A communication method, device and system

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and discloses a communication method, device and system for solving the problem that the network cannot operate normally due to the network storage function network element failing to back up the information of the network function network element in a timely manner. The first network storage function network element can send a first message to the network function network element, and the first message can be used to indicate the reporting of the profile information and / or subscription information of the network function network element. Then, the first network storage function network element can receive a third message and / or a third message sent by the network function network element, and the second message may include the profile information of the network function network element, and the third message may include the subscription information of the network function network element. In this way, the network storage function network element and the network function network element have the same information, which can ensure the normal operation of the network.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China on January 22, 2020, with application number 202010075566.6 and invention name “A communication method, device and system”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of communication technology, and in particular, to a communication method, device, and system. Background Art

[0003] In the network, a network function (NF) network element (such as AMF, SMF, etc.) needs to register with its corresponding network repository function (NRF) network element before the NF network element can provide certain network services. After the NF network element successfully registers with the NRF network element, the attributes of the NF network element or the attributes of certain services that the NF network element can provide may change. At this time, the NF network element can initiate an attribute update request to the NRF network element to inform the NRF network element of the changed attributes. In another scenario, the NF network element can also subscribe to services. For example, the AMF subscribes to the relevant information of the SMF from its corresponding NRF network element. When the NRF network element finds that the relevant information of the SMF has changed, the NRF network element can notify the AMF that subscribes to the relevant information of the SMF of the changed SMF.

[0004] The network must maintain consistent information between NF and NRF network elements to ensure normal operation. Generally, to ensure service reliability, two or more NRF network elements can be set up in a disaster recovery relationship, such as NRF network element A and NRF network element B. NRF network element A synchronizes its stored information with NRF network element B. However, in certain abnormal situations, NRF network element A fails to synchronize its information with NRF network element B in a timely manner, causing NRF network element A to fail. In this case, NRF network element B does not store the corresponding information for the NF network element, potentially causing the network to malfunction. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and apparatus to solve the problem of network failure to operate normally due to untimely backup.

[0006] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, in which a first network storage function network element may send a first message to a network function network element, and the first message may be used to indicate reporting of profile information and / or subscription information of the network function network element. Then, the first network storage function network element may receive a second message and / or a third message sent by the network function network element, and the second message may include the profile information of the network function network element, and the third message may include the subscription information of the network function network element. The second message may also be referred to as an update request message, and the third message may also be referred to as a subscription request message.

[0007] By sending an instruction to report profile information and / or subscription information to the network function network element through the network storage function network element, the network storage function network element can receive the profile information and / or subscription information reported by the network function network element. In this way, the network storage function network element and the network function network element have the same information, which can ensure the normal operation of the network.

[0008] In a possible implementation, the subscription information may include a subscription identifier and a subscription condition corresponding to the subscription identifier. Generally, the subscription identifier corresponds to the subscription condition in a one-to-one manner.

[0009] In a possible implementation, after receiving the second message and / or the third message, the first network storage function network element may also update the stored information of the network function network element according to the profile information and / or subscription information of the network function network element.

[0010] In one possible implementation, if the profile information of the network function network element includes the first heartbeat period of the network function network element; upon determining that the first heartbeat period reported by the network function network element is inconsistent with the second heartbeat period of the network function network element stored in the first network storage function network element, the first network storage function network element may send a response message of the second message to the network function network element, and the response message may be used to instruct the network function network element to update the first heartbeat period to the second heartbeat period, so that the network function network element can subsequently feed back a heartbeat response to the network function network element according to the second heartbeat period.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the first network storage function network element can periodically verify the information of the network function network element. Before sending the first message to the network function network element, the first network storage function network element can also first determine the time to verify the information of the network function network element; and / or, before sending the first message to the network function network element, the first network storage function network element determines that the network function network element has switched from the third network storage function network element to the first network storage function network element. For example, the first network storage function network element determines that the network function network element has switched from the third network storage function network element to the first network storage function network element.

[0012] In a possible implementation, the first message may be a response message to a request message related to a management service, or may be other messages, such as a service discovery message.

[0013] In one possible implementation, after receiving the third message, the first network storage function network element may further determine whether the third message is processed by itself. When the first network storage function network element determines that the third message is not processed by itself, it sends the third message to the second network storage function network element for processing, so that the second network storage function network element updates the saved subscription information of the network function network element according to the subscription information in the third message. Of course, it is also possible to filter out the third message, that is, to terminate the third message and not forward it to other NRFs.

[0014] According to a second aspect, a communication method is provided, in which a network function network element receives a first message sent by a first network storage function network element, where the first message is used to instruct reporting of profile information and / or subscription information of the network function network element. The network function network element then sends a second message and / or a third message to the first network storage function network element, where the second message includes the profile information of the network function network element and the third message includes the subscription information of the network function network element.

[0015] In one possible implementation, if the profile information of the network function network element includes a first heartbeat period, the network function network element may receive a response message to the second message sent by the first network storage function network element, where the response message is used to instruct the network function network element to update the first heartbeat period to a second heartbeat period. The network function network element updates its own stored first heartbeat period based on the second heartbeat period.

[0016] The technical effects of the second aspect and any possible implementation, to the thirteenth aspect and any possible implementation, can be referred to the first aspect and the corresponding possible implementation, and will not be repeated here.

[0017] In a third aspect, a communication device is provided, wherein the communication device has the functions of implementing the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect. These functions can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more functional modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0018] In a fourth aspect, a communication device is provided, wherein the communication device has the functions of implementing the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect. These functions can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more functional modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0019] In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided. The device may be the network storage function network element in the above-mentioned method embodiment, or a chip provided in the network storage function network element. The device includes a transceiver and a processor, and optionally, a memory. The memory is used to store computer programs or instructions. The processor is coupled to the memory and the transceiver, respectively. When the processor executes the computer program or instructions, the device executes the method performed by the network storage function network element in the above-mentioned first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect through the transceiver.

[0020] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided. The device may be a network function element (NFE) in the above-described method embodiment, or a chip disposed in the NFE. The device includes a transceiver and a processor, and optionally, a memory. The memory is configured to store computer programs or instructions, and the processor is coupled to the memory and the transceiver, respectively. When the processor executes the computer program or instructions, the device executes, via the transceiver, the method performed by the NFE in the above-described second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0021] In the seventh aspect, a computer program product is provided, which includes: computer program code, which, when running on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method performed by the network storage function network element in the above-mentioned first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0022] In the eighth aspect, a computer program product is provided, which includes: computer program code, which, when running on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method performed by the network function network element in the above-mentioned second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0023] In the ninth aspect, the present application provides a chip system, which includes a processor and a memory, and the processor and the memory are electrically coupled; the memory is used to store computer program instructions; the processor is used to execute part or all of the computer program instructions in the memory, and when the part or all of the computer program instructions are executed, it is used to implement the functions of the network storage function network element in the above-mentioned first aspect and any possible implementation method of the first aspect.

[0024] In one possible design, the chip system may further include a transceiver configured to transmit signals processed by the processor or receive signals input to the processor. The chip system may be composed of a chip or may include a chip and other discrete components.

[0025] In the tenth aspect, the present application provides a chip system, which includes a processor and a memory, and the processor and the memory are electrically coupled; the memory is used to store computer program instructions; the processor is used to execute part or all of the computer program instructions in the memory, and when the part or all of the computer program instructions are executed, it is used to implement the functions of the network function network element in the above-mentioned second aspect and any possible implementation method of the second aspect.

[0026] In one possible design, the chip system may further include a transceiver configured to transmit signals processed by the processor or receive signals input to the processor. The chip system may be composed of a chip or may include a chip and other discrete components.

[0027] In the eleventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program. When the computer program is run, the method performed by the network storage function network element in the above-mentioned first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect is executed.

[0028] In the twelfth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program. When the computer program is run, the method performed by the network function network element in the above-mentioned second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect is executed.

[0029] In the thirteenth aspect, a communication system is provided, which includes: a network storage function network element that executes the method in the above-mentioned first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, and a network function network element that executes the method in the above-mentioned second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0030] In the fourteenth aspect, a communication method is provided, wherein a fourth NRF receives a fourth message and / or a fifth message sent from a fifth NRF. The fourth message includes the profile information saved by the fifth NRF, and the fifth message includes the subscription information saved by the fifth NRF. The fourth message and / or the fifth message are generated based on a first service, and the first service is used for information synchronization, or in other words, the first service is used for information consistency verification or data consistency verification. Then, the fourth NRF verifies the received profile information and / or verifies the received subscription information.

[0031] The first service mentioned above can be a service agreed upon by multiple suppliers. The fourth and fifth messages are messages generated based on the service agreed upon by multiple suppliers, and can also be understood as standard-defined messages. In this way, whether two NRFs belong to the same supplier (manufacturer) or different suppliers (manufacturers), the receiving end (the fourth NRF) can correctly parse the message, thereby achieving profile information and / or subscription information synchronization between the same supplier or different suppliers.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the version of the first service is a version supported by the fourth NRF. Of course, the version of the first service is also a version supported by the fifth NRF. In this way, when the service version is upgraded, the receiving end (the fourth NRF) can still correctly parse the message, thereby achieving synchronization of profile information and / or subscription information during the version upgrade.

