Route caching method, apparatus, device, and storage medium

Abstract

The application discloses a routing cache method and device, equipment and storage medium, and relates to the technical field of communication, to solve the problem that refreshing time is long and NF service experience is affected caused by user service request triggering routing information refreshing. The method comprises the following steps: determining that the first routing information of the cached pNF needs to be refreshed according to the pre-stored routing cache refreshing condition; sending an NF discovery request to the NRF, wherein the NF discovery request carries the discovery parameter corresponding to the pNF; if the NF discovery response is received, refreshing the first routing information into the second routing information carried by the NF discovery response, and resetting the routing cache refreshing condition, wherein the second routing information is the routing information of the pNF corresponding to the discovery parameter. The technical scheme disclosed by the application can be applied in the process of updating the cached routing information of the pNF by the cNF.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of communication, and particularly relates to a routing cache method and device, equipment and a storage medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] A 5G core network (5GC) supports multiple network functions (NFs). Different NFs, such as an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), a Session Management Function (SMF), and a Policy Control Function (PCF), provide different network function services via service-based interfaces.

[0003] A user can send a user service request to a consumer network function (cNF), and the cNF queries locally cached routing information of a producer network function (pNF) according to the user service request, and completes communication with the pNF according to the routing information of the pNF to provide the user with the requested NF service.

[0004] The method provided by the prior art for the cNF to cache the routing information of the pNF mainly includes: when the cNF receives a user service request sent by a user, sending an NF discovery request to a network function repository function (NRF), receiving a response message returned by the NRF, obtaining the routing information of the pNF from the response message, and caching the routing information of the pNF.

[0005] The process for the cNF to cache the routing information of the pNF provided by the prior art is triggered according to a user service request. For an NF service such as a PCF, the network function profile (NF profile) information in the routing information of the pNF is too long due to a large number of segment information, which leads to a long time (about 1S) for requesting the routing information of the pNF, and thus leads to a poor NF service experience of the user. SUMMARY

[0006] Embodiments of the present application provide a routing cache method, device, equipment and storage medium to solve the problem of long refresh time caused by a user service request triggering routing information refresh, which affects the NF service experience.

[0007] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a routing cache method, comprising:

[0008] determining, according to a pre-stored route cache refresh condition, that the first route information of the cached network function provider pNF needs to be refreshed;

[0009] sending a network function NF discovery request to a network function storage function NRF, wherein the NF discovery request carries discovery parameters corresponding to the pNF;

[0010] if an NF discovery response returned by the NRF according to the NF discovery request is received, refreshing the first route information as second route information carried in the NF discovery response, and resetting the route cache refresh condition, wherein the second route information is route information of the pNF corresponding to the discovery parameters.

[0011] Optionally, the determining, according to a pre-stored route cache refresh condition, that the first route information of the cached network function provider pNF needs to be refreshed comprises:

[0012] in a case where a timing time of a pre-set route cache refresh timer reaches a route refresh time, determining that the first route information of the cached pNF needs to be refreshed;

[0013] the resetting the route cache refresh condition is resetting the timing time of the route cache refresh timer.

[0014] Optionally, before the determining, according to a pre-stored route cache refresh condition, that the first route information of the cached network function provider pNF needs to be refreshed, the method further comprises:

[0015] setting the route cache refresh timer for the pNF according to a network function type NF type.

[0016] Optionally, the route caching method further comprises:

[0017] if the NF discovery response returned by the NRF according to the NF discovery request is not received or the NF discovery response is incorrect, continuing to cache the first route information of the pNF, and resetting the route cache refresh timer.

[0018] Optionally, the determining, according to a pre-stored route cache refresh condition, that the first route information of the cached network function provider pNF needs to be refreshed comprises:

[0019] receiving an NF service error code returned by the pNF;

[0020] if the NF service error code is the same as a pre-set route cache trigger error code, determining that the first route information of the cached network function provider pNF needs to be refreshed.

