A method, device, apparatus, and medium for providing and discovering mobile edge computing

Abstract

The present invention discloses a method and equipment, device, and medium for providing and discovering mobile edge computing, including: receiving a mobile edge computing query request forwarded by a terminal via an access and mobility management function on a session management function; querying a mobile edge computing address for the terminal according to a preset rule; and providing the mobile edge computing address to the terminal via the access and mobility management function. The terminal discovers the mobile edge computing according to the mobile edge computing address provided to the terminal via the access and mobility management function by the session management function. With the present invention, it is no longer necessary to rely on the application layer to discover the mobile edge computing application server; therefore, even when the application layer does not support service / device discovery or the application layer function cannot be executed, a suitable mobile edge computing application server can be found without increasing the deployment complexity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of wireless communication technologies, and in particular to a method, device, apparatus, and medium for providing and discovering mobile edge computing. Background Art

[0002] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the edge computing network architecture. As shown in the figure, the main network functions involved in the figure are briefly introduced as follows:

[0003] AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function): Mainly responsible for access and mobility management functions, registration, connection management, etc.

[0004] UPF (User Plan Function): Mainly responsible for external PDU (Protocol Data Unit) session nodes interconnected with the data network, message routing and forwarding.

[0005] SMF (Session Management Function): Mainly responsible for session establishment and deletion, user plane selection and control, UE IP (User Equipment IP, UE: User Equipment; IP: Internet Protocol Address) address allocation, etc.

[0006] NRF (Network Repository Function): Mainly responsible for supporting service discovery functions.

[0007] UDM (Unified Data Management): Mainly responsible for storing UE information, such as contract information and information about established PDU sessions.

[0008] MEC (Mobile Edge Computing):

[0009] Mobile edge computing technology migrates computing storage and business service capabilities to the edge of the network, avoiding the need to transmit data back to the cloud as much as possible, reducing the waiting time and network costs of data going back and forth between the cloud and the cloud. Based on the 5G distributed cloud infrastructure, 5G user planes and 5G MEC nodes are built on the edge cloud. 5G MEC nodes provide the MEC application platform to realize the deployment and management capabilities of third-party applications. Users can obtain services through MEC applications.

[0010] The shortcomings of the existing technology are that the MEC application server can only be discovered through the application layer; further, due to the restrictions on application layer deployment, the complexity and difficulty of deployment are increased. Summary of the invention

[0011] The present invention provides a method, device and medium for providing and discovering mobile edge computing, so as to solve the problem that an MEC application server can only be discovered by relying on an application layer.

[0012] An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for providing MEC, including:

[0013] Receive the MEC query request forwarded by UE via AMF on SMF;

[0014] Query the MEC address for the terminal according to the preset rules;

[0015] The MEC address is provided to the terminal via AMF.

[0016] In implementation, the MEC query request is sent by the terminal to the AMF through the PDU session establishment request information.

[0017] In implementation, the terminal sends a MEC query request through a PDU session establishment request message, and the PDU session establishment request message carries an indication of discovering the address of the MEC server / MEC application server, or an indication of discovering the address of the MEC server / MEC application server is carried in a PCO parameter; or,

[0018] The terminal sends an MEC query request through a PDU session establishment request message, which carries EAS discovery information or SM PDU DN Request Container.

[0019] In implementation, the SM PDU DN Request Container includes edge application server discovery information EASdiscovery message, which is used to request edge application server information EAS information from DNS or EAS.

[0020] In implementation, the EAS discovery information includes EAS discovery indication and Application ID.

[0021] In implementation, the MEC address is queried for the terminal according to preset rules, including one of the following methods or a combination thereof:

[0022] SMF queries the MEC address in its own database; or,

[0023] SMF queries the local DNS, and the DNS queries the MEC for the terminal; or,

[0024] SMF interacts with AF through NEF and / or PCF to query MEC for the terminal; or,

[0025] SMF queries NRF, and DNS queries MEC for the terminal; or,

[0026] After the SMF selects the UPF for the terminal, the UPF queries the MEC for the terminal; or,

[0027] The SMF queries the UDM for the contract information of the terminal, and queries the MEC for the terminal based on the contract information of the terminal; or,

[0028] When the SMF provides the EAS discovery information to the UE, the NRF queries the MEC for the terminal; or,

[0029] After SMF selects UPF for the terminal, UPF obtains MEC from Local DN.

[0030] During implementation, after SMF selects UPF for the terminal, the MEC queried for the terminal is a query result consisting of a MEC application server address list and an application ID list.

[0031] In implementation, the MEC address is provided to the terminal via AMF through PDU session establishment acceptance information.

[0032] In implementation, when the MEC address is provided to the terminal via AMF, EAS information is provided.

[0033] In implementation, the MEC address is the MEC server address or the MEC application server address or the EAS information.

[0034] In implementation, the EAS information is the IP address of the DNS server, or the EAS IP address.

[0035] An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for discovering a MEC, including:

[0036] The terminal sends an MEC query request to SMF via AMF;

[0037] Discover MEC based on the MEC address provided to the terminal by SMF via AMF.

[0038] In implementation, the MEC query request is sent by the terminal to the AMF through the PDU session establishment request information.

[0039] In implementation, the terminal sends a MEC query request through a PDU session establishment request message, and the PDU session establishment request message carries an indication of discovering the address of the MEC server / MEC application server, or an indication of discovering the address of the MEC server / MEC application server is carried in a PCO parameter; or,

[0040] The terminal sends an MEC query request through a PDU session establishment request message, which carries EAS discovery information or SM PDU DN Request Container.

[0041] In implementation, the SM PDU DN Request Container includes an EAS discovery message, which is used to request EAS information from the DNS or EAS.

[0042] In implementation, the EAS discovery information includes EAS discovery indication and Application ID.

[0043] In implementation, SMF provides the MEC address to the terminal via AMF through PDU session establishment acceptance information.

[0044] In implementation, when SMF provides the MEC address to the terminal via AMF, EAS information is provided.

[0045] In implementation, the MEC address is the MEC server address or the MEC application server address or the EAS information.

[0046] In implementation, the EAS information is the IP address of the DNS server, or the EAS IP address.

[0047] An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for providing MEC, including:

[0048] UPF receives the request sent by SMF to query the terminal for MEC;

[0049] UPF queries the MEC address of the terminal;

[0050] Provide the SMF terminal with the MEC address of the terminal.

[0051] In implementation, the request for MEC query of the terminal sent by SMF received by UPF is SM PDU DN Request;

[0052] UPF forwards the EAS discovery message to Local DN and obtains the EASinformation of the terminal;

[0053] When providing the MEC address of the terminal to the SMF terminal, the UPF sends a response message of the EASdiscovery message containing the EAS information to the SMF.

[0054] In implementation, the EAS discovery information includes EAS discovery indication and Application ID.

[0055] In implementation, the MEC address is the MEC server address or the MEC application server address or the EAS information.

[0056] In implementation, the EAS information is the IP address of the DNS server, or the EAS IP address.

[0057] An embodiment of the present invention provides an SMF, including:

[0058] The processor reads the program in the memory and performs the following processes:

[0059] After receiving the MEC query request forwarded by the UE via the AMF, the MEC address is queried for the terminal according to the preset rules;

[0060] The MEC address is provided to the terminal via AMF;

[0061] A transceiver is used to receive and send data under the control of the processor.

