Interface control method, MEP and storage medium
By controlling the MP2 capabilities of multiple UPFs through MEP, the problem of high expansion costs for enterprise campuses in 5G edge cloud network systems is solved, achieving low-cost expansion and improving network security.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202310098064.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-01-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-03
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-01-20
AI Technical Summary
In 5G edge cloud network systems, expanding enterprise campuses requires significant costs, causing some enterprises to limit their expansion due to cost considerations, thus affecting the feasibility of expansion.
By sending MP2 configuration instruction messages to multiple target UPFs through the MEP, receiving responses and generating success messages, the MP2 capabilities of multiple UPFs can be controlled. Only devices other than the MEP and cloud infrastructure need to be expanded.
It reduced the cost of expanding the enterprise park, improved the feasibility of expansion, and reduced cybersecurity risks.
Smart Images
Figure CN116208636B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to an interface control method, a MEP, and a storage medium. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, in common 5G edge cloud network systems, the Multi-Access Edge Computing Platform (MEP) is located in the computer room of an enterprise park and has a one-to-one correspondence with the UPF in the computer room. In this way, the MEP can obtain relevant information about the lower-layer network from its corresponding UPF through the Multi-Access Platform2 (MP2) interface and package this information into different service capabilities, thereby achieving the purpose of providing more services or improving service quality.
[0003] However, the enterprise campus in the above-mentioned 5G edge cloud network architecture includes multiple devices such as MEP, cloud infrastructure, UPF, IaaS, and MEC applications. If you want to expand the enterprise campus in the 5G edge cloud network system, you need to spend a lot of money to build these multiple devices. This makes some enterprises not expand their enterprise campuses due to business scale and cost considerations, thus limiting the expansion of enterprise campuses. Summary of the Invention
[0004] This application provides an interface control method, device, and storage medium that can reduce the cost of enterprise park expansion and thus improve the feasibility of park expansion.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:
[0006] Firstly, this application provides an interface control method applied to an edge cloud access collaboration platform (MEP). The MEP is located in an edge cloud network system, which includes the edge cloud access collaboration platform (MEP) and multiple user plane function (UPF) clusters. Each UPF cluster includes at least one UPF. The method includes: the MEP sending an MP2 configuration indication message to each of the at least one target UPF; the MP2 configuration indication message indicating that the target UPF has the capability to enable MP2; the target UPF is a UPF in normal operation among at least one UPF in the target UPF cluster; the target UPF cluster is any one of the multiple UPF clusters; the MEP receiving a first MP2 configuration response message from each target UPF; the first MP2 configuration response message indicating that the MP2 capability is enabled; and when the first MP2 configuration response message of each target UPF indicates that the MP2 capability is enabled, the MEP generates an MP2 configuration success message; the MP2 configuration success message indicating that the MP2 capability has been successfully enabled for the target UPF cluster.
[0007] In one possible implementation, the edge cloud network system further includes a multi-access edge computing (MEC) platform, and the method further includes: the MEP receiving an MP2 configuration request from the MEC platform; the MP2 configuration request being used to request the configuration of MP2 capability for the target UPF cluster; and the MEP determining that at least one UPF in the target UPF cluster is a UPF that is in normal operating condition as the target UPF.
[0008] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the MEP saving the MP2 configuration success message to the MEP's database.
[0009] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: if the first MP2 configuration response message for each target UPF is not used to indicate the ability to enable MP2, the MEP sends a disable MP2 configuration indication message to each of at least one preset UPF; the disable MP2 configuration indication message is used to indicate that the preset UPF disables the MP2 capability; if the preset UPF is one of at least one target UPF, the MP2 configuration response message is used to indicate the target UPF with MP2 enabled; the MEP receives a second MP2 configuration response indication message from the preset UPF; the second MP2 configuration response indication message is used to indicate whether the MP2 capability is disabled; if the second MP2 configuration response indication message for each preset UPF is used to indicate the ability to disable MP2, the MEP sends an MP2 configuration failure indication message to the MEC platform; the MP2 configuration failure indication message is used to indicate that configuring the MP2 capability for the target UPF cluster failed.
[0010] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: if the first MP2 configuration response message of each target UPF is not used to indicate the ability to enable MP2, the MEP generates a rollback failure message and saves the rollback failure message to the MEP's database; the rollback failure message is used to indicate that the MP2 capability of the target UPF cluster is abnormal.
