Communication methods, devices and storage media

Abstract

This disclosure provides a communication method, apparatus, and storage medium, relating to the field of communication technology, enabling nearby access to MEC platforms and MEC edge applications in cross-carrier roaming scenarios. The method includes: receiving a target application discovery request from a first user plane network element; the terminal is a terminal belonging to a second carrier network and roaming to the first carrier network, and the first user plane network element is a user plane network element in the first carrier network; determining whether a second management entity in the second carrier network has the terminal's registration information; if so, identifying a target network node in the first carrier network that meets preset conditions; the target network node having an application instance of the target application; and sending first indication information to the first user plane network element, the first indication information being used to indicate the target network node. This disclosure is used for nearby access to MEC platforms and MEC edge applications in cross-carrier roaming scenarios.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, apparatus and storage medium. Background Art

[0002] In related technologies, to ensure user mobility and service continuity during user roaming, two data offloading methods are typically used: local offloading and location-based offloading. However, these technologies do not clearly define how to perform MEC edge platform offloading and access edge application services when users roam across different operators. This leads to a lack of service continuity when users access edge applications during cross-operator roaming. Therefore, how to perform MEC edge platform offloading and access edge application services provided by the MEC platform to ensure service continuity in cross-operator roaming scenarios has become an urgent technical problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, and storage medium that can offload traffic from the MEC edge platform and access edge application services provided by the MEC platform in cross-carrier roaming scenarios, ensuring business continuity.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] A first aspect provides a communication method applied to a first management entity, wherein the first management entity is a management entity in a first operator network, the first management entity communicates with a second management entity, the second management entity is a management entity in a second operator network, the management entities are used to manage at least one MEC, and data sharing occurs between the first operator and the second operator; the method includes: receiving a target application discovery request from a first user plane network element; the target application discovery request is used by a terminal to request an application instance of a target application; the terminal is a terminal belonging to the second operator network and roaming to the first operator network, the first user plane network element is a user plane network element in the first operator network; determining whether the second management entity in the second operator network has registration information of the terminal; in response to the second management entity in the second operator network having registration information of the terminal, determining a target network node in the first operator network that meets preset conditions; the target network node has an application instance of the target application; and sending first indication information to the first user plane network element, the first indication information being used to indicate the target network node.

[0006] In conjunction with the first aspect above, in one possible implementation, determining the target network node in the second operator network that meets preset conditions includes: determining the first network node in the first operator network that is connected to the first user plane network element and has a target application instance; determining the second network node in the first network node whose distance from the terminal meets preset conditions; and determining the network node in the second network node with the lowest computing resource utilization rate as the target network node that meets the preset conditions.

[0007] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, applied to a first user plane network element in a first operator network, where data sharing occurs between the first operator and a second operator. The method includes: obtaining a target application discovery request from a terminal; the target application discovery request is used by the terminal to request an application instance of a target application; the terminal is a terminal belonging to the second operator network and roaming to the first operator network, and sends the target application discovery request to a first management entity; the first management entity is a management entity in the first operator network, and the first management entity communicates with a second management entity, the second management entity is a management entity in the second operator network, and the management entity is used to manage at least one MEC; receiving first indication information from the first management entity, the first indication information being used to indicate a target network node, the target network node being a target network node in the first operator network that meets preset conditions.

[0008] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, after receiving the first instruction information from the first management entity, the method further includes: sending the first instruction information to the terminal; receiving network node access request information from the terminal; the network node access request information is used to request access to the target network node; querying the address information of the target network node based on the network node access request information; and sending the network node access request information to the target network node.

[0009] Thirdly, a communication device is provided, applied in a first management entity, which is a management entity in a first operator network. The first management entity communicates with a second management entity, which is a management entity in a second operator network. The management entities are used to manage at least one MEC, and data sharing occurs between the first and second operators. The device includes a communication unit and a processing unit. The communication unit is used to receive a target application discovery request from a first user plane network element. The processing unit is further used to determine whether the second management entity in the second operator network has terminal registration information. If so, the processing unit is further used to determine a target network node in the first operator network that meets preset conditions. The target network node has an application instance of the target application. The processing unit is further used to send first indication information to the first user plane network element, the first indication information being used to instruct the target network node.

[0010] In conjunction with the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the processing unit is specifically used to: determine a first network node in the first operator network that is connected to the first user plane network element and has a target application instance; determine a second network node in the first network node whose distance from the terminal meets a preset condition; and determine the network node in the second network node with the lowest computing power resource utilization rate as the target network node that meets the preset condition.

[0011] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, applied in a first user plane network element in a first operator network, enabling data sharing between the first operator and a second operator. The device includes: a communication unit and a processing unit. The processing unit is used to acquire a target application discovery request from a terminal. The communication unit is used to send the target application discovery request to a first management entity; the first management entity is a management entity in the first operator network, and the first management entity communicates with a second management entity, which is a management entity in the second operator network. The management entity manages at least one MEC. The communication unit is also used to receive first indication information from the first management entity, the first indication information indicating a target network node, the target network node being a target network node in the first operator network that meets preset conditions.

