A method and device corresponding to 5GC architecture

Abstract

The present invention discloses a method and apparatus corresponding to a 5GC architecture, relating to the field of communications technology. The method and apparatus are used to enhance the scalability of the 5GC architecture and improve the efficiency of interconnection between network elements within the 5GC architecture. The method comprises: adding a data storage function (DSF) network element to the 5GC architecture; implementing the DSF network element based on a database and storing all data within the 5GC architecture; and obtaining and storing target data corresponding to all network elements within the 5GC architecture. The target data is then used by all network elements to obtain required historical data in the future. The present invention is applicable to scenarios where the 5GC architecture is being improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of communication technologies, and in particular to a method and apparatus corresponding to a 5GC architecture. Background Art

[0002] Currently, the application of the User Plane Function (UPF) in the 5G Core (5GC) is relatively clear. The forwarding plane of the 5G core network architecture adopts a control plane and user plane separation architecture. The control plane network elements and user plane network elements correspond to the Session Management Function (SMF) and UPF respectively. The SMF plane is responsible for processing control messages such as bearer establishment and signaling analysis. The UPF plane supports the routing and forwarding of user service data, service identification, action and policy execution, etc. 5G Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLC) and enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) have higher requirements for UPF to handle latency, bandwidth, jitter and packet loss rate.

[0003] However, existing 5GC solutions employ microservice interfaces, requiring network elements to determine which service interfaces to open. This complicates system expansion and interconnection, and the rollout of new services requires network element upgrades and modifications. This hinders decoupling between network elements and interoperability between network elements from different vendors. Consequently, the current 5GC architecture suffers from poor scalability and low interconnection efficiency between network elements. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a method and device corresponding to a 5GC architecture, which are used to enhance the scalability of the 5GC architecture and improve the docking efficiency between network elements in the 5GC architecture.

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] In a first aspect, a method corresponding to a 5GC architecture is provided, which includes: adding a data storage function DSF network element in the 5GC architecture; the DSF network element is implemented based on a database and is used to store all data in the 5GC architecture; the DSF network element obtains target data corresponding to all network elements included in the 5GC architecture and saves the target data, and the target data is used for all network elements to obtain required historical data in the future.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the DSF network element includes a first DSF network element, a second DSF network element and a third DSF network element; the first DSF network element is an upper-level DSF network element, and the second DSF network element and the third DSF network element are lower-level DSF network elements of the upper-level DSF network element; wherein, the second DSF network element is connected to a first part of network elements in all network elements, and the second DSF network element is used to obtain target data corresponding to the first part of network elements; the third DSF network element is connected to a second part of network elements in all network elements, and the third DSF network element is used to obtain target data corresponding to the second part of network elements, and the second DSF network element and the third DSF network element are connected for data sharing; the first DSF network element is connected to the upper-level DSF network element in other 5GC architectures for data sharing.

[0008] In a possible implementation, a method corresponding to a 5GC architecture also includes: adding a DSF probe network element in the 5GC architecture, the DSF probe network element is set at the physical network layer of the 5GC architecture, the DSF probe network element is used to monitor signaling messages between all network elements, and parse the signaling messages to obtain target data; the DSF probe network element transmits the target data to the DSF network element.

[0009] In one possible implementation, a method corresponding to a 5GC architecture further includes: adding a virtual network function VNF in the 5GC architecture, where the VNF is used to achieve collaborative work with the 5GC architecture based on the DSF network element; wherein the DSF network element and all network elements include a target interface, and the DSF network element communicates with all network elements through the target interface, and the target interface supports at least one of the following functions: adding data, deleting data, modifying data, querying data, and subscribing to data notifications.

[0010] In one possible implementation, a method corresponding to a 5GC architecture also includes: setting up a data middle station in the 5GC architecture, the data middle station includes a first DSF network element, a second DSF network element, a third DSF network element and other network elements, the other network elements are used to provide technical support for the operation of the data middle station, the data middle station is used to provide data support for the 5GC architecture, and the 5GC architecture is based on the data middle station and works with the stored target data as the core.

[0011] On the second aspect, a 5GC architecture device is provided, which includes: a setting unit, an acquisition unit and a storage unit; the setting unit is used to add a data storage function DSF network element in the 5GC architecture; the DSF network element is implemented based on a database and is used to store all data in the 5GC architecture; the acquisition unit is used by the DSF network element to obtain target data corresponding to all network elements included in the 5GC architecture; the storage unit is used by the DSF network element to save the target data, and the target data is used for all network elements to obtain required historical data in the future.

[0012] In a third aspect, a computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs is provided, wherein the one or more programs include instructions. When the instructions are executed by a computer, the computer executes a method corresponding to a 5GC architecture as in the first aspect.

[0013] In a fourth aspect, an electronic device includes: a processor and a memory; wherein the memory is used to store one or more programs, and the one or more programs include computer-executable instructions. When the electronic device is running, the processor executes the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory to enable the electronic device to execute a method corresponding to a 5GC architecture as in the first aspect.

