Multicast method, device, equipment and system for multicast group of virtual network group

文档序号：1849576 发布日期：2021-11-16 浏览：19次中文

阅读说明：本技术 虚拟网络群组的组播组的组播方法、装置、设备及系统 (Multicast method, device, equipment and system for multicast group of virtual network group ) 是由王涛于 2019-06-17 设计创作，主要内容包括：本申请是申请号为201910523828.8的分案申请。本申请公开了一种虚拟网络群组的组播组的组播方法、装置、设备及系统,连接到通信领域。所述方法包括：接收所述虚拟网络群组的一个成员发送的组播数据包,所述组播数据包的目的地址是组播地址；将所述组播数据包发送至至少两个组播内部接口中的目标组播内部接口,所述目标组播内部接口是专用于组播的内部接口；通过所述目标组播内部接口将所述组播数据包发送至所述虚拟网络群组的全部成员或全部本地组播组成员。本申请实现了在5G VN中的组播通信。(This application is a divisional application with application number 201910523828.8. The application discloses a multicast method, a device, equipment and a system of a multicast group of a virtual network group, which are connected to the field of communication. The method comprises the following steps: receiving a multicast data packet sent by one member of the virtual network group, wherein the destination address of the multicast data packet is a multicast address; sending the multicast data packet to a target multicast internal interface in at least two multicast internal interfaces, wherein the target multicast internal interface is an internal interface special for multicast; and sending the multicast data packet to all members of the virtual network group or all local multicast group members through the target multicast internal interface. The present application enables multicast communication in a 5G VN.)

1. A multicast method of a multicast group of a virtual network group is applied to a first User Plane Function (UPF), and the method comprises the following steps:

receiving a multicast data packet sent by one member of the virtual network group, wherein the destination address of the multicast data packet is a multicast address;

and sending the multicast data packet to a target multicast internal interface, and sending the multicast data packet to all multicast group members or all local multicast group members of the multicast group through the target multicast internal interface, wherein the target multicast internal interface is an internal interface special for multicast.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the target multicast internal interface comprises: a first multicast internal interface or a second multicast internal interface;

the sending the multicast data packet to a target multicast internal interface, and sending the multicast data packet to all multicast group members or all local multicast group members of the multicast group through the target multicast internal interface includes:

when the multicast data packet is multicast data from a first reference point or a second reference point, sending the multicast data packet to the first multicast internal interface, and sending the multicast data packet to all multicast group members of the multicast group from the first reference point or the second reference point or a third reference point or a fourth reference point respectively corresponding to each multicast group member in the multicast group through the first multicast internal interface;

when the multicast data packet is multicast data from the third reference point or the fourth reference point, sending the multicast data packet to the second multicast internal interface, and sending the multicast data packet to all local multicast group members of the multicast group from the first reference point or the second reference point corresponding to each local multicast group member of the first UPF in the multicast group through the second multicast internal interface;

wherein the first reference point is a reference point between an access network and the first UPF, the second reference point is a reference point between the first UPF and an internal UPF, the third reference point is a reference point between the first UPF and a data network, and the fourth reference point is a reference point between the first UPF and a further protocol data unit session anchor user plane function, PSA UPF.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the target multicast internal interface comprises: a first multicast internal interface or a second multicast internal interface or a third multicast internal interface;

when the multicast data packet is multicast data from the third reference point, sending the multicast data packet to the second multicast internal interface, and sending the multicast data packet to all local multicast group members of the multicast group from the first reference point or the second reference point corresponding to each local multicast group member of the first UPF in the multicast group through the second multicast internal interface;

when the multicast data packet is multicast data from the fourth reference point, sending the multicast data packet to the third multicast internal interface, and sending the multicast data packet to all local multicast group members of the multicast group from the first reference point or the second reference point corresponding to each local multicast group member of the first UPF in the multicast group through the third multicast internal interface;

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first UPF is provided with a first Packet Detection (PDR) rule and a first forwarding operation (FAR) rule corresponding to multicast group members in the multicast group;

when the multicast data packet is multicast data from a first reference point or a second reference point, sending the multicast data packet to the first multicast internal interface, including:

and when detecting that the multicast data packet is multicast data from the first reference point or the second reference point through the first PDR rule, sending the multicast data packet to the first multicast internal interface through the first FAR rule.

5. The method of claim 4,

or the like, or, alternatively,

6. The method of claim 5,

the multicast address in the multicast data packet is a multicast address in the first multicast address list;

or the like, or, alternatively,

the multicast address in the multicast data packet is a VID in the first VID list and a broadcast address.

7. The method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein when the first UPF needs to receive multicast data from the third reference point, a second Packet Detection (PDR) rule and a second forwarding operation (FAR) rule corresponding to a group level session are set in the first UPF, wherein the group level session is a session between the first UPF and a Session Management Function (SMF);

when the multicast data packet is multicast data from the third reference point, sending the multicast data packet to the second multicast internal interface, including:

and when detecting that the multicast data packet is multicast data from the third reference point through the second PDR rule, sending the multicast data packet to the second multicast internal interface through the second FAR rule.

8. The method of claim 7,

or the like, or, alternatively,

9. The method of claim 8,

the second multicast address list is a multicast address list of all multicast groups in the virtual network group;

or the like, or, alternatively,

the second multicast address list is a collection of multicast address lists of multicast groups to which all local multicast group members of the first UPF belong;

or the like, or, alternatively,

the second VID list is a VID list of all VIDs in the virtual network group;

or the like, or, alternatively,

the second VID list is a collection of VID lists to which all local VID members of the first UPF belong.

10. The method according to claim 2, wherein when the first UPF needs to receive the multicast data from the fourth reference point, a third packet detection PDR rule and a third forwarding operation FAR rule corresponding to a group level session are set in the first UPF, and the group level session is a session between the first UPF and the SMF;

when the multicast data packet is multicast data from the fourth reference point, sending the multicast data packet to the second multicast internal interface, including:

and when detecting that the multicast data packet is multicast data from the fourth reference point through the third PDR rule, sending the multicast data packet to the second multicast internal interface through the third FAR rule.

11. The method of claim 10,

or the like, or, alternatively,

the second multicast internal interface is one, and the third PDR rule includes: the source interface is set as a core side, the target address is set as a third VID list and a broadcast address, and the core network tunnel information is set as a fourth reference point tunnel head; the third FAR rule includes: the target interface is set as the second multicast internal interface;

or the like, or, alternatively,

the number of the second multicast internal interfaces is m, the ith second multicast internal interface corresponds to the ith VID in the third VID list, the ith VID and the broadcast address are multicast addresses in the multicast data packet, and the third PDR rule includes: setting a source interface as a core side, setting a target address as the ith VID and a broadcast address, and setting core network tunnel information as a fourth reference point tunnel head; the third FAR rule includes: and setting a target interface as the ith second multicast internal interface, wherein m is a positive integer, and i is an integer not greater than m.

12. The method of claim 11,

the third multicast address list is a multicast address list of all multicast groups in the virtual network group;

or the like, or, alternatively,

the third multicast address list is an intersection of the multicast address list of the multicast group to which the local multicast group member of the first UPF belongs and the multicast address list of the multicast group to which the local multicast group member of the second UPF belongs, and the second UPF is connected with the first UPF through the fourth reference point;

or the like, or, alternatively,

the third VID list is a VID list of all VIDs in the virtual network group;

or the like, or, alternatively,

the third VID list is the intersection of the VID list that the local VID member of the first UPF belongs to and the VID list that the local VID member of the second UPF belongs to, the second UPF being connected to the first UPF by the fourth reference point.

13. The method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a fourth Packet Detection (PDR) rule and a fourth forwarding operation (FAR) rule corresponding to multicast group members in the multicast group are set in the first UPF;

the sending, through the first multicast internal interface, the multicast data packet from the first reference point, the second reference point, the third reference point, or the fourth reference point, which corresponds to each multicast group member in the multicast group, to all multicast group members of the multicast group includes:

when detecting that the multicast data packet is multicast data from the first multicast internal interface through the fourth PDR rule, sending the multicast data packet to all multicast group members of the multicast group through the fourth FAR rule from the first reference point, the second reference point, the third reference point, or the fourth reference point corresponding to each multicast group member of the multicast group, respectively.

14. The method of claim 13,

the first multicast internal interface is one, and the fourth PDR rule includes: the source port is set as the first multicast internal interface, and the target address is a first multicast address list to which the multicast group member belongs; the fourth FAR rule includes: the external header creates tunnel information indicating the first reference point or the second reference point, and a target interface is an access side; or, the fourth FAR rule further includes: the external header creates information indicating the third reference point, and a target interface is a core side; or, the fourth FAR rule further includes: the external header creates tunnel information indicating the fourth reference point, and a target interface is a core side;

or the like, or, alternatively,

the number of the first multicast internal interfaces is m, the ith first multicast internal interface corresponds to the ith multicast address in the first multicast address list, and the ith multicast address is the multicast address in the multicast data packet; the fourth PDR rule comprises: the source port is set as the ith first multicast internal interface, and the target address is the ith multicast address; the fourth FAR rule includes: the external header creates tunnel information indicating the first reference point or the second reference point, and a target interface is an access side; or, the fourth FAR rule further includes: the external header creates information indicating the third reference point, and a target interface is a core side; or, the fourth FAR rule further includes: the external header creates tunnel information indicating the fourth reference point, and a target interface is a core side;

or the like, or, alternatively,

the first multicast internal interface is one, and the fourth PDR rule includes: the source port is set as the first multicast internal interface, and the target address is a first VID list and a broadcast address to which the VID member belongs; the fourth FAR rule includes: the external header creates tunnel information indicating the first reference point or the second reference point, and a target interface is an access side; or, the fourth FAR rule further includes: the external header creates information indicating the third reference point, and a target interface is a core side; or, the fourth FAR rule further includes: the external header creates tunnel information indicating the fourth reference point, and a target interface is a core side;

or the like, or, alternatively,

the number of the first multicast internal interfaces is m, the ith first multicast internal interface corresponds to the ith VID in the first VID list, and the ith VID and the broadcast address are multicast addresses in the multicast data packet; the fourth PDR rule comprises: the source port is set as the ith first multicast internal interface, and the target address is the ith VID and the broadcast address; the fourth FAR rule includes: the external header creates tunnel information indicating the first reference point or the second reference point, and a target interface is an access side; or, the fourth FAR rule further includes: the external header creates information indicating the third reference point, and a target interface is a core side; or, the fourth FAR rule further includes: the external header creates tunnel information indicating the fourth reference point, and a target interface is a core side;

wherein m is a positive integer, and i is an integer not greater than m.

15. The method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein when the first UPF needs to receive multicast data from a third reference point, a fifth Packet Detection (PDR) rule and a fifth forwarding operation (FAR) rule corresponding to a group level session are set in the first UPF; the group-level session is a session between the first UPF and an SMF;

the sending, by the second multicast internal interface, the multicast data packet from the first reference point or the second reference point, which corresponds to each local multicast group member in the first UPF in the multicast group, to all local multicast group members in the multicast group includes:

when detecting that the multicast data packet is multicast data of the second multicast internal interface through the fifth PDR rule, sending the multicast data packet to all local multicast group members of the multicast group from the first reference point or the second reference point corresponding to each local multicast group member of the first UPF in the multicast group through the fifth FAR rule.

16. The method of claim 15,

the second multicast internal interface is one, and the fifth PDR rule includes: the source port is set as the second multicast internal interface, and the target address is a second multicast address list; the fifth FAR rule includes: the external header creates tunnel information indicating the first reference point or the second reference point, and a target interface is an access side;

or the like, or, alternatively,

the second multicast internal interface is one, and the fifth PDR rule includes: the source port is set as the second multicast internal interface, and the target address is a second VID list and a broadcast address; the fifth FAR rule includes: the external header creates tunnel information indicating the first reference point or the second reference point, and a target interface is an access side;

or the like, or, alternatively,

the second multicast internal interfaces are m, the ith second multicast internal interface corresponds to the ith VID of the second VID list, the ith VID and the broadcast address are multicast addresses in the multicast data packet, and the fifth PDR rule includes: the source port is set as the ith second multicast internal interface, and the target address is the ith VID and the broadcast address; the fifth FAR rule includes: the external header creates tunnel information indicating the first reference point or the second reference point, a target interface is an access side, m is a positive integer, and i is an integer not greater than m.

17. The method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein when the first UPF needs to receive multicast data from a fourth reference point, a sixth Packet Detection (PDR) rule and a sixth forwarding operation (FAR) rule corresponding to a group level session are set in the first UPF; the group level session is a session between the first UPF and a session management function, SMF;

when detecting that the multicast data packet is multicast data of the second multicast internal interface through the sixth PDR rule, sending the multicast data packet to all local multicast group members of the multicast group from the first reference point or the second reference point corresponding to each local multicast group member of the first UPF in the multicast group through the sixth FAR rule.

18. The method of claim 17,

the second multicast internal interface is one, and the sixth PDR rule includes: the source port is set as the second multicast internal interface, and the target address is a third multicast address list; the sixth FAR rule includes: the external header creates tunnel information indicating the first reference point or the second reference point, and a target interface is an access side;

or the like, or, alternatively,

the second multicast internal interface is one, and the sixth PDR rule includes: the source port is set as the second multicast internal interface, and the target address is a third VID list and a broadcast address; the sixth FAR rule includes: the external header creates tunnel information indicating the first reference point or the second reference point, and a target interface is an access side;

or the like, or, alternatively,

the number of the second multicast internal interfaces is m, the ith second multicast internal interface corresponds to the ith VID in the third VID list, the ith VID and the broadcast address are multicast addresses in the multicast data packet, and the sixth PDR rule includes: the source port is set as the ith second multicast internal interface, and the target address is the ith VID and the broadcast address; the sixth FAR rule includes: the external header creates tunnel information indicating the first reference point or the second reference point, a target interface is an access side, m is a positive integer, and i is an integer not greater than m.

19. The method according to claim 3, wherein when the first UPF needs to receive multicast data from a fourth reference point, a seventh Packet Detection (PDR) rule and a seventh forwarding operation (FAR) rule corresponding to a group level session are set in the first UPF, wherein the group level session is a session between the first UPF and the SMF;

when the multicast data packet is multicast data from the fourth reference point, sending the multicast data packet to the third multicast internal interface, including:

and when detecting that the multicast data packet is multicast data from the fourth reference point through the seventh PDR rule, sending the multicast data packet to the third multicast internal interface through the seventh FAR rule.

20. The method of claim 19,

or the like, or, alternatively,

21. The method according to claim 3, wherein when the first UPF needs to receive multicast data from a fourth reference point, an eighth Packet Detection (PDR) rule and an eighth forwarding operation (FAR) rule corresponding to a group level session are set in the first UPF; the group level session is a session between the first UPF and a session management function, SMF;

the sending, by the third multicast internal interface, the multicast data packet from the first reference point or the second reference point, which corresponds to each local multicast group member in the first UPF in the multicast group, to all local multicast group members in the multicast group includes:

when detecting that the multicast data packet is multicast data of the third multicast internal interface through the eighth PDR rule, sending the multicast data packet to all local multicast group members of the multicast group from the first reference point or the second reference point corresponding to each local multicast group member of the first UPF in the multicast group through the eighth FAR rule.

22. The method of claim 21,

the third multicast internal interface is one, and the eighth PDR rule includes: the source port is set as the third multicast internal interface, and the target address is a third multicast address list; the eighth FAR rule includes: the external header creates tunnel information indicating the first reference point or the second reference point, and a target interface is an access side;

or the like, or, alternatively,

the third multicast internal interface is one, and the eighth PDR rule includes: the source port is set as the third multicast internal interface, and the target address is a third VID list and a broadcast address; the eighth FAR rule includes: the external header creates tunnel information indicating the first reference point or the second reference point, and a target interface is an access side;

or the like, or, alternatively,

23. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 22,

the multicast group is a normal multicast group in the virtual network group, or the multicast group is a group identified by a virtual local area network identifier (VID), and the multicast group members are VID members.