[0012] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the communication unit is specifically used for: sending first indication information to the terminal; receiving network node access request information from the terminal; the network node access request information is used to request access to the target network node; querying the address information of the target network node based on the network node access request information; and sending the network node access request information to the target network node.

[0013] Fifthly, this disclosure provides a communication device comprising: a processor and a memory; wherein the memory is used to store computer execution instructions, and when the resource scheduling device is running, the processor executes the computer execution instructions stored in the memory to cause the communication device to perform the resource scheduling method as described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0014] In a sixth aspect, this disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor of a communication device, enable the communication device to perform the communication method as described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0015] In a seventh aspect, this disclosure provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when run on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method as described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0016] Eighthly, this disclosure provides a chip including a processor and a communication interface, the communication interface being coupled to the processor, the processor being used to execute computer programs or instructions to implement the communication methods described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0017] Specifically, the chip provided in this application embodiment also includes a memory for storing computer programs or instructions.

[0018] In this disclosure, the names of the aforementioned communication devices do not limit the devices or functional modules themselves. In actual implementation, these devices or functional modules may appear under other names. As long as the functions of each device or functional module are similar to those of this disclosure, they fall within the scope of the claims of this disclosure and their equivalents.

[0019] These or other aspects of this disclosure will become more readily apparent in the following description.

[0020] The technical solution provided in this disclosure brings at least the following beneficial effects:

[0021] Upon receiving a target application discovery request from a first user plane network element, the first management entity in the communication device first determines whether the terminal requesting the target application has registration information in the second operator's network management entity under its home second operator network. If so, the first network management entity identifies the network node with the target application instance from all network nodes it manages, and then identifies the target network node that meets preset conditions from among the network nodes with the target application. Simultaneously, it instructs the first user network element on the location information of the target network node. In this way, user terminals can perform traffic offloading on the MEC edge platform and access edge application services provided by the MEC platform in cross-operator roaming network scenarios, ensuring service continuity. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 2 This application provides a schematic diagram of a 5G roaming local traffic offloading method as an embodiment of the present application.

[0024] Figure 3 This application provides a schematic diagram of a 5G home routing method.

[0025] Figure 4 This application provides a schematic diagram of a registration location diversion method.

[0026] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of roaming location diversion provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 7 This application provides a schematic diagram of a terminal access to a roaming MEC edge application service process.

[0029] Figure 8 This application provides another schematic diagram of a terminal access roaming MEC edge application service process.

[0030] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The communication method, apparatus, and storage medium provided in this disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] In this article, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone.

[0039] The terms "first" and "second," etc., used in the specification and drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects or to distinguish different treatments of the same object, rather than to describe a specific order of objects.

[0040] Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, used in the description of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the steps or units listed, but may optionally include other steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to such process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0041] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of the words "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 1 As shown, the communication device 100 includes at least one processor 101, a communication line 102, and at least one communication interface 104, and may also include a memory 103. The processor 101, memory 103, and communication interface 104 can be connected via the communication line 102.

[0043] The processor 101 may be a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the embodiments of this disclosure, such as one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0044] Communication line 102 may include a path for transmitting information between the aforementioned components.

[0045] The communication interface 104 is used to communicate with other devices or communication networks. It can use any transceiver-like device, such as Ethernet, radio access network (RAN), wireless local area network (WLAN), etc.

[0046] The memory 103 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions, or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of including or storing desired program code having the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but not limited thereto.

[0047] In one possible design, the memory 103 can exist independently of the processor 101, meaning the memory 103 can be an external memory of the processor 101. In this case, the memory 103 can be connected to the processor 101 via a communication line 102 to store execution instructions or application code, and its execution is controlled by the processor 101 to implement the communication determination method provided in the following embodiments of this disclosure. In another possible design, the memory 103 can also be integrated with the processor 101, meaning the memory 103 can be an internal memory of the processor 101. For example, the memory 103 can be a cache, used to temporarily store some data and instruction information.

[0048] As one possible implementation, processor 101 may include one or more CPUs, for example Figure 1 CPU0 and CPU1 in the example. Alternatively, the communication device 100 may include multiple processors, such as CPU0 and CPU1. Figure 1 The processors 101 and 107 are included. Alternatively, the communication device 100 may also include an output device 105 and an input device 106.

[0049] Through the above description of the implementation methods, those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, only the division of the above functional modules is used as an example. In practical applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the network node can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above. The specific working process of the system, modules, and network nodes described above can be referred to the corresponding process in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0050] In related technologies, when users access edge applications in roaming scenarios, local traffic offloading or registration-based traffic offloading is typically used to divert user data plane traffic, ensuring user mobility and business continuity. One existing local traffic offloading solution, the uplink classifier, distributes service routing traffic to different local user planes and local networks by setting uplink branch points. For example... Figure 2 As shown, this is the 5G roaming local breakout (LBO) framework, in which all user plane functions (UPFs) involved in the session management function (SMF) and protocol data unit (PDU) sessions are under the control of the VPLMN. Figure 3 As shown, this is the 5G home routing (HR) framework, in which the PDU session has SMF function under HPLMN control, SMF function under VPLMN control, at least one UPF under HPLMN control, and at least one UPF under VPLMN control. The SMF in HPLMN and VPLMN each select their own side's UPF.

