A fault reporting method and a network element

Abstract

The application provides a fault reporting method and a network element, and relates to the technical field of communication. The fault reporting method comprises the following steps: detecting the link state of a first network element link, wherein the first network element link is a link between the first network element and a data network; and sending a reporting message carrying the link state of the first network element link to a second network element in the case that the first network element link is faulty or the fault of the first network element link has been recovered. The second network element can select or reselect the first network element or a third network element based on the reporting message carrying the link state of the first network element link, reduce the weight of selecting a faulty network element for a special terminal group, and thus reduce the probability of service failure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a fault reporting method and network element. Background Technology

[0002] For leased line services in mobile communication systems, terminals typically subscribe to a specific Access Point Name (APN) and / or Data Network Name (DNN) and / or Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI). During Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session establishment, a second network element selects a first network element for the terminal based on this specific APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI. For example, the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) selects a Session Management Function (SMF) for the terminal based on this specific APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI. The SMF then selects a User Plane Function (UPF) for the terminal based on this specific APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI, and communicates with the data network through the link between the selected UPF and the data network. Currently, when selecting the first network element for a terminal, the second network element randomly selects the first network element from a relevant set based on information such as APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI. If the link between the first network element and the data network fails, the terminal may be selected with the first network element corresponding to the faulty link, resulting in service failure. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides a fault reporting method and network element to address the problem that when a link between the first network element and the data network fails, the terminal may select the first network element corresponding to the faulty link, leading to a high probability of service failure.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention is implemented as follows:

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a fault reporting method for a first network element, the method comprising:

[0006] Detect the link status of the first network element link, where the first network element link is the link between the first network element and the data network;

[0007] If the first network element link fails or the failure of the first network element link has been recovered, a reporting message carrying the link status of the first network element link is sent to the second network element.

[0008] Optionally, the reported message includes the Access Point Name (APN) and / or Data Network Name (DNN) and / or Single Network Slice Selection Assist Information (S-NSSAI) corresponding to the first network element link.

[0009] Optionally, sending a report message carrying the link status of the first network element link to the second network element includes:

[0010] When the fault notification switch is in the on state, a report message carrying the link status of the first network element link is sent to the second network element.

[0011] Optionally, the first network element link includes at least one of the following:

[0012] N6 interface link, SGi interface link, Gi interface link, virtual private network, tunnel between the first network element and the data network.

[0013] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention provide a fault reporting method applied to a second network element, the method comprising:

[0014] Obtain the link status of the first network element link, where the first network element link is the link between the first network element and the data network;

[0015] The link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, or that the failure of the first network element link has been recovered.

[0016] Optionally, obtaining the link status of the first network element link includes:

[0017] Receive a report message from the first network element carrying the link status of the first network element's link.

[0018] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0019] The link status of the first network element link is updated according to the reported message.

[0020] Optionally, obtaining the link status of the first network element link includes:

[0021] Obtain the link status of the first network element link, and obtain the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link.

[0022] Optionally, obtaining the link status of the first network element link includes:

[0023] When the fault notification switch is on, obtain the link status of the first network element link.

[0024] Optionally, the first network element link includes at least one of the following:

[0025] N6 interface link, SGi interface link, Gi interface link, virtual private network, tunnel between the first network element and the data network.

[0026] Optionally, after obtaining the link status of the first network element link, the method further includes:

[0027] Based on the link status of the first network element link, select or reselect the first network element or the third network element.

[0028] Optionally, the step of selecting or reselecting the first network element or the third network element based on the link status of the first network element link includes:

[0029] For terminals using the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link, select or reselect the first network element or the third network element.

[0030] Optionally, the step of selecting or reselecting the first network element or the third network element based on the link status of the first network element link includes:

[0031] If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, then a third network element is selected or reselected based on the link status of the first network element link.

[0032] and / or

[0033] If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the fault of the first network element link has been recovered, then the first network element or the third network element is selected or reselected based on the link status of the first network element link.

[0034] Optionally, the step of selecting or reselecting the first network element or the third network element based on the link status of the first network element link includes:

[0035] If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, then based on the link status of the first network element link, a third network element is selected or reselected for the terminal using the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link.

[0036] and / or

[0037] If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the fault of the first network element link has been recovered, then based on the link status of the first network element link, the first network element or the third network element is selected or reselected for the terminal using the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link.

[0038] Optionally, the step of selecting or reselecting the first network element or the third network element based on the link status of the first network element link includes:

[0039] If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, then a third network element is selected or reselected from the first network element set for the terminal using the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link.

[0040] The first set of network elements includes the third network element corresponding to the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI.

[0041] Optionally, the step of selecting or reselecting the first network element or the third network element based on the link status of the first network element link includes:

[0042] If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the fault of the first network element link has been recovered, then select or reselect the first network element or the third network element from the second network element set for the terminal using the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link.

[0043] The second set of network elements includes the first and third network elements corresponding to the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI.

[0044] Optionally, after obtaining the link status of the first network element link, the method further includes:

[0045] If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, the Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session is released for the terminal that uses the first network element link for communication.

[0046] Optionally, the terminal may re-perform the PDU session establishment process.

[0047] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention provide a network element, wherein the network element is a first network element, and the first network element includes:

[0048] The detection module is used to detect the link status of the first network element link, which is the link between the first network element and the data network.

[0049] The sending module is used to send a reporting message carrying the link status of the first network element link to the second network element when the first network element link fails or the failure of the first network element link has been recovered.

[0050] Optionally, the reported message includes the Access Point Name (APN) and / or Data Network Name (DNN) and / or Single Network Slice Selection Assist Information (S-NSSAI) corresponding to the first network element link.

[0051] Optionally, the sending module is specifically used for:

[0052] When the fault notification switch is in the on state, a report message carrying the link status of the first network element link is sent to the second network element.

[0053] Optionally, the first network element link includes at least one of the following:

[0054] N6 interface link, SGi interface link, Gi interface link, virtual private network, tunnel between the first network element and the data network.

[0055] Fourthly, embodiments of the present invention provide a network element, wherein the network element is a second network element, and the second network element includes:

[0056] The acquisition module is used to acquire the link status of the first network element link, which is the link between the first network element and the data network.

[0057] The link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, or that the failure of the first network element link has been recovered.

[0058] Optionally, the acquisition module is specifically used for:

[0059] Receive a report message from the first network element carrying the link status of the first network element's link.

[0060] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0061] The update module is used to update the stored link status of the first network element link according to the reported message.

[0062] Optionally, the acquisition module is specifically used for:

[0063] Obtain the link status of the first network element link, and obtain the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link.

[0064] Optionally, the acquisition module is specifically used for:

[0065] When the fault notification switch is on, obtain the link status of the first network element link.

[0066] Optionally, the first network element link includes at least one of the following:

[0067] N6 interface link, SGi interface link, Gi interface link, virtual private network, tunnel between the first network element and the data network.