[0062] In implementation, the MEC query request is sent by the terminal to the AMF through the PDU session establishment request information.

[0063] In implementation, the terminal sends a MEC query request through a PDU session establishment request message, and the PDU session establishment request message carries an indication of discovering the address of the MEC server / MEC application server, or an indication of discovering the address of the MEC server / MEC application server is carried in a PCO parameter; or,

[0064] The terminal sends an MEC query request through a PDU session establishment request message, which carries EAS discovery information or SM PDU DN Request Container.

[0065] In implementation, the SM PDU DN Request Container includes an EAS discovery message, which is used to request EAS information from the DNS or EAS.

[0066] In implementation, the EAS discovery information includes EAS discovery indication and Application ID.

[0067] In implementation, the MEC address is queried for the terminal according to preset rules, including one of the following methods or a combination thereof:

[0068] SMF queries the MEC address in its own database; or,

[0069] SMF queries the local DNS, and the DNS queries the MEC for the terminal; or,

[0070] SMF interacts with AF through NEF and / or PCF to query MEC for the terminal; or,

[0071] SMF queries NRF, and DNS queries MEC for the terminal; or,

[0072] After the SMF selects the UPF for the terminal, the UPF queries the MEC for the terminal; or,

[0073] The SMF queries the UDM for the contract information of the terminal, and queries the MEC for the terminal based on the contract information of the terminal; or,

[0074] When the SMF provides the EAS discovery information to the UE, the NRF queries the MEC for the terminal; or,

[0075] After SMF selects UPF for the terminal, UPF obtains MEC from Local DN.

[0076] During implementation, after SMF selects UPF for the terminal, the MEC queried for the terminal is a query result consisting of a MEC application server address list and an application ID list.

[0077] In implementation, the MEC address is provided to the terminal via AMF through PDU session establishment acceptance information.

[0078] In implementation, when the MEC address is provided to the terminal via AMF, EAS information is provided.

[0079] In implementation, the MEC address is the MEC server address or the MEC application server address or the EAS information.

[0080] In implementation, the EAS information is the IP address of the DNS server, or the EAS IP address.

[0081] An embodiment of the present invention provides a terminal, including:

[0082] The processor reads the program in the memory and performs the following processes:

[0083] Send MEC query request to SMF via AMF;

[0084] Discover the MEC based on the MEC address provided by SMF to the terminal via AMF;

[0085] A transceiver is used to receive and send data under the control of the processor.

[0086] In implementation, the MEC query request is sent by the terminal to the AMF through the PDU session establishment request information.

[0087] In implementation, the terminal sends a MEC query request through a PDU session establishment request message, and the PDU session establishment request message carries an indication of discovering the address of the MEC server / MEC application server, or an indication of discovering the address of the MEC server / MEC application server is carried in a PCO parameter; or,

[0088] The terminal sends an MEC query request through a PDU session establishment request message, which carries EAS discovery information or SM PDU DN Request Container.

[0089] In implementation, the SM PDU DN Request Container includes an EAS discovery message, which is used to request EAS information from the DNS or EAS.

[0090] In implementation, the EAS discovery information includes EAS discovery indication and Application ID.

[0091] In implementation, SMF provides the MEC address to the terminal via AMF through PDU session establishment acceptance information.

[0092] In implementation, when SMF provides the MEC address to the terminal via AMF, EAS information is provided.

[0093] In implementation, the MEC address is the MEC server address or the MEC application server address or the EAS information.

[0094] In implementation, the EAS information is the IP address of the DNS server, or the EAS IP address.

[0095] An embodiment of the present invention provides a UPF, including:

[0096] The processor reads the program in the memory and performs the following processes:

[0097] After receiving the request sent by SMF to query the MEC of the terminal, query the MEC address of the terminal;

[0098] Provide the MEC address of the terminal to SMF;

[0099] A transceiver is used to receive and send data under the control of the processor.

[0100] In implementation, the request sent by the received SMF to query the terminal for MEC is SM PDU DN Request;

[0101] Forward the EAS discovery message to the Local DN and obtain the EASinformation of the terminal;

[0102] When the MEC address of the terminal is provided to the SMF terminal, the response information of the EAS discovery message containing the EAS information is sent to the SMF.

[0103] In implementation, the EAS discovery information includes EAS discovery indication and Application ID.

[0104] In implementation, the MEC address is the MEC server address or the MEC application server address or the EAS information.

[0105] In implementation, the EAS information is the IP address of the DNS server, or the EAS IP address.

[0106] An embodiment of the present invention provides a device for providing MEC, including:

[0107] The SMF receiving module is used to receive the MEC query request forwarded by the UE via the AMF on the SMF;

[0108] SMF query module, used to query the MEC address for the terminal according to preset rules;

[0109] SMF provides a module for providing the MEC address to the terminal via AMF.

[0110] An embodiment of the present invention provides a device for discovering MEC, including:

[0111] The sending module is used to send an MEC query request to SMF via AMF at the terminal;

[0112] The discovery module is used to discover the MEC based on the MEC address provided by SMF to the terminal via AMF.

[0113] An embodiment of the present invention provides a device for providing MEC, including:

[0114] The UPF receiving module is used to receive the request sent by the SMF to perform MEC query on the terminal at the UPF;

[0115] UPF query module, used to query the MEC address of the terminal;

[0116] UPF provides a module for providing the MEC address of the SMF terminal to the terminal.

[0117] A computer-readable storage medium is provided in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program for executing the above method.

[0118] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0119] In the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present invention, the UE queries the MEC through the SMF. Since the UE queries through the core network element, it no longer relies on the application layer to discover the MEC application server. Therefore, even if the application layer does not support service / device discovery or the application layer function cannot be executed, a suitable MEC application server can be found without increasing the deployment complexity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0120] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0121] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an edge computing network architecture in the background technology of the present invention;

[0122] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the implementation flow of the method for providing MEC on the SMF side in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0123] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an implementation flow of a method for discovering MEC on a terminal side in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0124] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the implementation flow of the method for providing MEC on UPF in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0125] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the MEC discovery implementation process in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0126] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the MEC discovery implementation process in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0127] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the MEC discovery implementation process in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0128] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the MEC discovery implementation process in Embodiment 4 of the present invention;

[0129] Fig. 9 This is a schematic diagram of the SMF structure in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0130] Fig.10 This is a schematic diagram of the terminal structure in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0131] Fig.11 This is a schematic diagram of the UPF structure in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0132] Fig.12 This is a schematic diagram of the MEC discovery implementation process in Embodiment 5 of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0133] The inventors noticed during the invention process that:

[0134] There are currently two main solutions for discovering MEC application servers:

[0135] 1. The UE sends an application discovery request message to the MEC enabling server to obtain a list of FQDN (Fully Qualified Domain Name) and IP addresses of the MEC application, and the UE finds the application server according to the list.