[0021] wherein the resetting the route cache refresh condition is clearing the NF service error code.

[0022] Optionally, the route caching method further comprises:

[0023] if the NF discovery response returned by the NRF according to the NF discovery request is not received, initiating a fault handling procedure.

[0024] Optionally, the determining, according to the pre-stored route cache refresh condition, that the first route information of the cached network function provider pNF needs to be refreshed further comprises:

[0025] determining, according to a public land mobile network PLMN configuration, that the first route information of the pNF needs to be cached.

[0026] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a route caching device, comprising:

[0027] a first module configured to determine, according to a pre-stored route cache refresh condition, that the first route information of a cached network function provider pNF needs to be refreshed;

[0028] a second module configured to send a network function NF discovery request to a network function storage function NRF, wherein the NF discovery request carries discovery parameters corresponding to the pNF;

[0029] a third module configured to, if the NF discovery response returned by the NRF according to the NF discovery request is received, refresh the first route information into second route information carried in the NF discovery response, and reset the route cache refresh condition, wherein the second route information is route information of the pNF corresponding to the discovery parameters.

[0030] Optionally, the first module is further configured to, in a case where a timing time of a pre-set route cache refresh timer reaches a route refresh time, determine that the first route information of the cached pNF needs to be refreshed.

[0031] The third module is further configured to reset the timing time of the route cache refresh timer.

[0032] Optionally, the first module is further configured to set the route cache refresh timer according to a network function type NF type of the pNF.

[0033] Optionally, the third module is further configured to, if the NF discovery response returned by the NRF according to the NF discovery request is not received, continue to cache the first route information of the pNF, and reset the route cache refresh timer.

[0034] Optionally, the first module is further configured to receive an NF service error code returned by the pNF, and if the NF service error code is the same as a preset route cache trigger error code, determine that the first route information of the cached network function provider pNF needs to be refreshed.

[0035] The third module is further configured to clear the NF service error code.

[0036] Optionally, the third module is further configured to initiate a fault handling process if the NF discovery response returned by the NRF according to the NF discovery request is not received.

[0037] Optionally, the route cache device further includes:

[0038] A fourth module configured to determine, according to a public land mobile network (PLMN) configuration, that the first route information of the pNF needs to be cached.

[0039] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a route cache device, including a processor and a transceiver.

[0040] The transceiver is configured to send a network function (NF) discovery request to a network function storage function (NRF), wherein the NF discovery request carries discovery parameters corresponding to the pNF, and receive an NF discovery response returned by the NRF according to the NF discovery request.

[0041] The processor is configured to determine, according to a pre-stored route cache refresh condition, that the first route information of the cached network function provider (pNF) needs to be refreshed, and if the NF discovery response returned by the NRF according to the NF discovery request is received, refresh the first route information to second route information carried by the NF discovery response, and reset the route cache refresh condition, wherein the second route information is route information of the pNF corresponding to the discovery parameters.

[0042] Optionally, the processor is further configured to, in a case where a timing time of a preset route cache refresh timer reaches a route refresh time, determine that the first route information of the cached pNF needs to be refreshed, and reset the timing time of the route cache refresh timer.

[0043] Optionally, the processor is further configured to set a route cache refresh timer for the pNF according to a network function type (NF type).

[0044] Optionally, the processor is further configured to continue caching the first routing information of the pNF and reset the routing cache refresh timer if no NF discovery response returned by the NRF according to the NF discovery request is received.

[0045] Optionally, the transceiver is further configured to receive an NF service error code returned by the pNF.

[0046] The processor is further configured to determine that the cached first routing information of the network function provider (pNF) needs to be refreshed if the NF service error code is the same as a preset routing cache trigger error code, wherein the routing cache refresh condition is reset by clearing the NF service error code.

[0047] Optionally, the processor is further configured to initiate a fault handling procedure if no NF discovery response returned by the NRF according to the NF discovery request is received.

