Data communication method and communication system

Abstract

The present application discloses a data communication method and a communication system. The method includes: an application function module in a mobile edge platform receives service request information sent from a user device; the application function module obtains network capability information corresponding to the service request information from a core network device; the application function module provides the user device with a service corresponding to the service request information based on the network capability information. The present application solves the technical problem that in 5G private network scenarios, due to the separate design of CT and IT, the interfaces between different equipment products designed by different companies are difficult to customize, and it is inconvenient to expand and transmit network capability information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a data communication method and a communication system. Background Art

[0002] In the 5G private network scenario, the traditional communication implementation method is generally that CT (Communication Technology) companies provide 5GC (5G Core network), and cloud computing or other IT (Internet Technology) companies provide MEP (Mobile Edge Platform), where 5GC and MEP are separated and transmitted through standard Internet interface protocols. However, with this implementation scheme of CT and IT separation design, the interface between 5GC and MEP is difficult to customize due to the different equipment products designed by different companies, which will lead to inconvenience in transmitting network capability information and difficulty in customized expansion.

[0003] To address the above-mentioned problems, no effective solution has been proposed yet. Summary of the invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present application provide a data communication method and a communication system to at least solve the technical problems in the 5G private network scenario, such as the difficulty in customizing the interfaces between different equipment products designed by different companies and the inconvenience in expanding the transmission network capability information due to the separate design of CT and IT.

[0005] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a data communication method is provided, including: an application function module in a mobile edge platform receives service request information sent from a user device; the application function module obtains network capability information corresponding to the service request information from a core network device; and the application function module provides the user device with a service corresponding to the service request information based on the network capability information.

[0006] According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present application, another data communication method is provided, including: a user plane function entity in a core network device receives service request information of an application function module in a mobile edge platform; the user plane function entity sends network capability information corresponding to the service request information to the application function module based on the service request information.

[0007] According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a communication system is also provided, including: a mobile edge platform, a core network device and a user device; wherein the mobile edge platform is provided with an application function module, which is used to receive service request information sent from the user device, obtain network capability information corresponding to the service request information from the user plane function entity in the core network device, and provide the user device with a service corresponding to the service request information based on the network capability information; the core network device includes: a user plane function entity, which is used to receive the service request information of the application function module; and send the network capability information corresponding to the service request information to the application function module based on the service request information.

[0008] Optionally, in the communication system, the core network device also includes: a session management function entity, used to send the network capability information to the user plane function entity; a network capability exposure function entity, used to send the network capability information to the session management function entity, wherein the network capability exposure function entity determines the network capability information based on preset configuration information.

[0009] In the embodiment of the present application, the application function module in the mobile edge platform is used to receive the service request information sent from the user equipment; the application function module obtains the network capability information corresponding to the service request information from the core network equipment; the application function module provides the user equipment with the service corresponding to the service request information based on the network capability information. Among them, by customizing the interface protocol between the user plane function entity in the core network equipment and the application function module in the mobile edge platform, the network information required by the mobile edge platform can be conveniently transmitted, thereby solving the technical problem that the interface between different equipment products designed by different enterprises is difficult to customize and the expansion and transmission of network capability information is inconvenient due to the separation of CT and IT in the 5G private network scenario. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present application and constitute a part of the present application. The illustrative embodiments of the present application and their descriptions are used to explain the present application and do not constitute an improper limitation on the present application. In the drawings:

[0011] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a scenario architecture of 5GC and MEP linkage based on relevant technologies;

[0012] Figure 2 It is a structural diagram of a communication system for linkage between 5GC and MEP according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0013] Figure 3 is a flow chart of a data communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0014] Figure 4 is a hardware structure block diagram of a computer terminal according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0015] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a process of interaction between 5GC and MEP according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0016] Figure 6 is a flow chart of another data communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0017] Figure 7 is a flow chart of another data communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0018] Figure 8a is a structural diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0019] Figure 8b It is a structural diagram of another communication system according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the solution of the present application, the technical solution in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work should fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0021] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification and claims of the present application and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the data used in this way can be interchangeable where appropriate, so that the embodiments of the present application described herein can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any of their variations are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, for example, a process, method, system, product or device comprising a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units clearly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0022] It should also be noted that several functional entities involved in the embodiments of the present application, including the user plane function entity (User Plane Function, referred to as UPF), the network exposure function entity (Network Exposure Function, NEF), and the session management function entity (Session Management Function, SMF), can be a specific network function instantiated on the same core network server. Optionally, the above entities can also be a separate server, and in some cases, it can also be shown that multiple functional entities share one server.

