A network element determination method and device

Abstract

The embodiment of the present application discloses a network element determination method and device. When a consumer network element needs to obtain a service function, a service request including a service identifier corresponding to the required service function can be sent to a forwarding node. The forwarding node can determine an identifier set based on the service identifier. The identifier information included in the identifier set is used to identify the service party network element that provides the service function, and the state prediction information of the service party network element can be determined based on the identifier information. The state prediction information is used to identify the state change trend of the service party network element. When determining the target service party network element that responds to the service request, the state prediction information can be used as a basis for determination, so that the future state change trend of the determined target service party node can meet the service requirements of the consumer network element, thereby improving the stability of the indirect communication method.

Description

[0001] This application is required to be submitted to the China Patent Office on September 27, 2019, with application number

[0002] 201910927240.9, the priority of the Chinese patent application entitled “A method and device for determining a network element”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference in this application. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of data processing, and in particular to a method and device for determining a network element. Background Art

[0004] With the development of network services, network elements in the network, such as network functions (NF), can provide and obtain various service functions. Services can include various functions that the NF can support, etc. In the network, the network element that provides service functions can be a producer network element, which belongs to the service producer in the service (service producer), and the network element that obtains the service function provided by the producer network element can be a consumer network element, which belongs to the service consumer in the service (service consumer). The producer network element and the consumer network element can be a network function or a service.

[0005] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has proposed an indirect communication method in the network for the core network of the fifth generation mobile communication technology (5G), in which the communication messages between the producer network elements and the consumer network elements in the network are forwarded through a forwarding node such as a service communication proxy (SCP).

[0006] Therefore, when the consumer network element needs to obtain the service function provided by the producer network element, it needs to send a service request to the forwarding node, and the forwarding node determines the producer network element that provides the service function for the consumer network element from the producer network elements. Summary of the invention

[0007] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present application provides a network element determination method and device, which improves the stability of the indirect communication mode.

[0008] The embodiments of the present application disclose the following technical solutions:

[0009] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for determining a network element, the method comprising:

[0010] Acquire a service request sent by a consumer network element, wherein the service request includes a service identifier of a service function requested by the consumer network element;

[0011] Determine an identification set corresponding to the service identification, where the identification information included in the identification set is used to identify the service party network element that provides the service function;

[0012] Determine the state prediction information of the service party network element according to the identification information in the identification set; the state prediction information is used to identify the state change trend of the service party network element;

[0013] Determine a target service provider network element that responds to the service request from the service provider network elements according to the state prediction information;

[0014] Forward the service request to the target service provider network element.

[0015] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a network element determination device, the device comprising an acquisition unit, a determination unit and a forwarding unit:

[0016] The acquisition unit is used to acquire a service request sent by a consumer network element, wherein the service request includes a service identifier of a service function requested by the consumer network element;

[0017] The determining unit is used to determine an identification set corresponding to the service identification, and the identification information included in the identification set is used to identify the service party network element that provides the service function;

[0018] The determining unit is further used to determine the state prediction information of the service party network element according to the identification information in the identification set; the state prediction information is used to identify the state change trend of the service party network element;

[0019] The determining unit is further configured to determine a target service provider network element that responds to the service request from the service provider network elements according to the state prediction information;

[0020] The forwarding unit is used to forward the service request to the target service provider network element.

[0021] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a device, the device comprising a processor and a memory:

[0022] The memory is used to store program code and transmit the program code to the processor;

[0023] The processor is configured to execute the method according to the instructions in the program code.

[0024] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium is used to store program code, and the program code is used to execute the method described in the first aspect.

[0025] It can be seen from the above technical solution that when the consumer network element needs to obtain a service function, it can send a service request including a service identifier corresponding to the required service function to the forwarding node. The forwarding node can determine an identifier set based on the service identifier, and the identifier information included in the identifier set is used to identify the service network element that provides the service function, and can determine the state prediction information of the service network element based on the identifier information, and the state prediction information is used to identify the state change trend of the service network element. When determining the target service network element that responds to the service request, the state prediction information can be used as a basis for determination, so that the future state change trend of the determined target service node can meet the service requirements of the consumer network element, thereby improving the stability of the indirect communication method. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative labor.

[0027] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a network architecture in an indirect communication mode;

[0028] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a network architecture in an indirect communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 3 A method flow chart of a network element determination method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 4a A flow chart of indirect communication provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 4b A business process signaling diagram for indirect communication provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 5 A device structure diagram of a network element determination device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Figure 6 A structural diagram of a device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 7A structural diagram of a server provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The embodiments of the present application are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0036] In the indirect communication method proposed for the 5G core network, communication messages between producer network elements and consumer network elements in the network are forwarded through forwarding nodes.

[0037] However, when the forwarding node selects the corresponding producer network element for the consumer network element, the related technologies mostly use random or polling methods to select from the producer network element list, for example Figure 1 In a network architecture of a related technology shown, when the SCP as a forwarding node obtains a service request from a consumer network element, based on the discovery and selection parameters carried in the service request, the SCP can obtain a list of producer network elements corresponding to the parameters through a network registration storage function (Network Repository Function, NRF). The SCP can select a producer network element from the list as the target producer network element that responds to the service request by random or polling, and forward the service response of the target producer network element to the consumer network element.

