Network function discovery methods, apparatus, devices, and storage media

Abstract

This application provides a network function discovery method, apparatus, device, and storage medium. The method includes: receiving a first discovery request from a network function (cNF) carrying first discovery parameters; responding to the first discovery request, determining a first pNF whose registration information includes the first discovery parameters based on registration information of at least one registered pNF; searching for first attribute information and a first target subset including the first discovery parameters from the registration information of the first pNF; wherein the registration information includes at least two subsets of discovery parameters, the at least two subsets of discovery parameters including the first target subset, and the first attribute information is configuration information of the first pNF other than the at least two subsets of discovery parameters; and sending the first target subset and the first attribute information to the cNF so that the cNF stores the first target subset and the first attribute information. This improves information transmission speed, saves transmission resources, and ensures information transmission security.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to communication technology, and to, but is not limited to, a method, apparatus, device, and storage medium for network function discovery. Background Technology

[0002] Mobile communication has begun its evolution towards the fifth generation (5G) mobile communication system. The 5G system architecture introduces a new network function repository (NRF) for network function (NF) discovery. However, improving information transmission efficiency and ensuring information security during NF discovery are pressing issues that need to be addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the network function discovery method, apparatus, device, and storage medium provided in this application can improve information transmission speed, save transmission resources, and ensure information transmission security.

[0004] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a network function discovery method is provided, comprising: receiving a first discovery request sent by a cNF carrying a first discovery parameter; in response to the first discovery request, determining a first pNF whose registration information includes the first discovery parameter based on registration information of at least one registered pNF; searching for first attribute information of the first pNF and a first target subset including the first discovery parameter from the registration information of the first pNF; wherein the registration information includes at least two subsets of discovery parameters, the at least two subsets of discovery parameters include the first target subset, and the first attribute information is configuration information of the first pNF other than the at least two subsets of discovery parameters; and sending the first target subset and the first attribute information to the cNF so that the cNF stores the first target subset and the first attribute information.

[0005] The network function discovery apparatus provided in this application includes: a receiving unit, configured to receive a first discovery request sent by a cNF carrying a first discovery parameter; a response unit, configured to, in response to the first discovery request, determine a first pNF whose registration information includes the first discovery parameter based on the registration information of at least one registered pNF; a lookup unit, configured to look up first attribute information of the first pNF and a first target subset including the first discovery parameter from the registration information of the first pNF; wherein the registration information includes at least two subsets of discovery parameters, the at least two subsets of discovery parameters include the first target subset, and the first attribute information is configuration information of the first pNF other than the at least two subsets of discovery parameters; and a sending unit, configured to send the first target subset and the first attribute information to the cNF, so that the cNF stores the first target subset and the first attribute information.

[0006] The electronic device provided in this application includes a memory and a processor. The memory stores a computer program that can run on the processor. When the processor executes the program, it implements the method described in this application.

[0007] The computer-readable storage medium provided in this application embodiment stores a computer program thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the method described in this application embodiment.

[0008] In this embodiment, after determining the first pNF, only the first target subset containing the first discovery parameter in the registration information of the first pNF is found and sent to the cNF. This precise method of obtaining discovery parameters reduces the number of transmitted discovery parameters, resulting in faster information transmission and saving transmission resources. Furthermore, the smaller number of transmitted discovery parameters, which contain less sensitive user information, improves information security.

[0009] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the specification, serve to explain the technical solutions of this application. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this application, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort.

[0011] The flowcharts shown in the accompanying drawings are merely illustrative and do not necessarily include all content and operations / steps, nor do they necessarily have to be performed in the described order. For example, some operations / steps can be broken down, while others can be combined or partially combined; therefore, the actual execution order may change depending on the specific circumstances.

[0012] Figure 1 This is a basic flowchart illustrating the commonly used NF discovery mechanism;

[0013] Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating the implementation process of network function discovery provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0014] Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating the implementation process of network function discovery provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0015] Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating the implementation flow of a network element subscription processing method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0016] Figure 5 A schematic diagram illustrating the implementation process of network function discovery provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0017] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the network function discovery device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the specific technical solutions of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this application. The following embodiments are used to illustrate this application, but are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0020] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this application only and is not intended to limit this application.

[0021] In the following description, references are made to “some embodiments,” which describe a subset of all possible embodiments. However, it is understood that “some embodiments” may be the same subset or different subsets of all possible embodiments and may be combined with each other without conflict.