[0011] Secondly, this application provides a MEP (Mobile Application Program), the apparatus comprising: the MEP being located in an edge cloud network system, the edge cloud network system including: an edge cloud access collaboration platform MEP, and multiple user plane function (UPF) clusters; each of the multiple UPF clusters includes at least one UPF; the MEP includes: a communication unit and a processing unit; the communication unit is configured to send an MP2 configuration indication message to each of the at least one target UPF; the MP2 configuration indication message is used to indicate that the target UPF has the capability to enable MP2; the target UPF is a UPF in normal operation among at least one UPF in the target UPF cluster; the target UPF cluster is any one of the multiple UPF clusters; the communication unit is further configured to receive a first MP2 configuration response message from each target UPF; the first MP2 configuration response message is used to indicate that the MP2 capability is enabled; when the first MP2 configuration response message of each target UPF indicates that the MP2 capability is enabled, the processing unit is configured to generate an MP2 configuration success message; the MP2 configuration success message is used to indicate that the MP2 capability has been successfully enabled for the target UPF cluster.
[0012] In one possible implementation, the edge cloud network system further includes a multi-access edge computing (MEC) platform, a communication unit, and an MP2 configuration request from the MEC platform. The MP2 configuration request is used to request the configuration of MP2 capabilities for the target UPF cluster. The processing unit is also used to determine that at least one UPF in the target UPF cluster is the UPF that is in normal operating condition as the target UPF.
[0013] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is also used to save the MP2 configuration success message to the MEP's database.
[0014] In one possible implementation, if the first MP2 configuration response message for each target UPF is not used to indicate the ability to enable MP2, the communication unit is further configured to send a disable MP2 configuration indication message to each of at least one preset UPF; the disable MP2 configuration indication message is used to indicate that the preset UPF disables the MP2 capability; if the preset UPF is one of at least one target UPF, the MP2 configuration response message is used to indicate the target UPF with MP2 enabled; the communication unit is further configured to receive a second MP2 configuration response indication message from the preset UPF; the second MP2 configuration response indication message is used to indicate whether the MP2 capability is disabled; if the second MP2 configuration response indication message for each preset UPF is used to indicate the ability to disable MP2, the communication unit is further configured to send an MP2 configuration failure indication message to the MEC platform; the MP2 configuration failure indication message is used to indicate that configuring the MP2 capability for the target UPF cluster failed.
[0015] In one possible implementation, if the first MP2 configuration response message of each target UPF is not used to indicate the ability to enable MP2, the processing unit is also used to generate a rollback failure message and save the rollback failure message to the database of the MEP; the rollback failure message is used to indicate that the MP2 capability of the target UPF cluster is abnormal.
[0016] Thirdly, this application provides a MEP (Mechanical Application Program) comprising: a processor and a communication interface; the communication interface and the processor are coupled, the processor being used to execute computer programs or instructions to implement the interface control method as described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof.
[0017] Fourthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a terminal, cause the terminal to perform the interface control method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof.
[0018] Fifthly, this application provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when the computer program product is run on a MEP, cause the MEP to perform the interface control method as described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof.
[0019] In a sixth aspect, this application provides a chip including a processor and a communication interface, the communication interface being coupled to the processor, the processor being used to run computer programs or instructions to implement the interface control method as described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof.
[0020] Specifically, the chip provided in this application also includes a memory for storing computer programs or instructions.
[0021] The above technical solution brings at least the following beneficial effects: The interface control method provided in this application involves the MEP sending an MP2 configuration indication message (i.e., indicating the MP2 capability of the target UPF) to each target UPF in at least one target UPF (i.e., a UPF in normal operation among at least one UPF in a target UPF cluster; the target UPF cluster is any one of multiple UPF clusters), receiving a first MP2 configuration response message (i.e., indicating the MP2 capability to be enabled) from each target UPF, and generating an MP2 configuration success message (i.e., indicating that the MP2 capability has been successfully enabled for the target UPF cluster) when the first MP2 configuration response message of each target UPF indicates the MP2 capability to be enabled. Based on this, it can be seen that the MEP in this embodiment can control the MP2 capability of multiple target UPFs. Therefore, if an enterprise campus in an edge cloud system is to be expanded, only devices other than the MEP and cloud infrastructure (e.g., MEC applications, UPFs, etc.) in the enterprise campus need to be expanded, thus reducing expansion costs and improving the feasibility of campus expansion. Attached Figure Description
[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an existing MEC network system provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0023] Figure 2 This application provides a schematic diagram of the structure of an edge cloud network system according to an embodiment of the present application.
[0024] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating an interface control method provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0025] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating another interface control method provided in this application embodiment;
[0026] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating another interface control method provided in this application embodiment;
[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an MEP provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another MEP structure provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation
[0029] The interface control method, apparatus, and storage medium provided in the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0030] In this article, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone.
