Edge application discovery method and device, edge application service support method and device

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide an edge application discovery method and device, and an edge application service support method and device, wherein the edge application discovery method comprises: sending an application discovery request message to a core network, so that the core network matches a target edge application server (EAS) according to application content information carried in the application discovery request message; wherein the application content information at least comprises network parameter information, and the network parameter information is used to indicate information used by the EAC to match a corresponding EAS; and receiving target EAS information returned by the core network; wherein the target EAS information is used to indicate the target EAS. Through the embodiments of the present application, the problem that related technologies cannot effectively support the implementation of MEC technology can be solved, and thus MEC can be implemented in a 5G WWC scenario.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of communications, and more specifically, to an edge application discovery method and apparatus, and an edge application service support method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) technology reduces network latency caused by network transmission and multi-level service forwarding by offloading services to the network edge, thus meeting the stringent bandwidth and latency requirements of 5G services. Currently, however, MEC technology lacks relatively complete technical specifications in transport networks, especially fixed access networks. This results in related technologies not effectively supporting the implementation of MEC in 5G Wireless Wireline Convergence (5G WWC) scenarios. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides an edge application discovery method and apparatus, and an edge application service support method and apparatus, to at least solve the problem that related technologies cannot effectively support the implementation of MEC technology.

[0004] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an edge application discovery method is provided, applied to EAC, the method comprising:

[0005] An application discovery request message is sent to the core network, so that the core network can match the target edge application server (EAS) based on the application content information carried in the application discovery request message; wherein, the application content information includes at least network parameter information, and the network parameter information is used to indicate the information used by the EAC to match the corresponding EAS;

[0006] The core network receives the target EAS information in response; wherein the target EAS information is used to indicate the target EAS.

[0007] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an edge application service support method is also provided, applied to EAC, the method comprising:

[0008] An application service request message is sent to the gateway, and the EAS access service mechanism is triggered through the gateway to forward the application service request message to the EAS application function AF of the core network, thereby requesting EAS services from the core network; wherein, the application service request message is used to instruct the EAC to request the EAS services from the core network.

[0009] The gateway receives an application service request response message, wherein the application service request response message is generated by the gateway based on the application service registration completion message sent by the core network, and the application service registration completion message is used to instruct the core network to complete the registration of the EAS service for the EAC.

[0010] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an edge application service support method is also provided, applied to EAC, the method comprising:

[0011] An application service request message is sent to the gateway, and the EAS access service mechanism is triggered through the gateway to forward the application service request message to the EAS AF of the core network, thereby requesting EAS services from the core network; wherein, the application service request message is used to instruct the EAC to request the EAS services from the core network.

[0012] The gateway receives an application service request rejection message in response, wherein the application service request rejection message is generated by the gateway based on the application service registration rejection message sent by the core network, and the application service registration rejection message is used to indicate that the core network has not found the EAS service provided for the EAC.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an edge application service support method is also provided, applied to EAC, the method comprising:

[0014] An application service release message is sent to the gateway, and the EAS access service release mechanism is triggered through the gateway to forward the application service release message to the EAS AF of the core network, thereby requesting the release of the EAS service from the core network; wherein, the application service release message is used to instruct the EAC to request the release of the EAS service from the core network.

[0015] The gateway receives an application service release response message, wherein the application service release response message is generated by the gateway based on the application service release completion message sent by the core network, and the application service release completion message is used to indicate that the core network has completed the release of the EAS service for the EAC.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an edge application service support method is also provided, applied to EAC, the method comprising:

[0017] An application service update message is sent to the gateway, and the EAS access service update mechanism is triggered through the gateway to forward the application service update message to the EAS AF of the core network, thereby requesting the core network to update the EAS service; wherein, the application service update message is used to instruct the EAC to request the core network to update the EAS service.

[0018] The gateway receives an application service update response message, wherein the application service update response message is generated by the gateway based on the application service update completion message sent by the core network, and the application service update completion message is used to indicate that the core network has updated the EAS service.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an edge application discovery method is also provided, applied to a core network, the method comprising:

[0020] The system receives an application discovery request message sent by the EAC and matches a target EAS based on the application content information carried in the application discovery request message; wherein, the application content information includes at least network parameter information, and the network parameter information is used to indicate the information used by the EAC to match the corresponding EAS;

[0021] The target EAS information is sent back to the EAC; wherein the target EAS information is used to indicate the target EAS.

[0022] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an edge application service support method is also provided, applied to a gateway, the method comprising:

[0023] The system receives an application service request message sent by the EAC and triggers the EAS access service mechanism to forward the application service request message to the EAS application function AF of the core network, thereby requesting EAS services from the core network; wherein, the application service request message is used to instruct the EAC to request the EAS services from the core network.

[0024] An application service request response message is generated based on the application service registration completion message sent by the core network, and the application service request response message is replied to the EAC; wherein, the application service registration completion message is used to instruct the core network to complete the registration of the EAS service for the EAC.

[0025] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an edge application service support method is also provided, applied to a gateway, the method comprising:

[0026] The system receives an application service request message sent by the EAC and triggers the EAS access service mechanism to forward the application service request message to the EAS AF of the core network, thereby requesting EAS services from the core network; wherein, the application service request message is used to instruct the EAC to request the EAS services from the core network.

[0027] An application service request rejection message is generated based on the application service registration rejection message sent by the core network, and the application service request rejection message is replied to the EAC; wherein, the application service registration rejection message is used to indicate that the core network has not found the EAS service provided to the EAC.

[0028] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an edge application service support method is also provided, applied to a gateway, the method comprising:

[0029] The system receives an application service release message sent by the EAC and triggers the EAS access service release mechanism to forward the application service release message to the EAS AF of the core network, thereby requesting the release of the EAS service from the core network; wherein, the application service release message is used to instruct the EAC to request the release of the EAS service from the core network.

[0030] An application service release response message is generated based on the application service release completion message sent by the core network, and the application service release response message is replied to the EAC; wherein, the application service release completion message is used to indicate that the core network has completed the release of the EAS service for the EAC.

[0031] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an edge application service support method is also provided, applied to a gateway, the method comprising:

[0032] The system receives an application service update message sent by the EAC and triggers the EAS access service update mechanism to forward the application service update message to the EAS AF of the core network, thereby requesting the core network to update the EAS service; wherein, the application service update message is used to instruct the EAC to request the core network to update the EAS service.

[0033] An application service update response message is generated based on the application service update completion message sent by the core network, and the application service update response message is replied to the EAC; wherein, the application service update completion message is used to indicate that the core network has updated the EAS service.

[0034] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an edge application discovery device is also provided, applied to an EAC, the device comprising:

[0035] The first sending module is used to send an application discovery request message to the core network, so that the core network can match the target edge application server (EAS) based on the application content information carried in the application discovery request message; wherein, the application content information includes at least network parameter information, and the network parameter information is used to indicate the information used by the EAC to match the corresponding EAS.

[0036] The first receiving module is used to receive the target EAS information replied by the core network; wherein the target EAS information is used to indicate the target EAS.

[0037] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an edge application service support device is also provided, applied to EAC, the device comprising:

[0038] The second sending module is used to send an application service request message to the gateway, and trigger the EAS access service mechanism through the gateway to forward the application service request message to the EAS application function AF of the core network, thereby requesting EAS service from the core network; wherein, the application service request message is used to instruct the EAC to request the EAS service from the core network.

[0039] The second receiving module is used to receive the application service request response message replied by the gateway, wherein the application service request response message is generated by the gateway according to the application service registration completion message sent by the core network, and the application service registration completion message is used to instruct the core network to complete the registration of the EAS service for the EAC.

[0040] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an edge application service support device is also provided, applied to EAC, the device comprising:

[0041] The third sending module is used to send an application service request message to the gateway, and trigger the EAS access service mechanism through the gateway to forward the application service request message to the EAS AF of the core network, and then request EAS services from the core network; wherein, the application service request message is used to instruct the EAC to request the EAS services from the core network.

[0042] The third receiving module is used to receive the application service request rejection message replied by the gateway, wherein the application service request rejection message is generated by the gateway based on the application service registration rejection message sent by the core network, and the application service registration rejection message is used to indicate that the core network has not found the EAS service provided for the EAC.

[0043] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an edge application service support device is also provided, applied to EAC, the device comprising:

[0044] The fourth sending module is used to send an application service release message to the gateway, and trigger the EAS access service release mechanism through the gateway to forward the application service release message to the EAS AF of the core network, thereby requesting the release of the EAS service from the core network; wherein, the application service release message is used to instruct the EAC to request the release of the EAS service from the core network.

[0045] The fourth receiving module is used to receive the application service release response message replied by the gateway, wherein the application service release response message is generated by the gateway according to the application service release completion message sent by the core network, and the application service release completion message is used to indicate that the core network has completed the release of the EAS service for the EAC.

[0046] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an edge application service support device is also provided, applied to EAC, the device comprising:

[0047] The fifth sending module is used to send an application service update message to the gateway, and trigger the EAS access service update mechanism through the gateway to forward the application service update message to the EAS AF of the core network, and then request the core network to update the EAS service; wherein, the application service update message is used to instruct the EAC to request the core network to update the EAS service.

[0048] The fifth receiving module is used to receive the application service update response message replied by the gateway, wherein the application service update response message is generated by the gateway based on the application service update completion message sent by the core network, and the application service update completion message is used to indicate that the core network has updated the EAS service.

