Slice resource management method, device and network function NF

Abstract

The present invention provides a slice resource management method and a network function NF, the method comprising: if the number of first terminals and / or the number of first protocol data unit PDU sessions meet a first condition within a first time length, performing a first operation; an embodiment of the present invention counts the number of terminals and / or the number of PDU sessions that are denied access to the slice within the first time length, and adjusts the resources of the slice when the first condition is met, thereby realizing dynamic adjustment of slice resources, avoiding waste of slice resources and improving the service quality experience of slice users.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a slice resource management method, device and network function NF. Background Art

[0002] Network slicing is one of the key technologies of the 5G core network. Due to the flexibility of the service-based architecture of the 5G core network, network slicing can flexibly combine the network functions of the 5G core network according to the network requirements of vertical industry customers to form virtual logical networks. Different slice instances are distinguished by different S-NSSAI (Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information).

[0003] Slice resources include the number of users allowed to access a slice and the number of PDU (Protocol Data Unit) sessions. The current network management center will provide fixed resources for each slice, that is, the maximum number of users accessing a slice and the maximum number of PDU sessions are fixed. The number of users currently accessing the slice is uniformly managed and calculated by the AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function), and the number of PDU sessions accessing the slice is uniformly managed and counted by the SMF (Session Management Function). When the number of users accessing the slice and the number of PDU sessions reach the maximum value, new users or new PDU sessions that request access will be rejected by the network.

[0004] In summary, the current slice resource scheduling is static. When slice resources are insufficient, new users or PDU sessions can only be denied access. However, the actual network environment and user activities are dynamically changing. For example, a large number of users gather or evacuate due to certain emergencies, such as large concerts and events. In these emergencies, specific slice resources are very tight, and the number of access users far exceeds the maximum value. According to the current network slice resource allocation rules, a large number of users will be denied access to the slice, thus affecting the user's service experience quality. Summary of the invention

[0005] The purpose of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a slice resource management method, device and network function NF to solve the problem that the static scheduling of slice resources in the prior art affects the user's business service experience quality.

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, an embodiment of the present invention provides a slice resource management method, which is applied to a first network function NF, including:

[0007] If the first terminal quantity and / or the first protocol data unit PDU session quantity meets a first condition within a first time length, a first operation is performed.

[0008] The first number of terminals is: the number of terminals that are denied access to the slice within the first time length;

[0009] and / or,

[0010] The first number of PDU sessions is: the number of PDU sessions that deny access to slices within the first time length.

[0011] The first network function NF is used to control the number of terminals and / or the number of PDU sessions accessing the slice;

[0012] And / or, the first network function NF is used to analyze network data.

[0013] The first operation includes:

[0014] Sending a first message to the second network function NF; the first message is used to request the second network function NF to analyze resources required for the slice;

[0015] Receive a second message fed back by the second network function NF.

[0016] The second network function NF is used for network data analysis.

[0017] The first message includes: the number of first terminals and / or the number of first PDU sessions;

[0018] The second message includes: resources required by the slice.

[0019] The first condition includes:

[0020] The number of the first terminals and / or the number of the first PDU sessions reaches a rejection threshold.

[0021] Wherein, the method further comprises:

[0022] When the number of terminals accessing the slice and / or the number of PDU sessions reaches the resource capacity of the slice before adjustment, if a terminal access request and / or a PDU session establishment request is received, a rejection timer is started; the time length of the rejection timer is the first time length;

[0023] During the operation of the rejection timer, the number of first terminals and / or the number of first PDU sessions whose access is denied by the slice is calculated.

[0024] The sliced ​​resources include:

[0025] the maximum number of terminals allowed to access the slice; and / or,

[0026] The maximum number of PDU sessions allowed to access the slice.

[0027] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a slice resource management method, which is applied to a first network function NF, including:

[0028] Sending a request message to the first entity, where the request message is used to request adjustment of resources of the slice;

[0029] A response message sent by the first entity is received.

[0030] The request message includes: the resources that need to be adjusted for the slice.

[0031] The response message includes at least one of the following:

[0032] Request success indication;

[0033] Request failure indication;

[0034] The adjusted resource of the slice.

[0035] Wherein, the method further comprises:

[0036] According to the response message, update the resources of the slice.

[0037] The first entity is used to perform operation, maintenance and management on the network.

[0038] Before sending the request message to the first entity, the method further includes:

[0039] If the first terminal number and / or the first protocol data unit PDU session number meet the first condition within the first time length, it is determined that the slice resources need to be adjusted.

