面功能UPF实体时，只需要下发群组标识信息，不需要下发群组PDR和FAR，从而群组用户的通信不再依赖SMF下发 的PDR和FAR指示，降低了5G LAN部署场景下的UPF对控制面的依赖性，精简了N4接口消息带宽及信令交互流程。
在一些实施方式中，用户设备之间的通信包括报文转发；在第一UPF实体接收到第一用户设备的报文转发请求的情况下，若报文转发请求配置为请求转发报文至同一虚拟网络群组中的目标用户设备，则第一UPF实体的组级路由信息，配置为确定目标用户设备关联的UPF实体，以使第一UPF实体通过目标用户设备关联的UPF实体，转发请求转发的报文至目标用户设备。
本申请实施例提供的群组用户通信方法，可以增强5G LAN部署场景下的UPF自主部署和自治能力，降低了对控制面的依赖性，精简了N4接口消息带宽及信令交互流程，为UE提供弹性自治网络模型，支持跨区自由移动接入LAN会话；满足跨区域互通的业务需求、充分利用了5GC网络、加快了5G LAN服务的应用。
5G LAN技术主要应用于垂直行业，本申请实施例提供的群组用户通信方法可应用于煤矿、电网和工业控制等行业；例如下沉式专网，中大型企业跨地区专网业务，工业控制领域跨区域控制业务等等。
下面结合附图，详细介绍根据本申请实施例提供的群组用户通信装置。
图13示出本申请实施例提供的群组用户通信装置的结构示意图。如图13所示，群组用户通信装置应用于用户面功能(UPF)实体，群组用户通信装置可以包括接收模块1310、查找模块1320和发送模块1330。
接收模块1310配置为接收第一用户设备的报文转发请求；报文转发请求配置为请求转发报文到目标用户设备，第一用户设备和目标用户设备为同一虚拟网络群组的用户设备。
查找模块1320配置为通过查找当前UPF实体的组级路由信息，确定目标用户设备关联的UPF实体。
发送模块1330配置为通过目标用户设备关联的UPF实体，转发请求转发的报文至目标用户设备。
在一些实施方式中，在发送模块1330还配置为在接收第一用户 设备的报文转发请求之前，在当前UPF实体上电后向网络功能库功能(NRF)实体发送注册请求；注册请求中携带注册信息，注册信息至少包括当前UPF实体支持的虚拟网络群组信息；接收模块1310，还配置为接收NRF实体响应注册请求返回的注册响应，以确定当前UPF实体在NRF实体上注册成功。
在一些实施方式中，注册信息还包括当前UPF实体关联的组级隧道信息；发送模块1330，还配置为在确定当前UPF实体在NRF实体上注册成功之后，在预定触发事件的触发下，向NRF实体发起注册更新请求；注册更新请求中携带更新的注册信息，预定触发事件包括如下项中的至少一项：当前UPF实体配置的虚拟网络群组信息变更、当前UPF实体接入新虚拟网络群组、以及当前UPF实体关联的组级隧道变更；接收模块1310，还配置为接收NRF实体响应注册更新请求返回的注册更新响应，以确定当前UPF实体在NRF实体上注册更新成功。
在一些实施方式中，若注册信息还包括虚拟网络群组中的设备信息，则触发事件还包括用户设备变更；设备信息包括：设备网络地址和设备媒体接入控制层MAC地址中的至少一种；用户设备变更包括：新的用户设备接入和已有用户设备下线。
在一些实施方式中，该群组用户通信装置还可以包括接收模块1310、路由学习模块、触发模块和发送模块1330。接收模块1310，还配置为在接收第一用户设备的报文转发请求之前，接收会话管理功能(SMF)实体的N4会话建立请求；会话建立请求中携带群组标识和第一用户设备的设备标识，群组标识配置为标识虚拟网络群组；路由学习模块，配置为若当前UPF实体查找到虚拟网络群组的建立信息，则将与第一用户设备的设备信息对应的组级路由信息添加至当前UPF实体的组级路由信息；触发模块，配置为触发虚拟网络群组关联的对端UPF实体，根据第一用户设备的用户设备地址信息更新对端UPF实体的组级路由信息；发送模块1330，还配置为向SMF实体返回会话建立响应，用于指示第一用户设备的N4会话建立成功。