[0048] Optionally, the processor is further configured to determine to cache the first routing information of the pNF according to a public land mobile network (PLMN) configuration.

[0049] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a network device, comprising a transceiver, a memory, a processor, and a program stored in the memory and executable on the processor; the processor is configured to read the program in the memory to implement the steps in the routing cache method as described above.

[0050] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a readable storage medium for storing a program, the program being executable on a processor to implement the steps in the routing cache method as described above.

[0051] In the embodiment of the present application, the first routing information of the cached pNF is refreshed by the routing cache refresh condition, which is independent of the NF service and is an independent running procedure, and does not depend on the user service request generated by the NF service, so it has no impact on the NF service procedure, thereby solving the problem in the prior art that the routing information refresh is triggered by the user service request, causing long refresh time and affecting the NF service experience. In addition, since the first routing information of the pNF is refreshed by the routing cache refresh condition, the problem of pNF routing error caused by the first routing information of the cached pNF due to untimely refresh can be effectively avoided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0052] Figure 1 is one of the flowcharts of the routing cache method provided by the embodiment of the present application;

[0053] Figure 2 is Figure 1The flowchart of step 101 in the route cache method provided by the embodiment of the application is shown in FIG. 1;

[0054] Figure 3 The flowchart of step 101 in the route cache method provided by the embodiment of the application is shown in FIG. 2; Figure 1 The flowchart of step 101 in the route cache method provided by the embodiment of the application is shown in FIG. 2;

[0055] Figure 4 The flowchart of step 101 in the route cache method provided by the embodiment of the application is shown in FIG. 2;

[0056] Figure 5 The timing diagram of the route cache method provided by the embodiment of the application triggered by the route cache refresh timer to refresh the route cache is shown in FIG. 3;

[0057] Figure 6 The timing diagram of the route cache method provided by the embodiment of the application triggered by the NF service error to refresh the route cache is shown in FIG. 4;

[0058] Figure 7 The structure diagram of the route cache device provided by the embodiment of the application is shown in FIG. 5;

[0059] Figure 8 The structure diagram of the route cache device provided by the embodiment of the application is shown in FIG. 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] In the embodiment of the application, the term "and / or" describes the association relationship of the associated objects, which means that there can be three relationships, for example, A and / or B, which can represent the three cases of A alone, A and B together, and B alone. The character " / " generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after it.

[0061] In the embodiment of the application, the term "multiple" means two or more, and other quantifiers are similar.

[0062] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the application, not all. Based on the embodiments in the application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor are within the scope of protection of the application.

[0063] The route cache method, device, equipment and storage medium provided by the embodiment of the application are applied in the NF service architecture, which mainly includes cNF, pNF and NRF, wherein the NRF is used to store and manage the information related to the NF service, including but not limited to the routing information of the pNF.

[0064] Referring to Figure 1 , Figure 1is a flowchart of the route cache method provided by the embodiment of the present application, as shown in Figure 1 includes the following steps:

[0065] Step 101, according to the pre-stored route cache refresh condition, it is determined that the first route information of the cached pNF needs to be refreshed.

[0066] In the embodiment, the route cache refresh condition can include two kinds: one is that the timing time of the route cache refresh timer reaches the route refresh time; the other is that the NF service error code is the same as the pre-set route cache trigger error code.

[0067] For the case that the timing time of the route cache refresh timer reaches the route refresh time, as shown in Figure 2 Step 101 can include:

[0068] Step 201, in the case that the timing time of the pre-set route cache refresh timer reaches the route refresh time, it is determined that the first route information of the cached pNF needs to be refreshed.

[0069] Optionally, as shown in Figure 2 Before step 201, it can include:

[0070] Step 200, setting the route cache refresh timer for the pNF according to the network function type (NF type).

[0071] For example: different route cache refresh timers T1 and T2 can be set for the two NF services of the NF type SMF and PCF respectively, so that the route cache refresh can better meet the needs of different NF services.