[0040] The first number of terminals is: the number of terminals that are denied access to the slice within the first time length;

[0041] and / or,

[0042] The first number of PDU sessions is: the number of PDU sessions that deny access to the slice within the first time length.

[0043] Wherein, the method further comprises:

[0044] Determine the resources that need to be adjusted for the slice based on the number of first terminals and / or the number of first PDU sessions.

[0045] Wherein, the method further comprises:

[0046] Sending a first message to a second network function; the first message is used to request the second network function to analyze resources required for the slice;

[0047] A second message fed back by the second network function is received.

[0048] The first message includes: the number of first terminals and / or the number of first PDU sessions;

[0049] The second message includes: resources that need to be adjusted for the slice.

[0050] The first condition includes:

[0051] The number of the first terminals and / or the number of the first PDU sessions reaches a rejection threshold.

[0052] The sliced ​​resources include:

[0053] the maximum number of terminals allowed to access the slice; and / or,

[0054] The maximum number of PDU sessions allowed to access the slice.

[0055] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a slice resource management device, which is applied to a first network function NF, including:

[0056] The adjustment determination module is used to perform a first operation if the first terminal quantity and / or the first protocol data unit PDU session quantity meets a first condition within a first time length.

[0057] The embodiment of the present invention further provides a first network function NF, including a processor and a transceiver, wherein the transceiver receives and sends data under the control of the processor, and the processor is configured to perform the following operations:

[0058] If the first terminal quantity and / or the first protocol data unit PDU session quantity meets a first condition within a first time length, a first operation is performed.

[0059] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a slice resource management device, which is applied to a first network function NF, including:

[0060] A request sending module, used to send a request message to the first entity, where the request message is used to request adjustment of slice resources;

[0061] The response receiving module is used to receive a response message sent by the first entity.

[0062] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a first network function NF, including a processor and a transceiver, wherein the transceiver receives and sends data under the control of the processor, and the processor is configured to perform the following operations:

[0063] Sending a request message to the first entity, where the request message is used to request adjustment of resources of the slice;

[0064] A response message sent by the first entity is received.

[0065] An embodiment of the present invention also provides a network function NF, including a memory, a processor, and a program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor implements the slice resource management method as described above when executing the program.

[0066] An embodiment of the present invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program is stored, and when the program is executed by a processor, the steps in the slice resource management method as described above are implemented.

[0067] The above technical solution of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0068] In the slice resource management method, device and network function NF of the embodiments of the present invention, by counting the number of terminals and / or the number of PDU sessions that are denied access to the slice within a first time length, the slice resources are adjusted when the first condition is met, thereby realizing dynamic adjustment of slice resources, avoiding waste of slice resources and improving the service quality experience of slice users. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0069] Figure 1 A flowchart showing a method for managing slice resources provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0070] Figure 2 A second flowchart showing the method for managing slice resources provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0071] Figure 3 An example diagram showing a method for managing slice resources provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0072] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing a structure of a slice resource management device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0073] Figure 5 One of the structural diagrams of the first network function NF provided by an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0074] Figure 6 A second structural diagram showing a slice resource management device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0075] Figure 7 The second structural diagram shows the first network function NF provided in an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0076] In order to make the technical problems, technical solutions and advantages to be solved by the present invention more clear, a detailed description will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0077] like Figure 1 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a method for managing slice resources, which is applied to a first network function NF, including:

[0078] Step 101: If the number of first terminals and / or the number of first protocol data unit (PDU) sessions meet a first condition within a first time length, perform a first operation.

[0079] Optionally, the first network function NF is a slice access control function NSACF network element.

[0080] As an optional embodiment, the first number of terminals is: the number of terminals that are denied access to the slice within the first time length;

[0081] and / or,

[0082] The first number of PDU sessions is: the number of PDU sessions that deny access to the slice within the first time length.

[0083] In the embodiment of the present invention, the first network function NF is used to control the number of terminals accessing the slice and / or the number of PDU sessions;

[0084] And / or, the first network function NF is used to analyze network data.

[0085] In the embodiment of the present invention, the parameters corresponding to the first condition are set by the Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) network element. For example, the parameters corresponding to the first condition include at least one of the following: a rejection threshold value, a rejection statistics time length (ie, a first time length).

[0086] In an optional embodiment of the present application, the first operation includes:

[0087] Sending a first message to the second network function NF; the first message is used to request the second network function NF to analyze resources required for the slice;

[0088] Receive a second message fed back by the second network function NF.

[0089] The first message is used to request the second network function NF to analyze the resources that need to be adjusted in the slice. Optionally, the first message includes: the number of first terminals and / or the number of first PDU sessions; further optionally, the first message may also carry the current network status.