[0023] The specific structure of the above server includes, but is not limited to: a processor, a memory for storing data, and a transmission module for communication functions. In addition, it may also include: a display, an input / output interface (I / O interface), a universal serial bus (USB) port (which may be included as one of the ports of the I / O interface), a network interface, a power supply and / or a camera.

[0024] It should be noted that the above-mentioned processor may generally be referred to as "data processing circuit" in this article, and the data processing circuit may be embodied in whole or in part as software, hardware, firmware or any other combination. In addition, the data processing circuit may be a single independent processing module, or may be fully or partially integrated into any of the other components of the server. As involved in the embodiments of the present application, the data processing circuit acts as a processor control (e.g., the selection of a variable resistor terminal path connected to an interface).

[0025] The memory can be used to store software programs and modules of application software, such as the program instructions / data storage device corresponding to the QoS (Quality of Service) in the embodiment of the present application. The processor executes various functional applications and data processing by running the software programs and modules stored in the memory.

[0026] The transmission module is used to receive or send data via a network. In an optional embodiment, the transmission device includes a network adapter (Network Interface Controller, NIC), which can be connected to other network devices through a base station so as to communicate with the Internet; in another optional embodiment, the transmission module can be a radio frequency (Radio Frequency, RF) module, which is used to communicate with the Internet wirelessly.

[0027] First, some nouns or terms that appear in the description of the embodiments of the present application are subject to the following explanations:

[0028] User Equipment (UE for short): in the embodiment of the present application, it can be an electronic communication device such as a mobile phone, a tablet, or a computer.

[0029] Mobile Edge Platform (MEP): A cloud server platform that runs on the edge of a mobile network and performs specific tasks. Specifically, it can use wireless access networks to provide telecom users with IT services and cloud computing functions nearby, creating a telecom-grade service environment with high performance, low latency and high bandwidth, accelerating the download of various content, services and applications in the network, and allowing consumers to enjoy an uninterrupted high-quality network experience.

[0030] Application Function (AF): refers to various services at the application layer. It can be an application within the operator, such as Volte AF (similar to Volte As in 4G), or a third-party AF (such as a video server or a game server). If it is an AF within the operator, it can interact and access other NFs directly with other NFs (Network Functions) in a trusted domain. However, a third-party AF is not in a trusted domain and must access other NFs through NEF.

[0031] User plane function (UPF): includes routing and forwarding of user data packets, data interaction with the external data network DN, QoS processing of the user plane, implementation of flow control rules (such as gating, redirection, traffic steering), etc.

[0032] Session Management Function (SMF): SMF is a functional unit of the 5G service-based architecture. It is mainly responsible for interacting with the separated data plane, creating, updating and deleting PDU (Protocol Data Unit) sessions, and managing the session environment with UPF.

[0033] Network Exposure Function (NEF): Located between the 5G core network and external third-party application functions (possibly also some internal AF), it is responsible for managing the network data open to the outside world. All external applications that want to access the internal data of the 5G core network must go through NEF. NEF provides corresponding security guarantees to ensure the security of external applications to the 3gpp network, and provides external application QoS customization capability exposure, mobility status event subscription, AF request distribution and other functions.

[0034] Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) refers to a service model in which IT infrastructure is provided as a service through the Internet and is charged according to the user's actual usage or occupation of resources. In this service model, ordinary users do not need to build a data center or other hardware facilities by themselves, but instead obtain computer infrastructure services, including servers, storage, and network services, from IaaS service providers through leasing through the Internet.

[0035] Platform as a Service (PaaS) refers to a business model that provides a server platform as a service. The service provided by programs over the Internet is called SaaS (Software as a Service), and the corresponding server platform or development environment provided as a service in the cloud computing era is called PaaS. The PaaS platform is located in the middle layer of the cloud architecture, with SaaS on the upper layer and IaaS on the lower layer. PaaS is a complete development and deployment environment in the cloud, and its resources enable organizations to provide everything from simple cloud-based applications to complex cloud-enabled enterprise applications.

[0036] Example 1

[0037] Figure 1 This is an optional scenario architecture diagram of 5GC and MEP linkage based on relevant technologies, in which 5GC is usually provided by CT companies, while MEP is usually provided by cloud computing or other IT companies, and the two are transmitted through standard Internet interface protocols; however, in the 5G private network scenario, if the CT and IT separation design solution is still adopted, due to the different equipment products designed by different companies, the interface between the two is difficult to customize, and it will be inconvenient to transmit network capability information. For example, the 5GC capability information required by MEP cannot be transmitted, and its flexibility and scalability are poor.