[0022] According to the 5G security architecture and process protocol TS 3GPP 33501-g30, the 5G core network has a large number of Network Functions (NFs). Each NF is independent of the others, meaning that adding, upgrading, or modifying NFs will not affect other NFs. NFs communicate extensively using the HTTP / 2 protocol and TLS as the data transmission layer encryption protocol.

[0023] It should be noted that both the consumer network function (cNF) and the provider network function (pNF) are NFs. The cNF is the NF that accesses and invokes services, i.e., the NF service consumer; the pNF is the NF that provides services, i.e., the NF service provider. A cNF connection to a pNF requires TLS protocol negotiation. When a cNF requests a service from a pNF, the message data sent by the cNF must conform to the 3GPP HTTP / 2 protocol data format to establish a connection and obtain the services provided by the pNF. Specific message exchanges can then occur between the cNF and the pNF.

[0024] In a network, Network Elements (NFs) can be viewed as independent network elements, each performing its own function. NFs are connected in a fixed manner, providing unified network functions and services. An NF consists of at least one service; each NF is a service provider, offering an Application Programming Interface (API) for other NFs to call; simultaneously, each NF is also a service consumer, calling the APIs of other NFs. Each service provider needs to register information (including the service address) with the Network RF (Network Registry). When calling the NRF registration interface, it acts as a service registrant; when calling the NRF service discovery interface, it acts as a service discoverer. Discovery between NFs means that service consumers can query the registration information of service providers (such as the service address).

[0025] In some embodiments, the discovery mechanism of NF is as follows: Figure 1As shown, the cNF initiates an NF discovery message to the NRF, carrying query conditions (such as the Subscriber Permanent Identifier (SUPI) when the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) queries the Unified Data Management (UDM)). Upon receiving the query request, the NRF performs a match and returns the complete configuration information of the matched pNF to the cNF. The cNF network element can cache the pNF's configuration information according to operator requirements.

[0026] The SUPI consists of 15 decimal digits, with the first three being the country code MCC, the middle 2-3 being the operator code MNC, and the remaining 9-10 being the mobile subscriber identifier MSIN, which together represent the user and the operator. The SUPI is equivalent to the IMSI, which uniquely identifies the ME, and is also a 15-digit string.

[0027] However, the above-mentioned discovery mechanism has the following shortcomings:

[0028] (1) Excessive message latency:

[0029] Network elements such as UDM, Unified Data Repository (UDR), Policy Control Function (PCF), and Online Charging System (OCS) carry a large amount of number segment and slice ID information in their registration information. The UDM is used to implement 3GPP AKA authentication, user identification, access authorization, registration, mobility, subscription, and SMS management; the PCF is a unified policy framework that provides policy rules for control plane functions. For example, UDM information is shown in Table 1 below.

[0030] Table 1

[0031]

[0032] In existing networks, for example, if province A has 60,000 number segments, then if network elements carry a large amount of number segment information during registration, it will cause excessive delays in the network element registration, discovery, and message update processes. According to the test results of the existing network, if the UDM configuration information is 2M (approximately 9,000 number segments), due to the complexity of message construction and fragmented transmission, the transmission delay of a single message can reach nearly 1 second, which seriously affects the service experience.

[0033] (2) Network security issues exist in international roaming scenarios:

[0034] In international roaming scenarios, if all number segment information of a network element is returned during the discovery process, there may be information security issues, especially for network elements such as UDM, which may contain sensitive user information, and latency issues will also be more pronounced.

[0035] In view of this, this application provides a network function discovery method, which is applied to NRF. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the implementation flow of the network function discovery method provided in the embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the method may include the following steps 201 to 204:

[0036] Step 201: The NRF receives a first discovery request sent by the CNF, which carries the first discovery parameters.

[0037] In this application embodiment, the types of cNF and pNF are not limited. For example, NF can be any one or more of Network Exposure Function (NEF), PCF, UDM, Authentication Server Function (AUSF), AMF, Session Management Function (SMF), etc.

[0038] In some embodiments, the first discovery request may carry information such as the user's SUPI, the user's GPSI, the user's slice parameters, and the user's number segment parameters.

[0039] In this embodiment of the application, the type of discovery parameter is not limited. For example, the discovery parameter may be a slice parameter and / or a number segment parameter.

[0040] Step 202: In response to the first discovery request, the NRF determines, based on the registration information of at least one registered pNF, a first pNF whose registration information includes the first discovery parameter.

[0041] It should be noted that the NRF provides service registration and discovery functions for all NFs. An NF can register one or more service addresses with the NRF. When a pNF joins the 5G core network, it needs to register with the NRF, submit its registration information, and update its registration information when its information changes. A cNF can discover pNFs in the 5G core network or obtain the registration information submitted by pNFs to the NRF through the NRF.