[0049] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an edge application discovery device is also provided, applied to a core network, the device comprising:

[0050] The sixth receiving module is used to receive an application discovery request message sent by the EAC, and match the target EAS according to the application content information carried in the application discovery request message; wherein, the application content information includes at least network parameter information, and the network parameter information is used to indicate the information used by the EAC to match the corresponding EAS;

[0051] The first response module is used to reply with target EAS information to the EAC; wherein the target EAS information is used to indicate the target EAS.

[0052] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an edge application service support device is also provided, applied to a gateway, the device comprising:

[0053] The seventh receiving module is used to receive an application service request message sent by the EAC and trigger the EAS access service mechanism to forward the application service request message to the EAS application function AF of the core network, and then request EAS service from the core network; wherein, the application service request message is used to instruct the EAC to request the EAS service from the core network.

[0054] The second response module is used to generate an application service request response message based on the application service registration completion message sent by the core network, and reply to the application service request response message to the EAC; wherein, the application service registration completion message is used to instruct the core network to complete the registration of the EAS service for the EAC.

[0055] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an edge application service support device is also provided, applied to a gateway, the device comprising:

[0056] The eighth receiving module is used to receive an application service request message sent by the EAC and trigger the EAS access service mechanism to forward the application service request message to the EAS AF of the core network, and then request EAS services from the core network; wherein, the application service request message is used to instruct the EAC to request the EAS services from the core network.

[0057] The third response module is used to generate an application service request rejection message based on the application service registration rejection message sent by the core network, and reply to the application service request rejection message to the EAC; wherein, the application service registration rejection message is used to indicate that the core network has not found the EAS service provided to the EAC.

[0058] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an edge application service support device is also provided, applied to a gateway, the device comprising:

[0059] The ninth receiving module is used to receive the application service release message sent by the EAC, and trigger the EAS access service release mechanism to forward the application service release message to the EAS AF of the core network, and then request the core network to release the EAS service; wherein, the application service release message is used to instruct the EAC to request the core network to release the EAS service.

[0060] The fourth response module is used to generate an application service release response message based on the application service release completion message sent by the core network, and reply to the EAC with the application service release response message; wherein the application service release completion message is used to indicate that the core network has completed the release of the EAS service for the EAC.

[0061] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an edge application service support device is also provided, applied to a gateway, the device comprising:

[0062] The tenth receiving module is used to receive the application service update message sent by the EAC, and trigger the EAS access service update mechanism to forward the application service update message to the EAS AF of the core network, and then request the core network to update the EAS service; wherein, the application service update message is used to instruct the EAC to request the core network to update the EAS service.

[0063] The fifth response module is used to generate an application service update response message based on the application service update completion message sent by the core network, and reply to the EAC with the application service update response message; wherein, the application service update completion message is used to indicate that the core network has updated the EAS service.

[0064] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium is also provided, wherein a computer program is stored therein, wherein the computer program is configured to perform the steps in any of the above method embodiments when it is run.

[0065] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an electronic device is also provided, including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program and the processor is configured to run the computer program to perform the steps in any of the above method embodiments.

[0066] Through the embodiments of the present invention, since an application discovery request message can be sent from the EAC to the core network, the core network can match the target edge application server (EAS) based on the application content information carried in the application discovery request message. The application content information includes at least network parameter information, which is used to instruct the EAC to match the corresponding EAS. Furthermore, the EAC receives the target EAS information from the core network in response, whereby the target EAS information indicates the target EAS. Therefore, through the embodiments of the present invention, the problem that related technologies cannot effectively support the implementation of MEC technology can be solved, thereby enabling MEC implementation in 5G WWC scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0067] Figure 1This is a flowchart (a) of an edge application discovery method provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0068] Figure 2 This is a flowchart (I) illustrating the application service request mechanism between the EAC and the gateway according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0069] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the EAS discovery mechanism provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0070] Figure 4 This is a flowchart (II) illustrating the application service request mechanism between the EAC and the gateway according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0071] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the application service release mechanism between the EAC and the gateway provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the PDU resource release process provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0073] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the application service update mechanism between the EAC and the gateway provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Figure 8 This is a flowchart (a) of an edge application service support method provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0075] Figure 9 This is a flowchart (II) of the edge application service support method provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0076] Figure 10 This is a flowchart (III) of the edge application service support method provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0077] Figure 11 This is a flowchart (IV) of the edge application service support method provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0078] Figure 12 This is a flowchart (II) of the edge application discovery method provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0079] Figure 13 This is a flowchart (V) of the edge application service support method provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0080] Figure 14 This is a flowchart (VI) of the edge application service support method provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0081] Figure 15This is a flowchart (VII) of the edge application service support method provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0082] Figure 16 This is a flowchart (eight) of an edge application service support method provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0083] Figure 17 This is a structural block diagram (a) of an edge application discovery device provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0084] Figure 18 This is a structural block diagram (a) of an edge application service support device provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0085] Figure 19 This is a structural block diagram (II) of an edge application service support device provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0086] Figure 20 This is a structural block diagram (III) of an edge application service support device provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0087] Figure 21 This is a structural block diagram (IV) of an edge application service support device provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0088] Figure 22 This is a structural block diagram (II) of an edge application discovery device provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0089] Figure 23 This is a structural block diagram (V) of the edge application service support device provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0090] Figure 24 This is a structural block diagram (six) of an edge application service support device provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0091] Figure 25 This is a structural block diagram (VII) of an edge application service support device provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0092] Figure 26 This is a structural block diagram (eight) of an edge application service support device provided according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0093] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples.

[0094] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and drawings of this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0095] To further illustrate the edge application discovery method and apparatus, and the edge application service support method and apparatus in the embodiments of the present invention, the application scenarios of the edge application discovery method and apparatus, and the edge application service support method and apparatus in the embodiments of the present invention are described below:

[0096] With the rapid development of mobile internet and the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G services are exhibiting diverse demands. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) defines typical scenarios for 5G applications, including Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication (URLLC), Massive Machine-Type Communication (mMTC), and Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X). On the one hand, the eMBB scenarios provide high-bandwidth mobile broadband services such as high-speed downloads, high-definition video, and Virtual Reality (VR) / Augmented Reality (AR). The peak rates of these services typically exceed 10Gbps, requiring bandwidth of tens of Gbps. Therefore, this places enormous pressure on the wireless midhaul and backhaul mobile networks. Consequently, these service demands require that services be routed as far as possible to the network edge to achieve local traffic offloading. On the other hand, URLLC and V2X scenarios can provide ultra-reliable and ultra-low latency communication, such as autonomous driving, industrial control, and telemedicine, which require end-to-end high reliability of 99.999% and end-to-end ultra-low latency of less than 1ms. Therefore, the above-mentioned business requirements also need to push the business down to the network edge to reduce network latency caused by network transmission and multi-level service forwarding.

[0097] To address the business needs of the aforementioned 5G-related service scenarios, MEC (Multi-access Edge Computing) technology has emerged. As a key technology for 5G evolution, MEC provides cloud computing capabilities and IT service environments for edge applications at the mobile network edge, closer to customers, featuring ultra-low latency, ultra-high bandwidth, localization, and high real-time analysis and processing capabilities. For MEC, the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) has standard specifications for its architecture, and 3GPP also has certain technical specifications. However, how to apply MEC systems to fixed networks, especially to 5G WWC fixed-mobile convergence scenarios, lacks relevant standard research.

[0098] To enable service support for MEC in 5G WWC scenarios, embodiments of the present invention provide an edge application discovery method and apparatus, and an edge application service support method and apparatus. The edge application discovery method and apparatus, and the edge application service support method and apparatus of the present invention are described below:

[0099] On the one hand, embodiments of the present invention provide an edge application discovery method, which is applied to an edge application client (EAC). Figure 1 This is a flowchart (I) of an edge application discovery method provided according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 1 As shown, the edge application discovery method in this embodiment of the invention includes:

[0100] S102, the EAC sends an application discovery request message to the core network, so that the core network can match the target edge application server (EAS) based on the application content information carried in the application discovery request message; wherein, the application content information includes at least network parameter information, which is used to instruct the EAC to match the corresponding EAS.

[0101] In this embodiment of the invention, under the 5G WWC scenario, the core network can be the 5G core network 5GC. In step S102, the network parameter information may include at least one of the following: the domain name (DN) of the target EAS, the edge data network (EDN) address of the target EAS, and the slice service request of the EAC, i.e., the network slice selection assistance information (NSSAI) of the EAC.

[0102] In an optional embodiment, step S102 above, sending an application discovery request message to the core network, includes:

[0103] Send an application discovery request message to the gateway, and trigger the application discovery request service through the gateway to send the application discovery request message to the core network.

[0104] In this embodiment of the invention, the gateway can be a 5G-Residential Gateway (5G-RG) or a Fixed Network-Residential Gateway (FN-RG). The EAC can send application discovery request messages to the core network through the corresponding gateway.

[0105] It should be noted that the process by which the gateways corresponding to 5G-RG and FN-RG send application discovery request messages to the core network is also different. The following describes the process of sending application discovery request messages to the core network via 5G-RG and FN-RG through several optional embodiments:

[0106] In an optional embodiment, when the gateway is 5G-RG, sending an application discovery request message to the gateway and triggering the application discovery request service through the gateway to send the application discovery request message to the core network includes:

[0107] The application discovery request message is sent to the 5G-RG through the preset first interface, and the application discovery request service is triggered to the core network through the 5G-RG to send the application discovery request message to the core network.

