Patent Description:
Wireless networks have been used by more people or machines, and more services are carried on the wireless networks. Various services such as a call, a conference call, an emergency call, and a public warning in the wireless networks have respective clear service assurance requirements.

Due to limited radio resources, if a relatively large quantity of services need to be simultaneously processed, access, resource scheduling, and the like need to be controlled based on a QoS rule and a priority of each service. For example, when a user A is in a call, a user B starts downloading a file. Due to limited radio resources, if the download service of the user B preempts a radio resource of the call service of the user A, user experience is extremely terrible. Therefore, a priority higher than that of the download service needs to be set for the call service, to preferentially ensure radio resource scheduling of the call service when radio resources are insufficient.

Specifically, a QoS architecture may be shown in <FIG>. A terminal may establish one or more PDU (Packet Data Unit, packet data unit) sessions with a <NUM> core network, and a RAN (Radio Access Network, radio access network) establishes one or more data radio bearers (Data Radio Bearer, DRB) for each PDU session. One DRB includes one or more QoS flows, and each QoS flow is corresponding to one or more packet filters (packet filter). For example, if a QoS flow <NUM> is corresponding to a packet filter <NUM> and a packet filter <NUM>, only a data packet that can pass through the packet filter <NUM> or the packet filter <NUM> can be transmitted by using the QoS flow <NUM>. In addition, one QoS flow is corresponding to one group of QoS parameters, and same QoS processing is performed on data packets transmitted by using a same QoS flow.

Different services are corresponding to different SDFs (Service Data Flow, service data packet flow), and one SDF may be corresponding to one or more packet filters or one application detection filter. For example, if a service <NUM> is corresponding to an SDF <NUM>, and the SDF <NUM> is corresponding to a packet filter <NUM> and a packet filter <NUM>, a data packet belonging to the service <NUM> can pass through the packet filter <NUM> or the packet filter <NUM>.

Mapping rules are different when QoS control is performed on an uplink/downlink data packet on a terminal side and a network side, to be specific, when the uplink/downlink data packet is mapped to a QoS flow. Therefore, in some particular cases, the uplink/downlink data packet may be mapped to different QoS flows on the terminal side and the network side, causing a packet loss.

"<NPL>, relates to the disclosure that a SMF provides SDF template together with SDF precedence and corresponding QFI to the UPF, and the SMF generates QoS rule(s) for QoS flow and then provides QoS rule(s) to the UE.

Embodiments of this application provide a QoS control method and a related session management function entity, computer-readable storage medium and computer program product, to perform QoS control on an uplink data packet. The present invention is defined by the method of independent claim <NUM>, the session management function entity of independent claim <NUM>, the computer-readable storage medium of independent claim <NUM> and the computer program product of independent claim <NUM>. Additional features of the invention are presented in the dependent claims <NUM> to <NUM> and <NUM> to <NUM>. In the following, parts of the description and drawings referring to embodiments, which are not covered by the claims are not presented as embodiments of the invention, but as examples useful for understanding the invention.

The following further describes the embodiments of this application in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Specifically, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> together with their related passages of the description, show embodiments commensurate with the present set of claims.

The applicant finds during research that, the following problem exists when a terminal and a device on a network side perform QoS control on an uplink/downlink data packet in the prior art:.

A NAS (non-access stratum) of the terminal and a UPF (User Plane Function, user plane function) on the network side map the uplink/downlink data packet to a QoS flow based on a packet filter (packet filter); and an AS (access stratum) of the terminal and a RAN associate an uplink/downlink QoS flow with a DRB. When a terminal side and the UPF on the network side map the data packet to the QoS flow, a specific mapping mechanism may be shown in <FIG>. Details are as follows:.

On the terminal side, for the terminal, each QoS flow is corresponding to one QoS flow template, each QoS flow template is corresponding to one or more packet filters, and each QoS flow template has one priority. When sending a data packet, the terminal sequentially performs matching between the data packet and QoS flow templates in descending order of priorities of the QoS flow templates, and stops matching when a corresponding QoS flow template is found through matching. Specifically, matching is first performed between the data packet and a QoS flow template with a highest priority. If the data packet can pass through any packet filter corresponding to the QoS flow template, the matching succeeds, and the data packet is transmitted by using a QoS flow corresponding to the QoS flow template; otherwise, matching continues to be performed between the data packet and a QoS flow template with a lower priority, until a corresponding QoS flow template is found through matching.

On the network side, for the UPF, each SDF is corresponding to one or more packet filters, and each SDF is corresponding to one priority. When sending a data packet, a network device sequentially performs matching between the data packet and packet filters of SDFs based on priorities of the SDFs, and stops matching when a packet filter of a corresponding SDF is found through matching. Specifically, matching is first performed between the data packet and a packet filter of an SDF with a highest priority. If the data packet can pass through the packet filter of the SDF, the matching succeeds, and the data packet is transmitted by using a QoS flow corresponding to the packet filter of the SDF; otherwise, matching continues to be performed between the data packet and a packet filter of an SDF with a lower priority.