[0038] In the process of selecting the target producer network element, SCP did not consider whether the possible status of the selected producer network element in the future would be suitable for the service requirements of the consumer network element. As a result, when the consumer network element obtains and uses the services provided by the producer network element, problems such as excessive load, service congestion, low network element processing efficiency, high bit error rate, and low transmission speed often occur.

[0039] To this end, an embodiment of the present application provides a network element determination method, in which when a forwarding node determines a corresponding producer network element for a consumer network element, it obtains state prediction information of the producer network element, and determines a target service network element that responds to the service request from the producer network element based on the state prediction information, so that the future state change trend of the determined target service node can meet the service requirements of the consumer network element, thereby improving the stability of the indirect communication method.

[0040] The above method provided in the embodiment of the present application can be applied to a forwarding node in a network, and the forwarding node can be configured on a processing device connected to the network, and is used to provide a communication message forwarding function for various network elements in the network through the processing device. The processing device can be a server. The server can be an independent server or a server in a cluster.

[0041] The network element in the network can be a device in the network, which can independently complete certain transmission functions, such as the aforementioned NF. NF is a processing function in a network adopted or defined by 3GPP. It has defined functional behaviors and interfaces defined by 3GPP.

[0042] The role of a network element in the network may change depending on whether it is currently in a state of providing service functions or obtaining service functions. For example, when a network element is currently in a state of providing service functions, then the network element can be determined as a producer network element. When the network element is currently in a state of obtaining service functions, then the network element can be determined as a consumer network element.

[0043] For example, Figure 2 In a network architecture scenario of an embodiment of the present application shown, when the consumer network element 100 needs to obtain a service function, it can send a service request including a service identifier corresponding to the required service function to the forwarding node 200. The forwarding node 200 determines an identifier set 301 based on the service identifier, and the identifier information included in the identifier set 301 is used to identify the service network element that provides the service function.

[0044] The forwarding node 200 determines the state prediction information 302 of the service-side network element based on the identification information 301 , where the state prediction information 302 is used to identify the state change trend of the service-side network element.

[0045] When the forwarding node 200 determines the target service provider network element 400 that responds to the service request, the state prediction information can be used as a basis for determination. For example, based on the state prediction information, a service provider node that is about to fail or may have a relatively high load in the future may not be selected, but a service provider node that is not predicted to fail in the future or may have a relatively low load in the future may be selected as the target service provider node 400. This ensures that the future state change trend of the determined target service provider node 400 can meet the actual service needs of the consumer network element, and the service processing efficiency, bit error rate, and transmission speed in the subsequent service process meet normal standards, thereby improving the stability of the indirect communication method.

[0046] Figure 3 A network element determination method provided in an embodiment of the present application includes:

[0047] S301: Obtain a service request sent by a consumer network element.

[0048] When the consumer network element needs to obtain a service function from the network, the forwarding node can obtain a corresponding service request from the consumer network element, where the service request includes a service identifier of the service function required by the consumer network element. For example, the service identifier can reflect the type of the service function.

[0049] In a possible implementation, the service identifier may be carried in the discovery and selection parameters. In addition to the service identifier, the parameters may also include time information of the service function required by the consumer network element.

[0050] S302: Determine an identifier set corresponding to the service identifier.

[0051] The forwarding node can determine the service provider network element that provides the service function identified by the service identifier based on the service identifier. The number of determined service provider network elements is generally multiple, and the identification information corresponding to these service provider network elements respectively constitutes the above identification set.

[0052] In an optional implementation manner, after obtaining the service identifier, the forwarding node may send the service identifier to a storage network element such as an NRF, so as to obtain an identifier set corresponding to the service identifier from the storage network element.

[0053] In an optional implementation, if the forwarding node has already obtained the identification set corresponding to the service identification and its validity period before obtaining the aforementioned service request, and cached the identification set and validity period, when the identification set is still within the validity period, the forwarding node can continue to use the identification set without repeatedly obtaining it from the storage network element, thereby reducing the number of network interactions and the delay of service interactions.

[0054] Then, when S302 is executed, the forwarding node may determine, based on the service identifier, whether the identification information of the service provider network element providing the service function is stored locally and whether the information is within the valid time.

[0055] If so, determine the identification set according to the identification information of the service provider network element that provides the service function.

[0056] If not, it means that the local cache does not have the identification set, and the forwarding node can request the storage network element to obtain the identification set according to the service identifier.

[0057] It should be noted that the identification set in this step can be in various forms, for example, in the form of a list.

[0058] S303: Determine the state prediction information of the service provider network element according to the identification information in the identification set.

[0059] Since the identification set includes identification information of multiple service provider network elements, the state prediction information determined by this step can reflect the state prediction information corresponding to the multiple service provider network elements respectively.

[0060] The state prediction information of any service provider network element is used to identify the state change trend of the service provider network element. The state change trend may reflect the possible state change of the service provider network element in the future, or may further include the possible degree of change.

[0061] In the embodiment of the present application, the state of the service-side network element can be predicted to be a state that will affect the provided service function or be associated with the provided service function when the service-side network element provides the service function.

[0062] In an optional implementation, the state may at least include a load condition and / or a fault state.

[0063] Correspondingly, if the call request requests a load prediction, the state prediction information includes any one or more combinations of load state, resource usage or network function state. Which one or more items are included can be set according to the application scenario and actual needs.