[0108] In the above optional embodiments, 5G-RG needs to be registered with the core network in advance, that is, before sending the application discovery request message to 5G-RG through the preset first interface, 5G-RG is registered with the core network.

[0109] Assuming the application discovery request message is sent via 5G-RG, the target EAS information received in response from the core network includes:

[0110] Receive the target EAS information from the 5G-RG, where the target EAS information is sent from the core network to the 5G-RG.

[0111] In an optional embodiment, when the gateway is an FN-RG, sending an application discovery request message to the gateway and triggering the application discovery request service through the gateway to send the application discovery request message to the core network includes:

[0112] The application discovery request message is sent to FN-RG through a preset second interface, and the application request service is triggered to the proxy through FN-RG so that the application discovery request message is sent to the core network through the proxy.

[0113] In the above optional embodiments, the second interface is used to indicate an interface different from the first interface. Since the FN-RG cannot directly support the implementation of 5G services, the FN-RG needs to use the Access Gateway Function (AGF) or Fixed Mobile Interworking Function (FMIF) of the 5G WWC network as a proxy to achieve support for 5G services.

[0114] In the above optional embodiments, FN-RG also needs to be registered with the core network in advance. That is, before the application requests the service to the proxy through FN-RG, FN-RG is registered with the core network through the proxy.

[0115] Assuming the application discovery request message is sent via FN-RG, the target EAS information received in response from the core network includes:

[0116] Receive the target EAS information from the FN-RG, where the target EAS information is sent to the FN-RG by the core network through a proxy.

[0117] S104, the EAC receives the target EAS information from the core network; the target EAS information is used to indicate the target EAS.

[0118] In this embodiment of the invention, in step S102 above, the target EAS information includes at least one of the following: the Internet Protocol (IP) address of the target EAS, the domain name information of the target EAS, and the identification information of the target EAS.

[0119] In an optional embodiment, in step S104 above, the core network matches the target EAS based on the application content information carried in the application discovery request message, including:

[0120] The core network obtains network parameter information based on the application discovery request message and initiates a matching request through the Policy Control Function (PCF) to match the target EAS according to the preset User Routing Selection Policy (URSP).

[0121] Through this embodiment of the invention, an application discovery request message can be sent from the EAC to the core network, allowing the core network to match a target edge application server (EAS) based on the application content information carried in the message. The application content information includes at least network parameter information, which instructs the EAC to match the corresponding EAS. Furthermore, the EAC receives the target EAS information from the core network, where the target EAS information indicates the target EAS. Thus, through the interaction between the EAC and the core network (e.g., 5GC), the core network can discover the corresponding EAC, thereby enabling edge application discovery in the 5G WWC scenario. Therefore, this embodiment of the invention achieves the effect of edge computing processing in the 5G transport network, thereby enabling service support for MEC in the 5G WWC scenario.

[0122] The edge application discovery method in this embodiment of the invention is applicable to various 5G WWC scenarios. For example, in the scenario corresponding to smart homes, home users can act as the aforementioned EAC to enable 5GC to discover home users and support corresponding MEC services.

[0123] To further illustrate the process of edge application discovery in the 5G WWC scenario in this embodiment of the invention, the edge application discovery method will be further described below through exemplary embodiments:

[0124] Exemplary Example 1

[0125] In this exemplary embodiment, the gateway is 5G-RG. The workflow of the edge application discovery method in this exemplary embodiment is as follows:

[0126] S201, EAC sends an application discovery request, carrying the application content to 5G-RG through the B1 interface.

[0127] S202, after receiving the application discovery request sent by the EAC, 5G-RG triggers the App service request to 5GC. This step is based on the premise that 5G-RG has been registered with 5GC.

[0128] After receiving the application discovery request from EAC, S203, 5GC obtains the DN, EDN address, NSSAI information (the NSSAI requested by EAC) of the target EASEAC, and other relevant network parameter information to match EAS.

[0129] S204, 5GC parses the network parameter information obtained above, including the DN, EDN address, and S-NSSAI corresponding to the EAC, and initiates a request through PCF to enable PCF to obtain the corresponding EAS information through URSP. It then replies with the IP address of the EAS, the domain name information of the target EAS, the identification information of the target EAS, the S-NSSAI information of the target EAS (the NSSAI information allowed by the target EAS), the edge location information (i.e., UPF information) related to the access of this EAS, and the PDU session ID information used for user plane forwarding, etc., until 5G-RG.

[0130] S205, 5G-RG will reply to EAC with the EAS-related information it has obtained.

[0131] It should be noted that in this exemplary embodiment, the types of applications corresponding to EAC are diverse. Correspondingly, different application types require different application content from the WiFi protocol. Therefore, the B1 interface in this exemplary embodiment needs to support different application content to achieve edge application services in corresponding scenarios. This embodiment of the invention does not limit the application content that the B1 interface needs to support. It can be extended according to actual needs to increase support for edge application services in relevant scenarios, such as smart home applications.

[0132] Exemplary Example 2

[0133] In this exemplary embodiment, the gateway is FN-RG. The workflow of the edge application discovery method in this exemplary embodiment is as follows:

[0134] S301, EAC sends an application discovery request, carrying the application content to FN-RG through the B2 interface.

[0135] It should be noted that the technical requirements of the B2 interface in the above steps are different from those of the B1 interface in Exemplary Example 1. Since the FN-RG cannot support the requirements of 5G services, the FN-RG's support for 5G services can only be achieved through the AGF or FMIF in the 5G WWC network acting as a proxy for the FN-RG.

[0136] S302. After receiving the application discovery request sent by EAC, FN-RG sends the request to AGF or FMIF. This step is conditional on FN-RG having already registered with 5GC through AGF or FMIF proxy.

[0137] After receiving the application discovery request from the EAC, the S303 and 5GC obtain the required DN, EDN address, S-NSSAI, and other relevant network parameter information of the EAC to match the EAC.

[0138] S304, 5GC parses the network parameter information obtained above, including the DN and EDN address corresponding to the target EAS and the NSSAI corresponding to the EAC. It initiates a request through PCF so that PCF can obtain the corresponding EAS information through URSP and reply with the IP address of the EAS, the domain name information of the target EAS, the identification information of the target EAS, the S-NSSAI information of the target EAS, the edge location information related to this EAS access, and the PDU session ID information used for user plane forwarding, etc., and the proxy AGF or FMIF of FN-RG.

[0139] S305, FN-RG's agent AGF or FMIF will reply to FN-RG with the EAS-related information obtained, so that FN-RG can notify EAC.

[0140] In this exemplary embodiment, the types of applications corresponding to EAC are diverse. Different application types require different application content to be carried by the WiFi protocol. The support for different application content can be achieved through the B2 interface, thereby realizing smart home edge application services.

[0141] Similarly, in this exemplary embodiment, the types of applications corresponding to EAC are diverse. Correspondingly, different application types require different application content from the WiFi protocol. Therefore, the B2 interface in this exemplary embodiment needs to support different application content to realize edge application services in corresponding scenarios. This embodiment of the invention does not limit the application content that the B2 interface needs to support. It can be extended according to actual needs to increase support for edge application services in relevant scenarios, such as smart home applications.

[0142] In this embodiment of the invention, based on the discovery of edge applications in the aforementioned 5G WWC scenario, the functionality of the gateway can be further extended to enable the EAC to support different edge application service content through the extended gateway. The process by which the EAC supports different edge application service content through the extended gateway is described below:

[0143] In an optional embodiment, the edge application discovery method of the present invention further includes:

[0144] The EAC sends an application service request message to the gateway, and triggers the EAS access service mechanism through the gateway to forward the application service request message to the EAS application function AF in the core network, thereby requesting EAS services from the core network; the application service request message is used to instruct the EAC to request EAS services from the core network.

[0145] The gateway receives an application service request response message, which is generated by the gateway based on the application service registration completion message sent by the core network. The application service registration completion message is used to instruct the core network to complete the registration of EAS services for EAC.

[0146] In the above optional embodiments, the gateway is typically a 5G-RG that supports 5G services.

[0147] It should be noted that the above EAS AF is used to indicate the AF applied to EAS service support.

[0148] In an optional embodiment, the application service request message carries application authentication information, wherein the application authentication information is used to instruct EAS to perform access authentication for EAC, and the application authentication information includes at least one of the following: Domain Name System (DNS) information of the application service and Identity document (ID) information of EAC.

[0149] In an optional embodiment, sending the application service request message to the gateway includes:

[0150] Application service request messages are sent to the gateway through the third interface; the third interface supports carrying content corresponding to multiple application services.

[0151] In an optional embodiment, before sending the application service request message to the gateway, the method further includes:

[0152] The gateway sends a registration and authentication request to the core network; the registration and authentication request is used to instruct the gateway to register and authenticate with the core network.

[0153] The gateway initiates a request to the PCF through the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) so that the PCF can obtain the policy information from the gateway to the EAS by looking up the preset URSP policy; wherein, the policy information includes at least one of the following: the IP address of the EAS, and the User Plane Function (UPF) information corresponding to the EAS;

[0154] The gateway establishes a Packet Data Unit (PDU) session between the gateway and the UPF indicated by the UPF information based on the policy information; the PDU session is used to carry traffic from EAC to EAS, and / or traffic redirection operations.