[0033] In a possible implementation, when the fourth NRF verifies the received profile information, it may specifically be: when the timestamp of the received profile information is later than the timestamp of the profile information saved in the fourth NRF for the fifth NRF, it is determined that the received profile information verification has passed; when the timestamp of the received profile information is not later than the timestamp of the profile information saved in the fourth NRF for the fifth NRF, it is determined that the received profile information verification has failed. The timestamp of the profile information here may represent the generation time of the profile information. If the generation time of the profile information reported by the fifth NRF is earlier than the generation time of the profile information saved in the fourth NRF, it can be considered that the profile information reported by the fifth NRF is the latest, and it can be determined that the verification has passed. Otherwise, it can be determined that the verification has failed.

[0034] In a possible implementation, when the fourth NRF verifies the received subscription information, it may specifically be: when the timestamp of the received subscription information is later than the timestamp of the subscription information saved in the fourth NRF for the fifth NRF, it is confirmed that the received subscription information verification has passed; when the timestamp of the received subscription information is not later than the timestamp of the subscription information saved in the fourth NRF for the fifth NRF, it is determined that the received subscription information verification has failed. The timestamp of the subscription information here may represent the generation time of the subscription information. If the generation time of the subscription information reported by the fifth NRF is earlier than the generation time of the subscription information saved in the fourth NRF, it can be considered that the subscription information reported by the fifth NRF is the latest, and it can be determined that the verification has passed. Otherwise, it can be determined that the verification has failed.

[0035] In one possible implementation, after the fourth NRF determines that the received profile information has been verified, it can update the profile information saved for the fifth NRF based on the received profile information; and / or, after the fourth NRF determines that the received subscription information has been verified, it can update the subscription information saved for the fifth NRF based on the received subscription information.

[0036] In a possible implementation, the subscription information includes a subscription identifier and a subscription condition corresponding to the subscription identifier. Typically, the subscription identifier and the subscription condition correspond one to one.

[0037] In one possible implementation, before the fourth NRF receives the fourth message and / or the fifth message sent from the fifth NRF, the fourth NRF sends a sixth message to the fifth NRF, where the sixth message is used to indicate reporting profile information and / or subscription information. In this example, the fourth NRF initiates information consistency check (also called information synchronization).

[0038] In one possible implementation, when the fourth NRF determines that it is time to verify the information of the fifth NRF, the fourth NRF sends a sixth message to the fifth NRF. In this example, the fourth NRF periodically performs information consistency verification to ensure the accuracy of the information.

[0039] In the fifteenth aspect, a communication method is provided, wherein the fifth NRF generates a fourth message and / or a fifth message based on the first service, the fourth message includes the profile information saved in the fifth NRF, the fourth message includes the subscription information saved in the fifth NRF, and the first service is used for information synchronization, or in other words, the first service is used for information consistency verification or data consistency verification. Then, the fifth NRF sends the fourth message and / or the fifth message to the fourth NRF. Optionally, the fifth NRF calls the first service and sends the fourth message and / or the fifth message to the fourth NRF.

[0040] The first service mentioned above can be a service agreed upon by multiple suppliers. The fourth and fifth messages are messages generated based on the service agreed upon by multiple suppliers, and can also be understood as standard-defined messages. In this way, whether two NRFs belong to the same supplier (manufacturer) or different suppliers (manufacturers), the receiving end (the fourth NRF) can correctly parse the message, thereby achieving profile information and / or subscription information synchronization between the same supplier or different suppliers.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the fifth NRF first receives a sixth message from the fourth NRF, where the sixth message indicates reporting profile information and / or subscription information. The fifth NRF then sends the fourth message and / or the fifth message to the fourth NRF. In this example, the fourth NRF initiates an information consistency check (also known as information synchronization).

[0042] In one possible implementation, when the fifth NRF determines that a time has arrived to verify the information of the fifth NRF, the fifth NRF sends the fourth message and / or the fifth message to the fourth NRF. In this example, the fifth NRF periodically performs information consistency verification to ensure the accuracy of the profile information and / or subscription information.

[0043] In one possible implementation, when the fifth NRF receives the profile information and / or subscription information sent by the network function network element, the fifth NRF sends the fourth message and / or the fifth message to the fourth NRF. The reception here is divided into two cases. One is that the fifth NRF is regarded as the first NRF of the first aspect, and receives the second message and / or the third message sent by the network function network element for information synchronization (consistency check). The other is that the network function network element registers or subscribes to the fifth NRF. In this example, as long as the fifth NRF finds that the profile information and / or subscription information stored in itself is updated, it will immediately verify with the fourth NRF to ensure the accuracy of the profile information and / or subscription information.

[0044] In one possible implementation, when the fifth NRF executes the first command, it sends the fourth message and / or the fifth message to the fourth NRF. In this example, the fifth NRF triggers an information consistency check through the first command to ensure the accuracy of the profile information and / or subscription information. The first command may be pre-configured.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the version of the first service is a version supported by the fourth NRF. Of course, the version of the first service is also a version supported by the fifth NRF. In this way, when the service version is upgraded, the receiving end (the fourth NRF) can still correctly parse the message, thereby achieving synchronization of profile information and / or subscription information during the version upgrade.

[0046] In the sixteenth aspect, a communication method is provided, wherein a fourth NRF receives a fourth message and / or a fifth message sent from a fifth NRF. The fourth message includes the profile information saved by the fifth NRF, and the fifth message includes the subscription information saved by the fifth NRF. The fourth message and / or the fifth message are generated based on a first service, and the first service is used for information synchronization, or in other words, the first service is used for information consistency verification or data consistency verification. Then, the profile information saved for the fifth NRF is updated according to the received profile information; and / or, the subscription information saved for the fifth NRF is updated according to the received subscription information.

[0047] In a possible implementation, before the fourth network storage function network updates the profile information stored for the fifth NRF according to the received profile information, the fourth NRF further includes: verifying the received profile information and determining that the verification passes.

[0048] In a possible implementation, before the fourth network storage function network updates the subscription information stored for the fifth NRF according to the received subscription information, the fourth NRF further includes: verifying the received subscription information and determining that the verification passes.

[0049] The technical details of the embodiment provided in the sixteenth aspect are the same as the technical details of the fourteenth aspect above, that is, any possible implementation and corresponding technical effects of the sixteenth aspect can be referred to any possible implementation and corresponding technical effects of the fourteenth aspect above, and will not be repeated here.

[0050] In a seventeenth aspect, a communication device is provided, wherein the device has the functions of implementing the above-mentioned fourteenth aspect and any possible implementation of the fourteenth aspect, or implementing the functions of the above-mentioned fifteenth aspect and any possible implementation of the fifteenth aspect, or implementing the functions of the above-mentioned sixteenth aspect and any possible implementation of the sixteenth aspect. These functions can be implemented by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software implementations. The hardware or software includes one or more functional modules corresponding to the above-mentioned functions.

[0051] In the eighteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor and a memory; the memory is used to store computer program instructions; the processor is used to execute part or all of the computer program instructions in the memory, and when the part or all of the computer program instructions are executed, it is used to implement the function of the fourth NRF in the method of the above-mentioned fourteenth aspect and any possible implementation of the fourteenth aspect, or to implement the function of the fifth NRF in the above-mentioned fifteenth aspect and any possible implementation of the fifteenth aspect, or to implement the function of the fourth NRF in the above-mentioned sixteenth aspect and any possible implementation of the sixteenth aspect.

[0052] In one possible design, the communication device may further include a transceiver, configured to transmit a signal processed by the processor or receive a signal input to the processor. The transceiver may perform the transmitting or receiving action performed by the fourth NRF in the fourteenth aspect; or, perform the transmitting or receiving action performed by the fifth NRF in the fifteenth aspect; or, perform the transmitting or receiving action performed by the fourth NRF in the sixteenth aspect.

[0053] In the nineteenth aspect, the present application provides a chip system, which includes one or more processors (also referred to as processing circuits), and the processors are electrically coupled to a memory (also referred to as a storage medium); the memory may be located in the chip system or not in the chip system, and the memory is used to store computer program instructions; the processor is used to execute part or all of the computer program instructions in the memory, and when the part or all of the computer program instructions are executed, they are used to implement the function of the fourth NRF in the method of the above-mentioned fourteenth aspect and any possible implementation of the fourteenth aspect, or to implement the function of the fifth NRF in the above-mentioned fifteenth aspect and any possible implementation of the fifteenth aspect, or to implement the function of the fourth NRF in the above-mentioned sixteenth aspect and any possible implementation of the sixteenth aspect.

[0054] In one possible design, the chip system may further include an input / output interface, which is used to output the signal processed by the processor or input the signal to the processor for processing. The input / output interface can execute the sending action or receiving action executed by the fourth NRF in the fourteenth aspect, or the input / output interface can execute the sending action or receiving action executed by the fifth NRF in the fifteenth aspect, or the input / output interface can execute the sending action or receiving action executed by the fourth NRF in the sixteenth aspect. The chip system can be composed of chips, or it can include chips and other discrete devices.

[0055] In the twentieth aspect, a computer storage medium is provided for storing a computer program, wherein the computer program includes instructions for implementing the functions of the fourteenth aspect and any possible implementation of the fourteenth aspect, or instructions for implementing the functions of the fifteenth aspect and any possible implementation of the fifteenth aspect, or instructions for implementing the functions of the sixteenth aspect and any possible implementation of the sixteenth aspect.

