Communication Method, Apparatus, Computer-Readable Medium, and Electronic Device

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method, apparatus, computer-readable medium, and electronic device. Among them, a mapping relationship between a data network access identifier and a network address of an application server is maintained in a core network entity. The communication method includes: generating a first signaling message for interacting with an application function entity, where the first signaling message includes a network address of a target application server, and the network address of the target application server is determined by the core network entity based on the mapping relationship and according to a target data network access identifier that needs to be notified to the application function entity; sending the first signaling message to the application function entity, and the application function entity is used to maintain the network address of the application server. The technical solution of the embodiments of the present application can reduce the implementation difficulty of the application function entity, and at the same time reduce the signaling overhead caused by the interaction of the data network access identifier between the application function entity and the core network entity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the fields of computer and communication technologies, and in particular, to a communication method, apparatus, computer-readable medium, and electronic device. Background Art

[0002] DNAI (DN Access Identifier) is an identifier within the 5G system, which can be used to identify the EAS (Edge Application Server). The AF (Application Function) belongs to a network element outside the 5GC (5G Core). It is very inconvenient to use the identifier within the 5GC, which will make the implementation of the AF more complex. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Embodiments of this application provide a communication method, apparatus, computer-readable medium, and electronic device, which can reduce the implementation difficulty of the application function entity and also reduce the signaling overhead caused by the interaction of the data network access identifier between the application function entity and the core network entity.

[0004] Other features and advantages of this application will become apparent through the following detailed description, or be learned in part through the practice of this application.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a communication method, which is executed by a core network entity. A mapping relationship between a data network access identifier and a network address of an application server is maintained in the core network entity. The communication method includes: generating a first signaling message for interacting with an application function entity, where the first signaling message includes a network address of a target application server, and the network address of the target application server is determined by the core network entity based on the mapping relationship and a target data network access identifier that needs to be notified to the application function entity; sending the first signaling message to the application function entity, where the application function entity is used to maintain the network address of the application server.

[0006] In a second aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a communication method, which is executed by an application function entity. The communication method includes: receiving a first signaling message sent by a core network entity, where the first signaling message includes a network address of a target application server, and the network address of the target application server is determined by the core network entity based on a mapping relationship between a data network access identifier and a network address of an application server and a target data network access identifier that needs to be notified to the application function entity; responding to the first signaling message according to the network address of the target application server.

[0007] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which is executed by a session management function entity. The communication method includes: detecting whether a data network access identifier corresponding to a user plane function entity has changed; if it is detected that the data network access identifier corresponding to the user plane function entity has changed, sending an update notification message to a specified core network entity, where the update notification message is used to trigger the specified core network entity to update a mapping relationship between the data network access identifier and a network address of an application server corresponding to the user plane function entity according to the changed data network access identifier.

[0008] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which is disposed in a core network entity. A mapping relationship between a data network access identifier and a network address of an application server is maintained in the core network entity. The communication device includes: a generating unit configured to generate a first signaling message for interacting with an application function entity, where the first signaling message includes a network address of a target application server, and the network address of the target application server is determined by the core network entity based on the mapping relationship and a target data network access identifier that needs to be notified to the application function entity; a sending unit configured to send the first signaling message to the application function entity, and the application function entity is used to maintain the network address of the application server.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present application, based on the foregoing solution, the communication device further includes: an updating unit configured to, if it is determined that a data network access identifier corresponding to a user plane function entity has changed, update a mapping relationship between the data network access identifier and a network address of an application server corresponding to the user plane function entity according to the changed data network access identifier.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present application, based on the foregoing solution, the updating unit is further configured to: if an update notification message sent by a session management function entity is received, determine that a data network access identifier corresponding to the user plane function entity has changed; where the update notification message is sent by the session management function entity after detecting that the data network access identifier corresponding to the user plane function entity has changed.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present application, based on the foregoing solution, the communication device further includes: an updating unit configured to, if it is detected that a data network access identifier corresponding to a maintained network address of an application server has changed, update the mapping relationship between the data network access identifier and the network address of the application server.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present application, based on the foregoing solution, the mapping relationship includes at least one of the following: a one-to-one mapping relationship between a data network access identifier and the network address of an application server; a mapping relationship between a data network access identifier and a network address segment of an application server.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present application, based on the foregoing solution, the communication device further includes: a receiving unit configured to receive a second signaling message sent by an application function entity, where the second signaling message includes the network address of a specified application server; a determining unit configured to determine, according to the mapping relationship and the network address of the specified application server, the data network access identifier corresponding to the network address of the specified application server; and a processing unit configured to perform signaling processing on the control plane based on the data network access identifier corresponding to the network address of the specified application server.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present application, based on the foregoing solution, the communication device is disposed in a policy control function entity or a network exposure function entity.

[0015] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device disposed in an application function entity. The communication device includes: a receiving unit configured to receive a first signaling message sent by a core network entity, where the first signaling message includes the network address of a target application server, and the network address of the target application server is determined by the core network entity based on the mapping relationship between a data network access identifier and the network address of an application server and according to a target data network access identifier that needs to be notified to the application function entity; and a processing unit configured to respond to the first signaling message according to the network address of the target application server.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present application, based on the foregoing solution, the communication device further includes: a generating unit configured to generate a second signaling message, where the second signaling message includes the network address of a specified application server; and a sending unit configured to send the second signaling message to the core network entity, so that the core network entity determines, according to the mapping relationship and the network address of the specified application server, the data network access identifier corresponding to the network address of the specified application server, and performs signaling processing on the control plane based on the data network access identifier corresponding to the network address of the specified application server.