[0051] Current offloading technologies only support offloading users across different MEC edge platforms within the same operator's network. For cross-operator roaming scenarios, especially in connected vehicle scenarios or situations involving frequent cross-border network roaming, existing technologies do not address how to offload traffic to MEC edge platforms and access the edge application services provided by the MEC platform when users access edge applications. This results in a lack of service continuity for users accessing edge applications in cross-operator roaming scenarios.

[0052] To address the technical problems existing in the aforementioned related technologies, this application provides two methods, such as... Figure 4 , Figure 5 A solution for interconnecting MEC platforms in cross-platform roaming scenarios. For example... Figure 4 As shown, no network management entity has been established in the roaming location. When the terminal initiates an access request to the MEC in the roaming location, the terminal will default to redirecting the request back to the network management entity in the registration location. Figure 5 As shown, network management entities are established in both the terminal's registration location and the terminal's roaming location. When a user initiates an access request to the MEC in the roaming location, the network management entities in the registration location and the roaming location share data to confirm that the MEC platform meets the preset conditions.

[0053] This application provides a method for traffic offloading and accessing edge application services provided by the MEC platform in cross-carrier roaming scenarios. Upon receiving a target application discovery request from a first user plane network element, the first management entity in the communication device first determines whether the terminal requesting the target application has registration information in the second operator's network management entity under its home second operator network. If so, the first network management entity identifies the network node with the target application instance from all network nodes it manages, and then identifies the target network node that meets preset conditions from among the network nodes with the target application. Simultaneously, the location information of the target network node is indicated to the first user network element. In this way, user terminals can perform traffic offloading and access edge application services provided by the MEC platform in cross-carrier roaming scenarios, ensuring service continuity.

[0054] The communication method provided in this disclosure can be applied to, for example, Figure 1 In the communication device shown, such as Figure 6 As shown, the communication method provided in this embodiment can be implemented through the following steps 601 to 604.

[0055] Step 601: The first management entity receives a target application discovery request from the first user plane network element.

[0056] The target application discovery request is used by the terminal to request an application instance of the target application; the terminal is a terminal belonging to the second operator network and roaming to the first operator network, and the first user plane network element is a user plane network element in the first operator network.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the communication device receives a discovery request from a first user network element for a terminal to request an application instance of a target application. The user terminal and the first user network element belong to different operator networks.

[0058] One example, such as Figure 7As shown in (7), (8), (9), and (10), when the terminal is roaming in the network of the first operator, it requests access to the first operator's network from the access and mobility management function (AMF-1) of the roaming location through the N2 interface in the radio access network (RAN) RAN-1. The AMF-1 in the roaming location's first operator network establishes a channel connection with the session management function (SMF-1), determines the target first user network element based on the load capacity of the user plane function (UPF-1), and returns the IP address of the target UPF-1 to the AMF-1. The terminal obtains the IP address of the target UPF-1 according to the distribution policy of the roaming location's SMF-1 through the AMF-1, and sends the IP address of the target UPF-1 to the terminal's client application (ClientAPP) through the URSP routing policy. The terminal's ClientAPP requests access to the target application deployed on MEC-1 under the first operator's network based on the IP address of the target UPF-1. At this time, UPF-1, based on the received access request from the terminal's ClientAPP, sends the target application request to the first application entity in the first operator's network.

[0059] It should be noted that RAN-1 is the RAN in the first operator's network; AMF-1 is the AMF in the first operator's network; SMF-1 is the SMF in the first network; UPF-1 is the UPF in the first operator's network; MEC-1 is the MEC in the first operator's network; the second operator to which this terminal belongs is a different operator from the first operator. The first and second operators have a data sharing agreement. Optionally, the agreement includes the following: the information shared between the operators is the data network name (DNN) / network slice selection assistance information (NSSAI).

[0060] Step 602: The first management entity determines whether the second management entity in the second operator network has the terminal's registration information.

[0061] In one possible implementation, after receiving a target application discovery request from a first user network element, the communication device needs to further determine whether the terminal sending the request has registration information under its affiliated operator. The affiliated operator of the terminal sending the request is the second operator.

[0062] In one example, after receiving a target application discovery request from a first user network element, the first operator management entity confirms with the second operator, through the second operator network entity, whether the terminal that sent the request has registration information with the second operator.

[0063] A specific example, such as Figure 8 As shown, the second operator network entity receives a terminal confirmation request from the first operator network entity and retrieves the terminal's registration information and credentials from the second operator's SPR endpoint.