[0031] The terms "first" and "second," etc., used in the specification and drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects or to distinguish different treatments of the same object, rather than to describe a specific order of objects.
[0032] Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, used in the description of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the steps or units listed, but may optionally include other steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to such process, method, product, or apparatus.
[0033] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of the words "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.
[0034] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.
[0035] The following explanations of the terms used in the embodiments of this application are provided to facilitate the reader's understanding.
[0036] I. MEC
[0037] MEC is key to reconstructing 5G networks and digital transformation, enabling high-bandwidth, low-latency, and localized services to be moved to the edge of the 5G network.
[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an existing MEC network system is shown. The MEC network system includes: an MEC self-control platform, and at least one enterprise campus. The aforementioned enterprise campus includes: MEC applications, MEP, UPF, and Infrastructure as a Service (IAAS).
[0039] The MEC self-service control platform is used to control equipment in each enterprise park.
[0040] MEC applications are used to provide services to users.
[0041] As a deep integration of edge cloud (EC) capabilities and internet technology (IT) capabilities, MEP is responsible for managing edge services, undertaking core interaction work in the MEC edge cloud, implementing control plane functions for MP2 configuration and user plane functions for DNS resolution, and also managing the MP2 capabilities of UPF.
[0042] UPF is used to handle user plane processing.
[0043] IaaS is used to provide computing power and storage services.
[0044] In the existing MEC network system described above, the MEP (Mobile Provider) is located in the enterprise campus facility and has a one-to-one correspondence with the UPF (User Platform Function). The MEP can obtain relevant information about the lower-layer network (e.g., real-time location of terminal devices, wireless link quality, roaming status, etc.) from the UPF through the MP2 interface, and package this information into different service capabilities (e.g., Location Based Services (LBS) capabilities, Radio Network Information Service (RNIS) capabilities, Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities, bandwidth capabilities, Domain Name System (DNS) resolution capabilities, etc.). Then, the MEP can expose these service capabilities to upper-layer MEC applications through the northbound unified application programming interface (API), thereby providing more value-added services and improving service quality.
[0045] The above is a brief introduction to some of the concepts involved in the embodiments of this application.
[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of an edge cloud network system provided in an embodiment of this application. The edge cloud network system includes: MEP 201, and multiple User Plane Function (UPF) clusters 202. Each UPF cluster 202 includes at least one UPF 203.
[0047] MEP201 is used to send an MP2 configuration indication message to each of at least one target UPF203, receive a first MP2 configuration response message from each target UPF203, and generate an MP2 configuration success message when the MP2 configuration response message of each target UPF203 is used to indicate the ability to enable MP2.
[0048] Among them, the MP2 configuration indication message is used to indicate that the target UPF203 has the ability to enable MP2; the target UPF203 is at least one of the target UPF203s in the target UPF cluster 202 that is in normal operation; the target UPF cluster 202 is any one of the multiple UPF clusters 202; MEP201; the first MP2 configuration response message is used to indicate whether the MP2 capability is enabled; the MP2 configuration success message is used to indicate that the MP2 capability has been successfully configured for the target UPF cluster 202.
[0049] MEP201 is located in the central layer of the secondary architecture. As a component of the MEC self-service console, it can manage the MP2 capabilities of each UPF203 in each UPF cluster 202.
[0050] It is understandable that existing edge cloud system MEPs can implement control plane functions for MP2 configuration and user plane functions for DNS resolution. This requires the MEP to understand the network information of all UPFs, user planes, and control planes in the edge cloud system. If the MEP is attacked by virtual machines or the user plane, it can cause the edge cloud system to crash, thus posing a certain network security risk to the edge cloud system. Based on the above, the MEP in this embodiment discards the ability to implement control plane functions for MP2 configuration and user plane functions for DNS resolution, retaining only the MP2 capability of each UPF203 in each UPF cluster 202, in order to improve the security of the edge cloud system.
[0051] Optionally, the permissions for managing MP2 capabilities under MEP201 are only granted to the MEC self-service console. The MEC self-service console is the unified entry point for managing IaaS cloud resources and MP2 capabilities.
[0052] In at least one UPF203 of the UPF cluster 202, each UPF203 uses the same configuration parameters and has interchangeable functions.
[0053] Furthermore, the edge cloud network system described in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new edge cloud network systems, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.
[0054] Currently, in common 5G edge cloud network systems, the MEP is located in the computer room of an enterprise park and has a one-to-one correspondence with the UPF in the computer room. In this way, the MEP can obtain relevant information about the lower layer network from its corresponding UPF through the edge cloud platform (Multi-Access Platform 2, MP2) interface, and package this information into different service capabilities to achieve the purpose of providing more services or improving service quality.