[0090] The second message includes: resources that need to be adjusted for the slice.

[0091] Optionally, the second network function NF is a network data analysis network element, for example, the network data analysis network element is: NWDAF (Network Data Analytics Function) network element.

[0092] In the embodiment of the present invention, the second network function NF is used for network data analysis.

[0093] As an optional embodiment of the present invention, the first condition includes:

[0094] The number of the first terminals and / or the number of the first PDU sessions reaches a rejection threshold.

[0095] In other words, when the slice resource usage of a slice has reached the maximum limit, the NSACF network element will count the number of terminals and / or PDU sessions that are denied access by the network. When the number of terminals and / or PDU sessions that are denied access reaches the rejection threshold, the NSACF network element will be triggered to expand the slice resources to ensure the user's service quality experience.

[0096] In another optional embodiment of the present application, the NSACF network element will count the number of terminals and / or the number of PDU sessions accessed in the slice within the second time length. If the number of terminals and / or the number of PDU sessions accessed does not reach the access threshold, the NSACF network element will be triggered to scale down the resources of the slice to avoid wasting slice resources.

[0097] As an optional embodiment, the method further includes:

[0098] When the number of terminals accessing the slice and / or the number of PDU sessions reaches the resource capacity of the slice before adjustment, if a terminal access request and / or a PDU session establishment request is received, a rejection timer is started; the time length of the rejection timer is a first time length;

[0099] During the operation of the rejection timer, the number of first terminals and / or the number of first PDU sessions whose access is denied by the slice is calculated.

[0100] Taking the number of terminals as an example, when the number of terminals accessing a slice reaches the user limit threshold (i.e., the resource capacity before adjustment), the slice will reject new terminals requesting access and start counting the number of user rejections. When the number of rejected terminals counted by NSACF reaches the rejection threshold within a given rejection counting time length, the NSACF network element will be triggered to apply to OAM for additional slice resources, thereby allowing more users to access the slice.

[0101] Taking the number of PDU sessions as an example, when the number of PDU sessions accessing a slice reaches the user limit threshold (i.e., the resource capacity before adjustment), the slice will reject new requests to establish PDU sessions and start statistics on the number of PDU session rejections. When the number of rejected PDU sessions counted by NSACF reaches the rejection threshold within a given rejection statistics time length, it will trigger the NSACF network element to apply to OAM for additional slice resources, thereby allowing more PDU sessions to access the slice.

[0102] It should be noted that, in the embodiment of the present invention, the slice resources include:

[0103] The maximum number of terminals allowed to access the slice;

[0104] The maximum number of PDU sessions allowed to access the slice.

[0105] In summary, the embodiments of the present invention count the number of terminals and / or the number of PDU sessions that are denied access to a slice within a first time length, and adjust the resources of the slice when the first condition is met, thereby achieving dynamic adjustment of slice resources, avoiding waste of slice resources, and improving the service quality experience of slice users.

[0106] like Figure 2 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a slice resource management method, which is applied to a first network function NF, including:

[0107] Step 201: Send a request message to a first entity, where the request message is used to request adjustment of slice resources;

[0108] Step 202: Receive a response message sent by the first entity.

[0109] Optionally, the first network function NF is a slice admission control function NSACF network element.

[0110] Optionally, the request message includes: resources that need to be adjusted for the slice. The resources that need to be adjusted for the slice are determined by the NSACF network element, or by the network data analysis network element according to the NSACF network element request.

[0111] As an optional embodiment, the response message includes at least one of the following:

[0112] Request success indication;

[0113] Request failure indication;

[0114] The adjusted resource of the slice.

[0115] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, after step 202, the method further includes:

[0116] According to the response message, update the resources of the slice; for example, update the resources of the slice to the adjusted resources included in the response message.

[0117] Optionally, the first entity may be a network operation maintenance management network element, for example, the network operation maintenance management entity is an OAM (Operation Administration and Maintenance). The first entity is used to perform operation maintenance management on the two players.

[0118] Among them, after the network operation and maintenance management network element receives the request message, it refers to the resources of the slice that need to be adjusted, the network status of the slice, the resource information of other slices, etc. included in the request message to determine the resources of the adjusted slice and send it to the NASCF network element through a response message. The NASCF network element updates the resources of the slice to realize dynamic adjustment of slice resources.

[0119] As an optional embodiment, before step 201, the method further includes:

[0120] If the first terminal number and / or the first protocol data unit PDU session number meet the first condition within the first time length, it is determined that the slice resources need to be adjusted.

