UPF selection method and device

Abstract

The embodiment of the present invention provides a method and device for selecting a UPF, including: obtaining first information; obtaining a UPF selection priority according to the first information, wherein the UPF selection priority refers to a priority for selecting a UPF from multiple UPFs as a user plane function of a terminal; and sending the UPF selection priority to a session management function SMF. In the embodiment of the present invention, the SMF can select the UPF based on the analysis of the NWDAF, so that the SMF can select the best UPF as the user plane function of the terminal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method and device for selecting a UPF. Background Art

[0002] In the fifth generation mobile communication technology (5th generation, 5G) system, the physical user plane function (UPF) is sunk to a location close to the access network in order to shorten the latency of certain specific services and improve the user's service experience. The UPF sinking deployment will be limited to a certain smaller area. Users moving in a smaller range move within this area, and the network can meet the user's experience. However, some users move continuously over a larger range, and it is inevitable to cross the sinking UPF area, which involves the issue of UPF reselection.

[0003] For example, a user traveling on a highway is using a low-latency Internet of Vehicles service. The UPF related to the Internet of Vehicles service is deployed at the edge of the access network. The distance from city A to city B for the user is relatively long. In this case, multiple UPFs are usually deployed along the highway. In order to ensure the continuity of the user's Internet of Vehicles service, the Session Management Function (SMF) needs to know the list of service identifiers supported by the UPF when selecting the UPF. Selecting the UPF by using parameters such as the Data Network Name (DNN) determined by the current protocol cannot adapt to this scenario well, because the DNN has no direct correlation with the specific service. Some UPFs that are deployed only serve certain specific services, and the DNN cannot represent all services. During the UE movement, the UPF that does not support the Internet of Vehicles service may be selected through the DNN parameters, and this Internet of Vehicles scenario requires precise UPF selection.

[0004] The 5G system standard stipulates that the UPF for low-latency services can be deployed close to the edge of the access network, and the UPF selection function is performed by the SMF.

[0005] However, there is currently no clear technical solution for how SMF can select UPF based on the analysis of NWDAF. Summary of the invention

[0006] One purpose of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a method and device for selecting a UPF to solve the problem of how an SMF selects a UPF based on the analysis of an NWDAF.

[0007] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a method for selecting a user plane function UPF, which is applied to NWDAF, including:

[0008] Obtaining first information;

[0009] Obtaining a UPF selection priority according to the first information, where the UPF selection priority refers to a priority for selecting a UPF from multiple UPFs as a user plane function of a terminal;

[0010] The UPF selection priority is sent to the session management function SMF.

[0011] Optionally, the first information includes: the distance between the UPF and the terminal, and the remaining node computing capacity of the UPF, and / or the number of specific applications, where the specific applications refer to third-party applications that have servers within a predetermined range of the UPF.

[0012] Optionally, obtaining the UPF selection priority according to the first information includes:

[0013] According to the formula S = (1-D / D max )+C / C', and get the UPF selection priority score S;

[0014] D represents the distance between UPF and terminal;

[0015] D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal;

[0016] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0017] C' represents the total node computing power of the edge data center where the UPF is located.

[0018] Optionally, obtaining the UPF selection priority according to the first information includes:

[0019] According to the formula S = (1-D / D max )+C / C'×C s , and get the UPF selection priority score S:

[0020] D represents the distance between UPF and terminal;

[0021] D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal;

[0022] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0023] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located;

[0024] C s Indicates the scale value of the edge data center.

[0025] Optionally, obtaining the UPF selection priority according to the first information includes:

[0026] According to the formula S = (1-D / D max )+N / N num , and get the UPF selection priority score S:

[0027] D represents the distance between UPF and terminal;

[0028] D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal;

[0029] N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold;

[0030] N means in N num Among the third-party applications, the number of third-party applications with servers is within the predetermined range of UPF.

[0031] Optionally, obtaining the UPF selection priority according to the first information includes:

[0032] According to the formula S = (1-D / D max )+C / C'+N / N num , get the UPF selection priority score S;

[0033] D represents the distance between UPF and terminal;

[0034] D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal;

[0035] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0036] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located;

[0037] N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold;

[0038] N means in N num Among the third-party applications, the number of third-party applications with servers is within the predetermined range of UPF.

[0039] Optionally, obtaining the UPF selection priority according to the first information includes:

[0040] According to the formula S = (1-D / D max )+C / C'×C s +N / N num , get the UPF selection priority score S;

[0041] D represents the distance between UPF and terminal;

[0042] D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal;

[0043] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0044] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located;

[0045] C s Indicates the scale value of the edge data center;

[0046] N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold;

[0047] N means in N num Among the third-party applications, the number of third-party applications with servers is within the predetermined range of UPF.

[0048] Optionally, obtaining the UPF selection priority according to the first information includes:

[0049] According to the formula S = C / C' + N / N num , get the UPF selection priority score S;

[0050] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0051] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located;

[0052] N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold;

[0053] N means in N num Among the third-party applications, the number of third-party applications with servers is within the predetermined range of UPF.

[0054] Optionally, obtaining the UPF selection priority according to the first information includes:

[0055] According to the formula S = C / C' × C s +N / N num , get the UPF selection priority score S;

[0056] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0057] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located;

[0058] C s Indicates the scale value of the edge data center;

[0059] N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold;

[0060] N means in N num Among the third-party applications, the number of third-party applications with servers is within the predetermined range of UPF.

[0061] Optionally, the remaining node computing capacity of the UPF is obtained from operation and maintenance management.

[0062] Optionally, the information related to the third-party application is acquired from a network storage function or operation maintenance management.

[0063] Optionally, the method further comprises:

[0064] Obtaining the updated first information;

[0065] The UPF selection priority is updated according to the updated first information.

[0066] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a method for selecting a UPF, which is applied to an SMF, comprising:

[0067] Receive UPF selection priority from NWDAF;

[0068] According to the UPF selection priority, one UPF is selected from multiple UPFs as the user plane function of the terminal.

[0069] Optionally, the UPF selection priority is obtained by the NWDAF based on the distance between the UPF and the terminal, the remaining node computing capacity of the UPF, and / or the number of specific applications, where the specific application refers to a third-party application with a server within a predetermined range of the UPF.

