Signaling processing method, network function network element and computer readable storage medium

Abstract

The invention discloses a signaling processing method, a network function network element and a computer readable storage medium, and belongs to the technical field of communication. According to the technical scheme of the invention, after a service request carrying a user identification number is received, a target network function network element associated with the user identification number is queried from locally cached first service information, and under the condition that the target network function network element cannot be queried from the first service information, the service request of the user identification number is queried. Sending a service discovery request carrying a user identification number to a network storage function NRF entity, receiving second service information returned by the NRF entity, the second service information including information of a target network function network element and target number segment information associated with the target network function network element, and adding the second service information to the first service information, and updating the first service information. According to the invention, the cache reuse rate of the NF side in the service discovery process in the single number segment scene is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technologies, and in particular, to a signaling processing method, a network function network element, and a computer-readable storage medium. Background Art

[0002] Service Discovery is that a Service Consumer obtains the service registration information it needs from the NRF (Net Repository Function) and invokes the required service, where the service information stored in the NRF is registered by a service provider NF (Network Function).

[0003] The 5GC (5G core) signaling often involves a service discovery process based on number segments. Taking the example that the AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) discovers the home UDM (Unified Data Management) according to the SUPI (Subscription Permanent Identifier), the UDM in the service discovery result of the NRF generally contains full number segment information (i.e., the full number segment scenario). In order to reduce the dependence on the NRF, the AMF generally also establishes a cache of the relationship between the UDM and the number segment locally. After that, every time it is necessary to query the UDM information belonging to a number segment, if the number segment cannot be found in the local cache, the service discovery will be triggered again. After obtaining the response, the UDM information in the local cache will be refreshed, overwriting the cached number segment information. In the existing network, the number of user number segments supported by the UDM ranges from several thousand to tens of thousands, and users can roam and access nationwide. If the service discovery returns all number segments, it will increase the consumption of transmission resources and storage resources for the number segments.

[0004] Therefore, for the roaming scenario, in order to reduce the consumption of transmission resources and storage resources for number segments in the existing network, the general strategy is that the UDM information returned by the NRF only contains partial or matching number segment information. For example, if the requested number is 123456789042010, the returned partial number segment information (the requested number is in this partial number segment information, for example, [123456789042000, 123456789042999]). For the convenience of description, this scenario is hereinafter referred to as the single number segment scenario. During holidays, the number of roaming users increases, and this scenario will frequently trigger service discovery requests for different number segment users with the same home UDM. Since different single number segments are returned each time, the number segments of the UDM in the local cache are constantly overwritten, and it is necessary to discover the UDM service from the NRF again each time, resulting in a low cache reuse rate. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main purpose of this application is to provide a signaling processing method, a network function network element, and a computer-readable storage medium, aiming to solve the technical problem of low cache reuse rate in the service discovery process of NF entities in the single number segment scenario.

[0006] To achieve the above object, this application provides a signaling processing method, including: After receiving a service request carrying a user identification number, query the target network function network element associated with the user identification number from the first service information cached locally; In the case where the target network function network element cannot be queried from the first service information, send a service discovery request carrying the user identification number to the Network Repository Function (NRF) entity; Receive the second service information returned by the NRF entity, where the second service information includes information about the target network function network element and target number segment information associated with the target network function network element; Append the second service information to the first service information.

[0007] In addition, to achieve the above object, this application also provides a network function network element, which includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores a program or instruction that can run on the processor. When the program or instruction is executed by the processor, it implements the signaling processing method described in any one of the above.

[0008] In addition, to achieve the above object, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, on which a program or instruction is stored. When the program or instruction is executed by a processor, it implements the signaling processing method described in any one of the above.

[0009] In the embodiment of the present application, after receiving a service request carrying a user identification number, the target network function network element associated with the user identification number is queried from the first service information cached locally. When the target network function network element cannot be queried from the first service information, a service discovery request carrying the user identification number is sent to the network storage function NRF entity, and then the second service information returned by the NRF entity is received. The second service information includes the information of the target network function network element and the target number segment information associated with the target network function network element. It is understandable that the user identification number is located in the target number segment information, and the second service information is appended to the first service information to update the first service information, so as to continuously complete the number segments supported by the target network function network element (the number segments supported by the target network function network element refer to the number segments associated with the target network function network element), improve the subsequent cache hit rate, reduce the direct discovery of the service information of the cached target network function network element from the NRF, thereby reducing the consumption of number segment transmission resources and storage resources, improving the efficiency of finding the target network function network element in the cache, and at the same time enhancing the cache reuse rate of service discovery on the NF side.

[0010] It is worth mentioning that since the original service information cached locally will not be overwritten, there is no need to resend a service discovery request to the NRF when receiving the user number in the overwritten service information due to the previous local cached service information being overwritten by the newly stored service information. Therefore, the cache hit rate of the embodiment of the present application in the single number segment scenario is greatly improved, the processing efficiency of the number segment process in the signaling is significantly enhanced, the cache reuse rate of service discovery on the NF side is improved, and at the same time, the dependence on the NRF (network storage function) service discovery is reduced, the signaling processing efficiency is improved, and thus the technical problem of low cache reuse rate in the service discovery process of the NF entity in the single number segment scenario is solved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the following drawings are only some embodiments of the present application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings.

