Ip address determination method and apparatus, identity determination method and apparatus, and network element

Abstract

The application discloses an IP address determination method and device, an identity determination method and device, and a network element, and belongs to the technical field of communication. The IP address determination method comprises the following steps: a first network element obtains a target identity, obtains first information, and determines a target IP address or an IP address segment. The first information comprises at least one of a first mapping relationship and the first IP address or the IP address segment. The first IP address or the IP address segment corresponds to the target identity, and the first mapping relationship represents the corresponding relationship. The identity determination method comprises the following steps: the first network element obtains the target IP address or the IP address segment, obtains second information, and determines the target identity. The second information comprises a second mapping relationship and / or a first identity. The first identity corresponds to the target IP address or the IP address segment, and the second mapping relationship represents the corresponding relationship. The target IP address or the IP address segment is used for indicating a location accessed by a target terminal, and the target identity is used for indicating a network element passed through during access.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application belongs to the technical field of communication, and particularly relates to an IP address determination method and device, an identifier determination method and device, and a network element. BACKGROUND

[0002] Traffic of a terminal can access a location in a data network, such as an application server in the data network, from a user plane function (UPF) or a protocol data unit (PDU) session anchor (PSA) exit.

[0003] When the data network accessed by the terminal changes, the previously accessed location is not optimal for the terminal, but how to determine the optimal location under the current data network is unclear. Meanwhile, when it is determined that a location needs to be accessed, how to determine the network element through which the terminal needs to pass when accessing a target IP address or IP address segment under the target data network is also unclear, thereby causing the terminal to be unable to update the accessed location to the optimal location after the data network accessed by the terminal changes. SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of the present application provide an IP address determination method and device, an identifier determination method and device, and a network element, and can solve the problem that a terminal is unable to update an accessed location to an optimal location after a data network accessed by the terminal changes.

[0005] In a first aspect, an IP address determination method is provided, and the method comprises the following steps.

[0006] A first network element obtains a target identifier.

[0007] The first network element obtains first information.

[0008] The first network element determines a target IP address or IP address segment based on the first information.

[0009] The first information comprises at least one of the following:

[0010] A first mapping relationship;

[0011] A first IP address or IP address segment;

[0012] The first IP address or IP address segment corresponds to a target identifier, and the first mapping relationship is used to represent a corresponding relationship between the first IP address or IP address segment and the target identifier; the first IP address or IP address segment includes or is equal to the target IP address or IP address segment; the target IP address or IP address segment is used to indicate an IP address or IP address segment accessed by a target terminal served by the first network element, and the target identifier is used to indicate a network element through which the target terminal needs to pass when accessing the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0013] In a second aspect, an IP address determination method is provided, and the method comprises:

[0014] The second network element sends first information to the first network element.

[0015] The first information comprises at least one of the following:

[0016] A first mapping relationship;

[0017] A first IP address or IP address segment;

[0018] The first IP address or IP address segment corresponds to a target identifier, and the first mapping relationship is used to represent a corresponding relationship between the first IP address or IP address segment and the target identifier; the first IP address or IP address segment includes or is equal to the target IP address or IP address segment; the target IP address or IP address segment is used to indicate an IP address or IP address segment accessed by a target terminal served by the first network element, and the target identifier is used to indicate a network element through which the target terminal needs to pass when accessing the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0019] In a third aspect, an IP address determination method is provided, and the method comprises:

[0020] The third network element receives a second request sent by the second network element, and the second request comprises a target identifier.

[0021] The third network element determines first information based on the second request.

[0022] The third network element sends the first information to the second network element.

[0023] The first information comprises at least one of the following:

[0024] A first mapping relationship;

[0025] A first IP address or IP address segment;

[0026] The first IP address or IP address segment corresponds to a target identity, and the first mapping relationship represents a corresponding relationship between the first IP address or IP address segment and the target identity; the first IP address or IP address segment includes or is equal to a target IP address or IP address segment; the target IP address or IP address segment indicates an IP address or IP address segment accessed by a target terminal served by the first network element, and the target identity indicates a network element through which the target terminal needs to pass when accessing the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0027] In a fourth aspect, a method for determining an identity is provided, and the method comprises:

[0028] The first network element obtains a target IP address or IP address segment;

[0029] The first network element obtains second information;

[0030] The first network element determines a target identity based on the second information;

[0031] The second information includes at least one of the following:

[0032] A second mapping relationship;

[0033] A first identity;

[0034] The first identity corresponds to a target IP address or IP address segment, and the second mapping relationship represents a corresponding relationship between the first identity and the target IP address or IP address segment; the first identity includes or is equal to the target identity; the target IP address or IP address segment indicates an IP address or IP address segment accessed by a target terminal served by the first network element, and the target identity indicates a network element through which the target terminal needs to pass when accessing the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0035] In a fifth aspect, a method for determining an identity is provided, and the method comprises:

[0036] The second network element sends second information to the first network element; the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0037] A second mapping relationship;

[0038] A first identity;

[0039] The first identifier corresponds to a target IP address or IP address segment, and the second mapping relationship represents a corresponding relationship between the first identifier and the target IP address or IP address segment; the first identifier includes or is equal to a target identifier; the target IP address or IP address segment indicates an IP address or IP address segment accessed by a target terminal served by the first network element; and the target identifier indicates a network element through which the target terminal needs to pass when accessing the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0040] In a sixth aspect, a method for determining an identifier is provided, and the method includes:

[0041] A third network element receives a second request sent by a second network element, and the second request includes a target IP address or IP address segment.

[0042] The third network element determines second information based on the second request.

[0043] The third network element sends the second information to the second network element.

[0044] The second information includes at least one of the following:

[0045] A second mapping relationship.

[0046] A first identifier.

[0047] The first identifier corresponds to a target IP address or IP address segment, and the second mapping relationship represents a corresponding relationship between the first identifier and the target IP address or IP address segment; the first identifier includes or is equal to a target identifier; the target IP address or IP address segment indicates an IP address or IP address segment accessed by a target terminal served by the first network element; and the target identifier indicates a network element through which the target terminal needs to pass when accessing the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0048] In a seventh aspect, an IP address determination apparatus is provided, and the apparatus includes:

[0049] A first obtaining module is configured to obtain a target identifier.

[0050] A second obtaining module is configured to obtain first information.

[0051] A first determining module is configured to determine a target IP address or IP address segment based on the first information.

[0052] The first information includes at least one of the following:

[0053] A first mapping relationship.

[0054] A first IP address or IP address segment.

[0055] The first IP address or IP address segment corresponds to a target identifier, and the first mapping relationship is used to represent a corresponding relationship between the first IP address or IP address segment and the target identifier; the first IP address or IP address segment includes or is equal to the target IP address or IP address segment; the target IP address or IP address segment is used to indicate an IP address or IP address segment accessed by a target terminal served by the first network element, and the target identifier is used to indicate a network element through which the target terminal needs to pass when accessing the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0056] In an eighth aspect, an IP address determination apparatus is provided, which comprises:

[0057] A first sending module is configured to send first information to a first network element; the first information comprises at least one of the following:

[0058] A first mapping relationship;

[0059] A first IP address or IP address segment;

[0060] The first IP address or IP address segment corresponds to a target identifier, and the first mapping relationship is used to represent a corresponding relationship between the first IP address or IP address segment and the target identifier; the first IP address or IP address segment includes or is equal to the target IP address or IP address segment; the target IP address or IP address segment is used to indicate an IP address or IP address segment accessed by a target terminal served by the first network element, and the target identifier is used to indicate a network element through which the target terminal needs to pass when accessing the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0061] In a ninth aspect, an IP address determination apparatus is provided, which comprises:

[0062] A first receiving module is configured to receive a second request sent by a second network element, the second request comprising a target identifier;

[0063] A second determining module is configured to determine first information based on the second request;

[0064] A second sending module is configured to send the first information to the second network element;

[0065] The first information comprises at least one of the following:

[0066] A first mapping relationship;

[0067] A first IP address or IP address segment;

[0068] The first IP address or IP address segment corresponds to a target identity, and the first mapping relationship represents a corresponding relationship between the first IP address or IP address segment and the target identity.

[0069] The first IP address or IP address segment includes or is equal to a target IP address or IP address segment, the target IP address or IP address segment is used to indicate an IP address or IP address segment accessed by a target terminal served by the first network element, and the target identity is used to indicate a network element through which the target terminal needs to pass when accessing the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0070] In a tenth aspect, a device for determining an identity is provided, and the device includes:

[0071] A third obtaining module is configured to obtain a target IP address or IP address segment.

[0072] A fourth obtaining module is configured to obtain second information.

[0073] A third determining module is configured to determine a target identity based on the second information.

[0074] The second information includes at least one of the following:

[0075] A second mapping relationship;

[0076] A first identity;

[0077] The first identity corresponds to a target IP address or IP address segment, the second mapping relationship represents a corresponding relationship between the first identity and the target IP address or IP address segment, the first identity includes or is equal to the target identity, the target IP address or IP address segment is used to indicate an IP address or IP address segment accessed by a target terminal served by the first network element, and the target identity is used to indicate a network element through which the target terminal needs to pass when accessing the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0078] In an eleventh aspect, a device for determining an identity is provided, and the device includes:

[0079] A third sending module is configured to send second information to a first network element, and the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0080] A second mapping relationship;

[0081] A first identity;

[0082] The first identifier corresponds to a target IP address or IP address segment, and the second mapping relationship represents a corresponding relationship between the first identifier and the target IP address or IP address segment; the first identifier includes or is equal to a target identifier; the target IP address or IP address segment indicates an IP address or IP address segment accessed by a target terminal served by the first network element; and the target identifier indicates a network element through which the target terminal needs to pass when accessing the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0083] In a twelfth aspect, a device for determining an identifier is provided, and the device includes:

[0084] a second receiving module configured to receive a second request sent by a second network element, the second request including a target IP address or IP address segment;

[0085] a fourth determining module configured to determine second information based on the second request;

[0086] a fourth sending module configured to send the second information to the second network element;

[0087] The second information includes at least one of the following:

[0088] a second mapping relationship;

[0089] a first identifier;

[0090] The first identifier corresponds to a target IP address or IP address segment, and the second mapping relationship represents a corresponding relationship between the first identifier and the target IP address or IP address segment; the first identifier includes or is equal to a target identifier; the target IP address or IP address segment indicates an IP address or IP address segment accessed by a target terminal served by the first network element; and the target identifier indicates a network element through which the target terminal needs to pass when accessing the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0091] In a thirteenth aspect, a first network element is provided, which includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing programs or instructions executable on the processor, and the programs or instructions, when executed by the processor, implement the steps of the method according to the first aspect.

[0092] In a fourteenth aspect, a first network element is provided, which includes a processor and a communication interface, and the processor is configured to:

[0093] obtain a target identifier;

[0094] obtain first information;

[0095] determine a target IP address or IP address segment based on the first information, wherein the first information comprises at least one of:

[0096] a first mapping relationship;

[0097] a first IP address or IP address segment;

[0098] The first IP address or IP address segment corresponds to a target identifier, the first mapping relationship is used to represent the corresponding relationship between the first IP address or IP address segment and the target identifier, the first IP address or IP address segment comprises or is equal to the target IP address or IP address segment, the target IP address or IP address segment is used to indicate an IP address or IP address segment accessed by a target terminal served by the first network element, and the target identifier is used to indicate a network element through which the target terminal needs to pass when accessing the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0099] In a fifteenth aspect, a second network element is provided, which comprises a processor and a memory, the memory stores programs or instructions executable on the processor, and the programs or instructions are executed by the processor to implement the steps of the method according to the second aspect.

[0100] In a sixteenth aspect, a second network element is provided, which comprises a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is configured to:

[0101] send first information to a first network element, wherein the first information comprises at least one of:

[0102] a first mapping relationship;

[0103] a first IP address or IP address segment;

[0104] The first IP address or IP address segment corresponds to a target identifier, the first mapping relationship is used to represent the corresponding relationship between the first IP address or IP address segment and the target identifier, the first IP address or IP address segment comprises or is equal to the target IP address or IP address segment, the target IP address or IP address segment is used to indicate an IP address or IP address segment accessed by a target terminal served by the first network element, and the target identifier is used to indicate a network element through which the target terminal needs to pass when accessing the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0105] In a seventeenth aspect, a third network element is provided, which comprises a processor and a memory, the memory stores programs or instructions executable on the processor, and the programs or instructions are executed by the processor to implement the steps of the method according to the third aspect.

[0106] In an eighteenth aspect, a third network element is provided, comprising a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is configured to:

[0107] receive a second request sent by a second network element, the second request comprising a target identifier;

[0108] the processor is configured to determine first information based on the second request;

[0109] the communication interface is further configured to send the first information to the second network element;

[0110] wherein the first information comprises at least one of:

[0111] a first mapping relationship;

[0112] a first IP address or IP address segment;

[0113] the first IP address or IP address segment corresponds to the target identifier, the first mapping relationship is used to represent a corresponding relationship between the first IP address or IP address segment and the target identifier, the first IP address or IP address segment comprises or is equal to a target IP address or IP address segment, the target IP address or IP address segment is used to indicate an IP address or IP address segment accessed by a target terminal served by the first network element, and the target identifier is used to indicate a network element through which the target terminal needs to pass when accessing the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0114] In a nineteenth aspect, a first network element is provided, comprising a processor and a memory, the memory storing programs or instructions executable on the processor, and the programs or instructions are executed by the processor to implement the steps of the method of the fourth aspect.

[0115] In a twentieth aspect, a first network element is provided, comprising a processor and a communication interface, wherein the processor is configured to:

[0116] obtain a target IP address or IP address segment;

[0117] obtain second information;

[0118] determine a target identifier based on the second information;

[0119] wherein the second information comprises at least one of:

[0120] a second mapping relationship;

[0121] a first identifier;

[0122] The first identifier corresponds to a target IP address or IP address segment, and the second mapping relationship represents a corresponding relationship between the first identifier and the target IP address or IP address segment; the first identifier includes or is equal to the target identifier; the target IP address or IP address segment indicates an IP address or IP address segment accessed by a target terminal served by the first network element, and the target identifier indicates a network element through which the target terminal needs to pass when accessing the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0123] In a twenty-first aspect, a second network element is provided, which includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing programs or instructions executable on the processor, and the programs or instructions, when executed by the processor, implement the steps of the method according to the fifth aspect.

[0124] In a twenty-second aspect, a second network element is provided, which includes a processor and a communication interface, and the communication interface is configured to:

[0125] send second information to the first network element; the second information includes at least one of:

[0126] a second mapping relationship;

[0127] a first identifier;

[0128] The first identifier corresponds to a target IP address or IP address segment, and the second mapping relationship represents a corresponding relationship between the first identifier and the target IP address or IP address segment; the first identifier includes or is equal to the target identifier; the target IP address or IP address segment indicates an IP address or IP address segment accessed by a target terminal served by the first network element, and the target identifier indicates a network element through which the target terminal needs to pass when accessing the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0129] In a twenty-third aspect, a third network element is provided, which includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing programs or instructions executable on the processor, and the programs or instructions, when executed by the processor, implement the steps of the method according to the sixth aspect.

[0130] In a twenty-fourth aspect, a third network element is provided, which includes a processor and a communication interface, and the communication interface is configured to:

[0131] receive a second request sent by the second network element, the second request including a target IP address or IP address segment;

[0132] The processor is configured to determine second information based on the second request;

[0133] The communication interface is further configured to: send the second information to the second network element;

[0134] The second information comprises at least one of:

[0135] A second mapping relationship;

[0136] A first identifier;

[0137] The first identifier corresponds to a target IP address or an IP address segment, the second mapping relationship is used to represent a corresponding relationship between the first identifier and the target IP address or the IP address segment, the first identifier comprises or is equal to a target identifier, the target IP address or the IP address segment is used to indicate an IP address or an IP address segment accessed by a target terminal served by the first network element, and the target identifier is used to indicate a network element through which the target terminal needs to pass when accessing the target IP address or the IP address segment.

[0138] In a twenty-fifth aspect, an IP address determination system is provided, comprising: a first network element, a second network element, and a third network element, the first network element is configured to perform the steps of the IP address determination method according to the first aspect, the second network element is configured to perform the steps of the IP address determination method according to the second aspect, and the third network element is configured to perform the steps of the IP address determination method according to the third aspect.

[0139] In a twenty-sixth aspect, an identifier determination system is provided, comprising: a first network element, a second network element, and a third network element, the first network element is configured to perform the steps of the identifier determination method according to the fourth aspect, the second network element is configured to perform the steps of the identifier determination method according to the fifth aspect, and the third network element is configured to perform the steps of the identifier determination method according to the sixth aspect.

[0140] In a twenty-seventh aspect, a readable storage medium is provided, the readable storage medium stores a program or instructions, the program or instructions are executed by a processor to implement the steps of the method according to the first aspect, or implement the steps of the method according to the second aspect, or implement the steps of the method according to the third aspect, or implement the steps of the method according to the fourth aspect, or implement the steps of the method according to the fifth aspect, or implement the steps of the method according to the sixth aspect.

[0141] In a twenty-eighth aspect, a chip is provided, the chip comprises a processor and a communication interface, the communication interface is coupled with the processor, and the processor is configured to run a program or instructions to implement the method according to the first aspect, or implement the method according to the second aspect, or implement the method according to the third aspect, or implement the method according to the fourth aspect, or implement the method according to the fifth aspect, or implement the method according to the sixth aspect.

[0142] In a twenty-ninth aspect, a computer program / program product is provided, which is stored in a storage medium, and is executed by at least one processor to implement the steps of the IP address determination method according to the first aspect, or implement the steps of the IP address determination method according to the second aspect, or implement the steps of the IP address determination method according to the third aspect, or implement the steps of the identity determination method according to the fourth aspect, or implement the steps of the identity determination method according to the fifth aspect, or implement the steps of the identity determination method according to the sixth aspect.

[0143] In the embodiments of the present application, by defining the correspondence between the IP address or IP address segment of the region accessed by the target terminal and the identity of the network element through which the target terminal accesses the region, after the target identity is learned, the first IP address or IP address segment corresponding to the target identity can be determined, and then the optimal IP address or IP address segment that can be accessed by the target terminal can be determined therefrom, so that after the data network accessed by the target terminal is changed, the target terminal can also determine the optimal access location under the current data network based on the target identity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0144] Figure 1 a block diagram of a wireless communication system to which embodiments of the present application can be applied is shown;

[0145] Figure 2 is one of flow diagrams of the IP address determination method provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0146] Figure 3 a diagram showing terminal access to a data network is shown according to the embodiments of the present application;

[0147] Figure 4 is another of flow diagrams of the IP address determination method provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0148] Figure 5 is a third of flow diagrams of the IP address determination method provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0149] Figure 6 is a fourth of flow diagrams of the IP address determination method provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0150] Figure 7 is one of flow diagrams of the identity determination method provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0151] Figure 8 is another of flow diagrams of the identity determination method provided by the embodiments of the present application;

[0152] Figure 9This is the third flowchart illustrating the identifier determination method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0153] Figure 10 This is the fourth flowchart illustrating the identifier determination method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0154] Figure 11 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the IP address determination device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0155] Figure 12 This is a second schematic diagram of the IP address determination device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0156] Figure 13 This is the third schematic diagram of the IP address determination device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0157] Figure 14 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the identification determination device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0158] Figure 15 This is a second schematic diagram of the structure of the identification device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0159] Figure 16 This is the third schematic diagram of the structure of the identification device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0160] Figure 17 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0161] Figure 18 This is a second schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0162] Figure 19 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of a first network element according to an embodiment of this application;

[0163] Figure 20 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of a second network element according to an embodiment of this application;

[0164] Figure 21 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of a third network element according to an embodiment of this application;

[0165] Figure 22 This is a second schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a first network element according to an embodiment of this application.

[0166] Figure 23 This is a second schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a second network element according to an embodiment of this application.

[0167] Figure 24 The second schematic diagram illustrates the structure of a third network element in accordance with an embodiment of this application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0168] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly described below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments of the present application. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by a person of ordinary skill in the art belong to the scope of protection of the present application.