[0070] Optionally, the UPF selection priority is obtained by the NWDAF according to the following method:

[0071] According to the formula S = (1-D / D max )+C / C', and get the UPF selection priority score S;

[0072] D represents the distance between UPF and terminal;

[0073] D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal;

[0074] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0075] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located;

[0076] or,

[0077] According to the formula S = (1-D / D max )+C / C'×C s , and get the UPF selection priority score S:

[0078] D represents the distance between UPF and terminal;

[0079] D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal;

[0080] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0081] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located;

[0082] C s Indicates the scale value of the edge data center;

[0083] or,

[0084] According to the formula S = (1-D / D max )+N / N num , and get the UPF selection priority score S:

[0085] D represents the distance between UPF and terminal;

[0086] D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal;

[0087] N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold;

[0088] N means in N num The number of third-party applications with servers within the predetermined range of UPF;

[0089] or,

[0090] According to the formula S = (1-D / D max )+C / C'+N / N num , get the UPF selection priority score S;

[0091] D represents the distance between UPF and terminal;

[0092] D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal;

[0093] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0094] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located;

[0095] N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold;

[0096] N means in N num The number of third-party applications with servers within the predetermined range of UPF;

[0097] or,

[0098] According to the formula S = (1-D / D max )+C / C'×C s +N / N num , get the UPF selection priority score S;

[0099] D represents the distance between UPF and terminal;

[0100] D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal;

[0101] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0102] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located;

[0103] C s Indicates the scale value of the edge data center;

[0104] N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold;

[0105] N means in N num The number of third-party applications with servers within the predetermined range of UPF;

[0106] or,

[0107] According to the formula S = C / C' + N / N num , get the UPF selection priority score S;

[0108] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0109] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located;

[0110] N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold;

[0111] N means in N num The number of third-party applications with servers within the predetermined range of UPF;

[0112] or,

[0113] According to the formula S = C / C' × C s +N / N num , get the UPF selection priority score S;

[0114] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0115] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located;

[0116] C s Indicates the scale value of the edge data center;

[0117] N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold;

[0118] N means in N num Among the third-party applications, the number of third-party applications with servers is within the predetermined range of UPF.

[0119] In a third aspect, the present invention also provides a NWDFAF, including: a first transceiver and a first processor;

[0120] The first transceiver receives and sends data under the control of the first processor;

[0121] The first processor reads the program in the memory and performs the following operations: obtaining first information; obtaining a UPF selection priority based on the first information, wherein the UPF selection priority refers to the priority of selecting a UPF from multiple UPFs as the user plane function of the terminal; and sending the UPF selection priority to the SMF.

[0122] In a fourth aspect, the present invention also provides an SMF, including: a second transceiver and a second processor;

[0123] The second transceiver receives and sends data under the control of the second processor;

[0124] The second processor reads the program in the memory and performs the following operations: receiving a UPF selection priority from the NWDFAF; and selecting a UPF from a plurality of UPFs as a user plane function of the terminal according to the UPF selection priority.

[0125] In a fifth aspect, the present invention further provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the UPF selection method as described above are implemented.

[0126] In an embodiment of the present invention, the SMF may select the UPF based on the analysis of the NWDAF, so that the SMF may select the best UPF as the user plane function of the terminal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0127] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiments below. The accompanying drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating the preferred embodiments and are not to be considered as limiting the present invention. Moreover, the same reference symbols are used throughout the accompanying drawings to represent the same components. In the accompanying drawings:

[0128] Figure 1 One of the flowcharts of the method for selecting UPF according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0129] Figure 2 Flow chart 2 of the method for selecting UPF according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0130] Figure 3 Flow chart 3 of the method for selecting UPF according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0131] Figure 4 A flowchart of selecting a priority update for NWDAF triggered by a newly added location server in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0132] Figure 5 A flowchart of an NWDAF in an embodiment of the present invention requesting an OAM to update the remaining node computing capacity of a UPF to select a priority;

[0133] Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of NWDAF according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0134] Figure 7This is a second schematic diagram of the NWDAF according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0135] Figure 8 One of the schematic diagrams of the SMF according to the embodiment of the present invention;

[0136] Fig. 9 This is the second schematic diagram of the SMF according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0137] In order to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, the following technical terms are first introduced below:

[0138] Network Repository Function (NRF): responsible for registering and managing network functions.

[0139] Application Function (AF): a network function that connects applications to the 5G core network;

[0140] Network Exposure Function (NEF): a network function that exposes network information to applications;

[0141] Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF): Network function responsible for network intelligence and network data analysis;

[0142] Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF): responsible for network functions such as access and mobility of the terminal (User Equipment, UE);

[0143] Radio Access Network (RAN).

[0144] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0145] The term "comprise" and any variation thereof in the specification and claims of the present application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, for example, a process, method, system, product or device comprising a series of steps or units need not be limited to those steps or units clearly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices. In addition, the use of "and / or" in the specification and claims to indicate at least one of the connected objects, such as A and / or B, means that A alone, B alone, and A and B exist in three cases.

[0146] In the embodiments of the present invention, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations or explanations. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of the present invention should not be interpreted as being more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present related concepts in a specific way.

[0147] The technology described in this article is not limited to the fifth-generation mobile communication (5th-generation, 5G) system and subsequent evolution communication systems, and is not limited to the evolution (LTE-Advanced, LTE-A) system of LTE / LTE, and can also be used in various wireless communication systems, such as Code Division Multiple Access (Code Division Multiple Access, CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (Time Division Multiple Access, TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (Frequency Division Multiple Access, FDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access, OFDMA), Single-carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (Single-carrier Frequency-Division Multiple Access, SC-FDMA) and other systems.