[0014] The present invention provides a method and device corresponding to a 5GC architecture, which is applied to the scenario of improving the 5GC architecture. By adding a DSF network element based on a database to the 5GC architecture, the target data corresponding to all network elements included in the 5GC architecture can be obtained through the DSF network element, and the target data can be saved, thereby realizing the storage of all data in the 5GC architecture through the DSF network element, so that all network elements can obtain the required historical data from the DSF network element in the future. The present invention uses the newly added DSF network element as the data center of the entire 5GC architecture to store all configuration data and status data in the 5GC architecture, and the interaction between all network elements can also be realized through the DSF network element, so as to achieve decoupling between network elements. When new services and new network elements are put online, it is only necessary to interact with the DSF network element without modifying other network elements, thereby reducing the difficulty. Thereby, the scalability of the 5GC architecture is improved, and the docking efficiency between network elements is improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an existing 5GC architecture system structure;

[0016] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a 5GC architecture system structure provided by an embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 ;

[0017] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a method flow corresponding to a 5GC architecture provided by an embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 ;

[0018] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a method flow corresponding to a 5GC architecture provided by an embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 ;

[0019] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a 5GC architecture system structure provided by an embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 ;

[0020] Figure 6A schematic diagram of a 5GC architecture system structure provided by an embodiment of the present invention Figure 3 ;

[0021] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a 5GC architecture device structure provided by an embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 ;

[0022] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a 5GC architecture device structure provided by an embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 ;

[0023] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of an electronic device structure provided by an embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 ;

[0024] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of an electronic device structure provided by an embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0026] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, “ / ” means “or”. For example, A / B can mean A or B. “And / or” in this article is only a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. In addition, “at least one” and “a plurality of” refer to two or more. Words such as “first” and “second” do not limit the quantity and execution order, and words such as “first” and “second” do not necessarily limit them to be different.

[0027] In the current 5GC architecture, the application of the User Plane Function (UPF) network element in the core network is relatively clear. Figure 1As shown in the figure, the existing 5G core network architecture includes: Network Repository Function (NRF) 12, Authentication Server Function (AUSF) 13, Policy Control Function (PCF) 14, Application Function (AF) 15, Network Exposure Function (NEF) 16, Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) 17, Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 18, Unified Data Management (UDM) 19, SMF 20, UPF 21, and User Equipment (UE) 22. The forwarding plane adopts a control-user separation architecture, with the control plane network element and the user plane network element being the SMF network element and the UPF network element, respectively. The SMF network element is responsible for processing control messages such as bearer establishment and signaling analysis. The UPF network element supports routing and forwarding of user service data, service identification, action and policy execution, etc. 5G URLLC and eMBB have higher requirements for the processing latency, bandwidth, jitter and packet loss rate of the UPF network element.

[0028] The Unified Data Repository (UDR) function network element is located in the home network and integrates and stores various structured data: UDM network element contract data, PCF network element policy data, and data for exposing capabilities to third-party applications, application data, etc., to provide fully integrated user data management functions. The UDR network element provides the Nudr service interface for NFs related to the 5GC architecture, and is compatible with traditional UDC BE related interfaces, providing complete functions such as adding, deleting, modifying, searching, and subscribing to notifications. The Unstructured Data Storage Function (UDSF) is used to store unstructured data such as user session data, application context data, status data, etc. generated by various network functions in the 5G core network. The UDSF is located in the home network or visited network along with the computing NF.

[0029] A method corresponding to a 5GC architecture provided in an embodiment of the present invention can be applied to a 5GC architecture system. Figure 2 A structural diagram of the 5GC architecture system is shown in FIG. Figure 2As shown, the 5GC architecture system 10 includes a data storage function network element (DSF) 11, an NRF network element 12, an AUSF network element 13, a PCF network element 14, an AF network element 15, an NEF network element 16, an NSSF network element 17, an AMF network element 18, an UDM network element 19, an SMF network element 20, an UPF network element 21, a user equipment UE 22, and an unstructured data storage UDSF network element 23. The 5GC architecture system 10 may also include multiple other network elements. The DSF network element 11 may include multiple DSF network elements and is connected to the NRF network element 12, the AUSF network element 13, the PCF network element 14, the AF network element 15, the NEF network element 16, the NSSF network element 17, the AMF network element 18, the UDM network element 19, the SMF network element 20, the UPF network element 21, the user equipment UE 22, and the UDSF network element 23. The DSF network element 11, NRF network element 12, AUSF network element 13, PCF network element 14, AF network element 15, NEF network element 16, NSSF network element 17, AMF network element 18, UDM network element 19, SMF network element 20, UPF network element 21, user equipment UE22 and UDSF network element 23 can be connected by wire or wirelessly, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] The 5GC architecture system 10 can be used in the Internet of Things. The 5GC architecture system 10 can include hardware such as multiple central processing units (CPUs), multiple memories, and storage devices storing multiple operating systems.