[0042] In this embodiment, an NRF can be a logical NRF, which can be composed of one physical NRF or multiple physical NRFs. When composed of multiple physical NRFs, each physical NRF can be configured with information of the NF corresponding to each level, or it can be configured with information of only some NFs. When a discovery request is received, if the physical NRF does not store the target NF information, it can obtain the corresponding target NF information from other physical NRFs.

[0043] The logical NRF can be configured with an access point, that is, all discovery requests sent by the CNF are sent to the logical NRF through this access point; or, the CNF can also directly send the discovery request to a certain physical NRF through the access point of each physical NRF. Accordingly, the CNF can send the discovery request to any NRF, or send the discovery request to the NRF closest to the CNF according to the proximity principle. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0044] Understandably, the registration information of each pNF includes its corresponding number segment parameter range or slice parameter range. When a discovery request carries a first discovery parameter, the value of the first discovery parameter can be used to determine which pNF's registration information's discovery parameter range it falls within. That is, the pNF whose registration information includes the first discovery parameter is the first pNF.

[0045] Taking the number segment parameter as an example, one pNF corresponds to one user number segment. For example, pNF1 corresponds to user number segments of 0-1000, pNF2 corresponds to user number segments of 1001-2000, and pNF3 corresponds to user number segments of 2001-3000. When the first discovery parameter is 4, it can be found in the user number segment corresponding to pNF1, then pNF1 is the first pNF that has been hit.

[0046] Step 203: The NRF searches for the first attribute information of the first pNF and the first target subset including the first discovery parameters from the registration information of the first pNF; wherein, the registration information includes at least two discovery parameter subsets, the at least two discovery parameter subsets include the first target subset, and the first attribute information is the configuration information of the first pNF other than the at least two discovery parameter subsets.

[0047] It should be noted that before searching for the first attribute information and the first target subset including the first discovery parameter of the first pNF, the NRF needs to first check whether the discovery parameter in the registration information of the first pNF indicates that the exact return function is executed. If the discovery parameter in the registration information of the first pNF indicates that the exact return function is executed, then the precisely matched first target subset and all other configuration parameters are returned to the cNF; if the discovery parameter in the registration information of the first pNF indicates that the exact return function is not executed, then the complete registration information of the first pNF is returned to the cNF.

[0048] It should be noted that in some embodiments, after the first pNF is identified, all discovery parameters corresponding to the first pNF are returned to the cNF for storage. However, the registration information of the first pNF may carry tens of thousands of discovery parameters, but only one subset of discovery parameters contains the first discovery parameter. If all discovery parameters are returned to the cNF, on the one hand, it will cause excessive delay in the NF discovery and update message process, and seriously affect the business experience; on the other hand, these parameters may contain sensitive user information, thus posing information security problems.

[0049] In this embodiment, after identifying the first pNF, only the first target subset containing the first discovery parameter in the registration information of the first pNF is found and sent to the cNF. This precise method of obtaining discovery parameters reduces the number of transmitted discovery parameters, resulting in faster information transmission and saving transmission resources. Furthermore, the smaller number of transmitted discovery parameters, which contain less sensitive user information, improves information security.

[0050] For example, suppose the user number range corresponding to pNF1 is 0 to 1000. This range can be divided into many subsets, such as 0 to 5, 7 to 10, 7 to 10…907 to 1000. Then, if the first discovery parameter carried in the first discovery request is 4, it can be determined that the discovery parameter 4 is located within the range 0 to 5. In this embodiment, only the 0 to 5 range parameters are obtained and sent to the CNF for storage, instead of sending all range parameters (0 to 5, 7 to 10, 7 to 10…907 to 1000) to the CNF, thus effectively reducing the number of discovery parameters transmitted.

[0051] It should be noted that the first attribute information and at least two subsets of discovery parameters both belong to configuration information.

[0052] In some embodiments, as shown in Table 2, the configuration information may include the unique identifier of the NF instance, the type of network function, the status of the NF instance, the PLMN of the network function, the S-NSSAI of the network function, the NSI identity of the network function, the FQDN of the network function (for AMFs, the FQDN registered with the NRF should be the FQDN of the AMF name), the IPv4 address of the network function, the IPv6 address of the network function, priority (relative to other NFs of the same type, ranging from 0 to 65535, used for NF selection, the lower the value, the higher the priority), and static capacity information (ranging from 0 to 65535, representing the weight relative to other NF instances of the same type). The data includes: load information, dynamic load information (ranging from 0 to 100, representing the current load percentage of the NF), operator-defined information about the location of NF instances (e.g., geographic location, data center), specific data for UDR (SUPI range, group ID), specific data for AUSF (SUPI range, group ID), specific data for AMF (AMF set ID), specific data for SMF (DNN, ...), specific data for UPF (S-NSSAI, DNN, SMF service area, interface), specific data for PCF, specific data for BSF, specific data for custom network functions, timestamps when the NF (re)starts, and a list of NF service instances.