[0072] The technical scheme provided by the embodiment is relative to the prior art, the route cache refresh timer is set flexibly, different route cache refresh timers can be set according to the needs of different NF services, so that the cache refresh speed and frequency of the first route information of the pNF are more reasonable.

[0073] For the case that the NF service error code is the same as the pre-set route cache trigger error code, as shown in Figure 3 Step 101 can include:

[0074] Step 301, receiving the NF service error code returned by the pNF.

[0075] Step 302, if the NF service error code is the same as the pre-set route cache trigger error code, it is determined that the first route information of the cached pNF needs to be refreshed.

[0076] In the embodiment, the NF service error cases include many cases, one of which is caused by the first routing information of the cached pNF not being refreshed in time. In order to avoid the case, the preset routing cache trigger error code is used to determine whether the NF service error is caused by the first routing information of the cached pNF not being refreshed in time. When the determination result is yes, the process of refreshing the first routing information of the pNF is started in time, so as to avoid the same NF service error from repeatedly occurring.

[0077] In step 102, an NF discovery request is sent to the NRF, wherein the NF discovery request carries the discovery parameter corresponding to the pNF.

[0078] In the embodiment, the NF discovery request is used to inform the NRF of the pNF required for routing the next hop, so that the NRF can find the routing information of the pNF registered on the NRF.

[0079] In the embodiment, the discovery parameter corresponding to the pNF is specifically carried in a network function instance identifier (NF Instance ID). The discovery parameter corresponding to the pNF can be a unique identifier of the pNF, or a unique identifier of a user.

[0080] In step 103, if the NF discovery response returned by the NRF according to the NF discovery request is received, the first routing information is refreshed as the second routing information carried in the NF discovery response, and the routing cache refresh condition is reset, wherein the second routing information is the routing information of the pNF corresponding to the discovery parameter.

[0081] In the embodiment, after the NRF receives the NF discovery request, the discovery parameter is obtained from the NF Instance ID of the NF discovery request. If the discovery parameter is a unique identifier of the pNF, the NRF finds the routing information registered by the corresponding pNF according to the unique identifier of the pNF. If the discovery parameter is a unique identifier of a user, the NRF first finds the pNF corresponding to the unique identifier of the user, and then finds the routing information registered by the pNF. The NRF generates the NF discovery response according to the found routing information.

[0082] In the embodiment, if the routing cache refresh condition is that the counting time of the routing cache refresh timer reaches the routing refresh time, the step of resetting the routing cache refresh condition in step 103 is specifically resetting the counting time of the routing cache refresh timer. If the routing cache refresh condition is that the NF service error code is the same as the preset routing cache trigger error code, the step of resetting the routing cache refresh condition in step 103 is specifically clearing the NF service error code.

[0083] Optionally, if the route cache refresh condition is that the timing of the route cache refresh timer reaches the route refresh time, after step 102, the method can further include: if the NF discovery response returned by the NRF according to the NF discovery request is not received, continuing to cache the first routing information of the pNF, and resetting the route cache refresh timer.

[0084] Optionally, if the route cache refresh condition is that the NF service error code is the same as the pre-set route cache trigger error code, after step 202, the method can further include: if the NF discovery response returned by the NRF according to the NF discovery request is not received, initiating a fault handling process.

[0085] Through the above steps, the first routing information refresh error of the pNF caused by the failure of obtaining the second routing information due to the communication interruption with the NRF can be effectively avoided, so that the reliability of the route cache method provided in the embodiment is higher.

[0086] In the embodiment, the refresh of the cached first routing information of the pNF is triggered by the route cache refresh condition, and is independent of the NF service. The refresh process is an independent process and does not depend on the user service request generated by the NF service, so it has no impact on the NF service process. The problem of long refresh time caused by triggering the routing information refresh by the user service request in the prior art and affecting the NF service experience is solved. In addition, since the refresh of the first routing information of the pNF is triggered by the route cache refresh condition, the problem of pNF routing error caused by the cached first routing information of the pNF due to the un-timely refresh can be effectively avoided.