[0031] The DSF network element 11 can be used in the Internet of Things to obtain data corresponding to all network elements included in the 5GC architecture and store this data. The UE 22 can also be used in the Internet of Things to control the DSF network element 11.

[0032] The NRF network element 12 can be used in the Internet of Things to provide registration and discovery functions, enabling network functions to discover each other and communicate through an API interface.

[0033] The AUSF network element 13 can be used in the Internet of Things to request the identity authentication of the UE. It requests a key from the UDM network element and then forwards the key issued by the UDM network element to the AMF network element for authentication processing to achieve access authentication, which is similar to the authentication function in the MME and the authentication data management in the HSS.

[0034] The PCF network element 14 can be used in the Internet of Things to support a unified policy framework to manage network behavior, provide policy planning to the network body for implementation, and access information of the UDR network element.

[0035] The AF network element 15 can be used in the Internet of Things. If an AF network element is trustworthy, it can interact with various network elements. If it is untrustworthy, it must interact with the NEF network element.

[0036] NEF network element 16 can be used in the Internet of Things to open the functions of each NF, convert internal and external information, and be used in edge computing scenarios.

[0037] NSSF network element 17 can be used in the Internet of Things to determine the network slice instance that the UE network element is allowed to access based on the slice selection auxiliary information, contract information, etc. of the UE network element.

[0038] The AMF network element 18 can be used in the Internet of Things to perform registration, connection, reachability, and mobility management, provide a session management message transmission channel for UE network elements and SMF network elements, provide authentication and authorization functions for user access, and is the access point for the terminal and wireless core network control panel.

[0039] The UDM network element 19 can be used in the Internet of Things for 3GPP AKA authentication, user identification, access authorization, registration, mobility, subscription, SMS management, etc.

[0040] The SMF network element 20 can be used in the Internet of Things. It selects the UPF network element based on the granularity of the UE network element or the session, allocates IP addresses, collects billing data, and connects to the billing center.

[0041] The UPF network element 21 can be used in the Internet of Things for packet routing and forwarding, policy implementation, traffic reporting, and QoS processing. It is similar to the SGW and PGW user plane functions in 4G. It is the anchor point of the session and records the traffic forwarding volume.

[0042] It should be noted that the DSF network element 11, NRF network element 12, AUSF network element 13, PCF network element 14, AF network element 15, NEF network element 16, NSSF network element 17, AMF network element 18, UDM network element 19, SMF network element 20, UPF network element 21, user equipment UE22 and UDSF network element 23 can be independent devices or integrated into the same device. The present invention does not make specific limitations on this.

[0043] When the DSF network element 11, NRF network element 12, AUSF network element 13, PCF network element 14, AF network element 15, NEF network element 16, NSSF network element 17, AMF network element 18, UDM network element 19, SMF network element 20, UPF network element 21, user equipment UE22 and UDSF network element 23 are integrated into the same device, the communication method between the DSF network element 11, NRF network element 12, AUSF network element 13, PCF network element 14, AF network element 15, NEF network element 16, NSSF network element 17, AMF network element 18, UDM network element 19, SMF network element 20, UPF network element 21, user equipment UE22 and UDSF network element 23 is the communication between the internal modules of the device. In this case, the communication process between the two is the same as "the communication process between the DSF network element 11, NRF network element 12, AUSF network element 13, PCF network element 14, AF network element 15, NEF network element 16, NSSF network element 17, AMF network element 18, UDM network element 19, SMF network element 20, UPF network element 21, user equipment UE22 and UDSF network element 23 when they are independent of each other."

[0044] In the following embodiments provided by the present invention, the present invention is explained by taking the DSF network element 11, NRF network element 12, AUSF network element 13, PCF network element 14, AF network element 15, NEF network element 16, NSSF network element 17, AMF network element 18, UDM network element 19, SMF network element 20, UPF network element 21, user equipment UE22 and UDSF network element 23 as examples of independent settings.

[0045] The following describes a method corresponding to a 5GC architecture provided by an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] like Figure 3 As shown, a method corresponding to a 5GC architecture provided by an embodiment of the present invention is applied to a 5GC architecture device including multiple memories and multiple central processing units (CPUs), including S201-S202:

[0047] S201. Add a data storage function DSF network element in the 5GC architecture.

[0048] Among them, the DSF network element is implemented based on the database and is used to store all data in the 5GC architecture.

[0049] As a possible implementation approach, the 5GC architecture system can be abstractly categorized and modeled into system data, network element device data, user data, and session data. Each data type can be further subdivided. System data includes system identification, office data, managed network element data tables, managed user data tables, and managed session data tables; network element device data includes network element identification, vendor, permissions, and operating status; user data includes user information and current access status; and session data includes session information and current status.