[0017] Sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which is disposed in a session management function entity. The communication device includes: a detection unit configured to detect whether a data network access identifier corresponding to a user plane function entity changes; a trigger unit configured to, if it is detected that the data network access identifier corresponding to the user plane function entity changes, send an update notification message to a specified core network entity, where the update notification message is used to trigger the specified core network entity to update a mapping relationship between the data network access identifier and a network address of an application server corresponding to the user plane function entity according to the changed data network access identifier.

[0018] Seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable medium, on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the communication method described in the above embodiment is implemented.

[0019] Eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an electronic device, including: one or more processors; a storage device configured to store one or more programs. When the one or more programs are executed by the one or more processors, the electronic device implements the communication method described in the above embodiment.

[0020] Ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product or a computer program. The computer program product or the computer program includes computer instructions, and the computer instructions are stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor of a computer device reads the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium, and the processor executes the computer instructions, so that the computer device executes the communication method provided in the above various alternative embodiments.

[0021] In the technical solutions provided in some embodiments of the present application, since a mapping relationship between a data network access identifier and a network address of an application server is maintained in a core network entity, when the core network entity needs to interact with an application function entity, it can determine the network address of a target application server based on the mapping relationship and the target data network access identifier that needs to be notified to the application function entity, and then only the network address of the target application server may be included in a first signaling message generated for interacting with the application function entity. That is, the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application enables the application function entity not to maintain the data network access identifier, thereby reducing the implementation difficulty of the application function entity and also reducing the signaling overhead caused by the interaction of the data network access identifier between the application function entity and the core network entity.

[0022] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are only exemplary and explanatory, and cannot limit the present application. Description of the Drawings

[0023] Figure 1 Shows a schematic diagram of an EC architecture in the related art;

[0024] Figure 2 Shows a schematic diagram of another EC architecture in the related art;

[0025] Figure 3 Shows a schematic diagram of the process of notifying user plane management events in the related art;

[0026] Figure 4 Shows a flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Figure 5 Shows a flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 6 Shows a flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 7 Shows a flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 8 Shows a flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 9 Shows an interaction flowchart of each entity according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 10 Shows a block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Figure 11 Shows a block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 12 Shows a block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Figure 13 Shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a computer system of an electronic device suitable for implementing the embodiments of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0036] Now, the exemplary embodiments will be described in a more comprehensive manner with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the exemplary embodiments can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as being limited to these examples; on the contrary, these embodiments are provided so that this application will be more comprehensive and complete, and the concept of the exemplary embodiments will be fully conveyed to those skilled in the art.

[0037] In addition, the features, structures, or characteristics described in this application can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to enable a full understanding of the embodiments of this application. However, those skilled in the art should realize that when implementing the technical solutions of this application, not all the detailed features in the embodiments are required, one or more specific details can be omitted, or other methods, elements, devices, steps, etc. can be adopted.

[0038] The block diagrams shown in the drawings are only functional entities and do not necessarily correspond to physically independent entities. That is, these functional entities can be implemented in software form, or in one or more hardware modules or integrated circuits, or in different networks and / or processor devices and / or microcontroller devices.

[0039] The flowcharts shown in the drawings are only illustrative and do not necessarily include all the content and operations / steps, nor do they necessarily need to be executed in the described order. For example, some operations / steps can be decomposed, while some operations / steps can be combined or partially combined, so the actual execution order may change according to the actual situation.

[0040] It should be noted that: "a plurality of" mentioned in this article refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects and indicates that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. The character " / " generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after.

[0041] EC (Edge Computing) minimizes the communication latency between the UE (User Equipment) and the AS (Application Server) by deploying the AS close to the UE. Among them, the two basic architectures for implementing EC are respectively as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown.

[0042] In Figure 1 , the UPF (User Plane Function) / PSA (PDU (Protocol Data Unit) Session Anchor) is deployed near the AN (Access Network), and at the same time, the EAS (Edge Application Server) is deployed in the DN (Data Network) connected to the PSA.

[0043] In Figure 2 it, the UPF / PSA1 is deployed at the central position. By deploying a UL CL (Uplink Classifier) / BP (Branching Point) near the AN, and then splitting out a UPF / PSA2 near the base station, the EAS is deployed in the same DN of the Local Access connected to the PSA2.

[0044] That is Figure 1 the architecture shown does not utilize the UL CL / BP to access the EAS, Figure 2 the architecture shown utilizes the UL CL / BP to access the EAS.