24. A multicast method of a multicast group of a virtual network group is applied to a Session Management Function (SMF), and the method comprises the following steps:

generating at least two groups of multicast rules corresponding to at least two multicast internal interfaces, wherein the multicast internal interfaces are internal interfaces special for multicast;

in the at least two groups of multicast rules, determining the multicast rule needed on each User Plane Function (UPF) corresponding to the multicast group; and configuring the required multicast rule to each UPF.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the at least two multicast internal interfaces comprise: a first multicast internal interface; the at least two sets of multicast rules include: a first multicast rule corresponding to the first multicast internal interface for each multicast group member;

in the at least two groups of multicast rules, determining the multicast rule required in each UPF corresponding to the multicast group includes:

determining the UPF to which each multicast group member belongs as the UPF which needs the first group multicast rule;

the configuring the required multicast rule to each UPF includes:

and in the process of establishing a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session by each multicast group member, configuring the first group multicast rule to the UPF to which each multicast group member belongs.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the first set of multicast rules comprises: a first packet detection PDR rule and a first forwarding operation FAR rule, and a fourth packet detection PDR rule and a fourth forwarding operation FAR rule;

the first multicast internal interface is one, and the first PDR rule includes: a source interface is set as an access side, a target address is set as a first multicast address list to which the multicast group member belongs, and core network tunnel information is set as a tunnel head of a first reference point or a second reference point of a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session; the first FAR rule includes: the target interface is set as the first multicast internal interface; the fourth PDR rule comprises: the source port is set as the first multicast internal interface, and the target address is a first multicast address list to which the multicast group member belongs; the fourth FAR rule includes: the external header creates tunnel information indicating the first reference point or the second reference point, and a target interface is an access side; or, the fourth FAR rule further includes: the external header creates information indicating a third reference point, and the target interface is a core side; or, the fourth FAR rule further includes: the external header creates tunnel information indicating a fourth reference point, and the target interface is a core side;

or the like, or, alternatively,

the number of the first multicast internal interfaces is m, an ith first multicast internal interface corresponds to an ith multicast address in the first multicast address list, the ith multicast address is a multicast address in the multicast data packet, and the first PDR rule includes: setting a source interface as an access side, setting a target address as the ith multicast address, and setting core network tunnel information as a tunnel head of the first reference point or the second reference point of the PDU session; the first FAR rule includes: setting a target interface as the ith first multicast internal interface, wherein m is a positive integer, and i is an integer not greater than m; the fourth PDR rule comprises: the source port is set as the ith first multicast internal interface, and the target address is the ith multicast address; the fourth FAR rule includes: the external header creates tunnel information indicating the first reference point or the second reference point, and a target interface is an access side; or, the fourth FAR rule further includes: the external header creates information indicating the third reference point, and a target interface is a core side; or, the fourth FAR rule further includes: the external header creates tunnel information indicating the fourth reference point, and a target interface is a core side;

or the like, or, alternatively,

the first multicast internal interface is one, and the first PDR rule includes: setting a source interface as an access side, setting a target address as a first VID list and a broadcast address to which the VID member belongs, and setting core network tunnel information as a tunnel header of the first reference point or the second reference point of the PDU session; the first FAR rule includes: the target interface is set as the first multicast internal interface; the fourth PDR rule comprises: the source port is set as the first multicast internal interface, and the destination address is a first VID list and a broadcast address of the VID to which the VID member belongs; the fourth FAR rule includes: the external header creates tunnel information indicating the first reference point or the second reference point, and a target interface is an access side; or, the fourth FAR rule further includes: the external header creates information indicating the third reference point, and a target interface is a core side; or, the fourth FAR rule further includes: the external header creates tunnel information indicating the fourth reference point, and a target interface is a core side;

or the like, or, alternatively,

the number of the first multicast internal interfaces is m, the ith first multicast internal interface corresponds to the ith VID in the first VID list, the ith VID and the broadcast address are multicast addresses in the multicast data packet, and the first PDR rule includes: setting a source interface as an access side, setting a target address as the ith VID and a broadcast address, and setting core network tunnel information as a tunnel header of the first reference point or the second reference point of the PDU session; the first FAR rule includes: the target interface is set as the ith first multicast internal interface; the fourth PDR rule comprises: the source port is set as the ith first multicast internal interface, and the target address is the ith VID and the broadcast address; the fourth FAR rule includes: the external header creates tunnel information indicating the first reference point or the second reference point, and a target interface is an access side; or, the fourth FAR rule further includes: the external header creates information indicating the third reference point, and a target interface is a core side; or, the fourth FAR rule further includes: the external header creates tunnel information indicating the fourth reference point, a target interface is a core side, m is a positive integer, and i is an integer not greater than m;

wherein the first reference point is a reference point between an access network and a UPF, the second reference point is a reference point between the UPF and an internal UPF, the third reference point is a reference point between the UPF and a data network, and the fourth reference point is a reference point between the UPF and a further protocol data unit session anchor user plane function, PSA UPF.

27. The method of claim 24, wherein the at least two multicast internal interfaces comprise: a second multicast internal interface, the multicast rule comprising: a second set of multicast rules at a group level corresponding to the second multicast internal interface, the second set of multicast rules for forwarding multicast packets from a third reference point, the third reference point being a reference point between the UPF and the data network;

in the at least two groups of multicast rules, determining the multicast rule required in each UPF corresponding to the multicast group includes:

for a first UPF in each UPF corresponding to the multicast group, determining second group multicast rules of all group levels corresponding to a set as the multicast rules required in the first UPF according to the set of the multicast address list of the multicast group to which a local multicast group member on the first UPF belongs;

the configuring the required multicast rule to each UPF includes:

and when the collection is changed, configuring a second group of multicast rules of all group levels corresponding to the collection of the multicast address list to the first UPF.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the second set of multicast rules comprises: a second packet detection PDR rule and a second forwarding operation FAR rule, and a fifth packet detection PDR rule and a fifth forwarding operation FAR rule;

the second multicast internal interface is one, and the second PDR rule includes: the source interface is set as a core side, and the target address is set as a second multicast address list; the second FAR rule includes: the target interface is set as the second multicast internal interface; the fifth PDR rule comprises: the source port is set as the second multicast internal interface, and the target address is the second multicast address list; the fifth FAR rule includes: the method comprises the steps that an external header creates tunnel information indicating a first reference point or a second reference point, and a target interface is an access side;

or the like, or, alternatively,

the number of the second multicast internal interfaces is m, an ith second multicast internal interface corresponds to an ith multicast address in the second multicast address list, the ith multicast address is a multicast address in the multicast data packet, and the second PDR rule includes: a source interface is set as a core side, and a target address is set as the ith multicast address; the second FAR rule includes: setting a target interface as the ith second multicast internal interface, wherein m is a positive integer, and i is an integer not greater than m; the fifth PDR rule comprises: the source port is set as the ith second multicast internal interface, and the target address is the ith multicast address; the fifth FAR rule includes: the external header creates tunnel information indicating the first reference point or the second reference point, a target interface is an access side, m is a positive integer, and i is an integer not greater than m;

or the like, or, alternatively,

the second multicast internal interface is one, and the second PDR rule includes: the source interface is set as a core side, and the target address is set as a second VID list and a broadcast address; the second FAR rule includes: the target interface is set as the second multicast internal interface; the fifth PDR rule comprises: the source port is set as the second multicast internal interface, and the target address is a second VID list and a broadcast address of the VID to which the VID member belongs; the fifth FAR rule includes: the external header creates tunnel information indicating the first reference point or the second reference point, and a target interface is an access side;

or the like, or, alternatively,

the number of the second multicast internal interfaces is m, the ith second multicast internal interface corresponds to the ith VID in the second VID list, the ith VID and the broadcast address are multicast addresses in the multicast data packet, and the second PDR rule includes: a source interface is set as a core side, and a target address is set as the ith VID and a broadcast address; the second FAR rule includes: the target interface is set as the ith second multicast internal interface; the fifth PDR rule comprises: the source port is set as the ith second multicast internal interface, and the target address is the ith VID and the broadcast address; the fifth FAR rule includes: the external header creates tunnel information indicating the first reference point or the second reference point, a target interface is an access side, m is a positive integer, and i is an integer not greater than m; m is a positive integer, i is an integer no greater than m;

wherein the first reference point is a reference point between an access network and a UPF, and the second reference point is a reference point between the UPF and an internal UPF.

29. The method of claim 24, wherein the at least two multicast internal interfaces comprise: a second multicast internal interface, the multicast rule comprising: a third set of multicast rules at a group level corresponding to the second multicast internal interface, the third set of multicast rules being for forwarding multicast packets from a fourth reference point; the fourth reference point is a reference point between the UPF and other protocol data unit session anchor user plane functions;

in the at least two groups of multicast rules, determining the multicast rule required in each UPF corresponding to the multicast group includes:

for a first UPF in each UPF corresponding to the multicast group, determining the intersection of a multicast address list corresponding to a local multicast group member on the first UPF and a multicast address list corresponding to a local multicast group member on a second UPF; determining a third group of multicast rules of all group levels corresponding to the intersection as the multicast rules needed in the first UPF and the second UPF, wherein the second UPF is the UPF except the first UPF in each UPF corresponding to the multicast group;

the configuring the required multicast rule to each UPF includes:

and when the intersection is changed, respectively configuring third group multicast rules of all group levels corresponding to the intersection to the first UPF and the second UPF.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the third set of multicast rules comprises: a third PDR rule and a third FAR rule, and a sixth PDR rule and a sixth FAR rule;

the second multicast internal interface is one, and the third PDR rule includes: the source interface is set as a core side, the target address is set as a third multicast address list, and the core network tunnel information is set as a fourth reference point tunnel head; the third FAR rule includes: the target interface is set as the second multicast internal interface; the sixth PDR rule comprises: the source port is set as the second multicast internal interface, and the target address is the third multicast address list; the sixth FAR rule includes: the method comprises the steps that an external header creates tunnel information indicating a first reference point or a second reference point, and a target interface is an access side;

or the like, or, alternatively,

the number of the second multicast internal interfaces is m, an ith second multicast internal interface corresponds to an ith multicast address in the third multicast address list, the ith multicast address is a multicast address in the multicast data packet, and the third PDR rule includes: a source interface is set as a core side, a target address is set as the ith multicast address, and core network tunnel information is set as a fourth reference point tunnel head; the third FAR rule includes: the target interface is set as the ith second multicast internal interface; the sixth PDR rule comprises: the source port is set as the ith second multicast internal interface, and the target address is the ith multicast address; the sixth FAR rule includes: the external header creates tunnel information indicating the first reference point or the second reference point, a target interface is an access side, m is a positive integer, i is an integer not greater than m, m is a positive integer, and i is an integer not greater than m;

or the like, or, alternatively,

the second multicast internal interface is one, and the third PDR rule includes: a source interface is set as a core side, a target address is set as a third VID list and a broadcast address to which the VID member belongs, and core network tunnel information is set as a fourth reference point tunnel head; the third FAR rule includes: the target interface is set as the second multicast internal interface; the sixth PDR rule comprises: the source port is set as the second multicast internal interface, and the target address is a third VID list and a broadcast address of the VID to which the VID member belongs; the sixth FAR rule includes: the external header creates tunnel information indicating the first reference point or the second reference point, and a target interface is an access side;

or the like, or, alternatively,

the number of the second multicast internal interfaces is m, the ith second multicast internal interface corresponds to the ith VID of the third VID list, the ith VID and the broadcast address are multicast addresses in the multicast data packet, and the third PDR rule includes: setting a source interface as a core side, setting a target address as the ith VID and a broadcast address, and setting core network tunnel information as a fourth reference point tunnel head; the third FAR rule includes: the target interface is set as the ith second multicast internal interface; the sixth PDR rule comprises: the source port is set as the ith second multicast internal interface, and the target address is the ith VID and the broadcast address; the sixth FAR rule includes: the external header creates tunnel information indicating the first reference point or the second reference point, a target interface is an access side, m is a positive integer, and i is an integer not greater than m;

wherein the first reference point is a reference point between an access network and a UPF, and the second reference point is a reference point between the UPF and an internal UPF.

31. The method of claim 24, wherein the at least two multicast internal interfaces comprise: a third multicast internal interface, wherein the multicast rule comprises: a fourth set of multicast rules at a group level corresponding to the third multicast internal interface, the fourth set of multicast rules being configured to forward multicast packets from a fourth reference point; the fourth reference point is a reference point between the UPF and other protocol data unit session anchor user plane functions;

in the at least two groups of multicast rules, determining the multicast rule required in each UPF corresponding to the multicast group includes:

for a first UPF in each UPF corresponding to the multicast group, determining the intersection of a multicast address list corresponding to a local multicast group member on the first UPF and a multicast address list corresponding to a local multicast group member on a second UPF; determining a fourth group of multicast rules of all group levels corresponding to the intersection as the multicast rules needed in the first UPF and the second UPF, wherein the second UPF is a UPF except the first UPF in each UPF corresponding to the multicast group;

the configuring the required multicast rule to each UPF includes:

and when the intersection is changed, respectively configuring fourth group multicast rules of all group levels corresponding to the intersection to the first UPF and the second UPF.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the fourth set of multicast rules comprises: a seventh PDR rule and a seventh FAR rule, and an eighth PDR rule and an eighth FAR rule;

the third multicast internal interface is one, and the seventh PDR rule includes: the source interface is set as a core side, the target address is set as a third multicast address list, and the core network tunnel information is set as a fourth reference point tunnel head; the seventh FAR rule includes: the target interface is set as the third multicast internal interface; the eighth PDR rule comprises: the source port is set as the third multicast internal interface, and the target address is the third multicast address list; the eighth FAR rule includes: the method comprises the steps that an external header creates tunnel information indicating a first reference point or a second reference point, and a target interface is an access side;

or the like, or, alternatively,

the number of the third multicast internal interfaces is m, an ith third multicast internal interface corresponds to an ith multicast address in the third multicast address list, the ith multicast address is a multicast address in the multicast data packet, and the seventh PDR rule includes: a source interface is set as a core side, a target address is set as the ith multicast address, and core network tunnel information is set as a fourth reference point tunnel head; the seventh FAR rule includes: the target interface is set as the ith third multicast internal interface; the eighth PDR rule comprises: the source port is set as the ith third multicast internal interface, and the target address is the ith multicast address; the eighth FAR rule includes: the external header creates tunnel information indicating the first reference point or the second reference point, a target interface is an access side, m is a positive integer, i is an integer not greater than m, m is a positive integer, and i is an integer not greater than m;

or the like, or, alternatively,

the third multicast internal interface is one, and the seventh PDR rule includes: the source interface is set as a core side, the target address is set as a third VID list and a broadcast address, and the core network tunnel information is set as a fourth reference point tunnel head; the seventh FAR rule includes: the target interface is set as the third multicast internal interface; the eighth PDR rule comprises: the source port is set as the third multicast internal interface, and the destination address is a third VID list and a broadcast address of the VID to which the VID member belongs; the eighth FAR rule includes: the external header creates tunnel information indicating the first reference point or the second reference point, and a target interface is an access side;

or the like, or, alternatively,

the number of the third multicast internal interfaces is m, the ith third multicast internal interface corresponds to the ith VID in the third VID list, the ith VID and the broadcast address are multicast addresses in the multicast data packet, and the seventh PDR rule includes: setting a source interface as a core side, setting a target address as the ith VID and a broadcast address, and setting core network tunnel information as a fourth reference point tunnel head; the seventh FAR rule includes: the target interface is set as the ith third multicast internal interface; the eighth PDR rule comprises: the source port is set as the ith third multicast internal interface, and the target address is the ith VID and the broadcast address; the eighth FAR rule includes: the external header creates tunnel information indicating the first reference point or the second reference point, a target interface is an access side, m is a positive integer, and i is an integer not greater than m;

wherein the first reference point is a reference point between an access network and a UPF, and the second reference point is a reference point between the UPF and an internal UPF.

33. The method of claim 25 or 26, further comprising:

the first group multicast rule comprises a first multicast address list, and when a multicast address in the first multicast address list is added, modified or deleted, the first multicast address list is updated by the UPF corresponding to each multicast group member in the multicast group;

or the like, or, alternatively,

the first group of multicast rules comprises a first VID list, and when the VIDs in the first VID list are added, modified or deleted, the UPF corresponding to each VID member in the VID is updated to the first VID list.

34. The method of claim 33,

the first multicast address list is all multicast addresses of a multicast group to which the multicast group members belong;

the first VID list is all VIDs to which the VID members belong.

35. The method of claim 27 or 28, further comprising:

the second group of multicast rules comprises a second multicast address list, and when the multicast address in the second multicast address list is newly added, modified or deleted, the UPF needing the second group of multicast rules is determined again; updating the second multicast address list to the UPF needing the second group of multicast rules;

or the like, or, alternatively,

the second group of multicast rules comprises a second VID list, and when the VID in the second VID list is newly added, modified or deleted, the UPF needing the second group of multicast rules is determined again; and updating the second VID list to the UPF needing the second group of multicast rules.

36. The method of claim 35,

the second multicast address list is a multicast address list of all multicast groups in the virtual network group, or the second multicast address list is a collection of multicast addresses to which all local multicast group members on the first UPF belong;

the second VID list is a VID list of all VIDs in the virtual network group; or, the second VID list is a collection of VID lists to which all local VID members of the first UPF belong.

37. The method of claim 29 or 30, further comprising:

the third group of multicast rules comprise a third group of multicast address list, and when the multicast address in the third group of multicast address list is newly added, modified or deleted, the UPF which needs the third group of multicast rules is determined again; updating the third multicast address list to the UPF needing the third multicast rule;

or the like, or, alternatively,

the third group of multicast rules comprises a third VID list, and when the VID in the third group of multicast rules list is newly added, modified or deleted, the UPF needing the third group of multicast rules is determined again; and updating the third VID list to the UPF needing the third group of multicast rules.

38. The method of claim 31 or 32, further comprising:

the fourth group of multicast rules comprises a third multicast address list, and when the multicast address in the third multicast address list is newly added, modified or deleted, the UPF needing the fourth group of multicast rules is determined again; updating the third multicast address list to the UPF needing the fourth group multicast rule;

or the like, or, alternatively,

the fourth group of multicast rules comprises a third VID list, and when the VID in the third group of multicast rules is newly added, modified or deleted, the UPF needing the fourth group of multicast rules is determined again; and updating the third VID list to the UPF needing the third group of multicast rules.

39. The method of claim 37,

the third multicast address list is a multicast address list of all multicast groups in the virtual network group; or, the third multicast address list is an intersection of the multicast address list of the multicast group to which the local multicast group member of the first UPF belongs and the multicast address list of the multicast group to which the local multicast group member of the second UPF belongs, and the second UPF is connected to the first UPF through the fourth reference point;

the third VID list is a VID list of all VIDs in the virtual network group; or, the third VID list is an intersection of the VID list to which the local VID member of the first UPF belongs and the VID list to which the local VID member of the second UPF belongs, and the second UPF is connected to the first UPF through the fourth reference point.

40. The method of claim 38,

41. The method of claim 25 or 26, further comprising:

when one group member of multicast group moves from one UPF to another UPF, the first group multicast rule corresponding to the group member of multicast group is operated on the PDU session newly built or relocated on another UPF.

42. The method of claim 27 or 28, further comprising:

when one multicast group member moves from the first UPF to a third UPF, calculating a collection of multicast address lists of multicast groups to which local multicast group members on the third UPF belong, and determining second group multicast rules of all group levels corresponding to the collection as the multicast rules required in the third UPF;

and configuring a second group of multicast rules of all group levels corresponding to the collection to the third UPF.

43. The method of claim 29 or 30, further comprising:

when one multicast group member moves from the first UPF to a fourth UPF, calculating the intersection of the multicast address list corresponding to the local multicast group member on the fourth UPF and the multicast address list corresponding to the local multicast group member on a fifth UPF; determining a third group of multicast rules of all group levels corresponding to the intersection as the multicast rules needed in the fourth UPF and the fifth UPF, wherein the fifth UPF is a UPF except the fourth UPF in each UPF corresponding to the multicast group;

and when the intersection is changed, respectively configuring third group multicast rules of all group levels corresponding to the intersection to the fourth UPF and the fifth UPF.