在一些实施方式中，该群组用户通信装置还可以包括发送模块 1330、接收模块1310、隧道建立模块和路由学习模块。若当前UPF实体未查找到虚拟网络群组的建立信息，则发送模块1330，还配置为在将与第一用户设备的设备信息对应的组级路由信息添加至当前UPF实体的组级路由信息之前，向NRF实体发送网络功能(NF)发现请求，NF发现请求中包括群组标识；接收模块1310，还配置为接收NRF实体响应NF发现请求返回的NF发现响应，NF发现响应中携带对端UPF实体的UPF信息和对端隧道信息；隧道建立模块，配置为当前UPF实体建立虚拟网络群组的组级N19隧道；发送模块1330，还配置为向NRF实体上报当前UPF实体的组级路由信息；路由学习模块，配置为根据NRF实体下发的对端UPF实体的组级路由信息，生成当前UPF实体的组级路由信息。
在一些实施方式中，若当前UPF实体向NRF实体发送注册请求时携带的注册信息包括虚拟网络群组中的设备信息，触发模块还配置为向NRF实体发送第一组级会话更新请求；第一组级会话更新请求中携带第一用户设备的设备信息，且第一组级会话更新请求配置为请求NRF实体通知每个对端UPF实体增加与第一用户设备的设备信息对应的组级路由信息。
在一些实施方式中，若当前UPF实体向NRF实体发送注册请求时携带的注册信息包括虚拟网络群组中的设备信息，则触发模块还配置为通过发送模块1330，向每个对端UPF实体发送第一接入通告，第一接入通告中携带第一用户设备的设备信息，以告知每个对端UPF实体增加与第一用户设备信息对应的组级路由信息。
在一些实施方式中，若侦测到第一用户设备有新的MAC地址接入，则发送模块1330，还配置为向当前UPF实体注册的NRF实体发送第二组级会话更新请求；第二组级会话更新请求中携带第一用户设备的新的MAC地址，以请求NRF实体通知虚拟网络群组关联的每个对端UPF实体增加与新的MAC地址对应的组级路由信息。
在一些实施方式中，若侦测到第一用户设备有新的媒体接入控制层MAC地址接入，且当前UPF实体向NRF实体发送注册请求时携带的注册信息包括虚拟网络群组中的设备信息，则发送模块1330，还 配置为发送第二接入通告至虚拟网络群组关联的每个对端UPF；第二接入通告中携带第一用户设备的新的MAC地址，以告知每个对端UPF实体增加与第一用户设备的新的MAC地址对应的组级路由信息。
在一些实施方式中，若监测到老化MAC地址，则发送模块1330，还配置为向当前UPF实体注册的NRF实体发送第三组级会话更新请求，以请求NRF实体通知虚拟网络群组关联的每个对端UPF实体删除与老化MAC地址对应的组级路由信息；若监测到老化MAC地址，且当前UPF实体向NRF实体发送注册请求时携带的注册信息包括虚拟网络群组中的设备信息，则发送模块1330，还配置为发送第三接入通告至虚拟网络群组关联的每个对端UPF；第三接入通告中携带第一用户设备的老化MAC地址，以告知每个对端UPF实体删除与老化MAC地址对应的组级路由信息；老化MAC地址为当前UPF实体所关联用户设备的MAC地址，且在预设的MAC地址老化时长内，老化MAC地址不存在对应的报文交互。
在一些实施方式中，若请求转发的报文为单播报文，则发送模块1330，还配置为若目标用户设备关联的UPF实体为当前UPF实体，则通过本地交换的方式转发请求转发的报文至目标用户设备；若目标用户设备关联的UPF实体为虚拟网络群组中的任一对端UPF实体，则通过组级N19隧道，转发请求转发的报文至目标用户设备关联的对端UPF实体，以通过目标用户设备关联的对端UPF实体转发报文至目标用户设备。
在一些实施方式中，请求转发的报文为组播或广播报文，则发送模块1330，还配置为通过本地交换的方式转发请求转发的报文至本地用户设备；本地用户设备为虚拟网络群组中的与当前UPF实体相关联的用户设备；通过组级N19隧道，转发请求转发的报文至其他用户设备关联的对端UPF实体，以通过其他用户设备关联的对端UPF实体转发请求转发的报文至其他用户设备；其他用户设备为虚拟网络群组中的与任一对端UPF实体关联的用户设备。
在一些实施方式中，接收模块1310，还配置为接收到虚拟网络群组的对端UPF实体发送的报文；对端UPF实体发送的报文中携带报 文目的地址，且报文目的地址对应的用户设备与当前UPF实体相关联；发送模块1330，还配置为将对端UPF实体发送的报文，转发至与报文目的地址对应的用户设备。