[0155] In an optional embodiment, the above-mentioned registration authentication request is generated by encapsulating a Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI) based on the Line-ID format or a Subscription Concealed Identifier (SUCI).

[0156] In an optional embodiment, the URSP policy is configured locally, or the URSP policy is configured during the process of the gateway sending a registration and authentication request to the core network.

[0157] In an optional embodiment, the policy information is further used by the AMF to establish a policy-related link between the gateway's edge application service and the PCF; after the gateway establishes a PDU session between the gateway and the UPF indicated by the UPF information according to the policy information, it further includes:

[0158] The PCF executes the gateway's configuration update mechanism and provides URSP policies to the gateway, instructing the gateway to register associated information and user location information according to the URSP policies; and / or,

[0159] The PCF provides the URSP routing policy information requested by the EAS AF, and matches edge application traffic with the URSP routing policy information; wherein, the URSP routing policy information includes at least one of the following: Data Network Name (DNN), Single Network Slice Selection Assistance information (S-NSSAI); edge application traffic used to indicate traffic in the direction from EAC to EAS; and / or,

[0160] Policy services are provided through the PCF, which are used to bind the UE to the AMF.

[0161] The above optional embodiments enable a mechanism for application service requests between the EAC and the gateway. To further illustrate this mechanism, an exemplary embodiment is provided below:

[0162] Exemplary Example 3

[0163] Figure 2 This is a flowchart (I) illustrating the application service request mechanism between the EAC and the gateway according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 As shown in this exemplary embodiment, the workflow of the application service request mechanism between the EAC and the gateway, such as 5G-RG, is as follows:

[0164] S401, EAC sends application service request information to 5G-RG;

[0165] S402, the 5G-RG is triggered to register the EAS access service with the 5GC edge application server application function (EAS Application Functions, EAS AF) to complete the EAS service registration. After receiving the application service registration completion notification from the 5GC, it replies with application service response information to the EAC.

[0166] The interfaces between the EAC and 5G-RG use the WiFi protocol. The application layer encapsulates the DNS information of the application service and the ID information of the EAC in the application client service request message sent by the EAC, so as to be used by EAS to authenticate the access of the EAC.

[0167] Optionally, the above interfaces need to support carrying different edge application service content.

[0168] Optionally, before performing the above step S401, the 5G-RG needs to be registered and authenticated by the user access in order to obtain the information of the 5G-RG to the corresponding EAS through the 5GC, that is, to perform EAS discovery. Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the EAS discovery mechanism provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, such as... Figure 3 As shown in this exemplary embodiment, the workflow of the EAS discovery mechanism is as follows:

[0169] The S501 and 5G-RG achieve registration and authentication with the 5GC through a user registration mechanism. The user registration information used by 5G-RG is encapsulated in SUPI or SUCI format using Line-ID.

[0170] S502, 5G-RG requests policy configuration to EAS, and AMF requests PCF so that PCF can obtain the policy information from 5G-RG to EAS by looking up the URSP policy.

[0171] It should be noted that the above-mentioned EAS discovery mechanism relies on the URSP policy. This URSP policy can be configured locally on the 5G-RG or during the 5G-RG registration process.

[0172] During the execution of step S502 above, the policy information from 5G-RG to EAS is also used by the AMF to establish a policy-related link between the 5G-RG edge application service and the PCF; on the other hand, the PCF can also execute the gateway's configuration update mechanism and provide URSP policies to the gateway to instruct the gateway to register associated information and user location information according to the URSP policies; on the other hand, the PCF can also provide URSP routing policy information requested by the EAS AF and match edge application traffic through the URSP routing policy information; on the other hand, the PCF can also provide policy services, which are used for UE binding to the AMF. The URSP policy information includes at least one of the following: DNN, S-NSSAI. The edge application traffic is used to indicate traffic in the direction from EAC to EAS;

[0173] In addition, operators can also achieve the above process by configuring local policies to the UE.

[0174] Through the S502 process described above, 5G-RG obtains the IP address and UPF information of the EAS.

[0175] S503, EAC sends an edge application service registration request to 5G-RG.

[0176] After receiving the corresponding policy information for the EAS in S502, the 5G-RG can establish a PDU session to the UPF. This PDU session is used to carry traffic from the AC to the EAS and traffic redirection, etc.

[0177] Optionally, the EAC can also send application service requests to the 5G-RG and, through communication with the 5GC, determine whether the EAS AF has completed service access authentication for the AC user.

[0178] In an optional embodiment, the edge application discovery method of the present invention further includes:

[0179] The application service request message is sent to the gateway, and the EAS access service mechanism is triggered through the gateway to forward the application service request message to the EAS AF in the core network, thereby requesting EAS services from the core network; the application service request message is used to instruct the EAC to request EAS services from the core network.

[0180] The gateway receives an application service request rejection message in response to the request. This message is generated by the gateway based on the application service registration rejection message sent by the core network. The application service registration rejection message indicates that the core network has not found any EAS services provided for the EAC.

[0181] The above optional embodiments enable the handling of scenarios where the core network does not discover a corresponding EAS service in the mechanism for application service requests between the EAC and the gateway. To further illustrate the above mechanism for application service requests between the EAC and the gateway, an exemplary embodiment is provided below:

[0182] Exemplary Example 4

[0183] Figure 4 This is a flowchart (II) illustrating the application service request mechanism between the EAC and the gateway according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 As shown in this exemplary embodiment, the workflow of the application service request mechanism between the EAC and the gateway, such as 5G-RG, is as follows:

[0184] S601, EAC sends application client service request information to 5G-RG;

[0185] S602, 5G-RG is triggered to register EAS access service with 5GC's EAS AF, finds that 5GC does not have the requested EAS service, and receives an application service rejection message from 5GC, and replies with an application service registration rejection message to EAC.

[0186] In an optional embodiment, the edge application discovery method of the present invention further includes:

[0187] The application service release message is sent to the gateway, and the EAS access service release mechanism is triggered through the gateway to forward the application service release message to the EAS AF in the core network, thereby requesting the release of the EAS service from the core network; wherein, the application service release message is used to instruct the EAC to request the release of the EAS service from the core network.

[0188] The gateway receives an application service release response message, which is generated by the gateway based on the application service release completion message sent by the core network. The application service release completion message is used to indicate that the core network has completed the release of EAS services for EAC.

[0189] In an optional embodiment, the above-mentioned sending of the application service release message to the gateway further includes:

[0190] The application service release message is sent to the gateway, and the gateway sends the application service release message to the EAS AF in the core network through the Access Gateway Function (AGF), thereby instructing the EAS AF to initiate an application service release request to the core network based on the application service release message.

[0191] When the core network determines that the EAS service exclusively occupies PDU resources, the core network initiates an application service resource release request and notifies the gateway through the AGF, and releases the user plane resources to the gateway.

[0192] The above optional embodiments enable a mechanism for releasing application services between the EAC and the gateway. To further illustrate this mechanism, an exemplary embodiment is provided below:

[0193] Exemplary Example 5

[0194] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the application service release mechanism between the EAC and the gateway according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 5 As shown in this exemplary embodiment, the workflow of the application service release mechanism between the EAC and the gateway, such as 5G-RG, is as follows:

[0195] S701, EAC sends application service release information to 5G-RG;

[0196] S702, the 5G-RG is triggered to send EAS access service release information to the 5GC's EAS AF, and after receiving the edge application service release information from the 5GC, it replies with application service release response information to the EAC.

[0197] In this exemplary embodiment, the release or cancellation of the application service corresponding to the aforementioned EAC may result in the release of PDU resources. In response, upon receiving the application service release information sent by the 5G-RG, the 5GC EAS AF can notify the PCF and AMF, triggering the AMF to issue a request to release PDU resources. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the PDU resource release process provided by an embodiment of the present invention, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the workflow for releasing the aforementioned PDU resources is as follows:

[0198] In step S702 above, EAS AF can also initiate an application service release request to 5GC. 5GC checks whether the EAS service corresponding to this EAC ID exclusively occupies PDU resource information. If so, 5GC initiates an application service resource release request to AGF and releases the user plane resources to 5G-RG through AGF, and 5G-RG notifies EAC.

[0199] In an optional embodiment, the edge application discovery method of the present invention further includes:

[0200] The application service update message is sent to the gateway, and the EAS access service update mechanism is triggered through the gateway to forward the application service update message to the EAS AF in the core network, thereby requesting the core network to update the EAS service; wherein, the application service update message is used to instruct the EAC to request the core network to update the EAS service.

[0201] The gateway receives an application service update response message, which is generated by the gateway based on the application service update completion message sent by the core network. The application service update completion message is used to indicate that the core network has updated the EAS service.

[0202] In an optional embodiment, the above-mentioned sending of the application service update message to the gateway, and triggering the EAS access service update mechanism through the gateway to forward the application service update message to the EAS AF in the core network, thereby requesting an update of the EAS service from the core network, further includes:

[0203] The application service update message is sent to the gateway, and the EAS access service update mechanism is triggered through the gateway to forward the application service update message to the EAS AF in the core network, thereby instructing the EAS AF to select and update the application service for EAC based on the application service update message.

[0204] In an optional embodiment, the EAS AF selects the application service for updating EAS for EAC based on the application service update message, including:

[0205] The EAS AF requests the PCF of the core network to update the EAS information. The updated EAS information includes at least the identifier of the updated EAS and the updated EAS is the EAS that meets the requirements of the EAS service indicated by the application service update message.