44. The method of claim 31, further comprising:

when one multicast group member moves from the first UPF to a sixth UPF, calculating the intersection of the multicast address list corresponding to the local multicast group member on the sixth UPF and the multicast address list corresponding to the local multicast group member on a seventh UPF; determining a fourth group of multicast rules of all group levels corresponding to the intersection as the multicast rules required in the sixth UPF and the seventh UPF, where the seventh UPF is a UPF except the sixth UPF in each UPF corresponding to the multicast group;

and when the intersection is changed, respectively configuring fourth group multicast rules of all group levels corresponding to the intersection to the sixth UPF and the seventh UPF.

45. The method of any one of claims 24 to 44,

the multicast group is a normal multicast group in the virtual network group, or the multicast group is a group identified by a virtual local area network identification (VID), and the multicast group members in the multicast group are VID members.

46. A multicast apparatus of a multicast group of a virtual network group, applied in a first User Plane Function (UPF), the apparatus comprising:

a receiving module, configured to receive a multicast data packet sent by a member of the virtual network group, where a destination address of the multicast data packet is a multicast address;

and the sending module is used for sending the multicast data packet to a target multicast internal interface, sending the multicast data packet to all multicast group members or all local multicast group members of the multicast group through the target multicast internal interface, wherein the target multicast internal interface is an internal interface special for multicast.

47. A multicast apparatus of a multicast group of a virtual network group, applied in a user plane function SMF, the apparatus comprising:

the generating module is used for generating at least two groups of multicast rules corresponding to at least two multicast internal interfaces, wherein the multicast internal interfaces are internal interfaces special for multicast;

a determining module, configured to determine, in the at least two groups of multicast rules, a multicast rule required on each UPF corresponding to the multicast group; and the configuration module is used for configuring the required multicast rule for each UPF.

48. A computer device having user plane functionality running thereon, the computer device comprising: a processor and a memory; the memory has stored therein a computer program that is loaded and executed by the processor to implement the multicast method for multicast group of virtual network group as claimed in any one of the above claims 1 to 23.

49. A computer device having session management functionality running thereon, the computer device comprising: a processor and a memory; the memory has stored therein a computer program that is loaded and executed by the processor to implement the multicast method for multicast group of virtual network group as claimed in any one of the above claims 24 to 45.

50. A computer storage medium having stored therein at least one instruction, at least one program, a set of codes, or a set of instructions, which is loaded and executed by a processor to implement the multicast method for a multicast group of a virtual network group as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 45.

Technical Field

The present application relates to the field of communications, and in particular, to a multicast method, apparatus, device, and system for a multicast group of a virtual network group.

Background

Ethernet (Ethernet) communication is introduced in 5G systems.

In Release 16(Release 16) of the New Radio (NR) system, a definition of a 5G Virtual Network Group (5G VN Group) supporting IP and ethernet communication is introduced. And a method for realizing one-to-one communication in a 5G VN Group based on a network internal interface of a user plane function is provided.

But the 5G VN Group in the related art cannot implement a solution for one-to-many communication.

Disclosure of Invention

The embodiment of the application provides a multicast method, a device, equipment and a system of a multicast group of a virtual network group, which can realize a one-to-many communication solution in the virtual network group. The technical scheme is as follows:

according to an aspect of the present application, there is provided a multicast method of a multicast group of a virtual network group, the method being applied to a User Plane Function (UPF), the method including:

receiving a multicast data packet sent by one member of the virtual network group, wherein the destination address of the multicast data packet is a multicast address;

sending the multicast data packet to a target multicast internal interface of at least two multicast internal interfaces, and sending the multicast data packet to all multicast group members or all local multicast group members of the multicast group through the target multicast internal interface;

wherein the multicast group is a normal multicast group in the Virtual Network group, or the multicast group is a group identified by a Virtual Local Area Network identity (VID), the multicast group members are VID members, and the multicast packet is a broadcast address of the VID.

According to another aspect of the present application, there is provided a multicast method for a multicast group of a virtual network group, the method being applied to a Session Management Function (SMF), the method including:

generating at least two groups of multicast rules corresponding to at least two multicast internal interfaces;

in the at least two groups of multicast rules, determining the multicast rule needed on each UPF corresponding to the multicast group; the multicast group is a conventional multicast group in the virtual network group, or the multicast group is a group identified by VID;

and configuring the required multicast rule to each UPF.

According to another aspect of the present application, there is provided a multicast apparatus of a multicast group of a virtual network group, the apparatus including:

a receiving module, configured to receive a multicast data packet sent by a member of the virtual network group, where a destination address of the multicast data packet is a multicast address;

a sending module, configured to send the multicast data packet to a target multicast internal interface of at least two multicast internal interfaces, and send the multicast data packet to all multicast group members of the multicast group or all local multicast group members through the target multicast internal interface;

wherein the multicast group is a normal multicast group in the virtual network group, or the multicast group is a group identified by VID, the multicast group members are VID members, and the multicast data packet is a broadcast address of the VID.

According to another aspect of the present application, there is provided a multicast apparatus of a multicast group of a virtual network group, the apparatus including:

the generating module is used for generating at least two groups of multicast rules corresponding to at least two multicast internal interfaces;

a determining module, configured to determine, in the at least two groups of multicast rules, a multicast rule required on each UPF corresponding to the multicast group; the multicast group is a conventional multicast group in the virtual network group, or the multicast group is a group identified by VID;

and the configuration module is used for configuring the required multicast rule for each UPF.

According to another aspect of the present application, there is provided a computer device having user plane functionality running thereon, the computer device comprising: a processor and a memory; the memory has stored therein a computer program that is loaded and executed by the processor to implement the multicast method of a multicast group of a virtual network group as described above.

According to another aspect of the present application, there is provided a computer device having a session management function running thereon, the computer device including: a processor and a memory; the memory has stored therein a computer program that is loaded and executed by the processor to implement the multicast method of a multicast group of a virtual network group as described above.

According to another aspect of the present application, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium having stored therein at least one instruction, at least one program, set of codes, or set of instructions that is loaded and executed by a processor to implement a multicast method for a multicast group of a virtual network group as described above.

The beneficial effects brought by the technical scheme provided by the embodiment of the application at least comprise:

by providing at least two multicast internal interfaces, when a UPF receives a multicast data packet sent by one member in a virtual network group, the UPF sends the multicast data packet to a target multicast internal interface in the at least two multicast internal interfaces, and sends the multicast data packet to all multicast group members or all local multicast group members of the multicast group through the target multicast internal interface, so that one-to-many network communication is realized in the virtual network group, and a multicast function is realized in the virtual network group.

Drawings

In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the drawings needed to be used in the description of the embodiments are briefly introduced below, and it is obvious that the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application, and it is obvious for those skilled in the art to obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative efforts.

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a 5G communication system provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating multicast communication based on N3/N9 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

fig. 3 is a diagram of multicast communication based on N6 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of multicast communication based on N19 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

fig. 5 is a flowchart of a multicast method for a virtual network group according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

fig. 6 is a block diagram of two multicast internal interfaces provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

fig. 7 is a flowchart of a multicast method for a virtual network group according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a virtual network group provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of a rule configuration of two multicast internal interfaces according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

fig. 10 is a flowchart of a multicast method for a virtual network group according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

fig. 11 is a schematic diagram of a rule configuration of three multicast internal interfaces according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

fig. 12 is a flowchart of a multicast method for a virtual network group according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

fig. 13 is a flowchart of a multicast method for a virtual network group according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

fig. 14 is a flowchart of a multicast method for a virtual network group according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

fig. 15 is a flowchart of a multicast method for a virtual network group according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

fig. 16 is a flowchart of a multicast method for a virtual network group according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

fig. 17 is a flowchart of a multicast method for a virtual network group according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

fig. 18 is a flowchart of a multicast method for a virtual network group according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

fig. 19 shows a flow diagram of UE requested PDU session establishment (for non-roaming and local breakout roaming scenarios);

fig. 20 shows a flow diagram of UE requested PDU session establishment (for a home route roaming scenario);

fig. 21 shows a flow diagram of UE or network requested PDU session modification (for non-roaming and local breakout roaming scenarios);

fig. 22 shows a flow diagram of a UE or network requested PDU session modification (for a home routing roaming scenario);

fig. 23 is a schematic structural diagram of a multicast device of a virtual network group according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

fig. 24 is a schematic structural diagram of a multicast device for a virtual network group according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 25 is a block diagram of a computer device provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

Detailed Description

To make the objects, technical solutions and advantages of the present application more clear, embodiments of the present application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of a 5G communication system provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication system may be an NR-based 5G system, and also includes an Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (eUTRAN) -based 5G system and a subsequent Evolved system of the 5G system. The communication system is defined to support data connectivity and services to enable use of technologies such as Network Function Virtualization (NFV) and Software Defined Networking (SDN) when deployed in a network. The communication system mainly comprises Network Functions (NF), and is deployed according to actual needs by adopting a distributed Function. The addition and the withdrawal of new network functions do not influence the functions of the whole network. The communication system includes: user Equipment (3GPP name for mobile terminal) (User Equipment, UE), (radio) access Network ((R) AN), User Plane Function (UPF), Data Network (DN), and control Plane Function.

Wherein the control plane functions include: access and mobility management function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), control policy function (PCF), and Unified Data Management (UDM).

The UE communicates with the RAN over an air interface. The RAN and the UPF communicate via a first reference point N3. The two UPFs communicate with each other via a second reference point N9. PSA UPF communicates with DN via a third reference point N6.

The UE, RAN, UPF and DN may be plural. When the UPF is plural, there are some that are PDU session anchor user plane functions (PSA UPFs) of the UE. Communication between the two PDU session anchor user plane functions (psauff) is via a fourth reference point N19 (not shown in fig. 1).

The UE and the AMF communicate with each other through a fifth reference point N1. The RAN and the AMF communicate via a seventh reference point N2. The communication between the UPF and the SMF is via an eighth reference point N4.

In the network architecture shown in fig. 1, the following reference points are included:

n1: a reference point between the UE and the AMF;

n2: (R) a reference point between AN and AMF;

n3: (R) a reference point between AN and UPF;

n4: a reference point between SMF and UPF;

n6: a reference point between the PSA UPF and the data network;

n9: a reference point between the two UPFs;

n14: a reference point between the two AMFs;

n19: reference point between two PSA UPFs of 5G LAN type traffic (not shown in the figure).

In the network architecture shown in fig. 1, the following service-based interfaces are included:

N_amf: AMF exposed service-based interfaces;

N_smf: a SMF exposed service-based interface;

N_pcf: a service-based interface exposed by the PCF;

N_udm: UDM exposes a service-based interface.

The communication of the virtual network group includes one-to-one communication and one-to-many communication. One-to-one communication supports forwarding unicast communications between two UEs within a virtual network group or between one UE and one device on the DN. One-to-many communication supports forwarding multicast data from one UE (or device on DN) to multiple UEs and devices on DNs within a virtual network group, or from one UE (or device on DN) to all UEs and devices on DNs within one multicast group.

There may be multiple multicast groups in a virtual network group. Multicast communication refers to multicast data sent by one member (UE or device) in a virtual network group that must be delivered to each multicast group member of the corresponding multicast group. Based on the communication system shown in fig. 1, the embodiment of the present application supports three communication modes of multicast communication:

first, local switching mode (based on first reference point N3 or second reference point N9);

when the multicast group members of a multicast group include two UEs connected to the same PSA UPF, the multicast data between the two UEs is directly exchanged inside the PSA UPF without sending the multicast data out of the third reference point N6 and then being returned by an external router or switch.

Referring collectively to fig. 2, the UE1 is in communication with the RAN1, and the RAN1 is in communication with the intermediate UPF 1; the UE2 communicates with the RAN2 and the RAN2 communicates with the intermediate UPF 2. The UE1 and the UE2 are both connected to the same psauff, and when the UE1 sends the multicast packet, the multicast packet is directly exchanged inside the psauff, so that the multicast packet is sent to the UE2 without being sent out of the third reference point N6.

Second, based on the manner of third reference point N6;

when the multicast group members of a multicast group include a UE and a device on the DN, multicast data between the UE and the device needs to be exchanged through N6.

Referring collectively to fig. 3, the UE1 communicates with the RAN1, the RAN1 communicates with the UPF1, and the PSA UPF1 communicates with the DN. When the UE1 sends a multicast packet, it needs to deliver the multicast packet to device 3 on the DN through N6.

Third, based on the manner of the fourth reference point N19.

When a multicast group member of one multicast group includes two UEs connected to different PSA UPFs, multicast data between the two UEs needs to be exchanged through the fourth reference point N19, and an N19 tunnel is established between the two PSA UPFs.

Referring collectively to fig. 4, the UE1 is in communication with the RAN1, and the RAN1 is in communication with the intermediate UPF 1; the UE4 communicates with the RAN4 and the RAN4 communicates with the intermediate UPF 4. UE1 and UE2 are connected to different PSA UPFs: PSA UPF1 and PSA UPF2, an N19 tunnel is established between the two PSA UPFs, and when UE1 sends a multicast packet, the multicast packet needs to be exchanged through the N19 tunnel between the two PSA UPFs, so that the multicast packet is sent to UE 4.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a multicast method for a multicast group of a virtual network group according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. The method may be performed by a first UPF. The method comprises the following steps:

step 501, receiving a multicast data packet sent by a member of a virtual network group, wherein a destination address of the multicast data packet is a multicast address;

the multicast data packet is determined by the destination IP address or destination MAC address. Illustratively, the destination IP/MAC address in the multicast packet is a multicast address, and there may be multiple multicast addresses (e.g. 3 or 5 multicast addresses) in the same virtual network group, and the multiple multicast addresses may form a multicast address list. The destination address in a multicast packet may be a multicast address in the multicast address list.

Step 502, sending the multicast data packet to a target multicast internal interface of at least two multicast internal interfaces;

at least two multicast internal interfaces are provided in the PSA UPF. As shown in fig. 6, at least two multicast internal interfaces include:

first multicast internal interface: the multicast data packet sent by the local multicast group member through N3/N9 is sent to all multicast group members (optionally including the sending member itself) of the multicast group through at least one reference point of N3/N9, N6 and N19. Taking the 5G system as an example, the first multicast internal interface may be referred to as 5GVN BC internal R, or other names.

Second multicast internal interface: the method is used for sending the multicast data packet sent by the non-local multicast group member through N6/N19 to all local multicast group members of the multicast group at PSA UPF through N3/N9. For example, in a 5G system, the second multicast internal interface may be referred to as 5G VN BC internal C, or by other names.

Optionally, the local multicast group member includes a UE in the multicast group that uses the current UPF as a PDU session anchor.

Step 503, the multicast data packet is sent to all multicast group members of the multicast group or all local multicast group members through the target multicast internal interface.

In summary, in the method provided in this embodiment, by providing at least two multicast internal interfaces, when a UPF receives a multicast packet sent by one member of a virtual network group, a multicast group member that needs to receive the multicast packet is calculated according to the multicast address, the multicast packet is sent to a target multicast internal interface of the at least two multicast internal interfaces, and the multicast packet is sent to all members of the multicast group through the target multicast internal interface, so that one-to-many network communication is implemented in the virtual network group, and thus, a multicast function is implemented in the virtual network group.

There are two forms of multicast groups:

firstly, the method comprises the following steps: a normal multicast group;

secondly, the method comprises the following steps: virtual Local Area Network (VID), each VID using a VID representation, a VID broadcast consisting of a "VID and broadcast address" is viewed as a multicast group communication. The broadcast address of IPv4 is 255.255.255.255 or 192.168.1.255, and the broadcast MAC address is FF: FF: FF: FF: FF: FF.

At least two multicast internal interfaces of the UPF have different implementations at least as follows:

the first implementation mode comprises the following steps: two multicast internal interfaces;

a first multicast internal interface and a second multicast internal interface;

the second implementation mode comprises the following steps: three multicast internal interfaces;

a first multicast internal interface, a second multicast internal interface and a third multicast internal interface;

the third implementation mode comprises the following steps: a plurality of multicast internal interfaces;

1 first multicast internal interface and n second multicast internal interfaces, wherein each second multicast internal interface corresponds to a multicast address, and n is the number of the multicast addresses;

or, 1 first multicast internal interface, n second multicast internal interfaces, n third multicast internal interfaces, each second multicast internal interface corresponding to a multicast address, each third multicast internal interface corresponding to a multicast address, and n is the number of multicast addresses;

or, n first multicast internal interfaces and n second multicast internal interfaces, each first multicast internal interface corresponds to a multicast address, each second multicast internal interface corresponds to a multicast address, and n is the number of multicast addresses;

or, n first multicast internal interfaces, n second multicast internal interfaces, and n third multicast internal interfaces, where each first multicast internal interface corresponds to a multicast address, each second multicast internal interface corresponds to a multicast address, each third multicast internal interface corresponds to a multicast address, and n is the number of multicast addresses.

In the following embodiments, the multicast internal interface is described in terms of a single PSA UPF, but the transmission process of the entire multicast packet may involve multiple PSA UPFs, the processing process of each PSA UPF is the same or similar, the multicast communication in the entire virtual network group is realized through the transmission of multiple PSA UPFs, and a detailed description of each PSA UPF is not repeated herein.

A first implementation for a normal multicast group:

referring to fig. 7, a flowchart of a multicast method for a multicast group of a virtual network group according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown. The method may be performed by a first UPF, the method comprising:

step 701, receiving a multicast data packet sent by a member of a virtual network group, wherein a destination address of the multicast data packet is a multicast address;

the member sending the multicast data packet is set as a member a, and the member a can be any member in the virtual network group. Member a may or may not be a multicast group member of the multicast group. The same member may be connected to one multicast group or multiple multicast groups. In this embodiment, the example that the member a connects to a multicast group member of a multicast group is taken as an example.