[0050] It should be noted that in the existing technical solutions, the above-mentioned multiple data are stored in the corresponding network elements respectively. When data is exchanged between network elements, due to the microservice interface method adopted by the existing 5GC thickening, the network elements need to determine which service interfaces to open. The system expansion and docking are complex. The launch of new services requires upgrading and transformation of network elements, which is not conducive to the decoupling between network elements and the docking between network elements of different manufacturers. This application integrates all the data included in the 5GC architecture by adding DSF network elements, thereby improving the interaction efficiency between network elements in the 5GC architecture.

[0051] As a possible implementation method, the present invention plans the source data of the stored data in accordance with the abstract classification and modeling method of the above-mentioned 5GC architecture system through the newly added DSF network element in the 5GC architecture, and can be expanded as needed.

[0052] S202. The DSF network element obtains target data corresponding to all network elements included in the 5GC architecture and saves the target data.

[0053] The target data is used to obtain the required historical data for all network elements in the future.

[0054] As a possible implementation method, the DSF network element can actively obtain all data generated by all network elements included in the 5GC architecture, and obtain the data generated when all network elements interact with each other; or, when each network element included in the 5GC architecture generates data, each network element can transmit the data to the DSF network element for storage in the DSF network element.

[0055] It can be understood that the DSF network element newly added in the 5GC architecture of the present invention is used to store the historical data (i.e., target data) of all network elements included in the 5GC architecture, so that network elements that need historical data in the later stage can directly obtain the required historical data of other network elements from the DSF network element.

[0056] As a possible implementation method, during the operation of the 5GC architecture system, when any network element among all the network elements included conducts signaling interaction, the two network elements can conduct transit interaction through the DSF network element, thereby achieving decoupling between network elements of different manufacturers and conducting normal signaling interaction.

[0057] As a possible implementation method, when new services or new network elements are needed in the 5GC architecture system, signaling interaction can be directly performed with the DSF network element without modifying the settings of other network elements.

[0058] It should be noted that the present invention uses a new DSF network element to store all configuration data and status data in the 5GC architecture system. The interaction between network elements is also realized through this network element. Because its function can replace the existing UDM network element, UDSF network element and UDR network element, the UDM network element, UDSF network element and UDR network element can be cancelled in the new 5GC architecture system. In this architecture, the data storage in the newly added DSF network element is organized and stored according to the 5GC architecture model, which facilitates network expansion, digital twins of mobile networks, minimalist networks, network domain division and inter-domain collaboration.

[0059] In an embodiment of the present invention, the purpose of the present invention is to use a centralized data storage network element (i.e., a DSF network element) as the data center of the entire 5GC architecture system to store all configuration data and status data during the operation of the 5GC architecture system. Interactions between network elements are also transferred through the data storage network element, so as to achieve decoupling between network elements, and new services and new network elements only need to interact with the DSF network element to go online, without the need to modify other network elements, thereby reducing engineering difficulty. The unified data center can also provide standard interfaces for adding, deleting, modifying, and searching corresponding interfaces, changing the interaction process from service to data, which is more conducive to business innovation and helps the evolution and realization of the network into an intelligent network and a domain-divided and layered network.

[0060] In one design, the DSF network element includes a first DSF network element, a second DSF network element and a third DSF network element; the first DSF network element is an upper-level DSF network element, and the second DSF network element and the third DSF network element are lower-level DSF network elements of the upper-level DSF network element.

[0061] As a possible implementation method, the second DSF network element is connected to the first part of the network elements in all the network elements, and the second DSF network element is used to obtain the target data corresponding to the first part of the network elements. The third DSF network element is connected to the second part of the network elements in all the network elements, and the third DSF network element is used to obtain the target data corresponding to the second part of the network elements. The second DSF network element and the third DSF network element are connected for data sharing; the first DSF network element is connected to the upper-level DSF network elements in other 5GC architectures for data sharing.

[0062] As a possible implementation method, multiple DSF network elements can be deployed in a 5GC architecture system based on the system scale and performance requirements, master and backup security requirements, etc. When multiple DSF network elements are deployed, one of them must be designated as the master DSF network element to achieve cross-domain collaboration between multiple 5GC architecture systems. Multiple DSF network elements within the same 5GC architecture system also adopt a hierarchical management method, combined with Figure 2 As shown, the DSF network element is the upper storage node, which is divided into DSF0 network element and DSF1 network element. The two sub-storage nodes are used for different network element functions. There is an interface between the DSF0 network element and DSF1 network element at the same level for data synchronization.

[0063] In the embodiments of the present invention, two interaction schemes between DSF network elements and other network elements are also proposed. One is that the interaction process between the original network elements still uses the service-oriented interface defined by 3GPP, and an additional copy of the data is sent to the DSF network element. The other is to use the DSF network element as a transit point for the process interaction between the original service network elements. The data structure is organized in the DSF network element using a class method. A system can have multiple DSF network elements for data storage; the DSF network elements are organized in a leaf-spine structure to maintain interoperability and synchronize data in a hierarchical manner.