[0064] In a possible implementation, the state prediction information may specifically include one or more of the above items, mainly based on which one or more load conditions can be obtained. For example, when only the load status is included in the load conditions determined by prediction, the state prediction information obtained by the forwarding node includes the load status, but does not include resource usage and network function status.

[0065] The load status may reflect the load change trend of the service provider's network element, such as the possible high or low load in the future, and the change situation.

[0066] The resource usage status may include the resource usage trend of the service provider network element, etc.

[0067] The network function status may include the network function status trend of the service provider network element, etc.

[0068] If the state is a fault state, the state prediction information can reflect the fault trend of the service-side network element, such as whether a fault will occur in the future, or the probability of a possible fault.

[0069] The status prediction information of the service-side network element may include the following information (the following table is an example):

[0070] The content of the state prediction information reflecting the load state, resource usage, and network function state may be as shown in Table 1 below:

[0071]

[0072] Table 1

[0073] Table 1 shows the predictable items related to load prediction in the state prediction information within the prediction period (the effective time window used to identify the prediction results, in English: Analytics target period), which overall reflects the relevant content of predictable states such as load status, resource usage, network function status, etc. in the state prediction information.

[0074] For example, the items "NF load" and "NF peak load" are prediction contents related to load status, the item "NF status" is prediction contents related to network function status, and the item "NF resource usage" is prediction contents related to resource usage. Of course, the above are only examples, and do not limit the relationship between different items and specific states to be predicted to be only in this way.

[0075] An example of the content of the status prediction information reflecting the fault status is shown in Table 2 below:

[0076]

[0077] Table 2

[0078] S304: Determine a target service provider network element that responds to the service request from the service provider network elements according to the state prediction information.

[0079] Since the status prediction information of each service provider network element providing the above service function is obtained through S303, the forwarding node can use the status prediction information of each service provider network element as a basis for determining the target service provider network element, thereby determining the target service provider network element that responds to the service request.

[0080] S305: Forward the service request to the target service provider network element.

[0081] It can be seen that when the consumer network element needs to obtain a service function, it can send a service request including a service identifier corresponding to the required service function to the forwarding node. The forwarding node can determine an identifier set based on the service identifier, and the identifier information included in the identifier set is used to identify the service network element that provides the service function, and can determine the state prediction information of the service network element based on the identifier information, and the state prediction information is used to identify the state change trend of the service network element. When determining the target service network element that responds to the service request, the state prediction information can be used as a basis for determination, so that the future state change trend of the determined target service node can meet the service requirements of the consumer network element, thereby improving the stability of the indirect communication method.

[0082] It should be noted that the embodiment of the present application does not limit the source from which the forwarding node in S303 obtains the state prediction information of the service party network element. It can be obtained locally or from other sources. Several possible implementation methods of S303 are described below.

[0083] The first implementation method: obtaining from the data analysis network element.

[0084] S3031: Send a call request to the data analysis network element.

[0085] S3032: Obtain status prediction information of the service provider network element from the data analysis network element.

[0086] In the embodiment of the present application, the data analysis network element may have the function of analyzing various types of data in the network, so as to predict the possible state of a network element in the future period. For example, the data analysis network element may be a network data analysis function (Network Data Analytics Function, NWDAF).

[0087] The call request sent by the forwarding node is used to request prediction of the state of the service party network element identified by the identification information in the identification set. The call request may include the identification information in the identification set.

[0088] The data analysis network element may collect historical data of the service provider network element identified by the identification information, and thereby predict the status prediction information of the service provider network element within a certain period of time in the future.

[0089] The action of the forwarding node sending the call request may belong to the behavior of calling the interface of the data analysis network element to obtain the prediction service provided by the data analysis network element.

[0090] It should be noted that, as mentioned above, the state of the service side network element to be predicted is the state that will affect the service function provided when the service side network element provides a service function, or the state associated with the service function provided, which may include load state and / or fault state.

[0091] The forwarding node can clarify the specific state that needs to be predicted through a call request. If the call request requests a prediction of the load state, the state prediction information includes the load change trend of the service party network element; if the call request requests a prediction of the fault state, the state prediction information includes the fault trend of the service party network element.

[0092] Specifically, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for setting a call request so that a data analysis network element can identify what service function is specifically called by a forwarding node.

[0093] The forwarding node may identify the state of the requested prediction by setting the content of the analysis prediction identification field in the call request.

[0094] The analysis prediction identification field may be the Analytics Id field in the call request, and different call requirements may be identified by setting different contents in the field, for example, setting the field to "load information" and / or "NF fault warning".

[0095] For example, when the forwarding node is SCP and the data analysis network element is NWDAF, the identification set is a list of NF producers or NFservice producers.

[0096] If SCP calls the load prediction service of NWDAF and the Analytics Id field in the call request is set to "load information", NWDAF returns the load prediction information of the NF or NF service in the NF producer or NF service producer list in the call request to SCP;

[0097] If SCP calls the fault warning service of NWDAF and the Analytics Id field in the call request is set to "NF fault warning", SCP returns the fault warning information of the NF or NF service in the NF producer or NF service producer list to SCP.

[0098] It should be noted that, in a possible implementation, the call request also includes prediction time indication information, then the status prediction information obtained from the data analysis network element also includes the status validity time of the service provider network element.