[0148] The terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably. A CDMA system may implement radio technologies such as CDMA2000, Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA). UTRA includes Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) and other CDMA variants. A TDMA system may implement radio technologies such as Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM). An OFDMA system may implement radio technologies such as Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), Evolution-UTRA (E-UTRA), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE802.20, Flash-OFDM, etc. UTRA and E-UTRA are parts of Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). LTE and more advanced LTE (such as LTE-A) are new UMTS versions that use E-UTRA. UTRA, E-UTRA, UMTS, LTE, LTE-A, and GSM are described in documents from an organization named "3rd Generation Partnership Project" (3GPP). CDMA2000 and UMB are described in documents from an organization named "3rd Generation Partnership Project 2" (3GPP2). The techniques described herein may be used for the systems and radio technologies mentioned above as well as for other systems and radio technologies.

[0149] See also Figure 1 , an embodiment of the present invention provides a method for selecting a UPF, the execution subject of the method may be a NWDAF, including: step 101, step 102 and step 103.

[0150] Step 101: Obtain first information;

[0151] Step 102: Obtain a UPF selection priority according to the first information, where the UPF selection priority refers to a priority for selecting a UPF from multiple UPFs as a user plane function of the terminal;

[0152] Step 103: Send the UPF selection priority to the SMF.

[0153] In an embodiment of the present invention, NWDAF provides the UPF selection priority to SMF, so that SMF can select the best UPF as the user plane function of the terminal.

[0154] In some embodiments, the first information includes: the distance between the UPF and the terminal, and the remaining node computing capacity of the UPF, and / or the number of specific applications whose access times exceed a preset threshold within a predetermined time, and the specific applications refer to third-party applications that have servers within a predetermined range of the UPF.

[0155] In some implementations, step 102 is implemented by:

[0156] According to the formula S = (1-D / D max )+C / C', and get the UPF selection priority score S;

[0157] D represents the distance between UPF and terminal;

[0158] D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal;

[0159] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0160] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located. For example, NWDAF can obtain relevant information of UE from SMF, such as the location information of UE. NWDAF can also request the location information of all UPFs within the management scope of SMF from NRF / Operation Administration and Maintenance (OAM). Based on the above information, the distance between UPF and the terminal, as well as the distance between the terminal and the UPF farthest from the terminal can be obtained.

[0161] Among them, the remaining node computing capacity of UPF can represent the remaining software or hardware resources such as CPU and memory of UPF. For example, NWDAF can request the remaining node computing capacity of all UPFs in the SMF service area from OAM.

[0162] Among them, the edge data center can be deployed in the operator's access room, aggregation room, telecommunications room and the room of a third-party professional edge data center provider. NWDAF can obtain the total node computing power of the edge data center from NRF, OAM or other network elements.

[0163] In the above implementation, the UPF selection priority score is calculated based on the relative value, which can ensure the consistency and fairness of the UPF selection priority score calculated in different scenarios by the above calculation method. Further, the following formula (1-D / D max ) calculates the distance score, thereby ensuring that the farther the UPF is from the terminal, the lower the distance score is, thereby improving the accuracy of the calculated UPF selection priority score.

[0164] In some implementations, step 102 is implemented by:

[0165] According to the formula S = (1-D / D max )+C / C'×C s , and get the UPF selection priority score S:

[0166] D represents the distance between UPF and terminal;

[0167] D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal;

[0168] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0169] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located;

[0170] C s Indicates the scale value of the edge data center.

[0171] The scale value of the edge data center can be used to represent the computing power of the edge data center. For example, the scale value of a large edge data center can be set to 1, the scale value of a medium edge data center can be set to 0.7, and the scale value of a small edge data center can be set to 0.3. It should be noted that the scale value is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0172] It is understandable that the scale of an edge data center is large, medium or small and can be determined by the operator according to the number of servers in the edge data. For example, an edge data center with 100,000 servers is classified as large, an edge data center with 10,000 servers is classified as medium, and an edge data center with 1,000 servers is classified as small. It should be noted that the embodiments of the present invention do not specifically limit the way of dividing the scale of edge data centers.

[0173] In the above implementation, the UPF selection priority score is calculated based on the relative value, which can ensure the consistency and fairness of the UPF selection priority score calculated in different scenarios by the above calculation method. Further, the following formula (1-D / D max ) calculates the distance score, thereby ensuring that the farther the UPF is from the terminal, the lower the distance score is, thereby improving the accuracy of the UPF selection priority score; further, the scale value of the edge data center is also considered in the above formula, so that when the remaining nodes have the same computing resource ratio, the score of the UPF in a large edge data center will be higher than the UPF priority score in a medium or small edge data center, so that users can give priority to UPFs in large edge data centers, thereby meeting their business needs.

[0174] In some implementations, step 102 is implemented by:

[0175] According to the formula S = (1-D / D max )+N / N num , and get the UPF selection priority score S:

[0176] D represents the distance between UPF and terminal;

[0177] D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal;

[0178] N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold;

[0179] N means in N num Among the third-party applications, the number of third-party applications with servers is within the predetermined range of UPF.

[0180] Understandably, N num It indicates the total number of third-party applications frequently accessed by the terminal. The predetermined time period may be one or more months, or one or more weeks. In the embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined time period and the preset threshold value are not specifically limited.

[0181] The above-mentioned third-party application may be a video APP, such as iQiyi APP, etc., but is certainly not limited to this.

[0182] In some implementations, step 102 is implemented by:

[0183] According to the formula S = (1-D / D max )+C / C'+N / N num, get the UPF selection priority score S;

[0184] D represents the distance between UPF and terminal;

[0185] D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal;

[0186] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0187] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located;

[0188] N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold;

[0189] N means in N num Among the third-party applications, the number of third-party applications with servers is within the predetermined range of UPF.

[0190] In some implementations, step 102 is implemented by:

[0191] According to the formula S = (1-D / D max )+C / C'×C s +N / N num , get the UPF selection priority score S;

[0192] D represents the distance between UPF and terminal;

[0193] D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal;

[0194] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0195] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located;

[0196] C s Indicates the scale value of the edge data center;

[0197] N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold;

[0198] N means in N num Among the third-party applications, the number of third-party applications with servers is within the predetermined range of UPF.