[0053] Table 2

[0054]

[0055]

[0056]

[0057]

[0058] Step 204: The NRF sends the first target subset and the first attribute information to the CNF so that the CNF can store the first target subset and the first attribute information.

[0059] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the implementation flow of the network function discovery method provided in the embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the method may include the following steps 301 to 310:

[0060] Step 301: The NRF receives a first discovery request sent by the CNF, which carries the first discovery parameters.

[0061] Step 302: In response to the first discovery request, the NRF determines, based on the registration information of at least one registered pNF, a first pNF whose registration information includes the first discovery parameter;

[0062] Step 303: The NRF searches for the first attribute information of the first pNF and the first target subset including the first discovery parameters from the registration information of the first pNF; wherein, the registration information includes at least two discovery parameter subsets, the at least two discovery parameter subsets include the first target subset, and the first attribute information is the configuration information of the first pNF other than the at least two discovery parameter subsets;

[0063] Step 304: NRF sends the first target subset and the first attribute information to cNF;

[0064] Step 305: CNF receives the first target subset and the first attribute information, and stores the first target subset and the first attribute information;

[0065] Step 306: The NRF receives a second discovery request sent by the CNF, which carries the second discovery parameters;

[0066] Step 307: In response to the second discovery request, the NRF determines a second pNF whose registration information includes the second discovery parameter, based on the registration information of at least one registered pNF.

[0067] Understandably, the identification information of the newly determined second pNF may be the same as that of the first pNF (indicating that the second pNF and the first pNF are the same pNF), or it may be different from that of the first pNF (indicating that the second pNF and the first pNF are different pNFs).

[0068] Taking number segment parameters as an example, assume that the user number segment corresponding to pNF1 is 0-1000, the user number segment corresponding to pNF2 is 1001-2000, and the user number segment corresponding to pNF3 is 2001-3000. When the first discovery parameter carried in the first discovery request is 4, this first discovery parameter can be found in the user number segment corresponding to pNF1, so pNF1 is the first pNF that has been hit. When the second discovery parameter carried in the second discovery request is 7, this second discovery parameter can be found in the user number segment corresponding to pNF1, so pNF1 is the second pNF that has been hit. In this case, the first pNF and the second pNF are the same pNF. However, when the second discovery parameter carried in the second discovery request is 1131, this second discovery parameter can be found in the user number segment corresponding to pNF2, so pNF2 is the second pNF that has been hit. In this case, the first pNF and the second pNF are different pNFs.

[0069] Step 308: The NRF searches the registration information of the second pNF for a second target subset including the second discovery parameters and the second attribute information of the second pNF. The registration information of the second pNF includes at least two subsets of discovery parameters, and the second attribute information is the configuration information of the second pNF other than the at least two subsets of discovery parameters.

[0070] It should be noted that even if the second identifier information contained in the second attribute information of the second pNF is the same as the first identifier information contained in the first attribute information of the first pNF (i.e., the second pNF and the first pNF are the same pNF), the second attribute information of the second pNF may be different from the first attribute information of the first pNF.

[0071] Step 309: The NRF sends the second target subset and the second attribute information to the cNF;

[0072] Step 310: When CNF determines that the first identification information and the second identification information are the same, it merges and stores the first target subset and the second target subset, and replaces the first attribute information with the second attribute information.

[0073] Here, when the CNF receives the second target subset and the second attribute information, it sends the discovery parameters to be processed to the second pNF according to the address of the second pNF in the second attribute information, thereby realizing the transmission and processing of data.

[0074] In some embodiments, when the NRF receives a second discovery request from the cNF, if the identification information of the determined second pNF is the same as that of the first pNF (i.e., the second pNF and the first pNF are the same pNF), then the first target subset obtained based on the first discovery request and the second target subset obtained based on the second discovery request are merged and stored. In this way, when the cNF subsequently requests new discovery parameters that are already stored in the target subset, the NRF does not need to search for the corresponding pNF again based on the new discovery parameters, thereby saving processing power and improving processing efficiency.

