Network slice management method and storage medium

Abstract

The invention provides a network slice management method and a storage medium, and relates to the technical field of communication. The method is applied to a network management server and is configured to comprise a data connection configuration list, and the data connection configuration list comprises a mapping relation among an equipment address of industrial equipment, a wireless resource configuration parameter set in a base station and a network slice identifier. Acquiring a user permanent identifier of a target terminal corresponding to the target industrial equipment; and sending a wireless sub-slice configuration request to a base station according to the user permanent identifier of the target terminal, so that the base station attaches a protocol data unit PDU session of an Ethernet type established by the target terminal to a target wireless sub-slice corresponding to the target industrial equipment according to the wireless sub-slice configuration request, the establishment of the wireless sub-slices can be completed in the base station only by providing the wireless sub-slice configuration information in the network management server by an industrial user, and the method has the characteristic of simple configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a network slice management method and storage medium. Background Art

[0002] The fifth generation of mobile communication technology (5th generation mobile networks or 5th generation wireless systems, 5th-Generation, referred to as 5G or 5G technology) is the latest generation of cellular mobile communication technology. Wireless Subslice refers to the customized division of network resources for different service types and user groups in 5G networks, especially at the Radio Access Network (RAN) level.

[0003] Currently, when deploying wireless sub-slices in a 5G network, the network slice used by the terminal must be set when creating user subscription data, and the corresponding wireless sub-slice bound to the network slice must be pre-created in the base station.

[0004] Among them, based on the existing solution, if the wireless sub-slice is subsequently adjusted, the base station must be operated and modified through a dedicated configuration tool. The implementation steps are complicated and difficult to use. Summary of the invention

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide a network slice management method and storage medium to address the deficiencies in the above-mentioned prior art, which can realize quick configuration of wireless sub-slices.

[0006] To achieve the above purpose, the technical solution adopted in the embodiment of the present application is as follows:

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a network slice management method, which is applied to a network management server, wherein the network management server is respectively connected to a network open function NEF network element and a base station in a communication system, and the network management server is configured to include a data connection configuration list, wherein the data connection configuration list includes: at least one configuration record, each of the configuration records includes: a device address of an industrial device, a wireless resource configuration parameter set in a base station, and a mapping relationship between a network slice identifier, wherein the method includes:

[0008] According to the data connection configuration list, obtaining a user permanent identifier of a target terminal corresponding to the target industrial device;

[0009] According to the user permanent identifier of the target terminal, a wireless sub-slice configuration request is sent to the base station, so that the base station attaches the Ethernet type protocol data unit PDU session established by the target terminal to the target wireless sub-slice corresponding to the target industrial equipment according to the wireless sub-slice configuration request.

[0010] In an optional implementation manner, acquiring the user permanent identifier of the target terminal corresponding to the target industrial device according to the data connection configuration list includes:

[0011] Acquire a first local data packet sent by the target terminal according to the data connection configuration list, wherein the first local data packet includes: an IP address of at least one target industrial device mounted by the target terminal;

[0012] Acquire the IP address of the target terminal according to the first local data packet;

[0013] According to the IP address of the target terminal, obtain the user permanent identifier of the target terminal from the session management function SMF network element in the communication system.

[0014] In an optional embodiment, the target terminal is configured to initiate an Address Resolution Protocol ARP request to all industrial devices connected to it through a local network port according to the data connection configuration list, and generate the first local data packet according to the ARP response returned by each of the industrial devices.

[0015] In an optional implementation manner, acquiring the user permanent identifier of the target terminal corresponding to the target industrial device according to the data connection configuration list includes:

[0016] Acquire a second local data packet sent by a user plane function UPF network element in the communication system according to a data connection configuration list, wherein the second local data packet includes: a device address of a target industrial device and an IP address of a target terminal corresponding thereto;

[0017] Acquire the IP address of the target terminal according to the second local data packet;

[0018] According to the IP address of the target terminal, obtain the user permanent identifier of the target terminal from the session management function SMF network element in the communication system.

[0019] In an optional embodiment, the UPF is configured to initiate an address resolution protocol ARP request to all terminals connected thereto through the N3 interface according to the data connection configuration list, so that each terminal forwards the ARP request to all industrial devices connected thereto, and forwards the ARP response returned by each industrial device to the UPF network element;

[0020] The UPF network element generates the second local data packet according to the ARP response.

[0021] In an optional implementation manner, after sending a radio sub-slice configuration request to the base station according to the user permanent identifier of the target terminal, the method further includes:

[0022] receiving a configuration response sent by the base station after completing the radio sub-slice configuration according to the radio sub-slice configuration request;

[0023] According to the configuration response, taking the user permanent identifier of the target terminal as an index, a terminal subscription data modification request is sent to the unified data management (UDM) network element in the communication system, so that the UDM network element attaches the Ethernet type PDU session established by the target terminal to the target wireless sub-slice corresponding to the target industrial equipment according to the terminal subscription data modification request.

[0024] In an optional embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0025] The PDU session modification completion response sent by the unified data management UDM network element in the communication system is received through the NEF network element, wherein the PDU session modification completion response is generated by the UDM network element after obtaining the PDU session modification event through the Nudm interface, and the PDU session modification event is triggered by the SMF network element through the Nsmf interface after receiving the contract data modification event.

[0026] In an optional embodiment, before obtaining the user permanent identifier of the target terminal corresponding to the target industrial equipment according to the data connection configuration list, the target terminal and UPF in the communication system are configured to establish a first PDU session connection of IP type based on a first default network slice, and the first PDU session connection is used to interact data with the network management server; and, establish a second PDU session connection of Ethernet type based on a second default network slice, and the second PDU session connection is used for UPF to interact data with its corresponding industrial equipment.

[0027] In an optional implementation, the wireless resource configuration parameter set includes: wireless resource block mapping, uplink configuration authorization, downlink semi-persistent scheduling configuration and modulation and coding scheme table.

[0028] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a network slice management device, which is applied to a network management server, wherein the network management server is respectively communicated with a network open function NEF network element and a base station in a communication system, and the network management server is configured to include a data connection configuration list, wherein the data connection configuration list includes: at least one configuration record, each of the configuration records includes: a device address of an industrial device, a wireless resource configuration parameter set in a base station, and a mapping relationship between a network slice identifier, and the network slice management device includes:

[0029] An acquisition module, used for acquiring a user permanent identifier of a target terminal corresponding to the target industrial device according to the data connection configuration list;

[0030] A sending module is used to send a wireless sub-slice configuration request to the base station according to the user permanent identifier of the target terminal, so that the base station attaches the Ethernet type protocol data unit PDU session established by the target terminal to the target wireless sub-slice corresponding to the target industrial equipment according to the wireless sub-slice configuration request.