[0136] 2. The UE obtains the address of the HTTPDNS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Domain Name Service; HTTP: Hypertext Transfer Protocol) server by sending a DNS request message to the local DNS (Domain Name Service), and sends a query message to the HTTPDNS server. The UPF replaces the original address in the query message with the MEC local address and sends it to the HTTPDNS. The HTTPDNS server returns a nearby MEC network internal application server to provide services to the UE based on the MEC local address queried by the HTTPDNS.

[0137] If the UE wants to use the services of the mobile edge computing platform, it needs to find a suitable MEC application server (for example, near the UE's access location) to provide services. However, the deficiency of the prior art is that, since the current solutions can only discover the MEC application server through the application layer, if the application layer does not support service / device discovery or the application layer function cannot be executed, a suitable MEC application server cannot be found. Furthermore, the difficulty and complexity of deployment are increased. Based on this, the present invention provides a solution for discovering MEC. In the solution, the UE can discover MEC applications for the UE through the core network element based on the existing deployment conditions to solve the problem of not being able to find a suitable MEC application server.

[0138] The specific implementation of the present invention will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0139] In the description process, the implementation of each functional entity on the UE and the network side will be described respectively, such as: NRF, UPF, AF, DNS, AMF, etc., and then an example of their coordinated implementation will be given to better understand the implementation of the solution given in the embodiment of the present invention. Such a description does not mean that they must be implemented in coordination or must be implemented separately. In fact, when the functional entities on the UE and the network side are implemented separately, they also solve the problems on their own side, and when they are used in combination, better technical effects will be obtained.

[0140] Figure 2 A flow chart of a method for providing MEC on the SMF side is provided, as shown in the figure, which may include:

[0141] Step 201: Receive the MEC query request forwarded by the UE via the AMF on the SMF;

[0142] Step 202: Query the MEC address for the terminal according to the preset rules;

[0143] Step 203: Provide the MEC address to the terminal via AMF.

[0144] Figure 3 A flowchart of a method for discovering MEC on a terminal side is provided, as shown in the figure, which may include:

[0145] Step 301: The terminal sends an MEC query request to SMF via AMF;

[0146] Step 302: Discover the MEC according to the MEC address provided by SMF to the terminal via AMF.

[0147] In implementation, the MEC address is the MEC server address or the MEC application server address or the EAS information.

[0148] In a specific implementation, the EAS information is the IP address of the DNS server, or the EAS IP address.

[0149] On the SMF side, in implementation, the MEC query request is sent by the terminal to the AMF through the PDU session establishment request information.

[0150] In a specific implementation, the terminal sends a MEC query request through a PDU session establishment request message, and the PDU session establishment request message carries an indication of discovering the address of the MEC server / MEC application server, or an indication of discovering the address of the MEC server / MEC application server is carried in a PCO parameter; or,

[0151] The terminal sends an MEC query request through a PDU session establishment request message, which carries EAS discovery information or SM PDU DN Request Container.

[0152] In a specific implementation, the SM PDU DN Request Container includes an EAS discovery message, which is used to request EAS information from the DNS or EAS.

[0153] In implementation, the EAS discovery information includes EAS discovery indication and Application ID.

[0154] Correspondingly, on the terminal side, in implementation, the MEC query request is sent by the terminal to the AMF through the PDU session establishment request information.

[0155] In a specific implementation, the terminal sends a MEC query request through a PDU session establishment request message, and the PDU session establishment request message carries an indication of discovering the address of the MEC server / MEC application server, or an indication of discovering the address of the MEC server / MEC application server is carried in a PCO parameter; or,

[0156] The terminal sends an MEC query request through a PDU session establishment request message, which carries EAS discovery information or SM PDU DN Request Container in the PDU session establishment request message. In the implementation, the SMPDU DN Request Container contains an EAS discovery message, which is used to request EASinformation from DNS or EAS.

[0157] The EAS discovery information includes EAS discovery indication and Application ID.

[0158] On the SMF side, in implementation, the MEC address is provided to the terminal via AMF through PDU session establishment acceptance information.

[0159] Correspondingly, on the terminal side, in implementation, SMF provides the MEC address to the terminal via AMF through PDU session establishment acceptance information.

[0160] On the SMF side, in implementation, when the MEC address is provided to the terminal via AMF, EAS information is provided.

[0161] Correspondingly, on the terminal side, in implementation, when SMF provides the MEC address to the terminal via AMF, EASinformation is provided.

[0162] In implementation, querying the MEC address for the terminal according to the preset rules may include one of the following methods or a combination thereof:

[0163] SMF queries the MEC address in its own database; or,

[0164] SMF queries the local DNS, and the DNS queries the MEC address for the terminal; or,

[0165] The SMF queries the MEC address for the terminal after interacting with the AF through the NEF and / or PCF (Policy Control Function); or,

[0166] SMF queries NRF, and DNS queries the MEC address for the terminal; or,

[0167] After the SMF selects the UPF for the terminal, the UPF queries the MEC address for the terminal; or,

[0168] The SMF queries the UDM for the contract information of the terminal, and queries the MEC address for the terminal based on the contract information of the terminal; or,

[0169] When the SMF provides the EAS discovery information to the UE, the NRF queries the MEC for the terminal; or,

[0170] After SMF selects UPF for the terminal, UPF obtains MEC from Local DN.

[0171] In a specific implementation, after the SMF selects the UPF for the terminal, the MEC queried for the terminal is a query result consisting of a MEC application server address list and an application ID list.

[0172] Specifically, SMF performs the following operations based on MEC service indication, DNN, and UE location information:

[0173] 1) The SMF selects a suitable UPF;

[0174] 2) The SMF searches for the binary query result. (For details, please refer to step 803 of the fourth embodiment).

[0175] Alternatively, before the operation is performed, if the SMF does not have the DNN contract information, it can first request the DNN contract information from the UDM, and then perform the above two operations. (For details, please refer to steps 804a-804d of embodiment 4).

[0176] As needed, a MEC address query function may be provided on the UPF. Accordingly, a method for providing MEC on the UPF is also provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0177] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a method for providing MEC on UPF is provided, as shown in the figure, which may include:

[0178] Step 401: UPF receives a request from SMF to query the terminal for MEC;

[0179] Step 402: UPF queries the MEC address of the terminal;

[0180] Step 403: Provide the MEC address of the terminal to the SMF.

[0181] Specifically, when the MEC address is queried for the terminal according to the preset rule, after the SMF selects the UPF for the terminal, the UPF queries the MEC address for the terminal. For specific implementation, please refer to the description of the following embodiment 3.

[0182] In implementation, the request for MEC query of the terminal sent by SMF received by UPF is SM PDU DN Request;

[0183] UPF forwards the EAS discovery message to Local DN and obtains the EASinformation of the terminal;

[0184] When providing the MEC address of the terminal to the SMF terminal, the UPF sends a response message of the EASdiscovery message containing the EAS information to the SMF.

[0185] The EAS discovery information includes EAS discovery indication and Application ID.

[0186] The following is an explanation with examples.

[0187] Embodiment 1

[0188] In this embodiment, SMF selects MEC for the terminal after querying its own database, SMF queries the local DNS (Domain Name Server), and DNS selects MEC for the terminal; or, SMF selects MEC for the terminal after interacting with AF (Application Function) through NEF (Network Exposure Function). That is, UE finds the appropriate MEC server / MEC application server address through SMF.