In the foregoing mechanism, different matching rules are used on the terminal side and the network side to perform data packet matching. Consequently, different QoS flows may be found through matching for a same data packet on the terminal side and the network side, causing a packet loss. Specifically, as shown in <FIG>, when a terminal needs to transmit a data packet, if the data packet can match both a packet filter of an SDF a and a packet filter of an SDF b, due to different matching priorities, the uplink data packet may match a QoS flow <NUM> on a terminal side, and the data packet may match a QoS flow <NUM> on a network side. During uplink data transmission, it may be verified, on the network side, whether a correct QoS flow is used for the data packet sent by the terminal. If it is determined, on the network side, that the terminal uses an incorrect QoS flow, the data packet is discarded on the network side.

To resolve the foregoing technical problem, the embodiments of this application provide a QoS control method and a device.

The terminal in this application may include a handheld device, an in-vehicle device, a wearable device, or a computing device that has a wireless communication function, or another processing device connected to a wireless modem, and various forms of UEs (User Equipment, user equipment), MSs (Mobile Station, mobile station), terminal devices (Terminal Equipment), and the like.

The QoS control method provided in the embodiments of this application may be applied to a <NUM> network architecture shown in <FIG>.

Main functions of a UPF (User Plane Function, user plane function) include: data packet routing and transmission, packet detection, service usage reporting, QoS processing, lawful interception, uplink packet detection, downlink data packet storage, and other user plane related functions.

Main functions of an AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function, access and mobility management function) include: connection management, mobility management, registration management, access authentication and authorization, accessibility management, security context management, and other access and mobility related functions.

Main functions of an SMF (Session Management function, session management function) include: session management (for example, session establishment, modification, and release, including tunnel maintenance between a UPF and an AN), UPF selection and control, SSC (Service and Session Continuity, service and session continuity) mode selection, roaming, and other session related functions.

Main functions of a PCF (Policy Control Function, policy control function) include: unified policy development, policy control provisioning, obtaining policy and decision related subscription information from a UDR, and other policy related functions.

A main function of an AUSF (Authentication Server Function, authentication server function) includes: authenticating whether user equipment is authorized.

A main function of an AF (Application function, application function) is service provisioning, and specifically includes: service routing, access network capability enablement, and interaction with a policy architecture.

Main functions of UDM (Unified Data Management, unified data management) are credential, location, and subscription management, and user subscription data storage.

A main function of a DN (Data Network, data network) is providing a specific data service, such as an operator service, an Internet access service, or a third-party service.

Certainly, <FIG> shows merely an example of an application scenario of the embodiments of this application, and constitutes no limitation to the application scenario of the embodiments of this application. A system architecture applicable to the embodiments of this application may include more or fewer network elements than those shown in <FIG>, or may be a different system architecture such as an EPS system architecture or a CUPS architecture.

Referring to <FIG> is a schematic flowchart of a QoS control method according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in the figure, the method includes the following steps:.

In the foregoing embodiment, the SDF-level QoS control information obtained by the SMF entity is used to perform QoS control on an SDF. The SMF entity sends the SDF-level QoS control information to the terminal, so that the terminal performs the QoS control on the uplink data packet.

In any one of the foregoing possible implementations, the SDF-level QoS control information indicates that at least one packet filter corresponding to one SDF is corresponding to a same QoS flow, to be specific, is corresponding to a same QoS parameter, and each packet filter has a same SDF-level priority. However, different SDFs are corresponding to different priorities. Different SDFs may be corresponding to a same QoS parameter, to be specific, may be corresponding to a same QoS flow, but priorities of packet filters corresponding to the different SDFs are different.

It may be understood that the SDF-level QoS control information includes any one of or any combination of following: an SDF-level identifier, at least one SDF-level packet filter, an SDF-level priority (namely, a priority of the SDF-level packet filter), a QoS flow identifier, and a QoS parameter. The SDF-level identifier may have a plurality of representation forms, for example, an SDF identifier (SDF ID), a QoS rule ID, or other various forms of identifiers that can embody an SDF level.

Similarly, in this embodiment of this application, the SDF-level QoS control information obtained by the SMF entity has various specific representation forms, including but not limited to the following three manners.

In this embodiment of this application, the QoS control information obtained by the SMF entity is of an SDF level, but has various representation forms.

In a first manner, an SDF is used as a control unit.

In this manner, the SDF-level QoS control information may include any one of or any combination of following: an SDF identifier, at least one packet filter corresponding to the SDF, a priority, a QoS flow identifier, and a QoS parameter.

Specifically, the following three scenarios may be included.

In a first scenario, a new SDF is added.

In this case, the SDF-level QoS control information obtained by the SMF entity includes: an identifier of the newly added SDF;.