[0056] Alternatively, a computer storage medium is used to store a computer program, which, when executed by a computer, can enable the computer to execute the method executed by the terminal in the above-mentioned fourteenth aspect and any possible implementation of the fourteenth aspect, or execute the method executed by the network device in the above-mentioned fifteenth aspect and any possible implementation of the fifteenth aspect, or execute the method executed by the network device in the above-mentioned sixteenth aspect and any possible implementation of the sixteenth aspect.

[0057] In the twenty-first aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising: a computer program code, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method executed by the fourth NRF in the above-mentioned fourteenth aspect and any possible implementation of the fourteenth aspect, or execute the method executed by the fifth NRF in the above-mentioned fifteenth aspect and any possible implementation of the fifteenth aspect, or execute the method executed by the fourth NRF in the above-mentioned sixteenth aspect and any possible implementation of the sixteenth aspect.

[0058] In aspect 22, a communication system is provided, comprising: a fourth NRF executing the method of aspect 14 and any possible implementation of aspect 14, and a fifth NRF executing the method of aspect 15 and any possible implementation of aspect 15. Alternatively, the communication system comprises: a fourth NRF executing the method of aspect 16 and any possible implementation of aspect 16, and a fifth NRF executing the method of aspect 15 and any possible implementation of aspect 15. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] Figure 1A and Figure 1BA communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0060] Figure 2 A communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0061] Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a communication process provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0062] Figure 6 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 8 and Figure 9 A structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0063] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a communication process provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] The embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0065] The embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and device, wherein the method and device are based on the same technical concept. Since the principles of solving problems by the method and device are similar, the implementation of the device and the method can refer to each other, and the repeated parts will not be repeated.

[0066] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: long term evolution (LTE) system, worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, future fifth generation (5G) system, such as new radio access technology (NR), and future communication systems.

[0067] like Figure 1A Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the 5G network architecture based on a service-oriented architecture. Figure 1A The 5G network architecture shown here can include three parts: the terminal equipment part, the data network (DN), and the operator network part. The functions of some of these network elements are briefly described below.

[0068] The operator network may include one or more of the following network elements: network exposure function (NEF) network element, network repository function (NRF) network element, policy control function (PCF) network element, unified data management (UDM) network element, application function (AF) network element, access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, session management function (SMF) network element, radio access network (RAN) and user plane function (UPF) network element. In the above operator network, the part other than the radio access network part can be called the core network part.

[0069] A terminal device (UE), also known as user equipment (UE), is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities that can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; on water (such as ships); or in the air (such as airplanes, balloons, and satellites). The terminal device can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminal, augmented reality (AR) terminal, wireless terminal in industrial control, wireless terminal in self-driving, wireless terminal in remote medical care, wireless terminal in smart grid, wireless terminal in transportation safety, wireless terminal in smart city, wireless terminal in smart home, etc.

[0070] The above-mentioned terminal device can establish a connection with the operator network through the interface provided by the operator network (such as N1, etc.), and use the data and / or voice services provided by the operator network. The terminal device can also access the DN through the operator network, use the operator services deployed on the DN, and / or services provided by a third party. Among them, the above-mentioned third party may be a service provider other than the operator network and the terminal device, and can provide other data and / or voice services to the terminal device. Among them, the specific form of the above-mentioned third party can be determined according to the actual application scenario and is not limited here.

[0071] (Radio) access network (R)AN) is a subnetwork of the operator network and is the implementation system between the service node and the terminal device in the operator network. For the terminal device to access the operator network, it must first pass through the RAN, and then connect to the service node of the operator network through the RAN. The RAN device in this application is a device that provides wireless communication functions for the terminal device, and the RAN device is also called an access network device. The RAN device in this application includes but is not limited to: the next generation base station (g nodeB, gNB) in 5G, evolved node B (evolved node B, eNB), radio network controller (radio network controller, RNC), node B (node ​​B, NB), base station controller (base station controller, BSC), base transceiver station (base transceiver station, BTS), home base station (for example, home evolved nodeB, or home node B, HNB), baseband unit (baseBand unit, BBU), transmission point (transmitting and receiving point, TRP), transmission point (transmitting point, TP), mobile switching center, etc.

[0072] The access management network element is a control plane network element provided by the operator network, which is responsible for the access control and mobility management of terminal devices accessing the operator network, such as mobile state management, allocation of user temporary identity, authentication and authorization of users, etc. In the 5G communication system, the access management network element can be an access management function (AMF) network element. In future communication systems, the access management network element can still be an AMF network element, or it can have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0073] The session management network element is primarily responsible for session management in mobile networks, such as session establishment, modification, and release. Specific functions include allocating IP addresses to users and selecting the UPF that provides message forwarding capabilities. In 5G communication systems, this session management network element may be a session management function (SMF) network element. In future communication systems, the session management network element may still be an SMF network element, or it may have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0074] The user plane network element is responsible for forwarding and receiving user data in the terminal device. It can receive user data from the data network and transmit it to the terminal device through the access network device; the UPF network element can also receive user data from the terminal device through the access network device and forward it to the data network. The transmission resources and scheduling functions that provide services to the terminal device in the UPF network element are managed and controlled by the SMF network element. In the 5G communication system, the user plane network element can be a user plane function (UPF) network element. In future communication systems, the user plane network element can still be a UPF network element, or it can have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0075] The data management network element is used for generating authentication credentials, user identification processing (such as storing and managing user permanent identities), access authorization control, and contract data management. In a 5G communication system, this data management network element can be a unified data management (UDM) network element. In future communication systems, the unified data management can still be a UDM network element, or it can have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0076] A capability exposure network element is primarily used to support the exposure of capabilities and events. In a 5G communication system, this capability exposure network element may be a network exposure function (NEF) network element. In future communication systems, the capability exposure network element may still be an NEF network element, or may have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0077] The application network element mainly supports interaction with the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) core network to provide services, such as influencing data routing decisions, policy control functions, or providing some third-party services to the network side. In the 5G communication system, the application network element can be an application function (AF) network element. In future communication systems, the application network element can still be an AF network element, or it can have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0078] The policy control network element mainly supports providing a unified policy framework to control network behavior, provides policy rules to the control layer network function, and is responsible for obtaining user subscription information related to policy decisions. In the 4G communication system, the policy control network element can be a policy and charging rules function (PCRF) network element. In the 5G communication system, the policy control network element can be a policy control function (PCF) network element. In future communication systems, the policy control network element can still be a PCF network element, or it can have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0079] The network storage network element can be used to provide network element discovery function and provide network element information corresponding to the network element type based on the request of other network elements. NRF also provides network element management services, such as network element registration, update, deregistration, and network element status subscription and push. In the 5G communication system, the network storage network element can be a network registration function (network repository function, NRF) network element. In future communication systems, the network storage network element can still be an NRF network element, or it can have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0080] A DN is a network located outside of a carrier network. A carrier network can connect to multiple DNs, and a variety of services can be deployed on the DN, providing data and / or voice services to terminal devices. For example, a DN is the private network of a smart factory. Sensors installed in the workshop can be terminal devices. The DN houses a sensor control server, which provides services to the sensors. Sensors can communicate with the control server, receive instructions from the control server, and transmit collected sensor data to the control server based on the instructions. Another example is a DN that is a company's internal office network. An employee's mobile phone or computer can be a terminal device, allowing them to access information and data resources on the company's internal office network.

[0081] Figure 1A Where, Nnef, Nnrf, Npcf, Nudm, Naf, Namf, Nsmf, N1, N2, N3, N4, and N6 are interface sequence numbers. The meanings of these interface sequence numbers can be found in the 3GPP standard protocol and are not limited here.

[0082] like Figure 1B The following is a schematic diagram of the 5G network architecture based on point-to-point interfaces. The functions of the network elements can be found in Figure 1A The introduction of the functions of the corresponding network elements will not be repeated here. Figure 1B and Figure 1AThe main differences are: Figure 1B The interfaces between the various network elements in the network are point-to-point interfaces, not service-oriented interfaces. Figure 1B It also includes other network elements, such as NEF, NRF, etc. Figure 1B Not shown in the figure.

[0083] exist Figure 1B In the architecture shown, the interface between the UE and the AMF network element is called the N1 interface, the interface between the AMF network element and the RAN device is called the N2 interface, the interface between the RAN device and the UPF network element can be called the N3 interface, the interface between the SMF network element and the UPF network element is called the N4 interface, the interface between the PCF network element and the AF network element is called the N5 interface, the interface between the UPF network element and the DN is called the N6 interface, the interface between the SMF network element and the PCF network element is called the N7 interface, the interface between the AMF network element and the UDM network element is called the N8 interface, the interface between different UPF network elements is called the N9 interface, the interface between the UDM network element and the SMF network element is called the N10 interface, the interface between the AMF network element and the SMF network element is called the N11 interface, the interface between different AMF network elements is called the N14 interface, and the interface between the AMF network element and the PCF network element is called the N15 interface.