[0121] Optionally, the first number of terminals is: the number of terminals that are denied access to the slice within the first time length;

[0122] and / or,

[0123] The first number of PDU sessions is: the number of PDU sessions that deny access to the slice within the first time length.

[0124] In the embodiment of the present invention, the parameters corresponding to the first condition are set by the Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) network element. For example, the parameters corresponding to the first condition include at least one of the following: a rejection threshold value, a rejection statistics time length (ie, a first time length).

[0125] In an optional embodiment of the present application, the method further includes:

[0126] Determine the resources that need to be adjusted for the slice based on the number of first terminals and / or the number of first PDU sessions.

[0127] Alternatively, in another optional embodiment of the present application, the method further includes:

[0128] Sending a first message to a second network function; the first message is used to request the second network function to analyze resources required for the slice;

[0129] Receive a second message fed back by the second network function.

[0130] The first message is used to request the second network function to analyze the resources that need to be adjusted in the slice. Optionally, the first message includes: the number of first terminals and / or the number of first PDU sessions; further optionally, the first message may also carry the current network status.

[0131] The second message includes: resources that need to be adjusted for the slice.

[0132] Optionally, the second network function class may be a network data analysis network element, for example, the network data analysis network element is: NWDAF (Network Data Analytics Function) network element.

[0133] As an optional embodiment of the present invention, the first condition includes:

[0134] The number of the first terminals and / or the number of the first PDU sessions reaches a rejection threshold.

[0135] Correspondingly, if the number of first terminals and / or the number of first protocol data unit PDU sessions meet the first condition within the first time length, determining that the resources of the slice need to be adjusted includes:

[0136] If the first number of terminals and / or the first number of protocol data unit PDU sessions meet a first condition within a first time length, it is determined that the resources of the slice need to be expanded.

[0137] In other words, when the slice resource usage of a slice has reached the maximum limit, the NSACF network element will count the number of terminals and / or PDU sessions that are denied access by the network. When the number of terminals and / or PDU sessions that are denied access reaches the rejection threshold, the NSACF network element will be triggered to expand the slice resources to ensure the user's service quality experience.

[0138] As an optional embodiment, the method further includes:

[0139] When the number of terminals accessing the slice and / or the number of PDU sessions reaches the resource capacity of the slice before adjustment, if a terminal access request and / or a PDU session establishment request is received, a rejection timer is started; the time length of the rejection timer is a first time length;

[0140] During the operation of the rejection timer, the number of first terminals and / or the number of first PDU sessions whose access is denied by the slice is calculated.

[0141] It should be noted that, in the embodiment of the present invention, the slice resources include:

[0142] the maximum number of terminals allowed to access the slice; and / or,

[0143] The maximum number of PDU sessions allowed to access the slice.

[0144] In summary, the embodiments of the present invention count the number of terminals and / or the number of PDU sessions that are denied access to a slice within a first time length, and adjust the resources of the slice when the first condition is met, thereby achieving dynamic adjustment of slice resources, avoiding waste of slice resources, and improving the service quality experience of slice users.

[0145] like Figure 3 The figure shows an example of a method for managing slice resources provided by an embodiment of the present invention, which specifically includes:

[0146] Step 0: The number of access terminals or the number of access PDU sessions of the slice has reached the maximum value;

[0147] Step 1: When the network receives a new terminal access / PDU session establishment request, it starts a rejection timer, which is set to the rejection statistics time length, and starts to count the number of terminals / PDU sessions rejected by the network during this time period.

[0148] Step 2: The number of rejected terminals / PDU sessions by NSACF reaches the rejection threshold, triggering capacity expansion resource analysis;

[0149] Step 3a, NSACF analyzes the resource capacity that needs to be expanded;

[0150] Alternatively, in step 3b, the NSACF sends a message to the NWDAF, which includes the current network status and the values ​​​​statisticed by the NSACF, requesting the NWDAF to analyze the resource capacity that needs to be expanded;

[0151] Step 3c (when step 3b is selected), NWDAF returns the analysis result (i.e., the resource capacity that needs to be expanded);

[0152] Step 4: NSACF sends a request message to OAM, requesting OAM to expand the capacity of the slice and increase the number of terminals / PDU sessions allowed to access;

[0153] Step 5: OAM returns the maximum number of terminals / PDU sessions allowed to access to NSACF based on the actual situation;

[0154] Step 6: NSACF updates the maximum number of terminals / PDU sessions allowed to access the slice.