[0038] To solve the above problems, the present application embodiment provides a new communication system for 5GC and MEP linkage, such as Figure 2 As shown, the system includes:

[0039] The 5GC module 20 includes a UPF entity 200, which is used to receive service request information from the AF module 220, and send network capability information corresponding to the service request information to the AF module 220 according to the service request information;

[0040] The 5GC module 20 may also include: NEF entity, SMF entity, etc.

[0041] The MEP module 22, including the AF module 220, is used to receive service request information sent from the UE, obtain network capability information corresponding to the service request information from the UPF entity 200, and provide the UE with services corresponding to its service request information based on the network capability information.

[0042] It should be noted that the functions of the AF module in the MEP and the AF entity in the core network can be the same or different. The AF module is a virtual function module designed based on IaaS.

[0043] Depend on Figure 3 It can be seen that both 5GC and MEP are designed based on IaaS, and both carry functional modules thereon. The UPF entity 200 and the AF module 220 can realize quick and convenient transmission of network capability information through a custom protocol. In some optional embodiments of the present application, the network capability information includes at least one of the following: cell load capacity (CellLoad), signal-to-noise ratio (SINR), quality of service (QoS), throughput (Thoughput), and positioning (Location).

[0044] Specifically, there are many ways for the AF module 220 to receive the network capability information, for example:

[0045] The AF module 220 receives IP data packets from the UPF entity 200; it obtains network capability information from the extension header of the IP data packet, that is, it adopts an in-band flow method, which can use customized or GRE encapsulation protocols or IPv6 extension headers to encapsulate the above information in a specific format into the original data stream.

[0046] Optionally, the network capability information can also be received in an out-of-band proprietary manner: the AF module 220 receives a dedicated message from the UPF entity 200, wherein the dedicated message is a message dedicated to transmitting the network capability information; the network capability information is obtained from the dedicated message, wherein the dedicated message carries an IP data flow identifier corresponding to the network capability information. It can be seen that the out-of-band proprietary method can use a customized protocol and a specific data flow identifier to associate an IP data flow and transmit the above information.

[0047] exist Figure 2 In the operating environment shown in the figure, the embodiment of the present application provides a data communication method, such as Figure 3 As shown, the method at least includes steps S302-S306, wherein:

[0048] Step S302: The AF module in the MEP receives service request information sent from the UE.

[0049] In an optional embodiment of the present application, the AF module in the MEP receives the service request information sent by the UE, and the service request information carries the target network capability information. For example, after the UE starts the corresponding video playback APP, it detects the user's selection instruction for clarity, that is, the user has requirements for the clarity of the played video, and generates service request information based on the clarity selected by the user, and sends it to the AF module in the MEP. The AF module completes the adjustment of the clarity based on the network capability information of the core network device obtained.

[0050] Step S304: The AF module obtains network capability information corresponding to the service request information from the core network device.

[0051] In an optional embodiment of the present application, the AF module receives network capability information from the UPF entity in the core network device, wherein the network capability information includes at least one of the following: cell load capacity, signal-to-noise ratio, throughput, positioning information, QoS execution status, etc.

[0052] After the AF module obtains the network capability information from the UPF entity, it encapsulates the network capability information in a format supported by PaaS, and uses the encapsulated network capability information as the capability information of the PaaS device.

[0053] In an optional embodiment of the present application, the UPF entity receives network capability information from the NEF entity in the core network device, and then transmits the network capability information to the AF module of the MEP, wherein the NEF entity determines the network capability information based on preset configuration information, and the preset configuration information includes: network capability information regularly collected and formulated according to a preset period.

[0054] Specifically, the NEF entity regularly collects and formulates relevant network information and capabilities of users (such as positioning information, QoS execution status, etc.), and then sends it to the SMF entity through the service interface, and then the SMF entity sends it to the UPF entity, and then it is called by the AF module in the MEP.