[0084] It is understood that the above-mentioned network element or function can be a network element in a hardware device, a software function running on dedicated hardware, or a virtualized function instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). Optionally, the above-mentioned network element or function can be implemented by a single device, or by multiple devices, or can be a functional module within a single device, and this is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0085] The mobility management network element, session management network element, policy control network element, application function network element, access network equipment, network open function network element, and network storage function network element in this application can be Figure 1A or Figure 1B The AMF, SMF, PCF, AF, RAN, NEF, and UPF mentioned above may also be network elements having the functions of the above-mentioned AMF, SMF, PCF, AF, RAN, NEF, and UPF in future communications such as the sixth generation (6G) network. This application is not limited to this. For the convenience of explanation, this application uses the mobility management network element, session management network element, policy control network element, application function network element, access network equipment, network open function network element, and network storage function network element as examples of the above-mentioned AMF, SMF, PCF, AF, RAN, NEF, and UPF, respectively. In addition, the terminal equipment is referred to as UE in this application.

[0086] It should be noted that some of the network elements of the core network can be collectively referred to as network function (NF) network elements, abbreviated as NF. For example, NF includes AMF, UPF, SMF, PCF, etc.

[0087] like Figure 2 In the communication system shown, one NF network element can exchange information with multiple NRF network elements, and one NRF network element can also exchange information with multiple NF network elements.

[0088] In order to solve the problems raised in the background technology, the following introduces the communication method between the NF network element and multiple NRF network elements provided by this application.

[0089] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, some terms used in the embodiments of the present application are explained below to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0090] In this application, "and / or" describes the relationship between associated objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, "A and / or B" can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the associated objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0091] The term "plurality" in this application refers to two or more.

[0092] In the description of this application, words such as "first" and "second" are only used for the purpose of distinguishing the description and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or order.

[0093] Additionally, in the embodiments of this application, the word "exemplary" is used to indicate an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or implementation described in this application as "exemplary" should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or implementations. Rather, the use of the word "exemplary" is intended to present concepts in a concrete way.

[0094] In addition, some of the nouns in the following embodiments are explained as follows:

[0095] Profile information is the attribute information that the NF registers with the NRF, which is used to identify the general parameters of the NF network element of this type and the service information that can be provided. In the prior art, all the Profile attribute information is required to be carried during the first registration, and only the attribute information to be updated can be carried during subsequent updates. In this application, if it is not the first registration, the profile information reported by the NF to the NRF is all the Profile attribute information, then the profile information can also be called the full profile information or the full service profile information.

[0096] Subscription conditions are used to define the target NF / NFS scope / attribute that the requesting NF network element is interested in and the uniform resource identifier (URI) for receiving notifications.

[0097] The subscription ID is assigned by NRF and is used to uniquely identify a successfully created subscription request.

[0098] like Figure 3 As shown, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication process diagram; the first network storage function NRF network element can be any NRF network element.

[0099] Step 301: A first NRF network element sends a first message to a NF network element. Correspondingly, the NF network element receives the first message sent by the first NRF network element, where the first message is used to indicate reporting of profile information and / or subscription information of the NF network element.

[0100] The first message may be a response message to a request message related to a management service, or a message related to a discovery service, or other messages.

[0101] The NRF network element may first determine whether it is necessary to verify the information of the NF network element. When it is determined that the information of the NF network element needs to be verified, it may send an instruction message to the NF network element, instructing the NF network element to report the profile information and / or subscription information of the NF network element.

[0102] In one example, the NRF network element can save the verification period of each NF network element registered with itself. When the first NRF network element determines that it is time to verify the information of the NF network element, the first NRF network element sends a first message to the NF network element.

[0103] In another example, the NRF network element can identify whether the NF network element registered with itself is switched from another NRF network element. When the first NRF network element determines that the NF network element has switched from an NRF network element, the first NRF network element sends a first message to the NF network element. For example, the first NRF determines that the NF network element is switched from a third NRF network element to the first NRF network element, and the first NRF network element is different from the third NRF network element.

[0104] The NRF network element may also consider that it is necessary to verify the information of the NF network element and send the first message to the NF network element only when both of the above two conditions are met.

[0105] Step 302: The NF network element sends a second message and / or a third message to the first NRF network element. Accordingly, the first NRF network element receives the second message and / or the third message sent by the NF network element, where the second message includes the profile information of the NF network element, and the third message includes the subscription information of the NF network element.

[0106] The second message can also be called an update request message. Note that the update request message here is different from the update request message in the prior art. The update request message here carries a verification identifier. After the NRF receives the update request message, it can determine that the update request message is a message for information verification based on the verification identifier carried therein, and then the information verification process can be performed.

[0107] The third message may also be referred to as a subscription request message. Similarly, the subscription request message here differs from the subscription request message in the prior art in that the subscription information in the subscription request message here may include a subscription ID and the subscription conditions corresponding to the subscription ID. Generally, a subscription ID is assigned based on the subscription conditions. However, subscription request messages in the prior art do not include a subscription ID.

[0108] When the NF reports profile information and / or subscription information to the NRF, it can directly apply existing message field definitions. Alternatively, it can include a new identifier in the message to indicate the profile information and / or subscription information, so that the first NRF can distinguish whether it is a normal update report or a verification report for differentiated processing.

[0109] By sending an instruction to report profile information and / or subscription information to the NF network element through the NRF network element, the NRF network element can receive the profile information and / or subscription information reported by the NF network element. In this way, the NRF network element and the NF network element have the same information, which can ensure the normal operation of the network.

[0110] Furthermore, after receiving the second message and / or the third message, the first NRF network element may also update the stored information of the NF network element according to the profile information and / or subscription information of the NF network element.

[0111] exist Figure 3 Based on the embodiment of Figure 4 and Figure 5 The embodiments shown respectively introduce a method in which the NF network element reports profile information and subscription information to the NRF network element and updates the information.

[0112] For example, Figure 4As shown, the embodiment of the present application provides a method for an NF network element to report profile information to an NRF network element and update the information. The specific steps are as follows:

[0113] Step 401: A first NRF network element sends a first message to a NF network element. Correspondingly, the NF network element receives the first message sent by the first NRF network element, where the first message is used to instruct the reporting of profile information of the NF network element.

[0114] Step 402: The NF network element sends an update request message to the first NRF network element. Correspondingly, the first NRF network element receives the update request message sent by the NF network element, where the update request message includes the profile information of the NF network element.

[0115] Step 403: After receiving the update request message reported by the NF network element, the first NRF network element can process the update request message normally, that is, use the profile information reported in the update request message to update the stored information of the NF. For example, when the first NRF network element recognizes that the profile information of the update request message includes the first heartbeat period of the NF network element, it can determine whether the first heartbeat period reported by the NF network element is consistent with the second heartbeat period of the NF network element stored in itself. If they are inconsistent, the first heartbeat period reported by the NF can be used to update the second heartbeat period stored in itself. Of course, the first NRF can also instruct the NF to update the heartbeat period, for example, perform step 404.

[0116] Step 404: The first NRF network element sends a response message to the NF network element in response to the update request message. Accordingly, the NF network element receives a response message to the update request message sent by the first NRF network element, instructing the NF network element to update the first heartbeat period to the second heartbeat period. A response message may also be referred to as an acknowledgement message.

[0117] Then, the NF network element may update its own first heartbeat cycle to the second heartbeat cycle.

[0118] The first NRF network element may also determine the third heartbeat period of the NF network element based on the second heartbeat period stored in the first NRF network element and the first heartbeat period reported by the NF network element, where the third heartbeat period is different from the first heartbeat period and the second heartbeat period. The response message of the update request message sent by the first NRF network element to the NF network element carries the third heartbeat period. The NF network element may then update its own first heartbeat period to the third heartbeat period.

[0119] For example, Figure 5As shown, the embodiment of the present application provides a method for an NF network element to report subscription information to an NRF network element for information update, and the specific steps are as follows:

[0120] Step 501: A first NRF network element sends a first message to a NF network element. Correspondingly, the NF network element receives the first message sent by the first NRF network element, where the first message is used to indicate the reporting of subscription information of the NF network element.

[0121] Step 502: The NF network element sends a subscription request message to the first NRF network element. Correspondingly, the first NRF network element receives the subscription request message sent by the NF network element, and the second message includes the subscription information of the NF network element.

[0122] The subscription information may include a subscription identifier and a subscription condition corresponding to the subscription identifier.

[0123] The specific process of the first NRF network element updating the stored information of the NF network element according to the subscription information of the NF network element may be as shown in step 503a.

[0124] In one example, step 503a: the first NRF network element deletes the saved subscription identifier that was not reported by the NF network element, and for the subscription identifier reported by the NF network element but not saved, the first NRF network element creates a correspondence between the subscription identifier and the subscription condition based on the subscription condition corresponding to the reported subscription identifier. Alternatively, if the subscription identifier saved by the first NRF network element is the same as the subscription identifier reported by the NF network element, but the subscription conditions for the same subscription identifier are different, the first NRF network element needs to update the saved correspondence between the subscription condition and the subscription identifier based on the correspondence between the subscription condition and the subscription identifier reported by the NF.

[0125] That is, if the first NRF network element determines that the subscription information reported by the NF network element is consistent with the subscription information of the NF network element stored in the first NRF network element, no processing is performed. If they are inconsistent, the subscription information is rebuilt in the NRF based on the subscription conditions and subscription identifier reported by the NF network element and becomes effective.