When the multicast group member A is connected to a plurality of multicast groups, and each multicast group corresponds to one multicast address, the destination address of the multicast data packet is one multicast address in a plurality of multicast addresses.

When the multicast group member A is a local multicast group member of the first UPF, the first UPF receives the multicast data packet of the member A through N3 or N9; when the multicast group member A is a non-local multicast group member of the first UPF, the first UPF receives the multicast data packet of the member A through N6 or N19.

Step 702, when the multicast data packet is multicast data from a first reference point or a second reference point, sending the multicast data packet to a first multicast internal interface;

when the first UPF receives the multicast data packet sent by the local multicast group member through N3 or N9, the multicast data packet is sent to the first multicast internal interface.

Step 703, sending the multicast data packet from the first reference point or the second reference point or the third reference point or the fourth reference point corresponding to each multicast group member in the multicast group to all multicast group members of the multicast group through the first multicast internal interface;

taking the example that the member A, the member B, the member C and the member D belong to the same multicast group, when the multicast group member B and the multicast group member A are connected to the same PSAUPF member, the first multicast internal interface sends the multicast data packet to the multicast group member B through the N3 or N9 corresponding to the multicast group member B; when a multicast group member C is a device on the DN, the first multicast internal interface sends a multicast data packet to the multicast group member C through the N6 corresponding to the multicast group member C; when there are members of multicast group member D that are connected to different PSA UPFs than multicast group member a, the first multicast internal interface sends the multicast packet to multicast group member D through N19 corresponding to multicast group member D, as shown in fig. 8.

In this step, "all multicast group members" may or may not include a member that transmits the multicast packet.

Step 704, when the multicast data packet is multicast data from the third reference point or the fourth reference point, sending the multicast data packet to the second multicast internal interface;

and when the first UPF receives the multicast data packet sent by the non-local multicast group member through N6 or N19, the multicast data packet is sent to the second multicast internal interface.

Step 705, sending the multicast data packet from the first reference point or the second reference point corresponding to each local multicast group member of the first UPF to all local multicast group members of the first UPF through the second multicast internal interface.

As an example shown in fig. 8, when the multicast group member C sends a multicast packet, the PSA UPF1 receives the multicast packet from N6, puts it into its second multicast internal interface, sends the multicast packet to the multicast group member a through N9 corresponding to the multicast group member a via the second multicast internal interface, and sends the multicast packet to the multicast group member B through N9 corresponding to the multicast group member B. The psauff 2 also receives the multicast packet from N6, puts it into its second multicast internal interface, and then sends the multicast packet to member D through the second multicast internal interface and N3 corresponding to member D. In this way, the multicast packet transmitted by the multicast group member C is transmitted to all the multicast group members.

As another example given in fig. 8, when multicast group member a sends a multicast packet, PSA UPF1 receives the multicast packet from N9, puts the multicast packet into its first multicast internal interface, sends the multicast packet from N9 corresponding to multicast group member B through the first multicast internal interface (psauff 1 may also send this multicast packet from N9 to PSA UPF2 according to the network configuration), PSA UPF2 receives the multicast packet from N19, puts it into its second multicast internal interface, and then sends the multicast packet to local multicast group member D through N3 through the second multicast internal interface. In this way, the multicast packet sent by the multicast group member a is sent to all multicast group members.

To sum up, in the method provided in this embodiment, the first multicast internal interface is provided in the UPF, and when receiving the multicast data packet of the local multicast group member, the multicast data packet of the local multicast group member is first sent to the first multicast internal interface, and then sent to all multicast group members in the multicast group through the first multicast internal interface (on a path other than the current UPF, it may be necessary to continue to pass through the second multicast internal interface or the third multicast internal interface of another UPF, and then sent to all multicast group members in the multicast group), so that multicast communication in the multicast group can be achieved.

In the method provided by this embodiment, the second multicast internal interface is provided in the UPF, and when receiving the multicast data packet of the non-local multicast group member, the multicast data packet of the non-local multicast group member is sent to the second multicast internal interface first, and then sent to all the local multicast group members connected to the UPF through the second multicast internal interface, so that multicast communication in the multicast group can be realized, unnecessary traffic forwarding can be avoided, and network transmission resources are saved.

In an alternative embodiment based on fig. 7, the multicast traffic forwarding in the multicast group is implemented as follows: for each UPF within a multicast group, at least two multicast internal interfaces within the UPF are used. The forwarding of multicast data packets is performed between the multicast internal interfaces of each UPF by two-step detection.

In the first step, a Packet Detection (PDR) Rule installed in the UPF detects a multicast Packet received from a member (through N3 or N9 or N6 or N19) in any multicast group, and when the multicast Packet matches the PDR Rule, the (Forwarding Action Rule, FAR) Rule in the UPF is applied to forward the multicast Packet to a multicast internal interface of the UPF, that is, a destination interface set for the multicast internal interface.

In the second step, the PDR rule installed in the UPF multicast internal interface detects the multicast data packet, and when the multicast data packet matches the PDR rule, the corresponding FAR rule in the multicast internal interface is applied, and the multicast data packet is forwarded to all multicast group members or all local multicast group members through N3 or N6 or N9 or N19.

Thus, for each UPF within a multicast group having an N4 rule (i.e., a PDR rule and a FAR rule) configured therein, an exemplary configuration of the PDR rule and the FAR rule is as follows:

first PDR rule and first FAR rule

The SMF provides a first PDR rule and a first FAR rule for an N4 session (i.e., an N4 session corresponding to a PDU session for each member) for each multicast group member of the multicast group, so that the UPF processes multicast packets received from the UE.

For each UPF in the multicast group, a first PDR rule and a first FAR rule corresponding to each local multicast group member are set in the UPF. When detecting that the multicast data packet is multicast data from the first reference point N3 or the second reference point N9 through the first PDR rule, the UPF sends the multicast data packet to the first multicast internal interface through the first FAR rule, as shown in fig. 9.

To detect traffic, the first PDR rule includes: the method comprises the steps that a source interface is set as an access side, a target address is set as a first multicast address list to which multicast group members belong, core network Tunnel information is set as a Tunnel head (including an uplink IP address and uplink GTP-U TEID information corresponding to an N3 or N9 interface) of a first reference point or a second reference point of a PDU session, and the GTP-U TEID is an abbreviation of a GPRS Tunnel Protocol Endpoint Identifier (GPRS Tunnel Protocol Tunnel Endpoint Identifier); to forward traffic, the first FAR rule includes: the target interface is set as a first multicast internal interface.

Second PDR rule and second FAR rule

The SMF configures the second PDR rule and the second FAR rule corresponding to the group level session to the UPF where there is a need so that the UPF processes the multicast packet received through N6. A group-level session is a session common to each multicast group member in a multicast group, a group-level session is a session between a UPF and an SMF, i.e., a group-level N4 session.

For the UPF with the existence requirement in the multicast group, a second PDR rule and a second FAR rule corresponding to the group level session are set in the UPF. When detecting that the multicast packet is multicast data from the third reference point N6 through the second PDR rule, the multicast packet is sent to the second multicast internal interface through the second FAR rule, as shown in fig. 9.

To detect traffic, the second PDR rule includes: the source interface is set as a core side, and the target address is set as a second multicast address list; the second multicast address list is a multicast address list corresponding to other multicast group members connected by the local multicast group member through the third reference point N6.

To forward traffic, the second FAR rule includes: the target interface is set as a second multicast internal interface.

Third PDR rule and third FAR rule

The SMF configures a third PDR rule and a third FAR rule corresponding to the group-level session to the required UPF, so that the UPF processes the multicast packet received through N19.

And for the UPF with the requirement in the multicast group, a third PDR rule and a third FAR rule corresponding to the group level session are set in the UPF. When detecting that the multicast packet is multicast data from the fourth reference point N19 through the third PDR rule, the multicast packet is sent to the third multicast internal interface through the third FAR rule, as shown in fig. 9.

To detect traffic, the third PDR rule includes: setting a source interface as a core side, setting a target address as a third multicast address list, and setting core network tunnel information as a fourth reference point tunnel head (including a receiving IP address and receiving GTP-U TEID information corresponding to an N19 interface); the third multicast address list is a multicast address list corresponding to other multicast group members connected by the local multicast group member through the fourth reference point N19.

To forward traffic, the third FAR rule includes: the target interface is set as a second multicast internal interface.

Fourth PDR rule and fourth FAR rule

The SMF provides a fourth PDR rule and a fourth FAR rule for the N4 session (i.e., the N4 session corresponding to the PDU session of each member) of each multicast group member of the multicast group so that the UPF processes the multicast packets received from the UE.

And for the UPF with the requirement in the multicast group, a fourth PDR rule and a fourth FAR rule corresponding to each local multicast group member are set in the UPF. When detecting that the multicast data packet is multicast data from the first multicast internal interface through the fourth PDR rule, the UPF sends the multicast data packet to all multicast group members of the multicast group from the first reference point, the second reference point, the third reference point, or the fourth reference point corresponding to each multicast group member of the multicast group through the fourth FAR rule, as shown in fig. 9.

To detect traffic, the fourth PDR rule includes: the source port is set as a first multicast internal interface, and the target address is a first multicast address list to which the multicast group member belongs;

to forward traffic, the fourth FAR rule includes, for a local multicast group member: the external header creates tunnel information (including downlink IP address and downlink GTP-U TEID information corresponding to the N3 or N9 interface) indicating a first reference point N3 or a second reference point N9, and the target interface is an access side; or, corresponding to a device on the DN, the fourth FAR rule further includes: the outer header creates information indicating a third reference point N6, the target interface being the core side; or, corresponding to the N19 tunnel-connected member, the fourth FAR rule further includes: the outer header creates tunnel information (including IP address of counterpart PSA UPF and GTP-U TEID information corresponding to the N19 interface) indicating a fourth reference point N19, the target interface being the core side.

Fifth PDR rule and fifth FAR rule

The SMF configures a fifth PDR rule and a fifth FAR rule corresponding to the group level session to the needed UPF in the multicast group, so that the UPF processes the multicast packet received from N6.

The UPF is provided with a fifth PDR rule and a fifth FAR rule corresponding to the group level session. When detecting that the multicast data packet is multicast data of the second multicast internal interface through the fifth PDR rule, the UPF sends the multicast data packet to all local multicast group members of the UPF from the first reference point N3 or the second reference point N9 corresponding to each local multicast group member of the UPF respectively through the fifth FAR rule, as shown in fig. 9.

To detect traffic, a fifth PDR rule includes: the source port is set as a second multicast internal interface, and the target address is a second multicast address list; the second multicast address list is a multicast address list corresponding to other multicast group members connected by the local multicast group member through the third reference point N6.

To forward traffic, the fifth FAR rule includes: the external header creates tunnel information (including downlink IP address and downlink GTP-UTEID information corresponding to the N3 or N9 interface) indicating the first reference point N3 or the second reference point N9, and the target interface is the access side.

Sixth PDR rule and sixth FAR rule

The SMF configures a sixth PDR rule and a sixth FAR rule corresponding to the group level session to the required UPF in the multicast group, so that the UPF processes the multicast packet received from N19.

The UPF is provided with a sixth PDR rule and a sixth FAR rule corresponding to the group level session. When detecting that the multicast data packet is multicast data of the second multicast internal interface through the sixth PDR rule, the UPF sends the multicast data packet to all local multicast group members of the UPF from the first reference point N3 or the second reference point N9 corresponding to each local multicast group member of the UPF respectively through the sixth FAR rule, as shown in fig. 9.

To detect traffic, the sixth PDR rule includes: the source port is set as a second multicast internal interface, and the target address is a third multicast address list; the third multicast address list is a multicast address list corresponding to other multicast group members connected by the local multicast group member through the fourth reference point N19.

To forward traffic, the sixth FAR rule includes: the external header creates tunnel information (including downlink IP address and downlink GTP-UTEID information corresponding to the N3 or N9 interface) indicating the first reference point N3 or the second reference point N9, and the target interface is the access side.

A second implementation for a normal multicast group:

referring to fig. 10, a flowchart of a multicast method for a multicast group of a virtual network group according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown. The method may be performed by a first UPF, the method comprising:

step 1001, receiving a multicast data packet sent by a member of a virtual network group, wherein a destination address of the multicast data packet is a multicast address;

When the multicast group member A is a local multicast group member of the first UPF, the first UPF receives a multicast data packet of the multicast group member A through N3 or N9; when the multicast group member A is a non-local multicast group member of the first UPF, the first UPF receives the multicast data packet of the multicast group member A through N6 or N19.

Step 1002, when the multicast data packet is multicast data from a first reference point or a second reference point, sending the multicast data packet to a first multicast internal interface;

when the first UPF receives the multicast data packet sent by the local multicast group member through N3 or N9, the multicast data packet is sent to the first multicast internal interface.

Step 1003, sending the multicast data packet from a first reference point or a second reference point or a third reference point or a fourth reference point respectively corresponding to each multicast group member in the multicast group to all multicast group members of the multicast group through a first multicast internal interface;

when the multicast group member B and the multicast group member A are connected to the members of the same PSA UPF, the first multicast internal interface sends the multicast data packet to the multicast group member B through the N3 or N9 corresponding to the multicast group member B; when the multicast group member C is a device on DN, the first multicast internal interface sends the multicast data packet to the member C through N6 corresponding to the multicast group member C; when the multicast group member D and the multicast group member a are connected to members of different PSA UPFs, the first multicast internal interface sends the multicast data packet to the PSA UPF2 to which the multicast group member D is connected through the N19 corresponding to the multicast group member D, and the PSA UPF2 sends the multicast data packet to the second multicast internal interface, which sends the multicast data packet from the N3 to the multicast group member D, as shown in fig. 8.

In this step, "all multicast group members" may or may not include a member that transmits the multicast packet.

Step 1004, when the multicast data packet is multicast data from a third reference point, sending the multicast data packet to a second multicast internal interface;

when the first UPF receives the multicast data packet sent by the non-local multicast group member through N6, the multicast data packet is sent to the second multicast internal interface.

Step 1005, sending the multicast data packet from the first reference point or the second reference point corresponding to each local multicast group member of the multicast group in the first UPF to all local multicast group members of the first UPF through the second multicast internal interface.

As an example shown in fig. 8, when multicast group member C sends a multicast packet, PSA UPF1 receives the multicast packet from N6, puts it into its second multicast internal interface, and then sends the multicast packet to multicast group member a through N9 corresponding to multicast group member a and to multicast group member B through N9 corresponding to multicast group member B via the second multicast internal interface. The psauf 2 also receives the multicast packet from N6, puts it into its second multicast internal interface, and then sends the multicast packet to the multicast group member D through its own second multicast internal interface via N3 corresponding to the multicast group member D. In this way, the multicast packet sent by the multicast group member C is sent to all multicast group members.

Step 1006, when the multicast data packet is multicast data from the fourth reference point, sending the multicast data packet to a third multicast internal interface;

when the first UPF receives the multicast data packet sent by the non-local multicast group member through N19, the multicast data packet is sent to the third multicast internal interface.

Step 1007, sending the multicast data packet from the first reference point or the second reference point corresponding to each local multicast group member of the first UPF to all local multicast group members of the first UPF through the third multicast internal interface.

As another example shown in fig. 8, when multicast group member a sends a multicast packet, psauff 1 receives the multicast packet from N9, puts it into its first multicast internal interface, sends the multicast packet from the N9 interface corresponding to multicast group member B through the first multicast internal interface (PSA UPF1 may also send this data from the N9 interface to multicast group member a itself), sends the data from N6 interface to multicast group member C in DN, and sends the data from N19 interface to PSA UPF 2. The PSA UPF2 receives the multicast packet from N19, puts it into its own third multicast internal interface, and then sends the multicast packet to the local multicast group member D over the N3 interface through the third multicast internal interface. In this way, the multicast packet sent by the multicast group member a is sent to all multicast group members.

In summary, in the method provided in this embodiment, the first multicast internal interface is provided in the UPF, and when receiving the multicast data packet of the local multicast group member, the multicast data packet of the local multicast group member is first sent to the first multicast internal interface, and then sent to all multicast group members of the multicast group through the first multicast internal interface, so that multicast communication of the multicast group can be achieved.

In the method provided by this embodiment, the second multicast internal interface is provided in the UPF, and when receiving the multicast data packet from the non-local multicast group member of N6, the multicast data packet of the non-local multicast group member is sent to the second multicast internal interface first, and then sent to all local multicast group members of the multicast group in the current UPF through the second multicast internal interface, so that multicast communication of the multicast group can be realized, unnecessary traffic forwarding can be avoided, and network transmission resources are saved.

In the method provided by this embodiment, the third multicast internal interface is provided in the UPF, and when receiving the multicast data packet from the non-local multicast group member of N19, the multicast data packet of the non-local multicast group member is sent to the third multicast internal interface first, and then sent to all local multicast group members of the multicast group in the current UPF through the third multicast internal interface, so that multicast communication in the multicast group can be realized, unnecessary traffic forwarding can be avoided, and network transmission resources are saved.

In the alternative embodiment based on fig. 10, the multicast traffic forwarding in the multicast group is implemented as follows: for each UPF within a multicast group, at least two multicast internal interfaces within the UPF are used. The forwarding of multicast data packets is performed between the multicast internal interfaces of each UPF by two-step detection.

In a first step, the PDR rule installed in the UPF detects multicast packets received from members within any multicast group (through N3 or N9 or N6 or N19), and when the multicast packets match the PDR rule, the FAR rule in the UPF is applied to forward the multicast packets to the multicast internal interface of the UPF, i.e. the destination interface set for the multicast internal interface.

In the second step, the PDR rule installed in the UPF multicast internal interface detects the multicast data packet, and when the multicast data packet matches the PDR rule, the FAR rule in the multicast internal interface is applied, and the multicast data packet is forwarded to all multicast group members of the multicast group or all local multicast group members through N3 or N6 or N9 or N19.

