A core network management system and its initial configuration and number allocation methods

Abstract

The present invention provides a core network management system and its initial configuration and number allocation methods, belonging to the field of network management technology, including: an SAC network element for implementing the configuration operation of the core network initial setup; a UC network element for implementing the account opening and number allocation functions; storing the metadata, installed network element type, version number, and service name of the SAC network element and the UC network element in a database; the network management sending MML configuration commands to the SAC network element and the UC network element downward, including: querying metadata from the metadata file in the database according to the network element ID, network element type, version number, and service name in the SAC network element and the UC network element, and generating a front-end function page according to the metadata; after the background server receives a customer operation data request, querying metadata from the database according to the network element ID, network element type, version number, and service name, generating corresponding MML commands according to the metadata, and sending them to the SAC network element and the UC network element. This system can solve the problem of MML format mismatch.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of network management, and particularly relates to a core network management system and its initial configuration and numbering methods. Background Art

[0002] The core network network management is the most important software for managing the core network. The network management generally has the following functions: Configuration management: mainly configuring the configuration items of each network element in the core network, often dozens to hundreds of items. It is complex and highly professional; Fault management: monitoring, collecting, storing, and analyzing the fault alarms reported by each network element within the core network office, which plays an important role in the healthy operation of the core network; Performance management: issuing, collecting, and storing the performance statistical data of each network element. It is mainly used to test and analyze the operation status of the core network under various conditions.

[0003] Security management: classifying and managing the legality and security of various operations in the core network, and at the same time providing the management of operation logs.

[0004] For traditional core network initial configuration, operators need to configure dozens or even hundreds of network element configuration items to enable the core network function. During the configuration process, not only are there strict requirements for the configuration item steps, but also for the professional knowledge of the operators, which greatly increases the customer's operation and maintenance costs. And when the traditional network management issues MML commands to network elements, it issues commands according to the agreed format; however, when the network elements are upgraded, the network management often needs to be synchronously upgraded to align with the MML changes, even if the network management itself has not been modified at all. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to overcome the deficiencies of the above-mentioned existing technologies, the present invention provides a core network management system and its initial configuration and numbering methods.

[0006] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0007] A core network management system and its initial configuration and numbering methods, including:

[0008] The SAC network element is used to implement the configuration operation for core network initial configuration. The SAC network element integrates the user plane function UPF network element, session management function SMF network element, access and mobility management function AMF network element, policy control function PCF network element, and provides registration and discovery function NRF network element;

[0009] The AMF network element is used to perform registration, connection, reachability, and mobility management;

[0010] The SMF network element is responsible for tunnel maintenance, IP address allocation and management, UPF function selection, control in policy implementation and QoS, charging data collection, and roaming;

[0011] The UPF network element is used for packet routing and forwarding, policy implementation, traffic reporting, and QoS processing;

[0012] The PCF network element is used for a unified policy framework and provides policy rules for control plane functions;

[0013] The NRF network element is used to enable network functions to discover each other and communicate through API interfaces;

[0014] The UC network element is used to implement the function of opening accounts and issuing numbers. The UC network element integrates the authentication server function AUSF network element, the unified data management function UDM network element, and the unified data storage function UDR network element;

[0015] The AUSF network element is used to implement 3GPP and non-3GPP access authentication;

[0016] The UDM network element is used for 3GPP AKA authentication, user identification, access authorization, registration, mobility, subscription, and SMS management;

[0017] The UDR network element is used for structured data storage and retrieval;

[0018] The database is used to store the metadata files of the SAC network element and the UC network element, the installed network element type, version number, and service name.

[0019] A method for initial configuration and number issuing based on a core network management system, characterized by including:

[0020] Query metadata from the metadata file in the database according to the network element ID, network element type, version number, and service name in the SAC network element and the UC network element, and generate a front-end function page according to the metadata;

[0021] After the network administrator performs configuration operations and number issuing operations on the front-end function page, send the operation data submitted by the network administrator and the network element ID, installed network element type, version number, and service name information to the background server;

[0022] After the background server receives the operation data submitted by the administrator and the network element ID, installed network element type, version number, and service name information, query metadata from the database according to the network element ID, installed network element type, version number, and service name, generate corresponding MML commands and send them to the SAC network element and the UC network element. The network elements in the SAC network element and the UC network element perform core network initial configuration or number issuing according to the MML commands.