[0055] However, the enterprise campus in the above-mentioned 5G edge cloud network architecture includes multiple devices such as MEP, cloud infrastructure, UPF, IaaS, and MEC applications. If you want to expand the enterprise campus in the 5G edge cloud network system, you need to spend a lot of money to build these multiple devices. This makes some enterprises not expand their enterprise campuses due to business scale and cost considerations, thus limiting the expansion of enterprise campuses.
[0056] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this application proposes an interface control method that can extend the UPF of an enterprise park, thereby realizing a one-to-many correspondence between MEP and UPF. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the method includes:
[0057] S301, the MEP sends an MP2 configuration indication message to each of at least one target UPF. Correspondingly, each target UPF receives an MP2 configuration indication message from the MEP.
[0058] The MP2 configuration indication message is used to indicate the ability of the target UPF to enable MP2. The target UPF is at least one UPF in the target UPF cluster that is in normal operating condition. The target UPF cluster can be any one of multiple UPF clusters.
[0059] Optionally, each UPF in at least one UPF within a UPF cluster has the same UPF cluster identifier (upfGroup Id), allowing the MEP to determine at least one UPF belonging to a UPF cluster based on this identifier. However, different UPFs have different virtual machine application instance identifiers (app Instance Id).
[0060] In one example, the MP2 capabilities described above may include at least one of the following: bandwidth management, IP traffic splitting, traffic gating, blacklists / whitelists, and DNS redirection. Different capabilities may have different APIs. As shown in Table 1 below, the API for bandwidth management is / mp2 / v1 / upf_groups / {upfGroupId} / applications / {appInstanceId} / bandwidths. The API for IP traffic splitting is / mp2 / v1 / upf_groups / {upfGroupId} / applications / {appInstanceId} / traffic_rules. The API for traffic gating is / mp2 / v1 / upf_groups / {upfGroupId} / applications / {appInstanceId} / traffic_allocation_rules. The API for blacklists / whitelists is / mp2 / v1 / upf_groups / {upfGroupId} / applications / {appInstanceId} / ue_acl_rule. The API for DNS redirection is / mp2 / v1 / upf_groups / {upfGroupId} / applications / {appInstanceId} / dns_redirect_rules.
[0061] Table 1
[0062]
[0063] S302, the target UPF sends a first MP2 configuration response message to the MEP. Correspondingly, the MEP receives the first MP2 configuration response message from each target UPF.
[0064] The first MP2 configuration response message is used to indicate that MP2 capability is enabled.
[0065] Optionally, the MP2 capability can be understood by referring to the descriptions in the corresponding sections above, and will not be repeated here.
[0066] S303, MEP determines whether the first MP2 configuration response message for each target UPF is used to indicate the ability to enable MP2.
[0067] As an optional implementation, the above-mentioned S303 process can be as follows: The MEP determines a target MEP from the at least one target MEP, and determines whether the MP2 configuration response message of the target MEP is used to indicate the ability to enable MP2. The MEP judges each target MEP in the at least one target MEP according to the above method, and then determines whether the first MP2 configuration response message of each target UPF is used to indicate the ability to enable MP2.
[0068] If the first MP2 configuration response message for each target UPF is used to indicate the ability to enable MP2, then the MEP executes S304.
[0069] S304, MEP generates MP2 configuration success message.
[0070] The MP2 configuration success message indicates that MP2 capability has been successfully enabled for the target UPF cluster.
[0071] Understandably, existing MEPs in edge cloud network systems can only control one UPF, not multiple UPFs. Expanding an enterprise campus within the edge cloud system requires adding MEPs and cloud infrastructure (e.g., IaaS) to each expanded campus. However, the MEP in this embodiment can control the MP2 capabilities of multiple target UPFs. Therefore, expanding an enterprise campus within the edge cloud system only requires adding devices other than the MEP and cloud infrastructure (e.g., MEC applications, UPFs, etc.) to the campus, reducing expansion costs and improving the feasibility of campus expansion.
[0072] In an alternative embodiment, if the first MP2 configuration response message for each target UPF is used to indicate the ability to enable MP2, then the MEP executes S305 to S309.
[0073] It is understandable that if at least one target UPF contains an MP2 configuration response message indicating the target UPF's ability to enable MP2, then the MEP executes S305 to S309.
[0074] S305, MEP sends an MP2 shutdown configuration instruction message to each of at least one preset UPF. Correspondingly, the preset UPF receives the MP2 shutdown configuration instruction message from MEP.