[0169] The terms "first", "second", and the like in the specification and claims of the present application are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the terms used in this way can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances, so that the embodiments of the present application can be implemented in an order other than that illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first", "second" are generally of a kind, and are not limited to the number of objects, for example, the first object can be one or more. In addition, "and / or" in the specification and claims means at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally means that the front and rear associated objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0170] It is worth noting that the technology described in the embodiments of the present application is not limited to Long Term Evolution (LTE) / LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) systems, but can also be used in other wireless communication systems, such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Single-carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) and other systems. The terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of the present application are often used interchangeably, and the described technology can be used in the above mentioned systems and radio technologies, and also in other systems and radio technologies. The following description describes a New Radio (NR) system for example purposes, and NR terminology is used in most of the following description, but these technologies can also be applied to applications other than NR system applications, such as 6th Generation (6G) communication systems. th

[0171] Figure 1 ​A block diagram of a wireless communication system to which embodiments of the present application can be applied is shown. The wireless communication system includes a terminal 11 and a network side device 12. The terminal 11 can be a terminal side device such as a mobile phone, a tablet personal computer, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a palm computer, a netbook, an ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), a mobile Internet device (MID), an augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR) device, a robot, a wearable device, a vehicle-mounted device (VUE), a pedestrian terminal (PUE), a smart home (a home device with a wireless communication function such as a refrigerator, a television, a washing machine, or furniture), a game console, a personal computer (PC), a kiosk, or a self-service machine. The wearable device includes a smart watch, a smart bracelet, a smart earphone, smart glasses, smart jewelry (a smart bracelet, a smart necklace, a smart ring, a smart necklace, a smart anklet, a smart necklace, etc.), a smart wristband, and smart clothing. It should be noted that the specific type of the terminal 11 is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. The network side device 12 can include an access network device or a core network device. The access network device 12 can also be referred to as a radio access network device, a radio access network (RAN), a radio access network function, or a radio access network unit. The access network device 12 can include a base station, a WLAN access point, or a WiFi node. The base station can be referred to as a node B, an evolved node B (eNB), an access point, a base transceiver station (BTS), a radio base station, a radio transceiver, a basic service set (BSS), an extended service set (ESS), a home node B, a home evolved node B, a transmitting receiving point (TRP), or some other appropriate terminology in the art, as long as the same technical effects are achieved. The base station is not limited to a specific technical term, and it should be noted that only a base station in an NR system is taken as an example for description in the embodiments of the present application, and the specific type of the base station is not limited.The core network device can include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: a core network node, a core network function, a mobility management entity (MME), an access and mobility management function (AMF), a session management function (SMF), a user plane function (UPF), a policy control function (PCF), a policy and charging rules function (PCRF), an edge application server discovery function (EASDF), a unified data management (UDM), a unified data repository (UDR), a home subscriber server (HSS), a centralized network configuration (CNC), a network repository function (NRF), a network exposure function (NEF), a local NEF (L-NEF), a binding support function (BSF), an application function (AF), and the like. It should be noted that, in the embodiments of the present application, only the core network device in the NR system is taken as an example for introduction, and the specific type of the core network device is not limited.

[0172] The IP address determination method and device, the identifier determination method and device, and the network element provided in the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail in combination with the accompanying drawings and some embodiments and application scenarios.

[0173] Figure 2 is one of flow diagrams of the IP address determination method provided in the embodiments of the present application; as shown in Figure 2 the method includes the following steps 200 to 220:

[0174] Step 200, a first network element obtains a target identifier;

[0175] Step 210, the first network element obtains first information;

[0176] In step 220, the first network element determines a target IP address or IP address segment based on the first information.

[0177] The first information includes at least one of the following:

[0178] A first mapping relationship.

[0179] A first IP address or IP address segment.

[0180] The first IP address or IP address segment corresponds to a target identifier, the first mapping relationship is used to represent the corresponding relationship between the first IP address or IP address segment and the target identifier, the first IP address or IP address segment includes or is equal to the target IP address or IP address segment, the target IP address or IP address segment is used to indicate an IP address or IP address segment accessed by a target terminal served by the first network element, and the target identifier is used to indicate a network element through which the target terminal needs to pass when accessing the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0181] Optionally, the first network element can be one or more network functions.

[0182] Optionally, the first network element can be an application function (AF).

[0183] Optionally, the first information can include one or more of the following:

[0184] A first mapping relationship; or

[0185] A first IP address or IP address segment.

[0186] Optionally, a corresponding relationship between the first IP address or IP address segment and the target identifier can be defined, so that the first network element can determine the first IP address or IP address segment corresponding to the target identifier based on the target identifier.

[0187] Optionally, a corresponding relationship between the first IP address or IP address segment and the target identifier can be defined, so that the first network element can determine the corresponding relationship between the first IP address or IP address segment and the target identifier, i.e., the first mapping relationship, based on the target identifier.

[0188] Optionally, a corresponding relationship between the first IP address or IP address segment and the target identifier can be defined, so that the first network element can obtain the corresponding relationship between the first IP address or IP address segment and the target identifier, i.e., the first mapping relationship, and the first IP address or IP address segment based on the target identifier.

[0189] Optionally, after the first mapping relationship is acquired, when the target IP address or IP address segment is determined based on the first information, the first IP address or IP address segment can be acquired based on the first mapping relationship and the target identifier first, and then the target IP address or IP address segment is determined based on the first IP address or IP address segment.

[0190] Optionally, after the first IP address or IP address segment corresponding to the target identifier is determined, i.e., when the target IP address or IP address segment is determined based on the first IP address or IP address segment, the first IP address or IP address segment can be determined as the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0191] For example, taking the first network element as an AF and the target identifier as a DNAI, the target identifier DNAI=1, the corresponding first IP address is IP=10.1.1.1, and there is an EAS server IP address=10.1.1.1 in the candidate EAS server IP address of the AF (i.e., the candidate IP address accessible by the target terminal), which meets the range of the first IP address or IP address segment, so the server can be selected to provide services for the terminal.

[0192] Optionally, after all the first IP addresses or IP address segments corresponding to the target identifier are determined, i.e., when the target IP address or IP address segment is determined based on the first IP address or IP address segment, some of the first IP addresses or IP address segments can be determined as the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0193] For example, taking the first network element as an AF and the target identifier as a DNAI, the target identifier DNAI=1, the corresponding first IP address segment is IP=10.1.0.0 to 10.1.255.255, and the AF can select the IP address of the EAS according to the first IP address or IP address segment. For example, 10.1.1.1 in the candidate EAS server IP address of the AF meets the range of the first IP address or IP address segment, so the server can be selected to provide services for the terminal. However, 100.1.1.1 in the candidate EAS server IP address of the AF (i.e., the candidate IP address accessible by the target terminal) does not meet the range of the first IP address or IP address segment, so the AF can find that the address is not the target IP address according to the first IP address or IP address segment, and thus the address is not determined as the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0194] Optionally, after the target IP address or IP address segment is determined, the traffic of the terminal can access the location indicated by the target IP address or IP address segment in the data network through the network element exit indicated by the target identifier.

[0195] For example, taking the target identifier DNAI as an example, the first network element (such as an AF) sends a target identifier, such as DNAI=1, to a core network, and then obtains first information. The first information can be: 10.1.1.1 or 10.1.X.X, which are two IP addresses or IP address segments corresponding to the target identifier; or the first information can be: DNAI=1→10.1.X.X, which is a mapping relationship between the target identifier DNAI=1 and the first IP address or IP address segment.

[0196] After the AF determines the first IP address or address segment, the AF can select a target IP address or IP address segment of a server that meets the target terminal access or access according to the IP address range. For example, the AF selects a server at 10.1.1.1 as a target EAS for the UE to access, and does not select a server at 100.10.2.1.

[0197] Alternatively, after the first network element determines the first IP address or address segment, the AF can select a target IP address or IP address segment of a server that meets the target terminal access or access according to the IP address range, which can be a target IP address or IP address segment belonging to the first IP address or IP address segment in the candidate IP address accessible to the target terminal.

[0198] The candidate IP address accessible to the target terminal is known to the first network element.

[0199] In the embodiments of the present application, by defining the corresponding relationship between the IP address or IP address segment of the region accessed by the target terminal and the identifier of the network element through which the target terminal accesses the region, the first IP address or IP address segment corresponding to the target identifier can be determined after the target identifier is obtained, and the optimal IP address or IP address segment accessible to the target terminal can be determined therefrom, which can ensure that the target terminal can also determine the optimal access location under the current data network based on the target identifier after the data network accessed by the target terminal changes.

[0200] Optionally, the target IP address or IP address segment includes any one or more of the following:

[0201] an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a location to which the service server is to be migrated;

[0202] an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a location of a data network DN to be accessed by the target terminal; or

[0203] an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a location of a service server to be accessed by the target terminal;

[0204] an IP address or an IP address segment corresponding to the first target identity associated with the target terminal.

[0205] Optionally, the target IP address or IP address segment can comprise an IP address or an IP address segment corresponding to a location to which a service server accessed by the target terminal is to be migrated;

[0206] Optionally, the target IP address or IP address segment can comprise an IP address or an IP address segment corresponding to a location of a data network DN to be accessed by the target terminal;

[0207] Optionally, the target IP address or IP address segment can comprise an IP address or an IP address segment corresponding to a location of a service server to be accessed by the target terminal;

[0208] Optionally, the target IP address or IP address segment can comprise an IP address or an IP address segment corresponding to the first target identity associated with the target terminal; that is, the target IP address or IP address segment can comprise an IP address or an IP address segment corresponding to a network element (a network element indicated by the target identity) in which the target terminal is located;

[0209] Optionally, the target IP address or IP address segment comprises at least one of:

[0210] an IP address or an IP address segment corresponding to a location to which a service server is to be migrated; or

[0211] an IP address or an IP address segment corresponding to a location of a data network DN to be accessed by the target terminal; or

[0212] an IP address or an IP address segment corresponding to a location of a service server to be accessed by the target terminal; or

[0213] an IP address or an IP address segment corresponding to the first target identity associated with the target terminal.

[0214] Optionally, the target identity comprises any one or more of:

[0215] a data network access identifier DNAI; or

[0216] an external DNAI.

[0217] Optionally, the target identity can comprise a data network access identifier DNAI;

[0218] Optionally, the traffic of the target terminal can access a DN, access an application server in the DN from a User Plane Function (UPF) / PDU Session Anchor (PSA) egress. Therefore, the DNAI identifier can be used to represent which UPF / PSA is used when the target terminal accesses a certain server and accesses a certain DN, i.e., the identifier DNAI is used to identify the UPF / PSA (Identifier of a user plane access to one or more DN(s) where applications are deployed).

[0219] Optionally, an external DNAI (external DNAI) can be defined to avoid the parameter DNAI used in the core network from being opened to third-party AFs.

[0220] Optionally, the external DNAI can be in one-to-one correspondence with the data network access identifier DNAI (also referred to as internal DNAI). The external DNAI is used outside the core network, and the internal DNAI is used inside the core network.

[0221] Optionally, the one-to-one correspondence between the external DNAI and the internal DNAI is known.

[0222] Optionally, the network element indicated by the external DNAI can be the network element indicated by the internal DNAI corresponding to the external DNAI.

[0223] Optionally, the target identifier can include an external DNAI (external DNAI).

[0224] For example, in an embodiment, the target identifier can be a DNAI or an external DNAI. The DNAI and the external DNAI can have a mapping relationship. The external DNAI can be used by an untrusted AF, and the DNAI can be used in the 5G core network.

[0225] In an embodiment, Figure 3 A schematic diagram of terminal access to a data network provided by an embodiment of the present application is shown in FIG. 1. Figure 3As shown, taking the example that the first network element is the AF, the target IP address or IP address segment includes the IP address or IP address segment corresponding to the location of the service server to be accessed by the target terminal, and the target identifier includes the DNAI, the target terminal can access the EAS1 server in the DN=A through the PSA1. However, due to the movement of the target terminal, the target terminal moves to a new location, and at this time, the DN=A is relatively far from the target terminal in terms of routing and distance, and thus the DN=A is not suitable for the target terminal to access. Therefore, the movement of the target terminal can cause the user plane to switch from the PSA=1 to the PSA=2, and the accessed DN can also change from the DN=A to the DN=B.

[0226] Therefore, when the DN accessed by the target terminal changes, the service server EAS1 is not the optimal access location. The service server EAS1 can be changed to the EAS2, the first network element AF can obtain the target identifier, that is, the current DNAI (the DNAI corresponding to the PSA2), and determine an EAS2 server IP address corresponding to the current DNAI as the service server.

[0227] Optionally, the first network element obtains the target identifier, including:

[0228] The first network element receives the target identifier sent by the second network element.

[0229] Optionally, the second network element can be one or more network functions of the core network;

[0230] Optionally, the second network element can be the NEF;

[0231] Optionally, the first network element can receive a target identifier sent by the second network element, and the target identifier can enable the first network element to know that the IP address or IP address segment accessed by the target terminal can change;

[0232] Optionally, the target identifier sent by the second network element can come from the second network element itself, and can also come from one or more network functions of the core network, such as the SMF, that is, the SMF can forward the target identifier to the first network element through the second network element.

[0233] Optionally, the first network element can also obtain the target identifier from the SMF, and the target identifier can enable the first network element to know that the IP address or IP address segment accessed by the target terminal can change.

[0234] For example, the first network element can obtain a DNAI from the second network element, and the DNAI can enable the first network element to know that the anchor point of the PDU session can migrate due to the movement of the UE, which can cause the EAS server accessed by the target terminal to migrate;

[0235] For example, taking the first network element as an AF, the AF can obtain a target identifier (target DNAI or target external DNAI) from the NEF or the SMF, which indicates to the AF that the anchor point of the PDU session may be migrated due to the migration of the target terminal, which may cause the migration of the EAS server.

[0236] Optionally, the first network element can obtain the target identifier from the second network element through signaling Nnef_TrafficInfluence_Notify.

[0237] Optionally, the first network element obtains the first information, including:

[0238] The first network element sends a first request to the second network element, and the first request includes the target identifier.

[0239] The first network element receives the first information sent by the second network element based on the first request.

[0240] Optionally, the core network (such as the second network element therein) can provide a corresponding first IP address or IP address range according to a data network access identifier (DNAI);

[0241] Optionally, the first network element can let the core network provide the first IP address or IP address segment of the area corresponding to the DNAI through the DNAI;

[0242] Optionally, the core network (such as the second network element therein) can provide a corresponding first IP address or IP address range according to an external DNAI;

[0243] Optionally, the first network element can let the core network provide the first IP address or IP address segment of the area corresponding to the external DNAI through the external DNAI;

[0244] Optionally, the first network element can let the core network provide the first IP address or IP address segment of the area corresponding to the internal DNAI corresponding to the external DNAI through the external DNAI.

[0245] Optionally, in order to obtain the first IP address or IP address segment corresponding to the target identifier, the first network element can send a first request to the second network element, and the target identifier can be included in the first request, indicating that the first network element needs to obtain the first IP address or IP address segment corresponding to the target identifier;

[0246] Optionally, after receiving the first request, the second network element can obtain the first IP address or IP address segment corresponding to the target identifier based on the first request.

[0247] Optionally, the second network element can send the first IP address or IP address segment corresponding to the target identifier to the first network element after obtaining the first IP address or IP address segment corresponding to the target identifier.

[0248] Optionally, the first network element can receive the first IP address or IP address segment sent by the second network element based on the first request.

[0249] Optionally, the core network (such as the second network element therein) can provide a first mapping relationship according to a data network access identifier (DNAI), and the first mapping relationship is used to represent the corresponding relationship between the first IP address or IP address segment and the target identifier.

[0250] Optionally, the first network element can let the core network provide the first mapping relationship through the DNAI, and the first mapping relationship is used to represent the corresponding relationship between the first IP address or IP address segment and the DNAI.

[0251] Optionally, the core network (such as the second network element therein) can provide a first mapping relationship according to an external DNAI, and the first mapping relationship is used to represent the corresponding relationship between the first IP address or IP address segment and the external DNAI.

[0252] Optionally, the first network element can let the core network provide the first mapping relationship through the external DNAI, and the first mapping relationship is used to represent the corresponding relationship between the first IP address or IP address segment and the internal DNAI, wherein the one-to-one correspondence relationship between the external DNAI and the internal DNAI is known.

[0253] Optionally, the first network element can send a first request to the second network element in order to obtain the first mapping relationship, and the target identifier can be included in the first request, indicating that the first network element needs to obtain the first mapping relationship including the target identifier.

[0254] Optionally, the second network element can obtain the first mapping relationship based on the first request after receiving the first request.

[0255] Optionally, the second network element can send the first mapping relationship to the first network element after obtaining the first mapping relationship.

[0256] Optionally, the first network element can receive the first mapping relationship sent by the second network element based on the first request.

[0257] Optionally, the first network element obtains the first information, including:

[0258] The first network element receives the first information when receiving the target identifier.

[0259] Optionally, the core network (such as the second network element therein) can directly provide the corresponding first IP address or IP address range according to a data network access identifier (DNAI) when providing the target identifier.

[0260] Optionally, the core network (such as the second network element therein) can directly provide the corresponding first IP address or IP address range according to an external DNAI when providing the target identifier.

[0261] Optionally, the core network (such as the second network element therein) can directly provide a first mapping relationship according to a data network access identifier (DNAI) when providing the target identifier, the first mapping relationship being used to represent a corresponding relationship between the first IP address or IP address segment and the target identifier.

[0262] Optionally, the core network (such as the second network element therein) can directly provide a first mapping relationship according to an external DNAI when providing the target identifier, the first mapping relationship being used to represent a corresponding relationship between the first IP address or IP address segment and the external DNAI.

[0263] Optionally, the first network element can receive the first IP address or IP address range when receiving the target identifier.

[0264] In the embodiments of the present application, the signaling interaction can be further reduced and the implementation is simple on the basis of ensuring that the target terminal can re-determine the optimal access location under the current data network based on the target identifier.

[0265] In the embodiments of the present application, by defining the corresponding relationship between the IP address or IP address segment of the region accessed by the target terminal and the identifier of the network element through which the target terminal accesses the region, the first IP address or IP address segment corresponding to the target identifier can be determined after the target identifier is obtained, and then the optimal IP address or IP address segment that can be accessed by the target terminal is determined therefrom, so that the target terminal can re-determine the optimal access location under the current data network based on the target identifier after the data network accessed by the target terminal is changed.

[0266] Figure 4 is a flowchart of the IP address determination method provided by the embodiments of the present application; as shown in Figure 4 the method comprises the following steps 400:

[0267] At step 400, the second network element sends first information to the first network element;

[0268] The first information includes at least one of the following:

[0269] A first mapping relationship;

[0270] A first IP address or IP address segment;

[0271] The first IP address or IP address segment corresponds to a target identifier, and the first mapping relationship is used to represent a corresponding relationship between the first IP address or IP address segment and the target identifier; the first IP address or IP address segment includes or is equal to a target IP address or IP address segment, and the target IP address or IP address segment is used to indicate an IP address or IP address segment accessed by a target terminal served by the first network element, and the target identifier is used to indicate a network element through which the target terminal needs to pass when accessing the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0272] Optionally, the second network element can be one or more network functions;

[0273] Optionally, the second network element can be a network exposure function (NEF);

[0274] Optionally, a corresponding relationship between the first IP address or IP address segment and the target identifier can be defined, and the second network element can send the first IP address or IP address segment to the first network element, so that the first network element can determine the first IP address or IP address segment corresponding to the target identifier based on the target identifier;

[0275] Optionally, a corresponding relationship between the first IP address or IP address segment and the target identifier can be defined, and the second network element can send the first mapping relationship to the first network element, so that the first network element can determine the corresponding relationship between the first IP address or IP address segment and the target identifier, i.e., the first mapping relationship;

[0276] Optionally, a corresponding relationship between the first IP address or IP address segment and the target identifier can be defined, and the second network element can send the first mapping relationship and the first IP address or IP address segment to the first network element, so that the first network element can obtain the corresponding relationship between the first IP address or IP address segment and the target identifier, i.e., the first mapping relationship, and the first IP address or IP address segment based on the target identifier.

[0277] Optionally, after obtaining the first mapping relationship, the first network element, when determining the target IP address or IP address segment based on the first information, can first obtain the first IP address or IP address segment based on the first mapping relationship and the target identifier, and then determine the target IP address or IP address segment based on the first IP address or IP address segment.

[0278] Optionally, after determining the first IP address or IP address segment corresponding to the target identifier, the first network element, when determining the target IP address or IP address segment based on the first IP address or IP address segment, can determine the first IP address or IP address segment as the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0279] For example, taking the first network element as an AF and the target identifier as a DNAI, the target identifier DNAI=1, and the corresponding first IP address as IP=10.1.1.1, and there is an EAS server IP address=10.1.1.1 in the candidate EAS server IP addresses (i.e., candidate IP addresses accessible by the target terminal) of the AF, which meets the range of the first IP address or IP address segment, the server can be selected to provide services for the terminal.