[0031] In an optional implementation, the acquisition module is specifically used to acquire a first local data packet sent by the target terminal according to the data connection configuration list, the first local data packet including: an IP address of at least one target industrial device mounted by the target terminal;

[0032] Acquire the IP address of the target terminal according to the first local data packet;

[0033] According to the IP address of the target terminal, obtain the user permanent identifier of the target terminal from the session management function SMF network element in the communication system.

[0034] In an optional embodiment, the target terminal is configured to initiate an Address Resolution Protocol ARP request to all industrial devices connected to it through a local network port according to the data connection configuration list, and generate the first local data packet according to the ARP response returned by each of the industrial devices.

[0035] In an optional implementation, the acquisition module is specifically used to acquire a second local data packet sent by a user plane function UPF network element in the communication system according to a data connection configuration list, wherein the second local data packet includes: a device address of a target industrial device and an IP address of a target terminal corresponding thereto;

[0036] Acquire the IP address of the target terminal according to the second local data packet;

[0037] According to the IP address of the target terminal, obtain the user permanent identifier of the target terminal from the session management function SMF network element in the communication system.

[0038] In an optional embodiment, the UPF is configured to initiate an address resolution protocol ARP request to all terminals connected thereto through the N3 interface according to the data connection configuration list, so that each terminal forwards the ARP request to all industrial devices connected thereto, and forwards the ARP response returned by each industrial device to the UPF network element;

[0039] The UPF network element generates the second local data packet according to the ARP response.

[0040] In an optional implementation, the network slice management device further includes: a processing module, configured to receive a configuration response sent by the base station after completing the wireless sub-slice configuration according to the wireless sub-slice configuration request;

[0041] According to the configuration response, taking the user permanent identifier of the target terminal as an index, a terminal subscription data modification request is sent to the unified data management (UDM) network element in the communication system, so that the UDM network element attaches the Ethernet type PDU session established by the target terminal to the target wireless sub-slice corresponding to the target industrial equipment according to the terminal subscription data modification request.

[0042] In an optional implementation, the processing module is also used to receive a PDU session modification completion response sent by a unified data management (UDM) network element in the communication system through the NEF network element, wherein the PDU session modification completion response is generated by the UDM network element after obtaining a PDU session modification event through the Nudm interface, and the PDU session modification event is triggered by the SMF network element through the Nsmf interface after receiving a contract data modification event.

[0043] In an optional embodiment, before obtaining the user permanent identifier of the target terminal corresponding to the target industrial equipment according to the data connection configuration list, the target terminal and UPF in the communication system are configured to establish a first PDU session connection of IP type based on a first default network slice, and the first PDU session connection is used to interact data with the network management server; and, establish a second PDU session connection of Ethernet type based on a second default network slice, and the second PDU session connection is used for UPF to interact data with its corresponding industrial equipment.

[0044] In an optional implementation, the wireless resource configuration parameter set includes: wireless resource block mapping, uplink configuration authorization, downlink semi-persistent scheduling configuration and modulation and coding scheme table.

[0045] In a third aspect, the present invention provides an electronic device, comprising: a processor, a storage medium and a bus, wherein the storage medium stores machine-readable instructions executable by the processor, and when the electronic device is running, the processor communicates with the storage medium through the bus, and the processor executes the machine-readable instructions to perform the steps of the network slicing management method as described in any of the aforementioned implementations.

[0046] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium, on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the network slice management method as described in any of the foregoing implementation methods are executed.

[0047] The beneficial effects of this application are:

[0048] The network slice management method provided in the embodiment of the present application is applied to a network management server. The network management server is communicated with the network open function NEF network element and the base station in the communication system respectively. The network management server is configured to include a data connection configuration list. The data connection configuration list includes: at least one configuration record, each configuration record includes: the device address of the industrial equipment, the wireless resource configuration parameter set in the base station and the mapping relationship between the network slice identifier. The method can obtain the user permanent identifier of the target terminal corresponding to the target industrial equipment according to the data connection configuration list; according to the user permanent identifier of the target terminal, send a wireless sub-slice configuration request to the base station, so that the base station attaches the Ethernet type protocol data unit PDU session established by the target terminal to the target wireless sub-slice corresponding to the target industrial equipment according to the wireless sub-slice configuration request. When applying this method, the industrial user only needs to provide the wireless sub-slice configuration information in the network management server to complete the creation process of the wireless sub-slice in the base station, which greatly simplifies the deployment process of the wireless sub-slice and has the characteristics of simple and convenient configuration. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the drawings required for use in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show certain embodiments of the present application and therefore should not be regarded as limiting the scope. For ordinary technicians in this field, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0050] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture applicable to the method provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0051] Figure 2 A flowchart of a network slice management method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Figure 3A flowchart of another network slice management method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] Figure 4 A flowchart of another network slice management method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] Figure 5 A flowchart of another network slice management method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of functional modules of a network slice management device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the technical solution in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present application described and shown in the drawings here can be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0058] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the present application for which protection is sought, but merely represents selected embodiments of the present application. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in the field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0059] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters denote similar items in the following drawings, and therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, further definition and explanation thereof is not required in subsequent drawings.

[0060] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various local communication systems, such as: global system for mobile communications (GSM) system, code division multiple access (CDMA) system, wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) system, general packet radio service (GPRS), long term evolution (LTE) system, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, LTE time division duplex (TDD), universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, fifth generation (5G) communication system or future new radio access technology (NR), etc.

[0061] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a network architecture applicable to the method provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 As shown, the network architecture may be, for example, a non-roaming architecture. The network architecture may specifically include the following network elements:

[0062] 1. User equipment (UE): can be called user equipment, terminal, access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, wireless communication device, user agent or user device. UE can also be a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication function, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a terminal device in a 5G network or a terminal device in a public land mobile communication network (PLMN) to be evolved in the future, etc. It can also be an end device, a logical entity, an intelligent device, such as a mobile phone, an intelligent terminal and other terminal devices, or a server, a gateway, a base station, a controller and other communication devices, or an Internet of Things device, such as a sensor, an electric meter, a water meter and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The embodiments of the present application are not limited to this.