[0189] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the MEC discovery implementation process in Example 1, as shown in the figure, which may include:

[0190] Step 501: The UE sends a PDU session establishment request to the AMF, and the request information includes an MEC server / MEC application server address discovery indication.

[0191] Specifically, the indication may be a parameter newly added to the information, or may be included in a PCO parameter, for example, the value range may be a reserved value FF00H-FFFFH in a PCO (Protocol Configuration Options) parameter. The information may also include other information such as DNN (Data Network Name).

[0192] Step 502: AMF forwards the PDU session establishment information to the corresponding SMF.

[0193] Step 503: The SMF selects a suitable UPF based on the received information and searches for the MEC address.

[0194] Specifically, SMF can select a suitable UPF to find the address of MEC based on DNN and UE location information, thereby completing the PDU session establishment.

[0195] The ways in which SMF searches for MEC addresses include but are not limited to:

[0196] 1) SMF queries the MEC server / MEC application server address through its own database (for example, the MEC address server information is pre-configured in the SMF database, or this server address has been queried before, and SMF caches it). The configuration information includes: S-NSSAI (Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information), DNN / DNAI (Data Network Access Identifier, DN Access Identifier), APPID (Application Identifier), MEC server / MEC application server address and service area identifier TAI (Tracking Area Identity), UPF IP address and other information mapping. For example, the MEC server / MEC application server address is found by matching the DNN with the UE location.

[0197] 2) SMF sends a query request message containing the MEC server / MEC application server address discovery indication and UE location information to the local DNS, and the local DNS queries and replies with the MEC address.

[0198] 3) Obtained through the interaction of NEF and / or PCF with AF.

[0199] 4) SMF queries NRF, SMF sends DNN, S-NSSAI, SMF area identifier and other information, and NRF replies with the IP address of UPF or the FQDN (Fully Qualified Domain Name) of the N4 interface.

[0200] Step 504: SMF sends PDU session establishment acceptance information to AMF.

[0201] The SMF replies to the UE with a PDU session establishment acceptance message, which includes the found MEC address (e.g., IP address), or stores the MEC address in the PCO parameter.

[0202] Step 505: AMF receives and forwards the PDU session establishment acceptance information to the UE.

[0203] Step 506: The UE receives the PDU session establishment acceptance message and initiates a connection to the MEC according to the MEC address in the message.

[0204] Embodiment 2

[0205] In this embodiment, SMF queries NRF, and DNS selects MEC for the terminal, that is, the UE finds the appropriate MEC server / MEC application server address through SMF and NRF.

[0206] In this example, NRF stores information such as the MEC server / MEC application server address and MEC network topology.

[0207] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the MEC discovery implementation process in Example 2, as shown in the figure, which may include:

[0208] Step 601: The UE sends a PDU session establishment request to the AMF, and the request information includes an MEC server / MEC application server address discovery indication.

[0209] Specifically, the UE sends a PDU session establishment request to the AMF, and the request information includes a MEC server / MEC application server address discovery indication, which can be a newly added parameter in the information or included in the PCO parameter. The information can also include other information such as DNN.

[0210] Step 602: AMF forwards the PDU session establishment information to the corresponding SMF.

[0211] Step 603: AMF cannot find the MEC address.

[0212] Specifically, SMF sends a MEC query request to NRF based on the MEC address discovery indication, DNN, and UE location information. If no suitable MEC address is found, the information includes the MEC address discovery indication, DNN, and UE location.

[0213] If SMF does not store MEC related information, it directly sends the MEC query request to NRF.

[0214] Step 604: SMF sends a MEC query request to NRF.

[0215] Step 605: NRF searches for the MEC address based on the received information.

[0216] Specifically, NRF finds a suitable MEC address based on the MEC address discovery indication, DNN, and UE location information.

[0217] Step 606: NRF replies an MEC query response including the found MEC address to SMF.

[0218] Step 607: SMF selects a suitable UPF according to the MEC address.

[0219] Step 608: SMF replies to the UE with a PDU session establishment acceptance message, which includes the found MEC address, or stores the MEC address in the PCO parameter.

[0220] Step 609: AMF receives and forwards the PDU session establishment acceptance information to the UE.

[0221] Step 610: The UE receives the PDU session establishment acceptance message and initiates a connection to the MEC according to the MEC address in the message.

[0222] Embodiment 3

[0223] In this embodiment, after the SMF selects the UPF for the terminal, the UPF selects the MEC for the terminal, that is, the UE finds the appropriate UPF through the SMF, and then finds the MEC server / MEC application server address through the UPF.

[0224] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the MEC discovery implementation process in Example 3, as shown in the figure, which may include:

[0225] Step 701: The UE sends a PDU session establishment request to the AMF, and the request information includes an MEC server / MEC application server address discovery indication.

[0226] Specifically, the UE sends a PDU session establishment request to the AMF, and the request information includes an MEC server / MEC application server address discovery indication. The indication can be a newly added parameter in the information or included in the PCO parameter. The information can also include other information such as DNN.

[0227] Step 702: AMF forwards the PDU session establishment information to the corresponding SMF.

[0228] Step 703: SMF selects a suitable UPF.

[0229] Specifically, the SMF selects a suitable UPF for the DNN through the SMF according to the DNN and UE location information, such as a location close to the UE.

[0230] Step 704: SMF replies to AMF with PDU session establishment acceptance information.

[0231] Step 705: AMF receives and forwards the PDU session establishment acceptance information to the UE.

[0232] Step 706: The UE sends a MEC service discovery request message to the UPF.

[0233] Specifically, the UE receives the PDU session establishment acceptance information, and sends the MEC service discovery request information to the corresponding UPF through the PDU session. The information includes the MEC server / MEC application server address discovery indication, DNN, and UE location information, such as TAI (Tracking Area ID) or CellID (cell ID).

[0234] Step 707: UPF returns a MEC service discovery response message to the UE.

[0235] Specifically, after receiving the information, UPF finds the address of the local MEC application server and replies to the UE.

[0236] Step 708: The UE initiates a connection to the MEC according to the MEC address in the received information.

[0237] Embodiment 4

[0238] In this embodiment, SMF queries UDM for the contract information of the terminal and selects MEC for the terminal based on the contract information of the terminal. That is, the UE establishes a PDU session through SMF, discovers multiple MEC applications through SMF / UDM, and can obtain services of multiple MEC applications through the established PDU session.

[0239] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the MEC discovery implementation process in the fourth embodiment, as shown in the figure, which may include:

[0240] Step 801: The UE sends a PDU session establishment request to the AMF, and the request information includes an MEC server / MEC application server address discovery indication.

[0241] Specifically, the UE sends a PDU session establishment request to the AMF, and the request information includes a MEC service discovery indication, which is used to indicate the discovery of the MEC application server and related information. The MEC service discovery indication can be a new parameter in the information or included in the PCO parameter. The information also includes other information such as DNN.

[0242] Step 802: AMF forwards the PDU session establishment information to the corresponding SMF.

[0243] Step 803: SMF selects a suitable UPF based on the received information and generates a binary query result.