Optionally, the SDF-level QoS control information includes a QoS parameter: a QoS parameter corresponding to the QoS flow, for example, a packet delay, a bit rate, or a packet loss rate.

Further, if the QoS flow is a non-GBR QoS flow (non-guaranteed bit rate QoS flow), the QoS parameter may further include a 5QI (<NUM> QoS Indicator, <NUM> QoS indicator). If the QoS flow is a GBR QoS flow (guaranteed bit rate QoS flow), the QoS parameter may include a 5QI, a notification (notification), a GFBR (Guaranteed Flow Bit Rate, guaranteed flow bit rate), and an MFBR (Maximum Flow Bit Rate, maximum flow bit rate).

In a second scenario, an existing SDF is modified.

In this case, the SDF-level QoS control information obtained by the SMF entity includes at least an identifier of the to-be-modified SDF, and further includes any one of or any combination of the following information:.

Further, if the modified QoS flow is a non-GBR QoS flow, the QoS parameter may further include a 5QI. If the QoS flow is a GBR QoS flow, the QoS parameter may include a 5QI, a notification, a GFBR, and an MFBR.

In a third scenario, an existing SDF is deleted.

In this case, the SDF-level QoS control information obtained by the SMF entity may include only an identifier of the to-be-deleted SDF.

In a second manner, an SDF in a QoS flow is used as a control unit.

In this manner, the SDF-level QoS control information may include any one of or any combination of following: a QoS flow identifier, at least one SDF identifier, at least one packet filter corresponding to the at least one SDF, a priority corresponding to the at least one SDF, and a QoS parameter corresponding to the QoS flow.

Specifically, when the QoS flow is used as a QoS control unit, the following three scenarios may be included.

In a first scenario, a new QoS flow is established.

In this case, the SDF-level QoS control information obtained by the SMF entity includes an identifier of the newly established QoS flow, and may further include:.

Optionally, the SDF-level QoS control information includes a QoS parameter: a QoS parameter corresponding to the newly established QoS flow.

Further, if the newly established QoS flow is a non-GBR QoS flow, the QoS parameter may further include a 5QI. If the newly established QoS flow is a GBR QoS flow, the QoS parameter may include a 5QI, a notification, a GFBR, and an MFBR.

In a second scenario, an existing QoS flow is modified.

In this case, the QoS control information obtained by the SMF entity includes at least an identifier of the to-be-modified QoS flow, and further includes any one of or any combination of the following information:.

Further, if the modified QoS flow is a non-GBR QoS flow, the QoS parameter may further include a 5QI. If the modified QoS flow is a GBR QoS flow, the QoS parameter may include a 5QI, a notification, a GFBR, and an MFBR.

In a third scenario, an existing QoS flow is deleted.

In this case, the SDF-level QoS control information obtained by the SMF entity may include an identifier of the to-be-deleted QoS flow.

In a third manner, a QoS rule is used as a control unit.

In this manner, one QoS rule is corresponding to one SDF. The SDF-level QoS control information may include any one of or any combination of the following: a QoS rule identifier, at least one packet filter corresponding to the QoS rule, a priority, a QoS flow identifier, and a QoS parameter.

In a first scenario, a QoS rule is added.

In this case, the SDF-level QoS control information obtained by the SMF entity includes an identifier of the newly added QoS rule, and further includes the following information:.

Optionally, the SDF-level QoS control information includes a QoS parameter: a QoS parameter corresponding to the QoS flow.

Further, if the QoS flow corresponding to the added QoS rule is a non-GBR QoS flow, the QoS parameter may further include a 5QI. If the QoS flow corresponding to the added QoS rule is a GBR QoS flow, the QoS parameter may include a 5QI, a notification, a GFBR, and an MFBR.

In a second scenario, an existing QoS rule is modified.

In this case, the SDF-level QoS control information obtained by the SMF entity includes at least an identifier of the to-be-modified QoS rule, and further includes any one of or any combination of the following information:.

In a third scenario, an existing QoS rule is deleted.

In this case, the SDF-level QoS control information obtained by the SMF entity may include only an identifier of the to-be-deleted QoS rule.

During specific implementation, one of the foregoing three manners may be selected based on a specific application requirement. The SDF-level QoS control information is sent to the terminal, so that the terminal performs the QoS control on the uplink data packet based on the SDF-level QoS control information.

In a possible implementation, the SMF entity may further send the SDF-level QoS control information to a UPF entity, so that the UPF entity verifies the QoS control on the uplink data packet based on the SDF-level QoS control information.

The SMF entity sends the SDF-level QoS control information to the terminal and the UPF entity, so that the terminal and the UPF can separately perform the QoS control on the uplink data packet based on the same QoS control information, thereby avoiding a packet loss caused by different QoS control performed by the terminal and the UPF on uplink data.

In some embodiments, the SMF entity may further send, to an access network device, the following two types of information: the QoS flow identifier, or the QoS flow identifier and the QoS parameter corresponding to the QoS flow, so that the access network device establishes, deletes, or binds to a corresponding air interface resource based on the foregoing information.