[0063] 2. Access network (AN): provides network access functions for authorized users in a specific area, and can use transmission tunnels of different qualities according to the user level, business requirements, etc. The access network can be an access network that uses different access technologies. There are currently two types of wireless access technologies: 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) access technology (such as the wireless access technology used in 3G, 4G or 5G systems) and non-3GPP access technology. 3GPP access technology refers to access technology that complies with 3GPP standards and specifications. The access network that uses 3GPP access technology is called a radio access network (RAN), where the access network equipment in the 5G system is called the next generation Node Base station (gNB). Non-3GPP access technology refers to access technology that does not comply with 3GPP standards and specifications, for example, air interface technology represented by access points (APs) in WIFI.

[0064] An access network that implements access network functions based on wireless communication technology can be called a radio access network (RAN). The radio access network can manage wireless resources, provide access services to terminals, and then complete the forwarding of control signals and user data between terminals and the core network.

[0065] The access network equipment may include equipment in the access network that communicates with the wireless terminal over the air interface through one or more sectors. The access network system may be used to convert received air frames to and from Internet Protocol (IP) packets, acting as a router between the wireless terminal and the rest of the access network, which may include an IP network. The wireless access network system may also coordinate the management of attributes of the air interface. It should be understood that the access network equipment includes but is not limited to: evolved node B (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), node B (NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home base station (for example, home evolved node B, or homenode B, HNB), base band unit (BBU), access point (AP) in wireless fidelity (WIFI) system, wireless relay node, wireless backhaul node, transmission point (TRP or transmission point, TP), etc., and can also be a gNB in ​​5G, such as NR, system, or a transmission point (TRP or TP), one or a group of (including multiple antenna panels) antenna panels of a base station in a 5G system, or, it can also be a network node constituting a gNB or a transmission point, such as a baseband unit (BBU)), or a distributed unit (DU), etc.

[0066] In some deployments, the gNB may include a centralized unit (CU) and a DU. The gNB may also include a radio unit (RU). The CU implements some functions of the gNB, and the DU implements some functions of the gNB, for example, the CU implements the functions of the radio resource control (RRC) and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layers, and the DU implements the functions of the radio link control (RLC), media access control (MAC) and physical (PHY) layers. Since the information of the RRC layer will eventually become the information of the PHY layer, or be converted from the information of the PHY layer, therefore, under this architecture, high-level signaling, such as RRC layer signaling, can also be considered to be sent by the DU, or by the DU+CU. It can be understood that the access network device can be a CU node, a DU node, or a device including a CU node and a DU node. In addition, the CU may be classified as an access network device in a radio access network (RAN), or the CU may be classified as an access network device in a core network (CN), and no limitation is made here.

[0067] 3. Access and mobility management function (AMF) entity: mainly used for mobility management and access management, etc., and can be used to implement other functions of the mobility management entity (MME) except session management, such as lawful interception or access authorization (or authentication). In the embodiment of the present application, it can be used to implement the functions of the access and mobility management network element.

[0068] 4. Session management function (SMF) entity: mainly used for session management, UE Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation and management, selection of endpoints for manageable user plane functions, policy control, or charging function interfaces, and downlink data notification, etc. In the embodiment of the present application, it can be used to implement the function of the session management network element.

[0069] 5. User Plane Function (UPF) entity: i.e., data plane gateway. It can be used for packet routing and forwarding, or quality of service (QoS) processing of user plane data, etc. User data can be accessed to the data network (DN) through this network element. In the embodiment of the present application, it can be used to implement the function of the user plane gateway.

[0070] 6. Policy control function (PCF) entity: a unified policy framework used to guide network behavior and provide policy rule information to control plane functional network elements (such as AMF, SMF network elements, etc.).

[0071] 7. Unified data management (UDM) entity: used to process user identification, access authentication, registration, or mobility management, etc.

[0072] 8. N3IWF (Non-3GPP Inter Working Function): Responsible for connecting untrusted non-3GPP access networks (such as Wi-Fi) to the 5G core network. The UE establishes an IPsec tunnel with the N3IWF, and the N3IWF accesses the control plane and user plane of the 5G core network through the N2 interface and the N3 interface respectively.

[0073] 9. Network exposure function (NEF) network element: It serves as the interface between the 5G core network and other external services so that third-party applications and services can securely access network resources and services. Its main functions include: Service exposure: NEF is responsible for exposing services and functions in the 5G network so that external applications and services can call these services; Policy and permission management: NEF ensures that only authenticated and authorized applications and services can access specific network functions; Data conversion: NEF handles the conversion of data formats to ensure compatibility and interoperability between different systems; Traffic filtering and monitoring: NEF can filter and monitor the traffic passing through it to protect the network from malicious behavior; Event notification: NEF can send event notifications to external entities, such as applications, when certain important events occur in the network.

[0074] In this network architecture, Figure 1As shown, the N1 interface is the reference point between the terminal and the AMF entity; the N2 interface is the reference point between the AN and the AMF entity, which is used for sending non-access stratum (NAS) messages, etc.; the N3 interface is the reference point between the (R)AN and the UPF entity, which is used for transmitting user plane data, etc.; the N4 interface is the reference point between the SMF entity and the UPF entity, which is used for transmitting information such as tunnel identification information of the N3 connection, data cache indication information, and downlink data notification messages; the N6 interface is the reference point between the UPF entity and the DN, which is used for transmitting user plane data, etc.

[0075] In addition, if Figure 1 As shown, NEF network elements, network repository function (Network Repository Function, NRF) network elements, application function (Application Function, AF) network elements, PCF network elements, unified data repository (Unified Data Repository, UDR) network elements, UDM network elements, AMF network elements and SMF network elements can use the service-oriented interfaces provided to the outside to achieve communication. For example, the service-oriented interface provided to the outside by the NEF network element is the Nnef interface, the service-oriented interface provided to the outside by the UDM network element is the Nudm interface, the service-oriented interface provided to the outside by the AMF network element is the Namf interface, the service-oriented interface provided to the outside by the AF network element is the Naf interface, the service-oriented interface provided to the outside by the SMF network element is the Nsmf interface, the service-oriented interface provided to the outside by the PCF network element is the Npcf interface, and the service-oriented interface provided to the outside by the UDR network element is the Nudr interface.

[0076] It should be understood that the above-mentioned network architecture applied to the embodiments of the present application is merely an example of a network architecture described from the perspective of a traditional point-to-point architecture and a service-oriented architecture. The network architecture applicable to the embodiments of the present application is not limited to this. Any network architecture that can realize the functions of the above-mentioned network elements is applicable to the embodiments of the present application.