[0280] Optionally, after determining all the first IP addresses or IP address segments corresponding to the target identifier, the first network element, when determining the target IP address or IP address segment based on the first IP address or IP address segment, can determine part of the first IP addresses or IP address segments as the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0281] For example, taking the first network element as an AF and the target identifier as a DNAI, the target identifier DNAI=1, and the corresponding first IP address segment as IP=10.1.0.0 to 10.1.255.255, the AF can select the IP address of the EAS according to the first IP address or IP address segment. For example, 10.1.1.1 in the candidate EAS server IP addresses (i.e., candidate IP addresses accessible by the target terminal) of the AF meets the range of the first IP address or IP address segment, so the server can be selected to provide services for the terminal. However, 100.1.1.1 in the candidate EAS server IP addresses (i.e., candidate IP addresses accessible by the target terminal) of the AF does not meet the range of the first IP address or IP address segment, so the AF can find that the address is not the target IP address according to the first IP address or IP address segment, and thus the AF does not determine the address as the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0282] Optionally, after determining the target IP address or IP address segment, the traffic of the terminal can access the location indicated by the target IP address or IP address segment in the data network through the network element exit indicated by the target identifier.

[0283] For example, taking the target identifier DNAI as an example, the first network element (such as an AF) sends a target identifier, such as DNAI=1, to a core network, and then obtains first information. The first information can be: 10.1.1.1 or 10.1.X.X, which are two IP addresses or IP address segments corresponding to the target identifier; or the first information can be: DNAI=1→10.1.X.X, which is a mapping relationship between the target identifier DNAI=1 and the first IP address or IP address segment.

[0284] After the AF determines the first IP address or address segment, the AF can select a target IP address or IP address segment of a server that meets the target terminal access or access according to the IP address range. For example, the AF selects a server of 10.1.1.1 as a target EAS for the UE to access, and does not select a server of 100.10.2.1.

[0285] Alternatively, after the first network element determines the first IP address or address segment, the AF can select a target IP address or IP address segment of a server that meets the target terminal access or access according to the IP address range, which can be a target IP address or IP address segment belonging to the first IP address or IP address segment in the candidate IP address accessible to the target terminal.

[0286] The candidate IP address accessible to the target terminal is known to the first network element.

[0287] Alternatively, the target IP address or IP address segment can include an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a location to which a service server accessed by the target terminal is to be migrated;

[0288] Alternatively, the target IP address or IP address segment can include an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a location of a data network DN to be accessed by the target terminal;

[0289] Alternatively, the target IP address or IP address segment can include an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a location of a service server to be accessed by the target terminal;

[0290] Alternatively, the target IP address or IP address segment can include an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to the first target identifier associated with the target terminal; that is, the target IP address or IP address segment can include an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a network element (a network element indicated by the target identifier) where the target terminal is located;

[0291] Alternatively, the target IP address or IP address segment includes at least one of the following:

[0292] an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a location to which a service server accessed by the target terminal is to be migrated; or

[0293] an IP address or an IP address segment corresponding to a location of a data network DN to be accessed by the target terminal; or

[0294] an IP address or an IP address segment corresponding to a location of a service server to be accessed by the target terminal; or

[0295] an IP address or an IP address segment corresponding to a first target identifier associated with the target terminal.

[0296] Optionally, the target identifier can comprise a data network access identifier (DNAI).

[0297] Optionally, traffic of the target terminal can exit from a UPF / PSA, access a DN, and access an application server in the DN. Therefore, the DNAI identifier can be used to represent: when the target terminal accesses a certain server and accesses a certain DN, which UPF / PSA is used, i.e., the identifier DNAI is used to identify the UPF / PSA (Identifier of a user plane access to one or more DN(s) where applications are deployed).

[0298] Optionally, an external DNAI (external DNAI) can be defined to avoid opening a parameter DNAI used inside the core network to third-party AFs.

[0299] Optionally, the external DNAI can be one-to-one corresponding to the data network access identifier DNAI (also referred to as internal DNAI); the external DNAI is used outside the core network, and the internal DNAI is used inside the core network.

[0300] Optionally, the one-to-one correspondence between the external DNAI and the internal DNAI is known.

[0301] Optionally, a network element indicated by the external DNAI can be a network element indicated by an internal DNAI corresponding to the external DNAI.

[0302] Optionally, the target identifier can comprise an external DNAI (external DNAI).

[0303] In one embodiment, as Figure 3As shown, the target terminal can access the EAS1 server in DN=A through PSA1 when the first network element is the AF, the target IP address or IP address segment includes the IP address or IP address segment corresponding to the location of the service server to be accessed by the target terminal, and the target identifier includes the DNAI. However, the target terminal moves to a new location due to the movement of the target terminal. At this time, DN=A is far away from the target terminal in terms of routing and distance, and therefore, DN=A is not suitable for the target terminal to access. Therefore, the movement of the target terminal can cause the user plane to switch from PSA=1 to PSA=2, and the accessed DN can also switch from DN=A to DN=B.

[0304] Therefore, when the DN accessed by the target terminal changes, the service server EAS1 is not the optimal access location. The service server EAS1 can be changed to EAS2. The first network element AF can acquire the target identifier, that is, the current DNAI (the DNAI corresponding to PSA2), and determine an EAS2 server IP address corresponding to the current DNAI as the service server.

[0305] In the embodiments of the present application, by defining the correspondence between the IP address or IP address segment of the region accessed by the target terminal and the identifier of the network element through which the target terminal accesses the region, the first IP address or IP address segment corresponding to the target identifier or the correspondence between the first IP address or IP address segment and the target identifier can be sent to the first network element, so that the first network element can determine the optimal IP address or IP address segment that can be accessed by the target terminal, and it can be ensured that after the data network accessed by the target terminal changes, the target terminal can also determine the optimal access location under the current data network based on the target identifier.

[0306] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0307] Before the second network element sends the first information to the first network element, the second network element receives a first request sent by the first network element, and the first request includes the target identifier.

[0308] The second network element acquires the first information based on the first request.

[0309] Optionally, the core network (such as the second network element therein) can provide the corresponding first IP address or IP address range according to a data network access identifier (DNAI);

[0310] Optionally, the first network element can enable the core network to provide the first IP address or IP address segment of the region corresponding to the DNAI through the DNAI;

[0311] Optionally, the core network (such as the second network element therein) can provide the corresponding first IP address or IP address range according to the external DNAI;

[0312] Optionally, the first network element can let the core network provide the first IP address or IP address segment of the area corresponding to the external DNAI through the external DNAI;

[0313] Optionally, the first network element can let the core network provide the first IP address or IP address segment of the area corresponding to the internal DNAI corresponding to the external DNAI through the external DNAI.

[0314] Optionally, in order to obtain the first IP address or IP address segment corresponding to the target identifier, the first network element can send a first request to the second network element, and the target identifier can be included in the first request, indicating that the first IP address or IP address segment corresponding to the target identifier is required by the first network element;

[0315] Optionally, after receiving the first request, the second network element can obtain the first IP address or IP address segment corresponding to the target identifier based on the first request;

[0316] Optionally, after obtaining the first IP address or IP address segment corresponding to the target identifier, the second network element can send the first IP address or IP address segment corresponding to the target identifier to the first network element;

[0317] Optionally, the first network element can receive the first IP address or IP address segment sent by the second network element based on the first request.

[0318] Optionally, the core network (such as the second network element therein) can provide a first mapping relationship according to a data network access identifier (DNAI), and the first mapping relationship is used to represent the corresponding relationship between the first IP address or IP address segment and the target identifier;

[0319] Optionally, the first network element can let the core network provide the first mapping relationship through the DNAI, and the first mapping relationship is used to represent the corresponding relationship between the first IP address or IP address segment and the DNAI;

[0320] Optionally, the core network (such as the second network element therein) can provide the first mapping relationship according to the external DNAI, and the first mapping relationship is used to represent the corresponding relationship between the first IP address or IP address segment and the external DNAI;

[0321] Optionally, the first network element can let the core network provide the first mapping relationship for representing the correspondence between the first IP address or IP address segment and the internal DNAI through an external DNAI, wherein the one-to-one correspondence between the external DNAI and the internal DNAI is known.

[0322] Optionally, the first network element can send a first request to the second network element in order to obtain the first mapping relationship, wherein the target identifier can be included in the first request, indicating that the first mapping relationship including the target identifier is required by the first network element.

[0323] Optionally, the second network element can obtain the first mapping relationship based on the first request after receiving the first request.

[0324] Optionally, the second network element can send the first mapping relationship to the first network element after obtaining the first mapping relationship.

[0325] Optionally, the first network element can receive the first mapping relationship sent by the second network element based on the first request.

[0326] Optionally, the second network element can send the target identifier to the first network element before the first network element sends the first request to the second network element.

[0327] Optionally, the first network element can receive a target identifier sent by the second network element, which can make the first network element know that the IP address or IP address segment accessed by the target terminal can change.

[0328] Optionally, the target identifier sent by the second network element can come from the second network element itself, or from one or more network functions such as SMF in the core network, i.e., the SMF can forward the target identifier to the first network element through the second network element.

[0329] Optionally, the first network element can also obtain the target identifier from the SMF, which can make the first network element know that the IP address or IP address segment accessed by the target terminal can change.

[0330] For example, the first network element can obtain a DNAI from the second network element, which can make the first network element know that the anchor point of the PDU session may be migrated due to UE movement, which can cause the target terminal to access the EAS server to migrate.

[0331] For example, taking the first network element as AF, AF may obtain a target identifier (targetDNAI, or target external DNAI) from NEF or SMF. This target identifier is used to indicate to AF that the anchor point of the PDU session may be migrated due to the movement of the target terminal, which may lead to the migration of the EAS server.

[0332] Optionally, when the first network element obtains the target identifier from the second network element, it can do so via the signaling Nnef_TrafficInfluence_Notify.

[0333] Optionally, the second network element sends first information to the first network element, including:

[0334] The second network element acquires the first information;

[0335] When the second network element sends the target identifier to the first network element, it sends the first information to the first network element.

[0336] Optionally, the core network (such as the second network element therein) may provide the corresponding first IP address or IP address range directly based on the Data Network Access Identifier (DNAI) when providing the target identifier;

[0337] Optionally, the core network (such as the second network element therein) can directly provide the corresponding first IP address or IP address range based on the external DNAI when providing the target identifier;

[0338] Optionally, the core network (such as the second network element therein) may provide a first mapping relationship directly based on the Data Network Access Identifier (DNAI) when providing the target identifier. The first mapping relationship is used to characterize the correspondence between the first IP address or IP address range and the target identifier.

[0339] Optionally, the core network (such as the second network element therein) may provide a first mapping relationship directly based on the external DNAI when providing the target identifier. The first mapping relationship is used to characterize the correspondence between the first IP address or IP address range and the external DNAI.

[0340] Optionally, the first network element may receive a first IP address or a range of IP addresses when receiving the target identifier.

[0341] Optionally, obtaining the first information includes:

[0342] The second network element obtains the first information based on its local cache. The first mapping relationship is stored in the local cache.

[0343] The first mapping relationship is stored in the local cache.

[0344] Optionally, to send the first information to the first network element when sending the target identifier to the first network element, the second network element can first acquire the first information.

[0345] Optionally, to send the first information to the first network element after receiving the first request, the second network element can first acquire the first information.

[0346] Optionally, when the second network element acquires the first information, the first information can be acquired based on a local cache, wherein the first mapping relationship is stored in the local cache.

[0347] Optionally, after the second network element acquires the first mapping relationship based on any manner each time, the first mapping relationship can be cached locally, and if the first IP address or IP address segment corresponding to the target identifier needs to be sent to the first network element, it can be checked in the local cache whether there is the first mapping relationship representing the correspondence between the target identifier and the first IP address or IP address segment, and if so, the following any one can be sent to the first network element:

[0348] the first mapping relationship; or

[0349] the first IP address or IP address segment. In the embodiment of the application, the second network element provides the first information to the first network element based on the local cache, instead of acquiring from other network parts, which can effectively reduce signaling interaction and save signaling resources.

[0350] Optionally, the second network element has the capability of determining the first information based on the target identifier.

[0351] The acquiring of the first information includes:

[0352] The second network element directly determines the first information based on the target identifier.

[0353] Optionally, to send the first information to the first network element when sending the target identifier to the first network element, the second network element can first acquire the first information.

[0354] Optionally, to send the first information to the first network element after receiving the first request, the second network element can first acquire the first information.

[0355] Optionally, the second network element can have the capability of determining the first information based on the target identifier.

[0356] Optionally, the second network element can have the capability of determining the first IP address or IP address segment corresponding to the target identifier based on the target identifier.

[0357] Optionally, the second network element can have the capability of determining the first mapping relationship for representing the correspondence between the target identifier and the first IP address or IP address segment based on the target identifier.

[0358] Optionally, when the second network element acquires the first information, the second network element can directly determine the first information based on its own capability.

[0359] Optionally, after the second network element directly determines the first information based on its own capability, the second network element can send any of the following to the first network element:

[0360] the first mapping relationship; or

[0361] the first IP address or IP address segment.

[0362] In the embodiments of the present application, the second network element determines the first information that needs to be provided to the first network element based on its own capability, instead of acquiring the information from other network parts, which can effectively reduce signaling interaction and save signaling resources.

[0363] Optionally, the acquiring of the first information comprises:

[0364] the second network element determines a third network element serving the target terminal;

[0365] the second network element sends a second request to the third network element, and the second request comprises the target identifier;

[0366] the second network element receives the first information sent by the third network element based on the second request.

[0367] Optionally, in order to send the first information to the first network element when sending the target identifier to the first network element, the second network element can first acquire the first information.

[0368] Optionally, in order to send the first information to the first network element after receiving the first request, the second network element can first acquire the first information.

[0369] Optionally, the second network element can determine a third network element serving the target terminal, and request the first information from the third network element.

[0370] Optionally, the second network element can first determine a third network element serving the target terminal, and then send a second request comprising the target identifier to the third network element to request the first information from the third network element.

[0371] Optionally, after receiving the second request, the third network element can determine the first information based on the target identifier in the second request.

[0372] Optionally, after determining the first information, the third network element can send the first information to the second network element.

[0373] Optionally, after receiving the first information, the second network element can send the first information to the first network element.

[0374] Optionally, the third network element can be one or more network functions.

[0375] Optionally, the third network element can be a session management function (SMF).

[0376] Optionally, the second network element determining the third network element serving the target terminal comprises:

[0377] The second network element obtaining a terminal identifier of the target terminal;

[0378] The second network element obtaining a network element identifier of the third network element based on the terminal identifier;

[0379] The second network element determining the third network element based on the network element identifier.

[0380] Optionally, when determining the third network element serving the target terminal, the second network element can first obtain a terminal identifier of the target terminal, and obtain a network element identifier of the third network element based on the terminal identifier; optionally, the network element identifier of the third network element can comprise one or more of the following:

[0381] a network element IP address, a network element port number, a network element FQDN, or a network element ID.

[0382] Optionally, after obtaining the network element identifier of the third network element, the second network element can determine the third network element based on the network element identifier.

[0383] In the embodiments of the present application, by defining the correspondence between the IP address or IP address segment of the region accessed by the target terminal and the identifier of the network element through which the target terminal accesses the region, the first IP address or IP address segment corresponding to the target identifier or the correspondence between the first IP address or IP address segment and the target identifier can be sent to the first network element, so that the first network element can determine the optimal IP address or IP address segment that the target terminal can access, and it can be ensured that after the data network accessed by the target terminal changes, the target terminal can also determine the optimal access location under the current data network based on the target identifier.

[0384] Figure 5Figure 3 is a flowchart of a third IP address determination method according to an embodiment of the present application; as shown in Figure 3, the method comprises the following steps 500 to 520: Figure 5

[0385] Step 500: the third network element receives a second request sent by the second network element, wherein the second request comprises a target identifier;

[0386] Step 510: the third network element determines first information based on the second request;

[0387] Step 520: the third network element sends the first information to the second network element;

[0388] The first information comprises at least one of the following:

[0389] a first mapping relationship;

[0390] a first IP address or IP address segment;

[0391] The first IP address or IP address segment corresponds to the target identifier, the first mapping relationship is used to represent the correspondence between the first IP address or IP address segment and the target identifier, the first IP address or IP address segment comprises or is equal to a target IP address or IP address segment, the target IP address or IP address segment is used to indicate an IP address or IP address segment accessed by a target terminal served by the first network element, and the target identifier is used to indicate a network element through which the target terminal needs to pass when accessing the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0392] Optionally, the third network element can be one or more network functions.

[0393] Optionally, the third network element can be a session management function (SMF).

[0394] Optionally, in order to send the first information to the first network element when sending the target identifier to the first network element, the second network element can first acquire the first information.

[0395] Optionally, in order to send the first information to the first network element after receiving the first request, the second network element can first acquire the first information.

[0396] Optionally, the second network element can determine the third network element serving the target terminal and request the first information from the third network element.

[0397] Optionally, the second network element can first determine the third network element serving the target terminal, and then send the second request comprising the target identifier to the third network element to request the first information from the third network element. ​

[0398] Optionally, after receiving the second request, the third network element can determine the first information based on the target identifier in the second request;

[0399] Optionally, after determining the first information, the third network element can send the first information to the second network element;

[0400] Optionally, after receiving the first information, the second network element can send the first information to the first network element. Optionally, after obtaining the first mapping relationship, the first network element can determine the target IP address or IP address segment based on the first information by first obtaining the first IP address or IP address segment based on the first mapping relationship and the target identifier, and then determining the target IP address or IP address segment based on the first IP address or IP address segment;

[0401] Optionally, after determining the first IP address or IP address segment corresponding to the target identifier, the first network element can determine the first IP address or IP address segment as the target IP address or IP address segment;

[0402] For example, taking the target identifier DNAI = 1 as an example, the corresponding first IP address is IP = 10.1.1.1, and among the candidate EAS server IP addresses (i.e. candidate IP addresses accessible by the target terminal) of the AF, there is an EAS server IP address = 10.1.1.1, which meets the range of the first IP address or IP address segment, so the server can be selected to provide services for the terminal. Optionally, after determining all the first IP addresses or IP address segments corresponding to the target identifier, the first network element can determine part of the first IP addresses or IP address segments as the target IP address or IP address segment;

[0403] For example, taking the target identifier DNAI as an example, the target identifier DNAI=1 corresponds to the first IP address segment IP=10.1.0.0 to 10.1.255.255. According to the first IP address or address segment, the AF can select the IP address of the EAS. For example, among the IP addresses of the EAS servers selected by the AF, 10.1.1.1 is within the range of the first IP address or address segment, so the server can be selected to provide services for the terminal. Among the IP addresses of the EAS servers selected by the AF (i.e., the candidate IP addresses accessible by the target terminal), 100.1.1.1 is not within the range of the first IP address or address segment, so the AF can determine that the address is not the target IP address according to the first IP address or address segment, and thus the address is not determined as the target IP address or IP address segment. Alternatively, after the first network element determines the target IP address or IP address segment, the traffic of the terminal can be transmitted to the location indicated by the target IP address or IP address segment in the data network through the egress of the network element indicated by the target identifier.

[0404] For example, taking the target identifier DNAI as an example, the first network element (such as the AF) sends the target identifier, such as DNAI=1, to the core network, and then obtains the first information. The first information can be: 10.1.1.1 or 10.1.X.X, which are the two IP addresses or IP address segments corresponding to the target identifier; or the first information can be: DNAI=1→10.1.X.X, which is the mapping relationship between the target identifier DNAI=1 and the first IP address or IP address segment.

[0405] After the AF determines the first IP address or address segment, the AF can select the target IP address or IP address segment of the server that meets the access or access of the target terminal according to the IP address range. For example, the AF selects the server of 10.1.1.1 as the target EAS for the UE to access, and does not select the server of 100.10.2.1.

[0406] Alternatively, after the first network element determines the first IP address or address segment, the AF can select the target IP address or IP address segment of the server that meets the access or access of the target terminal according to the IP address range, which can be the target IP address or IP address segment within the candidate IP addresses accessible by the target terminal.

[0407] Among the candidate IP addresses accessible by the target terminal, the target IP address or IP address segment is known to the first network element.

[0408] Alternatively, the target IP address or IP address segment can include the IP address or IP address segment corresponding to the location to which the service server accessed by the target terminal is to be migrated.