In a possible implementation, step <NUM> performed by the SMF entity is specifically: receiving a policy control rule or a QoS control rule sent by a PCF entity, and obtaining, by the SMF, the SDF-level QoS control information based on the received policy control rule or QoS control rule. Specifically, the PCF entity may send a PDU-CAN session modification instruction to the SMF entity, where the policy control rule or the QoS control rule is carried in the PDU session modification instruction.

In another possible implementation, step <NUM> performed by the SMF entity is specifically: obtaining the SDF-level QoS control information based on a policy stored in the SMF entity.

In either of the foregoing possible implementations, a policy stored in the PCF entity or the policy stored in the SMF entity includes a basis of updating the SDF-level QoS control information. For example, when network load meets a preset condition, the PCF entity or the SMF entity needs to update the SDF-level QoS control information, to ensure that QoS of an important service is not affected.

Further, in step <NUM>, that the terminal performs QoS control on an uplink data packet specifically includes: determining, by the terminal, a matching order of SDF-level packet filters based on the priority in the received SDF-level QoS control information; and performing data packet matching based on the matching order of the SDF-level packet filters, and performing the QoS control based on a QoS flow corresponding to a packet filter that successfully matches the uplink data packet.

For clearer understanding of the QoS control method provided in the embodiments of the present invention, several specific embodiments are used for description below.

A specific procedure is described with reference to <FIG>.

Step <NUM>: A PCF entity sends a PDU-CAN (PDU-Connectivity Access Network, PDU-connectivity access network) session modification request to an SMF entity, where the request includes a policy control rule.

Further, the request may further include a QoS requirement.

Optionally, the policy control rule information is used to establish a new policy control rule; or the policy control rule information is used to modify an existing policy control rule; or the policy control rule information is used to delete an existing policy control rule.

Step <NUM>: After receiving the PDU-CAN session modification request, the SMF entity determines to perform a PDU session update procedure.

Step <NUM>: The SMF entity sends a session management request to an AMF entity, where the session management request includes NAS signaling (for example, a PDU session modification command, where the PDU session modification command is used as an example for description in the figure), and the NAS signaling includes the foregoing SDF-level QoS control information, namely, SDF information.

If the SMF entity determines, based on the received policy control rule information, to establish a new SDF, the SDF-level QoS control information includes: an identifier (SDF ID) of the newly established SDF, at least one packet filter corresponding to the SDF, a priority, and a QoS parameter. For example, a format of the SDF-level QoS control information may be: SDF ID, QoS parameters, QFI, Precedence value, Filters.

Further, if an established QoS flow can meet a QoS requirement of the newly established SDF, the SDF-level QoS control information further includes an identifier (QoS flow ID, QFI for short) of the established QoS flow. If no established QoS flow can meet a QoS requirement of the newly established SDF, the SDF-level QoS control information further includes an identifier QFI of a newly established QoS flow. Further, if the newly established QoS flow is a non-GBR QoS flow, the QoS parameter may include a 5QI. If the newly established QoS flow is a GBR QoS flow, the QoS parameter may include a 5QI, a notification, a GFBR, and an MFBR.

If the SMF entity determines, based on the received policy control rule information, to modify a policy control rule of a QoS requirement of an existing SDF, the SDF-level QoS control information includes an ID of the to-be-modified SDF. If an established QoS flow can meet a modified QoS requirement, the SDF-level QoS control information includes a QFI of the established QoS flow. If no established QoS flow can meet a modified QoS requirement, the SDF-level QoS control information includes a QFI of a newly established QoS flow and a QoS parameter corresponding to the new QoS flow. For example, a format of the SDF-level QoS control information may be: Update-SDF QoS: SDF ID, QFI, QoS parameters. Further, if the newly established QoS flow is a non-GBR QoS flow, the QoS parameter may include a 5QI. If the newly established QoS flow is a GBR QoS flow, the QoS parameter may include a 5QI, a notification, a GFBR, and an MFBR. The QoS parameter is optional.

If the SMF entity determines, based on the received policy control rule information, to modify a packet filter and/or a priority corresponding to an existing SDF, the SDF-level QoS control information includes an ID of the to-be-modified SDF, and a modified priority and/or a modified packet filter. For example, a format of the SDF-level QoS control information may be: Update-SDF Filters/Precedence: SDF ID, Filters/Precedence value.

If the SMF entity determines, based on the received policy control rule information, to delete an existing SDF, the SDF-level QoS control information includes an ID of the to-be-deleted SDF. For example, a format of the SDF-level QoS control information may be: Delete-SDF: SDF ID, delete operation.