[0012] Figure 1 Shows a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of the present application; Figure 2 Shows an application scenario diagram of single number segment scenario detection in the embodiment of the present application; Figure 3 Shows a timing interaction diagram of cache invalidation in the single number segment scenario in the related art; Figure 4Shows the timing interaction schematic diagram of cache reuse in the single number segment scenario of the embodiment of the present application; Figure 5 Shows the cache aging schematic diagram of the aging number segment in the embodiment of the present application; Figure 6 Shows the application scenario schematic diagram of subscribing to change notifications in the embodiment of the present application; Figure 7 Shows the structural block diagram of a network function network element according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0013] Here, the exemplary embodiments will be described in detail, and the examples are shown in the drawings. When the following description refers to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The implementation manners described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all implementation manners consistent with the present application. On the contrary, they are merely examples of devices and methods consistent with some aspects of the present application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0014] In the 5GC (5G core) signaling, the service discovery process based on the number segment is often involved. Taking the example that the AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) discovers the home UDM (Unified Data Management) according to the SUPI (Subscription Permanent Identifier), the UDM in the service discovery result of the NRF generally contains the full number segment information (i.e., the full number segment scenario). In order to reduce the dependence on the NRF, the AMF generally also establishes a cache of the relationship between the UDM and the number segment locally. After that, every time it is necessary to query the UDM information belonging to the number segment, if the number segment cannot be found in the local cache, the service discovery will be triggered again. After obtaining the response, the UDM information in the local cache will be refreshed to overwrite the cached number segment information. In the existing network, the number of user number segments supported by the UDM ranges from several thousand to tens of thousands, and users can roam and access nationwide. If the service discovery returns all the number segments, it will increase the consumption of transmission resources and storage resources of the number segments.

[0015] Therefore, for the roaming scenario, in order to reduce the consumption of transmission resources and storage resources of number segments in the existing network, the general strategy adopted is that only partial or matching number segment information is included in the UDM information returned by the NRF. For example, if the requested number is 123456789042010, the partial number segment information returned (the requested number is within this partial number segment information, e.g., [123456789042000, 123456789042999]). For the convenience of narration, this scenario is hereinafter referred to as the single number segment scenario. During holidays, the number of roaming users increases, and this scenario will frequently trigger service discovery requests for users with different number segments belonging to the same home UDM. Since different single number segments are returned each time, the number segments of the UDM cached locally are continuously overwritten, and the UDM service needs to be rediscovered from the NRF each time, resulting in a low cache reuse rate.

[0016] Based on this, please refer to Figure 1 , this embodiment provides a signaling processing method, and the method includes: Step S100, after receiving a service request carrying a user identification number, query the target network function network element associated with the user identification number from the first service information cached locally.

[0017] As known to those skilled in the art, network function refers to the NF (Network Function) in the 5GC (5th-Generation Core Network). A network element is the smallest unit that can be monitored and managed in network management, capable of independently completing a certain transmission function, and consists of one or more chassis or frames.

[0018] In this embodiment, the network function network element refers to the NF Instance (Network Function Instance), that is, the NF entity. The first service information refers to the service information cached locally by the NF entity that is the execution subject of this application embodiment, which may include the association relationship between the target network function network element and the user identification number, that is, the cached association relationship between the target NF entity and the user identification number.

[0019] The local cache refers to the cache on the local side of the NF entity that is the execution subject of this application. The NF entity includes, but is not limited to, network element devices such as AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function), AUSF (Authentication Server function), UDM (Unified Data Management), UDR (Unified Data Repository), and PCF (Policy Control function).

[0020] When the execution subject of the embodiment of this application is the AMF network element, the target network function network element can be network elements such as UDM, AUSF, and PCF, and this embodiment does not make any limitations in this regard.

[0021] In this embodiment, the user identification number includes, but is not limited to, SUPI (Subscription Permanent Identifier), GSPI (Generic Public Subscription Identifier), and SUCI (Subscription Concealed Identifier).

[0022] For the sake of understanding, in an example, the user identification number is SUPI, the entity receiving the service request is AMF, the local cache is the cache on the local side of the AMF entity, the network function entity is UDM, and the first service information includes the cache association relationship between UDM and SUPI. At this time, step S100 may be that after the AMF entity receives a service request carrying SUPI, it queries the target UDM entity associated with this SUPI from the cache association relationship between UDM and SUPI in the local cache. At this time, the target UDM entity associated with this SUPI is the target network function network element.

[0023] Step S200, in the case where the target network function network element cannot be queried from the first service information, send a service discovery request carrying the user identification number to the network storage function NRF entity.

[0024] Those skilled in the art can understand that the NRF (Network Repository Function) is an NF in the 5GC responsible for registering, monitoring the status, and automating the management of other NFs. When other NF entities are started, they must register with the NRF to provide services. Among them, the registration information includes NF type, address, service list, etc. The NRF entity allows NFs in the 5GC to discover services provided by other NFs.

[0025] Taking the execution entity of the embodiment of the present application as the AMF entity (which can also be called the AMF network element device) as an example, after the AMF entity receives a service request for a certain user identification number, it searches in the local cache. If the target network function network element corresponding to the user identification number can be found in the local cache, there is no need to send a service discovery request to the NRF entity. If the target network function network element corresponding to the number cannot be found in the local cache, a service discovery request is sent to the NRF network element.

[0026] In this embodiment, in the case where the target network function network element cannot be queried from the first service information, a service discovery request carrying the user identification number can be sent to the network storage function NRF entity, and the target network function network element can be queried from the NFR, so as to respond to the service request and provide corresponding services for the user.

[0027] Specifically, the NRF entity searches for the target network function network element that can provide services for this number (this number is the user identification number) according to the number segment information supported by each network function network element registered on the NRF network element. If the number segment supported by a certain network function network element includes this number, then this network function network element is used as the target network function network element that can provide services for this number.

[0028] Step S300, receive the second service information returned by the NRF entity, where the second service information includes the information of the target network function network element and the target number segment information associated with the target network function network element. It should be noted that the user identification number is located in the target number segment information. For example, in an example, the user identification number is 5, and the target number segment information including this number in the target network function network element is [1, 10].

[0029] In this embodiment, the segment information is composed of multiple user identification numbers. The second service information is the service information returned by the NRF entity to the NF entity after receiving the service discovery request sent by the NF entity, including the target network function network element and the target segment information associated with the target network function network element. That is to say, the second service information is the specific information of the target network function network element, which includes the segments supported by this network element for processing. In the single-segment scenario, it only includes one or some segments, and this segment contains the requested user identification number.