在一些实施方式中，若对端UPF实体发送的报文为单播报文，则报文目的地址对应的用户设备为当前UPF实体关联的一个用户设备；若对端UPF实体发送的报文为组播或广播报文，则报文目的地址对应的用户设备为当前UPF实体关联的每个用户设备。
根据本申请实施例提供的群组用户通信装置，当前UPF实体接收到任一5G VN组用户设备的数据包，并需要将该数据包转发到同一5G VN组的目标用户设备时，可以通过查找到的该目标用户设备关联的UPF实体，转发请求转发的报文至目标用户设备。实现跨UPF动态组建群组网络，由于UPF并没有限定为关联同一SMF，因此可以实现跨SMF的动态组建群组网络，简化了网络运维的复杂性。
图14示出本申请实施例提供的群组用户通信装置的结构示意图。如图14所示，该群组用户通信装置应用于网络功能库功能NRF实体，该群组用户通信装置可以包括接收模块1410和发送模块1420。
接收模块1410配置为接收第一用户面功能(UPF)实体的网络功能(NF)发现请求，NF发现请求中包括群组标识，群组标识是会话管理功能(SMF)发送至第一UPF的标识信息，且群组标识配置为标识一个虚拟网络群组。
发送模块1420配置为发送NF发现响应至第一UPF实体，NF发现响应中携带虚拟网络群组关联的对端UPF实体的UPF信息和对端隧道信息。
接收模块1410还配置为接收第一UPF实体的组级路由信息，并向第一UPF实体下发对端UPF实体的组级路由信息，以使第一UPF实体根据每个对端UPF实体的组级路由信息，建立第一UPF实体的组级路由信息，并根据第一UPF实体的组级路由信息进行虚拟网络群组内用户设备之间的通信。
在一些实施方式中，用户设备之间的通信包括报文转发，第一UPF实体关联有第一用户设备；在第一UPF实体接收到第一用户设备 的报文转发请求，以请求转发报文至同一虚拟网络群组中的目标用户设备的情况下：第一UPF实体的组级路由信息，配置为确定目标用户设备关联的UPF实体，以使第一UPF实体通过目标用户设备关联的UPF实体，转发请求转发的报文至目标用户设备。
在一些实施方式中，该群组用户通信装置还可以包括接收模块1410、存储模块和发送模块1420。接收模块1410还配置为在接收第一用户面功能UPF实体的网络功能NF发现请求之前，接收第一UPF实体发送的注册请求；注册请求中携带注册信息，注册信息至少包括当前UPF实体支持的虚拟网络群组信息；存储模块配置为存储第一UPF实体支持的虚拟网络群组信息；发送模块1420配置为发送注册响应至第一UPF实体，以指示第一UPF实体在当前NRF实体上注册成功。
在一些实施方式中，注册信息还包括当前UPF实体关联的组级隧道信息；接收模块1410还配置为在发送注册响应至第一UPF实体之后，接收第一UPF实体的注册更新请求；注册更新请求中携带更新的注册信息，更新的注册信息是第一UPF实体根据预定触发事件更新的注册信息；存储模块，还配置为存储更新的注册信息；发送模块1420还配置为发送注册更新响应至第一UPF实体，用于指示第一UPF实体在当前NRF实体上更新注册成功。
在一些实施方式中，若注册信息还包括虚拟网络群组中的设备信息，则更新的注册信息中包括更新的设备信息；则发送模块1420，还配置为在存储更新的注册信息之后，向订阅注册信息的UPF发送针对注册信息的变更通知。
在一些实施方式中，接收模块1410还配置为在向第一UPF实体下发对端UPF实体的组级路由信息之后，接收第一UPF实体发送的组级会话更新请求；存储模块配置为存储第一UPF实体的更新的组级路由信息；发送模块1420配置为发送组级会话变更通知至虚拟网络群组关联的对端UPF实体，组级会话变更通知中携带更新的组级路由信息；组级会话更新请求包括：第一组级会话更新请求，第一组级会话更新请求中携带第一UPF实体的更新的组级路由信息；或者，第二组 级会话更新请求，第二组级会话更新请求中携带第一用户设备的新的MAC地址；或者第三组级会话更新请求，第三组级会话更新请求中携带第一用户设备的老化MAC地址。
在一些实施方式中，发送模块1420还配置为在向第一UPF实体下发对端UPF实体的组级路由信息之后，发送组级会话变更通知至虚拟网络群组关联的对端UPF实体，组级会话变更通知中携带更新的组级路由信息。