[0199] In some implementations, step 102 is implemented by:

[0200] In the above implementation, the UPF selection priority score is calculated based on the relative value, which can ensure the consistency and fairness of the UPF selection priority score calculated in different scenarios by the above calculation method. Further, the following formula (1-D / D max ) calculates the distance score, thereby ensuring that the farther the UPF is from the terminal, the lower the distance score is, thereby improving the accuracy of the UPF selection priority score; further, the scale value of the edge data center is also considered in the above formula, so that when the remaining nodes have the same computing resource ratio, the score of the UPF in a large edge data center will be higher than the UPF priority score in a medium or small edge data center, so that users can give priority to UPFs in large edge data centers, thereby meeting the business needs of users; further, the above formula also considers the number of servers of third-party applications frequently accessed by users deployed around the UPF. The more servers there are, the higher the UPF priority score is, so that users can select UPFs that meet their needs based on the UPF priority score, thereby improving user experience.

[0201] According to the formula S = C / C' + N / N num , get the UPF selection priority score S;

[0202] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0203] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located;

[0204] N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold;

[0205] N means in N num Among the third-party applications, the number of third-party applications with servers is within the predetermined range of UPF.

[0206] In some implementations, step 102 is implemented by:

[0207] According to the formula S = C / C' × C s +N / N num , get the UPF selection priority score S;

[0208] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0209] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located;

[0210] C s Indicates the scale value of the edge data center;

[0211] N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold;

[0212] N means in N num Among the third-party applications, the number of third-party applications with servers is within the predetermined range of UPF.

[0213] In the above implementation, the UPF selection priority score is calculated based on the relative value, which can ensure the consistency and fairness of the UPF selection priority score calculated by the above calculation method in different scenarios. Furthermore, the scale value of the edge data center is also considered in the above formula, so that when the computing resource ratio of the remaining nodes is the same, the score of the UPF in a large edge data center will be higher than the UPF priority score in a medium or small edge data center, so that users can give priority to the UPF in a large edge data center, thereby meeting the business needs of users; further, the above formula also considers the number of servers of third-party applications frequently accessed by users deployed around the UPF. The more servers there are, the higher the UPF priority score is, so that users can select a UPF that meets their needs based on the UPF priority score, thereby improving user experience.

[0214] It should be noted that SMF usually selects the UPF corresponding to the largest UPF selection priority as the user plane function of the terminal.

[0215] In some implementations, the remaining node computing capacity of the UPF is obtained from Operation Administration and Maintenance (OAM).

[0216] In some implementations, the information related to the third-party application is obtained from the NRF or the OAM.

[0217] In some implementations, the method further includes: acquiring updated first information; and updating the UPF selection priority according to the updated first information.

[0218] For example, NWDAF obtains updated relevant information of third-party applications from NRF or OAM. For another example, NWDAF obtains updated remaining node computing capacity of UPF from OAM.

[0219] Through the embodiments of the present invention, the diversity of UPF selection can be enriched to suit different scenarios. With the maturity of 5G and Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) technology and deployment, edge data centers are being built in large numbers, and the ability of UPF services to provide services depends on the computing power of edge data centers. For example, a comprehensive ranking can be performed based on the distance, the computing power of the remaining nodes of the UPF, and the servers of third-party applications frequently accessed by nearby UEs, so as to select the best UPF.

[0220] See also Figure 2 An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for selecting a UPF, the execution subject of the method is SMF, and the method includes: step 201 and step 202.

[0221] Step 201: Receive UPF selection priority from NWDAF;

[0222] Step 202: According to the UPF selection priority, select a UPF from multiple UPFs as the user plane function of the terminal.

[0223] It should be noted that SMF usually selects the UPF corresponding to the largest UPF selection priority as the user plane function of the terminal.

[0224] In an embodiment of the present invention, optionally, the UPF selection priority is obtained by the NWDAF based on the distance between the UPF and the terminal, the remaining node computing capacity of the UPF, and / or the number of specific applications, where the specific application refers to a third-party application with a server within a predetermined range of the UPF.

[0225] In the embodiment of the present invention, optionally, the UPF selection priority is obtained by the NWDAF according to the following method:

[0226] According to the formula S = (1-D / D max )+C / C', and get the UPF selection priority score S;

[0227] D represents the distance between UPF and terminal;

[0228] D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal;

[0229] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0230] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located;

[0231] or,

[0232] According to the formula S = (1-D / D max )+C / C'×C s , and get the UPF selection priority score S:

[0233] D represents the distance between UPF and terminal;

[0234] D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal;

[0235] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0236] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located;

[0237] C s Indicates the scale value of the edge data center;

[0238] or,

[0239] According to the formula S = (1-D / D max )+N / N num , and get the UPF selection priority score S:

[0240] D represents the distance between UPF and terminal;

[0241] D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal;

[0242] N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold;

[0243] N means in N num The number of third-party applications with servers within the predetermined range of UPF;

[0244] or,

[0245] According to the formula S = (1-D / D max )+C / C'+N / N num , get the UPF selection priority score S;

[0246] D represents the distance between UPF and terminal;

[0247] D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal;

[0248] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0249] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located;

[0250] N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold;

[0251] N means in N num The number of third-party applications with servers within the predetermined range of UPF;

[0252] or,

[0253] According to the formula S = (1-D / D max )+C / C'×C s +N / N num , get the UPF selection priority score S;

[0254] D represents the distance between UPF and terminal;

[0255] D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal;

[0256] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0257] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located;

[0258] C s Indicates the scale value of the edge data center;

[0259] N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold;

[0260] N means in N num The number of third-party applications with servers within the predetermined range of UPF;

[0261] or,

[0262] According to the formula S = C / C' + N / N num , get the UPF selection priority score S;

[0263] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0264] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located;

[0265] N numIndicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold;

[0266] N means in N num The number of third-party applications with servers within the predetermined range of UPF;

[0267] or,

[0268] According to the formula S = C / C' × C s +N / N num , get the UPF selection priority score S;

[0269] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0270] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located;

[0271] C s Indicates the scale value of the edge data center;

[0272] N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold;

[0273] N means in N num Among the third-party applications, the number of third-party applications with servers is within the predetermined range of UPF.

