3GPP 23.501 v20.2.0 — the document's own text
5.8.2.9.2 SMF Constructing the "End marker" Packets
Taught in 13. Where the packets actually go (The 5G system architecture, in depth), 5. The connection, and what is promised on it (The 5G system architecture, overview).
UPF referred in this clause is the UPF terminates N3 reference point.
It is assumed that the PDU Session for the UE comprises of an UPF that acts as a PDU Session Anchor and an intermediate UPF terminating N3 reference point at the time of this Handover procedure.
In the case of inter NG-RAN Handover procedure without UPF change, SMF shall indicate the UPF to switch the N3 path(s) by sending an N4 Session Modification Request message (N4 session ID, new AN Tunnel Info of NG RAN). After sending the last PDU on the old path, UPF shall replace the old AN Tunnel Info with the new one and responds with an N4 Session Modification Response message to acknowledge the success of path switch.
When the path switch is finished, SMF constructs the end marker packet(s) and sends it to the UPF. UPF then forwards the packet(s) to the source NG RAN.
In the case of inter NG-RAN Handover procedure with UPF change, SMF shall indicate the PSA UPF to switch the N9 user plane path(s) by sending an N4 Session Modification Request message (N4 session ID, new CN Tunnel Info of UPF). After sending the last PDU on the old N9 path, PSA UPF shall replace the old CN Tunnel Info with the new one and responds with an N4 Session Modification Response message to acknowledge the success of path switch.
When the path switch is finished, SMF constructs the end marker packet(s) and sends it to PSA UPF. PSA UPF then forwards the packet(s) to the source UPF.