[0409] Optionally, the target IP address or IP address segment can comprise an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a location of a data network DN to be accessed by the target terminal;

[0410] Optionally, the target IP address or IP address segment can comprise an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a location of a service server to be accessed by the target terminal;

[0411] Optionally, the target IP address or IP address segment can comprise an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a first target identity associated with the target terminal; that is, the target IP address or IP address segment can comprise an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a network element (a network element indicated by the target identity) where the target terminal is located;

[0412] Optionally, the target IP address or IP address segment comprises at least one of:

[0413] an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a location of a service server to be accessed by the target terminal; or

[0414] an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a location of a data network DN to be accessed by the target terminal; or

[0415] an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a location of a service server to be accessed by the target terminal; or

[0416] an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a first target identity associated with the target terminal.

[0417] Optionally, the target identity can comprise a data network access identifier DNAI;

[0418] Optionally, the traffic of the target terminal can exit from a UPF / PSA, access a DN, and access an application server in the DN. Therefore, the DNAI identifier can be used to represent which UPF / PSA is used when the target terminal accesses a certain server and accesses a certain DN, that is, the identifier DNAI is used to identify the UPF / PSA (Identifier of a user plane access to one or more DN(s) where applications are deployed).

[0419] Optionally, an external DNAI (external DNAI) can be defined to avoid the parameter DNAI used in the core network from being opened to third-party AFs;

[0420] Optionally, the external DNAI can be in one-to-one correspondence with the data network access identifier DNAI (may also be referred to as internal DNAI); the external DNAI is used outside the core network, and the internal DNAI is used inside the core network.

[0421] Optionally, the one-to-one correspondence between the external DNAI and the internal DNAI is known.

[0422] Optionally, the network element indicated by the external DNAI can be: the network element indicated by the internal DNAI corresponding to the external DNAI.

[0423] Optionally, the target identifier can include an external DNAI (external DNAI).

[0424] In an embodiment, Figure 6 is a flowchart of a fourth IP address determination method provided by the embodiments of the present application; as Figure 6 shown, taking the core network as the 5GC network side, the first network element as the AF, the second network element as the NEF, and the third network element as the SMF as an example, the IP address determination method can include the following steps:

[0425] Step 1: the AF sends a first request;

[0426] Specifically, before triggering the first request, the AF can obtain a target DNAI (i.e., target identifier, or external target DNAI) from the NEF or the SMF, which is used to indicate to the AF that the anchor point of the PDU session may be migrated due to UE movement, which will cause the EAS server to migrate.

[0427] For example, the AF can obtain the target DNAI from the NEF or the SMF through Nnef_TrafficInfluence_Notify or Nsmf_EventExposure_Notify before triggering the first request. The first request sent by the AF is used to obtain first information, and therefore, the signaling where the first request is located can be designed as: Nnef_IPrange_Get Request; for example, the target identifier is used to obtain the corresponding first IP address or IP address segment.

[0428] The AF triggers the first request and sends it to the NEF, the first request including a DNAI (i.e., the target DNAI obtained above), requesting the 5GC network side to provide the server IP address or IP address segment corresponding to the DNAI;

[0429] The first request can include a DNAI (or external DNAI), and any one or more of the following: AF location information, IP address of the AF, or IP address of the UE.

[0430] Step 2: NEF verifies the action of the AF;

[0431] In one case, the NEF can have the ability to map the DNAI directly to the corresponding first IP address segment or IP address based on the DNAI. In this case, then the process of steps 3 to 9 can be omitted.

[0432] In one case, the NEF can cache the first mapping relationship between the DNAI and the first IP address segment or IP address, that is, after receiving the target identifier, the first IP address segment or IP address can be determined based on the cache. In this case, then the process of steps 3 to 9 can be omitted.

[0433] In one case, if the AF provides an external DNAI, the NEF can map it to a DNAI used internally by the 5GC (such as internal NEF), and then continue the process after step 3. Alternatively, the NEF can not do this mapping, which can be mapped by other network parts, which will not be described here.

[0434] Step 3: NEF triggers the service of BSF (which can be implemented based on signaling Nbsf_Management_Discovery);

[0435] Specifically, the NEF can trigger the BSF to find the corresponding SUPI according to the IP address of the UE provided in step 1, and this SUPI is the identifier of the UE currently served by the AF. The service is used to obtain the SUPI.

[0436] Step 4: BSF provides SUPI (which can be implemented based on signaling Nbsf_Management_Discovery response (SUPI));

[0437] Step 5: NEF triggers the service of UDM (which can be implemented based on signaling Nudm_SDM_Get request); the service is used to obtain the SMF that manages the PDU session between the AF / EAS and the UE.

[0438] Specifically, after the NEF obtains the SUPI, the service of the UDM is triggered, and the NEF can trigger the UDM to provide the instance ID of the SMF serving the current UE.

[0439] Specifically, the DNAI of the current PDU session is known to the SMF.

[0440] Step 6: The UDM provides the ID of the SMF (which can be implemented based on signaling Nudm_SDM_Get request response (SMF instance ID));

[0441] Specifically, the NE can determine the ID of the SMF, and can also include information such as the IP address of the SMF.

[0442] Step 7: The NEF sends a second request to the SMF;

[0443] Optionally, the NEF can send a subscription request or a parameter acquisition request as the second request or for carrying the second request to the SMF, to request the first IP address or IP address segment corresponding to the DNAI or external DNAI, or to request the first mapping information.

[0444] The current PDU session can refer to a PDU session established between the current EAS and the UE, and the AF is a control plane network element serving the EAS.

[0445] Optionally, the existing Nsmf_EventExposure_Subscribe can be reused, the subscription request inputs the target DNAI, and then the SMF provides the IP address or IP address segment corresponding to the DNAI in the form of Nsmf_EventExposure_Notify, or a new signaling Nsmf_IPRange_Get request is set, and the parameter input is the DNAI (external DNAI), as the second request, to request the first information, that is, the IP address or IP range corresponding to the DNAI or external DNAI, and / or obtain the first mapping relationship.

[0446] Step 8: The SMF provides the first information;

[0447] Specifically, the SMF can provide the first information, that is, the IP address or IP address range corresponding to the DNAI, and / or the first mapping relationship, to the NEF.

[0448] Step 9: The NEF determines the mapping between the external DNAI and the first IP address or IP address segment;

[0449] Optionally, if the external DNAI is introduced, the NEF can change the mapping between the DNAI fed back by the SMF and the first IP address or IP address segment into the mapping between the external DNAI and the first IP address or IP address segment.

[0450] Optionally, this step 9 can be selectively performed based on whether external DNAI is introduced.

[0451] Step 10: The AF acquires first information.

[0452] Optionally, the AF can acquire the first information through signaling Nnef_IPrange_Get Response sent by the NEF;

[0453] After the AF learns the first IP address or IP address segment, or the AF learns the first mapping information, the target IP address or IP address segment can be determined, and then the target EAS can be determined according to the target DNAI when the EAS relocation is performed.

[0454] In the embodiments of the present application, by defining the correspondence between the IP address or IP address segment of the region accessed by the target terminal and the identifier of the network element through which the target terminal accesses the region, the first IP address or IP address segment corresponding to the target identifier can be sent to the second network element, or the correspondence between the first IP address or IP address segment and the target identifier can be sent, so that the second network element forwards to the first network element, and then the first network element can determine the optimal IP address or IP address segment that the target terminal can access, which can ensure that after the data network accessed by the target terminal changes, the target terminal can also re-determine the optimal access location under the current data network based on the target identifier.

[0455] Figure 7 is one of the flowcharts of the identifier determination method provided by the embodiments of the present application; as shown in Figure 7 The method comprises the following steps 700 to 720:

[0456] Step 700: The first network element obtains a target IP address or IP address segment.

[0457] For example, in an implementation, taking the first network element as the AF and the target IP address or IP address segment as the IP address or IP address segment of the EAS as an example, the AF can obtain the IP address or IP address segment of the target EAS (i.e. the target IP address or IP address segment), and the AF can also obtain the IP address or IP address range that it can provide services. For example, the IP address range that the current AF can provide is: 10.1.0.0-10.1.255.255, which is taken as the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0458] Step 710: The first network element obtains second information.

[0459] Step 720: The first network element determines a target identifier based on the second information.

[0460] The second information includes at least one of the following:

[0461] The second mapping relationship;

[0462] The first identifier;

[0463] The first identifier corresponds to a target IP address or an IP address segment, and the second mapping relationship represents a corresponding relationship between the first identifier and the target IP address or the IP address segment; the first identifier includes or is equal to the target identifier; the target IP address or the IP address segment indicates an IP address or an IP address segment accessed by a target terminal served by the first network element, and the target identifier indicates a network element through which the target terminal needs to pass when accessing the target IP address or the IP address segment.

[0464] Optionally, the first network element can be one or more network functions.

[0465] Optionally, the first network element can be an application function (AF).

[0466] Optionally, the second information can include one or more of the following:

[0467] The second mapping relationship; or

[0468] The first identifier;

[0469] Optionally, the first identifier can include one or more identifiers.

[0470] Optionally, the target identifier can include one or more identifiers.

[0471] Optionally, after the first network element learns the DNAI range (target identifier), the first network element can tell the core network, such as a 5G core network, about the range. Optionally, a corresponding relationship between the first identifier and the target IP address or the IP address segment can be defined, so that the first network element can determine the first identifier corresponding to the target IP address or the IP address segment based on the target IP address or the IP address segment.

[0472] Optionally, a corresponding relationship between the first identifier and the target IP address or the IP address segment can be defined, so that the first network element can determine the corresponding relationship between the first identifier and the target IP address or the IP address segment based on the target IP address or the IP address segment, that is, the second mapping relationship.

[0473] Optionally, a first identifier and a corresponding relationship between the target IP address or IP address segment can be defined, so that the first network element can obtain the corresponding relationship between the first identifier and the target IP address or IP address segment, i.e., the second mapping relationship, and the first identifier based on the target IP address or IP address segment;

[0474] Optionally, after obtaining the second mapping relationship, when determining the target identifier based on the second information, the first identifier can be obtained based on the second mapping relationship and the target IP address or IP address segment first, and then the target identifier can be determined based on the first identifier;

[0475] For example, taking the first network element as the AF and the target IP address or IP address segment as the IP address segment of the EAS as an example, the IP address segment of the EAS obtained by the AF can be IP = 10.1.0.0-10.1.255.255, and then the AF can obtain the first identifier from the network side according to the IP address segment of the EAS. For example, the first identifier corresponding to the IP address segment of the EAS is DNAI = 1, or the range of the DNAI identifier (multiple first identifiers) is DNAI = 1-DNAI = 3. In this way, the AF can obtain the target DNAI corresponding to the target EAS. Then the target DNAI can be used by the SMF to establish a PDU session for a new EAS IP address (i.e., the target IP address or IP address segment) and select a UPF.

[0476] Optionally, after the AF determines one or more first identifiers, the AF can randomly select a first identifier from all the first identifiers as the target identifier according to the logic of server migration of the application layer. For example, DNAI = 1 in the first identifier corresponds to a distance that is possibly closer to the terminal access, or the network link condition corresponding to DNAI = 1 is better, etc., and then DNAI = 1 is selected as the target identifier.

[0477] Optionally, after determining the first identifier corresponding to the target IP address or IP address segment, i.e., when determining the target identifier based on the first identifier, the first identifier can be determined as the target identifier;

[0478] Optionally, after determining all the first identifiers corresponding to the target IP address or IP address segment, i.e., when determining the target identifier based on the first identifier, a part of the first identifiers can be determined as the target identifier from among them;

[0479] Optionally, after determining the target identifier, the traffic of the terminal can access the location indicated by the target IP address or IP address segment in the data network through the egress of the network element indicated by the target identifier.

[0480] For example, taking the target identifier as an example, the first network element (such as an AF) sends a target IP address or IP address segment, such as an EAS IP address of 10.1.1.1, to the core network, and then obtains second information. The second information can be: target DNAI or external DNAI = 2, that is, the DNAI corresponding to the target IP address or IP address segment; or the second information can be: the DNAI corresponding to the IP address range of 10.1.0.0-10.1.255.255 or the range of DNAI: DNAI = 1 to DNAI = 10, or the second mapping relationship between the target IP address or IP address segment and the first identifier. That is, the target IP address or IP address range can also correspond to a specific DNAI or a range of DNAI.

[0481] After the AF determines the DNAI or the range of DNAI (the first identifier), the AF can report the target DNAI (or the external target DNAI) to the 5G core network, and then assist the SMF in establishing a PDU session for the current terminal and a new access server, or selecting a new user plane through which the target terminal can access a new EAS IP address (that is, the target IP address or IP address segment) indicated by the target identifier.

[0482] In the embodiments of the present application, by defining the corresponding relationship between the IP address or IP address segment of the region accessed by the target terminal and the identifier of the network element through which the target terminal accesses the region, the first identifier corresponding to the target IP address or IP address segment can be determined after the target IP address or IP address segment is obtained, and then the network element through which the target terminal accesses the optimal target IP address or IP address segment can be determined, so that the target terminal can also determine the appropriate network element to access the optimal access location in the current data network after the data network accessed by the target terminal changes.

[0483] Optionally, the target IP address or IP address segment includes any one or more of the following:

[0484] an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a location to which a service server is to be migrated;

[0485] an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a location of a data network DN to be accessed by the target terminal;

[0486] an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a location of a service server to be accessed by the target terminal; or

[0487] an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a first target identifier associated with the target terminal.

[0488] Optionally, the target IP address or IP address segment can comprise an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a location to which a service server accessed by the target terminal is to be migrated;

[0489] Optionally, the target IP address or IP address segment can comprise an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a location of a data network DN to be accessed by the target terminal;

[0490] Optionally, the target IP address or IP address segment can comprise an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a location of a service server to be accessed by the target terminal;

[0491] Optionally, the target IP address or IP address segment can comprise an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a first target identity associated with the target terminal; that is, the target IP address or IP address segment can comprise an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a network element (a network element indicated by the target identity) in which the target terminal is located;

[0492] Optionally, the target IP address or IP address segment comprises at least one of:

[0493] an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a location to which a service server is to be migrated; or

[0494] an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a location of a data network DN to be accessed by the target terminal; or

[0495] an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a location of a service server to be accessed by the target terminal; or

[0496] an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a first target identity associated with the target terminal.

[0497] Optionally, the target identity comprises any one or more of:

[0498] a data network access identifier DNAI; or

[0499] an external DNAI.

[0500] Optionally, the target identity can comprise a data network access identifier DNAI;

[0501] Optionally, the traffic of the target terminal can exit from the UPF / PSA, access a DN, and access an application server in the DN. Therefore, the DNAI identifier can be used to represent: when the target terminal accesses a certain server and accesses a certain DN, which UPF / PSA is used, that is, the identifier DNAI is used to identify the UPF / PSA (Identifier of a user plane access to one or more DN(s) where applications are deployed).

[0502] Optionally, an external DNAI (external DNAI) can be defined to avoid opening the parameter DNAI used in the core network to third-party AFs for use;

[0503] Optionally, the external DNAI can be one-to-one corresponding to the data network access identifier DNAI (which can also be referred to as the internal DNAI); the external DNAI is used outside the core network, and the internal DNAI is used inside the core network.

[0504] Optionally, the one-to-one correspondence relationship between the external DNAI and the internal DNAI is known.

[0505] Optionally, the network element indicated by the external DNAI can be the network element indicated by the internal DNAI corresponding to the external DNAI.

[0506] Optionally, the target identifier can include an external DNAI (external DNAI).

[0507] Optionally, the first network element obtains a target IP address or IP address segment, including:

[0508] The first network element receives the target IP address or IP address segment sent by the second network element.

[0509] Optionally, the second network element can be one or more network functions of the core network.

[0510] Optionally, the second network element can be a NEF.

[0511] Optionally, the first network element can receive a target IP address or IP address segment sent by the second network element, and the target IP address or IP address segment can make the first network element know that the IP address or IP address segment accessed by the target terminal can change.

[0512] Optionally, the target IP address or IP address segment sent by the second network element can come from the second network element itself, and can also come from one or more network functions in the core network, such as an SMF, i.e., the SMF can forward the target IP address or IP address segment to the first network element through the second network element.

[0513] Optionally, the second network element can learn from other network functions in the core network that the location accessed by the target terminal needs to be migrated to the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0514] Optionally, the SMF can learn from other network functions in the core network that the location accessed by the target terminal needs to be migrated to the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0515] Optionally, the first network element can also obtain the target IP address or IP address segment from the SMF, which can enable the first network element to learn that the IP address or IP address segment accessed by the target terminal can change.

[0516] For example, the first network element can obtain the IP address or IP address segment of an EAS from the second network element, which can enable the first network element to learn that the anchor point of the PDU session may be migrated due to UE movement, which can cause the EAS server accessed by the target terminal to be migrated and needs to be migrated to the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0517] For example, taking the first network element as an AF, the AF can obtain a target IP address or IP address segment from the NEF or the SMF, which is used to indicate to the AF that the anchor point of the PDU session may be migrated due to UE movement, which can cause the EAS server to be migrated and needs to be migrated to the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0518] Optionally, the first network element can obtain the target IP address or IP address segment from the second network element through signaling Nnef_TrafficInfluence_Notify.

[0519] Optionally, the first network element obtains the second information, including:

[0520] The first network element sends a first request to the second network element, and the first request includes the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0521] The first network element receives the second information sent by the second network element based on the first request.

[0522] Optionally, the core network (such as the second network element therein) can provide a corresponding first identifier according to the IP address or IP address range;

[0523] Optionally, the first network element can let the core network provide the first identity of the area corresponding to the target IP address or IP address range through the target IP address or IP address range.

[0524] Optionally, the core network (such as the second network element therein) can provide the external DNAI according to the target IP address or IP address range.

[0525] Optionally, the first network element can let the core network provide the external DNAI corresponding to the internal DNAI corresponding to the target IP address or IP address range through the target IP address or IP address range.

[0526] Optionally, the first network element can let the core network provide the external DNAI corresponding to the internal DNAI corresponding to the target IP address or IP address range through the target IP address or IP address range.

[0527] Optionally, the first network element can send a first request to the second network element in order to obtain the first identity corresponding to the target IP address or IP address segment, and the target IP address or IP address segment can be included in the first request, indicating that the first network element needs to obtain the first identity corresponding to the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0528] Optionally, the second network element can obtain the first identity corresponding to the target IP address or IP address segment based on the first request after receiving the first request.

[0529] Optionally, the second network element can send the first identity corresponding to the target IP address or IP address segment to the first network element after obtaining the first identity corresponding to the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0530] Optionally, the first network element can receive the first identity sent by the second network element based on the first request.

[0531] Optionally, the core network (such as the second network element therein) can provide a second mapping relationship according to the target IP address or IP address range, and the second mapping relationship is used to represent the corresponding relationship between the first identity and the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0532] Optionally, the first network element can let the core network provide the second mapping relationship through the target IP address or IP address range, and the second mapping relationship is used to represent the corresponding relationship between the first identity and the DNAI.

[0533] Optionally, the core network (such as the second network element therein) can provide the second mapping relationship according to the target IP address or IP address range, and the second mapping relationship is used to represent the corresponding relationship between the first identity and the external DNAI.

[0534] Optionally, the first network element can let the core network provide a second mapping relationship between the target IP address or IP address range and an internal DNAI, wherein a one-to-one correspondence between the external DNAI and the internal DNAI is known.

[0535] Optionally, the first network element can send a first request to the second network element in order to obtain the second mapping relationship, wherein the target IP address or IP address range can be included in the first request, indicating that the first network element needs to obtain the second mapping relationship including the target IP address or IP address range.

[0536] Optionally, the second network element can obtain the second mapping relationship based on the first request after receiving the first request.

[0537] Optionally, the second network element can send the second mapping relationship to the first network element after obtaining the second mapping relationship.

[0538] Optionally, the first network element can receive the second mapping relationship sent by the second network element based on the first request.

[0539] Optionally, the first network element can obtain the second information, including:

[0540] When the first network element receives the target IP address or IP address range, it receives the first identifier corresponding to the target IP address or IP address range.

[0541] Optionally, the core network (such as the second network element therein) can directly provide the corresponding first identifier, such as the external DNAI, according to the target IP address or IP address range when providing the target IP address or IP address range.

[0542] Optionally, the core network (such as the second network element therein) can directly provide the corresponding first identifier, such as the external DNAI, according to the target IP address or IP address range when providing the target IP address or IP address range.

[0543] Optionally, the core network (such as the second network element therein) can directly provide the second mapping relationship according to the target IP address or IP address range when providing the target IP address or IP address range, wherein the second mapping relationship is used to represent the correspondence between the first identifier and the target IP address or IP address range.