[0155] The embodiment of the present invention counts the number of terminals and / or the number of PDU sessions that are denied access to a slice within a first time length, and adjusts the resources of the slice when a first condition is met, thereby achieving dynamic adjustment of slice resources, avoiding waste of slice resources, and improving the service quality experience of slice users.

[0156] like Figure 4 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a slice resource management device, applying a first network function NF, including:

[0157] The adjustment determination module 401 is configured to perform a first operation if the number of first terminals and / or the number of first protocol data unit PDU sessions meet a first condition within a first time length.

[0158] As an optional embodiment, the first number of terminals is: the number of terminals that are denied access to the slice within the first time length;

[0159] and / or,

[0160] The first number of PDU sessions is: the number of PDU sessions that deny access to the slice within the first time length.

[0161] As an optional embodiment, the first network function NF is used to control the number of terminals and / or the number of PDU sessions accessing the slice;

[0162] And / or, the first network function NF is used to analyze network data.

[0163] As an optional embodiment, the first operation includes:

[0164] Sending a first message to the second network function NF; the first message is used to request the second network function NF to analyze resources required for the slice;

[0165] Receive a second message fed back by the second network function NF.

[0166] As an optional embodiment, the second network function NF is used for network data analysis.

[0167] As an optional embodiment, the first message includes: the number of first terminals and / or the number of first PDU sessions;

[0168] The second message includes: resources that need to be adjusted for the slice.

[0169] As an optional embodiment, the first condition includes:

[0170] The number of the first terminals and / or the number of the first PDU sessions reaches a rejection threshold.

[0171] As an optional embodiment, the device further includes:

[0172] A starting module, configured to start a rejection timer if a terminal access request and / or a PDU session establishment request is received when the number of terminals accessing the slice and / or the number of PDU sessions reaches the resource capacity of the slice before adjustment; the time length of the rejection timer is the first time length;

[0173] A calculation module is used to calculate the number of first terminals and / or the number of first PDU sessions that are denied access by the slice during the operation of the rejection timer.

[0174] As an optional embodiment, the sliced ​​resources include:

[0175] the maximum number of terminals allowed to access the slice; and / or,

[0176] The maximum number of PDU sessions allowed to access the slice.

[0177] The embodiment of the present invention counts the number of terminals and / or the number of PDU sessions that are denied access to a slice within a first time length, and adjusts the resources of the slice when a first condition is met, thereby achieving dynamic adjustment of slice resources, avoiding waste of slice resources, and improving the service quality experience of slice users.

[0178] It should be noted that the slice resource management device provided in the embodiment of the present invention is a device capable of executing the above-mentioned slice resource management method. All embodiments of the above-mentioned slice resource management method are applicable to the device and can achieve the same or similar beneficial effects.

[0179] like Figure 5 As shown, the embodiment of the present invention further provides a first network function NF, including a processor 500 and a transceiver 510, wherein the transceiver 510 receives and sends data under the control of the processor 500, and the processor 500 is used to perform the following operations:

[0180] If the first terminal quantity and / or the first protocol data unit PDU session quantity meets a first condition within a first time length, a first operation is performed.

[0181] As an optional embodiment, the first number of terminals is: the number of terminals that are denied access to the slice within the first time length;

[0182] and / or,

[0183] The first number of PDU sessions is: the number of PDU sessions that deny access to the slice within the first time length.

[0184] As an optional embodiment, the first network function NF is used to control the number of terminals and / or the number of PDU sessions accessing the slice;

[0185] And / or, the first network function NF is used to analyze network data.

[0186] As an optional embodiment, the first operation includes:

[0187] Sending a first message to the second network function NF; the first message is used to request the second network function NF to analyze resources required for the slice;

[0188] Receive a second message fed back by the second network function NF.

[0189] As an optional embodiment, the second network function NF is used for network data analysis.

[0190] As an optional embodiment, the first message includes: the number of first terminals and / or the number of first PDU sessions;

[0191] The second message includes: resources that need to be adjusted for the slice.

[0192] As an optional embodiment, the first condition includes:

[0193] The number of the first terminals and / or the number of the first PDU sessions reaches a rejection threshold.

[0194] As an optional embodiment, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0195] When the number of terminals accessing the slice and / or the number of PDU sessions reaches the resource capacity of the slice before adjustment, if a terminal access request and / or a PDU session establishment request is received, a rejection timer is started; the time length of the rejection timer is the first time length;

[0196] During the operation of the rejection timer, the number of first terminals and / or the number of first PDU sessions whose access is denied by the slice is calculated.