[0064] It should be noted that before sending an application instance discovery request for the target application, the terminal needs to register with both the first and second operator network management entities. Specifically, the terminal sends registration request information and user authentication access information to both the first and second operator network management entities.

[0065] Step 603: The first management entity determines the target network node in the first operator network that meets the preset conditions by responding to the second management entity in the second operator network that has the terminal registration information.

[0066] Among them, the target network node contains application instances of the target application.

[0067] In one possible implementation, the terminal has registration information in a second management entity within a second operator's network. In this case, the communication device determines the target network node in the first operator's network that meets preset conditions through the first management entity.

[0068] In one example, the first management entity determines whether an application instance of the target application exists among the network nodes it manages, based on a target application discovery request from the first user plane. If an application instance of the target application exists, it further determines that the network node with the smallest distance from the terminal and the lowest computing resource utilization among the network nodes with the application instance of the target application is the target network node that meets the preset conditions.

[0069] It should be noted that the computing resources of network nodes include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: general computing resources, image computing resources, and dedicated computing resources.

[0070] Step 604: The first management entity sends the first instruction information to the first user plane network element.

[0071] The first indication information is used to indicate the target network node.

[0072] In one possible implementation, the communication device sends a first instruction message to the first user network element based on the target network node that meets the preset conditions determined by the first management entity, indicating the location of the target network node to be accessed by the first user network element.

[0073] In one example, after receiving the location information of the target network node sent by the first management entity, the first user network element UPF-1 accesses the target network node through its N6 interface. The terminal's ClientAPP then accesses the application instance of the target application deployed on the target network node based on the IP address of the UPF-1 under the first operator's network.

[0074] The above-mentioned solution brings at least the following beneficial effects.

[0075] Upon receiving a target application discovery request from a first user plane network element, the first management entity in the communication device first determines whether the terminal requesting the target application has registration information in the second operator's network management entity under its home second operator network. If so, the first network management entity identifies the network node with the target application instance from all network nodes it manages, and then identifies the target network node that meets preset conditions from among the network nodes with the target application. Simultaneously, it instructs the first user network element on the location information of the target network node. In this way, user terminals can perform traffic offloading on the MEC edge platform and access edge application services provided by the MEC platform in cross-operator roaming network scenarios, ensuring service continuity.

[0076] Combination Figure 6 ,like Figure 9 As shown, step 603 can also be implemented through one or more of the following steps 901–903.

[0077] Step 901: The first management entity determines the first network node in the first operator network that has access to the first user plane network element and contains the target application instance.

[0078] In one possible implementation, the communication device identifies the network node that accesses the first user plane network element and has a target application instance with a terminal request from all network nodes managed by the first management entity as the first network node.

[0079] Step 902: The first management entity determines the second network node in the first network node whose distance from the terminal meets the preset conditions.

[0080] In one possible implementation, the first network management entity in the communication device determines the first network node closest to the current location of the terminal as the second network node based on the first network node determined in step 401.

[0081] Step 903: The first management entity determines the network node with the lowest computing resource utilization rate among the second network nodes as the target network node that meets the preset conditions.

[0082] In one possible implementation, the first management entity in the communication device determines the network node with the lowest computing power resource utilization rate among the second network nodes, based on the second network nodes determined in steps 901 and 902, as the target network node that meets the preset conditions.

[0083] In one example, a first management entity in a communication device identifies a network node that meets the three conditions in the access request: target application instance, closest distance, and minimum computing resource utilization, as the target network node, and instructs the target network node to the first user plane network element.

[0084] The communication method provided in this disclosure can be applied to, for example, Figure 1 In the communication device shown, such as Figure 10 As shown, in the communication method provided in this embodiment, the first user plane network element can also forward first indication information to the terminal so that the terminal can access the target network node according to the first indication information. This process can be implemented through the following steps 1001 to 1003.

[0085] Step 1001: The first user plane network element obtains the target application discovery request of the terminal.

[0086] The target application discovery request is used by the terminal to request an application instance of the target application; the terminal is a terminal belonging to the second operator network and roaming to the first operator network.

[0087] In one possible implementation, a user plane network element in a first operator network of the communication device receives a target application discovery request from a terminal.

[0088] One example, such as Figure 7As shown in (7), (8), (9), and (10), the terminal requests access to the MEC resources under the first operator's network from the AMF-1 under the first operator's network via the RAN-1 of the first operator's network. The AMF-1 under the first operator's network initiates access to the SMF-1 under the first operator's network. The SMF-1 under the first operator's network returns the IP address of the UPF-1 that meets the preset conditions to the AMF-1 of the first operator, based on the current location of the terminal and the load capacity of multiple UPFs within a preset range. The AMF-1 of the first operator sends the IP address of the UPF-1 that meets the preset conditions to the terminal through the policy issued by the RAN-1 of the first operator. The terminal sends the UPF-1 IP address that meets the preset conditions to the terminal through the user routing selection policy (URSP). The terminal's ClientAPP sends the UPF-1 IP address to the user plane network element UPF-1 in the first operator's network based on the IP address of the UPF-1. Then, the first user plane network element UPF-1 of the first operator receives the target application discovery request from the terminal.