[0206] The EAS AF records the correspondence between the identifier of the EAC and the identifier of the updated EAS;

[0207] EAS AF reselects a UPF based on the updated EAS information and instructs the gateway to establish a PDU session between the gateway and the reselected UPF.

[0208] EAS AF sends an application service update complete message to the gateway via a PDU session, instructing the gateway to generate an application service update response message to reply to EAC based on the application service update complete message.

[0209] The above optional embodiments enable a mechanism for application service updates between the EAC and the gateway. To further illustrate this mechanism, an exemplary embodiment is provided below:

[0210] Exemplary Example 6

[0211] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the application service update mechanism between the EAC and the gateway according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 7 As shown in this exemplary embodiment, the workflow of the application service update mechanism between the EAC and the gateway, such as 5G-RG, is as follows:

[0212] S801, EAC sends application service update information to 5G-RG;

[0213] S802, the 5G-RG is triggered to update the EAS access service information to the 5GC's EAS AF, and after receiving the updated edge application service information from the 5GC, it replies with the application service update response information to the EAC.

[0214] Optionally, the EAC issues an application service update request, triggering the RG to send the service update request to the 5GC's EAS AF. Based on the updated service request, the EAS AF may select a new, suitable EAS to satisfy the AC's application services. The process of selecting a new, suitable EAS is described below:

[0215] The EAS AF requests the PCF of 5GC, requesting EAS information that meets the updated AC application service requirements, including EAS ID, EAS IP address, etc., thereby enabling possible EAS rediscovery. The EAS rediscovery mechanism is similar to the application service request and response process.

[0216] Optionally, the EAS AF needs to record the correspondence between the EAC ID and the new EAS ID.

[0217] Alternatively, the migration of EAS may lead to a reselection of UPF.

[0218] Optionally, 5G-RG requires establishing a PDU session from 5G-RG to the reselected UPF.

[0219] Optionally, the EAS AF replies with an application service update completion message to the EAC.

[0220] Through the embodiments of the present invention, on the basis of realizing the discovery of edge applications in the 5G WWC scenario, it is possible to further realize the communication requirements between EAC and gateway, such as the application service requests, updates, and deletions between 5G-RG to the EAS, thereby further supporting the realization of MEC services in the 5G WWC scenario.

[0221] On the other hand, embodiments of the present invention also provide an edge application service support method, applied to EAC. Figure 8 This is a flowchart (I) of an edge application service support method provided according to an embodiment of the present invention, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the edge application service support method in this embodiment of the invention includes:

[0222] S902, send an application service request message to the gateway, and trigger the EAS access service mechanism through the gateway to forward the application service request message to the EAS application function AF of the core network, and then request EAS services from the core network; wherein, the application service request message is used to instruct the EAC to request EAS services from the core network.

[0223] S904, Receive the application service request response message from the gateway. The application service request response message is generated by the gateway based on the application service registration completion message sent by the core network. The application service registration completion message is used to instruct the core network to complete the registration of EAS services for EAC.

[0224] In an optional embodiment, the application service request message carries application authentication information, wherein the application authentication information is used to instruct EAS to perform access authentication on EAC, and the application authentication information includes at least one of the following: DNS information of the application service's domain name server and identity ID information of EAC.

[0225] In an optional embodiment, sending the application service request message to the gateway includes:

[0226] Application service request messages are sent to the gateway through the third interface; the third interface supports carrying content corresponding to multiple application services.

[0227] In an optional embodiment, before sending the application service request message to the gateway, the method further includes:

[0228] The gateway sends a registration and authentication request to the core network; the registration and authentication request is used to instruct the gateway to register and authenticate with the core network.

[0229] The gateway initiates a request to the PCF through the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) so that the PCF can obtain the policy information from the gateway to the EAS by looking up the preset URSP policy; wherein, the policy information includes at least one of the following: the IP address of the EAS, and the User Plane Function (UPF) information corresponding to the EAS;

[0230] The gateway establishes a PDU session between the gateway and the UPF indicated by the UPF information based on the policy information; wherein, the PDU session is used to carry traffic from EAC to EAS, and / or, traffic redirection operations.

[0231] In an optional embodiment, the above registration authentication request is generated by encapsulating a subscription permanent identifier (SUPI) or a subscription encrypted identifier (SUCI) based on the Line-ID format.

[0232] In an optional embodiment, the URSP policy is configured locally, or the URSP policy is configured during the process of the gateway sending a registration and authentication request to the core network.

[0233] In an optional embodiment, the policy information is further used by the AMF to establish a policy-related link between the gateway's edge application service and the PCF; after the gateway establishes a PDU session between the gateway and the UPF indicated by the UPF information according to the policy information, it further includes:

[0234] The PCF executes the gateway's configuration update mechanism and provides URSP policies to the gateway, instructing the gateway to register associated information and user location information according to the URSP policies; and / or,

[0235] The PCF provides the URSP routing policy information requested by the EAS AF, and matches edge application traffic with the URSP routing policy information; wherein, the URSP routing policy information includes at least one of the following: Data Network Name (DNN), S-NSSAI; edge application traffic used to indicate traffic in the direction from EAC to EAS; and / or,

[0236] Policy services are provided through the PCF, which are used to bind the UE to the AMF.

[0237] On the other hand, embodiments of the present invention also provide an edge application service support method, applied to EAC. Figure 9 This is a flowchart (II) of the edge application service support method provided according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 9 As shown, the edge application service support method in this embodiment of the invention includes:

[0238] S1002, send an application service request message to the gateway, and trigger the EAS access service mechanism through the gateway to forward the application service request message to the EAS AF of the core network, and then request EAS services from the core network; wherein, the application service request message is used to instruct the EAC to request EAS services from the core network.

[0239] S1004, Receive the application service request rejection message from the gateway. The application service request rejection message is generated by the gateway based on the application service registration rejection message sent by the core network. The application service registration rejection message is used to indicate that the core network has not found any EAS services provided for the EAC.

[0240] On the other hand, embodiments of the present invention also provide an edge application service support method, applied to EAC. Figure 10 This is a flowchart (III) of the edge application service support method provided according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 10 As shown, the edge application service support method in this embodiment of the invention includes:

[0241] S1102, send an application service release message to the gateway, and trigger the EAS access service release mechanism through the gateway to forward the application service release message to the EAS AF in the core network, and then request the release of the EAS service from the core network; wherein, the application service release message is used to instruct the EAC to request the release of the EAS service from the core network.

[0242] S1104, Receive the application service release response message from the gateway. The application service release response message is generated by the gateway based on the application service release completion message sent by the core network. The application service release completion message is used to indicate that the core network has completed the release of EAS services for EAC.

[0243] In an optional embodiment, the above-mentioned sending of the application service release message to the gateway further includes:

[0244] The application service release message is sent to the gateway, and the gateway sends the application service release message to the EAS AF in the core network through the Access Gateway Function (AGF), thereby instructing the EAS AF to initiate an application service release request to the core network based on the application service release message.

[0245] When the core network determines that the EAS service exclusively occupies PDU resources, the core network initiates an application service resource release request and notifies the gateway through the AGF, as well as releasing user plane resources.

[0246] On the other hand, embodiments of the present invention also provide an edge application service support method, applied to EAC. Figure 11 This is a flowchart (four) of the edge application service support method provided according to an embodiment of the present invention, such as... Figure 11 As shown, the edge application service support method in this embodiment of the invention includes:

[0247] S1202, send an application service update message to the gateway, and trigger the EAS access service update mechanism through the gateway to forward the application service update message to the EAS AF in the core network, and then request the core network to update the EAS service; wherein, the application service update message is used to instruct the EAC to request the core network to update the EAS service.

[0248] S1204, Receive the application service update response message from the gateway. The application service update response message is generated by the gateway based on the application service update completion message sent by the core network. The application service update completion message is used to indicate that the core network has updated the EAS service.

[0249] In an optional embodiment, the above-mentioned sending of the application service update message to the gateway, and triggering the EAS access service update mechanism through the gateway to forward the application service update message to the EAS AF in the core network, thereby requesting an update of the EAS service from the core network, further includes:

[0250] The application service update message is sent to the gateway, and the EAS access service update mechanism is triggered through the gateway to forward the application service update message to the EAS AF in the core network, thereby instructing the EAS AF to select and update the application service for EAC based on the application service update message.

[0251] In an optional embodiment, the EAS AF selects the application service for updating EAS for EAC based on the application service update message, including:

[0252] The EAS AF requests the PCF of the core network to update the EAS information. The updated EAS information includes at least the identifier of the updated EAS and the updated EAS is the EAS that meets the requirements of the EAS service indicated by the application service update message.

[0253] The EAS AF records the correspondence between the identifier of the EAC and the identifier of the updated EAS;

[0254] EAS AF reselects a UPF based on the updated EAS information and instructs the gateway to establish a PDU session between the gateway and the reselected UPF.

[0255] EAS AF sends an application service update complete message to the gateway via a PDU session, instructing the gateway to generate an application service update response message to reply to EAC based on the application service update complete message.

[0256] On the other hand, embodiments of the present invention also provide an edge application discovery method, applied to the core network. Figure 12 This is a flowchart (II) of the edge application discovery method provided according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 12 As shown, the edge application discovery method in this embodiment of the invention includes:

[0257] S1302, receive the application discovery request message sent by the EAC, and match the target EAS according to the application content information carried in the application discovery request message; wherein, the application content information includes at least network parameter information, and the network parameter information is used to indicate the information used by the EAC to match the corresponding EAS.