[0045] In Figure 1 and Figure 2 the embodiments shown, NEF is short for Network Exposure Function, which is the network exposure function. Nnef refers to the interface provided by the NEF. Through this interface, other NFs (Network Functions) send Nnef service request messages to the NEF, and at the same time the NEF replies to the request or sends notification service messages through this interface; PCF is short for Policy Control Function, which is the policy control function. Npcf refers to the interface provided by the PCF. Through this interface, other NFs send Npcf service request messages to the PCF, and at the same time the PCF replies to the request and sends notification service messages through this interface; AF is short for Application Function, which is the application function. Naf refers to the interface provided by the AF. Through this interface, other NFs send Naf messages to the AF, and at the same time the AF replies to the request and sends notification service messages through this interface; AMF is short for Access and Mobility Management Function, which is the access and mobility management function. Namf refers to the interface provided by the AMF. Through this interface, other NFs send Namf messages to the AMF, and at the same time the AMF replies to the request and sends notification service messages through this interface; SMF is short for Session Management Function, which is the session management function. Nsmf refers to the interface provided by the SMF. Through this interface, other NFs send Nsmf messages to the SMF, and at the same time the SMF replies to the request and sends notification service messages through this interface. The UE and the AMF interact through the N1 interface, the AMF and the AN interact through the N2 interface, the SMF and the UPF interact through the N4 interface, the AN and the UPF interact through the N3 interface, the UPF and the DN interact through the N6 interface, and the UPF and the UPF interact through the N9 interface.

[0046] With the deployment of edge computing in 5G systems, when designing the optimal deployment solution at the edge, UE mobility and redeployment of application servers need to be considered. For example, when a UE moves across a 5G system, the UE location may change and the network and the edge are required to handle the change in the UE location, or the UE does not move, but the EAS has migrated.

[0047] To ensure service continuity, research on UE mobility and application server relocation scenarios has been proposed in related technologies. For example, the edge application server of the service can be changed without changing the DNAI (DN Access Identifier); the edge application server can be changed when the edge application server of the service becomes congested or in an interrupted state, which may lead to a change in the EAS IP (Internet Protocol) address; the DNAI can be changed according to the UE's location to better serve the UE. However, these solutions basically interact with DNAI information. For example, in Figure 3 the process of Notification of User Plane Management Events shown, it is also required that the AF can identify the DNAI of the accessed EAS. Specifically, Figure 3 the process shown includes the following steps:

[0048] Step 1: Conditions for triggering AF notification are met. The SMF sends a notification to the NF (such as the AF) that subscribes to SMF notifications. Further processing of the SMF notification depends on the receiving NF, as shown in Steps 2a and 2c.

[0049] For example, when the following conditions are met, it can be determined that the conditions for triggering AF notification are met: the PDU session anchor identified in the AF subscription request has been established or released; the DNAI has changed; the SMF has received a request to notify the AF and the ongoing PDU session meets the conditions for notifying the AF.

[0050] Step 2a: If the AF requests early notification through the NEF, the SMF will notify the target DNAI of the PDU session to the NEF by invoking the Nsmf_EventExposure_Notify (Nsmf_Event Open_Notify) service operation.

[0051] Step 2b. When the NEF receives Nsmf_EventExposure_Notify, the NEF performs information mapping (e.g., mapping of the AF service internal ID provided in the notification related ID to the AF service ID, mapping of SUPI (Subscription Permanent Identifier) to GPSI (Generic Public Subscription Identifier), etc.), and triggers an appropriate Nnef_TrafficInfluence_Notify (Nnef_Data Influence_Notification) message. In this case, Step 2c does not apply, i.e., Step 2c is not executed.

[0052] Step 2c. If the AF requests a direct early notification, the SMF notifies the AF of the target DNAI of the PDU session by invoking the Nsmf_EventExposure_Notify service operation.

[0053] Step 2d. The AF responds to the Nnef_TrafficInfluence_Notify by immediately invoking the Nnef_TrafficInfluence_AppRelocationInfo (Nnef_Data Influence_Application Relocation Information) service operation or after completing any required application relocation in the target DNAI. The AF includes the N6 service routing details corresponding to the target DNAI. If the AF determines that the application relocation cannot be successfully and / or timely completed, the AF may give a negative response.

[0054] Step 2e. When the NEF receives Nnef_TrafficInfluence_AppRelocationInfo, the NEF triggers a corresponding Nsmf_EventExposure_AppRelocationInfo (Nsmf_Event Exposure_Application Relocation Information) message.

[0055] Step 2f. The AF responds to the Nsmf_EventExposure_Notify by immediately invoking the Nsmf_EventExposure_AppRelocationInfo service operation or after completing any required application relocation in the target DNAI. The AF includes the N6 service routing details corresponding to the target DNAI. If the AF determines that the application relocation cannot be successfully completed on time, the AF may give a negative answer.

[0056] Step 3. The SMF forces a change in the DNAI or adds, changes, or deletes a UPF.

[0057] If runtime coordination between the 5G Core Network and the AF is enabled based on local configuration, then according to the indication of "AF expected confirmation" included in the AF subscription to SMF events, the SMF may wait for the AF's response to the early notification before this step. The SMF will not execute this step until a positive response is received from the AF.

[0058] Step 4a. If the AF requests late notification via the NEF, the SMF notifies the NEF of the target DNAI of the PDU session by invoking the Nsmf_EventExposure_Notify service operation.

[0059] If runtime coordination between the 5G Core Network and the AF is enabled based on local configuration, then according to the indication of "AF response" included in the AF subscription to SMF events, the SMF may send a late notification and wait for a positive response from the AF before activating a new uplink path.