[0099] The state validity time may refer to the possible time period of a certain state, etc.

[0100] Correspondingly, in the above example, if the call request also includes prediction time indication information, the load prediction information and / or fault warning information returned by NWDAF may also carry the effective time of the prediction information of each NF or NF service, that is, the prediction result is only valid within the effective time. If the effective time is exceeded, the prediction result will be invalid.

[0101] The second implementation method: Get from the local cache.

[0102] After the forwarding node obtains the status prediction information returned by the data analysis network element, it can cache it locally.

[0103] Therefore, before executing S3031, the forwarding node may determine whether valid status prediction information corresponding to the service-side network element is stored locally.

[0104] The so-called validity here can be understood as whether the content indicated by the locally cached state prediction information is within the valid time, and can also be understood as whether the corresponding state prediction information is cached locally.

[0105] When the state prediction information corresponding to the service-side network element is cached locally and its content is in the valid time, it can be determined that the valid state prediction information corresponding to the service-side network element is cached locally. The state prediction information cached locally can be directly determined as the state prediction information of the service-side network element. This reduces the information interaction between the forwarding node and the data analysis network element and improves the processing efficiency.

[0106] When the corresponding state prediction information is not cached, or the state prediction information of the content in the invalid time is cached, it can be determined that there is no valid state prediction information corresponding to the service party network element in the local cache. S3031 can be executed to obtain valid state prediction information from the data analysis network element. In order to obtain the latest state prediction information, the processing accuracy is improved.

[0107] The third implementation method: obtaining from a storage network element.

[0108] In this implementation, the forwarding node can directly obtain the identification set and state prediction information by sending a call request to the storage network element. That is, the aforementioned S302 and S303 are implemented by sending a call request to the storage network element, thereby saving possible additional signaling interaction times and improving overall efficiency.

[0109] Specifically, the forwarding node may send a call request to the storage network element according to the service identifier, and through the call request, a call response may be obtained from the storage network element, where the call response includes the identifier set and the state prediction information.

[0110] The state prediction information may be stored in the storage network element, or may be obtained by the storage network element from other network elements based on the determined identification set. For example, the state prediction information may be obtained by the storage network element from the data analysis network element based on the identification set.

[0111] Next, the specific application scenarios of the embodiments of the present application are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 4a As shown:

[0112] 1. A service consumer sends a service request to the SCP (forwarding node 200). The service request carries the type of the service producer and related discovery and selection parameters.

[0113] 2. When SCP does not store the list information of service producers that meet the selection parameters locally, it will execute the service discovery process of NRF (storage network element) and send an agent discovery request (i.e. the aforementioned call request) to NRF.

[0114] 3. NRF obtains the list of service producers based on the relevant parameters in the proxy discovery request, and calls the status prediction service of NWDAF (data analysis network element), and sends the information in the service producer list to NWDAF. The prediction information may include the following information:

[0115] -Indicates that the forecast type is service load information, for example, the Analytics Id is set to "load information";

[0116] -Analysis and prediction filtering information: ID information of each service instance;

[0117] - Forecast time indication: indicates the time period information for which the forecast is requested;

[0118] NWDAF returns the load prediction information of NF or NF service in the prediction request to NRF; if NRF calls the fault warning service of NWDAF, NWDAF returns the fault warning information of NF or NF service in the NF / NF service producer list to NRF. In the return message of NWDAF, the validity period of the prediction information of each NF or NF service can also be carried, that is, the prediction result is only valid within this time, and the prediction result will be invalid after this time.

[0119] NRF will save the prediction result. For the service producer instance in the service producer instance list generated for the subsequent service discovery request, if the NRF has a valid prediction result for the service producer instance, it will not initiate a prediction request for the service producer instance. If the NRF does not have a valid prediction result for the service producer instance, it will initiate a status prediction request to NWDAF.

[0120] 4. NRF sends the service producer instance list to SCP. The message contains the prediction information of each service producer instance to assist SCP in selecting service producers.

[0121] 5. SCP will select a NF or NF service with a lighter load or no fault warning information as the service producer instance, and send the service request message to the service producer instance.

[0122] 6-7. The service producer sends a service response message to SCP, and SCP sends the service response message to the service consumer.

[0123] Next, another specific application scenario of the embodiment of the present application is described by means of the accompanying drawings. Figure 4b As shown:

[0124] 1. The service consumer sends a service request message to the SCP. The message carries the type of the service producer and related discovery and selection parameters.

[0125] 2. When SCP does not save the list information of service producers that meet the selection parameters locally, it will execute the service discovery process of NRF, send the service discovery parameters to NRF, and obtain the list information of NF producers from NRF.

[0126] 3. SCP calls the prediction service of NWDAF and sends the information of the instance in the service producer list to NWDAF. The prediction information may include the following information:

[0127] -Indicates that the forecast type is service load information, for example: the analysis forecast ID is set to "load information";

[0128] -Analysis and prediction filtering information: ID information of each service instance;

[0129] - Forecast time indication: indicates the time period information for which the forecast is requested.

[0130] If the prediction service of the fault warning information of NWDAF is called, the prediction type is indicated as fault warning information, for example, the analysis prediction ID is set to "NF fault warning".