[0126] Furthermore, the first NRF network element may send a subscription response to the NF network element. That is, a response message to the subscription request is sent, and the subscription response must carry a verification identifier. The NF may receive the subscription response sent by the NRF, and upon identifying that the subscription response includes a verification identifier, may not process the subscription response. The subscription response in the prior art does not carry a verification identifier, but generally carries a subscription identifier. After receiving the subscription response, the NF may determine the subscription conditions corresponding to the subscription identifier and save the corresponding relationship.

[0127] In another example, referring to step 503b, after receiving the subscription request message, the first NRF network element may further determine whether the subscription request message is processed by itself. When the first NRF network element determines that the subscription request message is not processed by itself, the first NRF network element sends the subscription request message to the second NRF network element for processing, so that the second NRF network element verifies, i.e., updates the stored subscription information of the NF network element according to the subscription information in the subscription request message.

[0128] The process of the second NRF network element performing verification is the same as the process of the first NRF network element updating the subscription information in step 503a above, and the repeated parts will not be repeated.

[0129] Furthermore, the second NRF network element makes a subscription response to the first NRF network element, and the first NRF network element makes a subscription response to the NF network element.

[0130] In another example, referring to step 503c, after receiving the subscription request message, the first NRF network element may filter out the subscription request message and not forward it when determining that the subscription request message is not processed by itself.

[0131] Through the above embodiment, it can be ensured that the information of each NF on the NRF is the latest and most complete, and it can be ensured that the management, discovery, and token services provided by the NRF for all NFs are normal.

[0132] Regardless of whether the NRF and the NF are from the same vendor or different vendors, the NRF and the NF can negotiate a service, hereinafter referred to as a first service, and can support the invocation of the first service.

[0133] During the information consistency check between the NF and NRF, Figure 3 In step 302, Figure 4 In step 402, Figure 5 In step 502, the second message and / or the third message may be generated based on a standard service (e.g., defined as the first service). Alternatively, in steps 302, 402, and 502, the NF network element may invoke the first service and send the second message and / or the third message to the first NRF network element. In other words, both the first NRF network element and the NF network element support invoking the first service.

[0134] In this way, regardless of whether the NRF and NF are from the same vendor or different vendors, the NRF as the receiving end can accurately parse the message, thereby achieving synchronization of profile information and / or subscription information between the same vendor or different vendors.

[0135] In one example, the version of the first service is a version supported by the first NRF network element. Of course, the version of the first service is also a version supported by the NF network element. In this way, when the service version is upgraded, the receiving end (the first NRF network element) can still correctly parse the message, thereby achieving synchronization of profile information and / or subscription information during the version upgrade.

[0136] In an example, the first NRF may send the versions of the first service supported by the first NRF to the NF, so that the NF may select a version from the supported versions to generate the second message and / or the third message.

[0137] Furthermore, after receiving the second message and / or the third message, the first NRF network element may also verify the received profile information and / or subscription information of the NF network element. After the verification passes, the saved information of the NF network element is updated.

[0138] In one example, when the first NRF network element verifies the received subscription information, it may specifically be: when the timestamp of the received subscription information is later than the timestamp of the subscription information saved in the first NRF network element for the NF network element, it is confirmed that the received subscription information verification has passed; when the timestamp of the received subscription information is not later than the timestamp of the subscription information saved in the first NRF network element for the NF network element, it is determined that the received subscription information verification has failed. The timestamp of the subscription information here may represent the generation time of the subscription information. If the generation time of the subscription information reported by the NF network element is earlier than the generation time of the subscription information saved in the first NRF network element, it can be considered that the subscription information reported by the NF network element is the latest, and it can be determined that the verification has passed. Otherwise, it can be determined that the verification has failed.

[0139] In one example, when the first NRF network element verifies the received subscription information, it may specifically be: when the timestamp of the received subscription information is later than the timestamp of the subscription information saved in the first NRF network element for the NF network element, it is confirmed that the received subscription information verification has passed; when the timestamp of the received subscription information is not later than the timestamp of the subscription information saved in the first NRF network element for the NF network element, it is determined that the received subscription information verification has failed. The timestamp of the subscription information here may represent the generation time of the subscription information. If the generation time of the subscription information reported by the NF network element is earlier than the generation time of the subscription information saved in the first NRF network element, it can be considered that the subscription information reported by the NF network element is the latest, and it can be determined that the verification has passed. Otherwise, it can be determined that the verification has failed.

[0140] In addition, Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the example, when the NF network element determines that it is time to verify the NF network element's information, the NF network element executes steps 302, 402, and 502: sending the second message and / or the third message to the first NRF network element. In this example, the NF network element periodically performs information consistency verification to ensure the accuracy of the profile information and / or subscription information stored in the first NRF network element. In other words, the NF network element may not execute steps 301, 401, and 501.

[0141] exist Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the example, when the NF network element executes a certain command, the NF network element executes steps 302, 402, and 502: sending the second message and / or the third message to the first NRF network element. The command may come from the network management system. For example, the administrator may log in to the NRF network management system and trigger a certain operation in the user interface, thereby generating the command. In this example, the NF network element triggers an information consistency check through a certain command to ensure the accuracy of the profile information and / or subscription information stored in the first NRF network element. In other words, the NF network element may not execute steps 301, 401, and 501.

[0142] At present, the two NRFs in a disaster recovery relationship are from the same supplier (manufacturer). When these two NRFs synchronize profile information and / or subscription information, they are generally implemented based on the supplier's private synchronization method, and other suppliers cannot parse this synchronization method. This results in the inability to synchronize profile information and / or subscription information between NRFs from different suppliers. Based on this, the present application proposes a method for synchronizing profile information and / or subscription information between NRFs from different suppliers. The core idea is: a standard service (hereinafter referred to as the first service) is negotiated between multiple suppliers. When synchronizing profile information and / or subscription information between NRFs, the sending NRF generates a message based on the service, carries the profile information and / or subscription information, and sends it to the receiving NRF, so that the receiving NRF can correctly parse the message, thereby realizing the synchronization of profile information and / or subscription information between two NRFs from different suppliers. This method is not only suitable for synchronizing profile information and / or subscription information between NRFs from different suppliers, but is also compatible with synchronizing profile information and / or subscription information between NRFs from the same supplier. In addition, the two NRFs performing information synchronization are not limited to a disaster recovery relationship. As long as one NRF needs to obtain the profile information and / or subscription information stored in another NRF, the solution of this application can be used to complete it. In addition, it should be noted that both NRFs support the call of this service.

[0143] In addition, it should be noted that although the “information synchronization” and “information consistency check” in this application are described differently, they can be regarded as having the same function, that is, both are to make the information stored between the two NRFs the same.

[0144] The first service defined between vendors in this application can reuse services in the 3GPP standard. For example, the Nnrf_NFManagement service in the 3GPP standard can be reused. In this application, the first service for consistency verification between NRFs and NRFs, and between NRFs and NFs can be called Nnrf_NFManagement_Sync. For an introduction to this service, please refer to the description in the 3GPP standard and will not be described in detail here.

[0145] Next, Figure 10 As shown, a communication process diagram is provided, which specifically includes the following steps:

[0146] It should be noted that both the fourth NRF network element and the fifth NRF network element support the calling of the first service.

[0147] Step 101: A fifth NRF network element generates a fourth message and / or a fifth message based on a first service, wherein the fourth message includes profile information stored in the fifth NRF network element, and the fourth message includes subscription information stored in the fifth NRF network element. Profile information may also be referred to as NF / Service profile information.

[0148] The first service is used for information synchronization, or in other words, the first service is used for information consistency verification or data consistency verification.

[0149] In one example, the version of the first service is a version supported by the fourth NRF network element. Of course, the version of the first service is also a version supported by the fifth NRF network element. In this way, when the service version is upgraded, the receiving end (the fourth NRF network element) can still correctly parse the message, thereby achieving synchronization of profile information and / or subscription information during the version upgrade.

[0150] In an example, the fourth NRF may send the versions of the first service supported by the fourth NRF to the fifth NRF, so that the fifth NRF may select a version from the supported versions to generate the fourth message and / or the fifth message.

[0151] The fifth NRF may also send the version of the first service supported by itself to the fourth NRF. That is, any two NRFs may inform each other of the versions of the first service supported by themselves.

[0152] In one example, the subscription information includes a subscription identifier and a subscription condition corresponding to the subscription identifier. Typically, the subscription identifier and the subscription condition correspond one to one.

[0153] Step 102: The fifth NRF network element sends the fourth message and / or the fifth message to the fourth NRF network element. Correspondingly, the fourth NRF network element receives the fourth message and / or the fifth message sent by the fifth NRF network element.

[0154] Optionally, the fifth NRF network element calls the first service and sends the fourth message and / or the fifth message to the fourth NRF network element.

[0155] Optionally, the fourth NRF network element calls the first service and receives a fourth message and / or a fifth message sent from a fifth NRF network element.

[0156] The profile information included in the fourth message sent by the fifth NRF network element may be the profile information generated by all NFs registering with the fifth NRF network element, or the profile information generated by NFs registering with the fifth NRF network element in the current period. Similarly, the subscription information included in the fifth message sent by the fifth NRF network element may be the subscription information generated by all NFs subscribing to the fifth NRF network element, or the subscription information generated by NFs subscribing to the fifth NRF network element in the current period. The period may be, for example, 1 hour, 12 hours, 24 hours, or 1 week.