[0077] It should also be understood that Figure 1 The AMF entity, SMF entity, UPF entity, PCF entity, and UDM entity shown in the figure can be understood as network elements used to implement different functions in the core network, for example, they can be combined into network slices as needed. These core network network elements can be independent devices or integrated into the same device to implement different functions, which is not limited in this application.

[0078] In the following text, for the sake of convenience, the entity used to implement AMF will be denoted as AMF, and the entity used to implement PCF will be denoted as PCF. It should be understood that the above naming is only used to distinguish different functions, and does not mean that these network elements are independent physical devices. The present application does not limit the specific form of the above network elements. For example, they can be integrated in the same physical device, or they can be different physical devices. In addition, the above naming is only for the convenience of distinguishing different functions, and should not constitute any limitation on the present application. The present application does not exclude the possibility of using other names in 5G networks and other future networks. For example, in a 6G network, some or all of the above network elements may use the terminology in 5G, or other names may be used. A unified explanation is given here, and no further details will be given below.

[0079] It should also be understood that Figure 1 The interface name between the network elements is only an example. The interface name in the specific implementation may be other names, and this application does not specifically limit this. In addition, the name of the message (or signaling) transmitted between the above network elements is only an example and does not constitute any limitation on the function of the message itself.

[0080] At present, when deploying wireless sub-slices in 5G networks, the network slices used by the terminals must be set when creating user contract data, and the corresponding wireless sub-slices bound to the network slices must be pre-created in the base station. If the wireless sub-slices are adjusted later, the base station must be modified through dedicated configuration tools, and the implementation steps are complicated and difficult to use.

[0081] In view of this, the present application provides a network slicing management method, which can conveniently and dynamically configure and adjust wireless sub-slices through a network management server, and has the characteristics of simple and fast configuration.

[0082] Figure 2 A flow chart of a network slice management method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method can be applied to a network management server, which is respectively connected to a network open function NEF network element and a base station in a communication system, and the network management server is configured to include a data connection configuration list, which includes at least one configuration record, each configuration record including: a device address of an industrial device, a wireless resource configuration parameter set in a base station, and a mapping relationship between network slice identifiers.

[0083] Among them, the device address of the industrial equipment can be the IP address of the industrial equipment; optionally, the wireless resource configuration parameter set in the base station may include but is not limited to: mapping of wireless resource blocks (Resource Block, RB), uplink configuration authorization (UL Grant), downlink semi-persistent scheduling (Semi-Persistent Scheduling, SPS) configuration and modulation and coding scheme (Modulation and Coding Scheme, MCS) and other configuration parameters related to wireless resources; Network Slice Identifier (Network Slice Identifier, NSI or S-NSSAI) is a unique identifier used to distinguish different network slices.

[0084] Optionally, the base station can provide a wireless sub-slice management interface to the network management server, and the network management server can establish a communication connection with the base station through the wireless sub-slice management interface.

[0085] In some embodiments, the network management server can update the information in the data connection configuration list through the wireless sub-slice management interface, for example, the wireless resource configuration parameter set corresponding to a network slice identifier in the data connection configuration list can be modified. Optionally, the network management server can also create, modify or delete wireless sub-slices in the base station through the wireless sub-slice management interface, which is not limited here.

[0086] It can be understood that based on the setting of the data connection configuration list, the wireless resource configuration parameter set and network slice identifier corresponding to different industrial equipment can be known according to each configuration record.

[0087] Among them, refer to the above Figure 1 As shown, the communication system may also include at least one industrial device, and each industrial device may be communicatively connected to a corresponding terminal; in addition, the communication system may also include an industrial application server, and the UPF may be communicatively connected to the industrial application server via an N6 interface.

[0088] It should be noted that the present application does not limit the number of terminals and the number of industrial devices in the communication system, wherein one terminal can be mounted with one or more industrial devices. Optionally, the industrial devices mounted on the terminal may include: industrial cameras, acquisition sensors, PLCs (programmable logic controllers), etc., which are not limited here and may vary according to the actual application scenarios. The terminal may specifically be an industrial gateway.

[0089] Optionally, the data connection configuration list can be set by the configuration user according to the business situation or type of the industrial equipment. In some embodiments, when performing specific configuration, the configuration user can log in to the network management server for configuration. Of course, the specific configuration method is not limited to this. For example, the configuration can be performed through a network management client that matches the network management server.

[0090] In some embodiments, the representation form of each configuration record in the data connection configuration list may be: <IP_D,<AN_Resource> , Slice_ID>. Among them, IP_D represents the device address of the industrial equipment; AN_Resource represents the wireless resource configuration parameter set in the base station; Slice_ID represents the network slice identifier.

[0091] For example, when the industrial equipment is an industrial camera, a wireless sub-slice with high-speed uplink capability can be configured for the industrial camera through the data connection configuration list, so that the wireless sub-slice can provide more uplink wireless resources and higher modulation and coding orders for the terminal connected to the industrial camera; or, when the industrial equipment is a separate IO device, a wireless sub-slice with high delay stability can be configured for the separate IO device through the data connection configuration list, so that the wireless sub-slice can provide more frequency domain and time domain discontinuous wireless resource blocks and lower modulation and coding orders for the terminal connected to the separate IO device.

[0092] like Figure 2 As shown, the method includes:

[0093] Step 101: Obtain a user permanent identifier of a target terminal corresponding to a target industrial device according to a target configuration record.

[0094] Optionally, the data connection configuration list may be any configuration record in the data connection configuration list, which is not limited here. Wherein, for the determined data connection configuration list, the industrial device corresponding to the data connection configuration list is the target industrial device, and the terminal mounted by the target industrial device is the target terminal.

[0095] In some embodiments, the user permanent identifier of the target terminal can be obtained according to the data connection configuration list based on the Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) through the interaction between the target terminal and the target industrial equipment, or through the interaction between the target industrial equipment, UPF and the target industrial equipment. This is not limited here and can be flexibly selected according to the actual application scenario.

[0096] Step 102: Send a wireless sub-slice configuration request to the base station based on the user permanent identifier of the target terminal, so that the base station attaches the Ethernet type protocol data unit PDU session established by the target terminal to the target wireless sub-slice corresponding to the target industrial equipment according to the wireless sub-slice configuration request.