[0197] As an optional embodiment, the sliced ​​resources include:

[0198] the maximum number of terminals allowed to access the slice; and / or,

[0199] The maximum number of PDU sessions allowed to access the slice.

[0200] The embodiment of the present invention counts the number of terminals and / or the number of PDU sessions that are denied access to a slice within a first time length, and adjusts the resources of the slice when a first condition is met, thereby achieving dynamic adjustment of slice resources, avoiding waste of slice resources, and improving the service quality experience of slice users.

[0201] It should be noted that the NSACF network element provided in the embodiment of the present invention is an NSACF network element capable of executing the above-mentioned slice resource management method. All embodiments of the above-mentioned slice resource management method are applicable to the NSACF network element and can achieve the same or similar beneficial effects.

[0202] like Figure 6 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a slice resource management device, which is applied to a first network function NF, including:

[0203] A request sending module 601 is used to send a request message to the first entity, where the request message is used to request adjustment of slice resources;

[0204] The response receiving module 602 is configured to receive a response message sent by the first entity.

[0205] As an optional embodiment, the request message includes: resources that need to be adjusted for the slice.

[0206] As an optional embodiment, the response message includes at least one of the following:

[0207] Request success indication;

[0208] Request failure indication;

[0209] The adjusted resource of the slice.

[0210] As an optional embodiment, the device further includes:

[0211] An update module is used to update the resources of the slice according to the response message.

[0212] As an optional embodiment, the first entity is used to perform operation, maintenance and management on the network.

[0213] As an optional embodiment, the device further includes:

[0214] The third determination module is used to determine the resources of the slice that need to be adjusted if the number of first terminals and / or the number of first protocol data unit PDU sessions meet the first condition within a first time length.

[0215] As an optional embodiment, the first number of terminals is: the number of terminals that are denied access to the slice within the first time length;

[0216] and / or,

[0217] The first number of PDU sessions is: the number of PDU sessions that deny access to the slice within the first time length.

[0218] As an optional embodiment, the device further includes:

[0219] The fourth determination module is used to determine the resources that need to be adjusted for the slice based on the number of first terminals and / or the number of first PDU sessions.

[0220] As an optional embodiment, the device further includes:

[0221] A fourth sending module, configured to send a first message to a second network function; the first message is used to request the second network function to analyze resources required for the slice;

[0222] The fourth receiving module is used to receive a second message fed back by the second network function.

[0223] As an optional embodiment, the first message includes: the number of first terminals and / or the number of first PDU sessions;

[0224] The second message includes: resources that need to be adjusted for the slice.

[0225] As an optional embodiment, the first condition includes:

[0226] The number of the first terminals and / or the number of the first PDU sessions reaches a rejection threshold.

[0227] As an optional embodiment, the sliced ​​resources include:

[0228] the maximum number of terminals allowed to access the slice; and / or,

[0229] The maximum number of PDU sessions allowed to access the slice.

[0230] The embodiment of the present invention counts the number of terminals and / or the number of PDU sessions that are denied access to a slice within a first time length, and adjusts the resources of the slice when a first condition is met, thereby achieving dynamic adjustment of slice resources, avoiding waste of slice resources, and improving the service quality experience of slice users.

[0231] It should be noted that the slice resource management device provided in the embodiment of the present invention is a device capable of executing the above-mentioned slice resource management method. All embodiments of the above-mentioned slice resource management method are applicable to the device and can achieve the same or similar beneficial effects.

[0232] like Figure 7 As shown, the embodiment of the present invention further provides a first network function NF, including a processor 700 and a transceiver 710, wherein the transceiver 710 receives and sends data under the control of the processor 700, and the processor 700 is used to perform the following operations:

[0233] Sending a request message to the first entity, where the request message is used to request adjustment of resources of the slice;

[0234] A response message sent by the first entity is received.

[0235] As an optional embodiment, the request message includes: resources that need to be adjusted for the slice.

[0236] As an optional embodiment, the response message includes at least one of the following:

[0237] Request success indication;

[0238] Request failure indication;

[0239] The adjusted resource of the slice.

[0240] As an optional embodiment, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0241] According to the response message, update the resources of the slice.

[0242] As an optional embodiment, the first entity is used to perform operation, maintenance and management on the network.

[0243] As an optional embodiment, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0244] If the first terminal number and / or the first protocol data unit PDU session number meet the first condition within the first time length, it is determined that the slice resources need to be adjusted.

[0245] As an optional embodiment, the first number of terminals is: the number of terminals that are denied access to the slice within the first time length;

[0246] and / or,

[0247] The first number of PDU sessions is: the number of PDU sessions that deny access to the slice within the first time length.