[0068] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0069] The selection module is used to select or reselect the first network element or the third network element based on the link status of the first network element link.

[0070] Optionally, the selection module is specifically used for:

[0071] For terminals using the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link, select or reselect the first network element or the third network element.

[0072] Optionally, the selection module is specifically used for:

[0073] If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, then a third network element is selected or reselected based on the link status of the first network element link.

[0074] and / or

[0075] If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the fault of the first network element link has been recovered, then the first network element or the third network element is selected or reselected based on the link status of the first network element link.

[0076] Optionally, the selection module is specifically used for:

[0077] If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, then based on the link status of the first network element link, a third network element is selected or reselected for the terminal using the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link.

[0078] and / or

[0079] If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the fault of the first network element link has been recovered, then based on the link status of the first network element link, the first network element or the third network element is selected or reselected for the terminal using the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link.

[0080] Optionally, the selection module is specifically used for:

[0081] If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, then a third network element is selected or reselected from the first network element set for the terminal using the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link.

[0082] The first set of network elements includes the third network element corresponding to the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI.

[0083] Optionally, the selection module is specifically used for:

[0084] If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the fault of the first network element link has been recovered, then select or reselect the first network element or the third network element from the second network element set for the terminal using the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link.

[0085] The second set of network elements includes the first and third network elements corresponding to the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI.

[0086] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0087] The release module is used to release the Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session of the terminal communicating using the first network element link when the link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed.

[0088] Optionally, the terminal may re-perform the PDU session establishment process.

[0089] Fifthly, embodiments of the present invention provide a network element, wherein the network element is a first network element, and the first network element includes a transceiver and a processor.

[0090] The processor is used to detect the link status of the first network element link, which is the link between the first network element and the data network.

[0091] The transceiver is used to send a report message carrying the link status of the first network element link to the second network element when the first network element link fails or the failure of the first network element link has been recovered.

[0092] Optionally, the reported message includes the Access Point Name (APN) and / or Data Network Name (DNN) and / or Single Network Slice Selection Assist Information (S-NSSAI) corresponding to the first network element link.

[0093] Optionally, the transceiver is specifically used for:

[0094] When the fault notification switch is in the on state, a report message carrying the link status of the first network element link is sent to the second network element.

[0095] Optionally, the first network element link includes at least one of the following:

[0096] N6 interface link, SGi interface link, Gi interface link, virtual private network, tunnel between the first network element and the data network.

[0097] Sixthly, embodiments of the present invention provide a network element, wherein the network element is a second network element, and the second network element includes a transceiver and a processor.

[0098] The processor is used to obtain the link status of the first network element link, where the first network element link is the link between the first network element and the data network.

[0099] The link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, or that the failure of the first network element link has been recovered.

[0100] Optionally, the transceiver is used for:

[0101] Receive a report message from the first network element carrying the link status of the first network element's link.

[0102] Optionally, the processor is further configured to:

[0103] The link status of the first network element link is updated according to the reported message.

[0104] Optionally, the processor is further configured to:

[0105] Obtain the link status of the first network element link, and obtain the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link.

[0106] Optionally, the processor is further configured to:

[0107] When the fault notification switch is on, obtain the link status of the first network element link.

[0108] Optionally, the first network element link includes at least one of the following:

[0109] N6 interface link, SGi interface link, Gi interface link, virtual private network, tunnel between the first network element and the data network.

[0110] Optionally, the processor is further configured to:

[0111] Based on the link status of the first network element link, select or reselect the first network element or the third network element.

[0112] Optionally, the processor is further configured to:

[0113] For terminals using the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link, select or reselect the first network element or the third network element.

[0114] Optionally, the processor is further configured to:

[0115] If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, then the third network element is selected or reselected based on the link status of the first network element link.

[0116] and / or

[0117] If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the fault of the first network element link has been recovered, then the first network element or the third network element is selected or reselected based on the link status of the first network element link.

[0118] Optionally, the processor is further configured to:

[0119] If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, then based on the link status of the first network element link, a third network element is selected or reselected for the terminal using the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link.

[0120] and / or

[0121] If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the fault of the first network element link has been recovered, then based on the link status of the first network element link, the first network element or the third network element is selected or reselected for the terminal using the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link.

[0122] Optionally, the processor is further configured to:

[0123] If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, then a third network element is selected or reselected from the first network element set for the terminal using the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link.

[0124] The first set of network elements includes the third network element corresponding to the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI.

[0125] Optionally, the processor is further configured to:

[0126] If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the fault of the first network element link has been recovered, then select or reselect the first network element or the third network element from the second network element set for the terminal using the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link.

[0127] The second set of network elements includes the first and third network elements corresponding to the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI.

[0128] Optionally, the processor is further configured to:

[0129] If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, the Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session is released for the terminal that uses the first network element link for communication.

[0130] Optionally, the terminal may re-perform the PDU session establishment process.

[0131] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a network element, including: a processor, a memory, and a program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the program is executed by the processor, it implements the steps of the fault reporting method described in the first aspect, or when the program is executed by the processor, it implements the steps of the fault reporting method described in the second aspect.

[0132] Eighthly, embodiments of the present invention provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, wherein when the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the fault reporting method described in the first aspect; or when the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the fault reporting method described in the second aspect.

[0133] In this embodiment of the invention, the link status of a first network element link, where the first network element link is the link between the first network element and the data network, is detected. If the first network element link fails, or if the failure has been resolved, a reporting message carrying the link status of the first network element link is sent to a second network element. In this way, the second network element can select or reselect the first or third network element based on the reporting message carrying the link status of the first network element link, reducing the weight of selecting a faulty network element for specific terminal groups, thereby reducing the probability of service failure. Attached Figure Description

[0134] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of the present invention will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0135] Figure 1 This is one of the flowcharts of a fault reporting method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0136] Figure 2 This is one of the network architecture diagrams provided in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0137] Figure 3 This is a second schematic diagram of a network architecture provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0138] Figure 4 This is a second flowchart of a fault reporting method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0139] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a session establishment process provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0140] Figure 6 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of a network element provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0141] Figure 7 This is a second schematic diagram of the structure of a network element provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0142] Figure 8 This is the third schematic diagram of a network element structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0143] Figure 9 This is the fourth schematic diagram of a network element structure provided in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0144] Figure 10 This is the fifth schematic diagram of a network element provided in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0145] Figure 11 This is the sixth schematic diagram of a network element provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0146] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0147] In this embodiment of the invention, a fault reporting method and network element are proposed to solve the problem that when a link between the first network element and the data network fails, the terminal may select the first network element corresponding to the faulty link, which may lead to a high probability of service failure.

[0148] See Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is one of the flowcharts of a fault reporting method provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The method is used for a first network element, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0149] Step 101: Detect the link status of the first network element link, where the first network element link is the link between the first network element and the data network.