[0060] Step 4b. When the NEF receives Nsmf_EventExposure_Notify, the NEF performs information mapping (such as mapping the AF service internal ID provided in the notification correlation ID to the AF service ID, SUPI to GPSI, etc.) and triggers an appropriate Nnef_EventExposure_Notify message. In this case, Step 4c does not apply, i.e., Step 4c is not executed.

[0061] Step 4c. If the AF requests direct late notification, the SMF notifies the AF of the target DNAI of the PDU session by invoking the Nsmf_EventExposure_Notify service operation.

[0062] Step 4d. The AF responds to Nnef_TrafficInfluence_Notify by immediately invoking the Nnef_TrafficInfluence_AppRelocationInfo service operation or after completing any required application relocation in the target DNAI. The AF includes the N6 service routing details corresponding to the target DNAI. If the AF determines that it cannot successfully complete the application relocation on time, the AF may give a negative response.

[0063] Step 4e. When the NEF receives Nnef_TrafficInfluence_AppRelocationInfo, the NEF triggers the corresponding Nsmf_EventExposure_AppRelocationInfo message.

[0064] Step 4f. AF responds to Nsmf_EventExposure_Notify by immediately invoking the Nsmf_EventExposure_AppRelocationInfo service operation or after completing any required application relocation in the target DNAI. AF includes N6 service routing details corresponding to the target DNAI. If AF determines that the application relocation cannot be successfully completed on time, AF can give a negative response.

[0065] It can be seen that in the related art, AF needs to maintain the information of DNAI. When the UPF side changes the DNAI information, SMF also needs to notify AF. And DNAI belongs to the identifier within the 5G system, but AF belongs to a network element outside the 5GC (5G Core). Using the identifier within the 5GC is very inconvenient, which will further lead to a more complex implementation of AF. Moreover, after the information of DNAI changes, 5GC also needs to synchronize with AF, bringing additional signaling overhead.

[0066] In view of the above problems, an embodiment of the present application proposes a new communication solution, enabling the application function entity not to maintain the data network access identifier, thereby reducing the implementation difficulty of the application function entity and also reducing the signaling overhead caused by the interaction of the data network access identifier between the application function entity and the core network entity.

[0067] The implementation details of the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application are elaborated in detail as follows:

[0068] Figure 4 The flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application is shown. This communication method can be executed by a core network entity, which can be a PCF or a NEF. Refer to Figure 4 As shown, this communication method includes at least S410 to S420, which are introduced in detail as follows:

[0069] In S410, a first signaling message for interacting with the application function entity is generated. The first signaling message contains the network address of the target application server, and the network address of the target application server is determined by the core network entity based on the mapping relationship between the data network access identifier and the network address of the application server and according to the target data network access identifier that needs to be notified to the application function entity.

[0070] In an embodiment of the present application, the mapping relationship between the data network access identifier and the network address of the application server is maintained by the core network entity, that is, PCF or NEF. Specifically, this mapping relationship can be a one-to-one mapping relationship between the data network access identifier and the network address of the application server; or it can also be a mapping relationship between the data network access identifier and the network address segment of the application server.

[0071] In one embodiment of the present application, if the PCF or NEF determines that the data network access identifier corresponding to the user plane function entity has changed, the mapping relationship between the data network access identifier and the network address of the application server corresponding to the user plane function entity can be updated according to the changed data network access identifier. Specifically, for example, if the parameters of the UPF change, a new UPF is added, or a UPF is deleted, then the data network access identifier corresponding to the UPF will also change. In this case, the mapping relationship between the data network access identifier and the network address of the application server corresponding to the UPF needs to be updated.

[0072] Optionally, since the session management function entity SMF can be aware of changes in the data network access identifier information due to the UPF and other reasons, the SMF can send an update notification message to the PCF or NEF after detecting that the data network access identifier corresponding to the user plane function entity has changed, so as to notify the PCF or NEF that the data network access identifier corresponding to the user plane function entity has changed.

[0073] In one embodiment of the present application, if the PCF or NEF can detect that the data network access identifier corresponding to the network address of the maintained application server has changed, the mapping relationship between the data network access identifier and the network address of the application server can be updated according to the changed data, and then the mapping relationship can be updated in a timely manner to ensure the accuracy of the mapping relationship.

[0074] In S420, the first signaling message is sent to the application function entity, which is used to maintain the network address of the application server.

[0075] Figure 4 The technical solution of the illustrated embodiment enables the core network entity (i.e., the PCF or NEF) not to carry the data network access identifier when performing signaling interaction with the application function entity, thereby enabling the application function entity not to maintain the data network access identifier, reducing the implementation difficulty of the application function entity, and at the same time reducing the signaling overhead caused by the interaction of the data network access identifier between the application function entity and the core network entity.

[0076] Figure 5 The flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application is shown. This communication method can be executed by a core network entity, which can be a PCF or NEF. Referring to Figure 5 As shown, this communication method includes at least S510 to S530, which are introduced in detail as follows:

[0077] In S510, a second signaling message sent by an application function entity is received, and the network address of a specified application server is included in the second signaling message.

[0078] Optionally, when the application function entity needs to perform signaling interaction with a core network entity, the second signaling message can be generated, which includes the network address of the specified application server targeted.