[0023] Furthermore, after the network elements in the SAC network element and the UC network element process the MML commands, send a response to the background server;

[0024] The background server queries the response parameter list corresponding to the MML command from the metadata, parses the network element response data, and returns the result to the front-end page;

[0025] The front-end page prompts the result to the network management user.

[0026] Furthermore, the configuration operations of the SAC network element for core network initial setup include:

[0027] Configure global PLMN data;

[0028] Configure global routing configuration, and configure the routing information of the N3 interface and N6 interface in the UPF network element;

[0029] Configure the DNN data of the SMF network element and the DNN information in session policy management.

[0030] Furthermore, the number allocation operation of the UC network element includes:

[0031] Add authentication information according to the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI);

[0032] Add basic subscription information according to the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI);

[0033] Add session information according to the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI).

[0034] Furthermore, the front-end function page includes:

[0035] An addition function page for adding network user information;

[0036] A modification function page for modifying network user information;

[0037] A deletion function page for deleting network user information;

[0038] A query function page for querying network user information.

[0039] A core network management system and its initial setup configuration and number allocation method provided by the present invention have the following beneficial effects:

[0040] The present invention uses an SAC network element integrating multiple network elements to implement the configuration operation for the initial setup of the core network, and uses a UC network element integrating multiple network elements to implement the function of opening accounts and issuing numbers. The metadata of the network element, the installed network element type, the version number, and the service name are stored in a database. Before the network management system sends MML to the network element, it first reads the metadata file in the network element installation package to dynamically generate a configuration page, so as to generate corresponding MML commands according to the metadata, in order to shield the differences in MML between different versions of network elements. This solves the problem in the prior art that when the traditional network management system issues MML commands to network elements, the commands are issued according to a pre-agreed format; however, when the network elements are upgraded, the network management system often needs to be synchronously upgraded to align with the changes in MML, even if the network management system itself has not been modified at all. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention and their design solutions, the accompanying drawings required for these embodiments will be briefly introduced below. The drawings in the following description are only partial embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0042] Figure 1 It is the operation flowchart for deploying and installing the core network in the case of known station information in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 2 It is the operation flowchart for deploying and installing the core network in the case of unknown station information in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 3 It is the operation flowchart for number issuing operation of the UC network element of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0045] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of the present invention and implement them, the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. The following embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and should not be used to limit the protection scope of the present invention.

[0046] Embodiment:

[0047] The present invention provides a core network management system and its initial setup configuration and number issuing method, specifically as Figures 1-3 shown.

[0048] A core network management system, comprising: an SAC network element for implementing the configuration operations for the initial setup of the core network. The SAC network element integrates a User Plane Function (UPF) network element, a Session Management Function (SMF) network element, an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network element, a Policy Control Function (PCF) network element, and a Network Repository Function (NRF) network element that provides registration and discovery functions; the AMF network element is used to perform registration, connection, reachability, and mobility management; the SMF network element is responsible for tunnel maintenance, IP address allocation and management, UPF function selection, control in policy enforcement and QoS, charging data collection, and roaming; the UPF network element is used for packet routing and forwarding, policy enforcement, traffic reporting, and QoS processing; the PCF network element is used for a unified policy framework to provide policy rules for control plane functions; the NRF network element is used to enable network functions to discover each other and communicate through API interfaces.

[0049] A UC network element for implementing the function of opening accounts and issuing numbers. The UC network element integrates an Authentication Server Function (AUSF) network element, a Unified Data Management (UDM) network element, and a Unified Data Repository (UDR) network element; the AUSF network element is used to implement access authentication for 3GPP and non-3GPP; the UDM network element is used for 3GPP AKA authentication, user identification, access authorization, registration, mobility, subscription, and SMS management; the UDR network element is used for structured data storage and retrieval.

[0050] A database for storing metadata files, installed network element types, version numbers, and service names of the SAC network element and the UC network element.