[0131] 4. If SCP calls the load prediction service of NWDAF, NWDAF returns the load prediction information of NF or NFservice in the prediction request to SCP; if SCP calls the fault warning service of NWDAF, SCP returns the fault warning information of NF or NF service in the NF / NFservice producer list to SCP. The return message of NWDAF can also carry the validity period of the prediction information of each NF or NF service, that is, the prediction result is only valid within this time. If this time is exceeded, the prediction result will be invalid. SCP will save the prediction result. For the service producer instance in the service discovery result received later, if the SCP has a valid prediction result for the service producer instance, it will not initiate a prediction request for the service producer instance.

[0132] 5. SCP assists in selecting service producers based on the prediction results of NWDAF. SCP will select NFs or NF services with light load or no fault warning information as service producer instances, and send the service request message to the service producer instances.

[0133] 6. NF / NF service producer sends a service response message to SCP. SCP sends the service response message to NF / NF service consumer.

[0134] It should be noted that although the forwarding node executing the embodiment of the present application is on the forwarding link between the service provider network element and the consumer network element, in some application scenarios, there may be one or more hops of data forwarding between the forwarding node and the service provider network element. In other words, the forwarding node is not directly connected to the service provider network element, and there is at least one hop of forwarding equipment in the middle, such as other forwarding nodes.

[0135] In this scenario, for the sake of ease of explanation, the forwarding node that executes the embodiment of the present application in the above application scenario is defined as a first forwarding node, and other forwarding nodes on the link between the first forwarding node and the service party network element, which serve as next-hop devices of the first forwarding node, are defined as second forwarding nodes.

[0136] In the embodiment of the present application, there are multiple second forwarding nodes, so the formed links may include at least the following:

[0137] Link 1: Consumer NE First forwarding node Second forwarding node 1 Service provider network element

[0138] Link 2: Consumer NE First forwarding node Second forwarding node 2 Service provider network element

[0139] It should be noted that the above link forms are only examples for convenience of description, and it is possible that there is one or more hops of data forwarding between the second forwarding node and the service-side network element.

[0140] In addition, in the link shown above, the embodiment of the present application does not limit whether the service party network element connected to the second forwarding node 1 is consistent with the service party network element connected to the second forwarding node 2. For example, they can be completely consistent, partially consistent or even completely inconsistent.

[0141] After the first forwarding node sends a call request to the storage network element, it can obtain load prediction information from the storage network element. The load prediction information may include the next-hop network element of the first forwarding node, that is, the load prediction of multiple second forwarding nodes. For example, the load prediction of the second forwarding node 1 and the load prediction of the second forwarding node 2 in the above example. The load prediction can reflect the future load of the second forwarding node. The first forwarding node can select a lower load from multiple second forwarding nodes as the target forwarding node based on the load prediction information, and the target forwarding node will continue to determine the target service party network element that meets the service request.

[0142] Another optional implementation method is that after the first forwarding node sends a service call request to the storage network element, it obtains the list information of the next-hop network element from the storage network element, that is, the list information of multiple second forwarding nodes. The first forwarding node will further obtain the load prediction information of each second forwarding node, and the prediction information can be the load prediction information already stored in the first forwarding node, or the load prediction information of each second forwarding node obtained by calling the data analysis network element. Then the first forwarding node can select a lower load from multiple second forwarding nodes as the target forwarding node based on the load prediction information, and the target forwarding node will continue to determine the target service party network element that meets the service request.

[0143] Through the above method, it is possible to use forwarding nodes with better load to forward related data between forwarding consumer network elements and service network elements, thereby improving the efficiency of consumer network elements in obtaining services provided by producer network elements and improving situations such as jams that may be caused in the forwarding process.

[0144] The embodiment of the present application also provides a network element determination device, such as Figure 5 As shown, the network element determination device 500 includes an acquisition unit 501, a determination unit 502 and a forwarding unit 503:

[0145] The acquisition unit 501 is used to acquire a service request sent by a consumer network element, wherein the service request includes a service identifier of a service function requested by the consumer network element;

[0146] The determining unit 502 is used to determine an identification set corresponding to the service identification, and the identification information included in the identification set is used to identify the service party network element that provides the service function;

[0147] The determining unit 502 is further configured to determine the state prediction information of the service-side network element according to the identification information in the identification set; the state prediction information is used to identify the state change trend of the service-side network element;

[0148] The determining unit 502 is further configured to determine a target service provider network element that responds to the service request from the service provider network elements according to the state prediction information;

[0149] The forwarding unit 503 is used to forward the service request to the target service provider network element.

[0150] Optionally, the determining unit further includes a sending subunit and an acquiring subunit:

[0151] The sending subunit is used to send a call request to the data analysis network element, wherein the call request is used to request prediction of the state of the service party network element identified by the identification information in the identification set;

[0152] The acquisition subunit is used to acquire the status prediction information of the service provider network element from the data analysis network element.

[0153] Optionally, the determining unit is further configured to:

[0154] Sending a call request to a storage network element according to the service identifier, wherein the call request includes the service identifier;

[0155] Obtain a call response returned by the storage network element in response to the call request, wherein the call response includes the identification set and the state prediction information.

[0156] Optionally, the state prediction information is determined by the data analysis network element based on the identifier set.