[0075] The MP2 configuration instruction message is used to instruct the preset UPF to disable its MP2 capability. If the preset UPF is at least one target UPF, the MP2 configuration response message is used to instruct the target UPF to enable MP2.
[0076] Understandably, since each target UPF in the target UPF cluster needs to have the same parameters, for the target UPF cluster, there can only be one scenario: each of the aforementioned target UPFs has MP2 capability enabled, or none of the aforementioned target UPFs has MP2 capability enabled. If at least one of the aforementioned target UPFs contains both target UPFs with and without MP2 capability enabled, then the MEP needs to unify the MP2 capability status (i.e., enabled or disabled) of each of the aforementioned target UPFs. For example, the MEP configures the MP2 capability status of each of the aforementioned target UPFs to be disabled.
[0077] S306. Each of the aforementioned preset UPFs sends a second MP2 configuration response indication message to the MEP. Correspondingly, the MEP receives the second MP2 configuration response indication message from the preset UPF.
[0078] The second MP2 configuration response indication message is used to indicate whether the MP2 capability should be turned off.
[0079] Optionally, the default UPF may, upon receiving the aforementioned MP2 disable configuration instruction message, perform a disable operation on the MP2 capability and generate a second MP2 configuration response instruction message based on the execution result. This second MP2 configuration response instruction message is used to indicate whether the MP2 capability is disabled.
[0080] S307, MEP determines whether the second MP2 configuration response indication message for each preset UPF is used to indicate the ability to disable MP2.
[0081] As an optional implementation, the above-mentioned S307 process can be as follows: The MEP determines a preset MEP from the at least one preset MEP, and determines whether the second MP2 configuration response indication message of the preset MEP is used to indicate the ability to disable MP2. The MEP judges each of the at least one preset MEP according to the above method, and then determines whether the second MP2 configuration response indication message of each preset UPF is used to indicate the ability to disable MP2.
[0082] If the first MP2 configuration response message for each target UPF is used to indicate the ability to disable MP2, then the MEP executes S308.
[0083] S308, MEP sends an MP2 configuration failure indication message to the MEC platform. Correspondingly, the MEC platform receives the MP2 configuration failure indication message from the MEP.
[0084] The MP2 configuration failure indication message is used to indicate that the configuration of MP2 capability for the target UPF cluster has failed.
[0085] Understandably, the MEP needs to evaluate the second MP2 configuration response indication message for each preset UPF to determine whether the MP2 status of each preset UPF is consistent with that of other target UPFs. If the MP2 status of each target UPF is off, the MEP can generate an MP2 configuration failure indication message and send it to the MEC platform.
[0086] If the first MP2 configuration response message for each target UPF is not used to indicate the ability to enable MP2, then the MEP executes S309.
[0087] It is understandable that if the first MP2 configuration response message of each target UPF is not used to indicate the ability to enable MP2, it indicates that among the above-mentioned at least one preset UPF, there is a UPF whose MEP MP2 is disabled and has failed.
[0088] S309. MEP generates a rollback failure message and saves the rollback failure message to the MEP database.
[0089] The rollback failure message is used to indicate that the MP2 capability of the target UPF cluster is abnormal.
[0090] Understandably, if there is a UPF among the above-mentioned preset UPFs where the MEP fails to disable MP2, the MEP can mark the MP2 capability of the target UPF cluster as abnormal (i.e., rollback failure message) and save the rollback failure message to the MEP's database so that the MEP can query the MP2 capability of the target UPF cluster in the future.
[0091] The above technical solution brings at least the following beneficial effects: The interface control method provided in this application involves the MEP sending an MP2 configuration indication message (i.e., indicating the MP2 capability of the target UPF) to each target UPF in at least one target UPF (i.e., a UPF in normal operation among at least one UPF in a target UPF cluster; the target UPF cluster is any one of multiple UPF clusters), receiving a first MP2 configuration response message (i.e., indicating the MP2 capability to be enabled) from each target UPF, and generating an MP2 configuration success message (i.e., indicating that the MP2 capability has been successfully enabled for the target UPF cluster) when the first MP2 configuration response message of each target UPF indicates the MP2 capability to be enabled. Based on this, it can be seen that the MEP in this embodiment can control the MP2 capability of multiple target UPFs. Therefore, if an enterprise campus in an edge cloud system is to be expanded, only devices other than the MEP and cloud infrastructure (e.g., MEC applications, UPFs, etc.) in the enterprise campus need to be expanded, thus reducing expansion costs and improving the feasibility of campus expansion.