[0544] Optionally, the core network (such as the second network element therein) can directly provide the second mapping relationship according to the target IP address or IP address range when providing the target IP address or IP address range, wherein the second mapping relationship is used to represent the correspondence between the first identifier and the target IP address or IP address range.

[0545] Optionally, the first network element can receive the first identifier when receiving the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0546] In the embodiments of the present application, the signaling interaction can be further reduced and the implementation is simple on the basis of ensuring that the target terminal can re-determine the optimal access location under the current data network based on the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0547] In the embodiments of the present application, by defining the correspondence between the IP address or IP address segment of the region accessed by the target terminal and the identifier of the network element through which the target terminal accesses the region, the first identifier corresponding to the target IP address or IP address segment can be determined after the target IP address or IP address segment is learned, and then the network element through which the target terminal accesses the optimal target IP address or IP address segment can be determined from the first identifier, so that the target terminal can also determine the appropriate network element to access the optimal access location under the current data network after the data network accessed by the target terminal changes.

[0548] Figure 8 is a flowchart of the second embodiment of the identifier determination method provided by the present application; as shown in the figure, the method comprises the following steps 800: Figure 8

[0549] Step 800: The second network element sends second information to the first network element.

[0550] The second information comprises at least one of the following:

[0551] a second mapping relationship;

[0552] a first identifier;

[0553] The first identifier corresponds to the target IP address or IP address segment, the second mapping relationship is used to represent the correspondence between the first identifier and the target IP address or IP address segment; the first identifier comprises or is equal to a target identifier; the target IP address or IP address segment is used to indicate the IP address or IP address segment accessed by the target terminal served by the first network element, and the target identifier is used to indicate the network element through which the target terminal accesses the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0554] Optionally, the first identifier can comprise one or more identifiers.

[0555] Optionally, the second network element can be one or more network functions.

[0556] Optionally, the second network element can be a network exposure function (Network Exposure Function, NEF).

[0557] ​Optionally, a first identifier and a target IP address or IP address segment can be defined to have a corresponding relationship, and the second network element can send the first identifier to the first network element, so that the first network element can determine the first identifier corresponding to the target IP address or IP address segment based on the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0558] Optionally, a first identifier and a target IP address or IP address segment can be defined to have a corresponding relationship, and the second network element can send the second mapping relationship to the first network element, so that the first network element can determine the corresponding relationship between the first identifier and the target IP address or IP address segment, i.e. the second mapping relationship.

[0559] Optionally, a first identifier and a target IP address or IP address segment can be defined to have a corresponding relationship, and the second network element can send the second mapping relationship and the first identifier to the first network element, so that the first network element can obtain the corresponding relationship between the first identifier and the target IP address or IP address segment, i.e. the second mapping relationship, based on the target IP address or IP address segment and the first identifier.

[0560] Optionally, after obtaining the second mapping relationship, the first network element can first obtain the first identifier based on the second mapping relationship and the target IP address or IP address segment when determining the target IP address or IP address segment based on the second information, and then determine the target identifier based on the first identifier.

[0561] For example, taking the first network element as AF and the target IP address or IP address segment as the IP address segment of EAS as an example, the IP address segment of EAS obtained by AF can be IP = 10.1.0.0-10.1.255.255, and then AF can obtain the first identifier from the network side based on the IP address segment of EAS. For example, the first identifier corresponding to the IP address segment of EAS is DNAI = 1, or the range of DNAI identifiers (multiple first identifiers) corresponding to the IP address segment of EAS is DNAI = 1-DNAI = 3. In this way, AF can obtain the target DNAI corresponding to the target EAS. Then this target DNAI can be used for SMF to establish a PDU session for a new EAS IP address (i.e. target IP address or IP address segment) and select a UPF.

[0562] Optionally, after determining one or more first identifiers, AF can randomly select a first identifier from all first identifiers as a target identifier according to the logic of server migration of the application layer, for example, DNAI = 1 in the first identifier corresponds to a distance closer to the terminal access, or DNAI = 1 corresponds to a better network link condition, etc., and DNAI = 1 is selected as the target identifier.

[0563] Optionally, after the first network element determines the first identifier corresponding to the target IP address or IP address segment, i.e., determines the target identifier based on the first identifier, the first network element can determine the first identifier as the target identifier.

[0564] Optionally, after the first network element determines all the first identifiers corresponding to the target IP address or IP address segment, i.e., determines the target identifier based on the first identifier, the first network element can determine part of the first identifiers as the target identifier from among them.

[0565] Optionally, after the first network element determines the target identifier, the traffic of the terminal can exit the data network through the network element indicated by the target identifier to access the location indicated by the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0566] For example, taking the target identifier as DNAI, the first network element (such as AF) obtains second information by sending the target IP address or IP address segment, such as EAS IP address 10.1.1.1, to the core network. The second information can be: target DNAI or external DNAI = 2, i.e., the DNAI corresponding to the target IP address or IP address segment; or the second information can be: the DNAI corresponding to the IP address range 10.1.0.0-10.1.255.255 or the range of DNAI: DNAI = 1 to DNAI = 10, or the second mapping relationship between the target IP address or IP address segment and the first identifier. That is, the target IP address or IP address range can also correspond to a specific DNAI or a range of DNAI.

[0567] After the AF determines the DNAI or the range of DNAI (the first identifier), the AF can report the target DNAI (or external target DNAI) to the 5G core network, which can assist the SMF in establishing a PDU session for the current terminal and a new access server, or selecting a new user plane through which the target identifier indicates the network element to access the new EAS IP address (i.e., the target IP address or IP address segment).

[0568] Optionally, the target IP address or IP address segment can include an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a location to which a service server accessed by the target terminal is to be migrated;

[0569] Optionally, the target IP address or IP address segment can include an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a location of a data network DN to be accessed by the target terminal;

[0570] Optionally, the target IP address or IP address segment can comprise an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a location of a service server to be accessed by the target terminal.

[0571] Optionally, the target IP address or IP address segment can comprise an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a first target identity associated with the target terminal.

[0572] Optionally, the target IP address or IP address segment comprises at least one of:

[0573] an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a location of a service server to be accessed by the target terminal; or

[0574] an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a location of a data network DN to be accessed by the target terminal; or

[0575] an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a location of a service server to be accessed by the target terminal; or

[0576] an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a first target identity associated with the target terminal.

[0577] Optionally, the target identity can comprise a data network access identifier DNAI.

[0578] Optionally, the traffic of the target terminal can exit from a UPF / PSA, access a DN, and access an application server in the DN. Therefore, the DNAI identifier can be used to represent which UPF / PSA is used when the target terminal accesses a certain server and accesses a certain DN, i.e., the identifier DNAI is used to identify the UPF / PSA (Identifier of a user plane access to one or more DN(s) where applications are deployed).

[0579] Optionally, an external DNAI (external DNAI) can be defined to avoid opening the parameter DNAI used inside the core network to third-party AFs.

[0580] Optionally, the external DNAI can be one-to-one corresponding to the data network access identifier DNAI (which can also be referred to as an internal DNAI); the external DNAI is used outside the core network, and the internal DNAI is used inside the core network.

[0581] Optionally, the one-to-one correspondence between the external DNAI and the internal DNAI is known.

[0582] Optionally, the network element indicated by the external DNAI can be a network element indicated by the internal DNAI corresponding to the external DNAI.

[0583] Optionally, the target identifier can include an external DNAI (external DNAI).

[0584] In the embodiments of the present application, by defining the correspondence between the IP address or IP address segment of the region accessed by the target terminal and the identifier of the network element through which the target terminal accesses the region, the first identifier corresponding to the target IP address or IP address segment or the correspondence between the target IP address or IP address segment and the first identifier can be sent to the first network element, so that the first network element can determine the network element through which the target terminal accesses the optimal target IP address or IP address segment, and it can be ensured that after the data network accessed by the target terminal is changed, the target terminal can also determine the appropriate network element to access the optimal access position under the current data network.

[0585] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0586] Before the second network element sends the first identifier to the first network element, the second network element receives a first request sent by the first network element, and the first request includes the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0587] The second network element acquires the second information based on the first request.

[0588] Optionally, the core network (such as the second network element therein) can provide the corresponding first identifier according to the IP address or IP address range;

[0589] Optionally, the first network element can let the core network provide the first identifier of the region corresponding to the target IP address or IP address range through the target IP address or IP address range;

[0590] Optionally, the core network (such as the second network element therein) can provide the external DNAI according to the target IP address or IP address range;

[0591] Optionally, the first network element can let the core network provide the external DNAI corresponding to the target IP address or IP address range through the target IP address or IP address range;

[0592] Optionally, the first network element can let the core network provide the external DNAI corresponding to the internal DNAI corresponding to the target IP address or IP address range through the target IP address or IP address range.

[0593] Optionally, the first network element can send a first request to the second network element, and the target IP address or IP address segment can be included in the first request, indicating that the first network element needs to obtain the first identifier corresponding to the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0594] Optionally, after receiving the first request, the second network element can obtain the first identifier corresponding to the target IP address or IP address segment based on the first request.

[0595] Optionally, after obtaining the first identifier corresponding to the target IP address or IP address segment, the second network element can send the first identifier corresponding to the target IP address or IP address segment to the first network element.

[0596] Optionally, the first network element can receive the first identifier sent by the second network element based on the first request.

[0597] Optionally, the core network (such as the second network element therein) can provide a second mapping relationship based on the target IP address or IP address range, and the second mapping relationship is used to represent the corresponding relationship between the first identifier and the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0598] Optionally, the first network element can let the core network provide the second mapping relationship based on the target IP address or IP address range, and the second mapping relationship is used to represent the corresponding relationship between the first identifier and the DNAI.

[0599] Optionally, the core network (such as the second network element therein) can provide a second mapping relationship based on the target IP address or IP address range, and the second mapping relationship is used to represent the corresponding relationship between the first identifier and the external DNAI.

[0600] Optionally, the first network element can let the core network provide the second mapping relationship based on the target IP address or IP address range, and the second mapping relationship is used to represent the corresponding relationship between the target IP address or IP address range and the internal DNAI, wherein the one-to-one correspondence relationship between the external DNAI and the internal DNAI is known.

[0601] Optionally, the first network element can send a first request to the second network element, and the target IP address or IP address segment can be included in the first request, indicating that the first network element needs to obtain the second mapping relationship including the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0602] Optionally, after receiving the first request, the second network element can obtain the second mapping relationship based on the first request.

[0603] Optionally, the second network element can send the second mapping relationship to the first network element after obtaining the second mapping relationship.

[0604] Optionally, the first network element can receive the second mapping relationship sent by the second network element based on the first request.

[0605] Optionally, before the second network element receives the first request sent by the first network element, the first network element can first obtain the target IP address or IP address segment before sending the first request to the second network element.

[0606] Optionally, before the second network element receives the first request sent by the first network element, the second network element can first send the target IP address or IP address segment to the first network element.

[0607] Optionally, the first network element can receive a target IP address or IP address segment sent by the second network element, which can make the first network element know that the IP address or IP address segment accessed by the target terminal can change.

[0608] Optionally, the target IP address or IP address segment sent by the second network element can come from the second network element itself, or from one or more network functions such as SMF in the core network, i.e., the SMF can forward the target IP address or IP address segment to the first network element through the second network element.

[0609] Optionally, the second network element can know from other network functions in the core network that the location accessed by the target terminal needs to be migrated to the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0610] Optionally, the SMF can know from other network functions in the core network that the location accessed by the target terminal needs to be migrated to the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0611] Optionally, the first network element can also obtain the target IP address or IP address segment from the SMF, which can make the first network element know that the IP address or IP address segment accessed by the target terminal can change.

[0612] For example, the first network element can obtain the IP address or IP address segment of an EAS from the second network element, which can make the first network element know that the anchor point of the PDU session may be migrated due to UE movement, which can cause the EAS server accessed by the target terminal to be migrated and need to be migrated to the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0613] For example, taking the first network element as an AF, the AF can obtain a target IP address or IP address segment from an NEF or an SMF, which is used to indicate to the AF that the anchor point of a PDU session may be migrated due to UE movement, which may cause the EAS server to be migrated and needs to be migrated to the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0614] Optionally, the first network element can obtain the target IP address or IP address segment from the second network element through signaling Nnef_TrafficInfluence_Notify.

[0615] The second network element obtains the second information.

[0616] When the second network element sends the target IP address or IP address segment to the first network element, the second network element sends the second information to the first network element.

[0617] Optionally, the core network (such as the second network element therein) can directly provide a corresponding first identifier, such as a DNAI, according to the target IP address or IP address segment when providing the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0618] Optionally, the core network (such as the second network element therein) can directly provide a corresponding first identifier, such as an external DNAI, according to the target IP address or IP address segment when providing the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0619] Optionally, the core network (such as the second network element therein) can directly provide a second mapping relationship according to the target IP address or IP address segment when providing the target IP address or IP address segment, and the second mapping relationship is used to represent the corresponding relationship between the first identifier and the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0620] Optionally, the core network (such as the second network element therein) can directly provide second information according to the target IP address or IP address segment when providing the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0621] Optionally, the first network element can receive the first identifier when receiving the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0622] In the embodiments of the present application, the signaling interaction can be further reduced on the basis of ensuring that the target terminal can re-determine the optimal access location in the current data network based on the target IP address or IP address segment, and the implementation is simple.

[0623] Optionally, the obtaining the second information comprises:

[0624] The second network element obtains the second information based on a local cache;

[0625] The local cache stores the second mapping relationship.

[0626] Optionally, to send the second information to the first network element when sending the target IP address or IP address segment to the first network element, the second network element can first obtain the second information.

[0627] Optionally, to send the second information to the first network element after receiving the first request, the second network element can first obtain the second information.

[0628] Optionally, when the second network element obtains the second information, the second information can be obtained based on a local cache, and the local cache stores the second mapping relationship.

[0629] Optionally, after the second network element obtains the second mapping relationship based on any manner each time, the second network element can cache the second mapping relationship locally, and if it is needed to send the first identifier corresponding to the target IP address or IP address segment to the first network element, the second network element can search the local cache for whether there is a second mapping relationship representing the corresponding relationship between the target IP address or IP address segment and the first identifier, and if there is, the second network element can send any of the following to the first network element:

[0630] the second mapping relationship; or

[0631] the first identifier.

[0632] In the embodiments, the second network element provides the second information to the first network element based on the local cache, instead of obtaining the second information from other network parts, which can effectively reduce signaling interaction and save signaling resources.

[0633] Optionally, the second network element has the capability of determining the second information based on the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0634] The obtaining of the second information includes:

[0635] The second network element directly determines the second information based on the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0636] Optionally, to send the second information to the first network element when sending the target IP address or IP address segment to the first network element, the second network element can first obtain the second information.

[0637] Optionally, to send the second information to the first network element after receiving the first request, the second network element can first obtain the second information.

[0638] Optionally, the second network element can have the capability of determining the second information based on the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0639] Optionally, the second network element can have the capability of determining the first identifier corresponding to the target IP address or IP address segment based on the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0640] Optionally, the second network element can have the capability of determining the second mapping relationship for representing the correspondence between the target IP address or IP address segment and the first identifier based on the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0641] Optionally, when the second network element acquires the second information, the second network element can directly determine the second information based on its own capability.

[0642] Optionally, after the second network element directly determines the second information based on its own capability, the second network element can send any of the following to the first network element:

[0643] the second mapping relationship; or

[0644] the first identifier.

[0645] In the embodiments of the present application, the second network element determines the second information that needs to be provided to the first network element based on its own capability, instead of acquiring the information from other network parts, which can effectively reduce signaling interaction and save signaling resources.

[0646] Optionally, the acquiring of the second information comprises:

[0647] the second network element determines a third network element serving the target terminal;

[0648] the second network element sends a second request to the third network element, and the second request comprises the target IP address or IP address segment;

[0649] the second network element receives the second information sent by the third network element based on the second request.

[0650] Optionally, in order to send the second information to the first network element when sending the target IP address or IP address segment to the first network element, the second network element can first acquire the second information.

[0651] Optionally, in order to send the second information to the first network element after receiving the first request, the second network element can first acquire the second information.

[0652] Optionally, the second network element can determine a third network element serving the target terminal, and request the second information from the third network element.

[0653] Optionally, the second network element can first determine a third network element serving the target terminal, and then send a second request including the target IP address or IP address segment to the third network element, to request the second information from the third network element;

[0654] Optionally, after receiving the second request, the third network element can determine the second information based on the target IP address or IP address segment in the second request.

[0655] Optionally, after determining the second information, the third network element can send the second information to the second network element.

[0656] Optionally, after receiving the second information, the second network element can send the second information to the first network element.

[0657] Optionally, the third network element can be one or more network functions.

[0658] Optionally, the third network element can be a session management function (SMF).

[0659] Optionally, the second network element determining the third network element serving the target terminal comprises:

[0660] The second network element obtaining a terminal identifier of the target terminal.

[0661] The second network element obtaining a network element identifier of the third network element based on the terminal identifier.

[0662] The second network element determining the third network element based on the network element identifier.

[0663] Optionally, when determining the third network element serving the target terminal, the second network element can first obtain a terminal identifier of the target terminal, and obtain a network element identifier of the third network element based on the terminal identifier.

[0664] Optionally, the network element identifier of the third network element can include one or more of the following:

[0665] a network element IP address, a network element port number, a network element FQDN, or a network element ID.

[0666] Optionally, after obtaining the network element identifier of the third network element, the second network element can determine the third network element based on the network element identifier.

[0667] In the embodiment of the present application, by defining the correspondence between the IP address or IP address segment of the region accessed by the target terminal and the identifier of the network element through which the target terminal accesses the region, the first identifier corresponding to the target IP address or IP address segment or the correspondence between the target IP address or IP address segment and the first identifier can be sent to the first network element, so that the first network element can determine the network element through which the target terminal accesses the optimal target IP address or IP address segment, and it can be ensured that after the data network accessed by the target terminal changes, the target terminal can also determine the appropriate network element to access the optimal access position under the current data network.

[0668] Figure 9 Figure 3 is a flowchart of the identifier determination method provided by the embodiment of the present application; as shown in the figure, the method comprises the following steps 900 to 920: Figure 9

[0669] Step 900, the third network element receives the second request sent by the second network element, and the second request comprises a target IP address or IP address segment;

[0670] Step 910, the third network element determines second information based on the second request;

[0671] Step 920, the third network element sends the second information to the second network element;

[0672] The second information comprises at least one of the following:

[0673] A second mapping relationship;

[0674] A first identifier;

[0675] The first identifier corresponds to the target IP address or IP address segment, and the second mapping relationship is used to represent the correspondence between the first identifier and the target IP address or IP address segment;

[0676] The first identifier comprises or is equal to a target identifier; the target IP address or IP address segment is used to indicate the IP address or IP address segment accessed by the target terminal served by the first network element, and the target identifier is used to indicate the network element through which the target terminal accesses the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0677] Optionally, the first identifier can comprise one or more identifiers.

[0678] Optionally, the third network element can be one or more network functions;

[0679] Optionally, the third network element can be a session management function (SMF). ​

[0680] Optionally, to send the second information to the first network element when sending the target IP address or IP address segment to the first network element, the second network element can first acquire the second information;

[0681] Optionally, to send the second information to the first network element after receiving the first request, the second network element can first acquire the second information;

[0682] Optionally, the second network element can determine a third network element serving the target terminal, and request the second information from the third network element;

[0683] Optionally, the second network element can first determine a third network element serving the target terminal, and then send a second request including the target IP address or IP address segment to the third network element to request the second information from the third network element;

[0684] Optionally, after receiving the second request, the third network element can determine the second information based on the target IP address or IP address segment in the second request;

[0685] Optionally, after determining the second information, the third network element can send the second information to the second network element;

[0686] Optionally, after receiving the second information, the second network element can send the second information to the first network element.

[0687] Optionally, after acquiring the second mapping relationship, when determining the target identity based on the second information, the first network element can first acquire the first identity based on the second mapping relationship and the target IP address or IP address segment, and then determine the target identity based on the first identity;

[0688] For example, taking the first network element as AF and the IP address segment of EAS as the target IP address or IP address segment, the IP address segment of EAS obtained by the AF can be IP = 10.1.0.0-10.1.255.255. According to this IP address segment of EAS, the AF can obtain the first identity from the network side. For example, the first identity corresponding to this IP address segment of EAS is DNAI = 1; or the range of DNAI identity (multiple first identities) is DNAI = 1-DNAI = 3. In this way, the AF can obtain the target DNAI corresponding to the target EAS. Then this target DNAI can be used by the SMF to establish a PDU session for a new EAS IP address (i.e. the target IP address or IP address segment) and select a UPF.