[0274] Through the embodiments of the present invention, the diversity of UPF selection can be enriched to suit different scenarios. With the maturity of 5G and Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) technology and deployment, edge data centers are being built in large numbers, and the ability of UPF services to provide services depends on the computing power of edge data centers. For example, a comprehensive ranking can be performed based on the distance, the computing power of the remaining nodes of the UPF, and the servers of third-party applications frequently accessed by nearby UEs, so as to select the best UPF.

[0275] See also Figure 3 , the specific steps are as follows:

[0276] Step 1: SMF requests NWDAF for the UE's edge UPF score, carrying relevant UE information, such as UE's location information.

[0277] Step 2: NWDAF requests NRF / OAM to obtain the location information of all UPFs within the management scope of SMF and the location information of the third-party application deployment server.

[0278] Step 3: NRF / OAM responds to the request and returns relevant information.

[0279] Step 4: NWDAF requests OAM to obtain the remaining node computing capacity of all UPFs within the management scope of SMF.

[0280] Step 5: OAM responds to the request and returns relevant information.

[0281] Step 6: NWDAF scores each UPF based on the UE and the most frequently accessed N (configurable) applications, and performs a comprehensive score.

[0282] For example, the scoring formula is: S = (1-D / D max )*W1+C / C'*C s *W2+N / N num *W3

[0283] Where D represents the distance between the UPF and the UE. max Indicates the distance between the UE and the UPF farthest from the UE within the SMF range.

[0284] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of the UPF, and C' represents the total computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located.

[0285] Cs represents the scale value of the edge data center, for example, large is 1, medium is 0.7, and small is 0.3.

[0286] N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications most frequently accessed by the UE, N represents the number of third-party applications most frequently accessed by the UE. num Among the third-party applications, the number of third-party applications that have servers near the UPF.

[0287] Among them, W1, W2, and W3 are the weights of the distance, the remaining node computing capacity of the UPF, and the third-party application server that the nearby UE needs to access, respectively. Optionally, the value range is 0 to 1, and the default value W1=W2=W3=1 / 3.

[0288] Step 7: NWDAF returns the edge UPF score of the UE to SMF.

[0289] Step 8: SMF selects the UPF with the highest score as the user plane function (Uplink Classifier, ULCL) of the UE.

[0290] See also Figure 4 The present invention implements a process for updating the priority selection of NWDAF triggered by a newly added location server, and the specific steps are as follows:

[0291] Step 1: When the application is initially registered, the location of the server providing the service is reported to NEF. When the application adds a new server location, the server location is reported to NEF.

[0292] Step 2: NEF sends a receive response to AF.

[0293] Step 3: NEF synchronizes the information to NRF / OAM.

[0294] Step 4: NRF / OAM sends a receive response.

[0295] Step 5: NRF / OAM determines that it is a newly added server location and sends it to NWDAF;

[0296] Step 6: NWDAF sends a receive response;

[0297] Step 7: NWDAF updates the stored scoring results based on the updated data.

[0298] See also Figure 5 The embodiment of the present invention also provides a process in which NWDAF requests OAM to select the priority update of the remaining node computing capacity of UPF, and the specific steps are as follows:

[0299] Step 1: NWDAF periodically requests OAM for the remaining computing power information of UPFs within the management scope of each SMF.

[0300] Step 2: OAM synchronizes the information to NWDAF.

[0301] Step 3: NWDAF updates the stored scoring results based on the updated data.

[0302] See also Figure 6 The embodiment of the present invention provides a NWDAF, the NWDAF 600 comprising:

[0303] An acquisition module 601 is used to acquire first information;

[0304] A processing module 602 is configured to obtain a UPF selection priority according to the first information, where the UPF selection priority refers to a priority for selecting a UPF from multiple UPFs as a user plane function of a terminal;

[0305] The sending module 603 is used to send the UPF selection priority to the SMF.

[0306] In an embodiment of the present invention, optionally, the first information includes: the distance between the UPF and the terminal, and the remaining node computing capacity of the UPF, and / or the number of specific applications, where the specific applications refer to third-party applications that have servers within a predetermined range of the UPF.

[0307] In the embodiment of the present invention, optionally, the processing module 602 is further configured to: according to the formula S=(1-D / D max )+C / C', and get the UPF selection priority score S;

[0308] D represents the distance between UPF and terminal;

[0309] D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal;

[0310] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0311] C' represents the total node computing power of the edge data center where the UPF is located.

[0312] In the embodiment of the present invention, optionally, the processing module 602 is further configured to: according to the formula S=(1-D / D max )+C / C'×C s , and get the UPF selection priority score S:

[0313] D represents the distance between UPF and terminal;

[0314] D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal;

[0315] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0316] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located;

[0317] C s Indicates the scale value of the edge data center.

[0318] In the embodiment of the present invention, optionally, the processing module 602 is further configured to: according to the formula S=(1-D / D max )+N / N num , and get the UPF selection priority score S:

[0319] D represents the distance between UPF and terminal;

[0320] D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal;

[0321] N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold;

[0322] N means in N num Among the third-party applications, the number of third-party applications with servers is within the predetermined range of UPF.

[0323] In the embodiment of the present invention, optionally, the processing module 602 is further configured to: according to the formula S=(1-D / D max )+C / C'+N / N num , get the UPF selection priority score S;

[0324] D represents the distance between UPF and terminal;

[0325] D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal;

[0326] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0327] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located;

[0328] N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold;

[0329] N means in N num Among the third-party applications, the number of third-party applications with servers is within the predetermined range of UPF.

[0330] In the embodiment of the present invention, optionally, the processing module 602 is further configured to: according to the formula S=(1-D / D max )+C / C'×C s +N / N num , get the UPF selection priority score S;

[0331] D represents the distance between UPF and terminal;

[0332] D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal;

[0333] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0334] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located;

[0335] C s Indicates the scale value of the edge data center;

[0336] N numIndicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold;

[0337] N means in N num Among the third-party applications, the number of third-party applications with servers is within the predetermined range of UPF.

[0338] In the embodiment of the present invention, optionally, the processing module 602 is further configured to: according to the formula S=C / C'+N / N num , get the UPF selection priority score S;

[0339] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0340] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located;

[0341] N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold;

[0342] N means in N num Among the third-party applications, the number of third-party applications with servers is within the predetermined range of UPF.