[0051] A method for initial setup configuration and number issuing based on a core network management system, comprising:

[0052] Query metadata from the metadata files in the database according to the network element ID, network element type, version number, and service name in the SAC network element and the UC network element, and generate a front-end function page based on the metadata; after the user performs configuration operations and number issuing operations on the front-end function page, send the operation data submitted by the user and the information of the network element ID, installed network element type, version number, and service name to the back-end server; after receiving the operation data submitted by the user and the information of the network element ID, installed network element type, version number, and service name, the back-end server queries metadata from the database according to the network element ID, installed network element type, version number, and service name, generates corresponding MML commands and sends them to the SAC network element and the UC network element, and the network elements in the SAC network element and the UC network element perform core network initial setup configuration or number issuing according to the MML commands.

[0053] Specifically, the MML commands specifically include: bizName (business type), actionType (operation type, including query, modification, addition, deletion), and parameters (specific parameters). After the SAC receives the MML command, it finds the corresponding configuration function based on bizName and actionType, then passes the parameters to the function for execution, and finally returns the execution result.

[0054] Specifically, the configuration operations of the SAC network element are as follows:

[0055] 1. Configure MCC and MNC

[0056] The network management issues the MML command for configuring MCC and MNC through TCP, and the SAC network element configures the global PLMN data.

[0057] 2. Configure routing information

[0058] The network management issues the MML command for configuring routing information through TCP. The SAC network element first configures the global routing configuration, and then configures the routing information of ports N3 and N6 in the UPF network element.

[0059] 3. Configure DNN

[0060] The network management issues the MML command for configuring DNN through TCP. The SAC network element automatically configures the DNN data of the SMF network element and the DNN information in session policy management.

[0061] After the operator correctly configures, the configuration is issued to the SAC network element, and the network element returns the operation result. If the configuration is correct, the network start of this bureau is completed and can be used normally. The operator can use the number allocation function provided by the present invention to allocate numbers.

[0062] Specifically, the number allocation process of UC is as follows:

[0063] The UC network element integrates the functions of the AUSF, UDM, and UDR network elements. When executing the number allocation process, the network management issues the MML command to the SAC network element through the TCP message.

[0064] The number allocation process is as follows:

[0065] 1. Add authentication information:

[0066] The network management sends the MML command to UC through the TCP protocol. UC finds the corresponding configuration function based on bizName and actionType, then passes the parameters to the function for execution, and finally returns the execution result.

[0067] The MML commands are as follows: ADDAUTH: P1 = "V1", P2 = "V2",... (ADD is the actionType, AUTH is the bizName, and the following P1 = "V1", P2 = "V2" are several parameters)

[0068] 2. Add basic subscription data:

[0069] The process is the same as the previous step, and its MML command is: ADDBASIC: P1 = "V1", P2 = "V2",...

[0070] 3. Add session data:

[0071] The process is the same as the previous step, and the MML command is: ADDSESSION: P1 = "V1", P2 = "V2",...

[0072] The number allocation is successful. After the number allocation is successful, the user can access the core network by powering on the SIM card device that matches the IMSI filled in during the just-completed number allocation process.

[0073] The account cancellation process is as follows:

[0074] 1. Delete session data:

[0075] The MML command is: DELSESSION: P1 = "V1", P2 = "V2",...

[0076] 2. Delete basic subscription data:

[0077] The MML command is: DELBASIC: P1 = "V1", P2 = "V2",...

[0078] 3. Delete authentication data:

[0079] The MML command is: DELAUTH: P1 = "V1", P2 = "V2",...

[0080] As Figure 1 shown, specifically, the operations for deploying and installing the core network in the case of known local information include:

[0081] 1. Upload the SAC installation package.

[0082] 2. Execute the SAC installation process.

[0083] 3. Configure the SAC IP address network element ID.

[0084] 4. Use the quick configuration function.

[0085] 5. Upload the UC installation package.

[0086] 6. Execute the UC installation process.

[0087] 7. Use the UserCenter function to allocate numbers.

[0088] As Figure 2 shown, the operations for deploying and installing the core network in the case of unknown network information include.

[0089] 1. Upload the SAC installation package.