[0064] In one design, in order to reduce the degree of modification of network elements in the 5GC architecture, such as Figure 4 As shown, a method corresponding to a 5GC architecture provided in an embodiment of the present invention may further include the following S301-S302.

[0065] S301. Add a DSF probe network element to the 5GC architecture.

[0066] Among them, the DSF probe network element is set at the physical network layer of the 5GC architecture. The DSF probe network element is used to monitor the signaling messages between all network elements and parse the signaling messages to obtain target data.

[0067] S302. The DSF probe network element transmits the target data to the DSF network element.

[0068] As a possible implementation, Figure 5 As shown, since the evolution of the signaling interface process of the above-mentioned 5GC architecture system requires a relatively large transformation of the interfaces between network elements in the current 5GC architecture, a 5GC architecture system in the transition stage is proposed.

[0069] As a possible implementation method, the 5GC architecture system maintains the existing 5GC architecture system, and on the basis of adding a new DSF network element, a new DSF probe network element 24 is added. The DSF probe network element 24 is deployed in the physical network layer of the 5GC architecture system, monitors the signaling messages between all network elements in the 5GC architecture system, and parses the messages to obtain the data in the messages, and then calls the corresponding interface to update the data in the DSF network element, so that the data status in the DSF network element is kept consistent with the 5GC system status in real time.

[0070] In one design, in order to achieve collaborative work with the 5GC architecture, an embodiment of the present invention provides a method corresponding to the 5GC architecture, which may further include the following S401.

[0071] S401. Add virtual network functions (VNFs) to the 5GC architecture.

[0072] The VNF is used to collaborate with the 5GC architecture based on the DSF network element. The DSF network element and all network elements include a target interface, through which the DSF network element communicates with all network elements. The target interface supports at least one of the following functions: adding data, deleting data, modifying data, querying data, and subscribing to data notifications.

[0073] As a possible implementation, combining Figure 5 As shown, the VNF25 provided in this embodiment of the present invention is connected to the DSF network element to achieve collaborative work with the 5GC architecture based on the DSF network element.

[0074] It should be noted that in existing technical solutions, the communication interfaces between various network elements in the 5GC architecture are corresponding to each network element. The functions of the communication interfaces corresponding to different network elements are different, and they are not universal communication interfaces. For example, in the existing 5GC architecture, the communication interface of the NRF network element is the Nnrf interface, the communication interface of the AUSF network element is the Nausf interface, the communication interface of the PCF network element is the Npcf interface, and the communication interface of the AMF network element is the Namf interface.

[0075] As a possible implementation manner, the communication interface between network elements provided in the embodiment of the present invention is a unified communication interface, which may be an Ndsf interface, and can implement the communication functions required by each network element.

[0076] It's also important to note that VNF ​​network elements include VNFs and EMSs. VNFs are network functions, while EMSs are element management systems that configure and manage VNF functions. Generally, there's a one-to-one correspondence between EMSs and VNFs. VNFs can be understood as virtual network function units within the NFV architecture. This can be understood as the process of virtualizing the functions of existing physical network elements in a telecommunications service network. These elements are deployed as software modules on the virtual resources provided by NFVI, thereby achieving network function virtualization.

[0077] This also involves the development of NFV network elements, which can be divided into the primary and advanced stages. The primary stage involves converting the software execution environment based on traditional hardware into a dedicated virtualized environment based on VMs on general-purpose hardware. The advanced stage involves splitting VNFs into microservices or single-function VNFs, then combining them and leveraging Docker technology to build a software-programmable data model for integrated and automated management.

[0078] As a possible implementation, each network element in the 5GC architecture communicates with the DSF network element through a target interface (e.g., the Ndsf interface), supporting data addition, deletion, modification, search, and subscription notification. The original signaling interface process between network elements has evolved into: Network element A calls the Ndsf interface to modify data d stored in the DSF network element. The DSF network element notifies network element B of the change in its subscribed data d, and network element B processes the change in data d.

[0079] In one design, in order to transform the 5GC architecture from a device- and network-element-centric architecture to a data-centric architecture, where all network elements operate and work around data, a method corresponding to the 5GC architecture provided in an embodiment of the present invention may further include the following S501.

[0080] S501. Set up a data middle platform in the 5GC architecture.

[0081] Among them, the data middle platform includes the first DSF network element, the second DSF network element, the third DSF network element and other network elements. Other network elements are used to provide technical support for the operation of the data middle platform. The data middle platform is used to provide data support for the 5GC architecture. The 5GC architecture is based on the data middle platform and works with the stored target data as the core.