[0030] To facilitate understanding, in an example, the user identification number is 1234, the network function network element is the UDM, and the second service information returned by the NRF entity includes the target UDM (specifically, it can be the identity identification number of the target UDM), and the target segment information associated with the target UDM. The user identification number 1234 is located in the target segment information. For example, the target segment information can be [1230, 1240] or [1200, 1300].

[0031] In this embodiment, by receiving the second service information returned by the NRF entity, the target network function network element is obtained, so as to respond to the service request and provide the corresponding service for the user.

[0032] Step S400, append the second service information to the first service information.

[0033] In this embodiment, taking the execution entity of the embodiment of the present application as the AMF entity (also called the AMF network element device) as an example, the AMF entity appends the second service information to the first service information, that is, saves the second service information to the local cache of the AMF entity, and the newly cached second service information will not overwrite the service information originally cached locally by the AMF entity. That is to say, it belongs to newly appending service information to the service information cached locally by the AMF entity. In this embodiment, by newly appending the corresponding relationship of the segment containing this number in the target network function network element to the local cache, it is convenient to directly implement service discovery based on this local cache according to communication needs in the future. When the NF entity receives the user identification number in the service information cached locally, it can directly obtain the address of the unified data management function UDM entity corresponding to the user identification number by querying the local cache, instead of querying through the NRF entity to obtain the address of the unified data management function entity, which reduces the overhead, and each time a different single segment is returned, the segments of the UDM cached locally will not be overwritten. There is no need to re-discover the UDM service from the NRF when receiving the number corresponding to the service information that has been overwritten before, so that the embodiment of the present application improves the cache reuse rate in the single-segment scenario during the service discovery process.

[0034] In this embodiment, appending the second service information to the first service information means writing the second service information returned by the NRF entity into the first service information cached locally.

[0035] For the sake of understanding, in one example, the second service information includes a target UDM and target segment information associated with the target UDM entity. The target segment information consists of user identification numbers from 1230 to 1240. If there is no cached association relationship between the target UDM and the user identification numbers from 1230 to 1240 in the first service information, then a cached association relationship between the target UDM and the user identification numbers from 1230 to 1240 is constructed in the first service information to update the first service information.

[0036] In this embodiment, by appending the second service information to the first service information to update the first service information, the cache hit rate in the single-segment scenario is greatly improved, thereby enhancing the cache reuse rate of service discovery on the NF side and reducing the dependence on NRF (Network Repository Function) service discovery.

[0037] In one embodiment, when the target network function network element includes an Authentication Service Function (AUSF) network element, the NRF network element looks up the target AUSF network element that can provide services for the user identification number according to the segment information supported by each AUSF network element registered on the NRF network element; the NRF network element determines the first segment in the target AUSF network element that contains the user identification number; the NRF network element returns a service discovery response to the AMF network element, including the information of the target AUSF network element and the first segment in the target AUSF network element that contains the user identification number (at this time, the first segment is the target segment information), so that the AMF network element newly appends the information of the target AUSF network element and the association relationship between the target AUSF network element and the first segment to the service information cached locally for service discovery. Subsequently, based on the service information cached locally, when the AMF network element discovers any number in the service information cached locally, it can query the corresponding target AUSF network element and conduct service communication of authentication data with the target AUSF network element.

[0038] In another embodiment, when the target network function network element includes a Unified Data Management (UDM) network element, the NRF network element looks up a target UDM network element that can serve the user identification number according to the segment information supported by each UDM network element registered on the NRF network element; the NRF network element determines a second segment in the target UDM network element that contains the user identification number; the NRF network element returns a service discovery response to the AMF network element, which includes information about the target UDM network element and the second segment in the target UDM network element that contains the user identification number (at this time, the second segment is the target segment information), so that the AMF network element newly adds the information about the target UDM network element and the association relationship between the target UDM and the second segment to the service information cached locally for service discovery. Subsequently, based on the service information cached locally, when the AMF network element discovers any number in the service information cached locally, it can query the corresponding target UDM network element and perform service communication for subscription data with the target UDM network element.

[0039] In yet another embodiment, when the target network function network element includes a Policy Control Function (PCF) network element, the NRF network element looks up a target PCF network element that can serve the user identification number according to the segment information supported by each PCF network element registered on the NRF network element; the NRF network element determines a third segment in the target PCF network element that contains the user identification number; the NRF network element returns a service discovery response to the AMF network element, which includes information about the target PCF network element and the third segment in the target PCF network element that contains the user identification number (at this time, the third segment is the target segment information), so that the AMF network element newly adds the information about the target PCF network element and the association relationship between the target PCF and the third segment to the service information cached locally for service discovery. Subsequently, based on the service information cached locally, when the AMF network element discovers any number in the service information cached locally, it can query the corresponding target PCF network element and perform service communication for policy data with the target PCF network element.

[0040] Thus, in this embodiment, the service information (i.e., the second service information) returned by the NRF network element can be appended to the service information cached locally (the service information cached locally is the first service information) to update the first service information. Since the original service information cached locally is not overwritten, there is no need to re - send a service discovery request to the NRF when receiving a user number in the overwritten service information. As a result, the embodiments of the present application reduce the consumption of transmission resources and storage resources for segments, improve the efficiency of finding the target network function network element in the cache, increase the cache reuse rate of NF - side service discovery, reduce the dependence on NRF (Network Repository Function) service discovery, and improve the signaling processing efficiency.