[0075] For example, if the user number range corresponding to pNF1 is 0 to 1000, when the first discovery parameter carried in the first discovery request is 4, the corresponding first target subset obtained is discovery parameters 0 to 5; when the second discovery parameter carried in the second discovery request is 7, the corresponding first target subset obtained is discovery parameters 7 to 10. Then, cNF, based on the identification information corresponding to pNF1, merges and stores discovery parameters 0 to 5 and discovery parameters 7 to 10.

[0076] In some embodiments, when the NRF receives the second discovery request sent by the cNF again, if the identification information of the determined second pNF is the same as the identification information of the first pNF (i.e., the second pNF and the first pNF are the same pNF, assuming they both correspond to pNF1), then the first attribute information is replaced with the second attribute information, so that the attribute information of pNF1 stored in the cNF is the latest attribute information.

[0077] like Figure 4As shown, in some embodiments, if the cNF simultaneously subscribes to the pNF, the following network element subscription processing method is executed, which may include steps 401 to 407:

[0078] Step 401: NRF obtains the updated registration information of the first pNF.

[0079] In some embodiments, the NRF receives a subscription request from a CNF, which instructs the CNF to notify the CNF after the first pNF it has subscribed to is updated. Thus, when the NRF receives the subscription request from the CNF, it monitors whether the registration information of the first pNF subscribed to by the CNF has been updated. If the registration information of the first pNF subscribed to by the CNF has been updated, the NRF obtains the updated registration information of the first pNF.

[0080] Step 402: The NRF determines the content to be updated based on the updated registration information of the first pNF.

[0081] Step 403: Based on the updated content, NRF queries the corresponding configuration information to determine whether it represents the execution of the precise return function.

[0082] In some embodiments, the NRF side can determine whether the configuration information indicates the execution of the precise return function by judging its value. For example, when the configuration information is 1, it indicates that the updated content has enabled the precise return function; when the configuration information is 0, it indicates that the updated content has not enabled the precise return function. Alternatively, when the configuration information is 0, it indicates that the updated content has enabled the precise return function; when the configuration information is 1, it indicates that the updated content has not enabled the precise return function.

[0083] Step 404: If the pre-configuration information corresponding to the updated content indicates that the precise return function is to be executed, the NRF sends the updated registration information of the first pNF to the cNF.

[0084] Step 405: Based on the first identifier information, the CNF replaces the corresponding stored content with the updated registration information of the first pNF.

[0085] Understandably, by executing the network function discovery method implemented in the above embodiments, the discovery parameters of the first pNF subscribed by the cNF are a part of all the discovery parameters included in the registration information of the first pNF. If the discovery parameters in the updated registration information of the first pNF are updated from the original discovery parameters 30-40 to 31-40 (i.e., discovery parameter 30 is no longer included), and the discovery parameters in the target subset obtained by the cNF through the above discovery method are 1-10, then if the partial replacement update method in some embodiments is adopted (i.e., only the updated discovery parameters 31-40 are sent to the cNF for the cNF to replace), since the discovery parameters 31-40 do not exist on the cNF side at this time, it cannot perform information replacement, which will result in information transmission errors.

[0086] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the NRF discovers that the registration information of the first pNF subscribed by the cNF has been updated, and the pre-configuration information corresponding to the updated content represents the execution of the precise return function, the NRF sends all the updated registration information of the first pNF to the cNF so that the cNF can replace the previously stored content of the first pNF with its updated registration information, thereby avoiding information transmission errors.

[0087] Step 406: If the pre-configuration information corresponding to the updated content indicates that the exact return function is not executed, the NRF sends the actual updated content in the registration information updated by the first pNF to the cNF.

[0088] Step 407: Based on the first identifier information, CNF replaces the stored content corresponding to the actual updated content with the actual updated content.

[0089] Understandably, if the update content does not have the precise return function enabled, after the NF discovery mechanism is executed on the CNF side, what is obtained is all the discovery parameters and other information of the first pNF. In this case, if a part of the content of the first pNF is updated, then it is only necessary to replace the stored content corresponding to the actually updated part with the actually updated part.

[0090] For example, if the discovery parameters in the updated registration information of the first pNF are updated from the original discovery parameters 30-40 to 31-40 (i.e., discovery parameter 30 is no longer included), and the discovery parameters of the first pNF stored on the CNF side are 1-1000, then it is only necessary to send the updated discovery parameters 31-40 to the CNF so that the CNF can replace the original discovery parameters 30-40 with 31-40.

[0091] The following describes an exemplary application of the embodiments of this application in a real-world application scenario.