[0689] Optionally, after the AF determines one or more first identifiers, the AF can randomly select one first identifier as the target identifier from all the first identifiers according to the logic of server migration of the application layer. For example, if DNAI=1 in the first identifier corresponds to a terminal access that is possibly closer, or the network link condition corresponding to DNAI=1 is better, etc., then DNAI=1 is taken as the target identifier.

[0690] Optionally, after the first network element determines the first identifier corresponding to the target IP address or IP address segment, i.e., determines the target identifier based on the first identifier, the first network element can determine the first identifier as the target identifier.

[0691] Optionally, after the first network element determines all the first identifiers corresponding to the target IP address or IP address segment, i.e., determines the target identifier based on the first identifier, the first network element can determine part of the first identifiers as the target identifier.

[0692] Optionally, after the first network element determines the target IP address or IP address segment, the traffic of the terminal can be exported to the data network through the network element indicated by the target identifier to access the location indicated by the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0693] For example, taking the target identifier as DNAI as an example, the first network element (such as the AF) obtains second information by sending the target IP address or IP address segment, such as the EAS IP address 10.1.1.1, to the core network. The second information can be: target DNAI or external DNAI=2, i.e., the DNAI corresponding to the target IP address or IP address segment; the second information can also be: the DNAI corresponding to the IP address range 10.1.0.0-10.1.255.255 or the range of DNAI: DNAI=1 to DNAI=10, or the second mapping relationship between the target IP address or IP address segment and the first identifier. That is, the target IP address or IP address range can also correspond to a specific DNAI or a range of DNAI.

[0694] After the AF determines the DNAI or the range of DNAI (the first identifier), the AF can report the target DNAI (or the external target DNAI) to the 5G core network, which can assist the SMF in establishing a PDU session for the current terminal and a new access server, or selecting a new user plane through which the terminal can access the new EAS IP address (i.e., the target IP address or IP address segment).

[0695] Optionally, the target IP address or IP address segment can comprise an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a location to which a service server accessed by the target terminal is to be migrated;

[0696] Optionally, the target IP address or IP address segment can comprise an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a location of a data network DN to be accessed by the target terminal;

[0697] Optionally, the target IP address or IP address segment can comprise an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a location of a service server to be accessed by the target terminal;

[0698] Optionally, the target IP address or IP address segment can comprise an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a first target identity associated with the target terminal; that is, the target IP address or IP address segment can comprise an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a network element (a network element indicated by the target identity) in which the target terminal is located;

[0699] Optionally, the target IP address or IP address segment comprises at least one of:

[0700] an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a location to which a service server is to be migrated; or

[0701] an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a location of a data network DN to be accessed by the target terminal; or

[0702] an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a location of a service server to be accessed by the target terminal; or

[0703] an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a first target identity associated with the target terminal.

[0704] Optionally, the target identity can comprise a data network access identifier DNAI;

[0705] Optionally, traffic of the target terminal can exit from a UPF / PSA, access a DN, and access an application server in the DN. Therefore, the DNAI identifier can be used to represent which UPF / PSA is used when the target terminal accesses a certain server and accesses a certain DN, that is, the identifier DNAI is used to identify the UPF / PSA (Identifier of a user plane access to one or more DN(s) where applications are deployed).

[0706] Optionally, an external DNAI (external DNAI) can be defined to avoid the parameter DNAI used inside the core network being open to third-party AFs;

[0707] Optionally, the external DNAI can be one-to-one corresponding to the data network access identifier DNAI (also referred to as internal DNAI); the external DNAI is used outside the core network, and the internal DNAI is used inside the core network.

[0708] Optionally, the one-to-one correspondence relationship between the external DNAI and the internal DNAI is known.

[0709] Optionally, the network element indicated by the external DNAI can be a network element indicated by an internal DNAI corresponding to the external DNAI.

[0710] Optionally, the target identifier can include an external DNAI (external DNAI).

[0711] In an embodiment, Figure 10 is a flowchart of the fourth identification determination method provided by the embodiment of the application; as shown in Figure 10 , taking the core network as the 5GC network side, the first network element as the AF, the second network element as the NEF, and the third network element as the SMF as an example, the IP address determination method can include the following steps:

[0712] Step 1: The AF sends a first request;

[0713] Specifically, before triggering the first request, the AF can obtain a target IP address or IP address segment, such as an IP address or IP address segment of a certain EAS, from the NEF or the SMF through Nnef_TrafficInfluence_Notify or Nsmf_EventExposure_Notify, which is used to indicate to the AF to obtain the DNAI or external DNAI corresponding to the IP address or IP address segment. The first request sent by the AF is used to obtain the first information, and therefore, the signaling where the first request is located can be designed as Nnef_DNAI_Get Request. The AF can also send its own IP address or the IP address range of the service provided by the AF to the 5G core network. For example, the current service range of the AF is 10.1.0.0-10.1.255.255.

[0714] The AF triggers the first request and sends it to the NEF, wherein the first request includes a target IP address or IP address segment, and requests the 5GC network side to provide the first identifier corresponding to the target IP address or IP address segment or to request the second mapping information;

[0715] The first request can include a target IP address or IP address segment, and any one or more of the following: AF location information, IP address of the AF, or IP address of the UE.

[0716] Step 2: The NEF verifies the action of the AF;

[0717] In one case, the NEF can have the ability to map into the first identifier directly based on the target IP address or IP address segment. In this case, then the process of steps 3 to 9 can be omitted.

[0718] In one case, the NEF can cache the second mapping relationship between the target IP address or IP address segment and the identifier, that is, after receiving the target IP address or IP address segment, the first identifier can be determined based on the cache. In this case, then the process of steps 3 to 9 can be omitted.

[0719] Step 3: The NEF triggers the service of the BSF (which can be implemented based on the signaling Nbsf_Management_Discovery);

[0720] Specifically, the service is used to obtain the SUPI.

[0721] Specifically, the NEF can trigger the BSF to find the corresponding SUPI according to the IP address of the UE provided in step 1, and this SUPI is the identifier of the UE served by the current AF.

[0722] Step 4: The BSF provides the SUPI (which can be implemented based on the signaling Nbsf_Management_Discovery response (SUPI));

[0723] Step 5: The NEF triggers the service of the UDM (which can be implemented based on the signaling Nudm_SDM_Get request); the service is used to obtain the SMF that manages the PDU session between the AF / EAS and the UE.

[0724] Specifically, after the NEF obtains the SUPI, the service of the UDM is triggered, and the NEF can trigger the UDM to provide the instance ID of the SMF serving the current UE.

[0725] Specifically, the DNAI of the current PDU session is known to the SMF.

[0726] Step 6: The UDM provides the ID of the SMF (which can be implemented based on the signaling Nudm_SDM_Get request response (SMF instance ID));

[0727] Specifically, the NE can determine the ID of the SMF, and can also include information such as the IP address of the SMF.

[0728] Step 7: The NEF sends a second request to the SMF.

[0729] Optionally, the NEF can send a subscription request or a parameter acquisition request as the second request or for carrying the second request to the SMF, to request the first identifier corresponding to the target IP address or IP address segment, or to request the second mapping information.

[0730] The current PDU session can refer to a PDU session established between the current EAS and the UE, and the AF is a control plane network element serving the EAS.

[0731] Optionally, the existing Nsmf_EventExposure_Subscribe can be reused, the subscription request inputs the target IP address or IP address segment (such as the EAS IP or the IP address of the AF), and then the SMF provides the DNAI or external DNAI corresponding to the target IP address or IP address segment in the form of Nsmf_EventExposure_Notify, or a new signaling Nsmf_DNAI_Get request is set, and the parameter input is the IP address or IP address segment of the EAS as the second request, to request the second information, that is, the first identifier corresponding to the IP address or IP address segment of the EAS, and / or obtain the second mapping relationship.

[0732] Step 8: The SMF provides the second information.

[0733] Specifically, the SMF can provide the second information to the NEF, that is, the first identifier corresponding to the IP address or IP address segment of the EAS, and / or the second mapping relationship.

[0734] Step 9: The NEF determines the mapping between the IP address or IP address segment of the EAS and the first identifier.

[0735] Optionally, if the external DNAI is introduced, the NEF can change the mapping from the IP address or IP address segment of the EAS to the internal DNAI feedback by the SMF to the mapping from the external DNAI to the IP address or IP address segment of the EAS.

[0736] Optionally, this step 9 can be selectively executed based on whether the external DNAI is introduced.

[0737] Step 10: The AF acquires the second information.

[0738] Optionally, the AF can obtain the second information through signaling Nnef_DNAI_Get Response sent by the NEF;

[0739] After the AF learns the first identifier or the second mapping information, the AF can determine the target identifier, and then determine the target DNAI according to the target EAS when performing the EAS relocation. In the embodiments of the present application, by defining the correspondence between the IP address or IP address segment of the region accessed by the target terminal and the identifier of the network element through which the target terminal accesses the region, the first identifier corresponding to the target IP address or IP address segment can be sent to the second network element, or the correspondence between the target IP address or IP address segment and the first identifier can be sent to the second network element, so that the second network element forwards to the first network element, and then the first network element can determine the network element through which the target terminal needs to pass when accessing the optimal target IP address or IP address segment, so as to ensure that after the data network accessed by the target terminal changes, the target terminal can also determine the appropriate network element to access the optimal access position under the current data network.

[0740] The IP address determination method provided by the embodiments of the present application can be executed by an IP address determination device. In the embodiments of the present application, the IP address determination device executing the IP address determination method is taken as an example to illustrate the IP address determination device provided by the embodiments of the present application.

[0741] Figure 11 FIG. 1 is a structural schematic diagram of an IP address determination device provided by the embodiments of the present application; as shown in FIG. 1, the IP address determination device 1100 can include a first obtaining module 1110, a second obtaining module 1120 and a first determining module 1130; wherein: Figure 11

[0742] The first obtaining module 1110 is configured to obtain a target identifier.

[0743] The second obtaining module 1120 is configured to obtain first information.

[0744] The first determining module 1130 is configured to determine a target IP address or IP address segment based on the first information.

[0745] The first information includes at least one of the following:

[0746] A first mapping relationship;

[0747] A first IP address or IP address segment;

[0748] ​The first IP address or IP address segment corresponds to a target identifier, and the first mapping relationship is used to represent a corresponding relationship between the first IP address or IP address segment and the target identifier; the first IP address or IP address segment includes or is equal to the target IP address or IP address segment; the target IP address or IP address segment is used to indicate an IP address or IP address segment accessed by a target terminal served by the first network element, and the target identifier is used to indicate a network element through which the target terminal needs to pass when accessing the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0749] In the embodiment of the application, by defining a corresponding relationship between an IP address or IP address segment of an area accessed by a target terminal and an identifier of a network element through which the target terminal accesses the area, after the target identifier is learned, the first IP address or IP address segment corresponding to the target identifier can be determined, and then the optimal IP address or IP address segment that can be accessed by the target terminal is determined therefrom, so that after a data network accessed by the target terminal changes, the target terminal can also determine the optimal access position in the current data network based on the target identifier.

[0750] Optionally, the target IP address or IP address segment includes any one or more of the following:

[0751] an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a position to which a service server is to be migrated;

[0752] an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a position of a data network DN to be accessed by the target terminal;

[0753] an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a position of a service server to be accessed by the target terminal; or

[0754] an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a first target identifier, the first target identifier being associated with the target terminal.

[0755] Optionally, the target identifier includes any one or more of the following:

[0756] a data network access identifier DNAI; or

[0757] an external DNAI.

[0758] Optionally, the first obtaining module 1110 is specifically configured to:

[0759] receive the target identifier sent by the second network element.

[0760] Optionally, the second obtaining module 1120 is specifically configured to:

[0761] send a first request to the second network element, the first request including the target identifier.

[0762] The first network element receives the first information sent by the second network element based on the first request.

[0763] Optionally, the second obtaining module 1120 is specifically configured to:

[0764] The first information is received when the target identifier is received.

[0765] In the embodiments of the present application, by defining the corresponding relationship between the IP address or IP address segment of the region accessed by the target terminal and the identifier of the network element through which the target terminal accesses the region, the first IP address or IP address segment corresponding to the target identifier is determined, and then the optimal IP address or IP address segment that can be accessed by the target terminal is determined therefrom, so that after the data network accessed by the target terminal changes, the target terminal can also determine the optimal access position under the current data network based on the target identifier.

[0766] Figure 12 is a structural diagram of an IP address determination apparatus provided by the embodiments of the present application; as shown in Figure 12 The IP address determination apparatus 1200 can include a first sending module 1210; wherein:

[0767] The first sending module 1210 is configured to send first information to a first network element; wherein the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0768] A first mapping relationship;

[0769] A first IP address or IP address segment;

[0770] The first IP address or IP address segment corresponds to a target identifier, the first mapping relationship is used to represent the corresponding relationship between the first IP address or IP address segment and the target identifier; the first IP address or IP address segment includes or is equal to the target IP address or IP address segment, the target IP address or IP address segment is used to indicate the IP address or IP address segment accessed by the target terminal served by the first network element, and the target identifier is used to indicate the network element through which the target terminal needs to pass when accessing the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0771] In the embodiment of the present application, by defining the correspondence between the IP address or IP address segment of the region accessed by the target terminal and the identifier of the network element through which the target terminal accesses the region, the first IP address or IP address segment corresponding to the target identifier or the correspondence between the first IP address or IP address segment and the target identifier can be sent to the first network element, so that the first network element can determine the optimal IP address or IP address segment that can be accessed by the target terminal, and it can be ensured that after the data network accessed by the target terminal changes, the target terminal can also determine the optimal access location under the current data network based on the target identifier.

[0772] Optionally, the apparatus further includes:

[0773] a third receiving module, configured to receive a first request sent by the first network element before the second network element sends the first information to the first network element, the first request including the target identifier;

[0774] a fifth obtaining module, configured to obtain the first information based on the first request.

[0775] Optionally, the first sending module 1210 is specifically configured to:

[0776] obtain the first information;

[0777] when sending the target identifier to the first network element, send the first information to the first network element.

[0778] Optionally, the fifth obtaining module or the first sending module 1210 is specifically configured to:

[0779] obtain the first information based on a local cache.

[0780] The local cache stores the first mapping relationship.

[0781] Optionally, the second network element has the capability of determining the first information based on the target identifier;

[0782] the fifth obtaining module or the first sending module 1210 is specifically configured to:

[0783] directly determine the first information based on the target identifier.

[0784] Optionally, the fifth obtaining module or the first sending module 1210 is specifically configured to:

[0785] determine a third network element serving the target terminal;

[0786] send a second request to the third network element, the second request including the target identifier;

[0787] receive the first information sent by the third network element based on the second request.

[0788] Optionally, the fifth obtaining module or the first sending module 1210 is specifically configured to:

[0789] obtain a terminal identifier of the target terminal;

[0790] obtain a network element identifier of the third network element based on the terminal identifier;

[0791] determine the third network element based on the network element identifier.

[0792] In the embodiments of the present application, by defining the correspondence between the IP address or IP address segment of the region accessed by the target terminal and the identifier of the network element through which the target terminal accesses the region, the first IP address or IP address segment corresponding to the target identifier or the correspondence between the first IP address or IP address segment and the target identifier can be sent to the first network element, so that the first network element can determine the optimal IP address or IP address segment that can be accessed by the target terminal, and it can be ensured that after the data network accessed by the target terminal changes, the target terminal can also determine the optimal access location under the current data network based on the target identifier.

[0793] Figure 13 is a structure diagram of an IP address determination apparatus provided by the embodiments of the present application; as shown in Figure 13 the IP address determination apparatus 1300 can include a first receiving module 1310, a second determining module 1320, and a second sending module 1330; wherein:

[0794] the first receiving module 1310 is configured to receive a second request sent by a second network element, and the second request includes a target identifier;

[0795] the second determining module 1320 is configured to determine first information based on the second request;

[0796] the second sending module 1330 is configured to send the first information to the second network element;

[0797] wherein the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0798] a first mapping relationship;

[0799] a first IP address or IP address segment;

[0800] The first IP address or IP address segment corresponds to a target identifier, and the first mapping relationship represents a corresponding relationship between the first IP address or IP address segment and the target identifier; the first IP address or IP address segment includes or is equal to a target IP address or IP address segment; the target IP address or IP address segment is used to indicate an IP address or IP address segment accessed by a target terminal served by the first network element; and the target identifier is used to indicate a network element through which the target terminal needs to pass when accessing the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0801] In the embodiment of the present application, by defining the corresponding relationship between the IP address or IP address segment of the region accessed by the target terminal and the identifier of the network element through which the target terminal accesses the region, the first IP address or IP address segment corresponding to the target identifier or the corresponding relationship between the first IP address or IP address segment and the target identifier can be sent to the second network element, so as to be forwarded to the first network element by the second network element, and then the first network element can determine the optimal IP address or IP address segment that can be accessed by the target terminal, so as to ensure that after the data network accessed by the target terminal changes, the target terminal can also determine the optimal access position under the current data network based on the target identifier.

[0802] The IP address determination apparatus in the embodiment of the present application can be an electronic device, for example, an electronic device with an operating system, or a component in the electronic device, for example, an integrated circuit or a chip. The electronic device can be a terminal or other device. Exemplarily, the terminal can include but is not limited to the types of the terminal 11 listed above, and the other device can be a server, a network attached storage (NAS), etc., which are not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0803] The IP address determination apparatus provided in the embodiment of the present application can implement each process of the method embodiment Figures 2 to 6 , and achieve the same technical effects. To avoid repetition, details are not described herein.

[0804] The identifier determination method provided in the embodiment of the present application can be executed by the identifier determination apparatus. The identifier determination method executed by the identifier determination apparatus is taken as an example in the embodiment of the present application to illustrate the identifier determination apparatus provided in the embodiment of the present application.

[0805] Figure 14 is one of structural diagrams of the identifier determination apparatus provided in the embodiment of the present application; as shown in Figure 14 , the identifier determination apparatus 1400 can include a third acquisition module 1410, a fourth acquisition module 1420, and a third determination module 1430; wherein:

[0806] The third obtaining module 1410 is configured to obtain a target IP address or IP address segment;

[0807] The fourth obtaining module 1420 is configured to obtain second information;

[0808] The third determining module 1430 is configured to determine a target identifier based on the second information;

[0809] The second information includes at least one of the following:

[0810] A second mapping relationship;

[0811] A first identifier;

[0812] The first identifier corresponds to the target IP address or IP address segment, the second mapping relationship is used to represent a corresponding relationship between the first identifier and the target IP address or IP address segment, the first identifier includes or is equal to the target identifier, the target IP address or IP address segment is used to indicate an IP address or IP address segment accessed by a target terminal served by the first network element, and the target identifier is used to indicate a network element through which the target terminal needs to pass when accessing the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0813] In the embodiment of the present application, by defining a corresponding relationship between an IP address or IP address segment of an area accessed by a target terminal and an identifier of a network element through which the target terminal accesses the area, the first identifier corresponding to the target IP address or IP address segment can be determined after the target IP address or IP address segment is obtained, and then the network element through which the target terminal accesses the optimal target IP address or IP address segment can be determined, so that the target terminal can determine a suitable network element to access an optimal access position in a current data network after a data network accessed by the target terminal is changed.

[0814] Optionally, the target IP address or IP address segment includes any one or more of the following:

[0815] An IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a position to which a service server is to be migrated;

[0816] An IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a position of a data network DN to be accessed by the target terminal;

[0817] An IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a position of a service server to be accessed by the target terminal; or

[0818] An IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a first target identifier, the first target identifier being associated with the target terminal.

[0819] Optionally, the target identifier includes any one or more of the following:

[0820] a data network access identifier (DNAI); or

[0821] an external DNAI.

[0822] Optionally, the first network element obtains the target IP address or IP address segment, comprising:

[0823] the first network element receives the target IP address or IP address segment sent by the second network element.

[0824] Optionally, the third obtaining module 1410 is configured to:

[0825] send a first request to the second network element, wherein the first request comprises the target IP address or IP address segment;

[0826] receive the second information sent by the second network element based on the first request.

[0827] Optionally, the fourth obtaining module 1420 is configured to:

[0828] receive the second information when the target IP address or IP address segment is received.

[0829] In the embodiments of the present application, by defining the corresponding relationship between the IP address or IP address segment of the region accessed by the target terminal and the identifier of the network element through which the target terminal accesses the region, the first identifier corresponding to the target IP address or IP address segment can be determined after the target IP address or IP address segment is obtained, and then the network element through which the target terminal accesses the optimal target IP address or IP address segment can be determined from the first identifier, so that the target terminal can also determine the appropriate network element to access the optimal access position under the current data network after the data network accessed by the target terminal is changed.