[0082] As a possible implementation, Figure 6 As shown in the figure, in actual construction, in combination with the concept of data middle platform, the DSF network element is improved into the data middle platform 30 of the 5GC architecture system, providing data support for the entire 5GC architecture system and enabling the network elements in the 5GC architecture system to operate on the data middle platform 30. This transforms the existing 5GC architecture system from a device and network element-centric architecture to a data-centric architecture, with all network elements operating around data operations.

[0083] In this embodiment, a full data storage network element (DSF) is introduced into the 5GC architecture system. This network element is used to store all status data, configuration data, temporary data, and permanent data of the control plane network elements. This network element supports hierarchical deployment and cross-domain and cross-layer data synchronization. A universal data access interface is also proposed, allowing any network element to access data with permission, reducing the difficulty of decoupling between different vendors.

[0084] The embodiments of the present invention provide a method and device corresponding to a 5GC architecture, which are applied to the scenario of improving the 5GC architecture. By adding a DSF network element based on a database to the 5GC architecture, the target data corresponding to all network elements included in the 5GC architecture can be obtained through the DSF network element, and the target data can be saved, thereby realizing the storage of all data in the 5GC architecture through the DSF network element, so that all network elements can obtain the required historical data from the DSF network element in the future. The present invention uses the newly added DSF network element as the data center of the entire 5GC architecture to store all configuration data and status data in the 5GC architecture, and the interaction between all network elements can also be realized through the DSF network element, so as to achieve decoupling between network elements. When new services and new network elements are put online, it is only necessary to interact with the DSF network element without modifying other network elements, thereby reducing the difficulty. Thereby, the scalability of the 5GC architecture is improved, and the docking efficiency between network elements is improved.

[0085] The above mainly introduces the solution provided by the embodiment of the present invention from the perspective of method. In order to realize the above functions, it includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should easily realize that, in combination with the units and algorithm steps of each example described in the embodiment disclosed herein, the embodiment of the present invention can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in the form of hardware or computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of the present invention.

[0086] In an embodiment of the present invention, a 5GC architecture device can be divided into functional modules based on the above-described method example. For example, each functional module can be divided according to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into a single processing module. The above-described integrated modules can be implemented in the form of hardware or software functional modules. Optionally, the module division in the embodiment of the present invention is illustrative and represents only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used.

[0087] Figure 7This is a structural diagram of a 5GC architecture device provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 As shown, a 5GC architecture device 50 is used to enhance the scalability of the 5GC architecture and improve the docking efficiency between network elements in the 5GC architecture, for example, for executing Figure 3 The method corresponding to a 5GC architecture shown in FIG. 5GC architecture apparatus 50 includes: a setting unit 501 , an acquiring unit 502 and a storage unit 503 .

[0088] The setting unit 501 is used to add a data storage function DSF network element in the 5GC architecture; the DSF network element is implemented based on a database and is used to store all data in the 5GC architecture.

[0089] The acquisition unit 502 is used for the DSF network element to obtain target data corresponding to all network elements included in the 5GC architecture.

[0090] The storage unit 503 is used for the DSF network element to store target data, and the target data is used for all network elements to obtain required historical data in the future.

[0091] Optionally, in a 5GC architecture device 50 provided in an embodiment of the present invention, the DSF network element includes a first DSF network element, a second DSF network element and a third DSF network element; the first DSF network element is an upper-level DSF network element, and the second DSF network element and the third DSF network element are lower-level DSF network elements of the upper-level DSF network element; wherein, the second DSF network element is connected to a first part of network elements in all network elements, and the second DSF network element is used to obtain target data corresponding to the first part of network elements; the third DSF network element is connected to a second part of network elements in all network elements, and the third DSF network element is used to obtain target data corresponding to the second part of network elements, and the second DSF network element and the third DSF network element are connected for data sharing; the first DSF network element is connected to the upper-level DSF network elements in other 5GC architectures for data sharing.

[0092] Optional, combined Figure 7 ,like Figure 8 As shown, a 5GC architecture device 50 provided by an embodiment of the present invention further includes: a transmission unit 504.

[0093] The setting unit 501 is also used to add a DSF probe network element in the 5GC architecture. The DSF probe network element is set in the physical network layer of the 5GC architecture. The DSF probe network element is used to monitor signaling messages between all network elements and parse the signaling messages to obtain target data.

[0094] The transmission unit 504 is used for the DSF probe network element to transmit the target data to the DSF network element.

[0095] Optional, such as Figure 7As shown, the setting unit 501 provided in an embodiment of the present invention is also used to add a virtual network function VNF in the 5GC architecture, and the VNF is used to achieve collaborative work with the 5GC architecture based on the DSF network element; wherein, the DSF network element and all network elements include a target interface, and the DSF network element communicates with all network elements through the target interface, and the target interface supports at least one of the following functions: adding data, deleting data, modifying data, querying data, and subscribing to data notifications.