[0157] Optionally, the device further includes a judging unit:

[0158] The judging unit is used to judge whether the valid status prediction information corresponding to the service party network element is stored locally;

[0159] If so, determining the valid state prediction information as the state prediction information of the service-side network element;

[0160] If not, the sending subunit is triggered.

[0161] Optionally, the state predicted by the calling request includes a load condition and / or a fault condition;

[0162] If the invocation request requests prediction of a fault state, the state prediction information includes a fault trend of the service provider network element;

[0163] If the call request requests a prediction of the load condition, the status prediction information includes any one or a combination of multiple of the load condition, resource usage condition or network function condition.

[0164] Optionally, the device further comprises a setting unit:

[0165] The setting unit is used to identify the status of the requested prediction by setting the content of the analysis prediction identification field in the call request.

[0166] Optionally, the method is performed by a first forwarding node, and if the next-hop network element of the first forwarding node on the forwarding link between the consumer network element and the service network element is a plurality of second forwarding nodes, the determining unit is further used to:

[0167] Acquire the load prediction information of the plurality of second forwarding nodes from the storage network element according to the service identifier;

[0168] Determine a target forwarding node from the plurality of second forwarding nodes according to the load prediction information;

[0169] Send the service request to the target forwarding node.

[0170] Optionally, the call request also includes prediction time indication information, then the status prediction information obtained from the data analysis network element also includes the status validity time of the service provider network element.

[0171] Optionally, the determining unit is further used to determine whether identification information of a service party network element providing the service function is stored locally according to the service identifier;

[0172] If so, determining the identification set according to the identification information of the service party network element providing the service function;

[0173] If not, request the storage network element to obtain the identification set according to the service identification.

[0174] The embodiment of the present application also provides a device, which can determine a network element. The device is introduced below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Figure 6 As shown, the embodiment of the present application provides a device 600, which can also be a terminal device. The terminal device can be any intelligent terminal including a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a point of sales (POS), a car computer, etc., and the terminal device is a mobile phone as an example:

[0175] Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a partial structure of a mobile phone related to a terminal device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 6The mobile phone includes: a radio frequency (RF) circuit 610, a memory 620, an input unit 630, a display unit 640, a sensor 650, an audio circuit 660, a wireless fidelity (WiFi) module 670, a processor 680, and a power supply 690. Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 6 The mobile phone structure shown in the figure does not constitute a limitation on the mobile phone, and may include more or fewer components than shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or arrange the components differently.

[0176] Combine the following Figure 6 A detailed introduction to the various components of the mobile phone:

[0177] The RF circuit 610 can be used for receiving and sending signals during the process of sending and receiving information or making calls. In particular, after receiving the downlink information of the base station, it is sent to the processor 680 for processing; in addition, the designed uplink data is sent to the base station. Usually, the RF circuit 610 includes but is not limited to an antenna, at least one amplifier, a transceiver, a coupler, a low noise amplifier (Low Noise Amplifier, referred to as LNA), a duplexer, etc. In addition, the RF circuit 610 can also communicate with the network and other devices through wireless communication. The above-mentioned wireless communication can use any communication standard or protocol, including but not limited to the Global System of Mobile communication (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), email, Short Messaging Service (SMS), etc.

[0178] The memory 620 can be used to store software programs and modules. The processor 680 executes various functional applications and data processing of the mobile phone by running the software programs and modules stored in the memory 620. The memory 620 can mainly include a program storage area and a data storage area, wherein the program storage area can store an operating system, an application required for at least one function (such as a sound playback function, an image playback function, etc.), etc.; the data storage area can store data created according to the use of the mobile phone (such as audio data, a phone book, etc.), etc. In addition, the memory 620 can include a high-speed random access memory, and can also include a non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, a flash memory device, or other volatile solid-state storage devices.

[0179] The input unit 630 can be used to receive input digital or character information, and to generate key signal input related to the user settings and function control of the mobile phone. Specifically, the input unit 630 may include a touch panel 631 and other input devices 632. The touch panel 631, also known as a touch screen, can collect the user's touch operation on or near it (such as the user's operation on the touch panel 631 or near the touch panel 631 using any suitable object or accessory such as a finger, stylus, etc.), and drive the corresponding connection device according to a pre-set program. Optionally, the touch panel 631 may include two parts: a touch detection device and a touch controller. Among them, the touch detection device detects the user's touch orientation, detects the signal brought by the touch operation, and transmits the signal to the touch controller; the touch controller receives the touch information from the touch detection device, converts it into contact coordinates, and then sends it to the processor 680, and can receive and execute commands sent by the processor 680. In addition, the touch panel 631 can be implemented in various types such as resistive, capacitive, infrared, and surface acoustic waves. In addition to the touch panel 631, the input unit 630 may also include other input devices 632. Specifically, the other input devices 632 may include but are not limited to one or more of a physical keyboard, function keys (such as volume control keys, switch keys, etc.), a trackball, a mouse, a joystick, etc.

[0180] The display unit 640 can be used to display information input by the user or information provided to the user and various menus of the mobile phone. The display unit 640 may include a display panel 641. Optionally, the display panel 641 may be configured in the form of a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), etc. Further, the touch panel 631 may cover the display panel 641. When the touch panel 631 detects a touch operation on or near it, it is transmitted to the processor 680 to determine the type of touch event. Subsequently, the processor 680 provides a corresponding visual output on the display panel 641 according to the type of touch event. Although in Figure 6 In the embodiment, the touch panel 631 and the display panel 641 are used as two independent components to realize the input and output functions of the mobile phone, but in some embodiments, the touch panel 631 and the display panel 641 can be integrated to realize the input and output functions of the mobile phone.