[0041] In the embodiment of the present application, after receiving a service request carrying a user identification number, the target network function network element associated with the user identification number is queried from the first service information cached locally. In the case where the target network function network element cannot be queried from the first service information, a service discovery request carrying the user identification number is sent to the network storage function NRF entity, and then the second service information returned by the NRF entity is received. The second service information includes the information of the target network function network element and the target number segment information associated with the target network function network element. It is understandable that the user identification number is located in the target number segment information, and the second service information is appended to the first service information to update the first service information, so as to continuously complete the number segments supported by the target network function network element (the number segments supported by the target network function network element refer to the number segments associated with the target network function network element), improve the subsequent cache hit rate, reduce the direct discovery of the service information of the cached target network function network element from the NRF, thereby reducing the consumption of number segment transmission resources and storage resources, improving the efficiency of finding the target network function network element in the cache, and at the same time improving the cache reuse rate of service discovery on the NF side.

[0042] It is worth mentioning that since the original service information cached locally will not be overwritten, there is no need to re-send a service discovery request to the NRF when receiving the user number in the overwritten service information due to the previous local cached service information being overwritten by the newly stored service information. Therefore, the cache hit rate of the embodiment of the present application in the single number segment scenario is greatly improved, the processing efficiency of the number segment process in the signaling is significantly improved, the cache reuse rate of service discovery on the NF side is improved, and at the same time the dependence on the NRF (network storage function) service discovery is reduced, the signaling processing efficiency is improved, and thus the technical problem of low cache reuse rate in the service discovery process of the NF entity in the single number segment scenario is solved.

[0043] In a possible implementation manner, the step of appending the second service information to the first service information includes: Step S410: Identify whether there is a cache association relationship between the target network function network element and the number segment information in the first service information.

[0044] In this embodiment, it is possible to identify whether there is a cache association relationship between the target network function network element and the number segment information in the first service information by querying whether there is a target network function network element in the first service information.

[0045] For the sake of understanding, in an example, the target network function network element is network function network element X.

[0046] If there is a cache association relationship between network function network element A and number segment information a, a cache association relationship between network function network element B and number segment information b, and a cache association relationship between network function network element C and number segment information c in the first service information, and network function network element X cannot be queried in the first service information at this time, it is considered that there is no cache association relationship between the target network function network element and the number segment information in the first service information.

[0047] If there is a cache association relationship between network function network element A and number segment information a, a cache association relationship between network function network element B and number segment information b, and a cache association relationship between network function network element X and number segment information x in the first service information, and network function network element X can be queried in the first service information at this time, it is considered that there is a cache association relationship between the target network function network element and the number segment information in the first service information.

[0048] Step S420: In the case of the existence of the cache association relationship, append the target number segment information to the number segment information associated with the target network function network element in the cache association relationship.

[0049] In this embodiment, for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the technical concept of this embodiment, in an example, the target network function network element is K, and the target number segment information consists of user identification numbers from 1230 to 1240, that is, [1230, 1240]. The number segment information associated with K in the local cache association relationship consists of user identification numbers from 1210 to 1230, that is, [1210, 1230]. After appending the target number segment information to the number segment information associated with K in the cache association relationship. At this time, the number segment information associated with K in the local cache association relationship is updated to consist of user identification numbers from 1210 to 1240, that is, [1210, 1240].

[0050] It is worth mentioning that after identifying the existence of the cache association relationship between the target network function network element and the number segment information in the first service information in this embodiment, the target number segment information is appended to the number segment information associated with the target network function network element in the cache association relationship, so as to update the cache association relationship in the first information, so that when the user subsequently issues a service request corresponding to the same user identification number sent before (since the same user identification number sent before will not be overwritten by the newly stored service information, and the need to re-send a service discovery request to the NRF when receiving the number in the overwritten service information is avoided), only the target network function network element needs to be queried from the first service information cached locally, so as to quickly respond to the service request and provide corresponding services for the user, thereby improving the cache reuse rate of service discovery on the NF side.

[0051] Further, after identifying whether there is a cache association relationship between the target network function network element and the number segment information in the first service information, the method further includes: Step S430: In the case where the cache association relationship does not exist, a new association relationship between the target network function network element and the target number segment information is created in the first service information as a cache association relationship.

[0052] In this embodiment, in order to help understand the technical concept of this embodiment, in one example, the second service information includes a target UDM and target number segment information associated with the target UDM, and the target number segment information is composed of user identification numbers from 1230 to 1240, that is, [1230, 1240]. If the number segment information associated with the target UDM does not exist in the first service information, an association relationship between the target UDM and [1230, 1240] is constructed in the first service information as a cache relationship to update the first service information. The number segment information associated with the target UDM exists in the updated first service information, and the number segment information associated with the target UDM is [1230, 1240].

[0053] In this embodiment, when there is no cache association relationship between the target network function network element and the number segment information, a new association relationship between the target network function network element and the target number segment information is created in the first service information as a cache association relationship, thereby updating the cache association relationship in the first information. As a result, when the single number segment is returned for the first time, the service user first establishes a cache of the mapping relationship between the target network function network element and the single number segment on the NF side (hereinafter referred to as the single number segment cache). When the service user initiates the same service discovery again (only the number segment is different, and other conditions are the same), the service is first queried in the local single number segment cache information. If the service is found, the previous service information is directly reused. If no matching number segment is found, a service discovery request is directly initiated to the NRF, and the returned single number segment is appended to the single number segment cache of the same service. When the same service request is received again, it is only necessary to query the target network function network element from the first service information cached locally to quickly respond to the service request and provide the user with corresponding services, thereby improving the cache reuse rate of service discovery on the NF side.

[0054] In a possible implementation manner, the signaling processing method further includes: Step S440: updating the current cache association relationship in the first service information according to the received subscription change notification of the cache association relationship.

[0055] Exemplarily, the subscription change notification includes one of the following: Deletion notification information for deleting at least one number segment in the target number segment information associated with the target network function network element; Addition notification information for adding a new number segment to the target number segment information associated with the target network function network element; Change notification information for changing at least one number segment in the target number segment information associated with the target network function network element.

[0056] In this embodiment, the change notification means that when the number segment information associated with the target network function network element changes, a subscription change notification is sent to the object that has subscribed to the subscription change notification of the target network function network element.