[0087] The embodiment of the application further provides a route cache method. As shown in Figure 4 , the route cache method is basically the same as that shown in Figure 1 , and the difference is that before step 101, the method can further include:

[0088] Step 100: determining to cache the first routing information of the pNF according to the configuration of the public land mobile network (PLMN).

[0089] In the embodiment, the route information cache can be started only for the PLMN with large user service, such as the home network PLMN and the domestic roaming PLMN.

[0090] The embodiment can selectively start the route information cache according to the configuration of the PLMN on the basis of the beneficial effects of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , thereby saving the storage space used by the route cache.

[0091] From the above two embodiments, it can be seen that the route cache refreshing scenarios of the route cache method provided in the embodiments of the present application are divided into two kinds: one is triggered by the route cache refreshing timer; and the other is triggered by the NF service error.

[0092] In order to enable those skilled in the art to more clearly understand the technical solutions in the above two scenarios, the following will be described by means of network communication interaction timing diagrams shown in Figs. Figure 5 and Figure 6 .

[0093] Scenario one: the route cache refreshing is triggered by the route cache refreshing timer.

[0094] As shown in Fig. Figure 5 , the route cache method provided in the embodiments of the present application can include the following steps.

[0095] Step 501: The cNF sets the route cache refreshing timer.

[0096] Specifically, reference can be made to step 200 shown in Fig. Figure 2 , and details are not described herein again.

[0097] It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the step of setting the route cache refreshing timer by the cNF is completed in advance, and after the step is completed, the cNF and the NRF can perform normal communication, as shown in Fig. Figure 5 , the cNF and the NRF can transmit the NF discovery request and the response, so that the cNF acquires and caches the first route information of the pNF.

[0098] Step 502: After the cNF caches the first route information of the pNF, the route cache refreshing timer is started to count time.

[0099] In the case where the counting time of the route cache refreshing timer does not reach the route refreshing time, the cNF and the pNF use the first route information to perform the service message flow.

[0100] Step 503: In the case where the counting time of the route cache refreshing timer reaches the route refreshing time, the cNF sends the NF discovery request to the NRF, and the NF Instance ID of the NF discovery request carries the discovery parameter corresponding to the pNF.

[0101] Step 504: The NRF returns the NF discovery response to the cNF, carrying the second route information of the pNF.

[0102] Step 505a: If the cNF receives the NF discovery response, the first route information is updated to the second route information, and the counting time of the route cache refreshing timer is reset.

[0103] Step 505b: If the CNF does not receive an NF discovery response, continue to cache the first route information and reset the route cache refresh timer.

[0104] Scenario 2: Router cache refresh triggered by NF service error.

[0105] like Figure 6 As shown, the route caching method provided in this embodiment of the invention may include:

[0106] Step 601: The CNF sends a service message to the PNF.

[0107] Step 602: The pNF returns a service error message to the cNF, which carries the NF service error code.

[0108] Step 603: The CNF determines whether the business error is caused by a routing cache error based on the NF service error code.

[0109] Step 604: If the judgment result is yes, the CNF sends an NF discovery request to the NRF. The NFInstance ID in the NF discovery request carries the discovery parameters corresponding to the pNF.

[0110] Step 605: The NRF returns an NF discovery response to the cNF, carrying the routing information of the pNF.

[0111] Step 606a: If the CNF receives an NF discovery response, update the cache according to the routing information in the NF discovery response.

[0112] Step 606b: If the CNF does not receive an NF discovery response, initiate a fault handling process.

[0113] This fault handling procedure is used to inform users that pNF routing information acquisition failed.

[0114] This application also provides a route caching device. See [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 7 As shown, the routing cache device 700 includes:

[0115] The first module 701 is used to determine, based on pre-stored route cache refresh conditions, whether the cached first route information of the network function provider (pNF) needs to be refreshed.