[0079] In S520, based on the mapping relationship between the data network access identifier and the network address of the application server, and the network address of the specified application server, the data network access identifier corresponding to the network address of the specified application server is determined.

[0080] Optionally, the mapping relationship can be a one-to-one mapping relationship between the data network access identifier and the network address of the application server; or it can also be a mapping relationship between the data network access identifier and the network address segment of the application server.

[0081] In S530, based on the data network access identifier corresponding to the network address of the specified application server, signaling processing on the control plane is performed.

[0082] Figure 5 The technical solution of the illustrated embodiment enables the AF, when it needs to perform signaling interaction with a core network entity (i.e., the PCF or the NEF), not to carry the data network access identifier, thereby enabling the application function entity not to maintain the data network access identifier, reducing the implementation difficulty of the application function entity, and also reducing the signaling overhead caused by the interaction of the data network access identifier between the application function entity and the core network entity.

[0083] Figure 4 and Figure 5 describe the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application from the perspective of the core network entity (i.e., the PCF or the NEF). The following combines Figure 6 and Figure 7 to illustrate the implementation details of the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application from the perspective of the AF:

[0084] Figure 6 shows a flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application, and the communication method can be executed by an application function entity. Referring to Figure 6 as shown, the communication method at least includes S610 to S620, which are introduced in detail as follows:

[0085] In S610, a first signaling message sent by a core network entity is received. The first signaling message contains the network address of a target application server, and the network address of the target application server is determined by the core network entity based on the mapping relationship between the data network access identifier and the network address of the application server and according to the target data network access identifier that needs to be notified to the application function entity.

[0086] Optionally, the mapping relationship may be a one-to-one mapping relationship between the data network access identifier and the network address of the application server; or it may also be a mapping relationship between the data network access identifier and the network address segment of the application server.

[0087] In S620, in response to the first signaling message, based on the network address of the target application server.

[0088] Figure 6 The technical solution of the illustrated embodiment enables the core network entity (i.e., PCF or NEF) to not carry the data network access identifier when performing signaling interaction with the application function entity, thereby enabling the application function entity to not need to maintain the data network access identifier, reducing the implementation difficulty of the application function entity, and at the same time reducing the signaling overhead caused by the interaction of the data network access identifier between the application function entity and the core network entity.

[0089] Figure 7 The flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application is shown, and this communication method can be executed by an application function entity. Refer to Figure 7 As shown, this communication method includes at least S710 to S720, which are introduced in detail as follows:

[0090] In S710, a second signaling message is generated, and the second signaling message contains the network address of a specified application server.

[0091] Specifically, when the application function entity needs to perform signaling interaction with the core network entity, it can generate the second signaling message, which contains the network address of the targeted specified application server.

[0092] In S720, the second signaling message is sent to the core network entity, so that the core network entity determines the data network access identifier corresponding to the network address of the specified application server based on the mapping relationship and the network address of the specified application server, and performs signaling processing on the control plane based on the data network access identifier corresponding to the network address of the specified application server.

[0093] Figure 7In the technical solution of the illustrated embodiment, when the AF needs to perform signaling interaction with a core network entity (i.e., the PCF or the NEF), it is not necessary to carry a data network access identifier. As a result, the application function entity does not need to maintain the data network access identifier, reducing the implementation difficulty of the application function entity. At the same time, it also reduces the signaling overhead caused by the interaction of the data network access identifier between the application function entity and the core network entity.

[0094] The following Figure 8 describes the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application from the perspective of session management function:

[0095] Figure 8 shows a flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication method can be executed by a session management function entity. Referring to Figure 8 as shown, the communication method at least includes S810 to S820, which are introduced in detail as follows:

[0096] In S810, it is detected whether the data network access identifier corresponding to the user plane function entity has changed.

[0097] Specifically, since the session management function entity can master the change of the data network access identifier information due to the UPF and other reasons, the SMF can detect whether the data network access identifier corresponding to the UPF has changed. If it is detected that the data network access identifier corresponding to the user plane function entity has changed, an update notification message is sent to the PCF or the NEF to notify the PCF or the NEF that the data network access identifier corresponding to the user plane function entity has changed.

[0098] In S820, if it is detected that the data network access identifier corresponding to the user plane function entity has changed, an update notification message is sent to a specified core network entity. The update notification message is used to trigger the specified core network entity to update the mapping relationship between the data network access identifier and the network address of the application server corresponding to the user plane function entity according to the changed data network access identifier.

[0099] Figure 8 The technical solution of the illustrated embodiment enables the SMF to timely trigger the core network entity to update the mapping relationship between the data network access identifier and the network address of the application server corresponding to the user plane function entity after detecting that the data network access identifier corresponding to the user plane function entity has changed, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the mapping relationship.

[0100] In summary, the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application mainly introduces the mapping between DNAI and the IP address or IP address segment of the application server at the boundary node (such as PCF or NEF) of 5GC in the interaction mechanism between AF and 5GC. As a result, AF only needs to maintain the IP address or IP address segment of a specific server, rather than maintaining a list of DNAIs for specific services. When the DNAI configuration information inside 5GC changes, the corresponding update only needs to reach the edge nodes of 5GC such as PCF or NEF, without the need to interact with AF again.