[0343] In the embodiment of the present invention, optionally, the processing module 602 is further configured to: according to the formula S=C / C'×C s +N / N num , get the UPF selection priority score S;

[0344] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0345] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located;

[0346] C s Indicates the scale value of the edge data center;

[0347] N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold;

[0348] N means in N num Among the third-party applications, the number of third-party applications with servers is within the predetermined range of UPF.

[0349] In the embodiment of the present invention, optionally, the remaining node computing capacity of the UPF is obtained from operation and maintenance management.

[0350] In the embodiment of the present invention, optionally, the information related to the third-party application is acquired from a network storage function or operation maintenance management.

[0351] In the embodiment of the present invention, optionally, the acquisition module 601 is further used to acquire the updated first information;

[0352] The processing module 602 is further configured to update the UPF selection priority according to the updated first information.

[0353] The NWDAF provided by the embodiment of the present invention can perform the above Figure 1 The implementation principle and technical effect of the method embodiment shown are similar, and this embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0354] See also Figure 7 , an embodiment of the present invention provides a NWDAF, the NWDAF 700 includes: a first transceiver 701 and a first processor 702;

[0355] The first transceiver 701 receives and sends data under the control of the first processor 702;

[0356] The first processor 702 reads the program in the memory and performs the following operations: obtaining first information; obtaining a UPF selection priority based on the first information, wherein the UPF selection priority refers to the priority of selecting a UPF from multiple UPFs as the user plane function of the terminal; and sending the UPF selection priority to the SMF.

[0357] In an embodiment of the present invention, optionally, the first information includes: the distance between the UPF and the terminal, and the remaining node computing capacity of the UPF, and / or the number of specific applications, where the specific applications refer to third-party applications that have servers within a predetermined range of the UPF.

[0358] In the embodiment of the present invention, optionally, the first processor 702 reads the program in the memory and performs the following operations: according to the formula S=(1-D / D max )+C / C', and get the UPF selection priority score S;

[0359] D represents the distance between UPF and terminal;

[0360] D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal;

[0361] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0362] C' represents the total node computing power of the edge data center where the UPF is located.

[0363] In the embodiment of the present invention, optionally, the processing module 602 is further configured to: according to the formula S=(1-D / Dmax )+C / C'×C s , and get the UPF selection priority score S:

[0364] D represents the distance between UPF and terminal;

[0365] D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal;

[0366] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0367] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located;

[0368] C s Indicates the scale value of the edge data center.

[0369] In the embodiment of the present invention, optionally, the first processor 702 reads the program in the memory and performs the following operations: according to the formula S=(1-D / D max )+N / N num , and get the UPF selection priority score S:

[0370] D represents the distance between UPF and terminal;

[0371] D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal;

[0372] N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold;

[0373] N means in N num Among the third-party applications, the number of third-party applications with servers is within the predetermined range of UPF.

[0374] In the embodiment of the present invention, optionally, the first processor 702 reads the program in the memory and performs the following operations: according to the formula S=(1-D / D max )+C / C'+N / N num , get the UPF selection priority score S;

[0375] D represents the distance between UPF and terminal;

[0376] D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal;

[0377] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0378] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located;

[0379] N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold;

[0380] N means in N num Among the third-party applications, the number of third-party applications with servers is within the predetermined range of UPF.

[0381] In the embodiment of the present invention, optionally, the first processor 702 reads the program in the memory and performs the following operations: according to the formula S=(1-D / D max )+C / C'×C s +N / N num , get the UPF selection priority score S;

[0382] D represents the distance between UPF and terminal;

[0383] D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal;

[0384] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0385] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located;

[0386] C s Indicates the scale value of the edge data center;

[0387] N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold;

[0388] N means in N num Among the third-party applications, the number of third-party applications with servers is within the predetermined range of UPF.

[0389] In the embodiment of the present invention, optionally, the first processor 702 reads the program in the memory and performs the following operations: According to the formula S=C / C'+N / N num , get the UPF selection priority score S;

[0390] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0391] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located;

[0392] N numIndicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold;

[0393] N means in N num Among the third-party applications, the number of third-party applications with servers is within the predetermined range of UPF.

[0394] In the embodiment of the present invention, optionally, the processing module 602 is further configured to: according to the formula S=C / C'×C s +N / N num , get the UPF selection priority score S;

[0395] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0396] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located;

[0397] C s Indicates the scale value of the edge data center;

[0398] N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold;

[0399] N means in N num Among the third-party applications, the number of third-party applications with servers is within the predetermined range of UPF.

[0400] In the embodiment of the present invention, optionally, the remaining node computing capacity of the UPF is obtained from operation and maintenance management.

[0401] In the embodiment of the present invention, optionally, the information related to the third-party application is acquired from a network storage function or operation maintenance management.

[0402] In the embodiment of the present invention, optionally, the first processor 702 reads the program in the memory to perform the following operations: obtain the updated first information; and update the UPF selection priority according to the updated first information.

[0403] The NWDAF provided by the embodiment of the present invention can perform the above Figure 1 The implementation principle and technical effect of the method embodiment shown are similar, and this embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0404] See also Figure 8 The embodiment of the present invention provides an SMF, the SMF800 comprising:

[0405] A receiving module 801 is configured to receive a UPF selection priority from an NWDAF;

[0406] The selection module 802 is used to select a UPF from multiple UPFs as a user plane function of the terminal according to the UPF selection priority.

[0407] In an embodiment of the present invention, optionally, the UPF selection priority is obtained by the NWDAF based on the distance between the UPF and the terminal, the remaining node computing capacity of the UPF, and / or the number of specific applications, where the specific application refers to a third-party application with a server within a predetermined range of the UPF.