[0150] The first network element can be a UPF, or a GGSN-U in a 2G network, or a PGW-U in a 4G network, etc. This embodiment does not limit this.

[0151] In one implementation, the first network element can be a UPF, and the first network element link can be an N6 interface link, that is, a link between the UPF and a data network.

[0152] Step 102: If the first network element link fails or the failure of the first network element link has been recovered, send a reporting message carrying the link status of the first network element link to the second network element.

[0153] The second network element can be an SMF, a GGSN-C in a 2G network, or a PGW-C in a 4G network, etc., and this embodiment does not limit this. The reported message can be a node-level fault reporting message and / or a session-level fault reporting message. The reporting message when the first network element link fails can be different from the reporting message when the first network element link recovers from the fault. Different reporting messages can be set for different link states. The reporting message corresponding to the link state can be a new message defined according to preset rules, or it can be a message obtained by improving an existing message, and this embodiment does not limit this.

[0154] In one implementation, the reported message includes the Access Point Name (APN) and / or Data Network Name (DNN) and / or network slice corresponding to the first network element link. The network slice can be characterized as Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI).

[0155] In practical applications, taking leased line services as an example, users of such services are typically subscribed to specific APNs, DNNs, or S-NSSAIs. This facilitates the subsequent selection of a corresponding UPF or a group of UPFs based on the specific APN, DNN, or S-NSSAI. The selected UPF then provides tunnels, such as General Routing Encapsulation (GRE), Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP), Internet Protocol Security (IPsec), or Virtual Private Networks (VPN), to reach the specific service gateway and / or service server. Figure 2 As shown, for user 1 who subscribes to DNN1, business gateway 1 and business server 1 are used; for user 2 who subscribes to DNN2, business gateway 2 and business server 2 are used. When SMF selects a UPF for a user using DNN1 or DNN2, it will randomly select from the UPF group (composed of UPF1 and UPF2).

[0156] It should be noted that if the link between UPF1 and business gateway 1 fails, while the other three links are normal, 50% of users 1 will choose UPF1. However, due to the link failure, the services of these 50% of users 1 will not be available normally, and they must manually reconnect. When users 1 manually reconnect, there will still be 50% × 50% of users 1, and the service will fail after the second selection. This cycle continues, and assuming there are N users 1, the number of service failures is: N × (0.5 + 0.5) 2 +0.5 3 +……)=N. In this embodiment, by reporting the link fault of this UPF through UPF1, the SMF can avoid selecting UPF1 when selecting a UPF for subsequent online users using DNN1, but can still select UPF1 when selecting a UPF for online users using DNN2. Compared to UPF1 reporting network element-level faults to the SMF, this avoids all services being carried by the link between UPF2 and service gateway 2, and avoids a rapid increase in network element and link load.

[0157] In one implementation, when the link status indicates a fault in the first network element link, the reporting message can be a PFCP Node Report Request message. The PFCP Node Report Request message is a node-level message, and existing PFCP Node Report Request messages can be improved to include fault notification functionality. The format of a PFCP Node Report Request message with fault notification functionality is shown in Table 1.

[0158] Table 1. PFCP Node Report Request Messages

[0159]

[0160] In this implementation, the User Plane Path Failure Report IE Type is 102, and the type is decimal.

[0161] The Remote GTP-U Peer is a standard field in the PFCP Node Report Request message; the "C" indicates that this field is optional. The comment for this field is: This IE should include the IP address of the remote GTP-U peer towards which a user plane path failure has been detected. More than one IE with this type may be included to represent multiple remote GTP-U peers towards which a user plane path failure has been detected.

[0162] The N6 Traffic Routing Peer is a new field in the PFCP Node Report Request message. The "C" indicates that this field is optional. This field is used to notify users of N6 interface link failures.

[0163] The definition of the N6 Traffic Routing File field in the PFCP Node Report Request message mentioned above is shown in Table 2:

[0164] Table 2.N6 Traffic Routing Filure

[0165]

[0166] The APN / DNN in the N6 Traffic Routing File field above are already defined, as shown in Table 3:

[0167] Table 3. Definitions of APN / DNN

[0168]

[0169] The S-NSSAI field in the N6 Traffic Routing File field above is already defined, as shown in Table 4:

[0170] Table 4. Definition of S-NSSAI

[0171]

[0172] In one implementation, when the link status indicates a fault in the first network element link, the reporting message can be a PFCP Session Report Request message. The PFCP Session Report Request message is a session-level message, and existing PFCP Session Report Request messages can be improved to include fault notification functionality. The format of a PFCP Session Report Request message with fault notification functionality is shown in Table 5.

[0173] Table 5. PFCP Session Report Request Messages

[0174]

[0175] Among them, the Error Indication Report IE Type is 99, and the type is decimal.

[0176] The Remote F-TEID (Remote Full Tunnel Endpoint Identifier) ​​is a standard field in the PFCP Session Report Request message; the "C" indicates that this field is optional. The comment for this field is: This IE should identify the remote F-TEID of the GTP-U bearer for which an Error Indication has been received at the UP function. More than one IE with this type may be included to represent multiple remote F-TEIDs for which an Error Indication has been received.

[0177] The N6 Traffic Routing Peer (N6 Interface Routing Point) is a new field in the PFCP Node Report Request message. The "C" indicates that this field is optional. This field is used to notify users of N6 interface link failures. The content of the N6 Traffic Routing Peer field in the aforementioned PFCP Node Report Request message is the same as that of the N6 Traffic Routing File. The definition of N6 Traffic Routing Peer is shown in Table 2.

[0178] In one implementation, when the link status indicates that the fault of the first network element link has been recovered, the reporting message can be a PFCP Node Report Request message. The existing PFCP Node Report Request message can be improved to include fault recovery notification functionality. The format of the PFCP Node Report Request message with fault recovery notification functionality is shown in Table 6.

[0179] Table 6. PFCP Node Report Request Messages

[0180]

[0181] In this implementation, the User Plane Path Recovery Report IE Type is 187;

[0182] Remote GTP-U Peer is an existing field in the PFCP Node Report Request message, and C indicates that the field is optional. The note about this field is: This IE should include the IP address of the remote GTP-U point that reports the user plane path failure, and then the path is restored for the maximum path failure duration that can be configured by the operator (see Clause 20.3.4 in 3GPP TS 23.007

[24] and Clause 5.4 in 3GPP TS 23.527

[40] ). This may include multiple IEs of this type, representing multiple remote GTP-U peers towards which a user plane path has been recovered (see clause 20.3.4 in 3GPP TS 23.007

[24] and clause 5.4 in 3GPP TS 23.527

[40] ).

[0183] The N6 Traffic Routing Peer is a new field in the PFCP Node Report Request message. The "C" indicates that this field is optional. This field is used to notify users of N6 interface link failure recovery. The definition of the N6 Traffic Routing Peer field in the aforementioned PFCP Session Report Request message is shown in Table 2.