[0101] An exemplary interaction process is as Figure 9 shown, including the following steps:

[0102] S901, The UE and the AS exchange data through 5GS. Specifically, the UE and the AS exchange data through the PDU session established in 5GS.

[0103] Among them, PCF or NEF maintains the mapping relationship between DNAI and the IP address or IP address pool. Since the correspondence between the IP address / IP address pool and the AS is less likely to change compared to the correspondence between DNAI and the IP address / IP address pool, under the premise that PCF or NEF maintains the mapping relationship between DNAI and the IP address or IP address pool, AF can only maintain the IP address or IP address pool.

[0104] S902, The change of UPF causes the DNAI to change. For example, the parameters of UPF change, UPF is added, or UPF is reduced.

[0105] S903, SMF triggers the update process of the mapping relationship. It should be noted that: SMF is the control plane network element that configures UPF, so SMF can timely grasp the change of DNAI information caused by UPF and other reasons.

[0106] S904a, PCF updates the mapping table between DNAI and IP address; S904b, PCF updates the mapping table between DNAI and IP address.

[0107] It should be noted that: at least one of PCF and NEF can maintain the mapping table between DNAI and IP address.

[0108] S905, The UE and the AS exchange data through 5GS.

[0109] To support the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the PCF or NEF needs to be enhanced accordingly to support the maintenance of the correspondence between DNAI and IP address / IP address pool. These information can be obtained from the SMF and related network elements and signaling, and the related network elements include but are not limited to AMF, NWDAF (Network Data Analytics Function), etc.

[0110] The technical solutions of the above embodiments of this application enable the application function entity to avoid maintaining the data network access identifier, thereby reducing the implementation difficulty of the application function entity. At the same time, it also reduces the signaling overhead caused by the interaction of the data network access identifier between the application function entity and the core network entity, and can also support flexible EAS access.

[0111] The following introduces the device embodiments of this application, which can be used to execute the communication methods in the above embodiments of this application. For the details not disclosed in the device embodiments of this application, please refer to the embodiments of the above communication methods of this application.

[0112] Figure 10 The block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application is shown. The communication device can be arranged in the core network entity, and the mapping relationship between the data network access identifier and the network address of the application server is maintained in the core network entity.

[0113] Refer to Figure 10 As shown, the communication device 1000 according to an embodiment of this application includes: a generating unit 1002 and a sending unit 1004.

[0114] Among them, the generating unit 1002 is configured to generate a first signaling message for interacting with the application function entity. The first signaling message contains the network address of the target application server, and the network address of the target application server is determined by the core network entity based on the mapping relationship and according to the target data network access identifier that needs to be notified to the application function entity; the sending unit 1004 is configured to send the first signaling message to the application function entity, and the application function entity is used to maintain the network address of the application server.

[0115] In some embodiments of this application, based on the foregoing solution, the communication device 1000 further includes: an updating unit, configured to update the mapping relationship between the data network access identifier and the network address of the application server corresponding to the user plane function entity according to the changed data network access identifier if it is determined that the data network access identifier corresponding to the user plane function entity has changed.

[0116] In some embodiments of the present application, based on the foregoing solution, the updating unit is further configured to: if an update notification message sent by a session management function entity is received, determine that the data network access identifier corresponding to the user plane function entity has changed; wherein, the update notification message is sent by the session management function entity after detecting that the data network access identifier corresponding to the user plane function entity has changed.

[0117] In some embodiments of the present application, based on the foregoing solution, the communication device 1000 further includes: an updating unit, configured to update the mapping relationship between the data network access identifier and the network address of the application server if it is detected that the data network access identifier corresponding to the network address of the maintained application server has changed.

[0118] In some embodiments of the present application, based on the foregoing solution, the mapping relationship includes at least one of the following: a one-to-one mapping relationship between the data network access identifier and the network address of the application server; a mapping relationship between the data network access identifier and the network address segment of the application server.

[0119] In some embodiments of the present application, based on the foregoing solution, the communication device 1000 further includes: a receiving unit, configured to receive a second signaling message sent by an application function entity, where the second signaling message includes the network address of a specified application server; a determining unit, configured to determine the data network access identifier corresponding to the network address of the specified application server according to the mapping relationship and the network address of the specified application server; a processing unit, configured to perform signaling processing on the control plane based on the data network access identifier corresponding to the network address of the specified application server.

[0120] In some embodiments of the present application, based on the foregoing solution, the communication device 1000 is disposed in a policy control function entity or a network exposure function entity.

[0121] Figure 11 A block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application is shown, and the communication device may be disposed in an application function entity.

[0122] Refer to Figure 11 As shown, a communication device 1100 according to an embodiment of the present application includes: a receiving unit 1102 and a processing unit 1104.

[0123] Among them, the receiving unit 1102 is configured to receive a first signaling message sent by a core network entity. The first signaling message contains the network address of a target application server, and the network address of the target application server is determined by the core network entity based on the mapping relationship between the data network access identifier and the network address of the application server, and according to the target data network access identifier that needs to be notified to the application function entity; the processing unit 1104 is configured to respond to the first signaling message according to the network address of the target application server.