[0055] In an optional embodiment of the present application, the UPF entity may also generate network capability information locally. Specifically: the UPF entity generates network capability information based on the local traffic management policy, and sends the generated network capability information to the AF module; or, the UPF entity receives network capability information from the base station device. Among them, the local traffic management policy is a strategy that identifies and classifies data flows based on the network's traffic conditions and traffic control policies, and implements traffic control, optimization, and traffic guarantee for key services, which includes but is not limited to Qos management, and can specifically include management in the following dimensions:

[0056] 1) Delay: Delay refers to the transmission time required for an IP packet to reach the network exit point from the network entry point. Some time-sensitive applications, such as real-time voice services and video services, have the most stringent requirements for delay. The main factors causing network delay can be simply divided into network-generated delay and device-generated delay. The delay generated by the device generally refers to the delay generated when the device processes service data, which is closely related to the performance of the device, including devices at all levels of the network, such as SDH devices, routing devices, and media gateways. The delay generated by the network includes basic transmission delay (i.e., the inherent delay required for the transmission of electrical or optical signals on physical media) and link rate delay (i.e., the delay generated when the link rate is lower than the data transmission rate). Due to the best-effort nature of IP networks, the delay generated by the device and the delay generated by the network are also related to the actual data traffic conditions in the network. When the data volume is large and the network and equipment are running at full capacity, the congestion and queuing, scheduling and forwarding delays will increase significantly.

[0057] 2) Jitter: Voice signals are continuous. When they are compressed and packaged at the sender and transmitted in the IP network, different packets may arrive at the receiver at different times because the transmission paths of the packets may be different, resulting in intermittent playback of the voice at the receiver, which is called jitter. The receiver can increase the receiving buffer to compensate for the impact of jitter. However, the size of the jitter buffer will affect both jitter and delay. If jitter affects voice quality, increasing the size of the jitter buffer can reduce jitter to an acceptable level; but if the buffer is too large, it will increase delay, which will also make it difficult for users to accept. The typical jitter buffer generates a delay of 20ms, but it usually reaches 80ms. The size of the jitter buffer needs to be set according to the specific network conditions.

[0058] 3) Packet loss rate: Generally, data packets are lost at points where congestion occurs in the network, and erroneous packets generated in the transmission line are also lost. Congestion usually occurs when the number of received packets exceeds the size limit of the output port, resulting in packet loss. If there is not enough input buffer at the end where the packet arrives, packet loss will also occur. The packet loss rate is usually defined as the percentage of packets that are lost when a number of consecutive packets are transmitted in the network at a certain time interval. From the perspective of user experience, a packet loss rate higher than 2% is generally unacceptable.

[0059] 4) Throughput: Throughput refers to the transmission rate of IP packets in the network, which can be expressed as an average rate or a peak rate. The throughput of a network is a measure of the network's ability to forward IP packets, which mainly depends on the link rate, the port rate of the node device, and the network's service volume.

[0060] 5) Availability: Availability refers to the percentage of the time interval during which users can use the IP service availability function to the total time interval of the IP service. For example, if the packet loss rate provided by an IP network is less than or equal to 75% within 5 consecutive minutes, the time period is considered available, otherwise it is unavailable. Availability is mainly used to measure the ability of network equipment and links to provide services normally, and to determine whether the network equipment and links can support continuously available data packet transmission services.

[0061] In an optional embodiment of the present application, the AF module receives a custom communication protocol message from a core network device, wherein the custom communication protocol message carries network capability information corresponding to the service request information.

[0062] Specifically, the AF module receives IP datagrams from the UPF entity, where the extension field of the IP datagram carries network capability information. This process is also called in-band streaming, that is, the network capability information can be encapsulated into the original data stream in a specific format by using customized or GRE encapsulation protocols or IPv6 extension headers.

[0063] Optionally, an out-of-band proprietary method can also be used to transmit network capability information. The AF module receives a dedicated message from the UPF entity, which is a message dedicated to transmitting network capability information; the network capability information is obtained from the dedicated message, wherein the dedicated message carries an IP data stream identifier corresponding to the network capability information, that is, the out-of-band proprietary method can use a customized protocol and a specific data stream identifier to associate the IP data stream and transmit the network capability information.

[0064] In an optional embodiment of the present application, both the MEP and the core network equipment are designed based on IaaS, that is, both the MEP and the 5GC are functional modules carried on IaaS.

[0065] Step S306: The AF module provides the UE with a service corresponding to the service request information according to the network capability information.

[0066] In an optional embodiment of the present application, the AF module first determines the target network capability information required for the service request; after obtaining the network capability information from the UPF entity, the network capability information is compared with the target network capability information; if the network capability information is consistent with the target network capability information, the AF module provides the UE with the service corresponding to the service request information based on the network capability information; if the network capability information is inconsistent with the target network capability information, a prompt message indicating that the network capability information is inconsistent with the target network capability information is generated, and the prompt message is sent to the UE. By adopting the above means, the capability matching between the MEP and the core network equipment can be achieved, which is conducive to ensuring the reliability of communication.