[0244] Specifically, SMF selects a suitable UPF based on MEC service indication, DNN, and UE location information, searches for the MEC platform and MEC application server address, application ID, and service type, and generates a query result of a tuple {MEC application server address (list), application ID (list)}, which can be a one-to-many or many-to-one mapping relationship. For example, one application server IP address corresponds to multiple application IDs, and completes the PDU session establishment.

[0245] In the specific implementation, the method of step 804 can also be used to generate the two-tuple query result. Specifically, steps 804a-804d can be as follows:

[0246] Step 804a, SMF requests UDM to query the DNN subscription information for the UE.

[0247] Step 804b: When the UDM receives the query request, it queries the DNN contract information of the UE.

[0248] Step 804c: UDM replies to the UE's DNN contract information.

[0249] Step 804d, SMF selects a suitable UPF and generates a binary query result based on the contract information.

[0250] SMF confirms the provided MEC server / MEC application server address based on the contract information, generates the same query result as step 803, and completes the PDU session establishment.

[0251] For step 803 and step 804, that is, after the SMF selects the UPF for the terminal, the MEC queried for the terminal is a query result consisting of a MEC application server address list and an application ID list.

[0252] Specifically, SMF performs the following operations based on MEC service indication, DNN, and UE location information:

[0253] 1) The SMF selects a suitable UPF;

[0254] 2) SMF obtains the binary query result.

[0255] Alternatively, before the operation is performed, if SMF does not have DNN contract information, it can first request DNN contract information from UDM and then perform the above two operations.

[0256] Step 805: SMF responds to UE with PDU session establishment acceptance information.

[0257] Specifically, the information includes the query result of step 803 or step 804, or exists in the PCO parameters.

[0258] Step 806: AMF receives and forwards the PDU session establishment acceptance information to the UE.

[0259] Step 807: The UE receives the PDU session establishment acceptance message and initiates a connection to one or more MEC applications according to the MEC address in the message.

[0260] Implementation Five

[0261] In this embodiment, the terminal sends an MEC query request through a PDU session establishment request message, and the PDU session establishment request message carries EAS discovery information (edge ​​application server discovery information) or SM PDU DNRequest Container (session management protocol data unit data network request container).

[0262] When querying the MEC address for the terminal according to the preset rules, two methods are provided:

[0263] Mode 1: Step 1200-Step 1205, Step 1206, Step 1207, Step 1209-Step 1211. In this mode, when the SMF provides EAS discovery information (edge ​​application server discovery information) to the UE, the NRF queries the MEC for the terminal;

[0264] Method 2: Step 1200-Step 1205, Step 1207, Step 1208, Step 1209-Step 1211. In this method, after SMF selects UPF for the terminal, UPF obtains MEC from Local DN (local data network).

[0265] When the MEC address is provided to the terminal via AMF, EAS information is provided.

[0266] The MEC address is the EAS (Edge Application Server) information.

[0267] The following explains.

[0268] Fig.12 This is a schematic diagram of the MEC discovery implementation process in Example 5, as shown in the figure, which may include:

[0269] Step 1200, UE registered to 5GC.

[0270] Specifically, the UE registers to the 5GC (5G core network) through 3GPP access or non-3GPP access.

[0271] Step 1201: UE determines to request an EAS discovery.

[0272] Specifically, the UE triggers a PDU session establishment and determines to request EAS discovery.

[0273] Step 1202: PDU Session Establishment Request (EAS discovery information or SM PDU DN Request Container).

[0274] Specifically, the UE sends a PDU Session Establishment Request message to the AMF. This request message contains EAS discovery information or SM PDU DN Request Container.

[0275] The EAS discovery information includes EAS discovery indication (edge ​​application server discovery indication) and Application ID (application identifier, this parameter is optional).

[0276] The SM PDU DN Request Container includes an EAS discovery message (edge ​​application server discovery information), which is used to request EAS information (edge ​​application server information) from the DNS or EAS.

[0277] Step 1203: Call Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Request.

[0278] Specifically, AMF selects an SMF and calls Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContextRequest. This request message contains EAS discovery information or SM PDU DN RequestContainer.

[0279] Step 1204, return Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Response.

[0280] Specifically, SMF returns Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Response to notify AMF whether to accept or reject the PDU session request containing the EAS discovery service.

[0281] Step 1205: UPF selection.

[0282] Specifically, if the SMF receives the request information in step 1204, the SMF selects a suitable UPF.

[0283] Step 1206: Send Nnrf_NFDiscovery.

[0284] Specifically, this belongs to mode 1. If the UE provides EAS discovery information, the SMF sends a Nnrf_NFDiscovery request to the NRF and includes the EAS discovery information in the information. The NRF replies to the EAS with the EAS information (for example, an IP address of a local DNS server registered in the Local DN, or an EAS IP address).

[0285] Step 1207: N4 interface session establishment (N4 Session Establishment).

[0286] Specifically, SMF establishes an N4 Session (N4 interface session) with the selected UPF.

[0287] Step 1208a: EAS discovery message.

[0288] Step 1208b: EAS discovery message.

[0289] Step 1208c, EAS information (EAS information).

[0290] Specifically, this belongs to mode 2. SMF sends an SM PDU DN Request to UPF. UPF forwards the EAS discovery message to Local DN and obtains EAS information. Then UPF sends the EAS discovery message response containing EAS information to SMF.

[0291] Step 1209: Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer (Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer (EAS information)) including EAS information.

[0292] Specifically, SMF invokes Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer, and the message contains EAS information.

[0293] Step 1210, N2 interface PDU session request (PDU session establishment accept, EAS information) (N2PDU Session Request (PDU Session Establishment Accept, EAS information)).

[0294] Specifically, AMF initiates an N2 session (N2 interface session) establishment process to the (R)AN.

[0295] Step 1211: PDU Session Establishment Accept (EAS information).

[0296] Step 1212: N2 interface PDU session response (N2 PDU Session Response).

[0297] Specifically, the AMF sends a PDU Session Establishment Accept message to the UE, which includes EAS information (for example, the IP address of the DNS server, or the EAS IP address).

[0298] Based on the same inventive concept, an SMF, a terminal, a UPF, a device for providing MEC on SMF, a device for discovering MEC on UE, a device for providing MEC on UPF, and a computer-readable storage medium are also provided in the embodiments of the present invention. Since the principles for solving the problems of these devices are similar to the method for providing MEC on SMF, the method for discovering MEC on UE, and the method for providing MEC on UPF, the implementation of these devices can refer to the implementation of the methods, and the repeated parts will not be repeated.

[0299] When implementing the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present invention, it can be implemented as follows.

[0300] Fig. 9 The following is a schematic diagram of the SMF structure. As shown in the figure, the SMF includes:

[0301] The processor 900 is used to read the program in the memory 920 and execute the following process:

[0302] After receiving the MEC query request forwarded by the UE via the AMF, the MEC address is queried for the terminal according to the preset rules;

[0303] The MEC address is provided to the terminal via AMF;

[0304] The transceiver 910 is configured to receive and send data under the control of the processor 900 .

[0305] In implementation, the MEC query request is sent by the terminal to the AMF through the PDU session establishment request information.