[0157] The fourth message and the fifth message may carry an identifier to indicate that the message is used for consistency verification (information synchronization).

[0158] In addition, it should be noted that profile information may require multiple fourth messages to be sent before it is completely sent, and subscription information may also require multiple fifth messages to be sent before it is completely sent.

[0159] Optionally, after receiving the fourth message sent by the fifth NRF network element, the fourth NRF network element may send a response message to the fifth NRF network element to indicate that the fourth NRF network element has received the fourth message.

[0160] Optionally, after receiving the fifth message sent by the fifth NRF network element, the fourth NRF network element may send a response message to the fifth NRF network element to indicate that the fourth NRF network element has received the fifth message.

[0161] Alternatively, after determining that the verification is passed, the fourth NRF network element sends a response message of the fifth message and / or a response message of the fourth message to the fifth NRF. Alternatively, after the information is updated, the fourth NRF network element sends a response message of the fifth message and / or a response message of the fourth message to the fifth NRF.

[0162] The fourth message and / or the fifth message may also be referred to as a consistency check service request, or the fourth message may also be referred to as a consistency check service request for the NF / Service, and the fifth message may also be referred to as a consistency check service request for subscription information. The response message to the fourth message and the response message to the fifth message may be referred to as a consistency check service response, or the response message to the fourth message may be referred to as a consistency check service response for the NF / Service. The response message to the fifth message may be referred to as a consistency check service response for subscription information.

[0163] The first service mentioned above may be a service agreed upon by multiple suppliers. The fourth and fifth messages are messages generated based on the service agreed upon by multiple suppliers, and can also be understood as standard-defined messages. In this way, the fourth NRF network element and the fourth and fifth NRF network elements may belong to the same supplier (manufacturer) or different suppliers (manufacturers). The receiving end (the fourth NRF network element) can correctly parse the message, thereby achieving synchronization of profile information and / or subscription information between the same supplier or different suppliers.

[0164] Step 103: The fourth NRF network element verifies the received profile information and / or verifies the received subscription information.

[0165] In one example, when the fourth NRF network element verifies the received subscription information, it may specifically be: when the timestamp of the received subscription information is later than the timestamp of the subscription information saved in the fourth NRF network element for the fifth NRF network element, it is confirmed that the received subscription information verification has passed; when the timestamp of the received subscription information is not later than the timestamp of the subscription information saved in the fourth NRF network element for the fifth NRF network element, it is determined that the received subscription information verification has failed. The timestamp of the subscription information here may represent the generation time of the subscription information. If the generation time of the subscription information reported by the fifth NRF network element is earlier than the generation time of the subscription information saved in the fourth NRF network element, it can be considered that the subscription information reported by the fifth NRF network element is the latest, and it can be determined that the verification has passed. Otherwise, it can be determined that the verification has failed.

[0166] In one example, when the fourth NRF network element verifies the received subscription information, it may specifically be: when the timestamp of the received subscription information is later than the timestamp of the subscription information saved in the fourth NRF network element for the fifth NRF network element, it is confirmed that the received subscription information verification has passed; when the timestamp of the received subscription information is not later than the timestamp of the subscription information saved in the fourth NRF network element for the fifth NRF network element, it is determined that the received subscription information verification has failed. The timestamp of the subscription information here may represent the generation time of the subscription information. If the generation time of the subscription information reported by the fifth NRF network element is earlier than the generation time of the subscription information saved in the fourth NRF network element, it can be considered that the subscription information reported by the fifth NRF network element is the latest, and it can be determined that the verification has passed. Otherwise, it can be determined that the verification has failed.

[0167] The above step 103 is optional, that is, step 103 is not performed and subsequent steps are performed directly.

[0168] Step 104: the fourth NRF network element updates the profile information stored for the fifth NRF network element according to the received profile information; and / or updates the subscription information stored for the fifth NRF network element according to the received subscription information.

[0169] The specific process of the fourth NRF network element updating the saved subscription information according to the received subscription information is the same as Figure 5 The update process is the same as in step 503a, specifically as follows:

[0170] In one example, the fourth NRF network element deletes the saved subscription identifier that was not reported by the fifth NRF network element; and for the subscription identifier reported by the fifth NRF network element but not saved, the first NRF network element creates a correspondence between the subscription identifier and the subscription condition based on the subscription condition corresponding to the reported subscription identifier. There is also a situation where the subscription identifier saved by the fourth NRF network element is the same as the subscription identifier reported by the fifth NRF network element, but the subscription conditions for the same subscription identifier are different. In this case, the fourth NRF network element can update the correspondence between the subscription condition and the subscription identifier saved for the fifth NRF network element based on the correspondence between the subscription condition and the subscription identifier reported by the fifth NRF network element.

[0171] That is, if the fourth NRF network element determines that the subscription information reported by the fifth NRF network element is consistent with the subscription information stored in the fourth NRF network element for the fifth NRF, no processing is performed. If they are inconsistent, the subscription information is rebuilt in the fourth NRF using the subscription conditions and subscription identifier reported by the fifth NRF network element and becomes effective.

[0172] When updating the profile information, it may be an overwriting update, that is, the received profile information overwrites the originally saved profile information.

[0173] Optionally, after executing step 103, the fourth NRF network element may update the profile information after determining that the received profile information passes verification; and update the subscription information after determining that the subscription information passes verification.

[0174] In addition, it should be noted that the "update" here includes two situations. One is that the fourth NRF network element has already saved profile information and / or subscription information for the fifth NRF network element, and the fourth NRF network element updates the saved information. The other is that the fourth NRF network element does not have saved profile information and / or subscription information for the fifth NRF network element, and the fourth NRF network element saves the profile information and / or subscription information for the fifth NRF network element for the first time.

[0175] The above step 104 is optional. For example, when the verification of step 103 fails, step 104 does not need to be executed; alternatively, after the fourth NRF network element receives the fourth message and / or the fifth message sent from the fifth NRF network element, it forwards it to other devices without executing step 104.

[0176] Next, several examples of triggering the fifth NRF network element to send the fourth message and / or the fifth message to the fourth NRF network element are introduced.

[0177] In Example 1, the fourth NRF network element initiates an information consistency check (also known as information synchronization). For example, the fourth NRF network element first sends a sixth message to the fifth NRF network element, where the sixth message is used to indicate reporting of profile information and / or subscription information. Accordingly, the fifth NRF network element receives the sixth message from the fourth NRF network element and then executes step 101.

[0178] Optionally, when the fourth NRF network element determines that it is time to verify the information of the fifth NRF network element, the fourth NRF network element sends a sixth message to the fifth NRF network element. In this example, the fourth NRF network element periodically performs information consistency verification to ensure the accuracy of the information.

[0179] Optionally, when the fourth NRF network element determines that an information synchronization command has been received, it sends a sixth message to the fifth NRF network element.

[0180] In Example 2, when the fifth NRF network element determines that a time has arrived for verifying the information of the fifth NRF network element, the fifth NRF network element sends the fourth message and / or the fifth message to the fourth NRF network element. In this example, the fifth NRF network element periodically performs information consistency verification to ensure the accuracy of the profile information and / or subscription information.

[0181] Example 3: When the fifth NRF network element receives the profile information and / or subscription information sent by the network function network element, the fifth NRF network element sends the fourth message and / or the fifth message to the fourth NRF network element. The reception here is divided into two cases. One is that the fifth NRF network element regards Figure 3 In another embodiment, the first NRF network element in the embodiment performs step 302: receiving the second message and / or third message for information synchronization (consistency check) sent by the network function network element. Another embodiment is that the network function network element registers or subscribes with the fifth NRF network element. In this example, as soon as the fifth NRF network element finds that its stored profile information and / or subscription information is updated, it immediately verifies with the fourth NRF network element to ensure the accuracy of the profile information and / or subscription information.

[0182] In Example 4, when the fifth NRF network element executes the first command, it sends the fourth message and / or the fifth message to the fourth NRF network element. In this example, the fifth NRF network element triggers an information consistency check through the first command to ensure the accuracy of the profile information and / or subscription information. The first command may come from a network management system. For example, an administrator may log in to the NRF network management system and trigger an operation in the user interface, thereby generating the first command.

[0183] The above describes that the fifth NRF sends the profile information and / or subscription information stored in the fifth NRF to the fourth NRF for consistency verification. In another embodiment of the present application, the fourth NRF may also send the profile information and / or subscription information stored in the fourth NRF to the fifth NRF for consistency verification. This is the same as the process of the fifth NRF sending the profile information and / or subscription information stored in the fifth NRF to the fourth NRF for consistency verification, and will not be repeated.