[0067] The above AF module can be operated on Figure 4 As shown in a computer terminal (or mobile device). Figure 4 As shown, the computer terminal 40 (or mobile device 40) may include one or more (402a, 402b, ..., 402n are used to illustrate) processors 402 (the processor 402 may include but is not limited to a processing device such as a microprocessor MCU or a programmable logic device FPGA), a memory 404 for storing data, and a transmission module 406 for communication functions. In addition, it may also include: a display, an input / output interface (I / O interface), a universal serial bus (USB) port (which may be included as one of the ports of the I / O interface), a network interface, a power supply and / or a camera. It can be understood by those skilled in the art that Figure 4 The structure shown is only for illustration and does not limit the structure of the above electronic device. Figure 4 More or fewer components as shown, or with Figure 4 Different configurations shown.

[0068] It should be noted that the one or more processors 402 and / or other data processing circuits described above may generally be referred to herein as "data processing circuits". The data processing circuits may be embodied in whole or in part as software, hardware, firmware, or any other combination thereof. In addition, the data processing circuit may be a single independent processing module, or may be incorporated in whole or in part into any of the other components in the computer terminal 40 (or mobile device). As involved in the embodiments of the present application, the data processing circuit acts as a processor control (e.g., selection of a variable resistor terminal path connected to an interface).

[0069] The memory 404 can be used to store software programs and modules of application software, such as program instructions / data storage devices corresponding to the methods in the embodiments of the present application. The processor 402 executes various functional applications and data processing by running the software programs and modules stored in the memory 404, that is, realizing the vulnerability detection method of the above-mentioned application program. The memory 404 may include a high-speed random access memory, and may also include a non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic storage devices, flash memory, or other non-volatile solid-state memory. In some examples, the memory 404 may further include a memory remotely arranged relative to the processor 402, and these remote memories may be connected to the computer terminal 40 via a network. Examples of the above-mentioned network include, but are not limited to, the Internet, an intranet, a local area network, a mobile communication network, and combinations thereof.

[0070] The transmission module 406 is used to receive or send data via a network. The specific example of the above network may include a wireless network provided by a communication provider of the computer terminal 40. In one example, the transmission device 406 includes a network adapter (Network Interface Controller, NIC), which can be connected to other network devices through a base station so as to communicate with the Internet. In one example, the transmission device 406 can be a radio frequency (RF) module, which is used to communicate with the Internet wirelessly.

[0071] The display may be, for example, a touch screen liquid crystal display (LCD) that enables a user to interact with a user interface of the computer terminal 40 (or mobile device).

[0072] In an optional embodiment of the present application, the specific process of the interaction between 5GC and MEP is as follows: Figure 5 As shown, the process includes steps S502-S512, wherein:

[0073] Step S502: The AF module in the MEP receives service request information sent from the UE.

[0074] Step S504: The AF module sends the service request information to the UPF entity in the 5GC.

[0075] Step S506: The UPF entity sends a request to the SMF entity for obtaining network capability information.

[0076] Step S508: The SMF entity obtains network capability information from the NEF entity and sends the network capability information to the UPF entity.

[0077] Step S510: The UPF entity sends the corresponding network capability information to the AF module.

[0078] Step S512: The AF module provides the UE with a service corresponding to the service request information according to the network capability information.

[0079] In the embodiment of the present application, the AF module in the MEP is used to receive the service request information sent by the UE; the AF module obtains the network capability information corresponding to the service request information from the core network device; the AF module provides the UE with the service corresponding to the service request information based on the network capability information. Among them, by customizing the interface protocol between the UPF entity in the core network device and the AF module in the MEP, the network information required by the MEP can be easily transmitted, thereby solving the technical problem that the interface between different equipment products designed by different companies is difficult to customize and the expansion and transmission of network capability information is inconvenient due to the separation of CT and IT in the 5G private network scenario.

[0080] Example 2

[0081] According to an embodiment of the present application, an embodiment of another data communication method is also provided. It should be noted that the steps shown in the flowchart of the accompanying drawings can be executed in a computer system such as a set of computer executable instructions, and although the logical order is shown in the flowchart, in some cases, the steps shown or described can be executed in an order different from that shown here.