[0089] Step 1002: The first user plane network element sends a target application discovery request to the first management entity.

[0090] The first management entity is a management entity in the first operator network. The first management entity communicates with the second management entity, which is a management entity in the second operator network. The management entities are used to manage at least one MEC.

[0091] One possible implementation is, such as Figure 7 As shown in (8) and (9), after receiving a target application discovery request from a terminal, the first user network element UPF-1 of the first operator sends a target application discovery request to the first management entity under the first operator. After receiving the target discovery request from the first user network element UPF-1, the first management entity executes steps 602-603 to determine the target network node.

[0092] It should be noted that the first management entity and the second management entity share the DNS domain name resolution rules for all application instances.

[0093] In a specific example, if application instance A has the domain name aaa.aa.aa in the first management entity and the domain name bbb.bb.bb in the second management entity, the first and second management entities can find the target network node because they share the DNS domain name resolution rules for all application instances.

[0094] Step 1003: The first user plane network element receives the first instruction information from the first management entity.

[0095] The first indication information is used to indicate the target network node, which is a target network node in the first operator's network that meets the preset conditions.

[0096] One possible implementation is, such as Figure 7 As shown in (10) and (11), the first user network element under the first operator network receives first indication information from the first management entity, which includes a target network node that meets preset conditions. According to the first indication information, the first user network element UPF-1 under the first operator network accesses the network node MEC-1 that meets the preset conditions through the N6 interface. Then, the terminal Client app accesses the target application instance deployed on the network node MEC-1 that meets the preset conditions based on the IP address of UPF-1 under the first operator network.

[0097] The above describes how the first management entity and the first user plane network element execute the communication method described in this application to realize traffic offloading of the MEC edge platform in roaming scenarios and access to edge application services provided by the MEC platform.

[0098] like Figure 11 As shown, the following describes the communication method described in the application, taking the interaction between the first management entity, the first user plane network element, and the terminal as an example. The following is a detailed explanation.

[0099] Step 1101: The first user plane network element obtains the target application discovery request of the terminal.

[0100] The specific implementation method of step 1101 is similar to that of step 1001 above. The specific implementation method can be referred to the implementation method recorded in step 1001 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0101] Step 1102: The first user plane network element sends a target application discovery request to the first management entity. Correspondingly, the first management entity receives the target application discovery request from the first user plane network element.

[0102] The specific implementation of step 1102 is similar to that of steps 1002 and 601 above. The specific implementation can be referred to the implementation method recorded in step 1001 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0103] Step 1103: The first management entity determines whether the second management entity in the second operator network has the terminal's registration information.

[0104] The specific implementation method of step 1103 is similar to that of step 602 above. The specific implementation method can be referred to the implementation method recorded in step 602 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0105] Step 1104: The first management entity determines the target network node in the first operator network that meets the preset conditions.

[0106] The specific implementation method of step 1104 is similar to that of step 603 above. The specific implementation method can be referred to the implementation method recorded in step 603 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0107] Step 1105: The first management entity sends a first instruction message to the first user plane network element. Correspondingly, the first user plane network element receives the first instruction message from the first management entity.

[0108] The specific implementation of step 1105 is similar to that of steps 604 and 1003 above. The specific implementation can be referred to the implementation methods recorded in steps 604 and 1003 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0109] Combination Figure 10 ,like Figure 12 As shown, after step 1003 is completed, it can be further implemented through the steps 1201–1204 below.

[0110] Step 1201: The first user plane network element sends the first instruction information to the terminal.

[0111] One possible implementation is, such as Figure 7 As shown, the first user network element UPF-1 in the first operator network sends the first instruction information received from the first management entity to the terminal.

[0112] Step 1202: The first user plane network element receives network node access request information from the terminal.

[0113] Among them, the network node access request information is used to request access to the target network node.

[0114] In one possible implementation, after the first user plane network element in the first operator network of the communication device sends the first instruction information to the terminal, the terminal sends a request to the first user plane network element to access the target network node.

[0115] Step 1203: The first user plane network element queries the address information of the target network node based on the network node access request information.

[0116] In one possible implementation, the first user network element in the first operator network of the communication device queries the address information of the target network node based on the network node access request information sent by the terminal.

[0117] Step 1204: The first user plane network element sends a network node access request to the target network node.

[0118] In one possible implementation, the first user plane network element in the first operator network of the communication device sends access request information to the target network node through the N6 interface based on the address information of the target network node.

[0119] The above provides a detailed description of a process for accessing MEC edge application services across operators in a roaming scenario, as provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0120] The following, combined with Figure 13 ,like Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, the overall process of accessing MEC in a cross-carrier roaming scenario is explained:

[0121] Step 1301: The RCC of the RAN under the second operator network receives the access request from the terminal.

