Network element determination method, apparatus, and storage medium

Abstract

The application provides a network element determination method and device and a storage medium, relates to the technical field of communication, and is used for improving the problem that it is difficult to effectively establish a stable and reliable data path. The method is applied to an SMF network element and includes the following steps: obtaining a target DNN and a plurality of candidate UPF network elements; the target DNN is used for identifying a DN corresponding to a data path requested by a UE to be established; the candidate UPF network elements are located in a network slice corresponding to the target DNN and support a region where the UE is located; and candidate UPF network elements, in which a network state parameter corresponding to the target DNN meets a preset condition, of the plurality of candidate UPF network elements are determined as target UPF network elements corresponding to the data path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of communication technology, and in particular relates to a method, apparatus and storage medium for determining network elements. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of 5G technology, mobile networks are widely used in many new application scenarios such as high-definition live streaming, vehicle networking, and industrial control. To meet the quality of service (QoS) requirements of data transmission in these application scenarios, it is usually necessary to establish a stable and reliable end-to-end data path.

[0003] Currently, 5G networks typically employ a method where the Session Management Function (SMF) network element selects the User Plane Function (UPF) network element to establish a data path based on information such as Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI), Data Network Name (DNN), and Tracking Area Code (TAC).

[0004] This method of establishing data paths based on network distribution information makes it difficult to determine suitable UPF network elements for the UE, and thus makes it difficult to establish stable and reliable data paths. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a method, apparatus, and storage medium for determining network elements, which improves the problem of difficulty in effectively establishing stable and reliable data paths.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] Firstly, a network element determination method is provided, applied to SMF network elements, including: obtaining a target DNN and multiple candidate UPF network elements; the target DNN is used to identify the DN corresponding to the data path requested by the UE; the candidate UPF network elements are located within the network slice corresponding to the target DNN and support the area where the UE is located; the candidate UPF network elements among the multiple candidate UPF network elements whose network state parameters corresponding to the target DNN meet preset conditions are determined as the target UPF network element corresponding to the data path.

[0008] Optionally, the network state parameters include priority parameters and weight parameters; the priority parameters include low priority for indicating that the DN corresponding to the DNN is in an unreachable state, or high priority for indicating that the DN corresponding to the DNN is in a reachable state; the weight parameters are proportional to the network quality of the data exit corresponding to the DNN; the preset conditions include the weight parameters corresponding to the target DNN in candidate UPF network elements with high priority parameters and weight parameters greater than or equal to other high priority parameters; the method for determining candidate UPF network elements whose network state parameters corresponding to the target DNN meet the preset conditions as the target UPF network elements corresponding to the data path specifically includes: determining the subset corresponding to the candidate UPF network elements in the preset parameter set as candidate subsets, obtaining multiple candidate subsets; the preset parameter set includes multiple subsets corresponding one-to-one with multiple UPF network elements; the subsets include multiple network state parameters corresponding one-to-one with multiple DNNs; determining the network state parameters corresponding to the target DNN in each candidate subset as candidate network state parameters, obtaining multiple candidate network state parameters; and determining the candidate UPF network elements corresponding to the candidate network state parameters that meet the preset conditions as the target UPF network elements.

[0009] Optionally, the network element determination method further includes: receiving a parameter update request sent by a UPF network element; the parameter update request is used to request the update of priority parameters or weight parameters included in the network state parameters of the first DNN; the first DNN is any one of multiple DNNs; in response to the parameter update request, updating the network state parameters of the first DNN in the subset corresponding to the UPF network element.

[0010] Optionally, the method for obtaining the target DNN and multiple candidate UPF network elements specifically includes: receiving a session establishment instruction; the session establishment instruction includes the target DNN, network slice information, and network area information; parsing the session establishment instruction to obtain the target DNN, and determining the UPF network elements that satisfy the network slice information and network area information as candidate UPF network elements, thereby obtaining multiple candidate UPF network elements.

[0011] Secondly, a network element determination method is provided, applied to a UPF network element, comprising: determining network state parameters corresponding to a first DNN; the matching result of the network state parameters and preset conditions is used to indicate whether the UPF network element is allowed to carry the data path corresponding to the first DNN; and sending a parameter update request carrying the network state parameters to the SMF network element.

[0012] Optionally, the network status parameters include priority parameters; the priority parameters include low priority for indicating that the DN corresponding to the first DNN is in an unreachable state, or high priority for indicating that the DN corresponding to the first DNN is in a reachable state; the preset condition includes that the priority parameter is high priority; the method for determining the network status parameters corresponding to the first DNN specifically includes: determining the network reachability of the DN corresponding to the first DNN in the current period and the previous period; if the network reachability in the current period is unreachable and the network reachability in the previous period is reachable, determining the priority parameter as low priority and sending an alarm message indicating that the DN corresponding to the first DNN is in an unreachable state; if the network reachability in the current period is reachable and the network reachability in the previous period is unreachable, determining the priority parameter as high priority.