[0090] 2. Execute the SAC installation process.

[0091] 3. Configure the SAC IP address network element ID.

[0092] 4. Open the SAC detailed configuration and configure it according to the actual situation.

[0093] 5. Upload the UC installation package.

[0094] 6. Execute the UC installation process.

[0095] 8. Use the UserCenter function to allocate numbers.

[0096] Specifically, the SAC and UC network element installation and parsing processes are as follows:

[0097] 1. Upload the installation package.

[0098] 2. Start the installation process.

[0099] 3. The network management decompresses the installation package.

[0100] 4. The network management parses the business configuration metadata xml file list.

[0101] 5. The network management stores the parsed metadata, installation network element type, version number, and service name in the database.

[0102] 6. The installation is completed.

[0103] The above-described embodiments are only preferred specific implementation manners of the present invention, and the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any simple changes or equivalent replacements of technical solutions that can be obviously obtained by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A core network management system, characterized in that, it includes: The SAC network element is used to implement the configuration operations for the initial setup of the core network. The SAC network element integrates the user plane function UPF network element, session management function SMF network element, access and mobility management function AMF network element, policy control function PCF network element, and network function providing registration and discovery function NRF network element; The AMF network element is used to perform registration, connection, reachability, and mobility management; The SMF network element is responsible for tunnel maintenance, IP address allocation and management, UPF function selection, control in policy implementation and QoS, charging data collection, and roaming; The UPF network element is used for packet routing and forwarding, policy implementation, traffic reporting, and QoS processing; The PCF network element is used for a unified policy framework to provide policy rules for control plane functions; The NRF network element is used to enable network functions to discover each other and communicate through API interfaces; The UC network element is used to implement the account opening and number issuing function. The UC network element integrates the authentication server function AUSF network element, unified data management function UDM network element, and unified data repository function UDR network element; The AUSF network element is used to implement 3GPP and non-3GPP access authentication; The UDM network element is used for 3GPP AKA authentication, user identification, access authorization, registration, mobility, subscription, and SMS management; The UDR network element is used for structured data storage and retrieval; A database is used to store the metadata files of the SAC network element and the UC network element, the installed network element types, version numbers, and service names, so that the network management can query the metadata from the database according to the network element ID, installed network element type, version number, and service name, generate a configuration page based on the metadata, and generate corresponding MML commands to be sent to the SAC network element and the UC network element.

2. A method for initial setup configuration and number issuing of a core network management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, it includes: Query the metadata from the metadata files in the database according to the network element ID, network element type, version number, and service name in the SAC network element and the UC network element, and generate a front-end function page based on the metadata; After the network administrator performs configuration operations and number issuing operations on the front-end function page, send the operation data submitted by the network administrator and the information of the network element ID, installed network element type, version number, and service name to the back-end server; After the back-end server receives the operation data submitted by the administrator and the information of the network element ID, installed network element type, version number, and service name, query the metadata from the database according to the network element ID, installed network element type, version number, and service name, generate corresponding MML commands and send them to the SAC network element and the UC network element. The network elements in the SAC network element and the UC network element perform core network initial setup configuration or number issuing according to the MML commands.

3. A method for initial setup configuration and number issuing according to claim 2, characterized in that, After the network elements in the SAC network element and the UC network element process the MML commands, send a response to the back-end server; The back-end server queries the response parameter list of the corresponding MML command from the metadata, parses the network element response data, and returns the result to the front-end function page; The front-end function page prompts the result to the network management user.

4. A network startup configuration and number allocation method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, the configuration operations of the SAC network element for core network startup include: Configuring global PLMN data; Configuring global routing configuration and configuring the routing information of the N3 and N6 interfaces in the UPF network element; Configuring the DNN data of the SMF network element and the DNN information in session policy management.

5. A network startup configuration and number allocation method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, the number allocation operations of the UC network element include: Adding authentication information according to the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI); Adding basic subscription information according to the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI); Adding session information according to the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI).

6. A network startup configuration and number allocation method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, the front-end function pages include: An addition function page for adding network user information; A modification function page for modifying network user information; A deletion function page for deleting network user information; A query function page for querying network user information.

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