[0096] Optional, such as Figure 7 As shown, the setting unit 501 provided in the embodiment of the present invention is also used to set up a data middle station in the 5GC architecture. The data middle station includes a first DSF network element, a second DSF network element, a third DSF network element and other network elements. The other network elements are used to provide technical support for the operation of the data middle station. The data middle station is used to provide data support for the 5GC architecture. The 5GC architecture is based on the data middle station and works with the stored target data as the core.

[0097] In the case of implementing the functions of the above-mentioned integrated modules in the form of hardware, the embodiment of the present invention provides another possible structural diagram of the electronic device involved in the above-mentioned embodiment. Figure 9 As shown, an electronic device 60 is used to enhance the scalability of the 5GC architecture and improve the docking efficiency between network elements in the 5GC architecture, for example, for performing Figure 3 A method corresponding to a 5GC architecture is shown. The electronic device 60 includes a processor 601, a memory 602, and a bus 603. The processor 601 and the memory 602 can be connected via a bus 603.

[0098] Processor 601 is the control center of the communication device and can be a single processor or a collective term for multiple processing elements. For example, processor 601 can be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU) or other general-purpose processor. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0099] As an embodiment, the processor 601 may include one or more CPUs, such as Figure 9 CPU 0 and CPU 1 are shown in Figure 1.

[0100] The memory 602 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device that can store static information and instructions, a random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device that can store information and instructions, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a magnetic disk storage medium or other magnetic storage device, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited thereto.

[0101] As a possible implementation, memory 602 can exist independently of processor 601 and can be connected to processor 601 via bus 603 to store instructions or program codes. When processor 601 calls and executes the instructions or program codes stored in memory 602, a method corresponding to a 5GC architecture provided in an embodiment of the present invention can be implemented.

[0102] In another possible implementation, the memory 602 may also be integrated with the processor 601 .

[0103] Bus 603 can be an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, or an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus. This bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 9 Only one thick line is used in the diagram, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0104] It should be pointed out that Figure 9 The structure shown does not constitute a limitation on the electronic device 60. Figure 9 In addition to the components shown, the electronic device 60 may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or arrange the components differently.

[0105] As an example, combining Figure 7 The functions implemented by the collection unit 501, the transmission unit 502, the acquisition unit 503 and the determination unit 504 in the electronic device are the same as those implemented by the Figure 9 The functions of the processor 601 in are the same.

[0106] Optional, such as Figure 9 As shown, the electronic device 60 provided by the embodiment of the present invention may further include a communication interface 604 .

[0107] The communication interface 604 is used to connect to other devices via a communication network. The communication network can be Ethernet, wireless access network, wireless local area network (WLAN), etc. The communication interface 604 can include a receiving unit for receiving data and a sending unit for sending data.

[0108] In one design, in the electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present invention, the communication interface may also be integrated into the processor.

[0109] Figure 10 FIG. 2 shows another hardware structure of an electronic device in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 As shown, the electronic device 80 may include a processor 801, a communication interface 802, a memory 803, and a bus 804. The processor 801 is coupled to the communication interface 802 and the memory 803.

[0110] The functions of the processor 801 may refer to the description of the processor 601. In addition, the processor 801 also has a storage function, which may refer to the function of the memory 602.

[0111] The communication interface 802 is used to provide data to the processor 801. The communication interface 802 can be an internal interface of the communication device, or an external interface of the communication device (equivalent to the communication interface 604).

[0112] It should be pointed out that Figure 10 The structure shown in the figure does not constitute a limitation on the electronic device 80, except Figure 10 In addition to the components shown, the electronic device 80 may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or arrange the components differently.

[0113] Through the description of the above embodiments, those skilled in the art will clearly understand that for the sake of convenience and brevity, only the division of the above-mentioned functional units is used as an example. In actual applications, the above-mentioned functions can be distributed and completed by different functional units as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional units to complete all or part of the functions described above. The specific working processes of the above-mentioned systems, devices, and units can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0114] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which instructions are stored. When a computer executes the instructions, the computer executes each step in the method flow shown in the above method embodiment.

[0115] An embodiment of the present invention provides a computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute a method corresponding to a 5GC architecture in the above-mentioned method embodiment.

[0116] Among them, the computer-readable storage medium can be, for example, but not limited to, an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, device or device, or any combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media (a non-exhaustive list) include: an electrical connection with 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), a register, a hard disk, an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any other form of computer-readable storage medium in a suitable combination of the above, or a numerical value in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be an integral part of the processor. The processor and the storage medium can be located in an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In embodiments of the present invention, computer-readable storage media may be any tangible media that contains or stores a program that can be used by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0117] Since the electronic device, computer-readable storage medium, and computer program product in the embodiments of the present invention can be applied to the above method, the technical effects that can be obtained can also refer to the above method embodiments, and the embodiments of the present invention will not be repeated here.