[0248] As an optional embodiment, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0249] Determine the resources that need to be adjusted for the slice based on the number of first terminals and / or the number of first PDU sessions.

[0250] As an optional embodiment, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0251] Sending a first message to a second network function; the first message is used to request the second network function to analyze resources required for the slice;

[0252] A second message fed back by the second network function is received.

[0253] As an optional embodiment, the first message includes: the number of first terminals and / or the number of first PDU sessions;

[0254] The second message includes: resources that need to be adjusted for the slice.

[0255] As an optional embodiment, the first condition includes:

[0256] The number of the first terminals and / or the number of the first PDU sessions reaches a rejection threshold.

[0257] As an optional embodiment, the sliced ​​resources include:

[0258] the maximum number of terminals allowed to access the slice; and / or,

[0259] The maximum number of PDU sessions allowed to access the slice.

[0260] The embodiment of the present invention counts the number of terminals and / or the number of PDU sessions that are denied access to a slice within a first time length, and adjusts the resources of the slice when a first condition is met, thereby achieving dynamic adjustment of slice resources, avoiding waste of slice resources, and improving the service quality experience of slice users.

[0261] It should be noted that the NSACF network element provided in the embodiment of the present invention is an NSACF network element capable of executing the above-mentioned slice resource management method. All embodiments of the above-mentioned slice resource management method are applicable to the NSACF network element and can achieve the same or similar beneficial effects.

[0262] An embodiment of the present invention also provides a network function NF, including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the program, the various processes in the slice resource management method embodiment as described above are implemented, and the same technical effect can be achieved. To avoid repetition, it will not be described here.

[0263] The embodiment of the present invention further provides a computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program is stored. When the program is executed by a processor, each process in the above-mentioned slice resource management method embodiment is implemented, and the same technical effect can be achieved. To avoid repetition, it is not repeated here. The computer-readable storage medium is, for example, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk.

[0264] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of the present application may be provided as methods, systems or computer program products. Therefore, the present application may adopt the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment or an embodiment combining software and hardware. Moreover, the present application may adopt the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-readable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage and optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0265] The present application is described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of the methods, devices (systems) and computer program products according to the embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that each process and / or box in the flowchart and / or block diagram, as well as the combination of the processes and / or boxes 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 device that specifies functions in one or more processes and / or one or more blocks.

[0266] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to work in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce a paper product including an instruction device, which implements the process Figure 1 A process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A function specified in one or more boxes.

[0267] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device so that the computer or other programmable device executes a series of operating steps to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device for implementing the process. Figure 1 A process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1The steps for the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0268] The above is a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 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 invention. These improvements and modifications should also be regarded as the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for managing slice resources, applied to a first network function NF, It is characterized in that include: If the first terminal quantity and / or the first protocol data unit PDU session quantity meets a first condition within a first time length, performing a first operation; The first number of terminals is: the number of terminals that are denied access to the slice within the first time length; and / or the first number of PDU sessions is: the number of PDU sessions that are denied access to the slice within the first time length; The first condition includes: the number of the first terminals and / or the number of the first PDU sessions reaches a rejection threshold; The first operation includes: Sending a first message to the second network function NF; the first message is used to request the second network function NF to analyze resources required for the slice; Receive a second message fed back by the second network function NF.

2. The method according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The first network function NF is used to control the number of terminals accessing the slice and / or the number of PDU sessions; And / or, the first network function NF is used to analyze network data.

3. The method according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The second network function NF is used for network data analysis.

4. The method according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The first message includes: the number of first terminals and / or the number of first PDU sessions; The second message includes: resources required by the slice.

5. The method according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The method further comprises: When the number of terminals accessing the slice and / or the number of PDU sessions reaches the resource capacity of the slice before adjustment, if a terminal access request and / or a PDU session establishment request is received, a rejection timer is started; the time length of the rejection timer is the first time length; During the operation of the rejection timer, the number of first terminals and / or the number of first PDU sessions whose access is denied by the slice is calculated.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, It is characterized in that The sliced ​​resources include: the maximum number of terminals allowed to access the slice; and / or, The maximum number of PDU sessions allowed to access the slice.

7. A method for managing slice resources, applied to a first network function NF, It is characterized in that include: Sending a request message to the first entity, where the request message is used to request adjustment of resources of the slice; receiving a response message sent by the first entity; Before sending the request message to the first entity, the method further includes: If within the first time length, the number of first terminals and / or the number of first protocol data unit PDU sessions meet the first condition, determining that the resources of the slice need to be adjusted; The first number of terminals is: the number of terminals that are denied access to the slice within the first time length; and / or the first number of PDU sessions is: the number of PDU sessions that are denied access to the slice within the first time length; The first condition includes: the number of the first terminals and / or the number of the first PDU sessions reaches a rejection threshold.