[0116] The second module 702 is used to send a network function (NF) discovery request to the network function storage function (NRF), wherein the NF discovery request carries the discovery parameters corresponding to the pNF;

[0117] The third module 703 is configured to, if an NF discovery response returned by the NRF according to the NF discovery request is received, update the first routing information to second routing information carried in the NF discovery response, and reset the routing cache refresh condition, where the second routing information is routing information of the pNF corresponding to the discovery parameter.

[0118] Optionally, the first module 701 is further configured to, in a case where a timing time of a routing cache refresh timer reaches a routing refresh time, determine that the cached first routing information of the pNF needs to be refreshed.

[0119] The third module 703 is further configured to reset the timing time of the routing cache refresh timer.

[0120] Optionally, the first module 701 is further configured to set the routing cache refresh timer according to a network function type NF type of the pNF.

[0121] Optionally, the third module 703 is further configured to, if the NF discovery response returned by the NRF according to the NF discovery request is not received, continue to cache the first routing information of the pNF, and reset the routing cache refresh timer.

[0122] Optionally, the first module 701 is further configured to receive an NF service error code returned by the pNF, and if the NF service error code is the same as a pre-set routing cache trigger error code, determine that the cached first routing information of the network function provider pNF needs to be refreshed.

[0123] The third module 703 is further configured to clear the NF service error code.

[0124] Optionally, the third module 703 is further configured to, if the NF discovery response returned by the NRF according to the NF discovery request is not received, initiate a fault handling process.

[0125] Optionally, the routing cache device further includes:

[0126] A fourth module configured to determine, according to a public land mobile network (PLMN) configuration, to cache the first routing information of the pNF.

[0127] In the embodiments of the present application, the first routing information refresh of the cached pNF is triggered by the routing cache refresh condition, which is independent of the NF service and does not depend on the user service request generated by the NF service, and therefore has no impact on the NF service process, thereby solving the problem of the prior art that the routing information refresh is triggered by the user service request, resulting in a long refresh time and affecting the NF service experience. In addition, since the first routing information refresh of the pNF is triggered by the routing cache refresh condition, the problem of pNF routing error caused by the first routing information of the cached pNF due to the failure of timely refresh can be effectively avoided.

[0128] The specific implementation method of the routing cache device provided in the embodiments of the present application can be referred to the routing cache method provided in the embodiments of the present application, which will not be described here.

[0129] The embodiments of the present application also provide a routing cache device, which can be referred to Figure 8 as shown in the figure, comprising a processor 801 and a transceiver 802.

[0130] The transceiver 802 is configured to send a network function (NF) discovery request to a network function storage function (NRF), wherein the NF discovery request carries discovery parameters corresponding to a pNF, and receive an NF discovery response returned by the NRF according to the NF discovery request.

[0131] The processor 801 is configured to determine that the first routing information of the cached pNF needs to be refreshed according to a pre-stored routing cache refresh condition, and if the NF discovery response returned by the NRF according to the NF discovery request is received, refresh the first routing information to second routing information carried in the NF discovery response, and reset the routing cache refresh condition, wherein the second routing information is the routing information of the pNF corresponding to the discovery parameters.

[0132] Optionally, the processor 801 is further configured to determine that the first routing information of the cached pNF needs to be refreshed if the timing time of the pre-set routing cache refresh timer reaches the routing refresh time, and reset the timing time of the routing cache refresh timer.

[0133] Optionally, the processor 801 is further configured to set a routing cache refresh timer for the pNF according to the network function type (NF type).

[0134] Optionally, the processor 801 is further configured to continue to cache the first routing information of the pNF and reset the routing cache refresh timer if the NF discovery response returned by the NRF according to the NF discovery request is not received.

[0135] Optionally, the transceiver 802 is further configured to receive the NF service error code returned by the pNF.

[0136] The processor 801 is further configured to determine that the first routing information of the cached network function provider pNF needs to be refreshed if the NF service error code is the same as a preset routing cache trigger error code, wherein the routing cache refresh condition is reset by clearing the NF service error code.