[0258] S1304, Reply to the target EAS information to the EAC; wherein, the target EAS information is used to indicate the target EAS.

[0259] It should be noted that the other optional embodiments and technical effects of the edge application discovery method applied to the core network are all corresponding to the edge application discovery method applied to the EAC, so they will not be repeated here.

[0260] On the other hand, embodiments of the present invention also provide an edge application service support method, applied to a gateway. Figure 13 This is a flowchart (V) of the edge application discovery method provided according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 13 As shown, the edge application service support method in this embodiment of the invention includes:

[0261] S1402, receive the application service request message sent by EAC, and trigger the EAS access service mechanism to forward the application service request message to the EAS application function AF of the core network, and then request EAS services from the core network; wherein, the application service request message is used to instruct the EAC to request EAS services from the core network.

[0262] S1404, Generate an Application Service Request Response Message based on the Application Service Registration Complete Message sent by the core network, and reply with the Application Service Request Response Message to the EAC; wherein, the Application Service Registration Complete Message is used to instruct the core network to complete the registration of the EAS service for the EAC.

[0263] It should be noted that the other optional embodiments and technical effects of the above-mentioned edge application service support method applied to the gateway are all corresponding to the aforementioned edge application service support method applied to the EAC, so they will not be repeated here.

[0264] On the other hand, embodiments of the present invention also provide an edge application service support method, applied to a gateway. Figure 14 This is a flowchart (six) of the edge application discovery method provided according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 14 As shown, the edge application service support method in this embodiment of the invention includes:

[0265] S1502, receive the application service request message sent by EAC, and trigger the EAS access service mechanism to forward the application service request message to the EAS AF of the core network, and then request EAS services from the core network; wherein, the application service request message is used to instruct the EAC to request EAS services from the core network.

[0266] S1504, Generate an Application Service Request Rejection Message based on the Application Service Registration Rejection Message sent by the core network, and reply to the Application Service Request Rejection Message to the EAC; wherein, the Application Service Registration Rejection Message is used to indicate that the core network has not found any EAS services provided for the EAC.

[0267] It should be noted that the other optional embodiments and technical effects of the above-mentioned edge application service support method applied to the gateway are all corresponding to the aforementioned edge application service support method applied to the EAC, so they will not be repeated here.

[0268] On the other hand, embodiments of the present invention also provide an edge application service support method, applied to a gateway. Figure 15 This is a flowchart (VII) of the edge application discovery method provided according to an embodiment of the present invention, such as... Figure 15 As shown, the edge application service support method in this embodiment of the invention includes:

[0269] S1602, receive the application service release message sent by EAC, and trigger the EAS access service release mechanism to forward the application service release message to the EAS AF in the core network, and then request the release of EAS service from the core network; wherein, the application service release message is used to instruct the EAC to request the release of EAS service from the core network.

[0270] S1604, Generate an application service release response message based on the application service release completion message sent by the core network, and reply to the EAC with the application service release response message; wherein, the application service release completion message is used to indicate that the core network has completed the release of EAS services for the EAC.

[0271] It should be noted that the other optional embodiments and technical effects of the above-mentioned edge application service support method applied to the gateway are all corresponding to the aforementioned edge application service support method applied to the EAC, so they will not be repeated here.

[0272] On the other hand, embodiments of the present invention also provide an edge application service support method, applied to a gateway. Figure 16 This is a flowchart (eight) of the edge application discovery method provided in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 16 As shown, the edge application service support method in this embodiment of the invention includes:

[0273] S1702, receive the application service update message sent by EAC, and trigger the EAS access service update mechanism to forward the application service update message to the EAS AF in the core network, and then request the core network to update the EAS service; wherein, the application service update message is used to instruct EAC to request the core network to update the EAS service.

[0274] S1704, generate an application service update response message based on the application service update completion message sent by the core network, and reply to the EAC with the application service update response message; wherein, the application service update completion message is used to indicate that the core network has updated the EAS service.

[0275] It should be noted that the other optional embodiments and technical effects of the above-mentioned edge application service support method applied to the gateway are all corresponding to the aforementioned edge application service support method applied to the EAC, so they will not be repeated here.

[0276] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the methods according to the above embodiments can be implemented by means of software plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms. Of course, they can also be implemented by hardware, but in many cases the former is a better implementation method. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present invention, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium (such as ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk) and includes several instructions to cause a terminal device (which may be a mobile phone, computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in the various embodiments of the present invention.

[0277] On the other hand, embodiments of the present invention also provide an edge application discovery device applied to an EAC. This device is used to implement the above embodiments and preferred embodiments, and details already described will not be repeated. As used below, the term "module" can be a combination of software and / or hardware that implements a predetermined function. Although the device described in the following embodiments is preferably implemented in software, hardware implementation, or a combination of software and hardware, is also possible and contemplated.

[0278] Figure 17 This is a structural block diagram (I) of an edge application discovery device provided according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 17 As shown, the edge application discovery device in this embodiment of the invention includes:

[0279] The first sending module 102 is used to send an application discovery request message to the core network, so that the core network can match the target edge application server (EAS) based on the application content information carried in the application discovery request message; wherein, the application content information includes at least network parameter information, and the network parameter information is used to indicate the information used by the EAC to match the corresponding EAS.

[0280] The first receiving module 104 is used to receive the target EAS information replied by the core network; wherein the target EAS information is used to indicate the target EAS.

[0281] It should be noted that the other optional embodiments and technical effects of the edge application discovery device applied to EAC are all corresponding to the edge application discovery method applied to EAC, so they will not be repeated here.

[0282] On the other hand, embodiments of the present invention also provide an edge application service support device applied to an EAC. This device is used to implement the above embodiments and preferred embodiments, and details already described will not be repeated. As used below, the term "module" can be a combination of software and / or hardware that implements a predetermined function. Although the device described in the following embodiments is preferably implemented in software, hardware implementation, or a combination of software and hardware, is also possible and contemplated.

[0283] Figure 18 This is a structural block diagram (I) of an edge application service support device according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 18 As shown, the edge application service support device in this embodiment of the invention includes:

[0284] The second sending module 202 is used to send an application service request message to the gateway, and trigger the EAS access service mechanism through the gateway to forward the application service request message to the EAS application function AF of the core network, and then request EAS services from the core network; wherein, the application service request message is used to instruct the EAC to request EAS services from the core network.

[0285] The second receiving module 204 is used to receive the application service request response message replied by the gateway. The application service request response message is generated by the gateway based on the application service registration completion message sent by the core network. The application service registration completion message is used to instruct the core network to complete the registration of EAS service for EAC.

[0286] It should be noted that the other optional embodiments and technical effects of the edge application service support device applied to EAC are all corresponding to the edge application service support method applied to EAC, so they will not be repeated here.

[0287] On the other hand, embodiments of the present invention also provide an edge application service support device applied to an EAC. This device is used to implement the above embodiments and preferred embodiments, and details already described will not be repeated. As used below, the term "module" can be a combination of software and / or hardware that implements a predetermined function. Although the device described in the following embodiments is preferably implemented in software, hardware implementation, or a combination of software and hardware, is also possible and contemplated.

[0288] Figure 19 This is a structural block diagram (II) of an edge application service support device provided according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 19 As shown, the edge application service support device in this embodiment of the invention includes:

[0289] The third sending module 302 is used to send an application service request message to the gateway, and trigger the EAS access service mechanism through the gateway to forward the application service request message to the EAS AF of the core network, and then request EAS services from the core network; wherein, the application service request message is used to instruct the EAC to request EAS services from the core network.

[0290] The third receiving module 304 is used to receive the application service request rejection message replied by the gateway. The application service request rejection message is generated by the gateway based on the application service registration rejection message sent by the core network. The application service registration rejection message is used to indicate that the core network has not found any EAS service provided for the EAC.

[0291] It should be noted that the other optional embodiments and technical effects of the edge application service support device applied to EAC are all corresponding to the edge application service support method applied to EAC, so they will not be repeated here.

[0292] On the other hand, embodiments of the present invention also provide an edge application service support device applied to an EAC. This device is used to implement the above embodiments and preferred embodiments, and details already described will not be repeated. As used below, the term "module" can be a combination of software and / or hardware that implements a predetermined function. Although the device described in the following embodiments is preferably implemented in software, hardware implementation, or a combination of software and hardware, is also possible and contemplated.

[0293] Figure 20 This is a structural block diagram (III) of an edge application service support device provided according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 20As shown, the edge application service support device in this embodiment of the invention includes:

[0294] The fourth sending module 402 is used to send an application service release message to the gateway, and trigger the EAS access service release mechanism through the gateway to forward the application service release message to the EAS AF in the core network, and then request the release of the EAS service from the core network; wherein, the application service release message is used to instruct the EAC to request the release of the EAS service from the core network.

[0295] The fourth receiving module 404 is used to receive the application service release response message replied by the gateway. The application service release response message is generated by the gateway based on the application service release completion message sent by the core network. The application service release completion message is used to indicate that the core network has completed the release of EAS service for EAC.

[0296] It should be noted that the other optional embodiments and technical effects of the edge application service support device applied to EAC are all corresponding to the edge application service support method applied to EAC, so they will not be repeated here.