[0118] The above are only specific embodiments of the present invention, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any changes or replacements within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method corresponding to a 5GC architecture, applied to a 5GC architecture device, characterized in that: include: A new data storage function DSF network element is added to the 5GC architecture; the DSF network element is implemented based on a database and is used to store all data in the 5GC architecture; The DSF network element obtains target data corresponding to all network elements included in the 5GC architecture and saves the target data, which is used for all network elements to obtain required historical data in the future.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The DSF network element includes a first DSF network element, a second DSF network element and a third DSF network element; the first DSF network element is an upper-level DSF network element, and the second DSF network element and the third DSF network element are lower-level DSF network elements of the upper-level DSF network element; Among them, the second DSF network element is connected to the first part of network elements in all network elements, and the second DSF network element is used to obtain the target data corresponding to the first part of network elements. The third DSF network element is connected to the second part of network elements in all network elements, and the third DSF network element is used to obtain the target data corresponding to the second part of network elements, and the second DSF network element and the third DSF network element are connected for data sharing; the first DSF network element is connected to the upper-level DSF network elements in other 5GC architectures for data sharing.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The method further comprises: A DSF probe network element is added to the 5GC architecture. The DSF probe network element is set at the physical network layer of the 5GC architecture. The DSF probe network element is used to monitor signaling messages between all network elements and parse the signaling messages to obtain the target data. The DSF probe network element transmits the target data to the DSF network element.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The method further comprises: Adding a virtual network function (VNF) to the 5GC architecture, wherein the VNF is used to achieve collaborative work with the 5GC architecture based on the DSF network element; Among them, the DSF network element and all the network elements include a target interface, the DSF network element communicates with all the network elements through the target interface, and the target interface supports at least one of the following functions: adding new data, deleting data, modifying data, querying data and subscribing to data notifications.

5. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The method also includes: setting up a data middle station in the 5GC architecture, the data middle station including the first DSF network element, the second DSF network element, the third DSF network element and other network elements, the other network elements are used to provide technical support for the operation of the data middle station, the data middle station is used to provide data support for the 5GC architecture, and the 5GC architecture is based on the data middle station and works with the stored target data as the core.

6. A 5GC architecture device, characterized in that: include: Set unit, get unit and store unit; The setting unit is used to add a data storage function DSF network element in the 5GC architecture; The DSF network element is implemented based on a database and is used to store all data in the 5GC architecture; The acquisition unit is used for the DSF network element to acquire target data corresponding to all network elements included in the 5GC architecture; The storage unit is used for the DSF network element to store the target data, and the target data is used for all network elements to obtain required historical data in the future.

7. A 5GC architecture device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The DSF network element includes a first DSF network element, a second DSF network element and a third DSF network element; the first DSF network element is an upper-level DSF network element, and the second DSF network element and the third DSF network element are lower-level DSF network elements of the upper-level DSF network element; Among them, the second DSF network element is connected to the first part of network elements in all network elements, and the second DSF network element is used to obtain the target data corresponding to the first part of network elements. The third DSF network element is connected to the second part of network elements in all network elements, and the third DSF network element is used to obtain the target data corresponding to the second part of network elements, and the second DSF network element and the third DSF network element are connected for data sharing; the first DSF network element is connected to the upper-level DSF network elements in other 5GC architectures for data sharing.

8. A 5GC architecture device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: The 5GC architecture device further includes: a transmission unit; The setting unit is further configured to add a DSF probe network element to the 5GC architecture, wherein the DSF probe network element is configured in the physical network layer of the 5GC architecture, and the DSF probe network element is configured to monitor signaling messages between all network elements and parse the signaling messages to obtain the target data; The transmission unit is used for the DSF probe network element to transmit the target data to the DSF network element.

9. A 5GC architecture device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The setting unit is further configured to add a virtual network function (VNF) in the 5GC architecture, wherein the VNF is configured to collaborate with the 5GC architecture based on the DSF network element; Among them, the DSF network element and all the network elements include a target interface, the DSF network element communicates with all the network elements through the target interface, and the target interface supports at least one of the following functions: adding new data, deleting data, modifying data, querying data and subscribing to data notifications.

10. The 5GC architecture device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The setting unit is also used to set up a data middle station in the 5GC architecture. The data middle station includes the first DSF network element, the second DSF network element, the third DSF network element and other network elements. The other network elements are used to provide technical support for the operation of the data middle station. The data middle station is used to provide data support for the 5GC architecture. The 5GC architecture is based on the data middle station and works with the stored target data as the core.

11. A computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs, characterized in that: The one or more programs include instructions, which, when executed by a computer, enable the computer to execute a method corresponding to a 5GC architecture as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

12. An electronic device, characterized in that: include: A processor and a memory; wherein the memory is used to store one or more programs, and the one or more programs include computer-executable instructions. When the electronic device is running, the processor executes the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory to enable the electronic device to execute a method corresponding to a 5GC architecture according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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