Thus, for each UPF within a multicast group having an N4 rule (i.e., a PDR rule and a FAR rule) configured therein, an exemplary configuration of the PDR rule and the FAR rule is as follows:

first PDR rule and first FAR rule

To detect traffic, the first PDR rule includes: a source interface is set as an access side, a target address is set as a first multicast address list to which multicast group members belong, and core network tunnel information is set as a tunnel header of a first reference point or a second reference point of a PDU session (including an uplink IP address and uplink GTP-U TEID information corresponding to an N3 or N9 interface);

to forward traffic, the first FAR rule includes: the target interface is set as a first multicast internal interface.

Second PDR rule and second FAR rule

To forward traffic, the second FAR rule includes: the target interface is set as a second multicast internal interface.

Seventh PDR rule and seventh FAR rule

The SMF configures the seventh PDR rule and the seventh FAR rule corresponding to the group level session to the presence of the required UPF, so that the UPF processes the multicast packet received through N19.

For the UPF having a need for existence in the multicast group, a seventh PDR rule and a seventh FAR rule corresponding to the group level session are set in the UPF. When detecting that the multicast packet is multicast data from the fourth reference point N19 through the seventh PDR rule, the multicast packet is sent to the third multicast internal interface through the seventh FAR rule, as shown in fig. 11.

To detect traffic, the seventh PDR rule includes: the source interface is set as a core side, the target address is set as a third multicast address list, and the core network tunnel information is set as a fourth reference point tunnel head (including an IP address and GTP-U TEID information corresponding to the N19 interface); the third multicast address list is a multicast address list corresponding to other multicast group members connected by the local multicast group member through the fourth reference point N19.

To forward traffic, the seventh FAR rule includes: the target interface is set as the third multicast internal interface.

Fourth PDR rule and fourth FAR rule

to forward traffic, the fourth FAR rule includes, for a local multicast group member: the external header creates tunnel information (including downlink IP address and downlink GTP-U TEID information corresponding to the N3 or N9 interface) indicating a first reference point N3 or a second reference point N9, and the target interface is an access side; or, corresponding to a device on the DN, the fourth FAR rule further includes: the outer header creates information indicating a third reference point N6, the target interface being the core side; or, corresponding to the N19 tunnel-connected member, the fourth FAR rule further includes: the outer header creates tunnel information (including the IP address and GTP-UTEID information corresponding to the N19 interface) indicating a fourth reference point N19, the target interface being the core side.

Fifth PDR rule and fifth FAR rule

Eighth PDR rule and eighth FAR rule

The SMF configures the eighth PDR rule and the eighth FAR rule corresponding to the group level session to the required UPF in the multicast group, so that the UPF processes the multicast packet received from N19.

The UPF is provided with an eighth PDR rule and an eighth FAR rule corresponding to the group level session. When detecting that the multicast data packet is multicast data of the third multicast internal interface through the eighth PDR rule, the UPF sends the multicast data packet to all local multicast group members of the UPF from the first reference point N3 or the second reference point N9 corresponding to each local multicast group member of the UPF through the eighth FAR rule, as shown in fig. 11.

To detect traffic, the eighth PDR rule includes: the source port is set as a third multicast internal interface, and the target address is a third multicast address list; the third multicast address list is a multicast address list corresponding to other multicast group members connected by the local multicast group member through the fourth reference point N19.

To forward traffic, the eighth FAR rule includes: the external header creates tunnel information (including downlink IP address and downlink GTP-UTEID information corresponding to the N3 or N9 interface) indicating the first reference point N3 or the second reference point N9, and the target interface is the access side.

In one embodiment, the second multicast address list is a collection of multicast address lists for multicast groups to which all local multicast group members of the first UPF belong.

In one embodiment, the third multicast address list is an intersection of the multicast address list of the multicast group to which the local multicast group member of the first UPF belongs and the multicast address list of the multicast group to which the local multicast group member of the second UPF belongs, and the second UPF is connected to the first UPF through a fourth reference point.

A third implementation for a conventional multicast group:

the multicast address list (first multicast address list, second multicast address list, third multicast address list) in the PDR rule and the FAR rule includes a plurality of multicast addresses, such as 3 multicast addresses or 5 multicast addresses.

When the number of the multicast addresses in the multicast address list is m, at least one of the first multicast internal interface, the second multicast internal interface, and the third multicast internal interface may be implemented as m multicast internal interfaces, and each multicast internal interface corresponds to one multicast address. Wherein m is a positive integer, and i is an integer not greater than m.

When the first multicast internal interface is realized as m first multicast internal interfaces, the ith first multicast internal interface corresponds to the ith multicast address in the first multicast address list, and the multicast address in the multicast data packet is set as the ith multicast address.

The first PDR rule includes: setting a source interface as an access side, setting a target address as an ith multicast address in a first multicast address list, and setting core network tunnel information as a tunnel head of a first reference point or a second reference point of a PDU session; the first FAR rule includes: the target interface is set as the ith first multicast internal interface.

The fourth PDR rule includes: the source port is set as the ith first multicast internal interface, and the target address is the ith multicast address in the first multicast address list; the fourth FAR rule includes: the method comprises the steps that an external header creates tunnel information indicating a first reference point or a second reference point, and a target interface is an access side; or, the fourth FAR rule further includes: the external header creates information indicating a third reference point, and the target interface is a core side; or, the fourth FAR rule further includes: the outer header creates tunnel information indicating a fourth reference point, the target interface being the core side.

When the second multicast internal interface is realized to be m second multicast internal interfaces, the ith second multicast internal interface corresponds to the ith multicast address in the second multicast address list, and the multicast address in the multicast data packet is set to be the ith multicast address.

The second PDR rule includes: the source interface is set as a core side, and the target address is set as the ith multicast address; the second FAR rule includes: the target interface is set as the ith second multicast internal interface.

The fifth PDR rule includes: the source port is set as an ith second multicast internal interface, and the target address is an ith multicast address in the second multicast address list; the fifth FAR rule includes: the outer header creates tunnel information indicating the first reference point or the second reference point, the target interface being the access side.

The third PDR rule includes: the source interface is set as a core side, the target address is set as the ith multicast address in the third multicast address list, and the core network tunnel information is set as a fourth reference point tunnel head; the third FAR rule includes: the target interface is set as the ith second multicast internal interface, m is a positive integer, and i is an integer not greater than m.

The sixth PDR rule includes: the source port is set as the ith second multicast internal interface, and the target address is the ith multicast address in the third multicast address list; the fifth FAR rule includes: the outer header creates tunnel information indicating the first reference point or the second reference point, the target interface being the access side.

When the third multicast internal interface is implemented as m third multicast internal interfaces, the ith third multicast internal interface corresponds to the ith multicast address in the third multicast address list, and meanwhile, the multicast address in the multicast data packet is set as the ith multicast address.

The seventh PDR rule includes: the source interface is set as a core side, the target address is set as the ith multicast address in the third multicast address list, and the core network tunnel information is set as a fourth reference point tunnel head; the seventh FAR rule includes: the target interface is set as the ith third multicast internal interface.

The eighth PDR rule includes: the source port is set as the ith third multicast internal interface, and the target address is the ith multicast address; the eighth FAR rule includes: the outer header creates tunnel information indicating the first reference point or the second reference point, the target interface being the access side.

The at least two multicast internal interfaces comprise: taking a first multicast internal interface and m second multicast internal interfaces as examples, each second multicast internal interface corresponds to a multicast address, and m is the number of the multicast addresses;

when the multicast data packet is multicast data from a first reference point or a second reference point, the first UPF sends the multicast data packet to a first multicast internal interface, and sends the multicast data packet to all multicast group members of the multicast group from a first reference point or a second reference point or a third reference point or a fourth reference point respectively corresponding to each multicast group member in the multicast group through the first multicast internal interface.

When the multicast data packet is multicast data from a third reference point or a fourth reference point and the multicast address of the multicast data packet is an ith multicast address, the first UPF sends the multicast data packet to a second multicast internal interface corresponding to the ith multicast address, and sends the multicast data packet to all local multicast group members of the first UPF from a first reference point or a second reference point corresponding to each local multicast group member of the multicast group in the first UPF through the second multicast internal interface corresponding to the ith multicast address.

For the m embodiments of the first multicast internal interface or the m embodiments of the third multicast internal interface, it is easy for those skilled in the art to think about the content according to the above embodiments, and details are not repeated.

A first implementation for VIDs:

referring to fig. 12, a flowchart illustrating a multicast method for VIDs of a virtual network group according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown. The method may be performed by a first UPF, the method comprising:

step 1201, receiving a multicast data packet sent by a member of the virtual network group, wherein the destination address of the multicast data packet is VID and a broadcast address;

the member sending the multicast data packet is set as a member a, and the member a can be any member in the virtual network group. The same member may be connected to one VID or multiple VIDs.

When member a is connected to multiple VIDs, each VID corresponding to one or more broadcast addresses, the destination address of each multicast packet is one of the multiple broadcast addresses.

When the member A is a local VID member of the first UPF, the first UPF receives the multicast data packet of the member A through N3 or N9; when member A is a non-local VID member of the first UPF, the first UPF receives the member A's multicast packet via N6 or N19.

Step 1202, when the multicast data packet is multicast data from a first reference point or a second reference point, sending the multicast data packet to a first multicast internal interface;

when the first UPF receives the multicast data packet sent by the local VID member through N3 or N9, the multicast data packet is sent to the first multicast internal interface.

Step 1203, sending the multicast data packet to all VID members of the VID through the first multicast internal interface from a first reference point, a second reference point, a third reference point or a fourth reference point corresponding to each VID member in the VID;

taking the example that member a, member B, member C and member D belong to the same VID, when there are members whose VID member B and VID member a are connected to the same PSA UPF, the first multicast internal interface sends the multicast packet to VID member B over N3 or N9 corresponding to VID member B; when the VID member C is a device on the DN, the first multicast internal interface sends the multicast data packet to the VID member C through the N6 corresponding to the VID member C; when there are members whose VID member D and VID member a are connected to different PSA UPFs, the first multicast internal interface sends the multicast packet to VID member D through N19 corresponding to VID member D, as shown in fig. 8.

It should be noted that "all VID members" in this step may or may not include a member that transmits the multicast packet.

Step 1204, when the multicast data packet is multicast data from the third reference point or the fourth reference point, sending the multicast data packet to the second multicast internal interface;

and when the first UPF receives the multicast data packet sent by the non-local multicast group member through N6 or N19, the multicast data packet is sent to the second multicast internal interface.

Step 1205, the multicast data packet is sent from the first reference point or the second reference point corresponding to each local VID member of the first UPF to all local VID members of the first UPF through the second multicast internal interface.

As an example given in fig. 8, when VID member C sends a multicast packet, psauff 1 receives the multicast packet from N6, puts it into its second multicast internal interface, sends the multicast packet to VID member a over N9 for VID member a over the second multicast internal interface, and sends the multicast packet to VID member B over N9 for VID member B. The psauff 2 also receives the multicast packet from N6, puts it into its second multicast internal interface, and then sends the multicast packet to member D through the second multicast internal interface and N3 corresponding to member D. Thus, the multicast packet sent by VID member C is sent to all VID members.

As another example given in fig. 8, when VID member a sends a multicast packet, psauff 1 receives the multicast packet from N9, puts the multicast packet on its own first multicast internal interface, sends the multicast packet from N9, to which VID member B corresponds, to VID member B through the first multicast internal interface (psauff 1 may also send this multicast packet from N9 to psauff 2 depending on the network configuration), psauff 2 receives the multicast packet from N19, puts it on its second multicast internal interface, and then sends the multicast packet to local VID member D through N3 through the second multicast internal interface. Thus, the multicast data packet sent by VID member A is sent to all VID members.

In summary, in the method provided in this embodiment, a first multicast internal interface is provided in the UPF, and when a multicast packet of a local VID member is received, the multicast packet of the local VID member is first sent to the first multicast internal interface, and then sent to all VID members of the VID through the first multicast internal interface (on a path other than the current UPF, it may be necessary to continue to pass through a second multicast internal interface or a third multicast internal interface of another UPF to send to all multicast group members in the multicast group), so that multicast communication in the VID can be achieved.

In the method provided by this embodiment, the second multicast internal interface is provided in the UPF, and when receiving the multicast data packet of the non-local VID member, the multicast data packet of the non-local VID member is sent to the second multicast internal interface first, and then sent to all the local VID members connected to the UPF through the second multicast internal interface, which can implement multicast communication in the VID, avoid unnecessary traffic forwarding, and save network transmission resources.

In an alternative embodiment based on fig. 12, the implementation procedure of multicast traffic forwarding in VID is as follows: for each UPF within the VID, at least two multicast internal interfaces within the UPF are used. The forwarding of multicast data packets is performed between the multicast internal interfaces of each UPF by two-step detection.

In a first step, the PDR rules installed in the UPF detect multicast packets received from members within any VID (via N3 or N9 or N6 or N19), and when the multicast packets match the PDR rules, the FAR rules in the UPF are applied to forward the multicast packets to the multicast internal interface of the UPF, i.e. the destination interface set for the multicast internal interface.

In the second step, the PDR rule installed in the multicast internal interface of the UPF detects the multicast data packet, and when the multicast data packet matches the PDR rule, the corresponding FAR rule in the multicast internal interface is applied to forward the multicast data packet to all members in the VID through N3 or N6 or N9 or N19.

Thus, for each UPF within the VID having N4 rules (i.e., PDR rules and FAR rules) configured therein, an exemplary configuration of PDR rules and FAR rules is as follows:

first PDR rule and first FAR rule

The SMF provides the N4 session for each VID member in the VID (i.e., the N4 session corresponding to the PDU session for each member) with a first PDR rule and a first FAR rule for the UPF to process multicast packets received from the UE.

For each UPF in the VID, a first PDR rule and a first FAR rule corresponding to a local VID member are set in the UPF. When detecting that the multicast data packet is multicast data from the first reference point N3 or the second reference point N9 through the first PDR rule, the UPF sends the multicast data packet to the first multicast internal interface through the first FAR rule, as shown in fig. 9.

To detect traffic, the first PDR rule includes: the source interface is set as an access side, the target address is set as a first VID list and a broadcast address to which VID members belong, and the core network tunnel information is set as a tunnel header of a first reference point N3 or a second reference point N9 of the PDU session (including an uplink IP address and uplink GTP-U TEID information corresponding to an N3 or N9 interface);

to forward traffic, the first FAR rule includes: the target interface is set as a first multicast internal interface.

The multicast address in the multicast data packet is a VID in a first VID list to which VID members belong, and a broadcast address.

Second PDR rule and second FAR rule

The SMF configures the second PDR rule and the second FAR rule corresponding to the group level session to the UPF where there is a need so that the UPF processes the multicast packet received through N6. A group-level session is a session that is common to each VID member in the VID, and a group-level session is a session between a UPF and an SMF, i.e., a group-level N4 session.

For a UPF that is needed for the presence in the VID, a second PDR rule and a second FAR rule corresponding to the group-level session are set in the UPF. When detecting that the multicast packet is multicast data from the third reference point N6 through the second PDR rule, the multicast packet is sent to the second multicast internal interface through the second FAR rule, as shown in fig. 9.

To detect traffic, the second PDR rule includes: the source interface is set as a core side, and the target address is set as a second VID list and a broadcast address; where the second VID list is the VID list corresponding to other VID members to which the local VID member is connected via a third reference point N6.

To forward traffic, the second FAR rule includes: the target interface is set as a second multicast internal interface.

The second VID list is a VID list of all VIDs in the virtual network group; or, the second VID list is a collection of VID lists to which all local VID members of the first UPF belong.

Third PDR rule and third FAR rule

The SMF configures a third PDR rule and a third FAR rule corresponding to the group-level session to the required UPF, so that the UPF processes the multicast packet received through N19.

For the UPF where there is a need in the VID, a third PDR rule and a third FAR rule corresponding to the group-level session are set in the UPF. When detecting that the multicast packet is multicast data from the fourth reference point N19 through the third PDR rule, the multicast packet is sent to the third multicast internal interface through the third FAR rule, as shown in fig. 9.

To detect traffic, the third PDR rule includes: the source interface is set as a core side, the target address is set as a third VID list and a broadcast address, and the core network tunnel information is set as a fourth reference point tunnel header (including a receiving IP address and receiving GTP-U TEID information corresponding to the N19 interface); the third VID list is the VID list corresponding to other VID members to which the local multicast group member is connected via a fourth reference point N19.

To forward traffic, the third FAR rule includes: the target interface is set as a second multicast internal interface.

Fourth PDR rule and fourth FAR rule

The SMF provides a fourth PDR rule and a fourth FAR rule for the N4 session for each VID member of the VID (i.e., the N4 session corresponding to the PDU session for each member) for the UPF to process multicast packets received from the UE.

For the UPF with the required VID, a fourth PDR rule and a fourth FAR rule corresponding to the local VID member are set in the UPF. When detecting that the multicast data packet is multicast data from the first multicast internal interface through the fourth PDR rule, the UPF sends the multicast data packet to all VID members of the VID from the first reference point or the second reference point or the third reference point or the fourth reference point corresponding to each VID member through the fourth FAR rule, as shown in fig. 9.

To detect traffic, the fourth PDR rule includes: the source port is set as a first multicast internal interface, and the target address is a first VID list and a broadcast address to which the VID member belongs;

to forward traffic, the fourth FAR rule includes, for a local multicast group member: the external header creates tunnel information (including downlink IP address and downlink GTP-U TEID information corresponding to the N3 or N9 interface) indicating a first reference point N3 or a second reference point N9, and the target interface is an access side; or, corresponding to a device on the DN, the fourth FAR rule further includes: the outer header creates information indicating a third reference point N6, the target interface being the core side; or, corresponding to the N19 tunnel-connected member, the fourth FAR rule further includes: the outer header creates tunnel information (including IP address of counterpart psauff and GTP-U TEID information corresponding to the N19 interface) indicating the fourth reference point N19, with the target interface being the core side.

Fifth PDR rule and fifth FAR rule

The SMF configures the fifth PDR rule and the fifth FAR rule corresponding to the group level session to the UPF needed to process the multicast packet received from N6 or N19 to the VID.