[0184] In one implementation, when the link status indicates that the fault of the first network element link has been recovered, the reporting message can be a PFCP Session Report Request message. The PFCP Session Report Request message is a session-level message, and the ReportType field in the existing PFCP Session Report Request message can be improved to enable the PFCP Session Report Request message to have fault recovery notification functionality. The improved ReportType field is shown in Table 7:

[0185] Table 7. Report Type Field

[0186]

[0187] Among them, NTRR is a newly defined field representing N6 Traffic Routing Recovery (N6 interface routing recovery). When NTRR is set to 1, it indicates that the N6 interface link has been restored to normal. If NTRR is set to 1, the PFCP SessionReport Request message can carry the fields shown in Table 8:

[0188] Table 8. NTRR Fields

[0189]

[0190] The N6 Traffic Routing Recovery Report IE Type is XX, which can be set as needed.

[0191] The definition of the N6 Traffic Routing Peer field in the PFCP Session Report Request message is shown in Table 2.

[0192] In this embodiment of the invention, the link status of a first network element link is detected. The first network element link is the link between the first network element and the data network. If the first network element link fails, or if the failure has been resolved, a reporting message carrying the link status of the first network element link is sent to a second network element. In this way, the second network element can select or reselect the first or third network element based on the reporting message carrying the link status of the first network element link, reducing the weight of selecting faulty network elements for specific terminal groups, thereby reducing the probability of service failure. Optionally, the reporting message includes the Access Point Name (APN) and / or the Data Network Name (DNN) and / or the Single Network Slice Selection Assist Information (S-NSSAI) corresponding to the first network element link.

[0193] Optionally, the reported message includes the Access Point Name (APN) and / or Data Network Name (DNN) and / or Single Network Slice Selection Assist Information (S-NSSAI) corresponding to the first network element link.

[0194] In one implementation, when the link status indicates that the first network element link has failed, based on the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link carried in the reporting message, the SMF does not select the UPF that sent the reporting message when selecting the UPF corresponding to the DNN and / or the target network slice for the terminal. When the link status indicates that the first network element link has recovered from the failure, based on the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link carried in the reporting message, the SMF can select the UPF that sent the reporting message when selecting the UPF corresponding to the DNN and / or the target network slice for the terminal.

[0195] Optionally, sending a report message carrying the link status of the first network element link to the second network element includes:

[0196] When the fault notification switch is in the on state, a report message carrying the link status of the first network element link is sent to the second network element.

[0197] Taking the first network element as UPF and the second network element as SMF as an example, the fault notification switch can be configured on the UPF and / or on the SMF. In one embodiment, the fault notification switch can be configured locally on the UPF. When the fault notification switch is in the off state, if the link status indicates that the first network element link has failed, or indicates that the first network element link has recovered from the failure, no reporting message corresponding to the link status is sent to the Session Management Function (SMF). That is, the link fault status is reported to the SMF only when the fault notification switch is on; the link fault status is not reported to the SMF when the fault notification switch is off. This allows control over whether to report faults to the SMF at the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI granularity.

[0198] In this embodiment, when the fault notification switch is in the ON state, a report message carrying the link status of the link of the first network element is sent to the second network element. Thus, the fault notification switch can control whether to report link status faults to the second network element.

[0199] Optionally, the first network element link includes at least one of the following:

[0200] N6 interface link, SGi interface link, Gi interface link, virtual private network, tunnel between the first network element and the data network.

[0201] In one implementation, the first network element link is an N6 interface link. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the 5G packet network architecture mainly includes network elements such as the Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF), Authentication Server Function (AUSF), Unit Deployment Manager (UDM), Access and AMF, SMF, Policy Control Function (PCF), Application Function (AF), Radio Access Network (RAN), UPF, and DeviceNet (DN). The N6 interface link is the link between the UPF and the DN.

[0202] See Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a second flowchart of a fault reporting method provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The method is used for a second network element, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0203] Step 201: Obtain the link status of the first network element link, where the first network element link is the link between the first network element and the data network;

[0204] The link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, or that the failure of the first network element link has been recovered.

[0205] In this embodiment of the invention, the link status of a first network element link is obtained, where the first network element link is the link between the first network element and the data network. The link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed or has recovered from the failure. In this way, a second network element can select or reselect the first or third network element based on the obtained link status of the first network element link, reducing the weight of selecting a faulty network element for specific terminal groups, thereby reducing the probability of service failure.

[0206] Optionally, obtaining the link status of the first network element link includes:

[0207] Receive a report message from the first network element carrying the link status of the first network element's link.

[0208] In this implementation, the second network element can select or reselect the first network element or the third network element based on the reported message carrying the link status of the first network element link, thereby reducing the weight of selecting faulty network elements for special terminal groups and thus reducing the probability of service failure.

[0209] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0210] The link status of the first network element link is updated according to the reported message.

[0211] In this embodiment, the second network element can store the link status of the first network element link and update the stored link status of the first network element link according to the reported message. Thus, the second network element can select or reselect the first network element or the third network element based on the stored link status of the first network element link. In one embodiment, the second network element can select or reselect the first network element or the third network element based on the stored link status of the first network element link for terminals using the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link.

[0212] Taking the first network element as the UPF and the second network element as the SMF as an example, if the stored link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, then when the SMF selects a UPF, it will not select the UPF corresponding to the failed first network element link, but will select a UPF other than the one corresponding to the first network element link, thus avoiding the selection of the UPF corresponding to the failed first network element link. If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the fault of the first network element link has been recovered, then when the SMF selects a UPF, it can select the UPF corresponding to the first network element link, or it can select a UPF other than the one corresponding to the first network element link, so that the UPF corresponding to the first network element link that has recovered from the fault can be selected by the SMF.

[0213] Optionally, obtaining the link status of the first network element link includes:

[0214] Obtain the link status of the first network element link, and obtain the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link.

[0215] Optionally, obtaining the link status of the first network element link includes:

[0216] When the fault notification switch is on, obtain the link status of the first network element link.

[0217] Optionally, the first network element link includes at least one of the following:

[0218] N6 interface link, SGi interface link, Gi interface link, Virtual Private Network (VPN), tunnel between the first network element and the data network.

[0219] Optionally, after obtaining the link status of the first network element link, the method further includes:

[0220] Based on the link status of the first network element link, select or reselect the first network element or the third network element.

[0221] In this implementation, the first network element and the third network element can be of the same type. Taking the first network element as a UPF as an example, the third network element can be a UPF, and the third network element can be a UPF other than the first network element. For terminals that are not online, the first network element or the third network element can be selected for the terminal; for terminals that are already online, the first network element or the third network element can be reselected for the terminal.

[0222] Optionally, the step of selecting or reselecting the first network element or the third network element based on the link status of the first network element link includes:

[0223] For terminals using the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link, select or reselect the first network element or the third network element.

[0224] In this implementation, based on the link status of the first network element link, the first network element or the third network element can be selected or reselected for terminals using the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link. This can reduce the weight of selecting faulty network elements for special terminal groups, thereby reducing the probability of service failure.