[0830] Figure 15 is a structural diagram of the identifier determining apparatus provided in the embodiments of the present application; as shown in Figure 15 the identifier determining apparatus 1500 can comprise a third sending module 1510; wherein:

[0831] the third sending module 1510 is configured to send second information to the first network element;

[0832] the second information comprises at least one of the following:

[0833] a second mapping relationship;

[0834] a first identifier;

[0835] The first identifier corresponds to a target IP address or IP address segment, and the second mapping relationship is used to represent a corresponding relationship between the first identifier and the target IP address or IP address segment; the first identifier includes or is equal to a target identifier; the target IP address or IP address segment is used to indicate an IP address or IP address segment accessed by a target terminal served by the first network element, and the target identifier is used to indicate a network element through which the target terminal needs to pass when accessing the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0836] In the embodiment of the present application, by defining a corresponding relationship between an IP address or IP address segment of an area accessed by a target terminal and an identifier of a network element through which the target terminal accesses the area, after the target IP address or IP address segment is learned, the first identifier corresponding to the target IP address or IP address segment can be determined, and then the network element through which the target terminal accesses the optimal target IP address or IP address segment can be determined from the first identifier, so that the target terminal can also determine a suitable network element to access an optimal access position in a current data network after a data network accessed by the target terminal is changed.

[0837] Optionally, the apparatus further includes:

[0838] The fourth receiving module is configured to receive a first request sent by the first network element before the second network element sends the first identifier to the first network element, and the first request includes the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0839] The sixth obtaining module is configured to obtain the second information based on the first request.

[0840] Optionally, the third sending module 1510 is specifically configured to:

[0841] obtain the second information;

[0842] send the second information to the first network element when sending the target IP address or IP address segment to the first network element.

[0843] Optionally, the sixth obtaining module or the third sending module 1510 is specifically configured to:

[0844] obtain the second information based on a local cache;

[0845] The local cache stores the second mapping relationship.

[0846] Optionally, the second network element has the capability of determining the second information based on the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0847] The sixth obtaining module or the third sending module 1510 is specifically configured to:

[0848] The second network element directly determines the second information based on the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0849] Optionally, the sixth obtaining module or the third sending module 1510 is specifically configured to:

[0850] determine a third network element serving the target terminal;

[0851] send a second request to the third network element, the second request comprising the target IP address or IP address segment;

[0852] receive the second information sent by the third network element based on the second request.

[0853] Optionally, the sixth obtaining module or the third sending module 1510 is specifically configured to:

[0854] obtain a terminal identifier of the target terminal;

[0855] obtain a network element identifier of the third network element based on the terminal identifier;

[0856] determine the third network element based on the network element identifier.

[0857] In the embodiments of the present application, by defining the correspondence between the IP address or IP address segment of the region accessed by the target terminal and the identifier of the network element through which the target terminal accesses the region, the first identifier corresponding to the target IP address or IP address segment can be determined after the target IP address or IP address segment is obtained, and then the network element through which the target terminal accesses the optimal target IP address or IP address segment can be determined, so that the target terminal can also determine the appropriate network element to access the optimal access position under the current data network after the data network accessed by the target terminal changes.

[0858] Figure 16 is a structure diagram of the identifier determination apparatus provided in the embodiments of the present application; as shown in Figure 16 the identifier determination apparatus 1600 can comprise a second receiving module 1610, a fourth determining module 1620, and a fourth sending module 1630; wherein:

[0859] the second receiving module 1610 is configured to receive a second request sent by a second network element, the second request comprising a target IP address or IP address segment;

[0860] the fourth determining module 1620 is configured to determine second information based on the second request;

[0861] the fourth sending module 1630 is configured to send the second information to the second network element;

[0862] the second information comprises at least one of the following:

[0863] a second mapping relationship;

[0864] a first identifier;

[0865] The first identifier corresponds to a target IP address or IP address segment, and the second mapping relationship is used to represent a corresponding relationship between the first identifier and the target IP address or IP address segment. The first identifier includes or is equal to a target identifier. The target IP address or IP address segment is used to indicate an IP address or IP address segment accessed by a target terminal served by the first network element, and the target identifier is used to indicate a network element through which the target terminal needs to pass when accessing the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0866] In the embodiment of the present application, by defining the corresponding relationship between the IP address or IP address segment of the region accessed by the target terminal and the identifier of the network element through which the target terminal accesses the region, the first identifier corresponding to the target IP address or IP address segment can be sent to the second network element, or the corresponding relationship between the target IP address or IP address segment and the first identifier can be sent, so as to be forwarded to the first network element by the second network element, and then the first network element can determine the network element through which the target terminal needs to pass when accessing the optimal target IP address or IP address segment, so as to ensure that the target terminal can also determine the appropriate network element to access the optimal access position under the current data network after the data network accessed by the target terminal changes.

[0867] The identifier determining apparatus in the embodiment of the present application can be an electronic device, for example, an electronic device with an operating system, or a component in the electronic device, for example, an integrated circuit or a chip. The electronic device can be a terminal or other device except the terminal. Exemplarily, the terminal can include but is not limited to the types of the terminal 11 listed above, and the other device can be a server, a network attached storage (NAS), etc., which are not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0868] The identifier determining apparatus provided in the embodiment of the present application can implement each process of the method embodiment Figures 7 to 10 and achieve the same technical effects. To avoid repetition, details are not described herein.

[0869] Optionally, Figure 17 is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application, like Figure 17As shown in the illustration, this application also provides a communication device 1700, including a processor 1701 and a memory 1702. The memory 1702 stores a program or instructions that can run on the processor 1701. For example, when the communication device 1700 is a first network element, the program or instructions executed by the processor 1701 implement the various steps of the above-described IP address determination method embodiment and achieve the same technical effect. When the communication device 1700 is a second network element, the program or instructions executed by the processor 1701 implement the various steps of the above-described IP address determination method embodiment and achieve the same technical effect. When the communication device 1700 is a third network element, the program or instructions executed by the processor 1701 implement the various steps of the above-described IP address determination method embodiment and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, further details are omitted here.

[0870] Optional, Figure 18 This is a second schematic diagram of the communication device provided in the embodiments of this application, as shown below. Figure 18 As shown in the illustration, this application also provides a communication device 1800, including a processor 1801 and a memory 1802. The memory 1802 stores a program or instructions that can run on the processor 1801. For example, when the communication device 1800 is a first network element, the program or instructions executed by the processor 1801 implement the various steps of the above-described identifier determination method embodiment and achieve the same technical effect; when the communication device 1800 is a second network element, the program or instructions executed by the processor 1801 implement the various steps of the above-described identifier determination method embodiment and achieve the same technical effect; when the communication device 1800 is a third network element, the program or instructions executed by the processor 1801 implement the various steps of the above-described identifier determination method embodiment and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, further details are omitted here.

[0871] Specifically, this application embodiment also provides a first network element. Figure 19 To realize one of the structural schematic diagrams of a first network element in the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 19 As shown, the first network element 1900 includes: a processor 1901, a network interface 1902, and a memory 1903. The network interface 1902 is, for example, a common public radio interface (CPRI).

[0872] Specifically, the first network element 1900 in this embodiment of the invention further includes: instructions or programs stored in memory 1903 and executable on processor 1901, wherein processor 1901 calls the instructions or programs in memory 1903 to execute. Figure 11 The methods executed by each module shown achieve the same technical effect, and to avoid repetition, they will not be described in detail here.

[0873] The processor 1901 is configured to:

[0874] obtain a target identifier;

[0875] obtain first information, and determine a target IP address or IP address segment based on the first information;

[0876] The first information comprises at least one of the following:

[0877] a first mapping relationship;

[0878] a first IP address or IP address segment;

[0879] The first IP address or IP address segment corresponds to the target identifier, the first mapping relationship is used to represent a corresponding relationship between the first IP address or IP address segment and the target identifier, the first IP address or IP address segment comprises or is equal to the target IP address or IP address segment, the target IP address or IP address segment is used to indicate an IP address or IP address segment accessed by a target terminal served by the first network element, and the target identifier is used to indicate a network element through which the target terminal needs to pass when accessing the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0880] In the embodiments of the present application, by defining a corresponding relationship between an IP address or IP address segment of an area accessed by a target terminal and an identifier of a network element through which the target terminal accesses the area, the first IP address or IP address segment corresponding to the target identifier can be determined after the target identifier is obtained, and then the optimal IP address or IP address segment that can be accessed by the target terminal is determined therefrom, so that the target terminal can also determine the optimal access position in the current data network based on the target identifier after the data network accessed by the target terminal is changed.

[0881] Optionally, the target IP address or IP address segment comprises any one or more of the following:

[0882] an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a position to which a service server is to be migrated;

[0883] an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a position of a data network DN to be accessed by the target terminal;

[0884] an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a position of a service server to be accessed by the target terminal; or

[0885] an IP address or IP address segment corresponding to a first target identifier, the first target identifier being associated with the target terminal.

[0886] Optionally, the target identifier includes any one or more of the following:

[0887] Data Network Access Identifier (DNAI); or

[0888] External DNAI.

[0889] Optionally, the processor 1901 is used for:

[0890] Receive the target identifier sent by the second network element.

[0891] Optionally, the processor 1901 is used for:

[0892] Send a first request to the second network element, the first request including the target identifier;

[0893] Receive the first information sent by the second network element based on the first request.

[0894] Optionally, the processor 1901 is used for:

[0895] Upon receiving the target identifier, the first information is received.

[0896] In this embodiment of the application, by defining the correspondence between the IP address or IP address range of the area accessed by the target terminal and the identifier of the network element through which the target terminal accesses the area, the first IP address or IP address range corresponding to the target identifier can be determined after the target identifier is known, and then the optimal IP address or IP address range that the target terminal can access can be determined from it. This ensures that even if the data network accessed by the target terminal changes, the target terminal can still re-determine the optimal access location under the current data network based on the target identifier.

[0897] Specifically, this application also provides a second network element. Figure 20 To implement one of the structural schematic diagrams of a second network element according to an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 20 As shown, the second network element 2000 includes: a processor 2001, a network interface 2002, and a memory 2003. The network interface 2002 is, for example, a common public radio interface (CPRI).

[0898] Specifically, the second network element 2000 in this embodiment of the invention further includes: instructions or programs stored in a memory 2003 and executable on a processor 2001, wherein the processor 2001 calls the instructions or programs in the memory 2003 to execute. Figure 12 The methods executed by each module shown achieve the same technical effect, and to avoid repetition, they will not be described in detail here.

[0899] The processor 2001 is used for:

[0900] sending first information to the first network element; wherein the first information comprises at least one of the following:

[0901] a first mapping relationship;

[0902] a first IP address or IP address segment;

[0903] the first IP address or IP address segment corresponds to a target identifier, the first mapping relationship is used to represent a corresponding relationship between the first IP address or IP address segment and the target identifier; the first IP address or IP address segment comprises or is equal to a target IP address or IP address segment, the target IP address or IP address segment is used to indicate an IP address or IP address segment accessed by a target terminal served by the first network element, and the target identifier is used to indicate a network element through which the target terminal needs to pass when accessing the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0904] In the embodiment of the present application, by defining the corresponding relationship between the IP address or IP address segment of the region accessed by the target terminal and the identifier of the network element through which the target terminal accesses the region, the first IP address or IP address segment corresponding to the target identifier can be sent to the first network element, or the corresponding relationship between the first IP address or IP address segment and the target identifier can be sent, so that the first network element can determine the optimal IP address or IP address segment that can be accessed by the target terminal, and it can be ensured that after the data network accessed by the target terminal changes, the target terminal can also determine the optimal access location under the current data network based on the target identifier.

[0905] Optionally, the processor 2001 is configured to:

[0906] before the second network element sends the first information to the first network element, the second network element receives a first request sent by the first network element, and the first request comprises the target identifier;

[0907] the second network element acquires the first information based on the first request.

[0908] Optionally, the processor 2001 is configured to:

[0909] acquire the first information;

[0910] when sending the target identifier to the first network element, send the first information to the first network element.

[0911] Optionally, the processor 2001 is configured to:

[0912] acquire the first information based on a local cache.

[0913] The first mapping relationship is stored in the local cache.

[0914] Optionally, the second network element has the capability of determining the first information based on the target identifier.

[0915] The processor 2001 is configured to:

[0916] determine the first information based on the target identifier.

[0917] Optionally, the processor 2001 is configured to:

[0918] determine a third network element serving the target terminal;

[0919] send a second request to the third network element, the second request comprising the target identifier;

[0920] receive the first information sent by the third network element based on the second request.

[0921] Optionally, the processor 2001 is configured to:

[0922] obtain a terminal identifier of the target terminal;

[0923] obtain a network element identifier of the third network element based on the terminal identifier;

[0924] determine the third network element based on the network element identifier.

[0925] In the embodiments of the present application, by defining the correspondence between the IP address or IP address segment of the region accessed by the target terminal and the identifier of the network element through which the target terminal accesses the region, the first IP address or IP address segment corresponding to the target identifier or the correspondence between the first IP address or IP address segment and the target identifier can be sent to the first network element, so that the first network element can determine the optimal IP address or IP address segment that the target terminal can access, and it can be ensured that after the data network accessed by the target terminal changes, the target terminal can also determine the optimal access location under the current data network based on the target identifier.

[0926] Specifically, the embodiments of the present application also provide a third network element. Figure 21 As shown in FIG. 10, the third network element 2100 includes a processor 2101, a network interface 2102 and a memory 2103. The network interface 2102 is, for example, a common public radio interface (CPRI). Figure 21

[0927] ​Specifically, the third network element 2100 of the embodiment of the present application further comprises instructions or programs stored in the memory 2103 and executable on the processor 2101, and the processor 2101 invokes the instructions or programs in the memory 2103 to perform the method shown in each module and achieve the same technical effects, and thus the details are not described herein. Figure 13 The method performed by each module shown in the figure and achieving the same technical effects is not described herein to avoid repetition.

[0928] The processor 2101 is configured to:

[0929] receive a second request sent by a second network element, the second request comprising a target identifier;

[0930] determine first information based on the second request;

[0931] send the first information to the second network element;

[0932] The first information comprises at least one of the following:

[0933] a first mapping relationship;

[0934] a first IP address or IP address segment;

[0935] The first IP address or IP address segment corresponds to the target identifier, the first mapping relationship is used to represent the correspondence between the first IP address or IP address segment and the target identifier, the first IP address or IP address segment comprises or is equal to a target IP address or IP address segment, the target IP address or IP address segment is used to indicate an IP address or IP address segment accessed by a target terminal served by the first network element, and the target identifier is used to indicate a network element through which the target terminal needs to pass when accessing the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0936] In the embodiment of the present application, by defining the correspondence between the IP address or IP address segment of the region accessed by the target terminal and the identifier of the network element through which the target terminal accesses the region, the first IP address or IP address segment corresponding to the target identifier or the correspondence between the first IP address or IP address segment and the target identifier can be sent to the second network element, so as to be forwarded to the first network element by the second network element, and then the first network element can determine the optimal IP address or IP address segment that can be accessed by the target terminal, so as to ensure that after the data network accessed by the target terminal changes, the target terminal can also determine the optimal access position under the current data network based on the target identifier.

[0937] Specifically, the embodiment of the present application further provides a first network element. Figure 22 For the structure diagram two of the first network element of the embodiment of the present application, as shown in Figure 22As shown, the first network element 2200 comprises a processor 2201, a network interface 2202 and a memory 2203. The network interface 2202 is, for example, a common public radio interface (CPRI).

[0938] Specifically, the first network element 2200 of the embodiment of the application further comprises instructions or programs stored in the memory 2203 and executable on the processor 2201, and the processor 2201 invokes the instructions or programs in the memory 2203 to perform the method executed by the modules shown in the figure and achieve the same technical effects. Therefore, the details are not described herein. Figure 14

[0939] The processor 2201 is configured to:

[0940] obtain a target IP address or an IP address segment;

[0941] obtain second information;

[0942] determine a target identifier based on the second information;

[0943] The second information comprises at least one of the following:

[0944] a second mapping relationship;

[0945] a first identifier;

[0946] The first identifier corresponds to the target IP address or the IP address segment, the second mapping relationship represents a corresponding relationship between the first identifier and the target IP address or the IP address segment, the first identifier comprises or is equal to the target identifier, the target IP address or the IP address segment is used to indicate an IP address or an IP address segment accessed by a target terminal served by the first network element, and the target identifier is used to indicate a network element through which the target terminal needs to pass when accessing the target IP address or the IP address segment.

[0947] In the embodiment of the application, by defining a corresponding relationship between an IP address or an IP address segment of a region accessed by a target terminal and an identifier of a network element through which the target terminal accesses the region, after the target IP address or the IP address segment is obtained, the first identifier corresponding to the target IP address or the IP address segment can be determined, and then the network element through which the target terminal needs to pass when accessing the optimal target IP address or IP address segment can be determined, so that even if a data network accessed by the target terminal changes, the target terminal can also determine a suitable network element to access an optimal access position under the current data network.

[0948] Optionally, the target IP address or the IP address segment comprises any one or more of the following: ​

[0949] an IP address or an IP address segment corresponding to a location of a data network DN to be accessed by the target terminal;

[0950] an IP address or an IP address segment corresponding to a location of a data network DN to be accessed by the target terminal;

[0951] an IP address or an IP address segment corresponding to a location of a service server to be accessed by the target terminal; or

[0952] an IP address or an IP address segment corresponding to a first target identity associated with the target terminal.

[0953] Optionally, the target identity comprises any one or more of the following:

[0954] a data network access identifier DNAI; or

[0955] an external DNAI.

[0956] Optionally, the processor 2201 is configured to:

[0957] receive the target IP address or IP address segment sent by the second network element.

[0958] Optionally, the processor 2201 is configured to:

[0959] send a first request to the second network element, the first request comprising the target IP address or IP address segment;

[0960] receive the second information sent by the second network element based on the first request.

[0961] Optionally, the processor 2201 is configured to:

[0962] receive the second information when receiving the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0963] In the embodiments of the present application, by defining the correspondence between the IP address or IP address segment of the region accessed by the target terminal and the identity of the network element through which the target terminal accesses the region, after the target IP address or IP address segment is learned, the first identity corresponding to the target IP address or IP address segment can be determined, and then the network element through which the target terminal accesses the optimal target IP address or IP address segment can be determined from the first identity, so that after the data network accessed by the target terminal changes, the target terminal can also determine the appropriate network element to access the optimal access location under the current data network.

[0964] Specifically, the embodiments of the present application also provide a second network element. Figure 23 For the structure of a second network element in the embodiments of the present application, as shown in Figure 23As shown, the second network element 2300 comprises a processor 2301, a network interface 2302 and a memory 2303. The network interface 2302 is, for example, a common public radio interface (CPRI).

[0965] Specifically, the second network element 2300 of the embodiment of the application further comprises instructions or programs stored in the memory 2303 and executable on the processor 2301, and the processor 2301 invokes the instructions or programs in the memory 2303 to perform the method executed by the modules shown in the figure and achieve the same technical effects, and thus repeated description is omitted. Figure 15

[0966] The processor 2301 is configured to:

[0967] send second information to the first network element; the second information comprises at least one of the following:

[0968] a second mapping relationship;

[0969] a first identifier;

[0970] The first identifier corresponds to a target IP address or IP address segment, the second mapping relationship represents a corresponding relationship between the first identifier and the target IP address or IP address segment, the first identifier comprises or is equal to a target identifier, the target IP address or IP address segment is used to indicate an IP address or IP address segment accessed by a target terminal served by the first network element, and the target identifier is used to indicate a network element through which the target terminal needs to pass when accessing the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0971] In the embodiment of the application, by defining a corresponding relationship between an IP address or IP address segment of an area accessed by a target terminal and an identifier of a network element through which the target terminal accesses the area, the first identifier corresponding to the target IP address or IP address segment can be determined after the target IP address or IP address segment is known, and then the network element through which the target terminal accesses the optimal target IP address or IP address segment can be determined from the first identifier, so that the target terminal can determine a suitable network element to access an optimal access position in a current data network after a data network accessed by the target terminal is changed.

[0972] Optionally, the processor 2301 is configured to:

[0973] receive a first request sent by the first network element before the second network element sends the first identifier to the first network element, and the first request comprises the target IP address or IP address segment;

[0974] obtain the second information based on the first request.​

[0975] Optionally, the processor 2301 is configured to:

[0976] obtain the second information;

[0977] when sending the target IP address or IP address segment to the first network element, send the second information to the first network element.