[0097] Among them, the wireless sub-slice configuration request can carry the wireless resource configuration parameter set and the network slice identifier in the base station corresponding to the target industrial equipment.

[0098] After the network management server obtains the user permanent identifier of the target terminal, it can initiate a wireless sub-slice configuration request to the base station, and send the wireless resource configuration parameter set and the network slice identifier in the base station corresponding to the target industrial equipment in the wireless sub-slice configuration request to the base station; after the base station receives the wireless sub-slice configuration request, it can use the network slice identifier corresponding to the target industrial equipment as the wireless parameter configuration index, and create a target wireless sub-slice locally, wherein the target wireless sub-slice is configured to use wireless resources according to the information in the wireless resource configuration parameter set in the base station corresponding to the target industrial equipment.

[0099] It should be noted that, through the above configuration, the Ethernet type PDU session established by the target terminal can be attached to the target wireless sub-slice corresponding to the target industrial equipment. That is to say, the data interaction between the target terminal and the target industrial equipment can be realized based on the target wireless sub-slice. So as to meet the wireless network transmission requirements in different business scenarios. Compared with the existing technology, there is no need to modify the base station through a dedicated configuration tool. The industrial user only needs to provide the wireless sub-slice configuration information in the network management server to complete the creation process of the wireless sub-slice in the base station, which greatly simplifies the deployment process of the wireless sub-slice and has the characteristics of simple and convenient configuration.

[0100] In summary, an embodiment of the present application provides a network slice management method, which is applied to a network management server. The network management server is communicated with a network open function NEF network element and a base station in a communication system respectively. The network management server is configured to include a data connection configuration list. The data connection configuration list includes: at least one configuration record, each configuration record includes: a device address of an industrial device, a wireless resource configuration parameter set in a base station, and a mapping relationship between network slice identifiers. The method includes: obtaining a user permanent identifier of a target terminal corresponding to a target industrial device according to the data connection configuration list; sending a wireless sub-slice configuration request to the base station according to the user permanent identifier of the target terminal, so that the base station attaches an Ethernet type protocol data unit PDU session established by the target terminal to the target wireless sub-slice corresponding to the target industrial device according to the wireless sub-slice configuration request. Applying this method, the industrial user only needs to provide the wireless sub-slice configuration information in the network management server to complete the creation process of the wireless sub-slice in the base station, which greatly simplifies the deployment process of the wireless sub-slice and has the characteristics of simple and convenient configuration.

[0101] Figure 3 A flowchart of another network slice management method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Optionally, Figure 3 As shown, the above method of obtaining the user permanent identifier of the target terminal corresponding to the target industrial device according to the data connection configuration list includes:

[0102] Step 201: Acquire a first local data packet sent by a target terminal according to a data connection configuration list, wherein the first local data packet includes: an IP address of at least one target industrial device mounted by the target terminal.

[0103] Among them, the target terminal can interact with the network management server based on the default network slice to obtain the data connection configuration list in the network management server, and interact with each industrial device according to the device address of the industrial equipment recorded in the data connection configuration list. Through the interaction, the IP address of at least one target industrial device mounted on the target terminal is determined and a first local data packet is generated, which is sent to the network management server with the IP address of the network management server as the destination address.

[0104] It should be noted that the data connection configuration list may include multiple configuration records, and the multiple configuration records may correspond to the device addresses of multiple industrial devices. From the perspective of the target terminal, all industrial devices corresponding to the device addresses of the multiple industrial devices can be mounted on the target terminal at the same time, or, some industrial devices can be mounted on the target terminal. This is not limited here and may vary according to the actual application scenario.

[0105] Step 202: Acquire the IP address of the target terminal according to the first local data packet.

[0106] The network management server may receive the first local data packet, and extract the source address of the first local data packet by analysis, thereby determining the IP address of the target terminal.

[0107] Step 203: According to the IP address of the target terminal, obtain the user permanent identifier of the target terminal from the session management function SMF network element in the communication system.

[0108] Among them, the SMF network element can store the SUPI of all terminals in the communication system.

[0109] After the network management server obtains the IP address (IP_U) of the target terminal, it can initiate a query request to the NEF network element with IP_U as the index, requesting to obtain the SUPI identification information of the target UE, wherein the query request may carry the IP address of the target terminal; after the NEF network element receives the query request from the network management server, it reads the IP_U therein, and uses this as the index to initiate a query request to the SMF network element, requesting to obtain the SUPI identification information of the corresponding target UE; after the SMF network element receives the query request from the NEF network element, it reads the IP_U therein, and uses this as the index to query the SUPI identification information of the corresponding target UE locally, and returns the SUPI identification information obtained by the query to the NEF network element.

[0110] Furthermore, after receiving the query result returned by the SMF network element, the NEF network element forwards it to the network management server, thereby acquiring the user permanent identifier of the target terminal.

[0111] It should be noted that if the SMF network element fails to find the matching SUPI identification information of the target UE locally according to the query request, the SMF network element will feedback the query result of no matching item to the NEF network element, and the NEF will further forward it to the network management server. The network management server can further feedback the result to the target UE so that industrial users can accurately grasp the current query progress and quickly locate the cause of the unsuccessful configuration according to the query progress, thereby improving the applicability and reliability of the method of the present application.

[0112] In summary, by applying the embodiments of the present application, it is possible to quickly complete the configuration process of wireless sub-slices with the terminal as the research object.

[0113] Optionally, the target terminal is configured to initiate an Address Resolution Protocol ARP request to all industrial devices connected thereto through a local network port according to the data connection configuration list, and generate a first local data packet according to an ARP response returned by each industrial device.

[0114] Among them, after obtaining the data connection configuration list, the target UE can read the device address (IP_D) of the industrial equipment in the data connection configuration list, and use this as the destination address to initiate an ARP request on the local network port, where the local network port is the network port connecting the UE to the industrial equipment.

[0115] Furthermore, the target UE can obtain the ARP response returned by the target industrial device from the local network port, read the IP address therein, and form a first local IP list (IP_L). Optionally, the local IP list may include: the IP address and MAC address of the target industrial device. After forming the first local IP list (IP_L), the target UE can generate a first local data packet based on the first local IP list and send it to the grid management server, and the network management server obtains the user permanent identifier of the target terminal by referring to the above-mentioned relevant instructions. Among them, the first local data packet may include: the IP address of at least one target industrial device mounted by the target terminal and its corresponding MAC address.