The UPF is provided with a fifth PDR rule and a fifth FAR rule corresponding to the group level session. When the UPF detects that the multicast data packet is multicast data of the second multicast internal interface through the fifth PDR rule, the UPF sends the multicast data packet to all local VID members of the UPF from the first reference point N3 or the second reference point N9, which correspond to each local multicast group member of the UPF, respectively, through the fifth FAR rule, as shown in fig. 9.

To detect traffic, a fifth PDR rule includes: the source port is set as a second multicast internal interface, and the target address is a second VID list of VIDs and a broadcast address;

to forward traffic, the fifth FAR rule includes: the external header creates tunnel information (including downlink IP address and downlink GTP-UTEID information corresponding to the N3 or N9 interface) indicating the first reference point N3 or the second reference point N9, and the target interface is the access side.

Sixth PDR rule and sixth FAR rule

The SMF configures the sixth PDR rule and the sixth FAR rule corresponding to the group level session to the UPF needed to process the multicast packet received from N19.

The UPF is provided with a sixth PDR rule and a sixth FAR rule corresponding to the group level session. When the UPF detects that the multicast data packet is multicast data of the second multicast internal interface through the sixth PDR rule, the UPF sends the multicast data packet to all local VID members of the UPF through the sixth FAR rule from the first reference point N3 or the second reference point N9 corresponding to each local VID member of the UPF, as shown in fig. 9.

To detect traffic, the sixth PDR rule includes: the source port is set as a second multicast internal interface, and the target address is a third VID list and a broadcast address; wherein the third VID list is a multicast address list corresponding to other VID members to which the local VID member is connected via a fourth reference point N19.

A second implementation for VIDs:

referring to fig. 13, a flowchart illustrating a multicast method for VIDs of a virtual network group according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown. The method may be performed by a first UPF, the method comprising:

step 1301, receiving a multicast data packet sent by a member of the virtual network group, wherein the destination address of the multicast data packet is a VID broadcast address;

the member sending the multicast data packet is set as a member a, and the member a can be any member in the virtual network group. Member a may or may not be a VID member of the VID. The same member may be connected to one VID or multiple VIDs. In this embodiment, the VID member with member A connected to the VID is exemplified.

When VID member a is coupled to a plurality of VIDs, each VID corresponding to a broadcast address, the destination address of the multicast packet is a broadcast address of the plurality of broadcast addresses.

When VID member A is the local VID member of the first UPF, the UPF receives the multicast data packet of VID member A through N3 or N9; where VID member A is a non-local multicast group member of the first UPF, the UPF receives VID member A's multicast packets via N6 or N19.

Step 1302, when the multicast data packet is multicast data from a first reference point or a second reference point, sending the multicast data packet to a first multicast internal interface;

when the first UPF receives the multicast data packet sent by the local multicast group member through N3 or N9, the multicast data packet is sent to the first multicast internal interface.

Step 1303, sending the multicast data packet from the first reference point or the second reference point or the third reference point or the fourth reference point corresponding to each VID member in the VID to all VID members of the VID through the first multicast internal interface;

when VID member B and VID member A are connected to the same PSAUPF member, the first multicast internal interface sends the multicast data packet to VID member B through N3 or N9 corresponding to VID member B; when VID member C is a device on DN, the first multicast internal interface sends the multicast data packet to member C through N6 corresponding to VID member C; when VID member D and VID member A are connected to different members of PSAUPF, the first multicast internal interface sends multicast packets to PSA UPF2 to which VID member D is connected through N19 corresponding to VID member D, PSAUPF2 sends multicast packets to the second multicast internal interface, which sends the multicast packets from N3 to VID member D, as shown in FIG. 8.

It should be noted that "all VID members" in this step may or may not include a member that transmits the multicast packet.

Step 1304, when the multicast data packet is multicast data from the third reference point, sending the multicast data packet to the second multicast internal interface;

when the first UPF receives the multicast data packet sent by the non-local multicast group member through N6, the multicast data packet is sent to the second multicast internal interface.

Step 1305, sending the multicast data packet from the first reference point or the second reference point corresponding to each local VID member of the VID in the first UPF to all local VID members of the first UPF through the second multicast internal interface.

As an example given in fig. 8, when VID member C sends a multicast packet, psauff 1 receives the multicast packet from N6, puts it into its second multicast internal interface, and then sends the multicast packet to VID member a via N9 for VID member a and to VID member B via N9 for VID member B via the second multicast internal interface. The psauff 2 also receives the multicast packet from N6, puts it on its second multicast internal interface, and then sends the multicast packet to VID member D through its own second multicast internal interface via N3 corresponding to VID member D. Thus, the multicast packet sent by VID member C is sent to all VID members.

Step 1306, when the multicast data packet is multicast data from a fourth reference point, sending the multicast data packet to a third multicast internal interface;

when the first UPF receives the multicast packet sent by the non-local VID member via N19, it sends the multicast packet to the third multicast internal interface.

Step 1307, the multicast data packet is sent from the first reference point or the second reference point corresponding to each local VID member of the first UPF to all local VID members of the first UPF through the third multicast internal interface.

As another example given in fig. 8, when VID member a sends a multicast packet, psauff 1 receives the multicast packet from N9, puts it into its own first multicast internal interface, sends the multicast packet from the N9 interface to VID member B via the first multicast internal interface (PSA UPF1 may also send this data from the N9 interface to VID member a itself), from N6 interface to VID member C of the DN, from N19 interface to psauff 2. The psauff 2 receives the multicast packet from N19, puts it on its third multicast internal interface, and then sends it to the local VID member D over the N3 interface via the third multicast internal interface. Thus, the multicast data packet sent by VID member A is sent to all VID members.

In summary, in the method provided in this embodiment, a first multicast internal interface is provided in the UPF, and when receiving a multicast data packet of a local VID member, the multicast data packet of the local VID member is sent to the first multicast internal interface first, and then sent to all VID members of the VID through the first multicast internal interface, so that multicast communication in the VID can be implemented.

In the method provided by this embodiment, the second multicast internal interface is provided in the UPF, and when receiving the multicast data packet of the non-local VID member from N6, the multicast data packet of the non-local VID member is sent to the second multicast internal interface first, and then sent to all local VID members of the VID in the current UPF through the second multicast internal interface, which not only can implement multicast communication in the VID, but also can avoid unnecessary traffic forwarding, and save network transmission resources.

In the method provided by this embodiment, the third multicast internal interface is provided in the UPF, and when receiving the multicast data packet of the non-local VID member from N19, the multicast data packet of the non-local VID member is sent to the third multicast internal interface first, and then sent to all local VID members of the VID in the current UPF through the third multicast internal interface, which not only can implement multicast communication in the VID, but also can avoid unnecessary traffic forwarding, and save network transmission resources.

In an alternative embodiment based on fig. 13, the implementation procedure of multicast traffic forwarding in VID is as follows: for each UPF within the VID, at least two multicast internal interfaces within the UPF are used. The forwarding of multicast data packets is performed between the multicast internal interfaces of each UPF by two-step detection.

In the second step, the PDR rule installed in the multicast internal interface of the UPF detects the multicast packet, and when the multicast packet matches the PDR rule, the FAR rule in the multicast internal interface is applied to forward the multicast packet to the VID member of the VID via N3 or N6 or N9 or N19.

Thus, for each UPF within the VID having N4 rules (i.e., PDR rules and FAR rules) configured therein, an exemplary configuration of PDR rules and FAR rules is as follows:

first PDR rule and first FAR rule

To detect traffic, the first PDR rule includes: the source interface is set as an access side, the target address is set as a first VID list and a broadcast address to which VID members belong, and the core network tunnel information is set as a tunnel header of a first reference point or a second reference point of the PDU session (including an uplink IP address and uplink GTP-U TEID information corresponding to the N3 or N9 interface);

to forward traffic, the first FAR rule includes: the target interface is set as a first multicast internal interface.

The multicast address in the multicast data packet is a VID list of VIDs to which VIDs belong and a broadcast address in the broadcast addresses.

Second PDR rule and second FAR rule

The SMF configures the second PDR rule and the second FAR rule corresponding to the group level session to the UPF where there is a need so that the UPF processes the multicast packet received through N6. A group-level session is a session that is common to each VID member in the VID, and a group-level session is a session between a UPF and an SMF, i.e., a group-level N4 session.

To detect traffic, the second PDR rule includes: the source interface is set as a core side, and the target address is set as a second VID list and a broadcast address of the VID;

to forward traffic, the second FAR rule includes: the target interface is set as a second multicast internal interface.

The second multicast address list is a VID list and a broadcast address of all VIDs in the virtual network group; or, the second multicast address list is a list of VIDs to which all local VID members of the first UPF belong and a collection of broadcast addresses.

Seventh PDR rule and seventh FAR rule

The SMF configures a seventh PDR rule and a seventh FAR rule corresponding to the group level session to the required UPF, so that the UPF processes the multicast packet received through N19.

For a required UPF existing in the VID, a seventh PDR rule and a seventh FAR rule corresponding to the group level session are set in the UPF. When detecting that the multicast packet is multicast data from the fourth reference point N19 through the seventh PDR rule, the multicast packet is sent to the third multicast internal interface through the seventh FAR rule, as shown in fig. 11.

to forward traffic, the third FAR rule includes: the target interface is set as the third multicast internal interface.

Fourth PDR rule and fourth FAR rule

to forward traffic, corresponding to a local VID member, the fourth FAR rule includes: the external header creates tunnel information (including downlink IP address and downlink GTP-U TEID information corresponding to the N3 or N9 interface) indicating a first reference point N3 or a second reference point N9, and the target interface is an access side; or, corresponding to a device on the DN, the fourth FAR rule further includes: the outer header creates information indicating a third reference point N6, the target interface being the core side; or, corresponding to the N19 tunnel-connected member, the fourth FAR rule further includes: the outer header creates tunnel information (including IP address and GTP-U TEID information corresponding to the N19 interface) indicating a fourth reference point N19, the target interface being the core side.

Fifth PDR rule and fifth FAR rule

The SMF configures the fifth PDR rule and the fifth FAR rule corresponding to the group level session to the UPF needed to process the multicast packet received from N6.

To detect traffic, a fifth PDR rule includes: the source port is set as a second multicast internal interface, and the target address is a second VID list of VIDs and a broadcast address;

Eighth PDR rule and eighth FAR rule

The SMF configures the eighth PDR rule and the eighth FAR rule corresponding to the group level session to the required UPF in the VID so that the UPF processes the multicast packet received from N19.

The UPF is provided with an eighth PDR rule and an eighth FAR rule corresponding to the group level session. When the UPF detects that the multicast data packet is multicast data of the third multicast internal interface through the eighth PDR rule, the UPF sends the multicast data packet to all local VID members of the UPF through the eighth FAR rule from the first reference point N3 or the second reference point N9 corresponding to each local VID member of the UPF, as shown in fig. 9.

To detect traffic, the eighth PDR rule includes: the source port is set as a third multicast internal interface, and the target address is a third VID list; wherein the third VID list is the VID list corresponding to other VID members to which the local VID member is connected via a fourth reference point N19.

In one embodiment, the second VID list is a VID list of all VIDs in the virtual network group; alternatively, the second VID list is a collection of VID lists to which all local VID members of the first UPF belong.

In one embodiment, the third VID list is a VID list of all VIDs in the virtual network group; or, the third VID list is the intersection of the VID list that the local VID member of the first UPF belongs to and the VID list that the local VID member of the second UPF belongs to, and the second UPF is connected with the first UPF through a fourth reference point.

For a third implementation of VID:

the VID lists and broadcast addresses (the first VID list and broadcast address, the second VID list and broadcast address, the third VID list and broadcast address) in the PDR rule and the FAR rule include broadcast addresses of a plurality of VIDs, such as 3 broadcast addresses or 5 broadcast addresses.

When the VID list and the broadcast addresses in the broadcast addresses are m, at least one of the first multicast internal interface, the second multicast internal interface, and the third multicast internal interface may be implemented as m multicast internal interfaces, and each multicast internal interface corresponds to one broadcast address of the VID. Wherein m is a positive integer, i is an integer not greater than m

When the first multicast internal interface is implemented as m first multicast internal interfaces, the ith first multicast internal interface corresponds to the ith VID, and the multicast address in the multicast data packet is set to be the ith VID in the first VID list and the broadcast address.

The first PDR rule includes: the source interface is set as the access side, the target address is set as the first VID list

The ith VID and the broadcast address, the core network tunnel information are set as the first reference point of PDU conversation or

A tunnel head of a second reference point; the first FAR rule includes: the target interface is set as the ith first multicast internal interface.

The fourth PDR rule includes: the source port is set as the ith first multicast internal interface, and the target address is the ith VID and the broadcast address in the first VID list; the fourth FAR rule includes: the method comprises the steps that an external header creates tunnel information indicating a first reference point or a second reference point, and a target interface is an access side; or, the fourth FAR rule further includes: the external header creates information indicating a third reference point, and the target interface is a core side; or, the fourth FAR rule further includes: the outer header creates tunnel information indicating a fourth reference point, the target interface being the core side.

When the second multicast internal interface is implemented as m second multicast internal interfaces, the ith second multicast internal interface corresponds to the ith VID in the second VID list, and the multicast address in the multicast data packet is set to be the ith VID and the broadcast address in the second VID list.

The second PDR rule includes: the source interface is set as a core side, and the target address is set as the ith VID and the broadcast address in the second VID list; the second FAR rule includes: the target interface is set as the ith second multicast internal interface.

The fifth PDR rule includes: the source port is set as the ith second multicast internal interface, and the target address is the ith VID and the broadcast address in the second VID list; the fifth FAR rule includes: the outer header creates tunnel information indicating the first reference point or the second reference point, the target interface being the access side.

The third PDR rule includes: the source interface is set as the core side, the target address is set as the third VID list

The ith VID and the broadcast address in the network, and the core network tunnel information is set as a fourth reference point tunnel head; first, the

The three FAR rules include: the target interface is set as the ith second multicast internal interface, m is a positive integer, and i is an integer not greater than m.

The sixth PDR rule includes: the source port is set as the ith second multicast internal interface, and the target address is the ith VID and the broadcast address in the third VID list; the sixth FAR rule includes: the outer header creates tunnel information indicating the first reference point or the second reference point, the target interface being the access side.

When the third multicast internal interface is implemented as m third multicast internal interfaces, the ith third multicast internal interface corresponds to the ith VID in the third VID list, and the multicast address in the multicast packet is set to be the ith VID in the third VID list.

The seventh PDR rule includes: the source interface is set as the core side, the target address is set as the third VID list

The ith VID and the broadcast address in the network, and the core network tunnel information is set as a fourth reference point tunnel head; first, the

The seven FAR rules include: the target interface is set as the ith third multicast internal interface.

The eighth PDR rule includes: the source port is set as the ith third multicast internal interface, and the target address is the ith VID and the broadcast address in the third VID list; the eighth FAR rule includes: the outer header creates tunnel information indicating the first reference point or the second reference point, the target interface being the access side.

when the multicast data packet is multicast data from a first reference point or a second reference point, the UPF sends the multicast data packet to a first multicast internal interface, and sends the multicast data packet to all VID members of the VID from a first reference point or a second reference point or a third reference point or a fourth reference point corresponding to each VID member in the VID through the first multicast internal interface.

And when the multicast data packet is multicast data from a third reference point or a fourth reference point and the broadcast address of the multicast data packet is the ith broadcast address, the UPF sends the multicast data packet to a second multicast internal interface corresponding to the ith VID, and sends the multicast data packet to all local VID members of the UPF from a first reference point or a second reference point corresponding to each local VID member of the UPF by the second multicast internal interface corresponding to the ith VID.

Configuration procedure for PDR rules and FAR rules

The PDR rules and FAR rules are configured by the SWF to the corresponding UPF. Fig. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a multicast method for a multicast group of a virtual network group according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. The method may be performed by an SMF, the method comprising:

step 1402, generating at least two groups of multicast rules corresponding to at least two multicast internal interfaces;

step 1404, determining a multicast rule required on each UPF corresponding to the multicast group in at least two groups of multicast rules; the multicast group is a conventional multicast group in the virtual network group, or the multicast group is a group identified by VID;

step 1406 configures the required multicast rules to each UPF.

According to the above embodiments, there are various implementations of at least two multicast internal interfaces.

When the at least two multicast internal interfaces include a first multicast internal interface, the at least two sets of multicast rules include: the above steps 1402, 1404 and 1406 may be implemented as the following steps for each multicast group member corresponding to the first multicast internal interface, as shown in fig. 15:

step 1402a, generating a first group multicast rule corresponding to the first multicast internal interface of each multicast group member;

step 1404a, determining the UPF to which each multicast group member belongs as the UPF requiring the first group multicast rule;

step 1406a, in the process of establishing PDU session by each multicast group member, configuring a first group multicast rule to the UPF to which each multicast group member belongs.

Wherein the first set of multicast rules comprises: the first PDR rule and the first FAR rule mentioned in the above embodiments, and the fourth PDR rule and the fourth FAR rule.

When the at least two multicast internal interfaces include a second multicast internal interface, the at least two sets of multicast rules include: the above steps 1402, 1404 and 1406 may be implemented as the following steps, as shown in fig. 16, of a second set of multicast rules at the group level of each multicast group corresponding to the second multicast internal interface, the second set of multicast rules being used for forwarding multicast packets from the third reference point N6:

step 1402b, generating a second group multicast rule of group level of each multicast group corresponding to the second multicast internal interface;

wherein the second set of multicast rules is for forwarding multicast packets from the third reference point.

Step 1404b, for a first UPF in each UPF corresponding to the multicast group, determining, according to a set of multicast address lists of the multicast group to which the local multicast group member on the first UPF belongs, a second group of multicast rules of all group levels corresponding to the set as the multicast rules required in the first UPF.

When the UE under the first UPF is increased or decreased, the SMF calculates the aggregate of the multicast address lists of the multicast groups to which the local multicast group members on the first UPF belong. The SMF determines a second group of multicast rules of all group levels corresponding to the collection of the multicast address list as the multicast rules required in the first UPF

And step 1406b, when the collection of the multicast address list is changed, configuring a second group of multicast rules of all group levels corresponding to the collection to the first UPF.