[0978] Optionally, the processor 2301 is configured to:

[0979] obtain the second information based on a local cache;

[0980] wherein the local cache stores the second mapping relationship.

[0981] Optionally, the second network element has the capability of determining the second information based on the target IP address or IP address segment;

[0982] the processor 2301 is configured to:

[0983] directly determine the second information based on the target IP address or IP address segment.

[0984] Optionally, the processor 2301 is configured to:

[0985] determine a third network element serving the target terminal;

[0986] send a second request to the third network element, the second request comprising the target IP address or IP address segment;

[0987] the second network element receives the second information sent by the third network element based on the second request.

[0988] Optionally, the processor 2301 is configured to:

[0989] obtain a terminal identifier of the target terminal;

[0990] obtain a network element identifier of the third network element based on the terminal identifier;

[0991] determine the third network element based on the network element identifier.

[0992] In the embodiments of the present application, by defining the correspondence between the IP address or IP address segment of the region accessed by the target terminal and the identifier of the network element through which the target terminal accesses the region, after the target IP address or IP address segment is learned, the first identifier corresponding to the target IP address or IP address segment can be determined, and then the network element through which the target terminal accesses the optimal target IP address or IP address segment can be determined, so that after the data network accessed by the target terminal is changed, the target terminal can also determine the appropriate network element to access the optimal access position under the current data network.

[0993] Specifically, the embodiments of the present application also provide a third network element. Figure 24 To achieve the structure of a third network element of the embodiments of the present application, as shown in FIG. 2B, the third network element 2400 includes a processor 2401, a network interface 2402 and a memory 2403. The network interface 2402 is, for example, a common public radio interface (CPRI). Figure 24

[0994] Specifically, the third network element 2400 of the embodiments of the present application also includes instructions or programs stored in the memory 2403 and executable on the processor 2401, and the processor 2401 invokes the instructions or programs in the memory 2403 to execute the method shown in FIG. 2B and achieve the same technical effects. To avoid repetition, details are not described here. Figure 16

[0995] The processor 2401 is configured to:

[0996] receive a second request sent by a second network element, the second request including a target IP address or IP address segment;

[0997] determine second information based on the second request;

[0998] send the second information to the second network element;

[0999] The second information includes at least one of the following:

[1000] a second mapping relationship;

[1001] a first identifier;

[1002] ​​The first identifier corresponds to a target IP address or IP address segment, and the second mapping relationship represents a corresponding relationship between the first identifier and the target IP address or IP address segment; the first identifier includes or is equal to a target identifier; the target IP address or IP address segment indicates an IP address or IP address segment accessed by a target terminal served by the first network element; and the target identifier indicates a network element through which the target terminal needs to pass when accessing the target IP address or IP address segment.

[1003] In the embodiment of the present application, by defining a corresponding relationship between an IP address or IP address segment of an area accessed by a target terminal and an identifier of a network element through which the target terminal accesses the area, a first identifier corresponding to a target IP address or IP address segment can be sent to a second network element, or a corresponding relationship between the target IP address or IP address segment and the first identifier can be sent to the second network element, so that the second network element forwards to the first network element, and then the first network element can determine a network element through which the target terminal needs to pass when accessing an optimal target IP address or IP address segment, and it can be ensured that after a data network accessed by the target terminal changes, the target terminal can also determine a suitable network element to access an optimal access position under the current data network.

[1004] The embodiment of the present application also provides a readable storage medium, and the readable storage medium stores a program or instructions, which are executed by a processor to realize each process of the IP address determination method embodiment and achieve the same technical effects. To avoid repetition, details are not described herein.

[1005] The processor is the processor in the terminal in the above-described embodiments. The readable storage medium includes a computer readable storage medium, such as a computer readable only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[1006] The embodiment of the present application also provides a readable storage medium, and the readable storage medium stores a program or instructions, which are executed by a processor to realize each process of the identifier determination method embodiment and achieve the same technical effects. To avoid repetition, details are not described herein.

[1007] The processor is the processor in the terminal in the above-described embodiments. The readable storage medium includes a computer readable storage medium, such as a computer readable only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[1008] The embodiment of the present application also provides a chip, which includes a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is coupled to the processor, and the processor is configured to run a program or instructions to realize each process of the IP address determination method embodiment and achieve the same technical effects. To avoid repetition, details are not described herein.

[1009] It should be understood that the chip mentioned in the embodiments of the present application can also be referred to as a system chip, a system chip, a chip system or a system on chip, etc.

[1010] The embodiments of the present application further provide a chip, which comprises a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is coupled with the processor, the processor is used to run programs or instructions, realizes various processes of the above-mentioned identity determination method embodiments, and can achieve the same technical effects. To avoid repetition, details are not described here.

[1011] It should be understood that the chip mentioned in the embodiments of the present application can also be referred to as a system chip, a system chip, a chip system or a system on chip, etc.

[1012] The embodiments of the present application further provide a computer program / program product, which is stored in a storage medium, and is executed by at least one processor to realize various processes of the above-mentioned IP address determination method embodiments and can achieve the same technical effects. To avoid repetition, details are not described here.

[1013] The embodiments of the present application further provide a computer program / program product, which is stored in a storage medium, and is executed by at least one processor to realize various processes of the above-mentioned IP address determination method embodiments and can achieve the same technical effects. To avoid repetition, details are not described here.

[1014] The embodiments of the present application further provide an IP address determination system, which comprises a first network element, a second network element and a third network element, wherein the first network element can be used to execute the steps of the above-mentioned IP address determination method, the second network element can be used to execute the steps of the above-mentioned IP address determination method, and the third network element can be used to execute the steps of the above-mentioned IP address determination method.

[1015] The embodiments of the present application further provide an identity determination system, which comprises a first network element, a second network element and a third network element, wherein the first network element can be used to execute the steps of the above-mentioned identity determination method, the second network element can be used to execute the steps of the above-mentioned identity determination method, and the third network element can be used to execute the steps of the above-mentioned identity determination method.

[1016] It should be noted that, in the present document, the terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but can include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the method and apparatus of the present application can be carried out by more than one process, method, article, or apparatus either simultaneously, concurrently, or with intervening action that are carried out at the same time, in any order, or in an overlapping manner. For example, the described method can be performed in a different order or simultaneously, and the various steps can be combined or omitted, or additional steps can be added, without departing from the scope of the described method. Also, features described with respect to certain examples can be combined in other examples.

[1017] From the above description of the embodiments, it is apparent that the above-described method can be implemented by software and necessary universal hardware platform, of course, it can also be implemented by hardware, but in many cases, the former is a better implementation. Based on such understanding, the technical solutions of the present application can be embodied in the form of computer software product, which is stored in a storage medium (such as ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk), and includes a plurality of instructions for making a terminal (which can be a mobile phone, computer, server, air conditioner, or network device, etc.) execute the method described in various embodiments of the present application.

[1018] The embodiments of the present application are described above in conjunction with the drawings, but the present application is not limited to the above-described specific embodiments, which are merely illustrative rather than restrictive, and a person of ordinary skill in the art can make many forms under the inspiration of the present application without departing from the scope of the present application and the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for determining an Internet Protocol (IP) address, characterized in that, include: The first network element obtains the target identifier; The first network element obtains the first information; Based on the first information, the first network element determines the target IP address or IP address range; The first information includes First mapping relationship; The first mapping relationship is used to characterize the correspondence between the first IP address or IP address range and the target identifier; the first IP address or IP address range includes or is equal to the target IP address or IP address range; the target IP address or IP address range is used to indicate the IP address or IP address range accessed by the target terminal served by the first network element; the target identifier is used to indicate the network element that the target terminal needs to pass through when accessing the target IP address or IP address range. The target IP address or IP address range includes any one or more of the following: The IP address or IP address range corresponding to the location where the business server will be migrated to; The target terminal will access the location of the business server corresponding to the IP address or IP address range.

2. The IP address determination method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The target identifier includes any one or more of the following: Data Network Access Identifier (DNAI); or External DNAI.

3. The IP address determination method according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The first network element obtains the target identifier, including: The first network element receives the target identifier sent by the second network element.

4. The IP address determination method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first network element receives the first information, including: The first network element sends a first request to the second network element, the first request including the target identifier; The first network element receives the first information sent by the second network element based on the first request.

5. The IP address determination method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first network element receives the first information, including: When the first network element receives the target identifier, it also receives the first information.

6. A method for determining an IP address, characterized in that, include: The second network element sends the first information to the first network element; The first information includes First mapping relationship; The first mapping relationship is used to characterize the correspondence between the first IP address or IP address range and the target identifier; Wherein, the first IP address or IP address range includes or is equal to the target IP address or IP address range, the target IP address or IP address range is used to indicate the IP address or IP address range accessed by the target terminal served by the first network element, and the target identifier is used to indicate the network element that the target terminal needs to pass through when accessing the target IP address or IP address range; The target IP address or IP address range includes any one or more of the following: The IP address or IP address range corresponding to the location where the business server will be migrated to; The target terminal will access the location of the business server corresponding to the IP address or IP address range.

7. The IP address determination method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Before the second network element sends the first information to the first network element, the second network element receives the first request sent by the first network element, the first request including the target identifier; The second network element obtains the first information based on the first request.

8. The IP address determination method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second network element sends first information to the first network element, including: The second network element acquires the first information; When the second network element sends the target identifier to the first network element, it sends the first information to the first network element.

9. The IP address determination method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, Obtaining the first information includes: The second network element obtains the first information based on its local cache; The first mapping relationship is stored in the local cache.

10. The IP address determination method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The second network element has the capability to determine the first information based on the target identifier; Obtaining the first information includes: The second network element directly determines the first information based on the target identifier.

11. The IP address determination method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, Obtaining the first information includes: The second network element determines the third network element that serves the target terminal; The second network element sends a second request to the third network element, the second request including the target identifier; The second network element receives the first information sent by the third network element based on the second request.

12. The IP address determination method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The second network element determines a third network element serving the target terminal, including: The second network element obtains the terminal identifier of the target terminal; The second network element obtains the network element identifier of the third network element based on the terminal identifier; The second network element determines the third network element based on the network element identifier.

13. A method for determining an IP address, characterized in that, include: The third network element receives a second request sent by the second network element, the second request including a target identifier; The third network element determines the first information based on the second request; The third network element sends the first information to the second network element; The first information includes First mapping relationship; The first mapping relationship is used to characterize the correspondence between the first IP address or IP address range and the target identifier; the first IP address or IP address range includes or is equal to the target IP address or IP address range; the target IP address or IP address range is used to indicate the IP address or IP address range accessed by the target terminal served by the first network element; the target identifier is used to indicate the network element that the target terminal needs to pass through when accessing the target IP address or IP address range. The target IP address or IP address range includes any one or more of the following: The IP address or IP address range corresponding to the location where the business server will be migrated to; The target terminal will access the location of the business server corresponding to the IP address or IP address range.

14. A method for identifying an identifier, characterized in that, include The first network element obtains the target IP address or IP address range; The first network element obtains the second information; The first network element determines the target identifier based on the second information; The second information includes at least one of the following: Second mapping relationship; First identifier; The first identifier corresponds to the target IP address or IP address range, and the second mapping relationship is used to characterize the correspondence between the first identifier and the target IP address or IP address range; The first identifier includes or is equal to the target identifier; the target IP address or IP address range is used to indicate the IP address or IP address range accessed by the target terminal served by the first network element, and the target identifier is used to indicate the network element that the target terminal needs to pass through when accessing the target IP address or IP address range; The target IP address or IP address range includes any one or more of the following: The IP address or IP address range corresponding to the location where the business server will be migrated to; The target terminal will access the location of the business server corresponding to the IP address or IP address range.

15. The identification method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The target identifier includes any one or more of the following: Data Network Access Identifier (DNAI); or External DNAI.

16. The identification method according to any one of claims 14-15, characterized in that, The first network element obtains the target IP address or IP address range, including: The first network element receives the target IP address or IP address range sent by the second network element.

17. The identification method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The first network element obtains the second information, including: The first network element sends a first request to the second network element, the first request including the target IP address or IP address range; The first network element receives the second information sent by the second network element based on the first request.

18. The identification method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The first network element obtains the second information, including: When the first network element receives the target IP address or IP address range, it receives the second information.

19. A method for identifying an identifier, characterized in that, include: The second network element sends the second information to the first network element; The second information includes at least one of the following: Second mapping relationship; First identifier; The first identifier corresponds to a target IP address or IP address range, and the second mapping relationship is used to characterize the correspondence between the first identifier and the target IP address or IP address range; the first identifier includes or is equal to the target identifier; the target IP address or IP address range is used to indicate the IP address or IP address range accessed by the target terminal served by the first network element, and the target identifier is used to indicate the network element that the target terminal needs to pass through when accessing the target IP address or IP address range; The target IP address or IP address range includes any one or more of the following: The IP address or IP address range corresponding to the location where the business server will be migrated to; The target terminal will access the location of the business server corresponding to the IP address or IP address range.

20. The identification method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The method further includes: Before the second network element sends the first identifier to the first network element, the second network element receives the first request sent by the first network element, the first request including the target IP address or IP address range; The second network element obtains the second information based on the first request.

21. The identification method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The second network element sends second information to the first network element, including: The second network element acquires the second information; When the second network element sends the target IP address or IP address range to the first network element, it sends the second information to the first network element.

22. The identification method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that, The acquisition of the second information includes: The second network element obtains the second information based on its local cache; The second mapping relationship is stored in the local cache.

23. The identification method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that, The second network element has the capability to determine the second information based on the target IP address or IP address range; The acquisition of the second information includes: The second network element directly determines the second information based on the target IP address or IP address range.

24. The identification method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that, The acquisition of the second information includes: The second network element determines the third network element that serves the target terminal; The second network element sends a second request to the third network element, the second request including the target IP address or IP address range; The second network element receives the second information sent by the third network element based on the second request.

25. The identification method according to claim 24, characterized in that, The second network element determines a third network element serving the target terminal, including: The second network element obtains the terminal identifier of the target terminal; The second network element obtains the network element identifier of the third network element based on the terminal identifier; The second network element determines the third network element based on the network element identifier.

26. A method for identifying an identifier, characterized in that, include: The third network element receives a second request sent by the second network element, the second request including a target IP address or a range of IP addresses; The third network element determines the second information based on the second request; The third network element sends the second information to the second network element; The second information includes at least one of the following: Second mapping relationship; First identifier; The first identifier corresponds to the target IP address or IP address range, and the second mapping relationship is used to characterize the correspondence between the first identifier and the target IP address or IP address range; The first identifier includes or is equal to the target identifier; the target IP address or IP address range is used to indicate the IP address or IP address range accessed by the target terminal served by the first network element, and the target identifier is used to indicate the network element that the target terminal needs to pass through when accessing the target IP address or IP address range; The target IP address or IP address range includes any one or more of the following: The IP address or IP address range corresponding to the location where the business server will be migrated to; The target terminal will access the location of the business server corresponding to the IP address or IP address range.

27. An IP address determination device, characterized in that, include: The first acquisition module is used to obtain the target identifier; The second acquisition module is used to obtain the first information; The first determining module is used to determine the target IP address or IP address range based on the first information; The first information includes First mapping relationship; The first mapping relationship is used to characterize the correspondence between the first IP address or IP address range and the target identifier; the first IP address or IP address range includes or is equal to the target IP address or IP address range; the target IP address or IP address range is used to indicate the IP address or IP address range accessed by the target terminal served by the first network element; the target identifier is used to indicate the network element that the target terminal needs to pass through when accessing the target IP address or IP address range. The target IP address or IP address range includes any one or more of the following: The IP address or IP address range corresponding to the location where the business server will be migrated to; The target terminal will access the location of the business server corresponding to the IP address or IP address range.

28. An IP address determination device, characterized in that, include: A first sending module is configured to send first information to a first network element; wherein the first information includes a first mapping relationship; The first mapping relationship is used to characterize the correspondence between the first IP address or IP address range and the target identifier; the first IP address or IP address range includes or is equal to the target IP address or IP address range, the target IP address or IP address range is used to indicate the IP address or IP address range accessed by the target terminal served by the first network element, and the target identifier is used to indicate the network element that the target terminal needs to pass through when accessing the target IP address or IP address range; The target IP address or IP address range includes any one or more of the following: The IP address or IP address range corresponding to the location where the business server will be migrated to; The target terminal will access the location of the business server corresponding to the IP address or IP address range.

29. An IP address determination device, characterized in that, include: The first receiving module is used to receive a second request sent by the second network element, wherein the second request includes a target identifier; The second determining module is used to determine the first information based on the second request; The second sending module is used to send the first information to the second network element; The first information includes First mapping relationship; The first mapping relationship is used to characterize the correspondence between the first IP address or IP address range and the target identifier; the first IP address or IP address range includes or is equal to the target IP address or IP address range; the target IP address or IP address range is used to indicate the IP address or IP address range accessed by the target terminal served by the first network element; the target identifier is used to indicate the network element that the target terminal needs to pass through when accessing the target IP address or IP address range. The target IP address or IP address range includes any one or more of the following: The IP address or IP address range corresponding to the location where the business server will be migrated to; The target terminal will access the location of the business server corresponding to the IP address or IP address range.

30. An identification device, characterized in that, include The third acquisition module is used to obtain the target IP address or IP address range; The fourth acquisition module is used to obtain the second information; The third determining module is used to determine the target identifier based on the second information; The second information includes at least one of the following: Second mapping relationship; First identifier; The first identifier corresponds to a target IP address or IP address range, and the second mapping relationship is used to characterize the correspondence between the first identifier and the target IP address or IP address range; the first identifier includes or is equal to the target identifier; the target IP address or IP address range is used to indicate the IP address or IP address range accessed by the target terminal served by the first network element, and the target identifier is used to indicate the network element that the target terminal needs to pass through when accessing the target IP address or IP address range; The target IP address or IP address range includes any one or more of the following: The IP address or IP address range corresponding to the location where the business server will be migrated to; The target terminal will access the location of the business server corresponding to the IP address or IP address range.

31. An identification device, characterized in that, include: The third transmitting module is used to transmit second information to the first network element; wherein the second information includes at least one of the following: Second mapping relationship; First identifier; The first identifier corresponds to a target IP address or IP address range, and the second mapping relationship is used to characterize the correspondence between the first identifier and the target IP address or IP address range; the first identifier includes or is equal to the target identifier; the target IP address or IP address range is used to indicate the IP address or IP address range accessed by the target terminal served by the first network element, and the target identifier is used to indicate the network element that the target terminal needs to pass through when accessing the target IP address or IP address range; The target IP address or IP address range includes any one or more of the following: The IP address or IP address range corresponding to the location where the business server will be migrated to; The target terminal will access the location of the business server corresponding to the IP address or IP address range.

32. An identification device, characterized in that, include: The second receiving module is used to receive a second request sent by the second network element, wherein the second request includes a target IP address or an IP address range. The fourth determining module is used to determine the second information based on the second request; The fourth sending module is used to send the second information to the second network element; The second information includes at least one of the following: Second mapping relationship; First identifier; The first identifier corresponds to a target IP address or IP address range, and the second mapping relationship is used to characterize the correspondence between the first identifier and the target IP address or IP address range; the first identifier includes or is equal to the target identifier; the target IP address or IP address range is used to indicate the IP address or IP address range accessed by the target terminal served by the first network element, and the target identifier is used to indicate the network element that the target terminal needs to pass through when accessing the target IP address or IP address range; The target IP address or IP address range includes any one or more of the following: The IP address or IP address range corresponding to the location where the business server will be migrated to; The target terminal will access the location of the business server corresponding to the IP address or IP address range.

33. A first network element, characterized in that, It includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions that can run on the processor, the program or instructions being executed by the processor to implement the steps of the IP address determination method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, or to implement the steps of the identifier determination method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 18.

34. A second network element, characterized in that, It includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions that can run on the processor, the program or instructions being executed by the processor to implement the steps of the IP address determination method as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 12, or to implement the steps of the identifier determination method as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 25.

35. A third network element, characterized in that, It includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing a program or instructions that can run on the processor, the program or instructions being executed by the processor to implement the steps of the IP address determination method as described in claim 13, or to implement the steps of the identifier determination method as described in claim 26.

36. A readable storage medium, characterized in that, The readable storage medium stores a program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the IP address determination method as described in any one of claims 1-13, or the steps of the identifier determination method as described in any one of claims 14-26.

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