根据本申请实施例提供的群组用户通信装置，NRF接收UPF的NF发现请求，以使UPF实体可以通过网络服务发现接口(NFDiscovery)，向NRF实体发现虚拟网络群组关联的对端UPF信息，然后自建N19隧道，学习IP/MAC转发表信息，以生成并存储当前UPF的组级路由信息；UPF根据该组级路由信息实现跨UPF的群组设备通信。
图15示出本申请实施例提供的群组用户通信装置的结构示意图。如图15所示，群组用户通信装置应用于会话管理功能SMF实体，该群组用户通信装置可以包括发送模块1510和接收模块1520。
发送模块1510配置为发送N4会话建立请求至第一用户面功能(UPF)实体；会话建立请求中携带群组标识和第一用户设备的设备标识，群组标识配置为标识一个虚拟网络群组。
接收模块1520配置为接收第一UPF实体的N4会话建立响应。
第一UPF实体在为第一用户设备建立N4会话的过程中，将与第一用户设备的设备信息对应的组级路由信息添加至第一UPF实体的组级路由信息，并根据第一UPF实体的组级路由信息进行虚拟网络群组内用户设备之间的通信。
在一些实施方式中，用户设备之间的通信包括报文转发；在第一UPF实体接收到第一用户设备的报文转发请求的情况下，若报文转发请求配置为请求转发报文至同一虚拟网络群组中的目标用户设备，
第一UPF实体的组级路由信息配置为确定目标用户设备关联的UPF实体，以使第一UPF实体通过目标用户设备关联的UPF实体，转发请求转发的报文至目标用户设备。
根据本申请实施例提供的群组用户通信装置，SMF在发送N4会话建立请求至第一用户面功能UPF实体时，只需要下发群组标识信息，不需要下发群组PDR和FAR，从而群组用户的通信不再依赖SMF下发的PDR和FAR指示，降低了5G LAN部署场景下的UPF对控制面的依赖性，精简了N4接口消息带宽及信令交互流程。
需要明确的是，本申请并不局限于上文所描述并在图中示出的特定配置和处理。为了描述的方便和简洁，这里省略了对已知方法的详细描述，并且上述描述的模块和单元的具体工作过程，可以参考前述群组用户通信方法中的对应过程，在此不再赘述。
图16是示出能够实现根据本申请实施例的群组用户通信方法和装置的计算设备的示例性硬件架构的结构图。
如图16所示，计算设备1600包括输入设备1601、输入接口1602、中央处理器1603、存储器1604、输出接口1605、以及输出设备1606。输入接口1602、中央处理器1603、存储器1604、以及输出接口1605通过总线1610相互连接，输入设备1601和输出设备1606分别通过输入接口1602和输出接口1605与总线1610连接，进而与计算设备1600的其他组件连接。
输入设备1601接收来自外部的输入信息，并通过输入接口1602将输入信息传送到中央处理器1603；中央处理器1603基于存储器1604中存储的计算机可执行指令对输入信息进行处理以生成输出信息，将输出信息临时或者永久地存储在存储器1604中，然后通过输出接口1605将输出信息传送到输出设备1606；输出设备1606将输出信息输出到计算设备1600的外部供用户使用。
在一些实施方式中，图16所示的计算设备可以被实现为一种网络设备，该网络设备可以包括：存储器，被配置为存储计算机程序；以及处理器，被配置为运行存储器中存储的计算机程序，以执行上述的群组用户通信方法。
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存储有计算机程序，所述计算机程序被处理器执行时实现上述实施例描述的群组用户通信方法。
以上，仅为本申请的示例性实施例而已，并非用于限定本申请的保护范围。一般来说，本申请的多种实施例可以在硬件或专用电路、软件、逻辑或其任何组合中实现。例如，一些方面可以被实现在硬件中，而其它方面可以被实现在可以被控制器、微处理器或其它计算装置执行的固件或软件中，尽管本申请不限于此。
本申请的实施例可以通过移动装置的数据处理器执行计算机程序指令来实现，例如在处理器实体中、或者通过硬件、或者通过软件和硬件的组合实现。计算机程序指令可以是汇编指令、指令集架构(ISA)指令、机器指令、机器相关指令、微代码、固件指令、状态设置数据、或者是以一种或多种编程语言的任意组合编写的源代码或目标代码。