[0082] The method embodiment provided in the embodiment of the present application can also be run on Figure 2 In the operating environment shown, Figure 6 As shown, the method at least includes steps S602-S604, wherein:

[0083] Step S602: The UPF entity in the core network device receives service request information from the AF module in the MEP.

[0084] In an optional embodiment of the present application, after the AF module in the MEP receives the service request information sent by the UE, it sends the service request information to the UPF entity in the core network device, requesting to obtain the corresponding network capability information.

[0085] Step S604: The UPF entity sends network capability information corresponding to the service request information to the AF module based on the service request information.

[0086] In an optional embodiment of the present application, the UPF entity obtains network capability information from the SMF entity and stores the network capability information, wherein the network capability information includes at least one of the following: cell load capacity, signal-to-noise ratio, throughput, positioning information, QoS execution status, etc.

[0087] In an optional embodiment of the present application, the SMF entity receives network capability information from the NEF entity and sends the network capability information to the UPF entity, wherein the NEF entity determines the network capability information based on preset configuration information, and the preset configuration information includes: network capability information regularly collected and formulated according to a preset period. Specifically, the NEF entity regularly collects and formulates relevant network information and capabilities of the user (such as positioning information, QoS execution status, etc.), and then sends it to the SMF entity through the service interface, and the SMF entity sends it to the UPF entity, and then it is called by the AF module in the MEP.

[0088] Specifically, the UPF entity can send an IP datagram to the AF module, wherein the extension field of the IP datagram carries the network capability information. This process is also called in-band streaming, that is, the network capability information can be encapsulated into the original data stream in a specific format by using customized or GRE encapsulation protocols or IPv6 extension headers.

[0089] Optionally, an out-of-band proprietary method can be used to transmit network capability information. The UPF entity sends a message dedicated to transmitting network capability information to the AF module; the network capability information is obtained from the dedicated message, wherein the dedicated message carries an IP data stream identifier corresponding to the network capability information, that is, the out-of-band proprietary method can use a customized protocol and a specific data stream identifier to associate the IP data stream and transmit the network capability information.

[0090] In the embodiment of the present application, the UPF entity in the core network device receives the service request information of the AF module in the MEP; the UPF entity sends the network capability information corresponding to the service request information to the AF module according to the service request information. Among them, by customizing the interface protocol between the UPF entity in the core network device and the AF module in the MEP, the network information required by the MEP can be easily transmitted, thereby solving the technical problem that the interface between different equipment products designed by different enterprises is difficult to customize and the expansion and transmission of network capability information is inconvenient due to the separation of CT and IT in the 5G private network scenario.

[0091] Example 3

[0092] According to an embodiment of the present application, an embodiment of another data communication method is also provided. It should be noted that the steps shown in the flowchart of the accompanying drawings can be executed in a computer system such as a set of computer executable instructions, and although the logical order is shown in the flowchart, in some cases, the steps shown or described can be executed in an order different from that shown here.

[0093] The method embodiment provided in the embodiment of the present application can also be run on Figure 2 In the operating environment shown, Figure 7 As shown, the method at least includes steps S702-S704, wherein:

[0094] Step S702: The UE sends service request information to the AF module in the MEP, wherein the AF module is used to obtain network capability information corresponding to the service request information from the core network device.

[0095] When the UE sends a service request message to the AF module in the MEP, the service request message carries the target network capability information. For example, after the user starts the corresponding video playback APP on the UE, he is not satisfied with the clarity of the video and needs to adjust it, that is, he gives the corresponding selection instruction. The UE detects the user's selection instruction for the clarity, generates a service request message based on the clarity selected by the user, and sends it to the AF module in the MEP. The AF module completes the adjustment of the clarity based on the network capability information of the core network device obtained.

[0096] In an optional embodiment of the present application, the AF module receives network capability information from a UPF entity in a core network device, wherein the UPF entity obtains the network capability information from the NEF entity through the SMF entity.

[0097] Specifically, the SMF entity receives the network capability information from the NEF entity and sends the network capability information to the UPF entity, wherein the NEF entity determines the network capability information based on the preset configuration information, and the preset configuration information includes: network capability information regularly collected and formulated according to a preset period. Specifically, the NEF entity regularly collects and formulates the user's relevant network information and capabilities (such as positioning information, QoS execution status, etc.), and then sends it to the SMF entity through the service interface, and then the SMF entity sends it to the UPF entity, and then it is called by the AF module in the MEP.

[0098] Step S704: The UE receives a service corresponding to the service request information provided by the AF module according to the network capability information.