[0306] In implementation, the terminal sends a MEC query request through a PDU session establishment request message, and the PDU session establishment request message carries an indication of discovering the address of the MEC server / MEC application server, or an indication of discovering the address of the MEC server / MEC application server is carried in a PCO parameter; or,

[0307] The terminal sends an MEC query request through a PDU session establishment request message, which carries EAS discovery information or SM PDU DN Request Container.

[0308] In implementation, the SM PDU DN Request Container includes an EAS discovery message, which is used to request EAS information from the DNS or EAS.

[0309] In implementation, the EAS discovery information includes EAS discovery indication and Application ID.

[0310] In implementation, the MEC address is queried for the terminal according to preset rules, including one of the following methods or a combination thereof:

[0311] SMF queries the MEC address in its own database; or,

[0312] SMF queries the local DNS, and the DNS queries the MEC for the terminal; or,

[0313] SMF interacts with AF through NEF and / or PCF to query MEC for the terminal; or,

[0314] SMF queries NRF, and DNS queries MEC for the terminal; or,

[0315] After the SMF selects the UPF for the terminal, the UPF queries the MEC for the terminal; or,

[0316] The SMF queries the UDM for the contract information of the terminal, and queries the MEC for the terminal based on the contract information of the terminal; or,

[0317] When the SMF provides the EAS discovery information to the UE, the NRF queries the MEC for the terminal; or,

[0318] After SMF selects UPF for the terminal, UPF obtains MEC from Local DN.

[0319] During implementation, after SMF selects UPF for the terminal, the MEC queried for the terminal is a query result consisting of a MEC application server address list and an application ID list.

[0320] In implementation, the MEC address is provided to the terminal via AMF through PDU session establishment acceptance information.

[0321] In implementation, when SMF provides the MEC address to the terminal via AMF, EAS information is provided.

[0322] In implementation, the MEC address is the MEC server address or the MEC application server address or the EAS information.

[0323] In implementation, the EAS information is the IP address of the DNS server, or the EAS IP address.

[0324] Among them, Fig. 9 In the embodiment, the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically linking various circuits of one or more processors represented by processor 900 and memory represented by memory 920. The bus architecture may also link various other circuits such as peripherals, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and are therefore not further described herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 910 may be a plurality of components, i.e., including a transmitter and a receiver, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices on a transmission medium. The processor 900 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 920 may store data used by the processor 900 when performing operations.

[0325] Fig.10 The terminal structure diagram is shown in the figure, including:

[0326] The processor 1000 is used to read the program in the memory 1020 and execute the following process:

[0327] Send MEC query request to SMF via AMF;

[0328] Discover the MEC based on the MEC address provided by SMF to the terminal via AMF;

[0329] The transceiver 1010 is configured to receive and send data under the control of the processor 1000 .

[0330] In implementation, the MEC query request is sent by the terminal to the AMF through the PDU session establishment request information.

[0331] In implementation, the terminal sends a MEC query request through a PDU session establishment request message, and the PDU session establishment request message carries an indication of discovering the address of the MEC server / MEC application server, or an indication of discovering the address of the MEC server / MEC application server is carried in a PCO parameter; or,

[0332] The terminal sends an MEC query request through a PDU session establishment request message, which carries EAS discovery information or SM PDU DN Request Container.

[0333] In implementation, the SM PDU DN Request Container includes an EAS discovery message, which is used to request EAS information from the DNS or EAS.

[0334] In implementation, the EAS discovery information includes EAS discovery indication and Application ID.

[0335] In implementation, SMF provides the MEC address to the terminal via AMF through PDU session establishment acceptance information.

[0336] In implementation, the MEC address is the MEC server address or the MEC application server address or the EAS information.

[0337] In practice, the EAS information is the IP address of the DNS server or the EAS IP address.

[0338] Among them, Fig.10 In the embodiment, the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically one or more processors represented by processor 1000 and various circuits of memory represented by memory 1020 are linked together. The bus architecture may also link together various other circuits such as peripherals, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and are therefore not further described herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 1010 may be a plurality of components, namely, a transmitter and a receiver, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices on a transmission medium. For different user devices, the user interface 1030 may also be an interface capable of externally and internally connecting required devices, and the connected devices include but are not limited to a keypad, a display, a speaker, a microphone, a joystick, and the like.

[0339] The processor 1000 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 1020 can store data used by the processor 1000 when performing operations.

[0340] Fig.11 The UPF structure diagram is shown in the figure. As shown in the figure, the UPF includes:

[0341] The processor 1100 is used to read the program in the memory 1120 and execute the following process:

[0342] After receiving the request sent by SMF to query the MEC of the terminal, query the MEC address of the terminal;

[0343] Provide the MEC address of the terminal to SMF;

[0344] The transceiver 1110 is configured to receive and send data under the control of the processor 1100 .

[0345] In implementation, the request for MEC query of the terminal sent by SMF received by UPF is SM PDU DN Request;

[0346] UPF forwards the EAS discovery message to Local DN and obtains the EASinformation of the terminal;

[0347] When providing the MEC address of the terminal to the SMF terminal, the UPF sends a response message of the EASdiscovery message containing the EAS information to the SMF.

[0348] In implementation, the EAS discovery information includes EAS discovery indication and Application ID.

[0349] In implementation, the MEC address is the MEC server address or the MEC application server address or the EAS information.

[0350] In implementation, the EAS information is the IP address of the DNS server, or the EAS IP address.

[0351] Among them, Fig.11 In the embodiment, the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically linking together various circuits of one or more processors represented by processor 1100 and memory represented by memory 1120. The bus architecture may also link together various other circuits such as peripherals, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and are therefore not further described herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 1110 may be a plurality of components, namely, a transmitter and a receiver, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices on a transmission medium. The processor 1100 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 1120 may store data used by the processor 1100 when performing operations.

[0352] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a device for providing MEC, including:

[0353] The SMF receiving module is used to receive the MEC query request forwarded by the UE via the AMF on the SMF;

[0354] SMF query module, used to query the MEC address for the terminal according to preset rules;

[0355] SMF provides a module for providing the MEC address to the terminal via AMF.

[0356] For details, please refer to the implementation of the method for providing MEC on SMF.

[0357] An embodiment of the present invention also provides a device for discovering MEC, including:

[0358] The sending module is used to send an MEC query request to SMF via AMF at the terminal;

[0359] The discovery module is used to discover the MEC based on the MEC address provided by SMF to the terminal via AMF.

[0360] For details, please refer to the implementation of the method for discovering MEC on the terminal.

[0361] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a device for providing MEC, including:

[0362] The UPF receiving module is used to receive the request sent by the SMF to perform MEC query on the terminal at the UPF;

[0363] UPF query module, used to query the MEC address of the terminal;

[0364] UPF provides a module for providing the MEC address of the SMF terminal to the terminal.

[0365] For details, please refer to the implementation of the method for providing MEC on UPF.

[0366] A computer-readable storage medium is provided in an embodiment of the present invention, characterized in that the computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program for executing the above-mentioned method of providing MEC on SMF, the method of discovering MEC on UE, or the method of providing MEC on UPF.

[0367] For the convenience of description, the various parts of the above-mentioned device are divided into various modules or units according to their functions and described separately. Of course, when implementing the present invention, the functions of each module or unit can be implemented in the same or multiple software or hardware.