本申请附图中的任何逻辑流程的框图可以表示程序步骤，或者可以表示相互连接的逻辑电路、模块和功能，或者可以表示程序步骤与逻辑电路、模块和功能的组合。计算机程序可以存储在存储器上。存储器可以具有任何适合于本地技术环境的类型并且可以使用任何适合的数据存储技术实现，例如但不限于只读存储器(ROM)、随机访问存储器(RAM)、光存储器装置和系统(数码多功能光碟DVD或CD光盘)等。计算机可读介质可以包括非瞬时性存储介质。数据处理器可以是任何适合于本地技术环境的类型，例如但不限于通用计算机、专用计算机、微处理器、数字信号处理器(DSP)、专用集成电路(ASIC)、可编程逻辑器件(FGPA)以及基于多核处理器架构的处理器。
通过示范性和非限制性的示例，上文已提供了对本申请的示范实施例的详细描述。但结合附图和权利要求来考虑，对以上实施例的多种修改和调整对本领域技术人员来说是显而易见的，不偏离本申请的范围。因此，本申请的恰当范围将根据权利要求确定。

Claims (28)

  1. 一种群组用户通信方法，应用于用户面功能(UPF)实体，包括：
    接收第一用户设备的报文转发请求；其中，所述报文转发请求配置为请求转发报文到目标用户设备，所述第一用户设备和所述目标用户设备为同一虚拟网络群组的用户设备；
    通过查找当前UPF实体的组级路由信息，确定所述目标用户设备关联的UPF实体；以及
    通过所述目标用户设备关联的UPF实体，转发所述请求转发的报文至所述目标用户设备。
  2. 根据权利要求1所述的方法，还包括：
    在所述接收第一用户设备的报文转发请求之前，当前UPF实体上电后向网络功能库功能(NRF)实体发送注册请求；其中，所述注册请求中携带注册信息，所述注册信息至少包括当前UPF实体支持的虚拟网络群组信息；以及
    接收所述NRF实体响应所述注册请求返回的注册响应，以确定当前UPF实体在所述NRF实体上注册成功。
  3. 根据权利要求2所述的方法，其中，所述注册信息还包括当前UPF实体关联的组级隧道信息；所述方法还包括：
    在所述确定当前UPF实体在所述NRF实体上注册成功之后，在预定触发事件的触发下，向所述NRF实体发起注册更新请求；其中，
    所述注册更新请求中携带更新的注册信息，所述预定触发事件包括如下项中的至少一项：当前UPF实体配置的虚拟网络群组信息变更、当前UPF实体接入新虚拟网络群组、以及当前UPF实体关联的组级隧道变更；以及
    接收所述NRF实体响应所述注册更新请求返回的注册更新响应，以确定当前UPF实体在所述NRF实体上注册更新成功。
  4. 根据权利要求3所述的方法，其中，
    若所述注册信息还包括所述虚拟网络群组中的设备信息，则所述触发事件还包括用户设备变更；其中，
    所述设备信息包括：设备网络地址和设备媒体接入控制层(MAC)地址中的至少一种；
    所述用户设备变更包括：新的用户设备接入和已有用户设备下线。
  5. 根据权利要求1所述的方法，还包括：
    在所述接收第一用户设备的报文转发请求之前，接收会话管理功能(SMF)实体的N4会话建立请求；其中，所述会话建立请求中携带群组标识和所述第一用户设备的设备标识，所述群组标识配置为标识所述虚拟网络群组；
    若当前UPF实体查找到所述虚拟网络群组的建立信息，则将与所述第一用户设备的设备信息对应的组级路由信息添加至当前UPF实体的组级路由信息；
    触发所述虚拟网络群组关联的对端UPF实体，根据所述第一用户设备的用户设备地址信息更新所述对端UPF实体的组级路由信息；以及
    向所述SMF实体返回会话建立响应，用于指示所述第一用户设备的N4会话建立成功。
  6. 根据权利要求5所述的方法，其中，若当前UPF实体未查找到所述虚拟网络群组的建立信息，所述方法还包括：
    在所述将与所述第一用户设备的设备信息对应的组级路由信息添加至当前UPF实体的组级路由信息之前，向NRF实体发送网络功能(NF)发现请求，所述NF发现请求中包括所述群组标识；
    接收所述NRF实体响应所述NF发现请求返回的NF发现响应，所述NF发现响应中携带所述对端UPF实体的UPF信息和对端隧道信 息；
    当前UPF实体建立所述虚拟网络群组的组级N19隧道；