[0408] In the embodiment of the present invention, optionally, the UPF selection priority is obtained by the NWDAF according to the following method:

[0409] According to the formula S = (1-D / D max )+C / C', and get the UPF selection priority score S;

[0410] D represents the distance between UPF and terminal;

[0411] D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal;

[0412] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0413] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located;

[0414] or,

[0415] According to the formula S = (1-D / D max )+C / C'×C s , and get the UPF selection priority score S:

[0416] D represents the distance between UPF and terminal;

[0417] D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal;

[0418] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0419] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located;

[0420] C s Indicates the scale value of the edge data center;

[0421] or,

[0422] According to the formula S = (1-D / D max )+N / Nnum , and get the UPF selection priority score S:

[0423] D represents the distance between UPF and terminal;

[0424] D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal;

[0425] N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold;

[0426] N means in N num The number of third-party applications with servers within the predetermined range of UPF;

[0427] or,

[0428] According to the formula S = (1-D / D max )+C / C'+N / N num , get the UPF selection priority score S;

[0429] D represents the distance between UPF and terminal;

[0430] D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal;

[0431] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0432] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located;

[0433] N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold;

[0434] N means in N num The number of third-party applications with servers within the predetermined range of UPF;

[0435] or,

[0436] According to the formula S = (1-D / D max )+C / C'×C s +N / N num , get the UPF selection priority score S;

[0437] D represents the distance between UPF and terminal;

[0438] D maxIndicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal;

[0439] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0440] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located;

[0441] C s Indicates the scale value of the edge data center;

[0442] N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold;

[0443] N means in N num The number of third-party applications with servers within the predetermined range of UPF;

[0444] or,

[0445] According to the formula S = C / C' + N / N num , get the UPF selection priority score S;

[0446] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0447] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located;

[0448] N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold;

[0449] N means in N num The number of third-party applications with servers within the predetermined range of UPF;

[0450] or,

[0451] According to the formula S = C / C' × C s +N / N num , get the UPF selection priority score S;

[0452] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0453] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located;

[0454] C s Indicates the scale value of the edge data center;

[0455] N numIndicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold;

[0456] N means in N num Among the third-party applications, the number of third-party applications with servers is within the predetermined range of UPF.

[0457] The SMF provided in the embodiment of the present invention can execute the above Figure 2 The implementation principle and technical effect of the method embodiment shown are similar, and this embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0458] See also Fig. 9 , an embodiment of the present invention provides an SMF, the SMF 900 includes: a second transceiver 901 and a second processor 902;

[0459] The second transceiver 901 receives and sends data under the control of the second processor 902;

[0460] The second processor 902 reads the program in the memory and performs the following operations: receiving a UPF selection priority from the NWDAF; and selecting a UPF from a plurality of UPFs as a user plane function of the terminal according to the UPF selection priority.

[0461] In an embodiment of the present invention, optionally, the UPF selection priority is obtained by the NWDAF based on the distance between the UPF and the terminal, the remaining node computing capacity of the UPF, and / or the number of specific applications, where the specific application refers to a third-party application with a server within a predetermined range of the UPF.

[0462] In the embodiment of the present invention, optionally, the UPF selection priority is obtained by the NWDAF according to the following method:

[0463] According to the formula S = (1-D / D max )+C / C', and get the UPF selection priority score S;

[0464] D represents the distance between UPF and terminal;

[0465] D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal;

[0466] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0467] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located;

[0468] or,

[0469] According to the formula S = (1-D / Dmax )+C / C'×C s , and get the UPF selection priority score S:

[0470] D represents the distance between UPF and terminal;

[0471] D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal;

[0472] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0473] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located;

[0474] C s Indicates the scale value of the edge data center;

[0475] or,

[0476] According to the formula S = (1-D / D max )+N / N num , and get the UPF selection priority score S:

[0477] D represents the distance between UPF and terminal;

[0478] D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal;

[0479] N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold;

[0480] N means in N num The number of third-party applications with servers within the predetermined range of UPF;

[0481] or,

[0482] According to the formula S = (1-D / D max )+C / C'+N / N num , get the UPF selection priority score S;

[0483] D represents the distance between UPF and terminal;

[0484] D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal;

[0485] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0486] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located;

[0487] N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold;

[0488] N means in N num The number of third-party applications with servers within the predetermined range of UPF;

[0489] or,

[0490] According to the formula S = (1-D / D max )+C / C'×C s +N / N num , get the UPF selection priority score S;

[0491] D represents the distance between UPF and terminal;

[0492] D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal;

[0493] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0494] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located;

[0495] C s Indicates the scale value of the edge data center;

[0496] N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold;

[0497] N means in N num The number of third-party applications with servers within the predetermined range of UPF;

[0498] or,

[0499] According to the formula S = C / C' + N / N num , get the UPF selection priority score S;

[0500] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0501] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located;

[0502] N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold;

[0503] N means in N num The number of third-party applications with servers within the predetermined range of UPF;

[0504] or,

[0505] According to the formula S = C / C' × C s +N / N num , get the UPF selection priority score S;

[0506] C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF;

[0507] C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located;

[0508] C s Indicates the scale value of the edge data center;

[0509] N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold;

[0510] N means in N num Among the third-party applications, the number of third-party applications with servers is within the predetermined range of UPF.

[0511] The SMF provided in the embodiment of the present invention can execute the above Figure 2 The implementation principle and technical effect of the method embodiment shown are similar, and this embodiment will not be repeated here.

[0512] The steps of the method or algorithm described in conjunction with the contents disclosed in the present invention can be implemented in hardware or by executing software instructions in a processor. The software instructions can be composed of corresponding software modules, and the software modules can be stored in RAM, flash memory, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, registers, hard disks, mobile hard disks, read-only optical disks, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and the storage medium can be carried in an ASIC. In addition, the ASIC can be carried in a core network interface device. Of course, the processor and the storage medium can also exist in the core network interface device as discrete components.

[0513] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in one or more of the above examples, the functions described in the present invention may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, the functions may be stored in a computer-readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media, wherein communication media include any media that facilitates the transmission of a computer program from one place to another. The storage medium may be any available medium that a general or special-purpose computer can access.

[0514] The specific implementation methods described above further illustrate the objectives, technical solutions and beneficial effects of the present invention in detail. It should be understood that the above description is only a specific implementation method of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made on the basis of the technical solution of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0515] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of the present invention may be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the embodiments of the present invention may take the form of complete hardware embodiments, complete software embodiments, or embodiments combining software and hardware. Moreover, the embodiments of the present invention may take the form of computer program products implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program codes.