[0137] Optionally, the processor 801 is further configured to determine to cache the first routing information of the pNF according to a public land mobile network (PLMN) configuration.

[0138] In the embodiments of the present application, the first routing information of the cached pNF is refreshed by the routing cache refresh condition, which is independent of the NF service, and the refresh process is an independent process and does not depend on the user service request generated by the NF service, so it has no impact on the NF service process, thereby solving the problem of long refresh time and impact on the NF service experience caused by triggering the routing information refresh by the user service request in the prior art. In addition, since the first routing information of the pNF is refreshed by the routing cache refresh condition, the problem of pNF routing error caused by the first routing information of the cached pNF due to the non-timely refresh can be effectively avoided.

[0139] The embodiments of the present application also provide a network device, which comprises a transceiver, a memory, a processor and a program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, and the processor implements the steps in the routing cache method when executing the program.

[0140] In the embodiments of the present application, the first routing information of the cached pNF is refreshed by the routing cache refresh condition, which is independent of the NF service, and the refresh process is an independent process and does not depend on the user service request generated by the NF service, so it has no impact on the NF service process, thereby solving the problem of long refresh time and impact on the NF service experience caused by triggering the routing information refresh by the user service request in the prior art. In addition, since the first routing information of the pNF is refreshed by the routing cache refresh condition, the problem of pNF routing error caused by the first routing information of the cached pNF due to the non-timely refresh can be effectively avoided.

[0141] It should be noted that the division of the unit in the embodiments of the present application is illustrative, and is only a logical function division. In actual implementation, another division manner can be used. In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application can be integrated in one processing unit, or each unit can be physically present separately, or two or more units can be integrated in one unit. The integrated unit can be realized in the form of hardware or in the form of a software functional unit.

[0142] When the integrated unit is realized in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a processor-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the present application essentially or the part that contributes to the prior art or the whole or part of the technical solutions can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium, and includes a plurality of instructions for causing a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) or a processor to perform all or part of the steps of the methods described in each embodiment of the present application. The foregoing storage medium includes: a U disk, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk, and various media that can store program codes.

[0143] The embodiments of the present application also provide a network device, which comprises a transceiver, a memory, a processor, and a program stored in the memory and executable on the processor; the processor is configured to read the program in the memory to implement the steps in the route caching method.

[0144] The embodiments of the present application also provide a readable storage medium, which stores a program. The program is executed by a processor to implement each process of the route caching method embodiments, and can achieve the same technical effects. To avoid repetition, details are not described herein. The readable storage medium can be any available medium or data storage device that can be accessed by the processor, including but not limited to a magnetic memory (such as a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, a magneto-optical disk (MO), etc.), an optical memory (such as a CD, a DVD, a BD, a HVD, etc.), and a semiconductor memory (such as a ROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, a non-volatile memory (NAND FLASH), a solid state disk (SSD), etc.).

[0145] It should be noted that, in the present document, the terms "comprises / comprising" or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but can also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, foreclose the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the recited element.

[0146] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the above-mentioned embodiment methods can be realized by means of software and necessary general hardware platforms, and of course, they can also be realized by hardware, but in many cases, the former is a better embodiment. According to such understanding, the technical solutions of the present application can be embodied in the form of a software product, which is stored in a storage medium (such as a ROM / RAM, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk) and includes a number of instructions for causing a terminal (which can be a mobile phone, a computer, a server, an air conditioner, or a network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in the various embodiments of the present application.

[0147] The embodiments of the present application are described above in combination with the accompanying drawings, but the present application is not limited to the above-mentioned specific embodiments, and the above-mentioned specific embodiments are only illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many forms under the inspiration of the present application without departing from the scope of the present application and the scope protected by the claims.