[0181] The mobile phone may also include at least one sensor 650, such as a light sensor, a motion sensor, and other sensors. Specifically, the light sensor may include an ambient light sensor and a proximity sensor, wherein the ambient light sensor may adjust the brightness of the display panel 641 according to the brightness of the ambient light, and the proximity sensor may turn off the display panel 641 and / or the backlight when the mobile phone is moved to the ear. As a type of motion sensor, the accelerometer sensor can detect the magnitude of acceleration in all directions (generally three axes), and can detect the magnitude and direction of gravity when stationary. It can be used for applications that identify the posture of the mobile phone (such as horizontal and vertical screen switching, related games, magnetometer posture calibration), vibration recognition related functions (such as pedometer, tapping), etc.; as for other sensors that can be configured in the mobile phone, such as gyroscopes, barometers, hygrometers, thermometers, infrared sensors, etc., they will not be repeated here.

[0182] The audio circuit 660, the speaker 661, and the microphone 662 can provide an audio interface between the user and the mobile phone. The audio circuit 660 can transmit the received audio data to the speaker 661 after converting the received audio data into an electrical signal, which is converted into a sound signal for output; on the other hand, the microphone 662 converts the collected sound signal into an electrical signal, which is received by the audio circuit 660 and converted into audio data, and then the audio data is output to the processor 680 for processing, and then sent to another mobile phone through the RF circuit 610, or the audio data is output to the memory 620 for further processing.

[0183] WiFi is a short-range wireless transmission technology. The mobile phone can help users send and receive emails, browse web pages and access streaming media through the WiFi module 670. It provides users with wireless broadband Internet access. Figure 6A WiFi module 670 is shown, but it is understandable that it is not an essential component of the mobile phone and can be omitted as needed without changing the essence of the invention.

[0184] The processor 680 is the control center of the mobile phone. It uses various interfaces and lines to connect various parts of the entire mobile phone. It executes various functions of the mobile phone and processes data by running or executing software programs and / or modules stored in the memory 620, and calling data stored in the memory 620. Optionally, the processor 680 may include one or more processing units; preferably, the processor 680 may integrate an application processor and a modem processor, wherein the application processor mainly processes the operating system, user interface, and application programs, and the modem processor mainly processes wireless communications. It is understandable that the above-mentioned modem processor may not be integrated into the processor 680.

[0185] The mobile phone also includes a power supply 690 (such as a battery) for supplying power to various components. Preferably, the power supply can be logically connected to the processor 680 through a power management system, so that the power management system can manage charging, discharging, power consumption and other functions.

[0186] Although not shown, the mobile phone may also include a camera, a Bluetooth module, etc., which will not be described in detail here.

[0187] In this embodiment, the processor 680 included in the terminal device also has the following functions:

[0188] Acquire a service request sent by a consumer network element, wherein the service request includes a service identifier of a service function requested by the consumer network element;

[0189] Determine an identification set corresponding to the service identification, where the identification information included in the identification set is used to identify the service party network element that provides the service function;

[0190] Determine the state prediction information of the service party network element according to the identification information in the identification set; the state prediction information is used to identify the state change trend of the service party network element;

[0191] Determine a target service provider network element that responds to the service request from the service provider network elements according to the state prediction information;

[0192] Forward the service request to the target service provider network element.

[0193] This application embodiment also provides a server, see Figure 7 As shown, Figure 7The structural diagram of the server 700 provided in the embodiment of the present application, the server 700 may have relatively large differences due to different configurations or performances, and may include one or more central processing units (CPU) 722 (for example, one or more processors) and a memory 732, and one or more storage media 730 (for example, one or more mass storage devices) storing application programs 742 or data 744. Among them, the memory 732 and the storage medium 730 can be temporary storage or permanent storage. The program stored in the storage medium 730 may include one or more modules (not shown in the figure), and each module may include a series of instruction operations on the server. Furthermore, the central processing unit 722 can be configured to communicate with the storage medium 730 and execute a series of instruction operations in the storage medium 730 on the server 700.

[0194] The server 700 may also include one or more power supplies 726, one or more wired or wireless network interfaces 750, one or more input and output interfaces 758, and / or one or more operating systems 741, such as Windows ServerTM, Mac OS XTM, UnixTM, LinuxTM, FreeBSDTM, etc.

[0195] The steps performed by the server in the above embodiment can be based on the Figure 7 The server structure shown.

[0196] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium is used to store program code, and the program code is used to execute the network element determination method described in the aforementioned embodiments.

[0197] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program product including instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the network element determination method described in the aforementioned embodiments.

[0198] The terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. (if any) in the specification of the present application and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the data used in this way can be interchangeable where appropriate, so that the embodiments of the present application described herein can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein, for example. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any of their variations are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, for example, a process, method, system, product or device comprising a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units clearly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0199] It should be understood that in the present application, "at least one (item)" means one or more, and "plurality" means two or more. "And / or" is used to describe the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: only A exists, only B exists, and A and B exist at the same time, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the objects associated before and after are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b or c can mean: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c", where a, b, c can be single or multiple.