8. The method according to claim 7, It is characterized in that The request message includes: the resources that need to be adjusted for the slice.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein, the response message includes at least one of the following: request success indication; request failure indication; the resources of the adjusted slice.

10. The method according to claim 7, wherein, the method further includes: updating the resources of the slice according to the response message.

11. The method according to claim 7, wherein, the first entity is used to perform operation, maintenance and management on the network.

12. The method according to claim 7, wherein, the method further includes: determining the resources that need to be adjusted for the slice according to the number of first terminals and / or the number of first PDU sessions.

13. The method according to claim 7, wherein, the method further includes: sending a first message to a second network function; the first message is used to request the second network function to analyze the resources required by the slice; receiving a second message fed back by the second network function.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, the first message includes: the number of first terminals and / or the number of first PDU sessions; the second message includes: the resources that need to be adjusted for the slice.

15. The method according to any one of claims 7-14, wherein, the resources of the slice include: the maximum number of terminals allowed to access the slice; and / or, the maximum number of PDU sessions allowed to access the slice.

16. A management device for slice resources, applied to a first network function NF, wherein, it includes: an adjustment determination module, configured to perform a first operation if the number of first terminals and / or the number of first protocol data unit PDU sessions meet a first condition within a first time period; wherein, the number of first terminals is: the number of terminals that are refused access to the slice within the first time period; and / or, the number of first PDU sessions is: the number of PDU sessions that are refused access to the slice within the first time period; the first condition includes: the number of first terminals and / or the number of first PDU sessions reach a rejection threshold; wherein, the first operation includes: sending a first message to a second network function NF; the first message is used to request the second network function NF to analyze the resources required by the slice; receiving a second message fed back by the second network function NF.

17. A first network function NF, including a processor and a transceiver, the transceiver receives and sends data under the control of the processor, wherein, the processor is configured to perform the following operations: perform a first operation if the number of first terminals and / or the number of first protocol data unit PDU sessions meet a first condition within a first time period; wherein, the number of first terminals is: the number of terminals that are refused access to the slice within the first time period; and / or, the number of first PDU sessions is: the number of PDU sessions that are refused access to the slice within the first time period; the first condition includes: the number of first terminals and / or the number of first PDU sessions reach a rejection threshold; wherein, the first operation includes: Sending a first message to the second network function NF; the first message is used to request the second network function NF to analyze resources required for the slice; Receive a second message fed back by the second network function NF.

18. A slice resource management device, applied to a first network function NF, It is characterized in that include: A request sending module, used to send a request message to the first entity, where the request message is used to request adjustment of slice resources; A response receiving module, used to receive a response message sent by the first entity; Wherein, the device further comprises: A resource determination module, configured to determine the resources of the slices that need to be adjusted if the number of first terminals and / or the number of first protocol data unit PDU sessions meet a first condition within a first time length; The first number of terminals is: the number of terminals that are denied access to the slice within the first time length; and / or the first number of PDU sessions is: the number of PDU sessions that are denied access to the slice within the first time length; The first condition includes: the number of the first terminals and / or the number of the first PDU sessions reaches a rejection threshold.

19. A first network function NF, comprising a processor and a transceiver, wherein the transceiver receives and sends data under the control of the processor, It is characterized in that The processor is configured to perform the following operations: Sending a request message to the first entity, where the request message is used to request adjustment of resources of the slice; receiving a response message sent by the first entity; The processor is further configured to perform the following operations: If within the first time length, the number of first terminals and / or the number of first protocol data unit PDU sessions meet the first condition, determining that the resources of the slice need to be adjusted; The first number of terminals is: the number of terminals that are denied access to the slice within the first time length; and / or the first number of PDU sessions is: the number of PDU sessions that are denied access to the slice within the first time length; The first condition includes: the number of the first terminals and / or the number of the first PDU sessions reaches a rejection threshold.

20. A network function NF, comprising a memory, a processor, and a program stored in the memory and executable on the processor; It is characterized in that When the processor executes the program, it implements the slice resource management method as described in any one of claims 1-6; or, when the processor executes the program, it implements the slice resource management method as described in any one of claims 7-15.

21. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, It is characterized in that When the program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps in the slice resource management method as described in any one of claims 1-6; or, when the program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps in the slice resource management method as described in any one of claims 7-15.

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