When the collection is changed (UE is added or deleted), the UPF configures a second group of multicast rules of all group levels corresponding to the collection of the multicast address list to the first UPF.

Wherein the second group of multicast rules comprises: a second PDR rule and a second FAR rule; fifth PDR rule and fifth FAR rule

It should be noted that, since there may be a plurality of members in the virtual network group, there may be a plurality of selected UPFs, and one N6 GTP-U tunnel is suggested to be shared among the plurality of UPFs.

When the at least two multicast internal interfaces include a second multicast internal interface, the at least two sets of multicast rules include: the above steps 1402, 1404 and 1406 may be implemented as the following steps, as shown in fig. 17, of a third set of multicast rules at the group level of each multicast group corresponding to the second multicast internal interface, where the third set of multicast rules is used to forward multicast packets from a fourth reference point N19:

step 1402c, generating a third group multicast rule of group level of each multicast group corresponding to the second multicast internal interface;

wherein, the third group of multicast rules is used for forwarding the multicast data packet from the fourth reference point N19;

step 1404c1, for a first UPF in each UPF corresponding to the multicast group, determining an intersection of a multicast address list corresponding to the local multicast group member on the first UPF and a multicast address list corresponding to the local multicast group member on the second UPF;

step 1404c2, determining the third group multicast rules of all the group levels corresponding to the intersection as the multicast rules needed in the first UPF and the second UPF, where the second UPF is a UPF except the first UPF in each UPF corresponding to the multicast group;

and step 1406c, when the intersection is changed, respectively configuring the third group multicast rules of all the group levels corresponding to the intersection to the first UPF and the second UPF.

When the intersection is changed (UE is added or deleted), the UPF respectively configures the third group multicast rules of all the group levels corresponding to the intersection to the first UPF and the second UPF.

Wherein the third group of multicast rules comprises: a third PDR rule and a third FAR rule; a sixth PDR rule and a sixth FAR rule.

When the at least two multicast internal interfaces include a third multicast internal interface, the at least two sets of multicast rules include: the steps 1402, 1404 and 1406 may be implemented as the following steps, as shown in fig. 18, of a fourth set of multicast rules at the group level of each multicast group corresponding to the third multicast internal interface, where the fourth set of multicast rules is used to forward multicast packets from a fourth reference point N19:

step 1402c, generating a fourth group multicast rule of the group level of each multicast group corresponding to the third multicast internal interface;

wherein, the fourth group of multicast rules is used for forwarding the multicast data packet from the fourth reference point N19;

step 1404c2, determining the fourth group multicast rules of all group levels corresponding to the intersection as the multicast rules needed in the first UPF and the second UPF, where the second UPF is a UPF except the first UPF in each UPF corresponding to the multicast group;

and step 1406c, when the intersection is changed, respectively configuring the fourth group multicast rules of all the group levels corresponding to the intersection to the first UPF and the second UPF.

When the intersection is changed (UE is added or deleted), the UPF respectively configures the fourth group multicast rules of all the group levels corresponding to the intersection to the first UPF and the second UPF.

Wherein the fourth group of multicast rules comprises: a seventh PDR rule and a seventh FAR rule; an eighth PDR rule and an eighth FAR rule.

It should be noted that, the responsibility for sending the multicast packets received by N6, N19 to the multicast internal interface and forwarding the data sent from the multicast internal interface to the PDR, FAR of N6, N19 is 4N 4 sessions at the group level used by the virtual network group, that is, N4 sessions independent of each UE (one PDU session is established by one UE and there is one PDU session level N4 session), that is, the 4N 4 sessions are N4 sessions commonly used by all virtual network group members (the function is equivalent to that the 4 sessions are used by all members of the virtual network group, but need not be defined separately for each member).

In an illustrative example, fig. 19 shows a flow diagram of UE requested PDU session establishment (for non-roaming and local breakout roaming scenarios). The detailed description about this fig. 19 can refer to the description of fig. 4.3.2.2.2 in standard 23.502 in 3GPP, and is not repeated herein.

For the configuration process shown in fig. 15, each UE in the virtual network group needs to establish one PDU session. For each UE in the virtual network group, the SMF may configure the first set of multicast rules (the first PDR rule, the first FAR rule, the fourth PDR rule, and the fourth FAR rule) into the UPF during the N4 session of step 10a, "i.e., in the N4 session establishment/modification request sent by the SMF to the UPF.

For the configuration process shown in fig. 16, the SMF may issue the second set of multicast rules (the second PDR rule, the second FAR rule, the fifth PDR rule, and the fifth FAR rule) related to the N6 interface at the group level to the corresponding UPF in the "UPF selection process" in step 8.

For the configuration process shown in fig. 17, the SMF may issue the third set of multicast rules (the third PDR rule, the third FAR rule, the sixth PDR rule, and the sixth FAR rule) related to the N19 interface at the group level to the corresponding UPF in the "UPF selection process" in step 8.

For the configuration process shown in fig. 18, the SMF may issue a fourth set of multicast rules (a seventh PDR rule, a seventh FAR rule, an eighth PDR rule, and an eighth FAR rule) related to the N19 interface at the group level to the corresponding UPF in the "UPF selection process" in step 8.

In an illustrative example, fig. 20 shows a flow diagram of UE requested PDU session establishment (for a home routing roaming scenario). The configuration process shown with respect to fig. 15 or fig. 16 or fig. 17 or fig. 18 is performed in step 10 "UPF selection process" and step 12a "N4 session creation request" in fig. 20, instead of step 4 "UPF selection process" and step 5 "N4 session creation request". The detailed description about this fig. 18 can refer to the description of fig. 4.3.2.2.2-1 in standard 23.502 in 3GPP, and is not repeated herein.

In the first implementation manner and the second implementation manner, the PDR rule and the FAR rule include a multicast address list. When the multicast address list is changed (added, modified or deleted), the corresponding PDR rules and FAR rules all need to be modified.

The first group multicast rule comprises a first multicast address list, and when the multicast address in the first multicast address list is added, modified or deleted, the first multicast address list is updated by the UPF corresponding to each multicast group member in the multicast group.

The second group of multicast rules comprises a second multicast address list, and when the multicast address in the second multicast address list is newly added, modified or deleted, the UPF needing the second group of multicast rules is determined again; the second multicast address list is updated to the UPF that requires the second set of multicast rules.

The third group of multicast rules comprises a third group of multicast address list, and when the multicast address in the third group of multicast address list is newly added, modified or deleted, the UPF needing the third group of multicast rules is determined again; and updating the third multicast address list to the UPF needing the third group multicast rule.

The fourth group of multicast rules comprises a third multicast address list, and when the multicast address in the third multicast address list is newly added, modified or deleted, the UPF needing the fourth group of multicast rules is determined again; and updating the third multicast address list to the UPF needing the fourth group of multicast rules.

Alternatively, the first and second electrodes may be,

the first group multicast rule comprises a first VID list, and when the multicast address in the first VID list is added, modified or deleted, the first VID list is updated by the UPF corresponding to each multicast group member in the multicast group.

The second group of multicast rules comprises a second VID list, and when the multicast address in the second VID list is newly added, modified or deleted, the UPF needing the second group of multicast rules is determined again; the second VID list is updated to the UPF that requires the second set of multicast rules.

The third group of multicast rules comprises a third VID list, and when the multicast address in the third VID list is newly added, modified or deleted, the UPF needing the third group of multicast rules is determined again; the third VID list is updated to the UPF that requires the third set of multicast rules.

The fourth group of multicast rules comprises a third VID list, and when the multicast address in the third VID list is newly added, modified or deleted, the UPF which needs the fourth group of multicast rules is determined again; and updating the third VID list to the UPF needing the fourth group of multicast rules.

Fig. 21 shows a flow diagram of a UE or network requested PDU session modification (for non-roaming and local breakout roaming scenarios). The process of the SMF modifying the multicast address list may be performed in any of the steps 2a "N4 session creation/modification request", 8a "N4 session modification request" and 12a "N4 session modification request". The detailed description about fig. 21 may refer to the description of fig. 4.3.2.2.2 in standard 23.502 in 3GPP, and is not repeated herein.

Fig. 22 shows a flow diagram of a UE or network requested PDU session modification (for a home routing roaming scenario). The process of the SMF modifying the multicast address list may be performed in step 16a "N4 session modify request" between H-SMF and H-UPF. The detailed description about fig. 22 can refer to the description of fig. 4.3.2.2.2-1 in standard 23.502 in 3GPP, and is not repeated herein.

For a scenario where a UE moves from one UPF to another UPF:

In an optional embodiment, the method further includes:

when one multicast group member moves from the first UPF to the third UPF, calculating a collection of multicast address lists of the multicast group to which the local multicast group member on the third UPF belongs, and determining second group multicast rules of all group levels corresponding to the collection as the multicast rules required in the third UPF.

In an optional embodiment, the method further includes:

when one multicast group member moves from the first UPF to the fourth UPF, calculating the intersection of the multicast address list corresponding to the local multicast group member on the fourth UPF and the multicast address list corresponding to the local multicast group member on the fifth UPF; determining a third group of multicast rules of all group levels corresponding to the intersection as the multicast rules needed in a fourth UPF and a fifth UPF, wherein the fifth UPF is the UPF except the fourth UPF in each UPF corresponding to the multicast group;

and when the intersection is changed, respectively configuring the third group multicast rules of all the group levels corresponding to the intersection to the fourth UPF and the fifth UPF.

In an optional embodiment, the method further includes:

when one multicast group member moves from the first UPF to the sixth UPF, calculating the intersection of the multicast address list corresponding to the local multicast group member on the sixth UPF and the multicast address list corresponding to the local multicast group member on the seventh UPF; determining the fourth group multicast rules of all group levels corresponding to the intersection as the multicast rules needed in the sixth UPF and the seventh UPF, wherein the seventh UPF is the UPF except the sixth UPF in each UPF corresponding to the multicast group;

and when the intersection is changed, respectively configuring the sixth UPF and the seventh UPF with the fourth group multicast rules of all the group levels corresponding to the intersection.

The execution sequence of the four steps is not limited, and each step can be executed independently, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

The following are embodiments of the apparatus of the embodiments of the present application, and for details not described in detail in the embodiments of the apparatus, reference may be made to the above-described method embodiments.

Fig. 23 is a block diagram illustrating a multicast apparatus of a multicast group of a virtual network group according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. The apparatus may be implemented as part of a user plane function first UPF. The device includes:

a receiving module 2320, configured to receive a multicast data packet sent by a member of the virtual network group, where a destination address of the multicast data packet is a multicast address;

a sending module 2340, configured to send the multicast data packet to a target multicast internal interface of the at least two multicast internal interfaces, and send the multicast data packet to all members of the virtual network group or all local multicast group members through the target multicast internal interface. The multicast group is a regular multicast group in the virtual network group, or the multicast group is a group identified by a virtual local area network identifier VID, the multicast group members are VID members, and the multicast data packet is a broadcast address of the VID.

In an alternative embodiment, the at least two multicast internal interfaces include: a first multicast internal interface and a second multicast internal interface;

a sending module 2340, configured to send the multicast data packet to the first multicast internal interface when the multicast data packet is multicast data from a first reference point or a second reference point, and send the multicast data packet to all multicast group members of the multicast group through the first multicast internal interface from the first reference point, the second reference point, the third reference point, or the fourth reference point, which corresponds to each multicast group member in the multicast group respectively;

a sending module 2340, configured to send the multicast data packet to the second multicast internal interface when the multicast data packet is multicast data from the third reference point or the fourth reference point, and send the multicast data packet to all local multicast group members of the multicast group through the second multicast internal interface from the first reference point or the second reference point corresponding to each local multicast group member in the first UPF in the multicast group;

In an alternative embodiment, the at least two multicast internal interfaces include: a first multicast internal interface, a second multicast internal interface and a third multicast internal interface;

a sending module 2340, configured to send the multicast data packet to the second multicast internal interface when the multicast data packet is multicast data from the third reference point, and send the multicast data packet to all local multicast group members of the multicast group through the second multicast internal interface from the first reference point or the second reference point, which corresponds to each local multicast group member in the first UPF in the multicast group respectively;

a sending module 2340, configured to send the multicast data packet to the third multicast internal interface when the multicast data packet is multicast data from the fourth reference point, and send the multicast data packet to all local multicast group members of the multicast group through the third multicast internal interface from the first reference point or the second reference point corresponding to each local multicast group member in the multicast group that is local to the first UPF;

In an optional embodiment, the UPF is provided with a first PDR rule and a first FAR rule corresponding to multicast group members in the multicast group;

a sending module 2340, configured to send the multicast data packet to the first multicast internal interface through the first FAR rule when the first PDR rule detects that the multicast data packet is multicast data from the first reference point or the second reference point.

In an optional embodiment, the first multicast internal interface is one, and the first PDR rule includes: a source interface is set as an access side, a target address is set as a first multicast address list to which the multicast group member belongs, and core network tunnel information is set as a tunnel head of the first reference point or the second reference point of a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session; the first FAR rule includes: the target interface is set as the first multicast internal interface;

or the like, or, alternatively,

In an alternative embodiment, the multicast address in the multicast data packet is a multicast address in the first list of multicast addresses; or, the multicast address in the multicast data packet is a VID in the first VID list.

In an optional embodiment, when the first UPF needs to receive multicast data from the third reference point, a second PDR rule and a second FAR rule corresponding to a group level session are set in the first UPF, where the group level session is a session between the first UPF and an SMF;

a sending module 2340, configured to send the multicast data packet to the second multicast internal interface through the second FAR rule when it is detected that the multicast data packet is multicast data from the third reference point through the second PDR rule.

In an optional embodiment, the second multicast internal interface is one, and the second PDR rule includes: the source interface is set as a core side, and the target address is set as a second multicast address list; the second FAR rule includes: the target interface is set as the second multicast internal interface;

or the like, or, alternatively,

the second multicast internal interface is one, and the second PDR rule includes: a source interface is set as a core side, and a target address is set as a second VID list and a broadcast address to which the VID member belongs; the second FAR rule includes: the target interface is set as the second multicast internal interface;

or the like, or, alternatively,

In an alternative embodiment, the second multicast address list is a list of multicast addresses of all multicast groups in the virtual network group; or, the second multicast address list is a collection of multicast address lists of multicast groups to which all local multicast group members of the first UPF belong; or, the second VID list is a VID list of all VIDs in the virtual network group; or, the second VID list is a collection of VID lists to which all local VID members of the first UPF belong.

In an optional embodiment, when the first UPF needs to receive multicast data from the fourth reference point, a third PDR rule and a third FAR rule corresponding to a group-level session are set in the first UPF, where the group-level session is a session between the first UPF and an SMF;

a sending module 2340, configured to send the multicast data packet to the second multicast internal interface through the third FAR rule when it is detected that the multicast data packet is multicast data from the fourth reference point through the third PDR rule.

In an optional embodiment, the second multicast internal interface is one, and the third PDR rule includes: the source interface is set as a core side, the target address is set as a third multicast address list, and the core network tunnel information is set as a fourth reference point tunnel head; the third FAR rule includes: the target interface is set as the second multicast internal interface;

or the like, or, alternatively,

the number of the second multicast internal interfaces is m, the ith second multicast internal interface corresponds to the ith VID and the broadcast address in the third VID list and the broadcast address, the ith VID and the broadcast address are multicast addresses in the multicast data packet, and the third PDR rule includes: setting a source interface as a core side, setting a target address as the ith VID and a broadcast address, and setting core network tunnel information as a fourth reference point tunnel head; the third FAR rule includes: and setting a target interface as the ith second multicast internal interface, wherein m is a positive integer, and i is an integer not greater than m.

In an alternative embodiment, the third multicast address list is a multicast address list of all multicast groups in the virtual network group; or, the third multicast address list is an intersection of the multicast address list of the multicast group to which the local multicast group member of the first UPF belongs and the multicast address list of the multicast group to which the local multicast group member of the second UPF belongs, and the second UPF is connected to the first UPF through the fourth reference point; or, the third VID list is a VID list of all VIDs in the virtual network group; or, the third VID list is an intersection of the VID list to which the local VID member of the first UPF belongs and the VID list to which the local VID member of the second UPF belongs, and the second UPF is connected to the first UPF through the fourth reference point.

In an optional embodiment, a fourth PDR rule and a fourth FAR rule corresponding to a multicast group member in the multicast group are set in the first UPF;

a sending module 2340, configured to, when it is detected through the fourth PDR rule that the multicast data packet is multicast data from the first multicast internal interface, send, through the fourth FAR rule, the multicast data packet to all multicast group members of the multicast group from the first reference point, the second reference point, the third reference point, or the fourth reference point, which respectively correspond to each multicast group member of the multicast group.

In an optional embodiment, the first multicast internal interface is one, and the fourth PDR rule includes: the source port is set as the first multicast internal interface, and the target address is a first multicast address list to which the multicast group member belongs; the fourth FAR rule includes: the external header creates tunnel information indicating the first reference point or the second reference point, and a target interface is an access side; or, the fourth FAR rule further includes: the external header creates information indicating the third reference point, and a target interface is a core side; or, the fourth FAR rule further includes: the external header creates tunnel information indicating the fourth reference point, and a target interface is a core side;

or the like, or, alternatively,

the first multicast internal interface is one, and the fourth PDR rule includes: the source port is set as the first multicast internal interface, and the target address is a first VID list and a broadcast address to which the VID member belongs; the fourth FAR rule includes: the external header creates tunnel information indicating the first reference point or the second reference point, and a target interface is an access side; or, the fourth FAR rule further includes: the external header creates information indicating the third reference point, and a target interface is a core side; or, the fourth FAR rule further includes: the external header creates tunnel information indicating the fourth reference point, and a target interface is a core side;

or the like, or, alternatively,

wherein m is a positive integer, and i is an integer not greater than m.