[0116] It is understandable that if the data connection configuration list includes the device address of the industrial device mounted on other terminals, when the target terminal initiates an ARP request at the local network port, it will only obtain the ARP response returned by the industrial device mounted on it.

[0117] The difference from the above-mentioned embodiment is that in the embodiment of the present application, the target terminal can be locked from the perspective of industrial equipment, and the user permanent identifier of the target terminal can be obtained through UPF.

[0118] Figure 4 A flowchart of another network slice management method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Optionally, Figure 4 As shown, the above method of obtaining the user permanent identifier of the target terminal corresponding to the target industrial device according to the data connection configuration list includes:

[0119] Step 301: Acquire a second local data packet sent by a user plane function UPF network element in a communication system according to a data connection configuration list, wherein the second local data packet includes: a device address of a target industrial device and an IP address of a corresponding target terminal.

[0120] Among them, the UPF network element can obtain a data connection configuration list by interacting with the grid management server, and interact with the target UE corresponding to the recorded industrial equipment through the N3 interface according to the device address of the industrial equipment recorded in the data connection configuration list, and determine the IP address of the target UE corresponding to the recorded industrial equipment through the interaction, and generate a second local data packet accordingly, that is, the second local data packet includes: the device address of the target industrial equipment and the IP address of the corresponding target terminal.

[0121] It should be noted that the target industrial device may be an industrial device indicated by any device address in the data connection configuration list, which is not limited here.

[0122] In summary, by applying the embodiments of the present application, it is possible to lock the target terminal from the perspective of industrial equipment for relevant configuration, establish the correlation between the wireless sub-slice configuration and the business needs, and during the configuration process, the industrial user only needs to provide the wireless sub-slice configuration information in the network management server to complete the wireless sub-slice creation process in the base station, which has the characteristics of simple and convenient configuration.

[0123] Step 302: Acquire the IP address of the target terminal according to the second local data packet.

[0124] Based on the above description, after the second local data packet is acquired, the second local data packet may be decomposed to obtain the IP address of the target terminal.

[0125] Step 303: According to the IP address of the target terminal, obtain the user permanent identifier of the target terminal from the session management function SMF network element in the communication system.

[0126] For the description of step 303, please refer to the description of the aforementioned step 203, which will not be repeated here.

[0127] In summary, by applying the embodiments of the present application, it is possible to quickly complete the configuration process of wireless sub-slices by taking industrial equipment as the research object.

[0128] Optionally, the UPF is configured to initiate an Address Resolution Protocol ARP request to all terminals connected to it through the N3 interface according to the data connection configuration list, so that each terminal forwards the ARP request to all industrial devices connected to it, and forwards the ARP response returned by each industrial device to the UPF network element; the UPF network element generates a second local data packet based on the ARP response.

[0129] Among them, after obtaining the data connection configuration list, UPF can read the device address (IP_D) of the industrial equipment in the data connection configuration list, and use it as the destination address to initiate an ARP request to all UEs corresponding to the destination address on the Ethernet type PDU session through the N3 interface.

[0130] After receiving the ARP request from UPF, UE forwards the request to all mounted industrial devices (that is, downstream industrial devices) through the local network port; after receiving the ARP request from UPF, the downstream industrial devices of UE return the ARP response to UE; UE forwards the received ARP response to UPF; UPF reads the IP address (IP_D) in the ARP response and forms a second local IP list IP_M=<IP_D,IP_F> , where IP_F is the IP address of the UE that forwards the ARP response.

[0131] Based on this description, after forming the second local IP list (IP_M), UPF can generate a second local data packet according to the second local IP list and send it to the grid management server, and the network management server obtains the user permanent identifier of the target terminal by referring to the above-mentioned relevant description.

[0132] Figure 5 A flowchart of another network slice management method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Optionally, Figure 5 As shown, after sending a wireless sub-slice configuration request to the base station according to the user permanent identifier of the target terminal, the method further includes:

[0133] Step 401: Receive a configuration response sent by the base station after completing the wireless sub-slice configuration according to the wireless sub-slice configuration request.

[0134] Step 402: According to the configuration response, a terminal subscription data modification request is sent to the unified data management (UDM) network element in the communication system using the user permanent identifier of the target terminal as an index, so that the UDM network element attaches the Ethernet type PDU session established by the target terminal to the target wireless sub-slice corresponding to the target industrial equipment according to the terminal subscription data modification request.

[0135] Among them, in order to enable other network elements in the communication system to synchronously update the configuration information according to the configuration results of the base station, the base station can feedback the configuration response to the network management server after completing the wireless sub-slice configuration; after receiving the configuration response, the management server uses the SUPI of the target terminal as the index to initiate a PDU session modification request to the NEF network element, requesting to modify the network slice to which the Ethernet type PDU session established by the target UE is attached.

[0136] After the NEF network element receives the PDU session modification request from the network management server, it initiates a terminal subscription data modification request corresponding to the SUPI to the UDM network element. The terminal subscription data modification request may include: the target network slice identifier corresponding to the target industrial equipment and the SUPI of the target terminal.

[0137] After the UDM network element receives the terminal subscription data modification request from the NEF network element, it reads the SUPI and uses it as an index to modify the local subscription database, and changes the network slice identifier attached to the Ethernet type PDU session established by the target UE corresponding to the SUPI to the target network slice identifier corresponding to the target industrial equipment carried in the terminal subscription data modification request.

[0138] By applying the embodiments of the present application, it is possible for other network elements in the communication system to synchronously update configuration information according to the configuration results of the base station, thereby ensuring the applicability of the method of the present application.

[0139] Optionally, the above method further includes:

[0140] The PDU session modification completion response sent by the unified data management UDM network element in the communication system is received through the NEF network element, where the PDU session modification response is generated by the UDM network element after obtaining the PDU session modification event through the Nudm interface, and the PDU session modification event is triggered by the SMF network element through the Nsmf interface after receiving the contract data modification event.

[0141] Based on the above description, after the UDM network element completes the modification of the UE's contract data, it will trigger a contract data modification event through the Nudm interface; according to the 3GPP standard process, the Ethernet type PDU session established by the target UE is modified to be attached to the target network slice identifier corresponding to the target industrial equipment; the SMF network element receives the contract data modification event through the Nsmf interface and initiates the PDU session modification process; the SMF network element triggers the PDU session modification event through the Nsmf interface; the UDM network element obtains the PDU session modification event through the Nudm interface, and feeds back the PDU session modification completion response to the NEF network element; after receiving the PDU session modification completion response, the NEF network element can forward it to the network management server.