[0124] In some embodiments of the present application, based on the foregoing solution, the communication device 1100 further includes: a generating unit configured to generate a second signaling message, and the second signaling message contains the network address of a specified application server; a sending unit configured to send the second signaling message to the core network entity, so that the core network entity determines the data network access identifier corresponding to the network address of the specified application server according to the mapping relationship and the network address of the specified application server, and perform signaling processing on the control plane based on the data network access identifier corresponding to the network address of the specified application server.

[0125] Figure 12 The block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application is shown, and the communication device can be disposed in a session management function entity.

[0126] Refer to Figure 12 As shown, a communication device 1200 according to an embodiment of the present application includes: a detection unit 1202 and a trigger unit 1204.

[0127] Among them, the detection unit 1202 is configured to detect whether the data network access identifier corresponding to the user plane function entity has changed; the trigger unit 1204 is configured to send an update notification message to a specified core network entity if it is detected that the data network access identifier corresponding to the user plane function entity has changed, and the update notification message is used to trigger the specified core network entity to update the mapping relationship between the data network access identifier and the network address of the application server corresponding to the user plane function entity according to the changed data network access identifier.

[0128] Figure 13 The structural schematic diagram of a computer system of an electronic device suitable for implementing the embodiments of the present application is shown.

[0129] It should be noted that Figure 13 The computer system 1300 of the electronic device shown is only an example and should not bring any limitation to the functions and usage scopes of the embodiments of the present application.

[0130] Such as Figure 13As shown, computer system 1300 includes a Central Processing Unit (CPU) 1301, which can perform various appropriate actions and processes according to a program stored in a Read-Only Memory (ROM) 1302 or a program loaded from a storage section 1308 into a Random Access Memory (RAM) 1303, such as executing the methods described in the above embodiments. In the RAM 1303, various programs and data required for system operations are also stored. The CPU 1301, ROM 1302, and RAM 1303 are connected to each other via a bus 1304. An Input / Output (I / O) interface 1305 is also connected to the bus 1304.

[0131] The following components are connected to the I / O interface 1305: an input section 1306 including a keyboard, a mouse, etc.; an output section 1307 including, for example, a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT), a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), etc., and a speaker, etc.; a storage section 1308 including a hard disk, etc.; and a communication section 1309 including a network interface card such as a LAN (Local Area Network) card, a modem, etc. The communication section 1309 performs communication processing via a network such as the Internet. A drive 1310 is also connected to the I / O interface 1305 as needed. A removable medium 1311, such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, etc., is installed on the drive 1310 as needed so that a computer program read from it can be installed into the storage section 1308 as needed.

[0132] Specifically, according to an embodiment of the present application, the process described above with reference to the flowchart can be implemented as a computer software program. For example, an embodiment of the present application includes a computer program product, which includes a computer program carried on a computer-readable medium, and the computer program includes a computer program for executing the method shown in the flowchart. In such an embodiment, the computer program can be downloaded and installed from a network via the communication section 1309, and / or installed from the removable medium 1311. When the computer program is executed by a Central Processing Unit (CPU) 1301, various functions defined in the system of the present application are executed.

[0133] It should be noted that the computer-readable medium shown in the embodiments of the present application can be a computer-readable signal medium, a computer-readable storage medium, or any combination of the two. A computer-readable storage medium can be, for example, but not limited to, an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination of the above. More specific examples of a computer-readable storage medium can include, but are not limited to: an electrical connection with one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), a flash memory, an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the above. In the present application, a computer-readable storage medium can be any tangible medium that contains or stores a program, and this program can be used by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. In the present application, a computer-readable signal medium can include a data signal propagated in a baseband or as part of a carrier wave, which carries a computer-readable computer program. Such a propagated data signal can take various forms, including but not limited to electromagnetic signals, optical signals, or any suitable combination of the above. A computer-readable signal medium can also be any computer-readable medium other than a computer-readable storage medium, and this computer-readable medium can send, propagate, or transmit a program for use by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The computer program contained on a computer-readable medium can be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to: wireless, wired, etc., or any suitable combination of the above.

[0134] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the possible architectures, functions, and operations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present application. Among them, each block in the flowchart or block diagram can represent a module, a program segment, or a part of code, and the above module, program segment, or part of code contains one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the blocks may occur in a different order than marked in the accompanying drawings. For example, two consecutive blocks shown may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each block in the block diagram or flowchart, and the combination of blocks in the block diagram or flowchart, can be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based system for performing the specified functions or operations, or can be implemented by a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0135] The units involved in the embodiments described in this application can be implemented in software or in hardware, and the described units can also be provided in a processor. Among them, the names of these units do not, in some cases, constitute a limitation on the unit itself.

[0136] As another aspect, the present application also provides a computer-readable medium, which may be included in the electronic device described in the above embodiments; or may exist alone without being assembled into the electronic device. The above computer-readable medium carries one or more programs, and when the above one or more programs are executed by an electronic device, the electronic device implements the method described in the above embodiments.

[0137] It should be noted that although several modules or units of a device for action execution are mentioned in the above detailed description, this division is not mandatory. In fact, according to the embodiments of the present application, the features and functions of the two or more modules or units described above can be embodied in one module or unit. Conversely, the features and functions of one module or unit described above can be further divided and embodied by multiple modules or units.