In addition, if the SMF entity determines, based on the received policy control rule information, that a new QoS flow needs to be established, the session management request further independently includes QoS flow information, where the QoS flow information includes a QFI and a QoS parameter and is used to instruct a RAN/AN to store the QoS flow information and establish a corresponding air interface resource or bind the QoS flow to an existing air interface resource. If the SMF entity determines, based on the received policy control rule, that a QoS flow needs to be deleted, the session management request further independently includes a QFI of the QoS flow, where the QFI is used to instruct the RAN/AN to release an air interface resource.

Step <NUM>: The AMF sends an N2 session request message to a RAN/AN by using an N2 interface, where the N2 session message includes NAS signaling (for example, a PDU session modification command, where the PDU session modification command is used as an example for description in the figure), and the NAS signaling includes the SDF-level QoS control information.

Optionally, if a new QoS flow needs to be established, the N2 session request message further includes that the RAN/AN needs to store information about the newly established QoS flow, and establish a corresponding air interface resource with a terminal or bind the newly established QoS flow to an existing air interface resource. If a QoS flow needs to be deleted, the N2 session request message further includes that the RAN/AN needs to delete corresponding QoS flow information, so that the RAN/AN releases an air interface resource with the terminal.

Step <NUM>: The AN sends a radio resource control request to a terminal, where the request includes a PDU session modification command, and the PDU session modification command includes the SDF-level QoS control information, so that the terminal performs QoS control on an uplink data packet based on the SDF-level QoS control information, or deletes the corresponding SDF information.

Step <NUM>: The terminal returns an acknowledgement message to the AN after receiving the SDF-level QoS control information.

The terminal stores the SDF-level QoS control information, and performs the QoS control on the uplink data packet based on the SDF-level QoS control information, or deletes the locally stored SDF-level QoS control information.

The SDF-level QoS control information may be stored in the terminal in the following forms:.

Step <NUM>: The AN returns an N2 session response to the AMF by using the N2 interface.

Step <NUM>: The AMF returns a session management response to the SMF, where the response includes a PDU session modification acknowledgement message.

Step <NUM>: The SMF sends an N4 session modification request to the UPF by using an N4 interface, where the request optionally includes the SDF-level QoS control information.

When the session modification request is used to add an SDF, the UPF generates, based on the SDF-level QoS control information, at least one SDF-level packet filter in a QoS flow corresponding to the added SDF, and the at least one generated SDF-level packet filter has a same priority.

When the session modification request is used to modify information about an existing SDF, the UPF modifies the information about the SDF. For example, to modify a priority of the existing SDF, the UPF modifies a priority of a packet filter corresponding to the SDF.

When the session modification request is used to delete an existing SDF, the UPF deletes a packet filter corresponding to the SDF and other information about the SDF.

Step <NUM>: The UPF returns an N4 session modification response to the SMF by using the N4 interface.

Step <NUM>: The SMF returns a PDU-CAN session modification acknowledgement message to the PCF.

According to step <NUM> to step <NUM>, the QoS control information stored in the terminal and the UPF is modified, so that the terminal and the UPF can perform QoS control on an uplink/downlink data packet based on the same SDF-level QoS control information. Certainly, in some cases, for example, when network load is relatively large, priorities of services need to be rearranged to ensure that QoS of some services is not affected. Alternatively, the SMF may actively initiate a process of modifying the SDF-level QoS control information, to be specific, step <NUM> and step <NUM> may not be performed.

When needing to send an uplink data packet, the terminal performs, based on SDF-level priorities, matching between the uplink data packet and a packet filter corresponding to an SDF with a highest priority. If the matching between the uplink data packet and the packet filter corresponding to the SDF with the highest priority succeeds, the terminal transmits the uplink data packet by using a QoS flow corresponding to the filter; otherwise, continues to perform matching between the uplink data packet and a packet filter corresponding to an SDF with a second highest priority, until an appropriate packet filter is found through matching. When receiving the uplink data packet, the UPF performs data packet matching based on the same SDF-level QoS control information. Therefore, a QoS flow that is corresponding to the data packet and that is determined by the UPF is the same as a QoS flow determined by the terminal, so that a packet loss can be avoided.

Step <NUM>: A PCF entity sends a PDU-CAN session modification request to an SMF entity, where the request includes a policy control rule.

Step <NUM>: After receiving the PDU-CAN session modification request, the SMF determines to perform a PDU session update procedure.

Step <NUM>: The SMF sends a session management request to an AMF, where the session management request includes NAS signaling (for example, a PDU session modification command, where the PDU session modification command is used as an example for description in the figure), and the NAS signaling includes the foregoing SDF-level QoS control information, namely, QoS flow information.

If the SMF entity determines, based on the received policy control rule information, to establish a new QoS flow, the SDF-level QoS control information includes a QFI of the newly established QoS flow, an ID of an SDF, a priority of the SDF, and a packet filter. The SDF corresponding to the newly established QoS flow may be an existing SDF or a newly established SDF. For example, a format of the SDF-level QoS control information may be: QFI, QoS parameters, SDF ID, Precedence value, Filters. Further, if the newly established QoS flow is a non-GBR QoS flow, the QoS parameter may include a 5QI. If the newly established QoS flow is a GBR QoS flow, the QoS parameter may include a 5QI, a notification, a GFBR, and an MFBR. The QoS parameter is optional.