[0225] Optionally, the step of selecting or reselecting the first network element or the third network element based on the link status of the first network element link includes:

[0226] If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, then a third network element is selected or reselected based on the link status of the first network element link.

[0227] and / or

[0228] If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the fault of the first network element link has been recovered, then the first network element or the third network element is selected or reselected based on the link status of the first network element link.

[0229] Taking the first network element as UPF and the second network element as SMF as an example, if the link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, then when the SMF selects a UPF, it will not select the UPF corresponding to the first network element link that has failed, but will select a UPF other than the UPF corresponding to the first network element link, thereby avoiding the selection of the UPF corresponding to the first network element link that has failed.

[0230] In addition, if the link status of the first network element link indicates that the fault of the first network element link has been recovered, then when the SMF selects the UPF, it can select the UPF corresponding to the first network element link, or it can select a UPF other than the UPF corresponding to the first network element link, so that the UPF corresponding to the first network element link that has recovered from the fault can be selected by the SMF.

[0231] Optionally, the step of selecting or reselecting the first network element or the third network element based on the link status of the first network element link includes:

[0232] If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, then based on the link status of the first network element link, a third network element is selected or reselected for the terminal using the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link.

[0233] and / or

[0234] If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the fault of the first network element link has been recovered, then based on the link status of the first network element link, the first network element or the third network element is selected or reselected for the terminal using the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link.

[0235] If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, then the first network element corresponding to the first network element link will not be selected for the terminal using the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link. Instead, a third network element will be selected or reselected for the terminal using the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link, thereby avoiding the selection of the first network element corresponding to the failed first network element link.

[0236] In addition, if the link status of the first network element link indicates that the fault of the first network element link has been recovered, the first network element or the third network element can be selected or reselected for the terminal using the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link, so that the first network element corresponding to the first network element link recovered from the fault can be selected by the second network element.

[0237] Optionally, the step of selecting or reselecting the first network element or the third network element based on the link status of the first network element link includes:

[0238] If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, then a third network element is selected or reselected from the first network element set for the terminal using the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link.

[0239] The first set of network elements includes the third network element corresponding to the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI.

[0240] In this embodiment, a third network element can be randomly selected for the terminal from the first network element set, or a third network element can be selected for the terminal according to a preset selection rule; this embodiment does not limit this. If the terminal has already gone online through the first network element corresponding to the first network element link, a third network element can be reselected for the terminal; if the terminal has not gone online through the first network element corresponding to the first network element link, a third network element can be selected for the terminal.

[0241] In this embodiment, if the link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, a third network element is selected or reselected from the first network element set for the terminal using the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link, so that the second network element can avoid selecting the first network element corresponding to the first network element link that failed for the terminal.

[0242] Optionally, the step of selecting or reselecting the first network element or the third network element based on the link status of the first network element link includes:

[0243] If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the fault of the first network element link has been recovered, then select or reselect the first network element or the third network element from the second network element set for the terminal using the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link.

[0244] The second set of network elements includes the first and third network elements corresponding to the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI.

[0245] It should be noted that, taking the first network element as UPF and the second network element as SMF as an example, when the link status indicates that the fault of the first network element link has been recovered, the SMF receives the reporting message sent by the UPF corresponding to the link status of the first network element link. It can record the correspondence between the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI carried in the reporting message and the UPF. Based on the correspondence between the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI and the UPF, it deletes the fault record corresponding to the correspondence in the fault record. Thus, the user who requests the establishment of a session using the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI can still select the first network element.

[0246] In this implementation, if the link status of the first network element link indicates that the fault of the first network element link has been recovered, then a first network element or a third network element is selected or reselected from the second network element set for the terminal using the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link. Thus, for a first network element link that has recovered from a fault, the SMF can select the UPF corresponding to that first network element link when selecting the UPF.

[0247] Optionally, after obtaining the link status of the first network element link, the method further includes:

[0248] If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, the Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session is released for the terminal that uses the first network element link for communication.

[0249] Optionally, the terminal may re-perform the PDU session establishment process.

[0250] Taking the first network element as UPF and the second network element as SMF as an example, when the link status indicates that the first network element link has failed, the SMF receives a reporting message from the UPF corresponding to the link status of the first network element link. The SMF can record the correspondence between the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI carried in the reporting message and the UPF, and register this correspondence in the fault record. Therefore, when selecting the UPF corresponding to the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI, the UPF registered in the fault record will not be selected.

[0251] It should be noted that after recording the mapping between APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI and UPF carried in the reporting message, SMF can sequentially initiate a PDU session release process for users currently using that APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI and on the corresponding UPF, triggering the current user's re-login. For newly logged-in users, when requesting session establishment again using the same APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI, the system will avoid selecting the corresponding UPF and instead choose another available UPF.

[0252] In this embodiment, when the link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, the protocol data unit (PDU) session is released for the terminal that uses the first network element link for communication. This allows the second network element to initiate a PDU session release process for the terminal using the failed first network element link, triggering the terminal to come back online.

[0253] It should be noted that this embodiment is used as a reference for... Figure 1 The embodiments shown depict the implementation of the second network element. For some of the same implementations, please refer to [the relevant documentation / reference]. Figure 1 The related descriptions of the embodiments shown will not be repeated in this embodiment to avoid repetition, and can achieve the same beneficial effects.

[0254] In one specific implementation, the first network element is a UPF, the second network element is an SMF, and the fault reporting method may include the following process:

[0255] When the UPF's fault notification switch is in the on state, the UPF performs fault detection and fault recovery detection respectively.

[0256] In the event of a link failure, if the UPF detects a link failure with a server, it performs fault location. The UPF locally queries the locally configured APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI traffic splitting rules based on the failed link to determine the corresponding APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI. After fault location, the UPF reports the fault based on the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI obtained from the fault location. The UPF can use a reporting message to report to an SMF or all SMFs within the entire pool that the link corresponding to that APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI on this UPF has failed, and the reporting message includes the corresponding APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI. The SMF can then select a UPF based on this reporting message.

[0257] When a link recovers from a fault, if the UPF detects that the link with a server has returned to normal, it performs fault recovery localization. The UPF locally queries the locally configured APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI traffic splitting rules based on this recovered link to determine the corresponding APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI. After fault recovery localization, the UPF reports the fault recovery based on the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI obtained from the fault recovery localization. The UPF can use a reporting message to report to an SMF or all SMFs within the entire pool that the link corresponding to this APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI on this UPF has recovered from the fault, and the reporting message carries the corresponding APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI. The SMF can select a UPF based on this reporting message.

[0258] It should be noted that this embodiment avoids selecting a UPF for a specific user due to a failure on a specific link, without affecting the UPF selection mechanism for other users. To achieve this goal, this embodiment designs a corresponding fault occurrence and recovery detection, location, reporting, and SMF processing mechanism.