[0368] To sum up, in the technical solution provided in the embodiment of the present invention, the UE sends a PDU session establishment request to the SMF for querying the edge computing application service.

[0369] The PDU session establishment request includes a MEC server / MEC application server address discovery indication. The PDU session establishment request includes a MEC service discovery indication parameter, which is used to indicate the discovery of the MEC application server and related information.

[0370] Then, SMF selects the appropriate UPF for the UE and searches for the MEC server / MEC application server address based on the MEC service type parameters, UE location information, and DNN. If SMF cannot find the address, it can also obtain the MEC server / MEC application server address through NRF.

[0371] SMF can also select a suitable UPF based on the MEC service discovery indication, DNN, and UE location information, and generate a two-tuple query result including the MEC application server address (list) and application ID (list).

[0372] SMF can also obtain the UE's contract information from NRF and generate a binary query result based on the contract information, MEC service indication, DNN, and UE location information.

[0373] If the SMF does not include the MEC address in the PDU session establishment accept information, the UE obtains the MEC address by interacting with the UPF.

[0374] It can be seen that the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present invention solves the problems discovered by mobile edge computing applications.

[0375] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present invention may be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the present invention may take the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware. Moreover, the present invention may take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage and optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0376] The present invention is described with reference to flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, devices (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that each process and / or block in the flowchart and / or block diagram, as well as the combination of processes and / or blocks in the flowchart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device generate instructions for implementing the processes in the flowchart and / or block diagram. Figure 1 A process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in a block or multiple blocks.

[0377] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory capable of directing a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture comprising an instruction device, which implements the process Figure 1 A process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A function specified in one or more boxes.

[0378] These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device so that a series of operating steps are executed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions for implementing the process. Figure 1 A process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps for the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0379] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present invention fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention and their equivalents, the present invention is also intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A method for providing mobile edge computing MEC, characterized in that: include: Receiving, on the session management function SMF, the MEC query request forwarded by the terminal via the access and mobility management function AMF; Query the MEC address for the terminal according to the preset rules; The MEC address is provided to the terminal via AMF; The MEC query request is sent by the terminal to the AMF through the protocol data unit PDU session establishment request information; The MEC address is queried for the terminal according to the preset rules, including one or a combination of the following methods: SMF queries MEC for the terminal after interacting with the application function AF through the network open function NEF and / or the policy control function entity PCF; SMF queries the unified data management (UDM) for the contract information of the terminal, and queries the MEC for the terminal based on the contract information of the terminal; When the SMF provides the EAS discovery information to the UE, the NRF queries the MEC for the terminal; After SMF selects UPF for the terminal, UPF obtains MEC from the local data network Local DN.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The terminal sends a MEC query request through a PDU session establishment request message, and the PDU session establishment request message carries an indication of discovering the address of the MEC server / MEC application server, or an indication of discovering the address of the MEC server / MEC application server is carried in a protocol configuration option PCO parameter; or, The terminal sends an MEC query request through a PDU session establishment request message, which carries the edge application server discovery information EAS discovery information or the session management protocol data unit data network request container SM PDU DN Request Container in the PDU session establishment request message.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The SM PDU DN Request Container includes edge application server discovery information EAS discovery message, which is used to request edge application server information EAS information from DNS or EAS.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The MEC address is queried for the terminal according to the preset rules, which also includes one or a combination of the following methods: SMF queries the MEC address in its own database; or, SMF queries the local domain name service DNS, and DNS queries MEC for the terminal; or, SMF queries the network storage function NRF, and DNS queries MEC for the terminal; or, After SMF selects the user plane function UPF for the terminal, SMF queries MEC for the terminal.

5. The method according to claim 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that: The EAS discovery information includes an edge application server discovery indication EAS discovery indication and an application ID.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that After SMF selects UPF for the terminal, the MEC queried for the terminal is a query result consisting of a MEC application server address list and an application ID list.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The MEC address is provided to the terminal via AMF through the PDU session establishment accept information.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that When the MEC address is provided to the terminal via AMF, the edge application server information EAS information is provided.

9. The method according to claim 1, 5 or 8, characterized in that: The MEC address is the MEC server address or the MEC application server address or EAS information.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The EAS information is the IP address of the DNS server or the EAS IP address.

11. A method for discovering MEC, characterized in that: include: The terminal sends an MEC query request to SMF via AMF; Discover the MEC based on the MEC address provided by SMF to the terminal via AMF; The MEC query request is sent by the terminal to the AMF through the PDU session establishment request information; The MEC address is queried by the SMF for the terminal according to a preset rule, and the preset rule includes one of the following methods or a combination thereof: SMF queries MEC for the terminal after interacting with the application function AF through the network open function NEF and / or the policy control function entity PCF; SMF queries the unified data management (UDM) for the contract information of the terminal, and queries the MEC for the terminal based on the contract information of the terminal; When the SMF provides the EAS discovery information to the UE, the NRF queries the MEC for the terminal; After SMF selects UPF for the terminal, UPF obtains MEC from the local data network Local DN.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The terminal sends a MEC query request through a PDU session establishment request message, where the PDU session establishment request message carries an indication of discovering the address of the MEC server / MEC application server, or an indication of discovering the address of the MEC server / MEC application server is carried in a PCO parameter; or, The terminal sends an MEC query request through a PDU session establishment request message, which carries EASdiscovery information or SM PDU DN Request Container in the PDU session establishment request message.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The SM PDU DN Request Container includes edge application server discovery information EAS discovery message, which is used to request edge application server information EAS information from DNS or EAS.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The EAS discovery information includes EAS discovery indication and Application ID.

15. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that SMF provides the MEC address to the terminal via AMF through PDU session establishment acceptance information.

16. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that When SMF provides the MEC address to the terminal via AMF, it provides EAS information.

17. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that: The MEC address is the MEC server address or the MEC application server address or EAS information.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The EAS information is the IP address of the DNS server or the EAS IP address.

19. A method for providing MEC, characterized in that: include: UPF receives the request sent by SMF to query the terminal for MEC; UPF queries the MEC address of the terminal from the local data network Local DN; Provide the MEC address of the terminal to SMF; The MEC query request is sent by the terminal to AMF through the PDU session establishment request information, and then sent by AMF to SMF.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein: The request for MEC query of the terminal sent by SMF received by UPF is SM PDU DN Request; UPF forwards the EAS discovery message to the Local DN and obtains the EAS information of the terminal; When providing the MEC address of the SMF terminal, the UPF sends a response message of the EAS discovery message containing the EAS information to the SMF.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein: The MEC address is the MEC server address or the MEC application server address or EAS information.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that The EAS information is the IP address of the DNS server or the EAS IP address.

23. A SMF, characterized in that: include: The processor reads the program in the memory and performs the following processes: After receiving the MEC query request forwarded by the terminal via AMF, query the MEC address for the terminal according to the preset rules; The MEC address is provided to the terminal via AMF; The MEC query request is sent by the terminal to the AMF through the PDU session establishment request information; a transceiver for receiving and transmitting data under the control of the processor; The MEC address is queried for the terminal according to the preset rules, including one or a combination of the following methods: SMF queries MEC for the terminal after interacting with the application function AF through the network open function NEF and / or the policy control function entity PCF; SMF queries the unified data management (UDM) for the contract information of the terminal, and queries the MEC for the terminal based on the contract information of the terminal; When the SMF provides the EAS discovery information to the UE, the NRF queries the MEC for the terminal; After SMF selects UPF for the terminal, UPF obtains MEC from the local data network Local DN.