If the SMF entity determines, based on the received policy control rule information, to modify an existing QoS flow, the SDF-level QoS control information includes a QFI of the to-be-modified QoS flow, an ID of an SDF, a priority of the SDF, and a packet filter. For a modified SDF corresponding to the QoS flow, a new SDF may be added, or an existing SDF may be deleted, or a new SDF may not be added and an existing SDF may not be deleted, but only a priority and/or a packet filter of the existing SDF is modified. For example, a format of the SDF-level QoS control information may be: QFI, SDF ID, Filters/Precedence value.

If the SMF entity determines, based on the received policy control rule information, to delete an existing QoS flow, the SDF-level QoS control information may include only an identifier of the to-be-deleted QoS flow.

Step <NUM>: The AMF sends an N2 session request to an AN by using an N2 interface, where the N2 session message includes NAS signaling (for example, a PDU session modification command, where the PDU session modification command is used as an example for description in the figure), and the NAS signaling includes the SDF-level QoS control information.

Further, if a new QoS flow needs to be established, the N2 session request message further includes that the RAN/AN needs to store information about the newly established QoS flow, and establish a corresponding air interface resource with a terminal or bind the newly established QoS flow to an existing air interface resource. If a QoS flow needs to be deleted, the N2 session request message further includes that the RAN/AN needs to delete corresponding QoS flow information, so that the RAN/AN releases an air interface resource with the terminal.

Step <NUM>: The AN sends a radio resource control request to a terminal, where the request includes a PDU session modification command, and the PDU session modification command includes the SDF-level QoS control information, so that the terminal performs QoS control on an uplink data packet based on the SDF-level QoS control information, or deletes the corresponding QoS flow information.

When tire session modification request is used to add a QoS flow, the UPF generates, in the added QoS flow based on the SDF-level QoS control information, at least one SDF-level packet filter of an SDF corresponding to the QoS flow, and the at least one generated SDF-level packet filter has a same priority.

When the session modification request is used to modify information about an existing QoS flow, the UPF modifies the information about the QoS flow.

When the session modification request is used to delete an existing QoS flow, the UPF deletes information about the QoS flow.

Step <NUM>: The SMF returns a PDU-CAN modification acknowledgement message to the PCF.

According to step <NUM> to step <NUM>, both the terminal and the UPF perform QoS control on an uplink/downlink data packet based on the same SDF-level QoS control information.

Similarly, in some cases, alternatively, the SMF may actively initiate a process of modifying the SDF-level QoS control information, to be specific, step <NUM> and step <NUM> may not be performed.

The SDF-level QoS control information in Embodiment <NUM> is slightly different from the SDF-level QoS control information in Embodiment <NUM> in specific information content and an information format. However, the QoS control information in Embodiment <NUM> and the QoS control information in Embodiment <NUM> are both implemented based on an SDF level, and different SDFs are corresponding to different priorities. Therefore, in Embodiment <NUM>, a process of performing the QoS control on the uplink/downlink data packet by the terminal is the same as a process of performing the QoS control on the uplink/downlink data packet by the UPF.

Step <NUM>: A PCF sends a PDU-CAN session modification request to an SMF, where the request includes policy rule information.

Step <NUM>: After receiving the PDU session modification request, the SMF determines to perform a PDU session update procedure.

Step <NUM>: The SMF sends a session management request to an AMF, where the session management request includes NAS signaling (for example, a PDU session modification command, where the PDU session modification command is used as an example for description in the figure), and the NAS signaling includes the foregoing SDF-level QoS control information, namely, a QoS rule.

If the SMF entity determines, based on the received policy control rule information, to establish a new QoS rule, the SDF-level QoS control information includes an identifier (QoS rule ID) of the newly established QoS rule, a packet filter, a priority, a QFI, and a QoS parameter. For example, a format of the SDF-level QoS control information may be: QoS rule ID, QFI, QoS parameters, Precedence value, Filters. If there is an existing QoS flow that can meet a QoS requirement corresponding to the newly established QoS rule, the QFI is a QFI of the existing QoS flow. If there is no existing QoS flow that can meet a QoS requirement corresponding to the newly established QoS rule, a new QoS flow needs to be established, and the QFI is a QFI of the newly established QoS flow. Further, if the newly established QoS flow is a non-GBR QoS flow, the QoS parameter may include a 5QI. If the newly established QoS flow is a GBR QoS flow, the QoS parameter may include a 5QI, a notification, a GFBR, and an MFBR. The QoS parameter is optional.