[0259] For example, in step 308 of the session establishment procedure initiated by the UE, the SMF can select the UPF based on the faulty link or fault recovery link sent by the UPF. The session establishment procedure involves User Equipment (UE), namely the terminal, (R)AN (Access Network) equipment, Mobility Management Function (AMF), UPF, SMF, PCF, UDM, and DN. This procedure assumes that the UE has already registered with the AMF; therefore, unless it is an emergency-registered UE, the AMF has already retrieved the user subscription data from the UDM. Figure 5 As shown, the session establishment process may specifically include the following steps:

[0260] S301, UE sends a session establishment request (PDU Session Establishment Request);

[0261] Specifically, the UE sends a NAS message (S-NSSAI(s), DNN, PDU session ID, request type, old PDU session ID, N1 SM container) to the AMF. The N1 SM container contains the PDU session establishment request.

[0262] S302, AMF selection SMF;

[0263] Among them, AMF performs SMF selection, which associates the storage S-NSSAI(s), DNN, PDU session ID, SMF ID, and access type of PDU session.

[0264] S303, AMF sends a session management context establishment request (Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Request) to SMF;

[0265] The Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Request message carries user-related information, such as user location information (ULI), subscription to PDU session state notifications, and DNN selection mode.

[0266] S304, Subscription retrieval / Subscription for updates;

[0267] Among them, AMF and UDM interact to manage subscription data.

[0268] S305, SMF responds to the session management context establishment request (Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContextResponse);

[0269] The SMF responds to the AMF with the Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Response message, which carries the reason value and the SM context, etc.

[0270] S306, PDU Session authentication / authorization;

[0271] During the initial establishment of a PDU session, secondary authentication / authorization is performed.

[0272] S307a, SMF selects PCF (PCF selection);

[0273] If a dynamic PCC is to be used for a PDU session, the SMF selects the PCF based on the AMF's instructions or local configuration. Otherwise, the SMF can apply local policies. The SMF can perform the SM policy association establishment process to establish an SM policy association with the PCF and obtain default PCC rules for the PDU session.

[0274] S307b, Establishment of Session Management Policy Association or SMF-initiated SM Policy Association Modification;

[0275] S308, SMF selects UPF (UPF selection);

[0276] The SMF selects the UPF based on its location, DNN, network slices, and weight information. If the PCC rule is not required as input for UPF selection, step 307 can be executed after step 308.

[0277] S309, SMF initiated SM Policy Association Modification;

[0278] The SMF can execute an SMF-initiated SM policy association modification process to provide information about the policy control request triggering conditions that have been met. If the request type is "Initial Request," and a dynamic PCC is deployed, and the PDU session type is IPv4, IPv6, or IPv4v6, then the SMF will notify the PCF using the assigned UE IP address / prefix (if the policy control request triggering conditions are met).

[0279] S310a, SMF sends an N4 Session Establishment / Modification Request to UPF;

[0280] S310b, UPF sends an N4 Session Establishment / Modification Response to SMF;

[0281] In this process, the SMF initiates an N4 session and collaborates with the UPF to allocate CN Tunnel Info. Subsequently, based on the DNN carried in the message and its local configuration, the SMF performs secondary authentication information exchange with the corresponding AAA server. The AAA server completes the authentication and returns the authentication result to the SMF.

[0282] S311, SMF sends N1SM and N2SM messages via AMF (Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer);

[0283] Once authentication is successful, the SMF will inform the AMF of the CN Tunnel Info information.

[0284] S312, AMF sends an N2 PDU Session Request to AN;

[0285] The AMF sends a NAS message to the RAN, which includes an N2 PDU session request and carries the CN TunnelInfo obtained from the SMF.

[0286] S313, AN-specific resource setup (PDU Session Establishment Accept);

[0287] In this process, the RAN assigns AN Tunnel Info to the UE, and the PDU session is successfully established.

[0288] S314. AN sends an N2 PDU session response (NAS message) to AMF.

[0289] The RAN responds to the N2 PDU session response message by sending it to the AMF, carrying the cause value and AN Tunnel Info, etc.

[0290] S315, AMF sends an Update Session Management Context Request (Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Request) to SMF;

[0291] The AMF sends an Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext request (SM context ID, N2 SM information, request type). The AMF forwards the N2 SM information received from the (R)AN (carrying AN Tunnel Info, etc.) to the SMF.

[0292] S316a, SMF sends an N4 Session Modification Request to UPF;

[0293] S316b, UPF sends an N4 Session Modification Response to SMF;

[0294] S316c, Registration;

[0295] SMF provides UPF with tunnel information and corresponding forwarding rules.

[0296] S317, SMF responds to the session management context update request (Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContextResponse);

[0297] The SMF responds to the AMF with the Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Response message, carrying a reason value.

[0298] S318, SMF sends a session management context status notification (Nsmf_PDUSession_SMContextStatusNotify);

[0299] S319, IPv6 Address Configuration;

[0300] S320, PCF Unsubscription.

[0301] See Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a network element provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The network element is a first network element, such as... Figure 6 As shown, network element 400 includes:

[0302] The detection module 401 is used to detect the link status of the first network element link, which is the link between the first network element and the data network.

[0303] The sending module 402 is used to send a reporting message carrying the link status of the first network element link to the second network element when the first network element link fails or the failure of the first network element link has been recovered.

[0304] Optionally, the reported message includes the Access Point Name (APN) and / or Data Network Name (DNN) and / or Single Network Slice Selection Assist Information (S-NSSAI) corresponding to the first network element link.

[0305] Optionally, the sending module 402 is specifically used for:

[0306] When the fault notification switch is in the on state, a report message carrying the link status of the first network element link is sent to the second network element.

[0307] Optionally, the first network element link includes at least one of the following:

[0308] N6 interface link, SGi interface link, Gi interface link, virtual private network, tunnel between the first network element and the data network.

[0309] NetElement 400 can achieve Figure 1 The methods and embodiments shown in the diagram implement various processes in the first network element and achieve the same beneficial effects. To avoid repetition, they will not be described again here.

[0310] See Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a network element provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The network element is a second network element, such as... Figure 7 As shown, network element 500 includes:

[0311] The acquisition module 501 is used to acquire the link status of the first network element link, where the first network element link is the link between the first network element and the data network.

[0312] The link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, or that the failure of the first network element link has been recovered.

[0313] Optionally, the acquisition module 501 is specifically used for:

[0314] Receive a report message from the first network element carrying the link status of the first network element's link.

[0315] Optional, such as Figure 8 As shown, the device 500 further includes:

[0316] The update module 502 is used to update the link status of the stored first network element link according to the reported message.

[0317] Optionally, the acquisition module 501 is specifically used for:

[0318] Obtain the link status of the first network element link, and obtain the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link.

[0319] Optionally, the acquisition module 501 is specifically used for:

[0320] When the fault notification switch is on, obtain the link status of the first network element link.