Claims

1. A route caching method, characterized in that, include: Based on pre-stored route cache refresh conditions, it is determined that the first route information of the cached Network Function Provider (pNF) needs to be refreshed; the route cache refresh conditions include at least one of the following: the route cache refresh timer reaches the route refresh time; the NF service error code is the same as the pre-set route cache trigger error code; Send a Network Function NF Discovery Request to the Network Function Store (NRF), wherein the NF Discovery Request carries the discovery parameters corresponding to the pNF; If an NF discovery response is received from the NRF in accordance with the NF discovery request, the first routing information is refreshed to the second routing information carried in the NF discovery response, and the routing cache refresh condition is reset, wherein the second routing information is the routing information of the pNF corresponding to the discovery parameter.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of determining whether the cached first routing information of the network function provider (pNF) needs to be refreshed based on pre-stored routing cache refresh conditions includes: If the preset route cache refresh timer expires and the route refresh timer expires, it is determined that the cached first route information of the pNF needs to be refreshed. The condition for resetting the route cache refresh is: resetting the timeout period of the route cache refresh timer.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, Before determining whether the cached first routing information of the network function provider (pNF) needs to be refreshed based on pre-stored routing cache refresh conditions, the method further includes: Set the route cache refresh timer for the pNF according to the network function type (NF type).

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: If no NF discovery response is received from the NRF based on the NF discovery request, the first routing information of the pNF is cached, and the routing cache refresh timer is reset.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of determining whether the cached first routing information of the network function provider (pNF) needs to be refreshed based on pre-stored routing cache refresh conditions includes: Receive the NF service error code returned by the pNF; If the NF service error code is the same as the pre-set route cache trigger error code, it is determined that the first routing information of the cached network function provider pNF needs to be refreshed; The condition for resetting the route cache refresh is: clearing the NF service error code.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, Also includes: If no NF discovery response is received from the NRF based on the NF discovery request, a fault handling procedure is initiated.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Before determining whether the cached first routing information of the network function provider (pNF) needs to be refreshed based on pre-stored routing cache refresh conditions, the process also includes: Based on the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) configuration, it is determined that the first routing information of the pNF will be cached.

8. A routing caching device, characterized in that, include: The first module is used to determine, based on pre-stored route cache refresh conditions, that the first route information of the cached Network Function Provider (pNF) needs to be refreshed; the route cache refresh conditions include at least one of the following: the route cache refresh timer reaches the route refresh time; the NF service error code is the same as the pre-set route cache trigger error code; the second module is used to send a Network Function NF discovery request to the Network Function Store (NRF), wherein the NF discovery request carries the discovery parameters corresponding to the pNF; The third module is used to refresh the first routing information to the second routing information carried in the NF discovery response if the NRF returns an NF discovery response based on the NF discovery request, and to reset the routing cache refresh conditions, wherein the second routing information is the routing information of the pNF corresponding to the discovery parameter.

9. A routing cache device, comprising: Processor and transceiver; The transceiver is used to send a network function (NF) discovery request to the network function storage function (NRF), wherein the NF discovery request carries discovery parameters corresponding to the pNF, and to receive an NF discovery response returned by the NRF based on the NF discovery request; The processor is configured to, based on pre-stored routing cache refresh conditions, determine that the first routing information of the cached Network Function Provider (pNF) needs to be refreshed; if an NF discovery response is received from the NRF in accordance with the NF discovery request, refresh the first routing information to the second routing information carried in the NF discovery response, and reset the routing cache refresh conditions, wherein the second routing information is the routing information of the pNF corresponding to the discovery parameters; the routing cache refresh conditions include at least one of the following: the timing of the routing cache refresh timer reaches the routing refresh time; the NF service error code is the same as the pre-set routing cache trigger error code.

10. A network device, comprising: A transceiver, a memory, a processor, and a program stored in the memory and executable on the processor; characterized in that the processor is configured to read the program in the memory to implement the steps in the routing caching method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

11. A readable storage medium for storing a program, characterized in that, When the program is executed by the processor, it implements the steps in the routing caching method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

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