If the SMF entity determines, based on the received policy control rule information, to modify a QoS requirement of an existing QoS rule, the SDF-level QoS control information includes an ID of the to-be-modified QoS rule. If an established QoS flow can meet a modified QoS requirement, the SDF-level QoS control information includes a QFI of the established QoS flow. If no established QoS flow can meet a modified QoS requirement, the SDF-level QoS control information includes a QFI of a newly established QoS flow and a QoS parameter corresponding to the new QoS flow. For example, a format of the SDF-level QoS control information may be: QoS rule ID, QoS flow ID, QoS parameters.

If the SMF entity determines, based on the received policy control rule information, to modify a packet filter and/or a priority corresponding to an existing QoS rule, the SDF-level QoS control information includes an ID of the to-be-modified QoS rule, and a modified priority and/or a modified packet filter.

If the SMF entity determines, based on the received policy control rule information, to delete an existing SDF, the SDF-level QoS control information includes an ID of the to-be-deleted SDF.

Step <NUM>: The AMF sends an N2 session request to a RAN/AN by using an N2 interface, where the N2 session message includes NAS signaling (for example, a PDU session modification command, where the PDU session modification command is used as an example for description in the figure), and the NAS signaling includes the SDF-level QoS control information.

Step <NUM>: The AN sends a radio resource control request to a terminal, where the request includes a PDU session modification command, and the PDU session modification command includes the SDF-level QoS control information, so that the terminal performs QoS control on an uplink data packet based on the SDF-level QoS control information, or deletes corresponding QoS rule information.

When the session modification request is used to add a QoS rule, the UPF generates, for a QoS flow corresponding to the added QoS rule based on the SDF-level QoS control information, at least one SDF-level packet filter of an SDF corresponding to the QoS flow, and the at least one generated SDF-level packet filter has a same priority.

When the session modification request is used to modify an existing QoS rule, the UPF modifies information of the QoS rule.

When the session modification request is used to delete an existing QoS rule, the UPF deletes all information of the QoS rule.

The SDF-level QoS control information in Embodiment <NUM> is slightly different from the SDF-level QoS control information in Embodiment <NUM> and the SDF-level QoS control information in Embodiment <NUM> in specific information content and an information format. However, the QoS control information in Embodiment <NUM>, the QoS control information in Embodiment <NUM>, and the QoS control information in Embodiment <NUM> are all implemented based on an SDF level, and different SDFs are corresponding to different priorities. Therefore, in Embodiment <NUM>, a process of performing the QoS control on the uplink/downlink data packet by the terminal is the same as a process of performing the QoS control on the uplink/downlink data packet by the UPF.

<FIG> is a possible schematic structural diagram of the session management function SMF entity in the foregoing embodiments. The SMF entity <NUM> can also implement a function of the SMF entity shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, or <FIG>.

The SMF entity <NUM> includes a processing unit <NUM> and a communications unit <NUM>. The processing unit <NUM> is configured to control and manage actions of the SMF entity. For example, the processing unit <NUM> is configured to support the SMF entity in performing the processes <NUM> to <NUM> in <FIG>, the processes <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> in <FIG>, the processes <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> in <FIG>, or the processes <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> in <FIG>, and/or another process used for the technologies described in this specification. The communications unit <NUM> is configured to support communication between the SMF entity and another network entity, for example, communication between the SMF entity and a functional module or a network entity shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, or <FIG>. The SMF entity may further include a storage unit <NUM>, configured to store program code and data of the SMF entity.

It should be noted that unit division in this embodiment of the present invention is an example and is merely logical function division. During actual implementation, there may be another division manner. The functional units in this embodiment of the present invention may be integrated into one processing unit, or each of the units may exist alone physically, or two or more units are integrated into one unit. For example, in the foregoing embodiment, a first obtaining unit and a second obtaining unit may be a same unit, or may be different units.

The processing unit <NUM> may be a processor or a controller, for example, may be a central processing unit (Central Processing Unit, CPU), a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (Digital Signal Processor, DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit, ASIC), a field programmable gate array (Field Programmable Gate Array, FPGA) or another programmable logic device, a transistor logic device, a hardware component, or any combination thereof. The processing unit <NUM> may implement or execute examples of various logical blocks, modules, and circuits that are described with reference to the content disclosed in the present invention. Alternatively, the processor may be a combination implementing a computing function, for example, a combination including one or more microprocessors, or a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor. The communications unit <NUM> may be a transceiver. The storage unit <NUM> may be a memory.

When the processing unit <NUM> is a processor, the communications unit <NUM> is a transceiver, and the storage unit <NUM> is a memory, the SMF entity in this embodiment of the present invention may be an SMF entity shown in <FIG>.

Based on a same technical concept, <FIG> is another possible schematic structural diagram of the SMF entity in the foregoing embodiments. The SMF entity includes a processor <NUM>, and a memory <NUM> and a transceiver <NUM> that are separately connected to the processor <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> is configured to invoke a computer program pre-stored in the memory <NUM> to perform the following steps:.

In a possible implementation, the processor <NUM> is further configured to send the SDF-level QoS control information to a UPF entity by using the transceiver <NUM>, so that the UPF verifies QoS control on an uplink data packet based on the SDF-level QoS control information, or deletes the SDF-level QoS control information.