[0138] Through the description of the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can easily understand that the example embodiments described herein can be implemented in software or in the form of software combined with necessary hardware. Therefore, the technical solution according to the embodiments of the present application can be embodied in the form of a software product, which can be stored in a non-volatile storage medium (such as a CD-ROM, a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, etc.) or on a network, including several instructions to enable a computing device (such as a personal computer, a server, a touch terminal, or a network device, etc.) to execute the method according to the embodiments of the present application.

[0139] After considering the specification and practicing the embodiments disclosed herein, those skilled in the art will readily conceive of other embodiments of the present application. The present application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present application, which follow the general principles of the present application and include known common knowledge or conventional technical means in the technical field not disclosed in the present application.

[0140] It should be understood that the present application is not limited to the exact structures described above and shown in the drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the present application is only limited by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The communication method is executed by a core network entity that maintains a mapping relationship between a data network access identifier and the network address of an application server. The communication method includes: Generating a first signaling message for interacting with an application function entity, where the first signaling message contains the network address of a target application server, and the network address of the target application server is determined by the core network entity based on the mapping relationship and the target data network access identifier that needs to be notified to the application function entity. Sending the first signaling message to the application function entity, where the application function entity is used to maintain the network address of the application server.

2. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein The communication method further includes: If it is determined that the data network access identifier corresponding to the user plane function entity has changed, then update the mapping relationship between the data network access identifier and the network address of the application server corresponding to the user plane function entity according to the changed data network access identifier.

3. The communication method according to claim 2, characterized in that The communication method further includes: If an update notification message sent by the session management function entity is received, then determine that the data network access identifier corresponding to the user plane function entity has changed; where the update notification message is sent by the session management function entity after detecting that the data network access identifier corresponding to the user plane function entity has changed.

4. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein The communication method further includes: If it is detected that the data network access identifier corresponding to the network address of the maintained application server has changed, then update the mapping relationship between the data network access identifier and the network address of the application server.

5. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein The mapping relationship includes at least one of the following: A one-to-one mapping relationship between the data network access identifier and the network address of the application server; A mapping relationship between the data network access identifier and a network address segment of the application server.

6. The communication method according to claim 1, characterized in that The communication method further includes: Receiving a second signaling message sent by the application function entity, where the second signaling message contains the network address of a specified application server; Determining the data network access identifier corresponding to the network address of the specified application server according to the mapping relationship and the network address of the specified application server; Performing signaling processing on the control plane based on the data network access identifier corresponding to the network address of the specified application server.

7. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The communication method is executed by a policy control function entity or a network exposure function entity.

8. A communication method, characterized in that, The communication method is executed by an application function entity. The communication method includes: Receiving a first signaling message sent by the core network entity, where the first signaling message contains the network address of a target application server, and the network address of the target application server is determined by the core network entity based on the mapping relationship between the data network access identifier and the network address of the application server and the target data network access identifier that needs to be notified to the application function entity. Responding to the first signaling message according to the network address of the target application server.

9. The communication method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The communication method further includes: Generating a second signaling message, where the second signaling message contains the network address of a specified application server; Send the second signaling message to the core network entity, so that the core network entity determines the data network access identifier corresponding to the network address of the specified application server according to the mapping relationship and the network address of the specified application server, and performs signaling processing on the control plane based on the data network access identifier corresponding to the network address of the specified application server.

10. A communication method, characterized in that, The communication method is executed by a session management function entity, and the communication method includes: Detect whether the data network access identifier corresponding to the user plane function entity has changed; If it is detected that the data network access identifier corresponding to the user plane function entity has changed, send an update notification message to a specified core network entity, where the update notification message is used to trigger the specified core network entity to update the mapping relationship between the data network access identifier and the network address of the application server corresponding to the user plane function entity according to the changed data network access identifier.

11. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device is disposed in a core network entity, and the core network entity maintains a mapping relationship between a data network access identifier and a network address of an application server. The communication device includes: A generating unit, configured to generate a first signaling message for interacting with an application function entity, where the first signaling message includes a network address of a target application server, and the network address of the target application server is determined by the core network entity based on the mapping relationship and the target data network access identifier that needs to be notified to the application function entity; A sending unit, configured to send the first signaling message to the application function entity, where the application function entity is used to maintain the network address of the application server.

12. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device is disposed in an application function entity, and the communication device includes: A receiving unit, configured to receive a first signaling message sent by a core network entity, where the first signaling message includes a network address of a target application server, and the network address of the target application server is determined by the core network entity based on the mapping relationship between the data network access identifier and the network address of the application server and the target data network access identifier that needs to be notified to the application function entity; A processing unit, configured to respond to the first signaling message according to the network address of the target application server.

13. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device is disposed in a session management function entity, and the communication device includes: A detecting unit, configured to detect whether the data network access identifier corresponding to the user plane function entity has changed; A triggering unit, configured to if it is detected that the data network access identifier corresponding to the user plane function entity has changed, send an update notification message to a specified core network entity, where the update notification message is used to trigger the specified core network entity to update the mapping relationship between the data network access identifier and the network address of the application server corresponding to the user plane function entity according to the changed data network access identifier.

14. A computer-readable medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

15. An electronic device, characterized in that, Including: One or more processors; A storage device for storing one or more programs, which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the electronic device to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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