[0122] Among them, the terminal belongs to the second operator and the terminal roams under the first operator's network.

[0123] In one possible implementation, the terminal requests access to the network node of the second operator within the second operator's network.

[0124] One example, such as Figure 7 As shown in (1) above. The terminal accesses the AMF-2 under the second operator network through the N2 interface by accessing the RRC access service of RAN-2 of the second operator network.

[0125] It should be noted that RAN-2 is the RAN under the second operator's network; AMF-2 is the AMF under the second operator's network.

[0126] Step 1302: The AMF under the second operator network authenticates the terminal access request.

[0127] One possible implementation is, such as Figure 7 As shown in (2), the second management entity authenticates the terminal requesting access to the network node to determine whether the terminal has relevant registration information under the second operator's network.

[0128] One example, such as Figure 3 As shown, AMF-2 under the second operator's network sends a terminal registration information query request to UDM-1 of the second operator. If the query is successful, the second operator executes step 703.

[0129] It should be noted that UDM-1 is a UDM under the first operator's network.

[0130] Step 1303: The AMF under the second operator network sends the second instruction information to the terminal.

[0131] The second operator network is used to instruct the terminal to access the second operator network.

[0132] In one possible implementation, after the second operator obtains the terminal's registration information, it sends a message to the terminal allowing access to the second operator's network.

[0133] One example, such as Figure 7 As shown in (3) in the diagram. The second operator's AMF-2 sends an instruction to the terminal allowing access to the second operator's network.

[0134] Step 1304: The AMF under the first operator's network receives the access request from the terminal.

[0135] In one possible implementation, the terminal roams to the network of the first operator and requests access to a network node under the first operator's network.

[0136] One example, such as Figure 7 As shown in (4) in the diagram. When the terminal roams to the first operator's network, it requests access to the first operator's network through the N2 interface via the RAN-1 of the first operator's network and the AMF-1 of the first operator's network.

[0137] Step 1305: The AMF under the first operator network checks with the UDM under the first operator network to determine whether there is terminal registration information in the second operator network.

[0138] In one possible implementation, after receiving an access request from a terminal, the first operator network first determines whether the terminal belongs to the first operator. If the terminal does not belong to the first operator, it then checks with the second operator to which the terminal belongs to determine whether the terminal has registration information under the second operator's network.

[0139] It should be noted that the first and second operators have entered into a federal agreement. The agreement stipulates that the operators will share certain information, including DNN / NSSAI.

[0140] One example, such as Figure 7 As shown in (5) above. AMF-1 under the first operator network sends a terminal authentication request to UDM-1 under the first operator network to determine whether the terminal belongs to the first operator network. If the terminal does not belong to the first operator network, AMF-1 under the first operator network sends a terminal authentication request to UDM-2 under the second operator network that has signed the federal agreement.

[0141] Step 1306: The UDM under the second operator's network receives a terminal authentication request from the first operator.

[0142] In one possible implementation, the second operator receives a terminal authentication request from the first operator and executes steps 1201-1202. If the terminal has relevant registration information under the second operator's network, the second operator sends a request to the first operator allowing the terminal to access the first operator's network.

[0143] One example, such as Figure 7 As shown in (6) above. UDM-2 under the second operator network sends an access permission instruction to AMF-1 under the first operator network. AMF-1 under the first operator network sends an RRC connection request through RAN-1 under the first operator network to indicate that the terminal is allowed to access the first operator network.

[0144] Step 1307: The AMF under the first operator's network receives the network node access request from the terminal.

[0145] In one possible implementation, after receiving an instruction from the second operator network to allow the terminal to access the network, the terminal sends a request to the first operator to access the nearest network node when roaming to the first operator network.

[0146] One example, such as Figure 7 As shown in (7) in the diagram. When the terminal roams to the network of the first operator, the terminal sends the nearest access network node to the AMF-1 of the first operator through RAN-1 under the first operator network.

[0147] Step 1308: The SMF under the first operator's network determines the location information of the first user plane network element that meets the preset conditions.

[0148] In one possible implementation, the first operator network determines the location information of the first user plane network element that meets preset conditions based on the network node access request sent by the terminal.

[0149] One example, such as Figure 7 As shown in (8) in the diagram. AMF-1 under the first operator network initiates an access to SMF-1 under the first operator network. SMF-1 under the first operator network determines the load capacity of UPF-1 under the first operator network that meets the preset distance based on the current location information of the terminal. SMF-1 under the first operator network returns the IP address of UPF-1 of the first user plane network element that meets the preset conditions to AMF-1 under the first operator network.

[0150] Step 1309: The first management entity receives the target application discovery request from the first user plane network element.

[0151] The specific implementation of step 1309 is similar to that of step 601 above. The specific implementation process can be referred to step 601, and will not be repeated here.

[0152] Step 1310: The first management entity determines whether the second management entity in the second operator network has the terminal's registration information.

[0153] The specific implementation of step 1310 is similar to that of step 602 above. The specific implementation process can be referred to step 602, and will not be repeated here.