[0092] This application proposes an NF discovery mechanism based on exact matching. During network element discovery, the NRF modifies the pNF profile configuration information and returns only the information that is exactly matched (i.e., the target subset). This addresses the issue of significant latency during network element discovery, which impacts service experience. It also resolves the security issue of sensitive network element information exposure in international roaming scenarios.

[0093] The NF discovery mechanism based on precise matching proposed in this application embodiment configures the NRF locally for a certain field (including SUPI range information, GPSI range information, and the network slice selection assistance information (NSSAI) range information), such as... Figure 5 As shown, for certain CNFs, after enabling the exact match return function, the specific discovery and subsequent caching and subscription process is as follows:

[0094] Step 501: The CNF initiates an NF discovery request message, carrying discovery conditions (the first discovery parameter is an example of information in the discovery conditions).

[0095] Step 502: The NRF performs a query based on the discovery conditions (including local queries and cross-NRF queries; in the case of cross-network roaming or international roaming, the NRF is the home NRF) and finds a certain pNF that meets the discovery conditions.

[0096] Step 503: If the NRF has already enabled the exact return function for the discovery conditions, the NRF constructs a new pNF configuration profile based on the discovery conditions. The new profile only contains the information of this exact match (e.g., SUPIrange and GPSI range only return the requested number range, and the other number ranges are hidden).

[0097] In step 504, the NRF returns the newly constructed pNF profile (i.e., the target subset) to the cNF.

[0098] Step 505: The CNF can cache the profile of the PNF locally.

[0099] Step 506: If the CNF is cached locally, when performing the NF discovery process with NRF again, the profiles belonging to the same pNF can be updated and merged. The information accurately returned by the pNF (such as the number range) is the accumulation of multiple discovery results (i.e., merging and storing the first target subset and the second target subset), and the other profiles are the results of the latest discovery (i.e., replacing the first attribute information with the second attribute information).

[0100] Step 507: If the CNF has also subscribed to the pNF, when the NRF receives an update from the pNF, it first checks whether the precise return function has been enabled for the update content; if it has been enabled, a full update should be performed when sending the subscription notification.

[0101] This method is also applicable to scenarios where network elements carry information such as NSSAI for discovery. The implementation process is similar to that above. The pNF profile returned by NRF only includes the GPSI range, NSSAI range, etc., that are matched by the query conditions.

[0102] In this application embodiment, a discovery mechanism for accurately returning NF information is first provided. When returning NF information based on query conditions, the NRF only returns the information that is exactly matched this time. Then, a method for constructing a cNF cache based on the above mechanism is provided. When the cNF performs multiple discovery operations on the same pNF, the cache is constructed incrementally based on the returned results. Finally, a method for subscribing to cNF based on the above mechanism is provided. If the NRF has started the discovery mechanism for a certain cNF, then when the subscription is updated, the full information should be updated.

[0103] It should be noted that although the steps of the method in this application are described in a specific order in the accompanying drawings, this does not require or imply that the steps must be performed in that specific order, or that all the steps shown must be performed to achieve the desired result. Additional or alternative steps may be omitted, multiple steps may be combined into one step, and / or one step may be broken down into multiple steps; or steps from different embodiments may be combined into a new technical solution.

[0104] Based on the foregoing embodiments, this application provides a network function discovery device, which includes various modules and units included in each module, and can be implemented by a processor; of course, it can also be implemented by specific logic circuits; in the implementation process, the processor can be a central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor (MPU), digital signal processor (DSP) or field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc.

[0105] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the network function discovery device according to an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 6 As shown, the device 600 includes a receiving unit 601, a response unit 602, a search unit 603, and a sending unit module 604, wherein:

[0106] A receiving unit 601 is configured to receive a first discovery request carrying a first discovery parameter sent by a CNF; a response unit 602 is configured to, in response to the first discovery request, determine a first pNF whose registration information includes the first discovery parameter based on the registration information of at least one registered pNF; a lookup unit 603 is configured to look up first attribute information of the first pNF and a first target subset including the first discovery parameter from the registration information of the first pNF; wherein the registration information includes at least two subsets of discovery parameters, the at least two subsets of discovery parameters include the first target subset, and the first attribute information is configuration information of the first pNF other than the at least two subsets of discovery parameters; a sending unit 604 is configured to send the first target subset and the first attribute information to the CNF so that the CNF stores the first target subset and the first attribute information.

[0107] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a query unit, which is configured to query whether the discovery parameter in the registration information of the first pNF represents the execution of the precise return function; if the discovery parameter in the registration information of the first pNF represents the execution of the precise return function, the query unit searches for the first attribute information of the first pNF and the first target subset including the first discovery parameter from the registration information of the first pNF.