[0092] In one possible implementation, the edge cloud network system also includes a multi-access edge computing (MEC) platform. Before the MEP sends an MP2 configuration indication message to each of the at least one target UPF, it needs to pre-determine the at least one target UPF. Combined with... Figure 3 ,like Figure 4 As shown, the process by which MEP determines the realization of at least one of the above-mentioned target UPFs can be determined by the following S401 to S402.
[0093] S401: The MEC platform sends an MP2 configuration request to the MEP. Correspondingly, the MEP receives the MP2 configuration request from the MEC platform.
[0094] The MP2 configuration request is used to request the configuration of MP2 capability for the target UPF cluster.
[0095] Optionally, prior to S401, the user can perform a target operation that triggers the MEC platform to send the MP2 configuration request to the MEP.
[0096] S402, MEP determines that among at least one UPF in the target UPF cluster, the UPF that is in normal operating condition is the target UPF.
[0097] In some examples, the normal operating state can be a normal power supply state, or it can be a state where the power supply is normal and there are no faults.
[0098] The above technical solution brings at least the following beneficial effects: The interface control method provided in this application allows the MEP to receive an MP2 configuration request from the MEC platform (i.e., to request the configuration of MP2 capability for the target UPF cluster), and determine that the UPF in normal operation among at least one UPF in the target UPF cluster is the target UPF. This allows the MEP to interact with the target UPF in the future.
[0099] In one possible implementation, after S304, the MEP can store the confirmed MP2 configuration success message in its database, so that the MEP can subsequently query the MP2 capabilities of the target UPF cluster. Combined with... Figure 4 ,like Figure 5 As shown, the process by which the MEP stores the MP2 configuration success message determined above into the MEP's database can be determined by the following S501.
[0100] S501 and MEP save the MP2 configuration success message to the MEP database.
[0101] Understandably, if the target UPF cluster successfully enables MP2 capability, the MEP can mark the MP2 capability of the target UPF cluster as normal, so that the MEP can query the MP2 capability of the target UPF cluster in the future.
[0102] The above technical solution brings at least the following beneficial effects: The interface control method provided in this application can mark the MP2 capability of the target UPF cluster as normal when the target UPF cluster successfully enables MP2 capability, so that the MEP can query the MP2 capability of the target UPF cluster in the future.
[0103] It is understood that the above-described interface control method can be implemented by a MEP (Mechanical Application Program). To achieve the above functions, the MEP includes the corresponding hardware structure and / or software modules for executing each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the modules and algorithm steps of the examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, the embodiments disclosed in this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the embodiments disclosed in this application.
[0104] The embodiments disclosed in this application can divide functional modules according to the MEP generated by the above method examples. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be noted that the module division in the embodiments disclosed in this application is illustrative and is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.
[0105] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a MEP structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 As shown, MEP60 can be used to execute Figures 3-5 The interface control method is shown. The MEP is located in the edge cloud network system. The edge cloud network system includes: the edge cloud access collaboration platform MEP, and multiple user plane function (UPF) clusters. Each UPF cluster includes at least one UPF. The MEP60 includes: a communication unit 601 and a processing unit 602.
[0106] Communication unit 601 is configured to send an MP2 configuration indication message to each of at least one target UPF; the MP2 configuration indication message is used to indicate that the target UPF has the capability to enable MP2; the target UPF is a UPF in normal operation among at least one UPF in the target UPF cluster; the target UPF cluster is any one of multiple UPF clusters; communication unit 601 is also configured to receive a first MP2 configuration response message from each target UPF; the first MP2 configuration response message is used to indicate that the MP2 capability is enabled; when the first MP2 configuration response message of each target UPF is used to indicate that the MP2 capability is enabled, processing unit 602 is configured to generate an MP2 configuration success message; the MP2 configuration success message is used to indicate that the MP2 capability has been successfully enabled for the target UPF cluster.
[0107] In one possible implementation, the edge cloud network system further includes a multi-access edge computing (MEC) platform. The communication unit 601 is also used to receive an MP2 configuration request from the MEC platform. The MP2 configuration request is used to request the configuration of MP2 capability for the target UPF cluster. The processing unit 602 is also used to determine that the UPF in normal operation among at least one UPF of the target UPF cluster is the target UPF.
[0108] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 602 is also used to save the MP2 configuration success message to the MEP's database.