[0200] In the several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only schematic. For example, the division of the 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 an indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0201] 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.

[0202] 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 software functional units.

[0203] If the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application is essentially or the part that contributes to the prior art or all or part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product, and the computer software product is stored in a storage medium, including a number of instructions to enable a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to perform all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: U disk, mobile hard disk, read-only memory (Read-Only Memory, referred to as ROM), random access memory (RandomAccess Memory, referred to as RAM), disk or optical disk and other media that can store program codes.

[0204] As described above, the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A network element determination method, characterized in that: The method comprises: Acquire a service request sent by a consumer network element, wherein the service request includes a service identifier of a service function requested by the consumer network element; Determine an identification set corresponding to the service identification, where the identification information included in the identification set is used to identify the service party network element that provides the service function; Determining whether valid status prediction information corresponding to the service provider network element is stored locally; If so, determining the valid state prediction information as the state prediction information of the service-side network element; If not, determining the state prediction information of the service party network element according to the identification information in the identification set; the state prediction information is used to identify the state change trend of the service party network element; the state of the service party network element includes a load state and a fault state; the state prediction information includes a load change trend and a fault trend of the service party network element; Determine a target service provider network element that responds to the service request from the service provider network elements according to the state prediction information; Forwarding the service request to the target service provider network element; The determining the state prediction information of the service party network element according to the identification information in the identification set includes: Sending a call request to the data analysis network element, the call request being used to request prediction of the state of the service party network element identified by the identification information in the identification set; The status prediction information of the service provider network element is obtained from the data analysis network element.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The determining of the identification set corresponding to the service identification, and the determining of the state prediction information of the service party network element according to the identification information in the identification set, further includes: Sending a call request to the storage network element according to the service identifier; Obtain a call response returned by the storage network element in response to the call request, wherein the call response includes the identification set and the state prediction information.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The state prediction information is determined by the data analysis network element according to the identification set.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The state of the requested prediction is identified by setting the content of the analysis prediction identification field in the call request.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: If the call request also includes prediction time indication information, then the status prediction information obtained from the data analysis network element also includes the status validity time of the service provider network element.

6. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The method is performed by a first forwarding node. If the next-hop network element of the first forwarding node on the forwarding link between the consumer network element and the service network element is a plurality of second forwarding nodes, the method further includes: Acquire load prediction information of the plurality of second forwarding nodes according to the service identifier; Determine a target forwarding node from the plurality of second forwarding nodes according to the load prediction information; Send the service request to the target forwarding node.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The determining the set of identifiers corresponding to the service identifier includes: Determine whether identification information of a service provider network element providing the service function is stored locally according to the service identification; If so, determining the identification set according to the identification information of the service party network element providing the service function; If not, request the storage network element to obtain the identification set according to the service identification.

8. A network element determination device, characterized in that: The device comprises an acquisition unit, a judgment unit, a determination unit and a forwarding unit: The acquisition unit is used to acquire a service request sent by a consumer network element, wherein the service request includes a service identifier of a service function requested by the consumer network element; The determining unit is used to determine an identification set corresponding to the service identification, and the identification information included in the identification set is used to identify the service party network element that provides the service function; The determining unit is further used to determine the state prediction information of the service party network element according to the identification information in the identification set; the state prediction information is used to identify the state change trend of the service party network element; the state of the service party network element includes a load state and a fault state; the state prediction information includes a load change trend and a fault trend of the service party network element; The determining unit is further configured to determine a target service provider network element that responds to the service request from the service provider network elements according to the state prediction information; The forwarding unit is used to forward the service request to the target service provider network element; The determining unit also includes a sending subunit and an acquiring subunit: The sending subunit is used to send a call request to the data analysis network element, wherein the call request is used to request prediction of the state of the service party network element identified by the identification information in the identification set; The acquisition subunit is used to acquire the status prediction information of the service provider network element from the data analysis network element; The judging unit is used to judge whether the valid status prediction information corresponding to the service party network element is stored locally; If so, determining the valid state prediction information as the state prediction information of the service-side network element; If not, the sending subunit is triggered.

9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that The device also includes a setting unit: The setting unit is used to identify the status of the requested prediction by setting the content of the analysis prediction identification field in the call request.

10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that The device includes a first forwarding node, and if the next-hop network element of the first forwarding node on the forwarding link between the consumer network element and the service network element is a plurality of second forwarding nodes, the determining unit is further used to: Acquire the load prediction information of the plurality of second forwarding nodes from the storage network element according to the service identifier; Determine a target forwarding node from the plurality of second forwarding nodes according to the load prediction information; Send the service request to the target forwarding node.

11. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that If the call request also includes prediction time indication information, then the status prediction information obtained from the data analysis network element also includes the status validity time of the service provider network element.

12. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that The determining unit is further configured to determine whether identification information of a service party network element providing the service function is stored locally according to the service identification; If so, determining the identification set according to the identification information of the service party network element providing the service function; If not, request the storage network element to obtain the identification set according to the service identification.

13. A terminal device, characterized in that: The terminal device includes a processor and a memory: The memory is used to store program codes and transmit the program codes to the processor; The processor is configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 according to the instructions in the program code.

14. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium is used to store program codes, and the program codes are used to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

15. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product comprises instructions, which, when executed on a computer device, cause the computer device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

Images