[0184] In this case where the fifth NRF and the fourth NRF perform consistency verification on each other, the fourth NRF and the fifth NRF can also set a synchronization flag to identify which information has been verified for consistency with each other, and which information has not yet been verified for consistency with each other. For example, when the fifth NRF and the fourth NRF perform consistency verification on each other, there will also be a situation where the NF updates the profile information and / or subscription information to the fourth NRF. For the fourth NRF, for this profile information and / or subscription information before the NF update, if the synchronization flag has been marked, the fourth NRF has already performed a consistency verification on the fifth NRF. Then, after receiving the profile information and / or subscription information updated by the NF, the fourth NRF does not need to wait until the verification period arrives, and can immediately perform a consistency verification on the profile information and / or subscription information updated by the NF with the fifth NRF. For the profile information and / or subscription information before the NF update, if the synchronization flag is not marked, the fourth NRF does not perform a consistency check with the fifth NRF. Then, after receiving the profile information and / or subscription information after the NF update, the fourth NRF can wait until the verification period arrives and then perform a consistency check with the fifth NRF for the profile information and / or subscription information after the NF update. There is no need to immediately perform a consistency check with the fifth NRF for the profile information and / or subscription information after the NF update.

[0185] In one example, the method of performing consistency verification between the two NRFs by calling the first service in this application can be applied to the case where the database channels of the two NRFs are closed. If the database channels of the two NRFs are open, the database channel can also be used to perform data consistency verification. Then, before executing step 101, the fifth NRF can also determine whether the channel between the databases of the fifth NRF and the fourth NRF is closed.

[0186] The foregoing describes the communication method according to the embodiment of the present application. The following describes the communication device according to the embodiment of the present application.

[0187] Based on the same technical concept as the above communication method, Figure 6 As shown, a communication device 600 is provided, which can perform the above Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 The various steps performed by the network storage function network element in the method are not described in detail here to avoid redundancy. The device 600 can be a network storage function network element or a chip used in a network storage function network element. The device 600 may include: a transceiver module 620, and optionally, a storage module 630 and a processing module 610; the processing module 610 may be connected to the storage module 630 and the transceiver module 620 respectively, and the storage module 630 may also be connected to the transceiver module 620. The transceiver module 610 can be used to support the communication device 600 to communicate, for example, to perform Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 The processing module 620 can be used to support the communication device 600 to perform the processing actions in the above method embodiment, such as performing Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 The processing action performed by the NRF network element. Optionally, the communication device 600 may further include a storage module 630 for storing program codes and data of the communication device. The details are as follows:

[0188] In one embodiment, the transceiver module 620 is used to send a first message to a network function network element, where the first message is used to indicate reporting of profile information and / or subscription information of the network function network element; and receive a second message and / or a third message sent by the network function network element, where the second message includes the profile information of the network function network element, and the third message includes the subscription information of the network function network element.

[0189] In one embodiment, the processing module 610 is configured to update the stored information of the network function network element according to the profile information and / or subscription information of the network function network element.

[0190] In one embodiment, the processing module 610 is used to send a response message of the second message to the network function network element through the transceiver module 620 if the profile information of the network function network element includes a first heartbeat cycle; when it is determined that the first heartbeat cycle reported by the network function network element is inconsistent with the second heartbeat cycle of the network function network element saved by itself, the response message is used to instruct the network function network element to update the first heartbeat cycle to the second heartbeat cycle.

[0191] In one embodiment, the processing module 610 is used to determine when it is time to verify the information of the network function network element; and / or determine that the network function network element undergoes a switch to a network storage function network element.

[0192] In one embodiment, the processing module 610 is used to send the third message to the second network storage function network element for processing through the transceiver module 620 when it is determined that the third message is not processed by itself, so that the second network storage function network element updates the saved subscription information of the network function network element according to the subscription information in the third message, or filters out the third message.

[0193] The storage module 630 can be used to store information of network function network elements.

[0194] Based on the same technical concept as the above communication method, Figure 7 As shown, a communication device 700 is provided, which can perform the above Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 The various steps performed by the network function network element in the method are not described in detail here to avoid redundancy. The device 700 can be a network function network element or a chip used in a network function network element. The device 700 may include: a transceiver module 720, and optionally, a storage module 730 and a processing module 710; the processing module 710 may be connected to the storage module 730 and the transceiver module 720 respectively, and the storage module 730 may also be connected to the transceiver module 720. The transceiver module 710 can be used to support the communication device 700 to communicate, for example, to perform Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 The processing module 720 can be used to support the communication device 700 to perform the processing actions in the above method embodiment, such as performing Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5The processing action performed by the NF network element in the communication device 700. Optionally, the communication device 700 may further include a storage module 730 for storing program codes and data of the communication device. The details are as follows:

[0195] In one embodiment, the transceiver module 720 is used to receive a first message sent by a first network storage function network element, where the first message is used to indicate reporting of the profile information and / or subscription information of the device; and to send a second message and / or a third message to the first network storage function network element, where the second message includes the profile information of the device, and the third message includes the subscription information of the device.

[0196] The storage module 730 can be used to store information of network function network elements.

[0197] The processing module can be used to process the first message and parse the content of the first message.

[0198] Figure 8 It is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 800 according to an embodiment of the present application. It should be understood that the device 800 is capable of performing the above Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 To avoid redundancy, the various steps performed by the network storage function network element in the method are not described in detail here. The device 800 includes: a processor 810 and a transceiver 820, and optionally, a memory 830. The processor 810 and the memory 830 are electrically coupled.

[0199] For example, the memory 830 is used to store a computer program; the processor 810 can be used to call the computer program or instruction stored in the memory to execute the above-mentioned communication method through the transceiver 820.

[0200] Figure 6 The processing module 610 can be implemented by the processor 810, the transceiver module 620 can be implemented by the transceiver 820, and the storage module 630 can be implemented by the memory 830.

[0201] Figure 9 It is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 900 according to an embodiment of the present application. It should be understood that the device 900 is capable of performing the above Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 The various steps performed by the network function element in the method are not described in detail here to avoid redundancy. The apparatus 900 includes: a processor 910 and a transceiver 920, and optionally, a memory 930. The processor 910 and the memory 930 are electrically coupled.

[0202] For example, the memory 930 is used to store a computer program; the processor 910 can be used to call the computer program or instruction stored in the memory to execute the above-mentioned communication method through the transceiver 920.

[0203] Figure 7 The processing module 710 can be implemented by the processor 910, the transceiver module 720 can be implemented by the transceiver 920, and the storage module 730 can be implemented by the memory 930.

[0204] Based on the same technical concept as the above communication method, this application provides a communication device that can perform the above communication method. Figure 10 The various steps performed by the network storage function network element in the method are not described in detail here to avoid redundancy. The device can be a network storage function network element or a chip used in a network storage function network element. The device may include: a transceiver module, and optionally, a processing module; the processing module may be connected to the storage module and the transceiver module respectively, and the storage module may also be connected to the transceiver module. The transceiver module can be used to support communication devices to communicate, such as executing Figure 10 The processing module can be used to support the communication device to perform the processing actions in the above method embodiment, such as performing Figure 10 Optionally, the communication device may further include a storage module for storing program codes and data of the communication device.

[0205] In one example, the transceiver module is configured to receive a fourth message and / or a fifth message sent from a fifth network storage function network element, where the fourth message includes profile information stored by the fifth network storage function network element, and the fifth message includes subscription information stored by the fifth network storage function network element; the fourth message and / or the fifth message is generated based on a first service, and the first service is used for information synchronization;

[0206] The processing module is configured to verify the received profile information and / or the received subscription information.

[0207] In one example, the version of the first service is a version supported by the fourth network storage function network element.

[0208] In one example, the processing module, when used to verify the received profile information, is specifically used to: when a timestamp of the received profile information is later than a timestamp of the profile information stored in the fourth network storage function network element for the fifth network storage function network element, determine that the received profile information passes verification; otherwise, determine that the received profile information fails verification;

[0209] and / or,

[0210] The processing module, when used to verify the received subscription information, is specifically used to: when the timestamp of the received subscription information is later than the timestamp of the subscription information saved in the fourth network storage function network element for the fifth network storage function network element, confirm that the received subscription information verification has passed; otherwise, determine that the received subscription information verification has failed.

[0211] In one example, the processing module is also used to update the profile information saved for the fifth network storage function network element according to the received profile information after determining that the received profile information has been verified; and / or, after determining that the received subscription information has been verified, update the subscription information saved for the fifth network storage function network element according to the received subscription information.

[0212] In an example, the transceiver module is further used to send a sixth message to the fifth network storage function network element, where the sixth message is used to instruct reporting of profile information and / or subscription information.

[0213] In one example, the processing module is further used to determine the time to verify the information of the fifth network storage function network element.

[0214] In one example, a processing module is used to generate a fourth message and / or a fifth message based on a first service, wherein the fourth message includes profile information stored in the fifth network storage function network element, and the fourth message includes subscription information stored in the fifth network storage function network element, and the first service is used for information synchronization; and a transceiver module is used to send the fourth message and / or the fifth message to the fourth network storage function network element.

[0215] In one example, the transceiver module is further configured to receive a sixth message sent from the fourth network storage function network element, where the sixth message is used to instruct reporting of profile information and / or subscription information; or

[0216] The processing module is further configured to determine a time to verify the information of the fifth network storage function network element; or

[0217] The transceiver module is further configured to receive profile information and / or subscription information sent by a network function network element; or

[0218] The processing module is further configured to execute a first command, where the first command comes from a network management system.

[0219] The present application provides another device capable of performing the above Figure 10 The method includes steps performed by a network function element. The apparatus may include: a processor and a transceiver, and optionally, a memory. The processor and the memory are electrically coupled.