[0108] In some embodiments, the receiving unit 601 is configured to receive a second discovery request carrying a second discovery parameter sent by a cNF; the responding unit 602 is configured to, in response to the second discovery request, determine a second pNF whose registration information includes the second discovery parameter based on the registration information of at least one registered pNF; the searching unit 603 is configured to search for second attribute information of the second pNF and a second target subset including the second discovery parameter from the registration information of the second pNF; wherein the registration information of the second pNF includes at least two subsets of discovery parameters, the at least two subsets of discovery parameters include the second target subset, and the second attribute information is configuration information of the second pNF other than the at least two subsets of discovery parameters; the sending unit 604 is configured to send the second target subset and the second attribute information to the cNF, so that the cNF merges and stores the first target subset and the second target subset when the first identification information in the first attribute information of the first pNF is the same as the second identification information in the first attribute information of the second pNF.

[0109] In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes an acquisition unit, a receiving unit 601, configured to receive a subscription request sent by a CNF; wherein the subscription request is configured to instruct the CNF to notify the CNF after the first pNF to be updated; an acquisition unit, configured to acquire the updated registration information of the first pNF; a lookup unit 603, configured to query whether the corresponding configuration information represents the execution of the precise return function based on the updated content; and a sending unit 604, configured to send the updated registration information of the first pNF to the CNF if the pre-configuration information corresponding to the updated content represents the execution of the precise return function, so that the CNF replaces the corresponding stored content with the updated registration information of the first pNF based on the first identification information.

[0110] In some embodiments, the sending unit 604 is configured to send the actual updated content in the registration information updated by the first pNF to the cNF if the pre-configuration information corresponding to the updated content indicates that the exact return function is not executed, so that the cNF can replace the stored content corresponding to the actual updated content with the actual updated content based on the first identification information.

[0111] The descriptions of the above device embodiments are similar to those of the above method embodiments, and have similar beneficial effects. For technical details not disclosed in the device embodiments of this application, please refer to the descriptions of the method embodiments of this application for understanding.

[0112] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application... Figure 6 The module division of the network function discovery device shown is illustrative and represents only one logical functional division; in actual implementation, other division methods may be used. Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into a single processing unit, exist as separate physical units, or be integrated into a single unit with two or more units. The integrated units can be implemented in hardware, as software functional units, or a combination of both.

[0113] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, if the above-described methods are implemented as software functional modules and sold or used as independent products, they can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, or the parts that contribute to related technologies, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause an electronic device to execute all or part of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), magnetic disks, or optical disks. Thus, the embodiments of this application are not limited to any specific hardware and software combination.

[0114] This application provides an electronic device. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the hardware entity of the electronic device according to an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the electronic device 700 includes a memory 701 and a processor 702. The memory 701 stores a computer program that can run on the processor 702. When the processor 702 executes the program, it implements the steps in the method provided in the above embodiments.

[0115] It should be noted that the memory 701 is configured to store instructions and applications executable by the processor 702, and can also cache data to be processed or already processed (e.g., image data, audio data, voice communication data and video communication data) in the processor 702 and various modules in the electronic device 700. It can be implemented by flash memory or random access memory (RAM).

[0116] This application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method provided in the above embodiments.

[0117] This application provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the steps in the method provided in the above-described method embodiments.

[0118] It should be noted that the descriptions of the storage medium and device embodiments above are similar to the descriptions of the method embodiments above, and have similar beneficial effects. For technical details not disclosed in the storage medium, storage medium, and device embodiments of this application, please refer to the descriptions of the method embodiments of this application for understanding.

[0119] It should be understood that the phrases "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or "some embodiments" mentioned throughout the specification mean that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, "in one embodiment," "in one embodiment," or "in some embodiments" appearing throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence numbers of the above-described processes do not imply a sequential order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application. The sequence numbers of the above-described embodiments are merely for descriptive purposes and do not represent the superiority or inferiority of the embodiments. The descriptions of the various embodiments above tend to emphasize the differences between the various embodiments; their similarities or commonalities can be referred to mutually, and for the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0120] In this article, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three kinds of relationships. For example, object A and / or object B can represent three situations: object A exists alone, object A and object B exist simultaneously, and object B exists alone.

[0121] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0122] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. The embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of modules is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as: multiple modules or components can be combined, or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the coupling, direct coupling, or communication connection between the various components shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or modules can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0123] The modules described above as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as modules may or may not be physical modules. They may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0124] In addition, each functional module in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each module can be a separate unit, or two or more modules can be integrated into one unit; the integrated modules can be implemented in hardware or in the form of hardware plus software functional units.