[0099] In an optional embodiment of the present application, the AF module first determines the target network capability information required for the service request; after obtaining the network capability information from the UPF entity, compares the network capability information with the target network capability information; if the network capability information is consistent with the target network capability information, the AF module provides the UE with a service corresponding to the service request information based on the network capability information; if the network capability information is inconsistent with the target network capability information, a prompt message is generated to indicate that the network capability information and the target network capability information are inconsistent, and the prompt message is sent to the UE.

[0100] In the embodiment of the present application, the UE sends service request information to the AF module in the MEP; the AF module receives network capability information from the UPF entity in the core network device; the UE receives the service corresponding to the service request information provided by the AF module based on the network capability information. Among them, by customizing the interface protocol between the UPF entity in the core network device and the AF module in the MEP, the network information required by the MEP can be easily transmitted, thereby solving the technical problem that the interface between different equipment products designed by different companies is difficult to customize and the expansion and transmission of network capability information is inconvenient due to the separation of CT and IT in the 5G private network scenario.

[0101] Example 4

[0102] According to an embodiment of the present application, a communication system is also provided, such as Figure 8a As shown, the communication system at least includes: a mobile edge platform 80, a core network device 82 and a user device 84, wherein:

[0103] The mobile edge platform 80 is provided with an AF module 800, which is used to receive service request information sent from the user equipment 84; obtain network capability information corresponding to the service request information from the UPF entity 820 in the core network device 82; and provide the user equipment 84 with services corresponding to the service request information based on the network capability information.

[0104] The core network device 82 includes: a UPF entity 820, which is used to receive service request information from the AF module 800; and send network capability information corresponding to the service request information to the AF module 800 according to the service request information.

[0105] In an optional embodiment of the present application, the AF module 800 in the MEP 80 receives the service request information sent by the UE 84 , and the service request information carries the target network capability information.

[0106] After receiving the service request information, the AF module 800 receives the network capability information from the UPF entity 820 in the core network device 82, wherein the network capability information includes at least one of the following: cell load capacity, signal-to-noise ratio, throughput, positioning information, QoS execution status, etc. Specifically, the AF module 800 receives the IP datagram from the UPF entity 820, wherein the extension field of the IP datagram carries the network capability information, and this process is also called in-band with-flow, that is, the network capability information can be encapsulated into the original data stream in a specific format by using a customized or GRE encapsulation protocol or an IPv6 extension header; optionally, the network capability information can also be transmitted in an out-of-band proprietary manner, and the AF module receives a dedicated message from the UPF entity, which is a message dedicated to transmitting the network capability information; and obtains the network capability information from the dedicated message, wherein the dedicated message carries the IP data stream identifier corresponding to the network capability information, that is, the out-of-band proprietary manner can use a customized protocol and a specific data stream identifier to associate the IP data stream and transmit the network capability information.

[0107] After obtaining the network capability information, the AF module 800 provides the service corresponding to the service request information to the UE84 according to the network capability information, wherein the AF module 800 first determines the target network capability information required for the service request; after obtaining the network capability information from the UPF entity 820, the network capability information is compared with the target network capability information; if the network capability information is consistent with the target network capability information, the AF module 800 provides the service corresponding to the service request information to the UE84 according to the network capability information; if the network capability information is inconsistent with the target network capability information, a prompt message indicating that the network capability information is inconsistent with the target network capability information is generated, and the prompt message is sent to the UE84. By adopting the above means, the capability matching between the MEP80 and the core network device 82 can be achieved, which is conducive to ensuring the reliability of communication.

[0108] In an optional embodiment of the present application, as Figure 8b As shown, in the communication system, the core network device 82 also includes: an SMF entity 822 and an NEF entity 824, wherein:

[0109] The SMF entity 822 is used to send network capability information to the UPF entity 820.

[0110] The NEF entity 824 is used to send network capability information to the SMF entity 822, wherein the NEF entity 824 determines the network capability information according to preset configuration information.

[0111] Specifically, the SMF entity 822 receives the network capability information from the NEF entity 824, and sends the network capability information to the UPF entity 820, wherein the NEF entity 824 determines the network capability information based on the preset configuration information, and the preset configuration information includes: network capability information regularly collected and formulated according to a preset period. Specifically, the NEF entity 824 regularly collects and formulates the user's relevant network information and capabilities (such as positioning information, QoS execution status, etc.), and then sends it to the SMF entity 822 through the service interface, and then the SMF entity 822 sends it to the UPF entity 820, and then it is called by the AF module 800 in the MEP80.