[0154] Step 1311: The first management entity determines the target network node in the first operator network that meets the preset conditions.

[0155] The specific implementation of step 1311 is similar to that of step 603 above. The specific implementation process can be referred to step 603, and will not be repeated here.

[0156] Step 1312: The first management entity sends the first instruction information to the first user plane network element.

[0157] The specific implementation of step 1312 is similar to that of step 604 above. The specific implementation process can be referred to step 604, and will not be repeated here.

[0158] Step 1313: The first user plane network element receives the first instruction information from the first management entity.

[0159] The specific implementation of step 1313 is similar to that of step 1003 above. The specific implementation process can be referred to step 1003, and will not be repeated here.

[0160] The communication apparatus involved in the embodiments of this disclosure, as well as the functions of each device of the communication apparatus and the interaction between the devices, have been described in detail above.

[0161] As can be seen, the above mainly describes the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this disclosure from a methodological perspective. To achieve the above functions, it includes corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules for executing each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, in conjunction with the modules and algorithm steps of the various examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this disclosure.

[0162] This disclosure embodiment can divide the communication device into functional modules according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. Optionally, the module division in this disclosure embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division; other division methods may be used in actual implementation.

[0163] This disclosure embodiment can divide the communication device into functional modules according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. Optionally, the module division in this disclosure embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division; other division methods may be used in actual implementation.

[0164] This disclosure provides a communication device for executing the method required by any device in the aforementioned data integrity determination system. The communication device may be the communication device described in this disclosure, or a module within a communication device; it may also be a chip within a communication device, or other devices for executing the communication determination method; this disclosure does not limit the scope of the application.

[0165] like Figure 14 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a communication device applied in a first management entity according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The first management entity is a management entity in a first operator network, and the first management entity communicates with a second management entity. The second management entity is a management entity in a second operator network. The management entities are used to manage at least one MEC, and data is shared between the first operator and the second operator. The communication device includes a communication unit 1401 and a processing unit 1402.

[0166] Communication unit 1401 is configured to receive a target application discovery request from a first user plane network element; the target application discovery request is used by a terminal to request an application instance of a target application; the terminal is a terminal belonging to a second operator network and roaming to the first operator network, and the first user plane network element is a user plane network element in the first operator network. Processing unit 1402 is configured to determine whether a second management entity in the second operator network has the terminal's registration information. Processing unit 1402 is further configured to determine a target network node in the first operator network that meets preset conditions; the target network node has an application instance of the target application. Processing unit 1402 is further configured to send first indication information to the first user plane network element, the first indication information being used to instruct the target network node.

[0167] Optionally, the processing unit 1402 is specifically used to: determine a first network node in the first operator network that has access to the first user plane network element and has a target application instance; determine a second network node in the first network node whose distance from the terminal meets a preset condition; and determine the network node in the second network node with the lowest computing power resource utilization rate as the target network node that meets the preset condition.

[0168] like Figure 15 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a communication device applied to a first user plane network element according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The first management entity is a management entity in a first operator network, and the first management entity communicates with a second management entity. The second management entity is a management entity in a second operator network. The management entities are used to manage at least one MEC, and data sharing occurs between the first and second operators. The communication device includes a communication unit 1501 and a processing unit 1502.

[0169] Processing unit 1502 is used to acquire a target application discovery request from a terminal; the target application discovery request is used by the terminal to request an application instance of a target application; the terminal is a terminal belonging to a second operator network and roaming to a first operator network; communication unit 1501 is used to send the target application discovery request to a first management entity; the first management entity is a management entity in the first operator network, the first management entity communicates with a second management entity, the second management entity is a management entity in the second operator network, and the management entity is used to manage at least one MEC; communication unit 1501 is also used to receive first indication information from the first management entity, the first indication information is used to indicate a target network node, the target network node is a target network node in the first operator network that meets preset conditions.

[0170] Optionally, the communication unit 1501 is specifically used for: sending first indication information to the terminal; receiving network node access request information from the terminal; the network node access request information is used to request access to the target network node; querying the address information of the target network node based on the network node access request information; and sending the network node access request information to the target network node.

[0171] This disclosure provides a communication device for executing the method required by any device in the aforementioned data integrity determination system. The communication device may be the communication device described in this disclosure, or a module within a communication device; it may also be a chip within a communication device, or other devices for executing the communication determination method; this disclosure does not limit the scope of the application.

[0172] This disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computer, perform each step of the method flow shown in the above method embodiments.

[0173] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program product containing instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the communication method described in the above method embodiments.

[0174] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip including a processor and a communication interface, the communication interface being coupled to the processor, the processor being used to run computer programs or instructions to implement the communication method as described in the above method embodiments.

[0175] The computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media (a non-exhaustive list) include: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), registers, hard disks, optical fibers, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing, or any other form of computer-readable storage medium in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium may also be a component of the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In this embodiment of the disclosure, the computer-readable storage medium can be any tangible medium that contains or stores a program that can be used by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0176] Since the apparatus, devices, computer-readable storage media, and computer program products in the embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the above methods, the technical effects they can achieve can also be referred to the above method embodiments. The embodiments of this disclosure will not be repeated here.