[0109] In one possible implementation, if the first MP2 configuration response message for each target UPF is not used to indicate the ability to enable MP2, the communication unit 601 is further configured to send a disable MP2 configuration indication message to each of at least one preset UPF; the disable MP2 configuration indication message is used to indicate that the preset UPF disables the MP2 capability; if the preset UPF is at least one target UPF, the MP2 configuration response message is used to indicate the target UPF with MP2 enabled; the communication unit 601 is further configured to receive a second MP2 configuration response indication message from the preset UPF; the second MP2 configuration response indication message is used to indicate whether the MP2 capability is disabled; if the second MP2 configuration response indication message for each preset UPF is used to indicate the ability to disable MP2, the communication unit 601 is further configured to send an MP2 configuration failure indication message to the MEC platform; the MP2 configuration failure indication message is used to indicate that configuring the MP2 capability for the target UPF cluster failed.
[0110] In one possible implementation, if the first MP2 configuration response message of each target UPF is not used to indicate the ability to enable MP2, the processing unit 602 is also used to generate a rollback failure message and save the rollback failure message to the database of the MEP; the rollback failure message is used to indicate that the MP2 capability of the target UPF cluster is abnormal.
[0111] In the case of implementing the functions of the integrated modules described above in hardware, this embodiment of the invention provides a possible structural diagram of the MEP involved in the above embodiments. For example... Figure 7 As shown, a MEP70, for example, is used to perform... Figures 2-5 The device verification method shown is illustrated. The MEP70 includes a processor 701, a memory 702, a bus 703, and a communication interface 704. The processor 701 and the memory 702 can be connected via the bus 703.
[0112] Processor 701 is the control center of the user equipment and can be a single processor or a collective term for multiple processing elements. For example, processor 701 can be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU) 702, or other general-purpose processors. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.
[0113] As one embodiment, processor 701 may include one or more CPUs, for example Figure 7 CPU 0 and CPU 1 are shown in the diagram.
[0114] The memory 702 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions, or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), disk storage medium or other magnetic storage device, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto.
[0115] In one possible implementation, the memory 702 can exist independently of the processor 701. The memory 702 can be connected to the processor 701 via a bus 703 and is used to store instructions or program code. When the processor 701 calls and executes the instructions or program code stored in the memory 702, it can implement the method provided in the embodiments of the present invention.
[0116] In another possible implementation, the memory 702 can also be integrated with the processor 701.
[0117] Bus 703 can be an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, or an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus. This bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 7 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.
[0118] Communication interface 704 is used to connect with other devices via a communication network. This communication network can be Ethernet, a wireless access network, a wireless local area network (WLAN), etc. Communication interface 704 may include a communication unit 601 for receiving data, and may also include an acquisition unit and a receiving unit.
[0119] In one design, the communication interface of the MEP70 provided in this embodiment of the invention can also be integrated into the processor.
[0120] It should be pointed out that, Figure 7 The structure shown does not constitute a limitation on this MEP70. Except... Figure 7 In addition to the components shown, the MEP70 may include more or fewer components than illustrated, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.
[0121] As an example, combined Figure 6 The processing unit 602 in the MEP performs the same functions as Figure 7 The processor 701 in it has the same function.
[0122] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, only the division of the above functional modules is used as an example. In practical applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above. The specific working process of the system, device, and unit described above can be referred to the corresponding process in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.
[0123] The computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination thereof. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable storage media include: electrical connections having one or more wires; portable computer disks; hard disks; random access memory (RAM); read-only memory (ROM); erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM); registers; hard disks; optical fibers; portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM); optical storage devices; magnetic storage devices; or any suitable combination thereof; or any other form of computer-readable storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium may also be a component of the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In the embodiments of this application, the computer-readable storage medium can be any tangible medium that contains or stores a program that can be used by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.