[0057] It is not difficult to understand that when the number segment information associated with the target network function network element changes, the first service information in the local cache also needs to be updated accordingly to correctly respond to the user's service request and provide accurate services to the user.

[0058] In this embodiment, by subscribing to the subscription change notification of the target network function network element, after receiving the subscription change notification, the cache association relationship of the target network function network element in the first service information is updated according to the change notification information in the subscription change notification. Thus, after the subscription service changes, if a change notification is received, the single number segment cache is synchronously updated, and further, it can ensure that the user's service request is correctly responded to and accurate service is provided to the user.

[0059] In a possible implementation manner, after querying the target network function network element associated with the user identification number from the first service information in the local cache, it further includes: Step A10, when the target network function network element can be queried from the first service information, send the service request information to the target network function network element.

[0060] In this embodiment, the service request information refers to the information of the service requested by the user in the service request.

[0061] Step A20, receive the request result information returned by the target network function network element, and perform a service response to the service request according to the request result information.

[0062] In this embodiment, the request result information is the result obtained by the target network function network element in response to the service request information after receiving the service request information.

[0063] In this embodiment, if the target network function network element can be queried from the first service information, the service request information is directly sent to the target network function network element, and then after receiving the request result information returned by the target network function network element, a service response is performed on the service request according to the request result information.

[0064] To facilitate understanding of the core concept of this embodiment, in one example, the service request is to query data A, and the carried user identification number is 1230. After the AMF entity queries the target network function network element K associated with this user identification number from the first service information, it sends the service request information for querying data A to the target network function network element K. After K receives the service request information for querying data A, it responds to this service request information to query data A, obtains the query result B, that is, the request result information, and returns this request result information to the AMF. After the AMF receives the query result B, it responds to the service request for querying data A according to the query result B and sends the query result B to the user.

[0065] In a possible implementation manner, the signaling processing method further includes: Step B10: In the first service information, for each number segment in the number segment information associated with the target network function network element, start timing from the most recent hit, and obtain the timing duration corresponding to each number segment, where querying the target network function network element associated with the target identification number once from the first service information indicates that the number segment where the target identification number is located is hit once.

[0066] Step B20: Clear the number segments whose timing duration reaches the aging duration from the number segment information associated with the target network function network element in the cache association relationship.

[0067] Among them, the skilled person in the art can pre-set the aging duration according to the actual situation, and this embodiment does not make specific limitations.

[0068] In this embodiment, the number segments whose timing duration reaches the aging duration are used as aging number segments, and these aging number segments are cleared from the number segment information associated with the target network function network element in this cache association relationship to release the cache space of the local cache.

[0069] In this embodiment, in the first service information, for each number segment in the number segment information associated with the target network function network element, start timing from the most recent hit, and obtain the timing duration corresponding to each number segment, where querying the target network function network element associated with the target identification number once from the first service information indicates that the number segment where the target identification number is located is hit once, and the number segments whose timing duration reaches the aging duration are cleared from the number segment information associated with the target network function network element in the cache association relationship, so as to implement setting an expiration time for the new number segments and aging them after appending the returned single number segment to the single number segment cache of the local same service.

[0070] In this embodiment, by setting an aging duration for each incremental number segment, since a roaming number segment may only exist for a certain period of time, to avoid a large number of useless number segments in the cache, a reasonable aging duration is set for the cache of each incremental number segment. After a period of time, it ages automatically. If a local cache number segment is hit, the timing duration is reset, and the cache time of the corresponding number segment is extended, thereby effectively improving the cache reuse rate of service discovery on the NF side.

[0071] Exemplarily, a fixed aging duration T is set for each number segment cached in the first service information, and the value range is from 0 s to 7200 s.

[0072] Under the timer mechanism, the number segment whose timing duration reaches T is used as an aging number segment, and the aging number segment is cleared from the first service information. For the sake of understanding, in an example, the aging duration T of number segment A is 3600 s. When the timing duration of this number segment reaches 3600 s since the last hit, the number segment A will be used as an aging number segment and cleared from the first service information.

[0073] In addition, it is not difficult to understand that after a number segment is hit, the timing duration of this number segment will be reset (that is, the timing duration of this number segment is reset to 0) to extend the cache time of this number segment. In an example, the aging duration T of number segment A is 3600 s. If the timing duration of number segment A reaches 3000 s since the last hit and is hit again, the timing duration of number segment A will be reset to 0 s.

[0074] It is worth mentioning that in another example, in addition to resetting the timing duration, the cache time of this number segment can also be extended by modifying the aging duration T. For example, the aging duration T of number segment B is 3600 s. After number segment B is hit, on the basis of resetting the timing duration of number segment B to 0, the aging duration T is also modified to 7200 s. In this example, by updating the aging duration T in an increasing duration manner after the number segment is hit, the cache time of this number segment can be further extended, and further effectively improve the cache reuse rate of service discovery on the NF side.

[0075] In this embodiment, for each number segment in the number segment information associated with the target network function network element in the first service information, timing starts from the most recent hit respectively, and the corresponding timing duration of each number segment is obtained. The number segment whose timing duration reaches the aging duration is used as an aging number segment, and the aging number segment is cleared from the number segment information associated with the target network function network element in the cache association relationship to release the cache space of the local cache, so as to update the cache association relationship of the target network function network element in the first service information, ensure that the number segments in the local cache are all number segments with a high reuse rate, and further improve the cache reuse rate of service discovery on the NF side.

[0076] In a possible implementation manner, after receiving the second service information returned by the NRF entity, the following steps are further included: Step C10: Identify whether the current situation is in a single number range scenario according to the second service information.

[0077] It should be noted that in the roaming scenario, in order to reduce the consumption of transmission resources and storage resources of the number range, only partial or matching number range information is included in the second service information returned by the NRF entity. For example, if the requested user identification number is 123456789042010, the returned partial number range information is [123456789042000, 123456789042999] (the user identification number is within this partial number range information). This embodiment refers to such a scenario as a single number range scenario.