[0177] The above are merely specific embodiments of this disclosure, but the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a first management entity, which is a management entity in a first operator network. The first management entity communicates with a second management entity, which is a management entity in a second operator network. The management entity manages at least one Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC), and data is shared between the first operator and the second operator. The method includes: A target application discovery request is received from a first user plane network element; the target application discovery request is used by the terminal to request an application instance of the target application; the terminal is a terminal belonging to the second operator network and roaming to the first operator network, and the first user plane network element is a user plane network element in the first operator network; Determine whether the second management entity in the second operator network has the registration information of the terminal; In response to the second management entity in the second operator network having the registration information of the terminal, a target network node in the first operator network that meets preset conditions is determined; the target network node has an application instance of the target application; Send a first indication message to the first user plane network element, the first indication message being used to indicate the target network node.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The process of determining the target network node in the first operator's network that meets the preset conditions includes: A first network node is identified in the first operator network that is connected to the first user plane network element and contains the target application instance. Identify a second network node in the first network node whose distance from the terminal meets a preset condition; The network node with the lowest computing resource utilization rate among the second network nodes is identified as the target network node that meets the preset conditions.

3. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a first user plane network element in a first operator's network, enabling data sharing between the first operator and a second operator; the method includes: Obtain the target application discovery request of the terminal; the target application discovery request is used by the terminal to request the application instance of the target application; the terminal is a terminal belonging to the second operator network and roaming to the first operator network; The target application discovery request is sent to a first management entity; the first management entity is a management entity in a first operator network, the first management entity communicates with a second management entity, the second management entity is a management entity in a second operator network, and the management entity is used to manage at least one MEC; The system receives a first instruction from the first management entity, which is used to indicate a target network node. The target network node is a target network node in the first operator network that meets preset conditions. The target network node in the first operator network that meets the preset conditions is determined by the first management entity in response to the registration information of the terminal in the second management entity in the second operator network. The target network node has an application instance of the target application.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, After receiving the first instruction information from the first management entity, the method further includes: Send the first indication information to the terminal; Receive network node access request information from the terminal; the network node access request information is used to request access to the target network node; Based on the network node access request information, query the address information of the target network node; Send the network node access request information to the target network node.

5. A communication device, characterized in that, The device is applied to a first management entity, which is a management entity in a first operator network. The first management entity communicates with a second management entity, which is a management entity in a second operator network. The management entity is used to manage at least one MEC, and the first operator and the second operator share data. The device includes a communication unit and a processing unit. The communication unit is configured to receive a target application discovery request from a first user plane network element; the target application discovery request is used by the terminal to request an application instance of the target application; the terminal is a terminal belonging to the second operator network and roaming to the first operator network, and the first user plane network element is a user plane network element in the first operator network; The processing unit is used to determine whether the second management entity in the second operator network has the registration information of the terminal; If so, the processing unit is further configured to determine a target network node in the first operator network that meets the preset conditions; the target network node has an application instance of the target application; The processing unit is further configured to send first indication information to the first user plane network element, the first indication information being used to indicate the target network node.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The processing unit is specifically used for: A first network node is identified in the first operator network that is connected to the first user plane network element and contains the target application instance. Identify a second network node in the first network node whose distance from the terminal meets a preset condition; The network node with the lowest computing resource utilization rate among the second network nodes is identified as the target network node that meets the preset conditions.

7. A communication device, characterized in that, The device is applied to a first user plane network element in a first operator's network, enabling data sharing between the first operator and a second operator; the device includes: a communication unit and a processing unit. The processing unit is configured to acquire a target application discovery request from the terminal; the target application discovery request is used by the terminal to request an application instance of a target application; the terminal is a terminal belonging to the second operator network and roaming to the first operator network. The communication unit is used to send the target application discovery request to a first management entity; the first management entity is a management entity in a first operator network, the first management entity communicates with a second management entity, the second management entity is a management entity in a second operator network, and the management entity is used to manage at least one MEC; The communication unit is further configured to receive first indication information from the first management entity, the first indication information being used to indicate a target network node, the target network node being a target network node in the first operator network that meets preset conditions; the target network node in the first operator network that meets preset conditions is determined by the first management entity in response to the registration information of the terminal in the second management entity in the second operator network; the target network node has an application instance of the target application.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The communication unit is specifically used for: Send the first indication information to the terminal; Receive network node access request information from the terminal; the network node access request information is used to request access to the target network node; Based on the network node access request information, query the address information of the target network node; Send the network node access request information to the target network node.

9. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor and a communication interface; the communication interface is coupled to the processor, the processor being configured to run computer programs or instructions to implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-4.

10. A computer-readable storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the computer executes the instruction, the computer performs the communication method described in any one of claims 1-4.

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