    向所述NRF实体上报当前UPF实体的组级路由信息；以及
    根据所述NRF实体下发的所述对端UPF实体的组级路由信息，生成当前UPF实体的组级路由信息。
  7. 根据权利要求5所述的方法，其中，若当前UPF实体向NRF实体发送注册请求时携带的注册信息包括所述虚拟网络群组中的设备信息，所述触发所述虚拟网络群组关联的对端UPF实体，根据所述第一用户设备的用户设备地址信息更新所述对端UPF实体的组级路由信息包括：
    向NRF实体发送第一组级会话更新请求；其中，所述第一组级会话更新请求中携带所述第一用户设备的设备信息，且所述第一组级会话更新请求配置为请求所述NRF实体通知每个所述对端UPF实体增加与所述第一用户设备的设备信息对应的组级路由信息；
    或者，向每个所述对端UPF实体发送第一接入通告，所述第一接入通告中携带第一用户设备的设备信息，以告知每个所述对端UPF实体增加与所述第一用户设备的设备信息对应的组级路由信息。
  8. 根据权利要求1所述的方法，其中，若侦测到所述第一用户设备有新的MAC地址接入，所述方法还包括：
    向当前UPF实体注册的NRF实体发送第二组级会话更新请求；其中，所述第二组级会话更新请求中携带所述第一用户设备的新的MAC地址，以请求所述NRF实体通知所述虚拟网络群组关联的每个对端UPF实体增加与所述新的MAC地址对应的组级路由信息；或者
    若侦测到所述第一用户设备有新的MAC地址接入，且当前UPF实体向NRF实体发送注册请求时携带的注册信息包括所述虚拟网络群组中的设备信息，所述方法还包括：
    发送第二接入通告至所述虚拟网络群组关联的每个对端UPF；其中，所述第二接入通告中携带所述第一用户设备的新的MAC地址，以 告知每个所述对端UPF实体增加与所述第一用户设备的新的MAC地址对应的组级路由信息。
  9. 根据权利要求1所述的方法，其中，若监测到老化MAC地址，所述方法还包括：
    向当前UPF实体注册的NRF实体发送第三组级会话更新请求，以请求所述NRF实体通知所述虚拟网络群组关联的每个对端UPF实体删除与所述老化MAC地址对应的组级路由信息。
  10. 根据权利要求1所述的方法，其中，若监测到老化MAC地址，且当前UPF实体向NRF实体发送注册请求时携带的注册信息包括所述虚拟网络群组中的设备信息，所述方法还包括：
    发送第三接入通告至所述虚拟网络群组关联的每个对端UPF；其中，所述第三接入通告中携带所述第一用户设备的老化MAC地址，以告知每个所述对端UPF实体删除与所述老化MAC地址对应的组级路由信息；
    其中，所述老化MAC地址为当前UPF实体所关联用户设备的MAC地址，且在预设的MAC地址老化时长内，所述老化MAC地址不存在对应的报文交互。
  11. 根据权利要求1所述的方法，其中，若所述请求转发的报文为单播报文，则所述通过所述目标用户设备关联的UPF实体，转发所述请求转发的报文至所述目标用户设备包括：
    若所述目标用户设备关联的UPF实体为当前UPF实体，则通过本地交换的方式转发所述请求转发的报文至所述目标用户设备；或者
    若所述目标用户设备关联的UPF实体为所述虚拟网络群组中的任一对端UPF实体，则通过组级N19隧道，转发所述请求转发的报文至所述目标用户设备关联的对端UPF实体，以通过所述目标用户设备关联的对端UPF实体转发报文至所述目标用户设备。
  12. 根据权利要求1所述的方法，其中，所述请求转发的报文为组播或广播报文，则所述通过所述目标用户设备关联的UPF实体，转发所述请求转发的报文至所述目标用户设备包括：
    通过本地交换的方式转发所述请求转发的报文至本地用户设备；其中，所述本地用户设备为所述虚拟网络群组中的与当前UPF实体相关联的用户设备；以及
    通过组级N19隧道，转发所述请求转发的报文至其他用户设备关联的对端UPF实体，以通过所述其他用户设备关联的对端UPF实体转发所述请求转发的报文至所述其他用户设备；其中，所述其他用户设备为所述虚拟网络群组中的与任一所述对端UPF实体关联的用户设备。
  13. 根据权利要求1所述的方法，还包括：