[0516] The embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, devices (systems), and computer program products according to the embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that each process and / or block in the flowchart and / or block diagram, as well as the combination of processes and / or blocks in the flowchart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing device to generate a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device generate instructions for implementing the processes in the flowchart and / or block diagram. Figure 1 A process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in a block or multiple blocks.

[0517] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory capable of directing a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture comprising an instruction device, which implements the process Figure 1 A process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1A function specified in one or more boxes.

[0518] These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device so that a series of operating steps are executed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions for implementing the process in the computer or other programmable device. Figure 1 A process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps for the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0519] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications to the embodiments of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the embodiments of the present invention fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention and their equivalents, the present invention is also intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A method for selecting a user plane function UPF, applied to a network data analysis function NWDAF, characterized in that: include: Obtaining first information; Obtaining a UPF selection priority according to the first information, where the UPF selection priority refers to a priority for selecting a UPF from multiple UPFs as a user plane function of a terminal; Sending the UPF selection priority to the session management function SMF; The first information includes: the distance between the UPF and the terminal, the remaining node computing capacity of the UPF, and the number of specific applications, wherein the specific application refers to a third-party application with a server within a predetermined range of the UPF; The obtaining of the UPF selection priority according to the first information includes: According to the formula S = (1-D / D max ) + C / C' + N / N num , get the UPF selection priority score S; D represents the distance between UPF and terminal; D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal; C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF; C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located; N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold; N means in N num The number of third-party applications with servers within the predetermined range of UPF; Alternatively, obtaining the UPF selection priority according to the first information includes: According to the formula S = (1-D / D max ) + C / C' × C s + N / N num , get the UPF selection priority score S; D represents the distance between UPF and terminal; D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal; C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF; C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located; C s Indicates the scale value of the edge data center; N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold; N means in N num Among the third-party applications, the number of third-party applications with servers is within the predetermined range of UPF.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The remaining node computing capacity of the UPF is obtained from operation and maintenance management.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The information related to the third-party application is obtained from a network storage function or operation maintenance management.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises: Obtaining the updated first information; The UPF selection priority is updated according to the updated first information.

5. A method for selecting UPF, applied to SMF, characterized in that: include: Receive UPF selection priority from NWDAF; Selecting a UPF from a plurality of UPFs as a user plane function of the terminal according to the UPF selection priority; The UPF selection priority is obtained by the NWDAF according to the distance between the UPF and the terminal, the remaining node computing capacity of the UPF, and the number of specific applications, where the specific application refers to a third-party application with a server within a predetermined range of the UPF; The UPF selection priority is obtained by the NWDAF according to the following method: According to the formula S = (1-D / D max ) + C / C' + N / N num , get the UPF selection priority score S; D represents the distance between UPF and terminal; D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal; C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF; C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located; N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold; N means in N num The number of third-party applications with servers within the predetermined range of UPF; or, According to the formula S = (1-D / D max ) + C / C' × C s + N / N num , get the UPF selection priority score S; D represents the distance between UPF and terminal; D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal; C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF; C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located; C s Indicates the scale value of the edge data center; N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold; N means in N num Among the third-party applications, the number of third-party applications with servers is within the predetermined range of UPF.

6. A NWDAF, characterized in that: include: a first transceiver and a first processor; The first transceiver receives and sends data under the control of the first processor; The first processor reads the program in the memory and performs the following operations: obtaining first information; obtaining a UPF selection priority according to the first information, wherein the UPF selection priority refers to a priority of selecting a UPF from a plurality of UPFs as a user plane function of a terminal; Sending the UPF selection priority to SMF; The first information includes: the distance between the UPF and the terminal, the remaining node computing capacity of the UPF, and the number of specific applications, wherein the specific application refers to a third-party application with a server within a predetermined range of the UPF; The obtaining of the UPF selection priority according to the first information includes: According to the formula S = (1-D / D max ) + C / C' + N / N num , get the UPF selection priority score S; D represents the distance between UPF and terminal; D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal; C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF; C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located; N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold; N means in N num The number of third-party applications with servers within the predetermined range of UPF; Alternatively, obtaining the UPF selection priority according to the first information includes: According to the formula S = (1-D / D max ) + C / C' × C s + N / N num , get the UPF selection priority score S; D represents the distance between UPF and terminal; D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal; C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF; C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located; C s Indicates the scale value of the edge data center; N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold; N means in N num Among the third-party applications, the number of third-party applications with servers is within the predetermined range of UPF.

7. A SMF, characterized in that: include: a second transceiver and a second processor; The second transceiver receives and sends data under the control of the second processor; The second processor reads the program in the memory to perform the following operations: receiving a UPF selection priority from the NWDAF; selecting a UPF from a plurality of UPFs as a user plane function of the terminal according to the UPF selection priority, wherein the UPF selection priority is obtained by the NWDAF according to the distance between the UPF and the terminal, the remaining node computing capacity of the UPF, and the number of specific applications, and the specific application refers to a third-party application having a server within a predetermined range of the UPF; The UPF selection priority is obtained by the NWDAF according to the following method: According to the formula S = (1-D / D max ) + C / C' + N / N num , get the UPF selection priority score S; D represents the distance between UPF and terminal; D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal; C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF; C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located; N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold; N means in N num The number of third-party applications with servers within the predetermined range of UPF; or, According to the formula S = (1-D / D max ) + C / C' × C s + N / N num , get the UPF selection priority score S; D represents the distance between UPF and terminal; D max Indicates the distance between the terminal and the farthest UPF from the terminal within the SMF range providing services for the terminal; C represents the remaining node computing capacity of UPF; C' represents the total node computing capacity of the edge data center where the UPF is located; C s Indicates the scale value of the edge data center; N num Indicates the total number of third-party applications accessed by the terminal in a predetermined time period with a number of times exceeding a preset threshold; N means in N num Among the third-party applications, the number of third-party applications with servers is within the predetermined range of UPF.

8. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the UPF selection method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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