[0124] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. An interface control method characterized by, The application is applied to a multi-edge cloud access coordination platform (MEP). The MEP is located in an edge cloud network system. The edge cloud network system comprises a multi-edge cloud access coordination platform (MEP), a multi-access edge computing (MEC) platform and a plurality of user plane function (UPF) clusters. Each UPF cluster in the plurality of UPF clusters comprises at least one UPF. The MEP is located at a central layer position in a two-level architecture and manages the MP2 capability of each UPF in each UPF cluster. The MEP sends an MP2 configuration indication message to each target UPF in at least one target UPF. The MP2 configuration indication message is used to indicate that the target UPF starts the MP2 capability. The target UPF is at least one UPF in a target UPF cluster and is in a normal operating state. The target UPF cluster is any UPF cluster in the plurality of UPF clusters. The MEP receives a first MP2 configuration response message from each target UPF. The first MP2 configuration response message is used to indicate that the MP2 capability is started. In the case that the first MP2 configuration response message of each target UPF is used to indicate that the MP2 capability is started, the MEP generates an MP2 configuration success message. The MP2 configuration success message is used to indicate that the MP2 capability is successfully started for the target UPF cluster. In the case that the first MP2 configuration response message of each target UPF is not used to indicate that the MP2 capability is started, the MEP sends a close MP2 configuration indication message to each preset UPF in at least one preset UPF. The close MP2 configuration indication message is used to indicate that the preset UPF closes the MP2 capability. The preset UPF is the target UPF in the at least one target UPF, and the MP2 configuration response message is used to indicate that the MP2 capability is started. The MEP receives a second MP2 configuration response indication message from the preset UPF. The second MP2 configuration response indication message is used to indicate whether the MP2 capability is closed. In the case that the second MP2 configuration response indication message of each preset UPF is used to indicate that the MP2 capability is closed, the MEP sends an MP2 configuration failure indication message to the MEC platform. The MP2 configuration failure indication message is used to indicate that the MP2 capability is configured for the target UPF cluster.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further comprises: The MEP receives an MP2 configuration request from the MEC platform. The MP2 configuration request is used to request to configure the MP2 capability for a target UPF cluster. The MEP determines that at least one UPF in the target UPF cluster and in a normal operating state is the target UPF.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further comprises: The MEP saves the MP2 configuration success message in a database of the MEP.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method further comprises: In a case that the first MP2 configuration response message of each target UPF is used to indicate the capability of starting the MP2, the MEP generates a rollback failure message, and saves the rollback failure message into a database of the MEP; the rollback failure message is used to indicate that the MP2 capability of the target UPF cluster is abnormal.
5. A MEP, characterized in that, The MEP is located in an edge cloud network system, and the edge cloud network system comprises an edge cloud access coordination platform MEP, a multi-access edge computing MEC platform, and a plurality of user plane function UPF clusters; each UPF cluster in the plurality of UPF clusters comprises at least one UPF; the MEP is located at a central layer position in a two-level architecture, and manages the MP2 capability of each UPF of each UPF cluster; the MEP comprises a communication unit and a processing unit; The communication unit is configured to send an MP2 configuration indication message to each target UPF in at least one target UPF; the MP2 configuration indication message is used to indicate the capability of starting the MP2 of the target UPF; the target UPF is at least one UPF in a target UPF cluster and is in a normal operating state; the target UPF cluster is any UPF cluster in the plurality of UPF clusters; The communication unit is further configured to receive a first MP2 configuration response message from each target UPF; the first MP2 configuration response message is used to indicate the capability of starting the MP2; In a case that the first MP2 configuration response message of each target UPF is used to indicate the capability of starting the MP2, the processing unit is configured to generate an MP2 configuration success message; the MP2 configuration success message is used to indicate that the MP2 capability is successfully started for the target UPF cluster; In a case that the first MP2 configuration response message of each target UPF is not used to indicate the capability of starting the MP2, the communication unit is further configured to send a close MP2 configuration indication message to each preset UPF in at least one preset UPF; the close MP2 configuration indication message is used to indicate that the preset UPF closes the MP2 capability; the preset UPF is the target UPF in the at least one target UPF, and the MP2 configuration response message is used to indicate the capability of starting the MP2; The communication unit is further configured to receive a second MP2 configuration response indication message from the preset UPF; the second MP2 configuration response indication message is used to indicate whether to close the MP2 capability; In a case that the second MP2 configuration response indication message of each preset UPF is used to indicate the capability of closing the MP2, the communication unit is further configured to send an MP2 configuration failure indication message to the MEC platform; the MP2 configuration failure indication message is used to indicate that the MP2 capability is configured for the target UPF cluster fails.
6. The MEP of claim 5, wherein, The communication unit is further configured to receive an MP2 configuration request from the MEC platform; the MP2 configuration request is used to request to configure the MP2 capability for a target UPF cluster. The processing unit is further configured to determine that a UPF in normal operation state in at least one UPF of the target UPF cluster is the target UPF. 7.The MEP of claim 5, wherein, The processing unit is further configured to save the MP2 configuration success message into a database of the MEP. 8.The MEP of claim 5, wherein, In a case that the first MP2 configuration response message of each target UPF does not indicate to turn on the MP2 capability, the processing unit is further configured to generate a rollback failure message, and save the rollback failure message into a database of the MEP; the rollback failure message is used to indicate that the MP2 capability of the target UPF cluster is abnormal.
9. A MEP, characterized by, Comprising: a processor and a communication interface; the communication interface and the processor are coupled, and the processor is configured to run computer programs or instructions to implement the interface control method in any one of claims 1-4.
10. A computer-readable storage medium having stored therein instructions, the computer-readable storage medium comprising: When a computer executes the instructions, the computer executes the interface control method in any one of claims 1-4.