[0297] On the other hand, embodiments of the present invention also provide an edge application service support device applied to an EAC. This device is used to implement the above embodiments and preferred embodiments, and details already described will not be repeated. As used below, the term "module" can be a combination of software and / or hardware that implements a predetermined function. Although the device described in the following embodiments is preferably implemented in software, hardware implementation, or a combination of software and hardware, is also possible and contemplated.

[0298] Figure 21 This is a structural block diagram (four) of an edge application service support device provided according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 21 As shown, the edge application service support device in this embodiment of the invention includes:

[0299] The fifth sending module 502 is used to send application service update messages to the gateway, and trigger the EAS access service update mechanism through the gateway to forward the application service update messages to the EAS AF in the core network, and then request the core network to update the EAS service; wherein, the application service update message is used to instruct the EAC to request the core network to update the EAS service.

[0300] The fifth receiving module 504 is used to receive the application service update response message from the gateway. The application service update response message is generated by the gateway based on the application service update completion message sent by the core network. The application service update completion message is used to indicate that the core network has updated the EAS service.

[0301] It should be noted that the other optional embodiments and technical effects of the edge application service support device applied to EAC are all corresponding to the edge application service support method applied to EAC, so they will not be repeated here.

[0302] On the other hand, embodiments of the present invention also provide an edge application discovery device applied to the core network. This device is used to implement the above embodiments and preferred embodiments, and details already described will not be repeated. As used below, the term "module" can be a combination of software and / or hardware that implements a predetermined function. Although the device described in the following embodiments is preferably implemented in software, hardware implementation, or a combination of software and hardware, is also possible and contemplated.

[0303] Figure 22 This is a structural block diagram (II) of an edge application discovery device according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 22 As shown, the edge application discovery device in this embodiment of the invention includes:

[0304] The sixth receiving module 602 is used to receive the application discovery request message sent by the EAC and match the target EAS according to the application content information carried in the application discovery request message; wherein, the application content information includes at least network parameter information, and the network parameter information is used to indicate the information used by the EAC to match the corresponding EAS.

[0305] The first response module 604 is used to reply with the target EAS information to the EAC; wherein the target EAS information is used to indicate the target EAS.

[0306] It should be noted that the other optional embodiments and technical effects of the edge application discovery device applied to the core network are all corresponding to the edge application discovery method applied to the core network, and therefore will not be repeated here.

[0307] On the other hand, embodiments of the present invention also provide an edge application service support device applied to a gateway. This device is used to implement the above embodiments and preferred embodiments, and details already described will not be repeated. As used below, the term "module" can be a combination of software and / or hardware that implements a predetermined function. Although the device described in the following embodiments is preferably implemented in software, hardware implementation, or a combination of software and hardware, is also possible and contemplated.

[0308] Figure 23 This is a structural block diagram (five) of an edge application service support device provided according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 23 As shown, the edge application service support device in this embodiment of the invention includes:

[0309] The seventh receiving module 702 is used to receive the application service request message sent by the EAC and trigger the EAS access service mechanism to forward the application service request message to the EAS application function AF of the core network, and then request EAS services from the core network; wherein, the application service request message is used to instruct the EAC to request EAS services from the core network.

[0310] The second response module 704 is used to generate an application service request response message based on the application service registration completion message sent by the core network, and reply to the application service request response message to the EAC; wherein, the application service registration completion message is used to instruct the core network to complete the registration of the EAS service for the EAC.

[0311] It should be noted that the other optional embodiments and technical effects of the above-mentioned edge application service support device applied to the gateway are all corresponding to the aforementioned edge application service support method applied to the gateway, so they will not be repeated here.

[0312] On the other hand, embodiments of the present invention also provide an edge application service support device applied to a gateway. This device is used to implement the above embodiments and preferred embodiments, and details already described will not be repeated. As used below, the term "module" can be a combination of software and / or hardware that implements a predetermined function. Although the device described in the following embodiments is preferably implemented in software, hardware implementation, or a combination of software and hardware, is also possible and contemplated.

[0313] Figure 24 This is a structural block diagram (six) of an edge application service support device provided according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 24 As shown, the edge application service support device in this embodiment of the invention includes:

[0314] The eighth receiving module 802 is used to receive the application service request message sent by the EAC and trigger the EAS access service mechanism to forward the application service request message to the EAS AF of the core network, and then request EAS services from the core network; wherein, the application service request message is used to instruct the EAC to request EAS services from the core network.

[0315] The third response module 804 is used to generate an application service request rejection message based on the application service registration rejection message sent by the core network, and reply to the application service request rejection message to the EAC; wherein, the application service registration rejection message is used to indicate that the core network has not found any EAS services provided for the EAC.

[0316] It should be noted that the other optional embodiments and technical effects of the above-mentioned edge application service support device applied to the gateway are all corresponding to the aforementioned edge application service support method applied to the gateway, so they will not be repeated here.

[0317] On the other hand, embodiments of the present invention also provide an edge application service support device applied to a gateway. This device is used to implement the above embodiments and preferred embodiments, and details already described will not be repeated. As used below, the term "module" can be a combination of software and / or hardware that implements a predetermined function. Although the device described in the following embodiments is preferably implemented in software, hardware implementation, or a combination of software and hardware, is also possible and contemplated.

[0318] Figure 25 This is a structural block diagram (seven) of an edge application service support device provided according to an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 25 As shown, the edge application service support device in this embodiment of the invention includes:

[0319] The ninth receiving module 902 is used to receive the application service release message sent by the EAC and trigger the EAS access service release mechanism to forward the application service release message to the EAS AF of the core network, and then request the core network to release the EAS service; wherein, the application service release message is used to instruct the EAC to request the core network to release the EAS service.

[0320] The fourth response module 904 is used to generate an application service release response message based on the application service release completion message sent by the core network, and reply to the EAC with the application service release response message; wherein, the application service release completion message is used to indicate that the core network has completed the release of EAS services for the EAC.

[0321] It should be noted that the other optional embodiments and technical effects of the above-mentioned edge application service support device applied to the gateway are all corresponding to the aforementioned edge application service support method applied to the gateway, so they will not be repeated here.

[0322] On the other hand, embodiments of the present invention also provide an edge application service support device applied to a gateway. This device is used to implement the above embodiments and preferred embodiments, and details already described will not be repeated. As used below, the term "module" can be a combination of software and / or hardware that implements a predetermined function. Although the device described in the following embodiments is preferably implemented in software, hardware implementation, or a combination of software and hardware, is also possible and contemplated.

[0323] Figure 26 This is a structural block diagram (eight) of an edge application service support device provided according to an embodiment of the present invention, such as... Figure 26 As shown, the edge application service support device in this embodiment of the invention includes:

[0324] The tenth receiving module 1002 is used to receive the application service update message sent by the EAC and trigger the EAS access service update mechanism to forward the application service update message to the EAS AF of the core network, and then request the core network to update the EAS service; wherein, the application service update message is used to instruct the EAC to request the core network to update the EAS service.

[0325] The fifth response module 1004 is used to generate an application service update response message based on the application service update completion message sent by the core network, and reply to the EAC with the application service update response message; wherein, the application service update completion message is used to indicate that the core network has updated the EAS service.

[0326] It should be noted that the other optional embodiments and technical effects of the above-mentioned edge application service support device applied to the gateway are all corresponding to the aforementioned edge application service support method applied to the gateway, so they will not be repeated here.

[0327] It should be noted that the above modules can be implemented by software or hardware. For the latter, they can be implemented in the following ways, but are not limited to: all the above modules are located in the same processor; or, the above modules are located in different processors in any combination.

[0328] On the other hand, embodiments of the present invention also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, wherein the computer program is configured to execute the steps in any of the above method embodiments when running.

[0329] In one exemplary embodiment, the aforementioned computer-readable storage medium may include, but is not limited to, various media capable of storing computer programs, such as a USB flash drive, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), portable hard disk, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0330] On the other hand, embodiments of the present invention also provide an electronic device, including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program and the processor is configured to run the computer program to perform the steps in any of the above method embodiments.

[0331] In one exemplary embodiment, the electronic device may further include a transmission device and an input / output device, wherein the transmission device is connected to the processor and the input / output device is connected to the processor.

[0332] Specific examples in this embodiment can be found in the examples described in the above embodiments and exemplary implementations, and will not be repeated here.

[0333] It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the modules or steps of the present invention described above can be implemented using general-purpose computing devices. They can be centralized on a single computing device or distributed across a network of multiple computing devices. They can be implemented using computer-executable program code, and thus can be stored in a storage device for execution by a computing device. In some cases, the steps shown or described can be performed in a different order than those described herein, or they can be fabricated as separate integrated circuit modules, or multiple modules or steps can be fabricated as a single integrated circuit module. Thus, the present invention is not limited to any particular combination of hardware and software.