[0142] By applying the embodiments of the present application, industrial users can promptly know the configuration results of wireless sub-slices through the network management server, which can improve the applicability of the method of the present application.

[0143] Optionally, before obtaining the user permanent identifier of the target terminal corresponding to the target industrial equipment according to the data connection configuration list, the target terminal and UPF in the communication system are configured to establish a first PDU session connection of IP type based on the first default network slice, and the first PDU session connection is used to interact data with the network management server; and, establish a second PDU session connection of Ethernet type based on the second default network slice, and the second PDU session connection is used for UPF to interact data with its corresponding industrial equipment.

[0144] Among them, in order to ensure the applicability of the embodiments of the present application, before configuration, a first PDU session connection of IP type can be established between the UE and the UPF based on the first default network slice, so as to interact data with the network management server during the configuration process; an Ethernet type PDU session connection can be established between the UE and the UPF based on the second default network slice, which is used for data interaction between the UPF and its corresponding industrial equipment.

[0145] In combination with the above description, it can be seen that by applying the embodiment of the present application, the second default network slice can be changed. By changing it, the business needs in different scenarios can be met, and the applicability of the method of the present application can be improved.

[0146] It should be noted that when the second default network slice is changed, some or all of the parameters in the corresponding wireless resource configuration parameter set can be changed. For example, in some scenarios, the wireless resource block mapping corresponding to the second default network slice can be adjusted. Of course, the specific adjustment content is not limited to this and may vary according to the actual application scenario.

[0147] Optionally, the wireless resource configuration parameter set includes: wireless resource block mapping, uplink configuration authorization, downlink semi-persistent scheduling configuration and modulation and coding scheme table.

[0148] Among them, through the wireless resource block mapping parameters, the mapping method of the logical channel data to the resource block of the physical channel can be set; through the uplink configuration authorization parameters, the uplink resource configuration information provided by the wireless network to the terminal can be set; through the downlink semi-persistent scheduling configuration parameters, the downlink data transmission parameters can be set; through the modulation and coding scheme table, the data transmission rate can be set.

[0149] Of course, it should be noted that the content of the wireless resource configuration parameter set is not limited thereto, and may also include other types of configuration parameters according to actual application scenarios.

[0150] In summary, by applying the embodiments of the present application, the correlation between the wireless sub-slice configuration parameters and the business needs is established, without the need for tedious manual configuration, so that industrial users can conveniently and dynamically adjust the configuration of the wireless sub-slices in the base station according to business needs; in addition, compared with the prior art in which the wireless sub-slices in the base station appear in a black box state to the user and cannot support the user to make more fine-grained configuration adjustments, the embodiments of the present application enable industrial users to flexibly adjust the configuration of parameters such as the resource mapping and transmission strategy of the wireless sub-slice according to the requirements of speed, latency and stability, which can improve the applicability of the method of the present application.

[0151] Figure 6A functional module diagram of a network slice management device provided in an embodiment of the present application, the network management device can be applied to a network management server, the network management server is respectively connected to the network open function NEF network element and the base station in the communication system, the network management server is configured to include a data connection configuration list, the data connection configuration list includes: at least one configuration record, each of the configuration records includes: the device address of the industrial equipment, the wireless resource configuration parameter set in the base station and the mapping relationship between the network slice identifier, the basic principle of the device and the technical effect produced are the same as those of the corresponding method embodiment mentioned above, for the sake of brief description, the parts not mentioned in this embodiment can refer to the corresponding content in the method embodiment. Figure 6 As shown, the network slice management device 100 includes:

[0152] An acquisition module 110 is used to acquire a user permanent identifier of a target terminal corresponding to a target industrial device according to the data connection configuration list;

[0153] The sending module 120 is used to send a wireless sub-slice configuration request to the base station according to the user permanent identifier of the target terminal, so that the base station attaches the Ethernet type protocol data unit PDU session established by the target terminal to the target wireless sub-slice corresponding to the target industrial equipment according to the wireless sub-slice configuration request.

[0154] In an optional implementation, the acquisition module 110 is specifically used to acquire a first local data packet sent by the target terminal according to the data connection configuration list, wherein the first local data packet includes: an IP address of at least one target industrial device mounted by the target terminal;

[0155] Acquire the IP address of the target terminal according to the first local data packet;

[0156] According to the IP address of the target terminal, obtain the user permanent identifier of the target terminal from the session management function SMF network element in the communication system.

[0157] In an optional embodiment, the target terminal is configured to initiate an Address Resolution Protocol ARP request to all industrial devices connected to it through a local network port according to the data connection configuration list, and generate the first local data packet according to the ARP response returned by each of the industrial devices.

[0158] In an optional implementation, the acquisition module 110 is specifically used to acquire a second local data packet sent by a user plane function UPF network element in the communication system according to a data connection configuration list, wherein the second local data packet includes: a device address of a target industrial device and an IP address of a target terminal corresponding thereto;

[0159] Acquire the IP address of the target terminal according to the second local data packet;

[0160] According to the IP address of the target terminal, obtain the user permanent identifier of the target terminal from the session management function SMF network element in the communication system.

[0161] In an optional embodiment, the UPF is configured to initiate an address resolution protocol ARP request to all terminals connected thereto through the N3 interface according to the data connection configuration list, so that each terminal forwards the ARP request to all industrial devices connected thereto, and forwards the ARP response returned by each industrial device to the UPF network element;

[0162] The UPF network element generates the second local data packet according to the ARP response.

[0163] In an optional implementation, the network slice management device further includes: a processing module, configured to receive a configuration response sent by the base station after completing the wireless sub-slice configuration according to the wireless sub-slice configuration request;

[0164] According to the configuration response, taking the user permanent identifier of the target terminal as an index, a terminal subscription data modification request is sent to the unified data management (UDM) network element in the communication system, so that the UDM network element attaches the Ethernet type PDU session established by the target terminal to the target wireless sub-slice corresponding to the target industrial equipment according to the terminal subscription data modification request.

[0165] In an optional implementation, the processing module is also used to receive a PDU session modification completion response sent by a unified data management (UDM) network element in the communication system through the NEF network element, wherein the PDU session modification completion response is generated by the UDM network element after obtaining a PDU session modification event through the Nudm interface, and the PDU session modification event is triggered by the SMF network element through the Nsmf interface after receiving a contract data modification event.