In an optional embodiment, when the first UPF needs to receive multicast data from a third reference point, a fifth PDR rule and a fifth FAR rule corresponding to a group level session are set in the first UPF; the group-level session is a session between the first UPF and an SMF;

a sending module 2340, configured to, when it is detected through the fifth PDR rule that the multicast data packet is multicast data of the second multicast internal interface, send the multicast data packet to all local multicast group members of the multicast group through the fifth FAR rule from the first reference point or the second reference point, where the first reference point or the second reference point corresponds to each local multicast group member of the first UPF in the multicast group.

In an optional embodiment, the second multicast internal interface is one, and the fifth PDR rule includes: the source port is set as the second multicast internal interface, and the target address is a second multicast address list of the VID; the fifth FAR rule includes: the external header creates tunnel information indicating the first reference point or the second reference point, and a target interface is an access side;

or, the number of the second multicast internal interfaces is m, an ith second multicast internal interface corresponds to an ith multicast address in the second multicast address list, the ith multicast address is a multicast address in the multicast data packet, and the fifth PDR rule includes: the source port is set as the ith second multicast internal interface, and the target address is the ith multicast address; the fifth FAR rule includes: the external header creates tunnel information indicating the first reference point or the second reference point, a target interface is an access side, m is a positive integer, and i is an integer not greater than m;

or, the second multicast internal interface is one, and the fifth PDR rule includes: the source port is set as the second multicast internal interface, and the target address is a second VID list and a broadcast address of the VID to which the VID member belongs; the fifth FAR rule includes: the external header creates tunnel information indicating the first reference point or the second reference point, and a target interface is an access side;

or, the number of the second multicast internal interfaces is m, the ith second multicast internal interface corresponds to the second VID list and the ith VID and broadcast address of the broadcast address, the ith VID and broadcast address are multicast addresses in the multicast data packet, and the fifth PDR rule includes: the source port is set as the ith second multicast internal interface, and the target address is the ith VID and the broadcast address; the fifth FAR rule includes: the external header creates tunnel information indicating the first reference point or the second reference point, a target interface is an access side, m is a positive integer, and i is an integer not greater than m.

In an optional embodiment, when the first UPF needs to receive multicast data from a fourth reference point, a sixth PDR rule and a sixth FAR rule corresponding to a group level session are set in the first UPF; the group-level session is a session between the first UPF and an SMF;

a sending module 2340, configured to, when detecting that the multicast data packet is multicast data of the second multicast internal interface according to the sixth PDR rule, send the multicast data packet to all local multicast group members of the multicast group according to the sixth FAR rule, where the first reference point or the second reference point corresponds to each local multicast group member of the first UPF in the multicast group.

In an optional embodiment, the second multicast internal interface is one, and the sixth PDR rule includes: the source port is set as the second multicast internal interface, and the target address is a third multicast address list; the sixth FAR rule includes: the external header creates tunnel information indicating the first reference point or the second reference point, and a target interface is an access side;

or the like, or, alternatively,

the second multicast internal interface is one, and the sixth PDR rule includes: the source port is set as the second multicast internal interface, and the target address is a third VID list and a broadcast address to which the VID member belongs; the sixth FAR rule includes: the external header creates tunnel information indicating the first reference point or the second reference point, and a target interface is an access side;

or the like, or, alternatively,

the number of the second multicast internal interfaces is m, the ith second multicast internal interface corresponds to the ith VID in the third VID list, the ith VID and the broadcast address are multicast addresses in the multicast data packet, and the sixth PDR rule includes: the source port is set as the ith second multicast internal interface, and the target address is the ith VID and the broadcast address; the sixth FAR rule includes: the external header creates tunnel information indicating the first reference point or the second reference point, a target interface is an access side, m is a positive integer, and i is an integer not greater than m.

In an optional embodiment, when the first UPF needs to receive multicast data from a fourth reference point, a seventh PDR rule and a seventh FAR rule corresponding to a group-level session are set in the first UPF, where the group-level session is a session between the first UPF and an SMF;

a sending module 2340, configured to send the multicast data packet to the third multicast internal interface according to the seventh FAR rule when it is detected that the multicast data packet is multicast data from the fourth reference point according to the seventh PDR rule.

In an optional embodiment, the third multicast internal interface is one, and the seventh PDR rule includes: the source interface is set as a core side, the target address is set as a third multicast address list, and the core network tunnel information is set as a fourth reference point tunnel head; the seventh FAR rule includes: the target interface is set as the third multicast internal interface;

or, the number of the third multicast internal interfaces is m, an ith third multicast internal interface corresponds to an ith multicast address in the third multicast address list, the ith multicast address is a multicast address in the multicast data packet, and the seventh PDR rule includes: a source interface is set as a core side, a target address is set as an ith multicast address, and core network tunnel information is set as a fourth reference point tunnel head; the seventh FAR rule includes: setting a target interface as the ith third multicast internal interface, wherein m is a positive integer, and i is an integer not greater than m;

or, the third multicast internal interface is one, and the seventh PDR rule includes: a source interface is set as a core side, a target address is set as a third VID list and a broadcast address of the VID to which the VID member belongs, and core network tunnel information is set as a fourth reference point tunnel head; the seventh FAR rule includes: the target interface is set as the third multicast internal interface;

or, the third multicast internal interfaces are m, the ith third multicast internal interface corresponds to the ith VID and the broadcast address in the third VID list and the broadcast address, where the ith VID and the broadcast address are multicast addresses in the multicast data packet, and the seventh PDR rule includes: the source interface is set as a core side, the target address is set as the ith VID and the broadcast address, and the core network tunnel information is set as a fourth reference point tunnel head; the seventh FAR rule includes: and setting a target interface as the ith third multicast internal interface, wherein m is a positive integer, and i is an integer not greater than m.

In an optional embodiment, when the first UPF needs to receive multicast data from a fourth reference point, an eighth PDR rule and an eighth FAR rule corresponding to a group level session are set in the first UPF; the group-level session is a session between the first UPF and an SMF;

a sending module 2340, configured to, when it is detected through the eighth PDR rule that the multicast data packet is multicast data of the third multicast internal interface, send the multicast data packet to all local multicast group members of the multicast group through the eighth FAR rule from the first reference point or the second reference point, where the first reference point or the second reference point corresponds to each local multicast group member of the first UPF in the multicast group.

or the like, or, alternatively,

the third multicast internal interface is one, and the seventh PDR rule includes: a source interface is set as a core side, a target address is set as a third VID list and a broadcast address of the VID member, and core network tunnel information is set as a fourth reference point tunnel head; the seventh FAR rule includes: the target interface is set as the third multicast internal interface;

or the like, or, alternatively,

Fig. 23 is a block diagram illustrating a multicast apparatus of a virtual network group according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. The apparatus may be implemented as part of a session management function, SMF. The device includes:

a generating module 2320, configured to generate at least two sets of multicast rules corresponding to the at least two multicast internal interfaces;

a determining module 2330, configured to determine, in the at least two groups of multicast rules, a multicast rule required on each UPF corresponding to the multicast group; the multicast group is a conventional multicast group in the virtual network group, or the multicast group is a group identified by VID;

a configuration module 2340, configured to configure the required multicast rule for each UPF;

in an alternative embodiment, the at least two multicast internal interfaces include: a first multicast internal interface; the at least two sets of multicast rules include: a first multicast rule corresponding to the first multicast internal interface for each multicast group member;

a determining module 2330, configured to determine, for the UPF to which each multicast group member belongs, the UPF that needs the first group multicast rule;

a configuring module 2340, configured to configure the first group multicast rule to the UPF to which each multicast group member belongs in a process of establishing a protocol data unit PDU session by each multicast group member.

In an alternative embodiment, the first set of multicast rules includes:

a first PDR rule and a first FAR rule;

a fourth PDR rule and a fourth FAR rule.

In an alternative embodiment, the at least two multicast internal interfaces include: a second multicast internal interface, the multicast rule comprising: a second set of multicast rules at a group level corresponding to the second multicast internal interface, the second set of multicast rules for forwarding multicast packets from a third reference point;

a determining module 2330, configured to determine, for a first UPF in each UPF corresponding to the multicast group, a second group multicast rule at all group levels corresponding to a set according to the set of multicast address lists of multicast groups to which local multicast group members on the first UPF belong, where the second group multicast rule is a multicast rule required in the first UPF;

a configuring module 2340, configured to configure, to the first UPF, the second set of multicast rules at all group levels corresponding to the set of the multicast address list when the set changes.

In an optional embodiment, the second set of multicast rules includes:

a second PDR rule and a second FAR rule;

a fifth PDR rule and a fifth FAR rule.

In an alternative embodiment, the at least two multicast internal interfaces include: a second multicast internal interface, the multicast rule comprising: a third set of multicast rules at a group level corresponding to the second multicast internal interface, the third set of multicast rules being for forwarding multicast packets from a fourth reference point;

a determining module 2330, configured to determine, for a first UPF in each UPF corresponding to the multicast group, an intersection of a multicast address list corresponding to a local multicast group member on the first UPF and a multicast address list corresponding to a local multicast group member on a second UPF; determining a third group of multicast rules of all group levels corresponding to the intersection as the multicast rules needed in the first UPF and the second UPF, wherein the second UPF is the UPF except the first UPF in each UPF corresponding to the multicast group;

a configuring module 2340, configured to configure, when the intersection is changed, the third group multicast rules of all group levels corresponding to the intersection to the first UPF and the second UPF, respectively.

In an optional embodiment, the third set of multicast rules includes:

a third PDR rule and a third FAR rule;

a sixth PDR rule and a sixth FAR rule.

In an alternative embodiment, the at least two multicast internal interfaces include: a third multicast internal interface, wherein the multicast rule comprises: a fourth set of multicast rules at a group level corresponding to the third multicast internal interface, the fourth set of multicast rules being configured to forward multicast packets from a fourth reference point;

a determining module 2330, configured to determine, for a first UPF in each UPF corresponding to the multicast group, an intersection of a multicast address list corresponding to a local multicast group member on the first UPF and a multicast address list corresponding to a local multicast group member on a second UPF; determining a fourth group of multicast rules of all group levels corresponding to the intersection as the multicast rules needed in the first UPF and the second UPF, wherein the second UPF is a UPF except the first UPF in each UPF corresponding to the multicast group;

a configuring module 2340, configured to configure, when the intersection is changed, the fourth group multicast rules of all group levels corresponding to the intersection to the first UPF and the second UPF, respectively.

In an optional embodiment, the fourth set of multicast rules includes:

a seventh PDR rule and a seventh FAR rule;

an eighth PDR rule and an eighth FAR rule.

In an alternative embodiment, the first set of multicast rules comprises a first list of multicast addresses:

a configuration module 2340, configured to update the first multicast address list with the UPF corresponding to each multicast group member in the multicast group when a multicast address in the first multicast address list is added, modified, or deleted.

In an alternative embodiment, the second set of multicast rules includes a second multicast address list:

a configuration module 2340, configured to determine, when a multicast address in the second multicast address list is newly added, modified, or deleted, a UPF that needs the second group of multicast rules again; and updating the second multicast address list to the UPF needing the second group of multicast rules.

In an alternative embodiment, the third set of multicast rules includes a third multicast address list:

a configuration module 2340, configured to determine, when a multicast address in the third multicast address list is newly added, modified, or deleted, a UPF that needs the third group multicast rule again; and updating the third multicast address list to the UPF needing the third multicast rule.

In an alternative embodiment, the fourth set of multicast rules includes a third multicast address list:

a configuration module 2340, configured to determine, when a multicast address in the third multicast address list is newly added, modified, or deleted, a UPF that needs the fourth group of multicast rules again; and updating the third multicast address list to the UPF needing the fourth group of multicast rules.

In an alternative embodiment, the first set of multicast rules includes a first VID list:

a configuring module 2340, configured to update the first VID list with the UPF corresponding to each multicast group member in the multicast group when a VID in the first VID list is newly added, modified, or deleted.

In an alternative embodiment, the second set of multicast rules includes a second VID list:

a configuration module 2340, configured to determine, when a VID in the second VID list is newly added, modified, or deleted, a UPF that requires the second group of multicast rules is determined again; and updating the second VID list to the UPF needing the second group of multicast rules.

In an alternative embodiment, the third set of multicast rules includes a third VID list:

a configuration module 2340, configured to determine, when a VID in the third VID list is newly added, modified, or deleted, a UPF that requires the third group of multicast rules is determined again; and updating the third VID list to the UPF needing the third group of multicast rules.

In an alternative embodiment, the fourth set of multicast rules includes a third VID list:

a configuration module 2340, configured to determine, when a VID in the third VID list is newly added, modified, or deleted, a UPF that requires the fourth group multicast rule again; and updating the third VID list to the UPF needing the fourth group of multicast rules.

In an optional embodiment, the apparatus further comprises:

a configuring module 2340, configured to, when one multicast group member moves from one UPF to another UPF, run the first group multicast rule corresponding to the multicast group member on a PDU session newly created or relocated on the another UPF.

In an optional embodiment, the apparatus further comprises:

a configuration module 2340, configured to calculate a set of multicast address lists of multicast groups to which local multicast group members on a third UPF belong when one multicast group member moves from the first UPF to the third UPF, and determine second group multicast rules of all group levels corresponding to the set as multicast rules required in the third UPF; and configuring a second group of multicast rules of all group levels corresponding to the collection to the third UPF.

In an optional embodiment, the apparatus further comprises:

a configuration module 2340, configured to calculate, when one multicast group member moves from the first UPF to a fourth UPF, an intersection of a multicast address list corresponding to a local multicast group member on the fourth UPF and a multicast address list corresponding to a local multicast group member on a fifth UPF; determining a third group of multicast rules of all group levels corresponding to the intersection as the multicast rules needed in the fourth UPF and the fifth UPF, wherein the fifth UPF is a UPF except the fourth UPF in each UPF corresponding to the multicast group; and when the intersection is changed, respectively configuring third group multicast rules of all group levels corresponding to the intersection to the fourth UPF and the fifth UPF.

In an optional embodiment, the apparatus further comprises:

a configuration module 2340, configured to calculate, when one multicast group member moves from the first UPF to a sixth UPF, an intersection of a multicast address list corresponding to the local multicast group member on the sixth UPF and a multicast address list corresponding to the local multicast group member on a seventh UPF; determining a fourth group of multicast rules of all group levels corresponding to the intersection as the multicast rules required in the sixth UPF and the seventh UPF, where the seventh UPF is a UPF except the sixth UPF in each UPF corresponding to the multicast group; and when the intersection is changed, respectively configuring fourth group multicast rules of all group levels corresponding to the intersection to the sixth UPF and the seventh UPF.

FIG. 25 illustrates a block diagram of a computer device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. Specifically, the method comprises the following steps: the computer device 2500 includes a Central Processing Unit (CPU)2501, a system memory 2504 including a Random Access Memory (RAM)2502 and a Read Only Memory (ROM)2503, and a system bus 2505 connecting the system memory 2504 and the central processing unit 2501. The computer device 2500 also includes a basic input/output system (I/O system) 2506, which facilitates the transfer of information between various devices within the computer, and a mass storage device 2507 for storing an operating system 2513, application programs 2514, and other program modules 2515.

The basic input/output system 2506 includes a display 2508 for displaying information and an input device 2509, such as a mouse, keyboard, etc., for user input of information. Wherein the display 2508 and input device 2509 are connected to the central processing unit 2501 through an input output controller 2510 coupled to the system bus 2505. The basic input/output system 2506 may also include an input/output controller 2510 for receiving and processing input from a number of other devices, such as a keyboard, mouse, or electronic stylus. Similarly, the input-output controller 2510 also provides output to a display screen, a printer, or other type of output device.

The mass storage device 2507 is connected to the central processing unit 2501 through a mass storage controller (not shown) connected to the system bus 2505. The mass storage device 2507 and its associated computer-readable media provide non-volatile storage for the computer device 2500. That is, the mass storage device 2507 may include a computer-readable medium (not shown), such as a hard disk or CD-ROM drive.

Without loss of generality, the computer-readable media may comprise computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media includes RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other solid state memory technology, CD-ROM, DVD, or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices. Of course, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the computer storage media is not limited to the foregoing. The system memory 2504 and mass storage device 2507 described above may be collectively referred to as memory.

The memory stores one or more programs configured to be executed by the one or more central processing units 2501, the one or more programs containing instructions for implementing the multicast method for the virtual network group described above, and the central processing unit 2501 executing the one or more programs implementing the multicast method for the multicast group of the virtual network group provided by the various method embodiments described above.

The computer device 2500 may also operate as a remote computer connected to a network via a network, such as the internet, according to various embodiments of the present application. That is, computer device 2500 may be connected to the network 2512 through the network interface unit 2511 coupled to the system bus 2505, or alternatively, may be connected to another type of network or remote computer system (not shown) using the network interface unit 2511.

In one example, the computer device has user plane functionality running thereon, the computer device comprising: a processor and a memory; the memory has stored therein a computer program that is loaded and executed by the processor to implement the multicast method of a multicast group of a virtual network group as described above.

In one example, the computer device has session management functionality running thereon, the computer device comprising: a processor and a memory; the memory has stored therein a computer program that is loaded and executed by the processor to implement the multicast method of a multicast group of a virtual network group as described above.

According to another aspect of the present application, there is provided a computer program product having at least one instruction, at least one program, set of codes, or set of instructions stored therein, which is loaded and executed by a processor to implement the multicast method for a multicast group of a virtual network group as described above.

It should be understood that reference to "a plurality" herein means two or more. "and/or" describes the association relationship of the associated objects, meaning that there may be three relationships, e.g., a and/or B, which may mean: a exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. The character "/" generally indicates that the former and latter associated objects are in an "or" relationship.

The above-mentioned serial numbers of the embodiments of the present application are merely for description and do not represent the merits of the embodiments.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that all or part of the steps for implementing the above embodiments may be implemented by hardware, or may be implemented by a program instructing relevant hardware, where the program may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and the above-mentioned storage medium may be a read-only memory, a magnetic disk or an optical disk, etc.

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Multicast method, device, equipment and system for multicast group of virtual network group

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