[0078] Further, in a possible implementation manner, the step of identifying whether the current situation is in a single number range scenario according to the second service information includes: Step D10: Detect the value of a preset specified field of a target code block in the second service information.

[0079] Step D20: Determine that the current situation is in a single number range scenario when the value of the preset specified field is the first value.

[0080] In this embodiment, in order to solve the problem of low cache reuse rate in the service discovery returning a single number range scenario, after the NRF (Network Repository Function) trims the number range part of the target network function information, a single number range identifier can be set in the preset specified field of the target code block in the second service information. The value corresponding to this single number range identifier is the first value. When receiving the second service information and detecting that the value of the preset specified field of the target code block in the second service information is the first value, it can be determined that the current situation is in a single number range scenario.

[0081] Exemplarily, this embodiment can be based on the 3GPP TS 29.510 V18.3.0 protocol standard, and a new Boolean field isRangesCut is added to the NFProfile (i.e., the configuration information of the target network function network element entity) returned by the NRF entity, with the default value being false. In this example, this preset specified field refers to the Boolean field isRangesCut, and the first value refers to the value of the Boolean field isRangesCut being true. The single number range scenario refers to the NRF entity trimming the number range information associated with the target network function network element to obtain the target number range information and setting isRangesCut to true.

[0082] In this embodiment, by detecting the value of a preset specified field of a target code block in the second service information, when the value of the preset specified field is the first value, it is determined that the current is in the single number segment scenario, and then the step of appending the second service information to the first service information is executed to update the local cache, thereby improving the cache reuse rate of service discovery on the NF side.

[0083] In addition, for the scenario where the different manufacturer NRF does not carry this identifier, the scenario can be distinguished according to the number of returned number segments. Therefore, in a possible implementation manner, the step of identifying whether the current is in the single number segment scenario according to the second service information further includes: Step E10: Identify the number of number segments corresponding to the target number segment information in the second service information.

[0084] Step E20: When the number of number segments is less than a preset threshold, determine that the current is in the single number segment scenario.

[0085] In this embodiment, by identifying the number of number segments corresponding to the target number segment information in the second service information, when the number of number segments is less than a preset threshold, it is determined that the current is in the single number segment scenario, and then the step of appending the second service information to the first service information is executed, so that when the target code block in the second service information returned by the different manufacturer NRF entity does not carry this preset specified field, the local cache can also be updated, thereby improving the cache reuse rate of service discovery on the NF side and expanding the application scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0086] In addition, in a possible implementation manner, the step of identifying whether the current is in the single number segment scenario according to the second service information further includes: Step F10: According to the Public Land Mobile Network Identification (PLMNID) carried in the second service information, detect whether the service request is a service request in a roaming scenario.

[0087] Step F20: After detecting that the service request is a service request in a roaming scenario, determine that the current is in the single number segment scenario.

[0088] In this embodiment, the Public Land Mobile Network Identification (PLMNID) (Public Land Mobile Network ID) refers to the network identification established and operated by an approved operator to provide public land mobile communication services.

[0089] Those skilled in the art can understand that through the Public Land Mobile Network Identification (PLMNID), it can be identified whether the service request is a service request in a roaming scenario.

[0090] In this embodiment, by detecting whether a service request is a service request in a roaming scenario according to the Public Land Mobile Network Identity (PLMNID) carried in the second service information, after detecting that the service request is a service request in a roaming scenario, it is determined that the current is in a single number segment scenario, and then the step of appending the second service information to the first service information is executed to update the local cache, thereby improving the cache reuse rate of service discovery on the NF side.

[0091] After step C10, execute step C20: When it is determined that the current is in a single number segment scenario, execute the step of appending the second service information to the first service information.

[0092] In this embodiment, by identifying whether the current is in a single number segment scenario according to the second service information, when it is determined that it is in a single number segment scenario, the second service information is appended to the first service information to complete the update of the local cache. Thus, when receiving a service request related to a target network function network element, only query the target network function network element from the first service information in the local cache, and the service request can be quickly responded to, providing corresponding services to users, and further improving the cache reuse rate of service discovery on the NF side.

[0093] To help understand the technical concept of this application, a specific embodiment 1 is listed, including: When initiating service discovery with a number for the first time and successfully obtaining a response, please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 which shows a schematic diagram of the application scenario for single number segment scenario detection in the embodiment of this application, including: (1) Meeting one of the following three judgment methods is judged as a single number segment scenario: 1. If the specific field in the returned response indicates a single number segment scenario, it is determined as a single number segment scenario (that is, detecting the value of the preset specified field of the target code block in the second service information, and when the value of the preset specified field is the first value, it is determined that the current is in a single number segment scenario).

[0094] 2. If the returned target service information only carries a matching number segment, or the number of segments in the response is less than the threshold N, it is determined as a single number segment scenario (that is, identifying the number of segments corresponding to the target number segment information in the second service information; when the number of segments is less than the preset threshold, it is determined that the current is in a single number segment scenario).

[0095] 3. Determine it as a roaming scenario based on other parameters. For example, if the responded plmnid is different from the local plmnid, it is determined as a single number segment scenario (that is, according to the Public Land Mobile Network Identity (PLMNID) carried in the second service information, detect whether the service request is a service request in a roaming scenario. After detecting that the service request is a service request in a roaming scenario, determine that it is currently in a single number segment scenario).

[0096] (2) Trigger the initialization of the single number segment cache in the single number segment scenario. Establish the association relationship between the target network function network element service information and the number segment. Specifically, this number segment cache is associated with the discovered service nfInstanceId.