    接收到所述虚拟网络群组的对端UPF实体发送的报文；其中，所述对端UPF实体发送的报文中携带报文目的地址，且所述报文目的地址对应的用户设备与当前UPF实体相关联；以及
    将所述对端UPF实体发送的报文，转发至与所述报文目的地址对应的用户设备。
  14. 根据权利要求13所述的方法，其中，
    若所述对端UPF实体发送的报文为单播报文，则所述报文目的地址对应的用户设备为当前UPF实体关联的一个用户设备；以及
    若所述对端UPF实体发送的报文为组播或广播报文，则所述报文目的地址对应的用户设备为当前UPF实体关联的每个用户设备。
  15. 一种群组用户通信方法，应用于网络功能库功能(NRF)实体，包括：
    接收第一用户面功能(UPF)实体的网络功能(NF)发现请求，所述NF发现请求中包括群组标识，所述群组标识是会话管理功能(SMF)发送至第一UPF的标识信息，且所述群组标识配置为标识一 个虚拟网络群组；
    发送NF发现响应至所述第一UPF实体，所述NF发现响应中携带所述虚拟网络群组关联的对端UPF实体的UPF信息和对端隧道信息；以及
    接收所述第一UPF实体的组级路由信息，并向所述第一UPF实体下发所述对端UPF实体的组级路由信息，以使所述第一UPF实体根据每个所述对端UPF实体的组级路由信息，建立所述第一UPF实体的组级路由信息，并根据所述第一UPF实体的组级路由信息进行所述虚拟网络群组内用户设备之间的通信。
  16. 根据权利要求15所述的方法，其中，
    所述用户设备之间的通信包括报文转发，所述第一UPF实体关联有第一用户设备；
    在所述第一UPF实体接收到所述第一用户设备的报文转发请求，以请求转发报文至同一所述虚拟网络群组中的目标用户设备的情况下：所述第一UPF实体的组级路由信息配置为确定所述目标用户设备关联的UPF实体，以使所述第一UPF实体通过所述目标用户设备关联的UPF实体，转发所述请求转发的报文至所述目标用户设备。
  17. 根据权利要求15所述的方法，还包括：
    在所述接收第一UPF实体的NF发现请求之前，接收所述第一UPF实体发送的注册请求；其中，所述注册请求中携带注册信息，所述注册信息至少包括所述第一UPF实体支持的虚拟网络群组信息；以及
    存储所述第一UPF实体支持的虚拟网络群组信息，并发送注册响应至所述第一UPF实体，以指示所述第一UPF实体在当前NRF实体上注册成功。
  18. 根据权利要求17所述的方法，其中，所述注册信息还包括所述第一UPF实体关联的组级隧道信息；所述方法还包括：
    在所述发送注册响应至所述第一UPF实体之后，接收所述第一 UPF实体的注册更新请求；其中，所述注册更新请求中携带更新的所述注册信息，所述更新的注册信息是所述第一UPF实体根据预定触发事件更新的所述注册信息；
    存储更新的所述注册信息；以及
    发送注册更新响应至所述第一UPF实体，用于指示所述第一UPF实体在当前NRF实体上更新注册成功。
  19. 根据权利要求18所述的方法，其中，若所述注册信息还包括所述虚拟网络群组中的设备信息，则更新的所述注册信息中包括更新的设备信息；
    所述方法还包括：
    在所述存储更新的所述注册信息之后，向订阅所述注册信息的UPF发送针对所述注册信息的变更通知。
  20. 根据权利要求15所述的方法，还包括：
    在所述向所述第一UPF实体下发所述对端UPF实体的组级路由信息之后，接收所述第一UPF实体发送的组级会话更新请求；
    存储所述第一UPF实体的更新的组级路由信息；
    发送组级会话变更通知至所述虚拟网络群组关联的对端UPF实体，所述组级会话变更通知中携带更新的组级路由信息；
    其中，组级会话更新请求包括：第一组级会话更新请求，所述第一组级会话更新请求中携带所述第一UPF实体的更新的组级路由信息；
    或者，第二组级会话更新请求，所述第二组级会话更新请求中携带所述第一用户设备的新的MAC地址；
    或者第三组级会话更新请求，所述第三组级会话更新请求中携带所述第一用户设备的老化MAC地址。
  21. 根据权利要求15所述的方法，还包括：