In a possible implementation, when obtaining the SDF-level QoS control information, the processor <NUM> is specifically configured to: obtain the SDF-level QoS control information based on a session management request sent by a PCF entity; or obtain the SDF-level QoS control information based on a local policy.

In a possible implementation, the SDF-level QoS control information includes: an SDF identifier; or an SDF identifier, and at least one of or any combination of the following: at least one packet filter corresponding to the SDF, a priority, a QoS flow identifier, and a QoS parameter.

In a possible implementation, the SDF-level QoS control information includes: a QoS flow identifier; or a QoS flow identifier, and at least one of or any combination of the following: at least one SDF identifier, at least one packet filter corresponding to the at least one SDF, a priority corresponding to the at least one SDF, and a QoS parameter corresponding to the QoS flow.

In a possible implementation, the SDF-level QoS control information includes: a QoS rule identifier; or a QoS rule identifier, and at least one of or any combination of the following: at least one packet filter corresponding to the QoS rule, a priority, a QoS flow identifier, and a QoS parameter.

In a possible implementation, the processor <NUM> is further configured to send, to an access network device by using the transceiver <NUM>, the QoS flow identifier and the QoS parameter corresponding to the QoS flow, so that the access network device establishes a corresponding air interface resource.

<FIG> is a possible schematic structural diagram of the terminal in the foregoing embodiments. The terminal <NUM> can also implement a function of the terminal shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, or <FIG>.

The terminal <NUM> includes a processing unit <NUM> and a communications unit <NUM>. The processing unit <NUM> is configured to control and manage actions of the terminal. For example, the processing unit <NUM> is configured to support the terminal in performing the process <NUM> in <FIG>, the process <NUM> in <FIG>, the process <NUM> in <FIG>, and/or another process used for the technologies described in this specification. The communications unit <NUM> is configured to support communication between the terminal and another network entity, for example, communication between the terminal and a functional module or a network entity shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, or <FIG>. The terminal may further include a storage unit <NUM>, configured to store program code and data of the terminal.

When the processing unit <NUM> is a processor, the communications unit <NUM> is a transceiver, and the storage unit <NUM> is a memory , the terminal in this embodiment of the present invention may be a terminal shown in <FIG>.

Based on a same technical concept, <FIG> is another possible schematic structural diagram of the terminal in the foregoing embodiments. The terminal includes a processor <NUM>, and a memory <NUM> and a transceiver <NUM> that are separately connected to the processor <NUM>.

In a possible implementation, the SDF-level QoS control information includes: an SDF identifier; or an SDF identifier, and one of or any combination of the following: at least one packet filter corresponding to the SDF, a priority, a QoS flow identifier, and a QoS parameter.

In a possible implementation, when performing the QoS control on the uplink data packet based on the SDF-level QoS control information, the processor <NUM> is specifically configured to: determine a matching order of SDF-level packet filters based on the priority in the SDF-level QoS control information; and perform data packet matching based on the matching order of the SDF-level packet filters, and perform the QoS control based on a QoS flow corresponding to a packet filter that successfully matches the uplink data packet.

Moreover, this application may use a form of a computer program product that is implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to a magnetic disk storage, a CD-ROM, an optical memory, and the like) that include computer usable program code.

This application is described with reference to the flowcharts and/or block diagrams of the method, the device (system), and the computer program product according to the embodiments of this application. It should be understood that computer program instructions may be used to implement each process and/or each block in the flowcharts and/or the block diagrams and a combination of a process and/or a block in the flowcharts and/or the block diagrams. These computer program instructions may be provided for a general-purpose computer, a dedicated computer, an embedded processor, or a processor of another programmable data processing device to generate a machine, so that the instructions executed by a computer or a processor of another programmable data processing device generate an apparatus for implementing a specific function in one or more processes in the flowcharts and/or in one or more blocks in the block diagrams.

These computer program instructions may be stored in a computer readable memory that can instruct the computer or another programmable data processing device to work in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer readable memory generate an artifact that includes an instruction apparatus.

These computer program instructions may be loaded onto a computer or another programmable data processing device, so that a series of operations and steps are performed on the computer or another programmable device, thereby generating computer-implemented processing. Therefore, the instructions executed on the computer or another programmable device provide steps for implementing a specific function in one or more processes in the flowcharts and/or in one or more blocks in the block diagrams.

Claim 1:
A quality of service, QoS, control method, comprising:
obtaining (<NUM>), by a session management function entity, one or more QoS rules, wherein one QoS rule corresponds to one service data flow, SDF, and each QoS rule comprises a QoS rule identifier, at least one packet filter corresponding to the SDF, an SDF-level QoS rule priority corresponding to the SDF, and a QoS flow identifier; and
sending (<NUM>), by the session management function entity, the one or more QoS rules to a terminal.