[0097] (3) First, perform service discovery from the local cache. If it misses in the local cache, send a service discovery request to the NRF again, and append the returned single number segment to the number segment associated with the target network function. Before the second service discovery request with a number, first perform service discovery from the local single number segment cache. If it cannot be found, then initiate a new service discovery request to the NRF. After the second response, if there is the same target network function network element in the single number segment cache (judged by the network element unique identifier), then append the matching number segment in the response to the number segment information of the single number segment cache corresponding to the target network function network element. By continuously complementing the number segments supported by the target network function network element (the number segments supported by the target network function network element refer to: the number segments associated with the target network function network element), improve the subsequent cache hit rate and reduce the direct discovery of the service information of the cached target network function network element from the NRF.

[0098] (4) Set an aging duration for each incremental number segment: Since the roaming number segment may only exist for a period of time, to avoid a large number of useless number segments in the cache, set a reasonable aging duration for each incremental number segment cache, and it will age automatically after a period of time. If the local cache number segment is hit, reset the timing duration to extend the cache time of the corresponding number segment. Please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5 shows the cache aging schematic diagram of the aging number segment in the embodiment of the present application.

[0099] (5) The local number segment cache needs to be updated in time after the target network function network element changes: If the NF subscribes to the change notification of the target network function network element, after receiving the service change notification, if it involves number segment changes, it is also necessary to clear the invalid number segment cache. The subsequent number segment processing process for service discovery is the same as the above 4 steps. As Figure 6 shown Figure 6 shows the application scenario schematic diagram of subscribing to change notifications in the embodiment of the present application.

[0100] Furthermore, the single number segment identifier in the single number segment scenario is the identifier in the NRF service discovery response, which can be placed in other compatible fields or a new field can be added as the identifier. This field indicates that the NRF has trimmed the number segment information.

[0101] Furthermore, the query condition numbers for the service discovery include but are not limited to the following: 1) SUCI; 2) SUPI; 3) GPSI.

[0102] In addition, the BSF network element is also involved in the following two address segment information 4) IPV4; 5) IPV6.

[0103] Furthermore, the mechanism for triggering the cache is as follows: For each newly cached number segment, a fixed aging duration T is set, and the value range is from 0s to 7200s. Under the timer mechanism, after each interval of time T, the expired and aged number segments are cleared. Each cached number segment that hits will reset the timing duration to extend the cache time of the number segment.

[0104] In addition, in another example, it can be further extended to other aging strategies. For example, after a hit, based on the timing duration being reset to zero, the aging duration is updated in a way that the duration increases. Specifically, the aging duration can increase in multiples. This embodiment is not limited.

[0105] Furthermore, the single number segment cache is that the NF caches the single number segment in the local device, where the NF includes but is not limited to network elements such as AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function), AUSF (Authentication Server function), UDM (Unified Data Management), UDR (Unified Data Repository), and PCF (Policy Control function).

[0106] It should be noted that in this specific Embodiment 1, although many details are shown, they are only used to assist in understanding the technical concept or technical principle of the technical solution of this application. Based on this technical concept, more simple transformations in various forms are within the protection scope of this application.

[0107] To further assist in understanding the technical concept of this application, Specific Embodiment 2 is listed. Please refer to Figure 3 andFigure 4 , wherein, Figure 3 shows a timing interaction diagram of cache invalidation in the single number segment scenario in the related art, Figure 4 shows a timing interaction diagram of cache reuse in the single number segment scenario of the embodiment of the present application: In this embodiment, based on the 3GPP TS 29.510 V18.3.0 protocol standard, a new boolean field isRangesCut is added to the NFProfile returned by the NRF (Network Repository Function), and the default value is false. When the NRF (Network Repository Function) performs trimming on the number segment information in service discovery, set isRangesCut to true, which indicates the single number segment scenario at this time.

[0108] Please refer to Figure 4 , when the AMF queries the UDM service to which the user belongs, it needs to carry the user SUPI (i.e., user identification number) 1234 to initiate a service discovery request to the NRF entity. Since there are too many UDM number segments found on the NRF side, the UDM information (i.e., the second service information) is trimmed, and the isRangesCut field (i.e., the preset specified field) is set to true (i.e., the first value). The number segment part (i.e., the target number segment information) in the returned UDM information only contains a matching number segment [1230, 1240]. After receiving the request, the AMF checks the isRangesCut with a value of true, determines it as the single number segment scenario, initializes the single number segment cache corresponding to the UDM information (i.e., the cache association relationship corresponding to the target network function network element), and stores the number segment returned this time in the cache, and sets the timeout time (i.e., the aging duration) to 3600s.

[0109] In addition, the AMF initiates another UDM addressing process for the user number 1254 (i.e., the user identification number). Since the requested number cannot be matched in the local cache, a service discovery request is initiated to the NRF entity again. The NRF entity returns the single number segment [1250, 1260] (i.e., the target number segment information). The AMF finds that the UDM information in the response matches the UDM information in the single number segment cache (i.e., the first service information in the local cache), and the value of isRangesCut is true, and appends the returned number segment information to the single number segment cache and sets the timeout time to 3600s.

[0110] Furthermore, the AMF initiates a UDM addressing process for the user number 1257 (i.e., the user identification number). The number segment [1250, 1260] in the single number segment cache matches the requested number. At this time, the UDM (Unified Data Management) information in the local cache is used as the result of the service discovery request (i.e., the request result information).

[0111] In addition, the AMF initiates the UDM addressing process for the user number 1231 (i.e., the user identification number). Since the requested number segment is not found in the local cache, a service discovery request is sent to the NRF entity again. After the NRF entity returns a single number segment, the number segment is re-added to the number segment cache corresponding to the UDM.

[0112] Furthermore, the timer process starts to check the expiration of the number segment cache. After detecting the expired number segment (i.e., the aged number segment) [1230, 1240], the number segment is cleared from the cache.

[0113] It should be noted that in the second specific embodiment, although many details are shown, they are only used to assist in understanding the technical concept or technical principle of the technical solution of the present application. Based on this technical concept, more simple transformations in various forms are within the protection scope of the present application.