[0220] For example, the memory is used to store a computer program; the processor can be used to call the computer program or instructions stored in the memory to execute the above-mentioned communication method through the transceiver.

[0221] The processing module in the previous example can be implemented by the processor here, the transceiver module in the previous example can be implemented by the transceiver here, and the storage module in the previous example can be implemented by the memory here.

[0222] In one example, the transceiver is configured to receive a fourth message and / or a fifth message sent from a fifth network storage function network element, where the fourth message includes profile information stored by the fifth network storage function network element, and the fifth message includes subscription information stored by the fifth network storage function network element; the fourth message and / or the fifth message is generated based on a first service, and the first service is used for information synchronization;

[0223] The processor is configured to verify the received profile information and / or verify the received subscription information.

[0224] In one example, the version of the first service is a version supported by the fourth network storage function network element.

[0225] In one example, the processor, when used to verify the received profile information, is specifically used to: when a timestamp of the received profile information is later than a timestamp of the profile information stored in the fourth network storage function network element for the fifth network storage function network element, determine that the received profile information passes verification; otherwise, determine that the received profile information fails verification;

[0226] and / or,

[0227] The processor, when used to verify the received subscription information, is specifically used to: when the timestamp of the received subscription information is later than the timestamp of the subscription information saved in the fourth network storage function network element for the fifth network storage function network element, confirm that the received subscription information verification has passed; otherwise, determine that the received subscription information verification has failed.

[0228] In one example, the processor is further used to update the profile information saved for the fifth network storage function network element according to the received profile information after determining that the received profile information has been verified; and / or, after determining that the received subscription information has been verified, update the subscription information saved for the fifth network storage function network element according to the received subscription information.

[0229] In one example, the transceiver is further used to send a sixth message to the fifth network storage function network element, where the sixth message is used to instruct reporting of profile information and / or subscription information.

[0230] In one example, the processor is further configured to determine a time to verify information of the fifth network storage function network element.

[0231] In one example, the processor is used to generate a fourth message and / or a fifth message based on the first service, the fourth message includes the profile information saved in the fifth network storage function network element, the fourth message includes the subscription information saved in the fifth network storage function network element, and the first service is used for information synchronization; the transceiver is used to send the fourth message and / or the fifth message to the fourth network storage function network element.

[0232] In one example, the transceiver is further configured to receive a sixth message sent from the fourth network storage function network element, where the sixth message is used to instruct reporting of profile information and / or subscription information; or

[0233] The processor is further configured to determine a time to verify the information of the fifth network storage function network element; or

[0234] The transceiver is further configured to receive profile information and / or subscription information sent by a network function network element; or

[0235] The processor is further configured to execute a first command, where the first command comes from a network management system.

[0236] The above-mentioned processor may be a central processing unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), or a combination of a CPU and an NP. The processor may further include a hardware chip or other general-purpose processor. The above-mentioned hardware chip may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a combination thereof. The above-mentioned PLD may be a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a generic array logic (GAL), and other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc., or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or the processor may also be any conventional processor, etc.

[0237] It should also be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct RAM bus random access memory (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0238] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer storage medium storing a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a computer, the computer can be used to perform the above-mentioned communication method.

[0239] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program product containing instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the communication method provided above.

[0240] An embodiment of the present application also provides a communication system, which includes: a network storage function network element and a network function network element that execute the above-mentioned communication method.

[0241] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of the present application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the present application can adopt the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment in combination with software and hardware. Moreover, the present application can adopt the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to magnetic disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) that include computer-usable program code.

[0242] The present application is described with reference to the flow chart and / or block diagram of the method, device (system), and computer program product according to the embodiment of the present application. It should be understood that each flow process and / or box in the flow chart and / or block diagram and the combination of the flow process and / or box in the flow chart and / or block diagram can be realized 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 processing machine 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 produce a device for realizing the function specified in one flow chart flow or multiple flows and / or one box or multiple boxes of the block diagram.

[0243] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct 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 a product including an instruction device that implements the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0244] 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, so that the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0245] Although the preferred embodiments of the present application have been described, those skilled in the art may make additional changes and modifications to these embodiments once they have learned the basic creative concept. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments and all changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the present application.

[0246] Obviously, those skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications to the embodiments of the present application without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments of the present application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the embodiments of the present application fall within the scope of the claims of the present application and their equivalents, the present application is intended to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: The first network storage function network element sends a first message to the network function network element, where the first message is used to instruct reporting of attribute information and / or subscription information of the network function network element; The first network storage function network element receives a second message and / or a third message sent by the network function network element, where the second message includes attribute information of the network function network element, and the third message includes subscription information of the network function network element; Before the first network storage function network element sends the first message to the network function network element, the method further includes: The first network storage function network element determines that a time has arrived for verifying the information of the network function network element; and / or, The first network storage function network element determines that a network storage function network element switch occurs in the network function network element.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The subscription information includes a subscription identifier and a subscription condition corresponding to the subscription identifier.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein After receiving the second message and / or the third message, the method further includes: The stored information of the network function network element is updated according to the attribute information and / or subscription information of the network function network element.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein If the attribute information of the network function network element includes a first heartbeat period; The method further comprises: When the first network storage function network element determines that the first heartbeat period reported by the network function network element is inconsistent with the second heartbeat period of the network function network element stored by itself, the first network storage function network element sends a response message of the second message to the network function network element, and the response message is used to instruct the network function network element to update the first heartbeat period to the second heartbeat period.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The first message is a response message to a request message related to the management service.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: After receiving the third message, the first network storage function network element further includes: When the first network storage function network element determines that the third message is not processed by itself, it sends the third message to the second network storage function network element for processing, so that the second network storage function network element updates the saved subscription information of the network function network element according to the subscription information in the third message, or filters out the third message.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: Also includes: The first network storage function network element generates a fourth message and / or a fifth message based on the first service, the fourth message including attribute information stored in the first network storage function network element, the fourth message including subscription information stored in the first network storage function network element, and the first service is used for information synchronization; The first network storage function network element sends the fourth message and / or the fifth message to the fourth network storage function network element.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein Before the first network storage function network element sends the fourth message and / or the fifth message to the fourth network storage function network element, the method further includes: The first network storage function network element receives a sixth message sent by the fourth network storage function network element, where the sixth message is used to instruct reporting of attribute information and / or subscription information; or, The first network storage function network element determines that a time has arrived for verifying the information of the first network storage function network element; or The first network storage function network element receives attribute information and / or subscription information sent by the network function network element; or, The first network storage function network element executes a first command, and the first command comes from a network management system.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein The version of the first service is a version supported by the fourth network storage function network element.

10. A communication device, characterized in that: The device comprises: A processing module, configured to determine a time for verifying information of a network function network element; and / or determine that a switching of a network storage function network element occurs in the network function network element; A transceiver module is used to send a first message to a network function network element, where the first message is used to indicate the reporting of attribute information and / or subscription information of the network function network element; and to receive a second message and / or a third message sent by the network function network element, where the second message includes the attribute information of the network function network element, and the third message includes the subscription information of the network function network element.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein The subscription information includes a subscription identifier and a subscription condition corresponding to the subscription identifier.

12. The device according to claim 10, wherein The device further comprises: The processing module is used to update the stored information of the network function network element according to the attribute information and / or subscription information of the network function network element.

13. The device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that The device further comprises: A processing module is used to send a response message of the second message to the network function network element through the transceiver module if the attribute information of the network function network element includes a first heartbeat cycle; when it is determined that the first heartbeat cycle reported by the network function network element is inconsistent with the second heartbeat cycle of the network function network element stored by itself, the response message is used to instruct the network function network element to update the first heartbeat cycle to the second heartbeat cycle.

14. The device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that The first message is a response message to a request message related to the management service.

15. The device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that The device further comprises: A processing module is used to send the third message to the second network storage function network element for processing through the transceiver module when it is determined that the third message is not processed by itself, so that the second network storage function network element updates the saved subscription information of the network function network element according to the subscription information in the third message, or filters out the third message.

16. The device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that The processing module is further configured to generate a fourth message and / or a fifth message based on the first service, the fourth message including attribute information stored in the device, the fourth message including subscription information stored in the device, and the first service being used for information synchronization; The transceiver module is further configured to send the fourth message and / or the fifth message to a fourth network storage function network element.

17. The device according to claim 16, wherein The transceiver module is further configured to receive a sixth message sent from the fourth network storage function network element, where the sixth message is used to instruct reporting of attribute information and / or subscription information; or, The processing module is further configured to determine a time to verify the information of the device; or The transceiver module is further configured to receive attribute information and / or subscription information sent by the network function network element; or The processing module is further configured to execute a first command, where the first command comes from a network management system.

18. The device according to claim 16, wherein The version of the first service is a version supported by the fourth network storage function network element.

19. A communication device, characterized in that: Includes processor, memory and transceiver; The memory stores computer programs or instructions; The transceiver is used to receive and / or send signals; When the processor executes the computer program or instruction, the processor causes the apparatus to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

20. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The storage medium stores computer instructions, and when the computer instructions are executed by a computer, the computer is caused to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

21. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product comprises: a computer program code, and when the computer program code is run on a computer, the computer is caused to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

22. A communication system, characterized in that: include: A first network storage function network element that executes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and a network function network element that interacts with the first network storage function network element.

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