[0112] The serial numbers of the above-mentioned embodiments of the present application are for description only and do not represent the advantages or disadvantages of the embodiments.

[0113] In the above embodiments of the present application, the description of each embodiment has its own emphasis. For parts that are not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant description of other embodiments.

[0114] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed technical content can be implemented in other ways. Among them, the device embodiments described above are only schematic. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation. For example, multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of units or modules, which can be electrical or other forms.

[0115] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed on multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

[0116] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit. The above-mentioned integrated unit may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional units.

[0117] If the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the relevant technology or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product, which is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server or a network device, etc.) to perform all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: U disk, read-only memory (ROM, Read-Only Memory), random access memory (RAM, Random Access Memory), mobile hard disk, disk or optical disk, etc. Various media that can store program codes.

[0118] The above is only a preferred implementation of the present application. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principles of the present application. These improvements and modifications should also be regarded as the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A data communication method, characterized in that: include: The application function module in the mobile edge platform receives the service request information sent from the user equipment; The application function module obtains network capability information corresponding to the service request information from the core network device; The application function module provides the user equipment with a service corresponding to the service request information according to the network capability information; The application function module encapsulates the network capability information according to a format supported by the Platform as a Service, and uses the encapsulated network capability information as capability information of the Platform as a Service device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The application function module obtains network capability information corresponding to the service request information from the core network device, including: The application function module receives the network capability information from a user plane function entity in a core network device.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that Before the application function module obtains the network capability information corresponding to the service request information from the core network device, the method further includes: The user plane function entity receives the network capability information from a network open function entity in the core network device, wherein the network open function entity determines the network capability information according to preset configuration information.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The preset configuration information includes: regularly collecting and formulating the network capability information according to a preset period.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The application function module obtains network capability information corresponding to the service request information from the core network device, including: The application function module receives a custom communication protocol message from the core network device, wherein the custom communication protocol message carries network capability information corresponding to the service request information.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The application function module receiving the custom communication protocol message from the core network device includes: The application function module receives an IP data message from a user plane function entity, wherein an extension field of the IP data message carries the network capability information.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The mobile edge platform and the core network equipment are both designed based on the infrastructure as a service model.

8. A data communication method, characterized in that: include: The user plane function entity in the core network device receives the service request information of the application function module in the mobile edge platform; The user plane function entity sends network capability information corresponding to the service request information to the application function module based on the service request information, wherein the network capability information is encapsulated in a format supported by the Platform as a Service based on the application function module, and the encapsulated network capability information is used as the capability information of the Platform as a Service device.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that Before the user plane function entity receives the service request information of the application function module in the mobile edge platform, the method further includes: The user plane function entity obtains the network capability information from the session management function entity and stores the network capability information.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that Before the user plane function entity obtains the network capability information from the session management function entity, the method further includes: The session management function entity receives the network capability information from the network capability opening function entity, and sends the network capability information to the user plane function entity.

11. A data communication method, characterized in that: include: The user equipment sends service request information to the application function module in the mobile edge platform, wherein the application function module is used to obtain network capability information corresponding to the service request information from the core network device and encapsulate the network capability information in a format supported by the platform as a service, and use the encapsulated network capability information as capability information of the platform as a service device; The user equipment receives a service corresponding to the service request information provided by the application function module according to the network capability information.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The application function module is used to obtain network capability information corresponding to the service request information from the core network device, including: The application function module receives the network capability information from a user plane function entity in the core network device, wherein the user plane function entity obtains the network capability information from a network capability opening function entity through a session management function entity.

13. A communication system, characterized in that: include: Mobile edge platform, core network equipment and user equipment; among them: The mobile edge platform is provided with an application function module for receiving service request information sent from the user equipment; obtaining network capability information corresponding to the service request information from the user plane function entity in the core network device; and providing the user equipment with a service corresponding to the service request information according to the network capability information; The application function module encapsulates the network capability information in a format supported by the platform as a service, and uses the encapsulated network capability information as capability information of the platform as a service device; The core network device includes: a user plane function entity, which is used to receive service request information of the application function module; and send network capability information corresponding to the service request information to the application function module according to the service request information.

14. The communication system according to claim 13, characterized in that: The core network device also includes: The session management function entity is used to send the network capability information to the user plane function entity.

15. The communication system according to claim 14, characterized in that: The core network device also includes: The network capability opening function entity is used to send the network capability information to the session management function entity, wherein the network capability opening function entity determines the network capability information according to preset configuration information.

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