[0114] Figure 7 The structural block diagram of the network function network element 1800 shown in an exemplary embodiment of the present application is shown. The network function network element NF can be a network element such as an AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function), an AUSF (Authentication Server function), a UDM (Unified Data Management), a UDR (Unified Data Repository), or a PCF (Policy Control function). This embodiment does not make specific limitations on this. The network function network element 1800 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 1801, a system memory 1804 including a random access memory (RAM) 1802 and a read-only memory (ROM) 1803, and a system bus 1805 connecting the system memory 1804 and the central processing unit 1801. The network function network element 1800 further includes a storage device 1806 for storing an operating system 1809, a client 1810, and other program modules 1811.

[0115] Without loss of generality, the computer-readable medium may include computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented by any method or technology for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Computer storage media includes RAM, ROM, erasable programmable read-only registers (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory, EPROM), electrically-erasable programmable read-only memory (Electrically-Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory, EEPROM) flash memory or other solid-state storage technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (Digital Versatile Disc, DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic tape cartridges, tapes, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices. Of course, those skilled in the art will know that the computer storage media is not limited to the above several types. The above-mentioned system memory 1804 and storage device 1806 can be collectively referred to as memory.

[0116] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the network function network element 1800 may also be connected to a remote computer on the network through a network such as the Internet. That is, the network function network element 1800 may be connected to the network 1808 through the network interface unit 1807 connected to the system bus 1805, or in other words, the network interface unit 1807 may also be used to connect to other types of networks or remote computer systems (not shown).

[0117] The memory further includes at least one instruction, at least one program, a code set or an instruction set, which are stored in the memory, and the central processing unit 1801 implements all or part of the steps in the service decision processing method shown in the above various embodiments by executing the at least one instruction, at least one program, a code set or an instruction set.

[0118] In an exemplary embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is also provided. At least one computer program is stored in the computer-readable storage medium, and the computer program is loaded and executed by a processor to implement all or part of the steps in the above service decision processing method, or to implement all or part of the steps in the above service decision processing method. For example, the computer-readable storage medium may be a read-only memory (Read-Only Memory, ROM), a random access memory (Random Access Memory, RAM), a compact disc read-only memory (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory, CD-ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, and optical data storage device, etc.

[0119] In an exemplary embodiment, a computer program product is further provided. The computer program product includes at least one computer program, which is loaded and executed by a processor to perform all or part of the steps of the above-mentioned business decision processing method shown in any of the above embodiments, or all or part of the steps of the above-mentioned business decision processing method.

[0120] Those skilled in the art will readily conceive of other embodiments of the present application after considering the specification and practicing the invention disclosed herein. The present application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present application, which follow the general principles of the present application and include common general knowledge or conventional technical means in the technical field not disclosed in the present application. The specification and embodiments are only regarded as exemplary, and the true scope and spirit of the present application are pointed out by the claims.

[0121] It should be understood that the present application is not limited to the exact structures described above and shown in the drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the present application is only limited by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A signaling processing method, comprising: After receiving a service request carrying a user identification number, querying a target network function network element associated with the user identification number from first service information cached locally; In the case where the target network function network element cannot be queried from the first service information, sending a service discovery request carrying the user identification number to a Network Repository Function (NRF) entity; Receiving second service information returned by the NRF entity, where the second service information includes information of the target network function network element and target segment information associated with the target network function network element; Appending the second service information to the first service information.

2. The signaling processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After receiving the second service information returned by the NRF entity, it further includes: Identifying whether the current situation is a single-segment scenario according to the second service information; In the case of determining that the current situation is a single-segment scenario, performing the step of appending the second service information to the first service information.

3. The signaling processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that The step of appending the second service information to the first service information includes: Identifying whether there is a cached association relationship between the target network function network element and segment information in the first service information; In the case where the cached association relationship exists, appending the target segment information to the segment information associated with the target network function network element in the cached association relationship.

4. The signaling processing method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Updating the current cached association relationship in the first service information according to the received subscription change notification of the cached association relationship; Wherein, the subscription change notification includes one of the following: Deletion notification information for deleting at least one segment from the target segment information associated with the target network function network element; Addition notification information for adding a new segment to the target segment information associated with the target network function network element; Change notification information for changing at least one segment from the target segment information associated with the target network function network element.

5. The signaling processing method according to claim 3, characterized in that The method further includes: In the first service information, starting to time for each segment in the segment information associated with the target network function network element from the most recent hit, obtaining the timing duration corresponding to each segment, where querying the target network function network element associated with the target identification number once from the first service information indicates that the segment where the target identification number is located is hit once; Clearing the segments whose timing duration reaches the aging duration from the segment information associated with the target network function network element in the cached association relationship.

6. The signaling processing method according to claim 2, characterized in that The step of identifying whether the current situation is a single-segment scenario according to the second service information includes: Detecting the value of a preset specified field of a target code block in the second service information; In the case where the value of the preset specified field is a first value, determining that the current situation is a single-segment scenario.

7. The signaling processing method according to claim 2, wherein The step of identifying whether the current situation is a single-segment scenario according to the second service information includes: Identifying the number of segments corresponding to the target segment information in the second service information; In the case where the number of segments is less than a preset threshold, determining that the current situation is a single-segment scenario.

8. The signaling processing method according to claim 2, wherein The step of identifying whether the current is in a single number segment scenario according to the second service information includes: According to the Public Land Mobile Network Identity (PLMNID) carried in the second service information, detecting whether the service request is a service request in a roaming scenario; After detecting that the service request is a service request in a roaming scenario, determining that the current is in a single number segment scenario.

9. A network function network element, characterized in that, The network function network element includes a processor and a memory, and the memory stores a program or instruction that can run on the processor. When the program or instruction is executed by the processor, the signaling processing method described in any one of claims 1 to 8 is implemented.

10. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, A program or instruction is stored on the computer-readable storage medium. When the program or instruction is executed by a processor, the signaling processing method described in any one of claims 1 to 8 is implemented.

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