[0321] Optionally, the first network element link includes at least one of the following:

[0322] N6 interface link, SGi interface link, Gi interface link, virtual private network, tunnel between the first network element and the data network.

[0323] Optional, such as Figure 9 As shown, the device 500 further includes:

[0324] Selection module 503 is used to select or reselect the first network element or the third network element based on the link status of the first network element link.

[0325] Optionally, the selection module 503 is specifically used for:

[0326] For terminals using the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link, select or reselect the first network element or the third network element.

[0327] Optionally, the selection module 503 is specifically used for:

[0328] If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, then the third network element is selected or reselected based on the link status of the first network element link.

[0329] and / or

[0330] If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the fault of the first network element link has been recovered, then the first network element or the third network element is selected or reselected based on the link status of the first network element link.

[0331] Optionally, the selection module 503 is specifically used for:

[0332] If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, then based on the link status of the first network element link, a third network element is selected or reselected for the terminal using the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link.

[0333] and / or

[0334] If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the fault of the first network element link has been recovered, then based on the link status of the first network element link, the first network element or the third network element is selected or reselected for the terminal using the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link.

[0335] Optionally, the selection module 503 is specifically used for:

[0336] If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, then a third network element is selected or reselected from the first network element set for the terminal using the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link.

[0337] The first set of network elements includes the third network element corresponding to the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI.

[0338] Optionally, the selection module 503 is specifically used for:

[0339] If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the fault of the first network element link has been recovered, then select or reselect the first network element or the third network element from the second network element set for the terminal using the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link.

[0340] The second set of network elements includes the first and third network elements corresponding to the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI.

[0341] Optional, such as Figure 10 As shown, the device 500 further includes:

[0342] Release module 504 is used to release Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions for terminals communicating via the first network element link when the link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed.

[0343] Optionally, the terminal may re-perform the PDU session establishment process.

[0344] The NetElement 500 can achieve Figure 4 The methods and embodiments shown in the diagram implement various processes in the second network element and achieve the same beneficial effects. To avoid repetition, they will not be described again here.

[0345] This invention also provides a network element, including: a processor, a memory, and a program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the program is executed by the processor, it implements the various processes of the above-described fault reporting method embodiments and achieves the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0346] For details, see Figure 11 As shown, this embodiment of the invention also provides a network element, including a bus 601, a transceiver 602, an antenna 603, a bus interface 604, a processor 605, and a memory 606.

[0347] In one embodiment, the network element is a first network element:

[0348] The processor 605 is used to detect the link status of the first network element link, which is the link between the first network element and the data network.

[0349] The transceiver 602 is used to send a report message carrying the link status of the first network element link to the second network element when the first network element link fails or the failure of the first network element link has been recovered.

[0350] Optionally, the reported message includes the Access Point Name (APN) and / or Data Network Name (DNN) and / or Single Network Slice Selection Assist Information (S-NSSAI) corresponding to the first network element link.

[0351] Optionally, the transceiver 602 is specifically used for:

[0352] When the fault notification switch is in the on state, a report message carrying the link status of the first network element link is sent to the second network element.

[0353] Optionally, the first network element link includes at least one of the following:

[0354] N6 interface link, SGi interface link, Gi interface link, virtual private network, tunnel between the first network element and the data network.

[0355] In another embodiment, the network element is a second network element:

[0356] The processor 605 is used to obtain the link status of the first network element link, wherein the first network element link is the link between the first network element and the data network.

[0357] The link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, or that the failure of the first network element link has been recovered.

[0358] Optionally, the transceiver 602 is used for:

[0359] Receive a report message from the first network element carrying the link status of the first network element's link.

[0360] Optionally, the processor 605 is further configured to:

[0361] The link status of the first network element link is updated according to the reported message.

[0362] Optionally, the processor 605 is further configured to:

[0363] Obtain the link status of the first network element link, and obtain the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link.

[0364] Optionally, the processor 605 is further configured to:

[0365] When the fault notification switch is on, obtain the link status of the first network element link.

[0366] Optionally, the first network element link includes at least one of the following:

[0367] N6 interface link, SGi interface link, Gi interface link, virtual private network, tunnel between the first network element and the data network.

[0368] Optionally, the processor 605 is further configured to:

[0369] Based on the link status of the first network element link, select or reselect the first network element or the third network element.

[0370] Optionally, the processor 605 is further configured to:

[0371] For terminals using the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link, select or reselect the first network element or the third network element.

[0372] Optionally, the processor 605 is further configured to:

[0373] If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, then the third network element is selected or reselected based on the link status of the first network element link.

[0374] and / or

[0375] If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the fault of the first network element link has been recovered, then the first network element or the third network element is selected or reselected based on the link status of the first network element link.

[0376] Optionally, the processor 605 is further configured to:

[0377] If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, then based on the link status of the first network element link, a third network element is selected or reselected for the terminal using the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link.

[0378] and / or

[0379] If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the fault of the first network element link has been recovered, then based on the link status of the first network element link, the first network element or the third network element is selected or reselected for the terminal using the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link.

[0380] Optionally, the processor 605 is further configured to:

[0381] If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, then a third network element is selected or reselected from the first network element set for the terminal using the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link.

[0382] The first set of network elements includes the third network element corresponding to the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI.

[0383] Optionally, the processor 605 is further configured to:

[0384] If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the fault of the first network element link has been recovered, then select or reselect the first network element or the third network element from the second network element set for the terminal using the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link.

[0385] The second set of network elements includes the first and third network elements corresponding to the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI.

[0386] Optionally, the processor 605 is further configured to:

[0387] If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, the Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session is released for the terminal that uses the first network element link for communication.

[0388] Optionally, the terminal may re-perform the PDU session establishment process.

[0389] exist Figure 11 In this document, a bus architecture (represented by bus 601) is used. Bus 601 can include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, linking various circuits including one or more processors represented by processor 605 and memory represented by memory 606. Bus 601 can also link various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be described further herein. Bus interface 604 provides an interface between bus 601 and transceiver 602. Transceiver 602 can be a single element or multiple elements, such as multiple receivers and transmitters, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium. Data processed by processor 605 is transmitted over a wireless medium via antenna 603, which further receives data and transmits data to processor 605.

[0390] Processor 605 manages bus 601 and general processing, and also provides various functions, including timing, peripheral interface, voltage regulation, power management, and other control functions. Memory 606 can be used to store data used by processor 605 during operation.

[0391] Optionally, the processor 605 can be a CPU, ASIC, FPGA, or CPLD.

[0392] This invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program. When executed by a processor, this computer program implements the various processes of the above-described fault reporting method embodiments and achieves the same technical effects. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here. The computer-readable storage medium may be a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk, etc.

[0393] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0394] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by means of software plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms. Of course, they can also be implemented by hardware, but in many cases the former is a better implementation method. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present invention, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium (such as ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk), and includes several instructions to cause a terminal (which may be a mobile phone, computer, server, air conditioner, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in the various embodiments of the present invention.