[0125] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the above method embodiments can be implemented by hardware related to program instructions. The aforementioned program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. When the program is executed, it performs the steps of the above method embodiments. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media that can store program code, such as mobile storage devices, read-only memory (ROM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0126] Alternatively, if the integrated units described above are implemented as software functional modules and sold or used as independent products, they can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, or the parts that contribute to related technologies, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause an electronic device to execute all or part of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as mobile storage devices, ROMs, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0127] The methods disclosed in the several method embodiments provided in this application can be arbitrarily combined without conflict to obtain new method embodiments.

[0128] The features disclosed in the several product embodiments provided in this application can be arbitrarily combined without conflict to obtain new product embodiments.

[0129] The features disclosed in the several method or device embodiments provided in this application can be arbitrarily combined without conflict to obtain new method or device embodiments.

[0130] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for network function discovery, characterized in that, The method includes: The requesting network function (cNF) sends a first discovery request carrying a first discovery parameter, wherein the first discovery parameter is a slice parameter and / or a number segment parameter. In response to the first discovery request, based on the registration information of at least one registered service network function (pNF), a first pNF whose registration information includes the first discovery parameter is determined; From the registration information of the first pNF, search for the first attribute information of the first pNF and the first target subset including the first discovery parameter; wherein, the registration information includes at least two discovery parameter subsets, the at least two discovery parameter subsets include the first target subset, and the first attribute information is the configuration information of the first pNF other than the at least two discovery parameter subsets; The first target subset and the first attribute information are sent to the cNF so that the cNF stores the first target subset and the first attribute information.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of searching for the first attribute information of the first pNF and the first target subset including the first discovery parameter from the registration information of the first pNF includes: Check whether to perform a precise return function on the discovery parameters in the registration information of the first pNF; If the exact return function is executed on the discovery parameters in the registration information of the first pNF, the first attribute information of the first pNF and the first target subset including the first discovery parameters are searched from the registration information of the first pNF.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a second discovery request sent by the CNF carrying a second discovery parameter, wherein the second discovery parameter is a slice parameter and / or a number segment parameter; In response to the second discovery request, based on the registration information of at least one registered pNF, a second pNF whose registration information includes the second discovery parameter is determined; From the registration information of the second pNF, find the second attribute information of the second pNF and the second target subset including the second discovery parameters; wherein, the registration information of the second pNF includes at least two discovery parameter subsets, the at least two discovery parameter subsets include the second target subset, and the second attribute information is the configuration information of the second pNF other than the at least two discovery parameter subsets; The second target subset and the second attribute information are sent to the cNF so that the cNF can merge and store the first target subset and the second target subset when the first identifier information in the first attribute information of the first pNF is the same as the second identifier information in the second attribute information of the second pNF.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The purpose of sending the second attribute information to the cNF is also that the cNF replaces the stored first attribute information with the second attribute information when it determines that the first identification information and the second identification information are the same.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain the updated registration information of the first pNF; Based on the updated registration information of the first pNF, determine the content to be updated; Based on the updated content, query whether the corresponding configuration information indicates the execution of the precise return function; If the pre-configured information corresponding to the updated content represents the execution of the precise return function, the updated registration information of the first pNF is sent to the cNF, so that the cNF can replace the corresponding stored content with the updated registration information of the first pNF based on the first identifier information.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the pre-configured information corresponding to the updated content indicates that the precise return function is not executed, the actual updated content in the registration information updated by the first pNF is sent to the cNF, so that the cNF can replace the stored content corresponding to the actual updated content with the actual updated content based on the first identifier information.

7. A network function discovery device, characterized in that, include: The receiving unit is configured to receive a first discovery request sent by the CNF carrying a first discovery parameter, wherein the first discovery parameter is a slice parameter and / or a number segment parameter. A response unit is configured to, in response to the first discovery request, determine, based on the registration information of at least one registered pNF, a first pNF whose registration information includes the first discovery parameter; The lookup unit is configured to look up first attribute information of the first pNF and a first target subset including the first discovery parameters from the registration information of the first pNF; wherein the registration information includes at least two discovery parameter subsets, the at least two discovery parameter subsets include the first target subset, and the first attribute information is the configuration information of the first pNF other than the at least two discovery parameter subsets; The sending unit is configured to send the first target subset and the first attribute information to the cNF, so that the cNF stores the first target subset and the first attribute information.

8. An electronic device comprising a memory and a processor, the memory storing a computer program executable on the processor, characterized in that, When the processor executes the program, it implements the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

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