[0166] In an optional embodiment, before obtaining the user permanent identifier of the target terminal corresponding to the target industrial equipment according to the data connection configuration list, the target terminal and UPF in the communication system are configured to establish a first PDU session connection of IP type based on a first default network slice, and the first PDU session connection is used to interact data with the network management server; and, establish a second PDU session connection of Ethernet type based on a second default network slice, and the second PDU session connection is used for UPF to interact data with its corresponding industrial equipment.

[0167] In an optional implementation, the wireless resource configuration parameter set includes: wireless resource block mapping, uplink configuration authorization, downlink semi-persistent scheduling configuration and modulation and coding scheme table.

[0168] The above-mentioned device is used to execute the method provided by the aforementioned embodiment, and its implementation principle and technical effect are similar, which will not be repeated here.

[0169] The above modules may be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above methods, such as one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more microprocessors, or one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). For another example, when a module is implemented in the form of a processing element scheduling program code, the processing element may be a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or other processor that can call program code. For another example, these modules may be integrated together and implemented in the form of a system-on-a-chip (SOC).

[0170] Figure 7 The following is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The electronic device can be integrated into the above-mentioned network slice management device. Figure 7 As shown, the electronic device may include: a processor 210, a storage medium 220 and a bus 230, the storage medium 220 stores machine-readable instructions executable by the processor 210, when the electronic device is running, the processor 210 and the storage medium 220 communicate through the bus 230, and the processor 210 executes the machine-readable instructions to perform the steps of the above method embodiment. The specific implementation method and technical effect are similar and will not be repeated here.

[0171] Optionally, the present application further provides a storage medium, on which a computer program is stored, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the above method embodiment are executed. The specific implementation method and technical effect are similar and will not be repeated here.

[0172] In the several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only schematic. For example, the division of units is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0173] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed on multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

[0174] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit. The above-mentioned integrated unit may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of hardware plus software functional units.

[0175] The above-mentioned integrated unit implemented in the form of a software functional unit can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. The above-mentioned software functional unit is stored in a storage medium, including a number of instructions for a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) or a processor (English: processor) to perform some steps of the methods of each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: U disk, mobile hard disk, read-only memory (English: Read-Only Memory, abbreviated: ROM), random access memory (English: Random Access Memory, abbreviated: RAM), disk or optical disk and other media that can store program codes.

[0176] It should be noted that, in this article, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "include", "comprise" or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. In the absence of further restrictions, the elements defined by the sentence "comprise a ..." do not exclude the existence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or device including the elements.

[0177] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. For those skilled in the art, the present application may have various changes and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included in the scope of protection of the present application. It should be noted that similar numbers and letters represent similar items in the following drawings, so once an item is defined in one drawing, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent drawings. The above are only preferred embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. For those skilled in the art, the present application may have various changes and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A network slice management method, characterized in that: Applied to a network management server, the network management server is respectively connected to a network open function NEF network element and a base station in a communication system, the network management server is configured to include a data connection configuration list, the data connection configuration list includes: at least one configuration record, each of the configuration records includes: a device address of an industrial device, a wireless resource configuration parameter set in a base station, and a mapping relationship between a network slice identifier, the method includes: According to the data connection configuration list, obtaining a user permanent identifier of a target terminal corresponding to the target industrial device; According to the user permanent identifier of the target terminal, a wireless sub-slice configuration request is sent to the base station, so that the base station attaches the Ethernet type protocol data unit PDU session established by the target terminal to the target wireless sub-slice corresponding to the target industrial equipment according to the wireless sub-slice configuration request.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The step of obtaining a user permanent identifier of a target terminal corresponding to the target industrial device according to the data connection configuration list includes: Acquire a first local data packet sent by the target terminal according to the data connection configuration list, wherein the first local data packet includes: an IP address of at least one target industrial device mounted by the target terminal; Acquire the IP address of the target terminal according to the first local data packet; According to the IP address of the target terminal, obtain the user permanent identifier of the target terminal from the session management function SMF network element in the communication system.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The target terminal is configured to initiate an address resolution protocol ARP request to all industrial devices connected to it through a local network port according to the data connection configuration list, and generate the first local data packet according to the ARP response returned by each of the industrial devices.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The step of obtaining a user permanent identifier of a target terminal corresponding to the target industrial device according to the data connection configuration list includes: Acquire a second local data packet sent by a user plane function UPF network element in the communication system according to a data connection configuration list, wherein the second local data packet includes: a device address of a target industrial device and an IP address of a target terminal corresponding thereto; Acquire the IP address of the target terminal according to the second local data packet; According to the IP address of the target terminal, obtain the user permanent identifier of the target terminal from the session management function SMF network element in the communication system.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The UPF is configured to initiate an address resolution protocol ARP request to all terminals connected thereto through the N3 interface according to the data connection configuration list, so that each terminal forwards the ARP request to all industrial devices connected thereto, and forwards the ARP response returned by each industrial device to the UPF network element; The UPF network element generates the second local data packet according to the ARP response.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that After sending a radio sub-slice configuration request to the base station according to the user permanent identifier of the target terminal, the method further includes: receiving a configuration response sent by the base station after completing the radio sub-slice configuration according to the radio sub-slice configuration request; According to the configuration response, taking the user permanent identifier of the target terminal as an index, a terminal subscription data modification request is sent to the unified data management (UDM) network element in the communication system, so that the UDM network element attaches the Ethernet type PDU session established by the target terminal to the target wireless sub-slice corresponding to the target industrial equipment according to the terminal subscription data modification request.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The method further comprises: The PDU session modification completion response sent by the unified data management UDM network element in the communication system is received through the NEF network element, wherein the PDU session modification completion response is generated by the UDM network element after obtaining the PDU session modification event through the Nudm interface, and the PDU session modification event is triggered by the SMF network element through the Nsmf interface after receiving the contract data modification event.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Before obtaining the user permanent identifier of the target terminal corresponding to the target industrial device according to the data connection configuration list, the target terminal and the UPF in the communication system are configured to establish a first PDU session connection of IP type based on the first default network slice, and the first PDU session connection is used to interact with the network management server for data; And, based on the second default network slice, a second PDU session connection of Ethernet type is established, and the second PDU session connection is used for UPF to interact with its corresponding industrial equipment for data.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The wireless resource configuration parameter set includes: wireless resource block mapping, uplink configuration authorization, downlink semi-persistent scheduling configuration and modulation and coding scheme table.

10. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, and when the computer program is executed by the processor, the steps of the network slice management method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 are executed.

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