[0395] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other forms under the guidance of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and all of these forms are within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fault reporting method, applied to a first network element, characterized in that, The method includes: Detect the link status of the first network element link, where the first network element link is the link between the first network element and the data network; In the event that the first network element link fails or has recovered from the failure, a reporting message carrying the link status of the first network element link is sent to the second network element. The link status of the first network element link is used to select or reselect the first network element or the third network element for terminals that use the access point name (APN) and / or data network name (DNN) and / or single network slice selection auxiliary information (S-NSSAI) corresponding to the first network element link. Wherein, if the link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, the link status of the first network element link is used to select or reselect the third network element. and / or If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the fault of the first network element link has been recovered, then the link status of the first network element link is used to select or reselect the first network element or the third network element.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reported message includes the Access Point Name (APN) and / or Data Network Name (DNN) and / or Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI) corresponding to the first network element link.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of sending a report message carrying the link status of the first network element's link to the second network element includes: When the fault notification switch is in the on state, a report message carrying the link status of the first network element link is sent to the second network element.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first network element link includes at least one of the following: N6 interface link, SGi interface link, Gi interface link, virtual private network, tunnel between the first network element and the data network.

5. A fault reporting method, applied to a second network element, characterized in that, The method includes: Obtain the link status of the first network element link, where the first network element link is the link between the first network element and the data network; The link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, or that the failure of the first network element link has been recovered. The link status of the first network element link is used to select or reselect the first network element or the third network element for terminals that use the access point name (APN) and / or data network name (DNN) and / or single network slice selection auxiliary information (S-NSSAI) corresponding to the first network element link. If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, then the third network element is selected or reselected based on the link status of the first network element link. and / or If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the fault of the first network element link has been recovered, then the first network element or the third network element is selected or reselected based on the link status of the first network element link.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the link status of the first network element link includes: Receive a report message from the first network element carrying the link status of the first network element's link.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: The link status of the first network element link is updated according to the reported message.

8. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the link status of the first network element link includes: Obtain the link status of the first network element link, and obtain the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link.

9. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the link status of the first network element link includes: When the fault notification switch is on, obtain the link status of the first network element link.

10. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first network element link includes at least one of the following: N6 interface link, SGi interface link, Gi interface link, virtual private network, tunnel between the first network element and the data network.

11. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, After obtaining the link status of the first network element link, the method further includes: Based on the link status of the first network element link, select or reselect the first network element or the third network element.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The step of selecting or reselecting the first network element or the third network element based on the link status of the first network element link includes: For terminals using the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link, select or reselect the first network element or the third network element.

13. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The step of selecting or reselecting the first network element or the third network element based on the link status of the first network element link includes: If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, then based on the link status of the first network element link, a third network element is selected or reselected for the terminal using the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link. and / or If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the fault of the first network element link has been recovered, then based on the link status of the first network element link, the first network element or the third network element is selected or reselected for the terminal using the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link.

14. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The step of selecting or reselecting the first network element or the third network element based on the link status of the first network element link includes: If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, then a third network element is selected or reselected from the first network element set for the terminal using the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link. The first set of network elements includes the third network element corresponding to the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI.

15. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The step of selecting or reselecting the first network element or the third network element based on the link status of the first network element link includes: If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the fault of the first network element link has been recovered, then select or reselect the first network element or the third network element from the second network element set for the terminal using the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI corresponding to the first network element link. The second set of network elements includes the first and third network elements corresponding to the APN and / or DNN and / or S-NSSAI.

16. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, After obtaining the link status of the first network element link, the method further includes: If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, the Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session is released for the terminal that uses the first network element link for communication.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The terminal re-enters the PDU session establishment process.

18. A network element, wherein the network element is a first network element, characterized in that, The first network element includes: The detection module is used to detect the link status of the first network element link, which is the link between the first network element and the data network. The sending module is used to send a reporting message carrying the link status of the first network element link to the second network element when the first network element link fails or the first network element link failure has been recovered. The link status of the first network element link is used to select or reselect the first network element or the third network element for terminals that use the access point name (APN) and / or data network name (DNN) and / or single network slice selection auxiliary information (S-NSSAI) corresponding to the first network element link. Wherein, if the link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, the link status of the first network element link is used to select or reselect the third network element. and / or If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the fault of the first network element link has been recovered, then the link status of the first network element link is used to select or reselect the first network element or the third network element.

19. A network element, wherein the network element is a second network element, characterized in that, The second network element includes: The acquisition module is used to acquire the link status of the first network element link, which is the link between the first network element and the data network. The link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, or that the failure of the first network element link has been recovered. The link status of the first network element link is used to select or reselect the first network element or the third network element for terminals that use the access point name (APN) and / or data network name (DNN) and / or single network slice selection auxiliary information (S-NSSAI) corresponding to the first network element link. If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, then the third network element is selected or reselected based on the link status of the first network element link. and / or If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the fault of the first network element link has been recovered, then the first network element or the third network element is selected or reselected based on the link status of the first network element link.

20. A network element, wherein the network element is a first network element, characterized in that, Including transceivers and processors, The processor is used to detect the link status of the first network element link, which is the link between the first network element and the data network. The transceiver is used to send a report message carrying the link status of the first network element link to the second network element when the first network element link fails or the first network element link failure has been recovered. The link status of the first network element link is used to select or reselect the first network element or the third network element for terminals that use the access point name (APN) and / or data network name (DNN) and / or single network slice selection auxiliary information (S-NSSAI) corresponding to the first network element link. Wherein, if the link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, the link status of the first network element link is used to select or reselect the third network element. and / or If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the fault of the first network element link has been recovered, then the link status of the first network element link is used to select or reselect the first network element or the third network element.

21. A network element, wherein the network element is a second network element, characterized in that, Including transceivers and processors, The processor is used to obtain the link status of the first network element link, where the first network element link is the link between the first network element and the data network. The link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, or that the failure of the first network element link has been recovered. The link status of the first network element link is used to select or reselect the first network element or the third network element for terminals that use the access point name (APN) and / or data network name (DNN) and / or single network slice selection auxiliary information (S-NSSAI) corresponding to the first network element link. If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the first network element link has failed, then the third network element is selected or reselected based on the link status of the first network element link. and / or If the link status of the first network element link indicates that the fault of the first network element link has been recovered, then the first network element or the third network element is selected or reselected based on the link status of the first network element link.

22. A network element, characterized in that, include: A processor, a memory, and a program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the program, when executed by the processor, implements the steps of the fault reporting method as described in any one of claims 1 to 4; or, the program, when executed by the processor, implements the steps of the fault reporting method as described in any one of claims 5 to 17.

23. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the fault reporting method as described in any one of claims 1 to 4; or, when executed by a processor, the computer program implements the steps of the fault reporting method as described in any one of claims 5 to 17.

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