24. The SMF of claim 23, wherein: The terminal sends a MEC query request through a PDU session establishment request message, where the PDU session establishment request message carries an indication of discovering the address of the MEC server / MEC application server, or an indication of discovering the address of the MEC server / MEC application server is carried in a PCO parameter; or, The terminal sends an MEC query request through a PDU session establishment request message, which carries EASdiscovery information or SM PDU DN Request Container in the PDU session establishment request message.

25. The SMF of claim 24, wherein: The SM PDU DN Request Container includes edge application server discovery information EAS discovery message, which is used to request edge application server information EAS information from DNS or EAS.

26. The SMF of claim 23, wherein: The MEC address is queried for the terminal according to the preset rules, which also includes one or a combination of the following methods: SMF queries the MEC address in its own database; or, SMF queries the local DNS, and the DNS queries the MEC for the terminal; or, SMF queries NRF, and DNS queries MEC for the terminal; or, After SMF selects UPF for the terminal, the UPF queries MEC for the terminal.

27. The SMF of claim 24, 25 or 26, wherein: The EAS discovery information includes EAS discovery indication and Application ID.

28. The SMF of claim 27, wherein: After SMF selects UPF for the terminal, the MEC queried for the terminal is a query result consisting of a MEC application server address list and an application ID list.

29. The SMF of claim 23, wherein: The MEC address is provided to the terminal via AMF through the PDU session establishment accept information.

30. The SMF of claim 23, wherein: When the MEC address is provided to the terminal via AMF, EAS information is provided.

31. The SMF of claim 23 or 26 or 29 or 30, wherein: The MEC address is the MEC server address or the MEC application server address or EAS information.

32. The SMF of claim 31, wherein: The EAS information is the IP address of the DNS server or the EAS IP address.

33. A terminal, characterized in that: include: The processor reads the program in the memory and performs the following processes: Send MEC query request to SMF via AMF; Discover the MEC based on the MEC address provided by SMF to the terminal via AMF; The MEC query request is sent by the terminal to the AMF through the PDU session establishment request information; a transceiver for receiving and transmitting data under the control of the processor; The MEC address is queried by the SMF for the terminal according to a preset rule, and the preset rule includes one of the following methods or a combination thereof: SMF queries MEC for the terminal after interacting with the application function AF through the network open function NEF and / or the policy control function entity PCF; SMF queries the unified data management (UDM) for the contract information of the terminal, and queries the MEC for the terminal based on the contract information of the terminal; When the SMF provides the EAS discovery information to the UE, the NRF queries the MEC for the terminal; After SMF selects UPF for the terminal, UPF obtains MEC from the local data network Local DN.

34. The terminal according to claim 33, characterized in that The terminal sends a MEC query request through a PDU session establishment request message, where the PDU session establishment request message carries an indication of discovering the address of the MEC server / MEC application server, or an indication of discovering the address of the MEC server / MEC application server is carried in a PCO parameter; or, The terminal sends an MEC query request through a PDU session establishment request message, which carries EASdiscovery information or SM PDU DN Request Container in the PDU session establishment request message.

35. The terminal according to claim 34, characterized in that The SM PDU DN Request Container includes edge application server discovery information EAS discovery message, which is used to request edge application server information EAS information from DNS or EAS.

36. The terminal according to claim 34, characterized in that The EAS discovery information includes EAS discovery indication and Application ID.

37. The terminal according to claim 33, characterized in that SMF provides the MEC address to the terminal via AMF through PDU session establishment acceptance information.

38. The terminal according to claim 33, characterized in that When SMF provides the MEC address to the terminal via AMF, it provides EAS information.

39. The terminal according to any one of claims 33 to 38, characterized in that: The MEC address is the MEC server address or the MEC application server address or EAS information.

40. The terminal according to claim 39, characterized in that The EAS information is the IP address of the DNS server or the EAS IP address.

41. A UPF, characterized in that include: The processor reads the program in the memory and performs the following processes: After receiving the request for MEC query of the terminal sent by SMF, query the MEC address of the terminal from the local data network Local DN; Provide the MEC address of the terminal to SMF; The MEC query request is sent by the terminal to AMF through the PDU session establishment request information, and then sent by AMF to SMF; A transceiver is used to receive and send data under the control of the processor.

42. The UPF of claim 41, wherein: The request sent by the received SMF to query the terminal for MEC is SM PDU DN Request; Forward the EAS discovery message to the Local DN and obtain the EAS information of the terminal; When the MEC address of the terminal is provided to the SMF terminal, the response information of the EAS discovery message containing the EAS information is sent to the SMF.

43. The UPF of claim 41 or 42, wherein: The MEC address is the MEC server address or the MEC application server address or EAS information.

44. The UPF of claim 43, wherein: The EAS information is the IP address of the DNS server or the EAS IP address.

45. A device for providing MEC, characterized in that: include: The SMF receiving module is used to receive the MEC query request forwarded by the terminal via the AMF on the SMF; SMF query module, used to query the MEC address for the terminal according to preset rules; The SMF provides a module for providing the MEC address to the terminal via the AMF; The MEC query request is sent by the terminal to the AMF through the protocol data unit PDU session establishment request information; The MEC address is queried for the terminal according to the preset rules, including one or a combination of the following methods: SMF queries MEC for the terminal after interacting with the application function AF through the network open function NEF and / or the policy control function entity PCF; SMF queries the unified data management (UDM) for the contract information of the terminal, and queries the MEC for the terminal based on the contract information of the terminal; When the SMF provides the EAS discovery information to the UE, the NRF queries the MEC for the terminal; After SMF selects UPF for the terminal, UPF obtains MEC from the local data network Local DN.

46. ​​A device for discovering MEC, characterized in that: include: The sending module is used to send an MEC query request to SMF via AMF at the terminal; The discovery module is used to discover the MEC according to the MEC address provided by the SMF to the terminal via the AMF; The MEC query request is sent by the terminal to the AMF through the protocol data unit PDU session establishment request information; The MEC address is queried for the terminal according to the preset rules, including one or a combination of the following methods: SMF queries MEC for the terminal after interacting with the application function AF through the network open function NEF and / or the policy control function entity PCF; SMF queries the unified data management (UDM) for the contract information of the terminal, and queries the MEC for the terminal based on the contract information of the terminal; When the SMF provides the EAS discovery information to the UE, the NRF queries the MEC for the terminal; After SMF selects UPF for the terminal, UPF obtains MEC from the local data network Local DN.

47. A device for providing MEC, characterized in that: include: The UPF receiving module is used to receive the request sent by the SMF to perform MEC query on the terminal at the UPF; UPF query module, used to query the MEC address of the terminal from the local data network Local DN; UPF provides a module for providing the MEC address of the SMF terminal to the terminal; The MEC query request is sent by the terminal to AMF through the PDU session establishment request information, and then sent by AMF to SMF.

48. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

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