    在所述向所述第一UPF实体下发所述对端UPF实体的组级路由 信息之后，发送组级会话变更通知至所述虚拟网络群组关联的对端UPF实体，所述组级会话变更通知中携带所述第一UPF实体的更新的组级路由信息。
  22. 一种群组用户通信方法，应用于会话管理功能(SMF)实体，包括：
    发送N4会话建立请求至第一用户面功能(UPF)实体；其中，所述会话建立请求中携带群组标识和第一用户设备的设备标识，所述群组标识配置为标识一个虚拟网络群组；以及
    接收第一UPF实体的N4会话建立响应；
    其中，所述第一UPF实体在为所述第一用户设备建立N4会话的过程中，将与所述第一用户设备的设备信息对应的组级路由信息添加至所述第一UPF实体的组级路由信息，并根据所述第一UPF实体的组级路由信息进行所述虚拟网络群组内用户设备之间的通信。
  23. 根据权利要求22所述的方法，其中，
    所述用户设备之间的通信包括报文转发；
    在所述第一UPF实体接收到所述第一用户设备的报文转发请求的情况下，若所述报文转发请求配置为请求转发报文至同一所述虚拟网络群组中的目标用户设备，则
    所述第一UPF实体的组级路由信息配置为确定所述目标用户设备关联的UPF实体，以使所述第一UPF实体通过所述目标用户设备关联的UPF实体，转发所述请求转发的报文至所述目标用户设备。
  24. 一种群组用户通信装置，应用于用户面功能(UPF)实体，包括：
    接收模块，配置为接收第一用户设备的报文转发请求；其中，所述报文转发请求配置为请求转发报文到目标用户设备，所述第一用户设备和所述目标用户设备为同一虚拟网络群组的用户设备；
    查找模块，配置为通过查找当前UPF实体的组级路由信息，确 定所述目标用户设备关联的UPF实体；以及
    发送模块，配置为通过所述目标用户设备关联的UPF实体，转发所述请求转发的报文至所述目标用户设备。
  25. 一种群组用户通信装置，应用于网络功能库功能(NRF)实体，包括：
    接收模块，配置为接收第一用户面功能(UPF)实体的网络功能(NF)发现请求，所述NF发现请求中包括群组标识，所述群组标识是会话管理功能(SMF)发送至第一UPF的标识信息，且所述群组标识配置为标识一个虚拟网络群组；
    发送模块，配置为发送NF发现响应至所述第一UPF实体，所述NF发现响应中携带所述虚拟网络群组关联的对端UPF实体的UPF信息和对端隧道信息；以及
    所述接收模块，还配置为接收所述第一UPF实体的组级路由信息，并向所述第一UPF实体下发所述对端UPF实体的组级路由信息，以使所述第一UPF实体根据每个所述对端UPF实体的组级路由信息，建立所述第一UPF实体的组级路由信息，并根据所述第一UPF实体的组级路由信息进行所述虚拟网络群组内用户设备之间的通信。
  26. 一种群组用户通信装置，应用于会话管理功能(SMF)实体，包括：
    发送模块，配置为发送N4会话建立请求至第一用户面功能(UPF)实体；其中，所述会话建立请求中携带群组标识和第一用户设备的设备标识，所述群组标识配置为标识一个虚拟网络群组；以及
    接收模块，配置为接收第一UPF实体的N4会话建立响应；
    其中，所述第一UPF实体在为所述第一用户设备建立N4会话的过程中，将与所述第一用户设备的设备信息对应的组级路由信息添加至所述第一UPF实体的组级路由信息，并根据所述第一UPF实体的组级路由信息进行所述虚拟网络群组内用户设备之间的通信。
  27. 一种网络设备，包括：
    至少一个处理器；以及
    存储器，其上存储有至少一个计算机程序，当所述至少一个计算机程序被所述至少一个处理器执行时，使得所述至少一个处理器实现权利要求1至23中任一项所述的群组用户通信方法。
  28. 一种计算机可读存储介质，所述计算机可读存储介质存储有计算机程序，所述计算机程序被处理器执行时实现权利要求1至23中任一项所述的群组用户通信方法。
PCT/CN2022/103952 2021-07-07 2022-07-05 群组用户通信方法及装置、网络设备和计算机可读存储介质 Ceased WO2023280168A1 (zh)

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