[0334] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for discovering edge applications, characterized in that, The method, applied to the edge application client EAC, includes: An application discovery request message is sent to the core network, so that the core network can match the target edge application server (EAS) based on the application content information carried in the application discovery request message; wherein, the application content information includes at least network parameter information, and the network parameter information is used to indicate the information used by the EAC to match the corresponding EAS; Receive the target EAS information replied by the core network; wherein the target EAS information is used to indicate the target EAS; The core network matches the target EAS based on the application content information carried in the application discovery request message, including: The core network obtains the network parameter information based on the application discovery request message, and initiates a matching request through the policy control function PCF to match the target EAS through the preset user routing selection policy URSP.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Sending the application discovery request message to the core network includes: The application discovery request message is sent to the gateway, and the application discovery request service is triggered through the gateway to send the application discovery request message to the core network.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The gateway includes one of the following: 5G home gateway 5G-RG, fixed-line home gateway FN-RG.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, In the case where the gateway is the 5G-RG, sending the application discovery request message to the gateway and triggering the application discovery request service through the gateway to send the application discovery request message to the core network includes: The application discovery request message is sent to the 5G-RG through a preset first interface, and the application discovery request service is triggered to the core network through the 5G-RG to send the application discovery request message to the core network.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, Before sending the application discovery request message to the 5G-RG via a preset first interface, the method further includes: Register the 5G-RG to the core network.

6. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The receipt of the target EAS information from the core network includes: The target EAS information is received in response from the 5G-RG, wherein the target EAS information is sent from the core network to the 5G-RG.

7. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, In the case where the gateway is the FN-RG, sending the application discovery request message to the gateway and triggering the application discovery request service through the gateway to send the application discovery request message to the core network includes: The application discovery request message is sent to the FN-RG through a preset second interface, and the application request service is triggered to the proxy through the FN-RG so that the application discovery request message is sent to the core network through the proxy.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, Before triggering the application request service to the proxy via the FN-RG, the method further includes: The FN-RG is registered to the core network through the agent.

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The receipt of the target EAS information from the core network includes: The target EAS information is received in response from the FN-RG, wherein the target EAS information is sent from the core network to the FN-RG through the proxy.

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The network parameter information includes at least one of the following: the domain name (DN) of the target EAS, the edge data network (EDN) address of the target EAS, and the network slice selection auxiliary information (NSSAI) of the EAC.

11. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The target EAS information includes at least one of the following: the Internet Protocol IP address of the target EAS, the domain name information of the target EAS, and the identification information of the target EAS.

12. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: An application service request message is sent to the gateway, and the EAS access service mechanism is triggered through the gateway to forward the application service request message to the EAS application function AF of the core network, thereby requesting EAS services from the core network; wherein, the application service request message is used to instruct the EAC to request the EAS services from the core network. The gateway receives an application service request response message, wherein the application service request response message is generated by the gateway based on the application service registration completion message sent by the core network, and the application service registration completion message is used to instruct the core network to complete the registration of the EAS service for the EAC.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The application service request message carries application authentication information, wherein the application authentication information is used to instruct the EAS to perform access authentication on the EAC, and the application authentication information includes at least one of the following: the DNS information of the application service's domain name server and the identity ID information of the EAC.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, Sending the application service request message to the gateway includes: The application service request message is sent to the gateway through a third interface; wherein, the third interface supports carrying content corresponding to multiple application services.

15. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, Before sending the application service request message to the gateway, the method further includes: The gateway sends a registration and authentication request to the core network; wherein the registration and authentication request is used to instruct the gateway to register and authenticate with the core network; The gateway initiates a request to the PCF through the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) so that the PCF can obtain the policy information from the gateway to the EAS by looking up the preset URSP policy; wherein, the policy information includes at least one of the following: the IP address of the EAS, and the User Plane Function (UPF) information corresponding to the EAS; The gateway establishes a PDU session between the gateway and the UPF indicated by the UPF information according to the policy information; wherein, the PDU session is used to carry traffic from the EAC to the EAS, and / or, traffic redirection operations.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The registration authentication request is generated by encapsulating a subscription permanent identifier (SUPI) or a subscription encrypted identifier (SUCI) based on the Line-ID format.

17. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The URSP policy is configured locally, or the URSP policy is configured during the process of the gateway sending the registration and authentication request to the core network.

18. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The policy information is also used by the AMF to establish a policy-related link between the gateway's edge application service and the PCF; After the gateway establishes a PDU session between the gateway and the UPF indicated by the UPF information according to the policy information, it further includes: The PCF executes the gateway's configuration update mechanism and provides the URSP policy to the gateway, instructing the gateway to register association information and user location information according to the URSP policy; and / or, The PCF provides the URSP routing policy information requested by the EAS AF, and matches edge application traffic with the URSP routing policy information; wherein the URSP routing policy information includes at least one of the following: Data Network Name (DNN), S-NSSAI; the edge application traffic is used to indicate traffic in the direction from the EAC to the EAS; and / or, The PCF provides policy services, which are used for UE binding to the AMF.

19. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: An application service request message is sent to the gateway, and the EAS access service mechanism is triggered through the gateway to forward the application service request message to the EAS AF of the core network, thereby requesting EAS services from the core network; wherein, the application service request message is used to instruct the EAC to request the EAS services from the core network. The gateway receives an application service request rejection message in response, wherein the application service request rejection message is generated by the gateway based on the application service registration rejection message sent by the core network, and the application service registration rejection message is used to indicate that the core network has not found the EAS service provided for the EAC.

20. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: An application service release message is sent to the gateway, and the EAS access service release mechanism is triggered through the gateway to forward the application service release message to the EAS AF of the core network, thereby requesting the release of the EAS service from the core network; wherein, the application service release message is used to instruct the EAC to request the release of the EAS service from the core network. The gateway receives an application service release response message, wherein the application service release response message is generated by the gateway based on the application service release completion message sent by the core network, and the application service release completion message is used to indicate that the core network has completed the release of the EAS service for the EAC.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The step of sending the application service release message to the gateway also includes: The application service release message is sent to the gateway, and the gateway sends the application service release message to the EAS AF of the core network through the Access Gateway Function (AGF), thereby instructing the EAS AF to initiate an application service release request to the core network based on the application service release message. When the core network determines that the EAS service exclusively occupies PDU resources, the core network initiates an application service resource release request, notifies the gateway through the AGF, and releases the user plane resources to the gateway.

22. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: An application service update message is sent to the gateway, and the EAS access service update mechanism is triggered through the gateway to forward the application service update message to the EAS AF of the core network, thereby requesting the core network to update the EAS service; wherein, the application service update message is used to instruct the EAC to request the core network to update the EAS service. The gateway receives an application service update response message, wherein the application service update response message is generated by the gateway based on the application service update completion message sent by the core network, and the application service update completion message is used to indicate that the core network has updated the EAS service.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The step of sending an application service update message to the gateway, and triggering the EAS access service update mechanism through the gateway to forward the application service update message to the EAS AF of the core network, thereby requesting an update to the EAS service from the core network, further includes: The application service update message is sent to the gateway, and the EAS access service update mechanism is triggered through the gateway to forward the application service update message to the EAS AF of the core network, thereby instructing the EAS AF to select and update the application service for the EAC based on the application service update message.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that, The EAS AF selects the application service for updating EAS for the EAC based on the application service update message, including: The EAS AF requests the PCF of the core network to update the EAS information, wherein the updated EAS information includes at least the identifier of the updated EAS, and the updated EAS is an EAS that meets the requirements of the EAS service indicated by the application service update message. The EAS AF records the correspondence between the identifier of the EAC and the identifier of the updated EAS; The EAS AF reselects a UPF based on the updated EAS information and instructs the gateway to establish a PDU session between the gateway and the reselected UPF; The EAS AF sends the application service update complete message to the gateway through the PDU session, instructing the gateway to generate the application service update response message based on the application service update complete message to reply to the EAC.

25. A method for discovering edge applications, characterized in that, Applied to the core network, the method includes: The system receives an application discovery request message sent by the EAC and matches a target EAS based on the application content information carried in the application discovery request message; wherein, the application content information includes at least network parameter information, and the network parameter information is used to indicate the information used by the EAC to match the corresponding EAS; Reply with target EAS information to the EAC; wherein the target EAS information is used to indicate the target EAS; Matching the target EAS based on the application content information carried in the application discovery request message includes: The network parameter information is obtained according to the application discovery request message, and a matching request is initiated through the policy control function PCF to match the target EAS through the preset user routing selection policy URSP.

26. An edge application discovery device, characterized in that, Applied to EAC, the device includes: The first sending module is used to send an application discovery request message to the core network, so that the core network can match the target edge application server (EAS) based on the application content information carried in the application discovery request message; wherein, the application content information includes at least network parameter information, and the network parameter information is used to indicate the information used by the EAC to match the corresponding EAS. The first receiving module is configured to receive the target EAS information replied by the core network; wherein the target EAS information is used to indicate the target EAS; The core network is used to obtain the network parameter information according to the application discovery request message, and initiate a matching request through the policy control function PCF to match the target EAS through the preset user routing selection policy URSP.

27. An edge application discovery device, characterized in that, The device, applied to the core network, includes: The sixth receiving module is used to receive an application discovery request message sent by the EAC, and match the target EAS according to the application content information carried in the application discovery request message; wherein, the application content information includes at least network parameter information, and the network parameter information is used to indicate the information used by the EAC to match the corresponding EAS; The first response module is used to reply with target EAS information to the EAC; wherein the target EAS information is used to indicate the target EAS; The core network is used to obtain the network parameter information according to the application discovery request message, and initiate a matching request through the policy control function PCF to match the target EAS through the preset user routing selection policy URSP.

28. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, wherein the computer program is configured to perform the method described in any one of claims 1 to 25 when executed.

29. An electronic device comprising a memory and a processor, characterized in that, The memory stores a computer program, and the processor is configured to run the computer program to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 25.

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