[0013] Optionally, the network state parameters also include weight parameters; the weight parameters are proportional to the network quality of the data egress corresponding to the first DNN; the preset conditions also include that the weight parameters are greater than or equal to the weight parameters of the first DNN among candidate UPF network elements with high priority parameters; if the network reachability is reachable in the current period, the method further includes: determining the network performance indicators of the data egress corresponding to the first DNN in the current period and the previous period; the network performance indicators include at least one of bandwidth utilization, latency, and packet loss rate; if the network performance indicators in the current period are greater than a preset indicator threshold, and the network performance indicators in the previous period are less than or equal to the preset indicator threshold, the weight parameters are determined to a first preset value, and the first operation is performed;

[0014] The first operation includes: monitoring the network performance indicators of the first DNN; as the network performance indicators of the first DNN increase, adjusting the weight parameter according to a first preset rule until the weight parameter is less than or equal to a preset weight threshold, and then sending an alarm message related to the network quality of the data outlet corresponding to the first DNN; the first preset rule includes: when the weight parameter is greater than a preset parameter value, adjusting the weight parameter to a preset value whenever the network performance indicators of the first DNN increase by a preset value; when the weight parameter is less than or equal to a preset parameter value, adjusting the weight parameter to a preset percentage whenever the network performance indicators of the first DNN increase by a preset value; or, as the network performance indicators of the first DNN decrease, adjusting the weight parameter to a second preset rule until the weight parameter is equal to a second preset value; the second preset rule includes: adjusting the weight parameter to a preset value whenever the network performance indicators of the first DNN decrease by a preset value; the second preset value is greater than the first preset value.

[0015] Thirdly, a network element determination device is provided, applied to an SMF network element, comprising: an acquisition unit and a determination unit;

[0016] The acquisition unit is used to acquire the target DNN and multiple candidate UPF network elements; the target DNN is used to identify the DN corresponding to the data path requested by the UE; the candidate UPF network elements are located within the network slice corresponding to the target DNN and support the area where the UE is located.

[0017] The determining unit is used to determine the candidate UPF network elements whose network state parameters corresponding to the target DNN meet the preset conditions from among multiple candidate UPF network elements as the target UPF network elements corresponding to the data path.

[0018] Optionally, the network state parameters include priority parameters and weight parameters; the priority parameters include low priority for indicating that the DN corresponding to the DNN is in an unreachable state, or high priority for indicating that the DN corresponding to the DNN is in a reachable state; the weight parameters are proportional to the network quality of the data output corresponding to the DNN; the preset conditions include the weight parameters corresponding to the target DNN among the candidate UPF network elements whose priority parameters are high priority and whose weight parameters are greater than or equal to other high priority parameters; the determining unit is specifically used for: determining the subsets corresponding to the candidate UPF network elements in the preset parameter set as candidate subsets, obtaining multiple candidate subsets; the preset parameter set includes multiple subsets corresponding one-to-one with multiple UPF network elements; the subsets include multiple network state parameters corresponding one-to-one with multiple DNNs; determining the network state parameters corresponding to the target DNN in each candidate subset as candidate network state parameters, obtaining multiple candidate network state parameters; and determining the candidate UPF network elements corresponding to the candidate network state parameters that meet the preset conditions as target UPF network elements.

[0019] Optionally, the network element determination device further includes: a receiving unit and an updating unit.

[0020] The receiving unit is used to receive parameter update requests sent by the UPF network element; the parameter update request is used to request updates to the priority parameters or weight parameters included in the network state parameters of the first DNN; the first DNN is any one of multiple DNNs;

[0021] The update unit is used to update the network state parameters of the first DNN in the subset corresponding to the UPF network element in response to the parameter update request.

[0022] Optionally, the acquisition unit is specifically used for:

[0023] Receive session establishment instruction; the session establishment instruction includes the target DNN, network slice information, and network region information;

[0024] The target DNN is obtained by parsing the session establishment instruction, and the UPF network elements that meet the network slice information and network region information are identified as candidate UPF network elements, resulting in multiple candidate UPF network elements.

[0025] Fourthly, a network element determination device is provided, applied to a UPF network element, comprising: a determination unit and a transmission unit;

[0026] The determining unit is used to determine the network state parameters corresponding to the first DNN; the matching result of the network state parameters and the preset conditions is used to indicate whether the UPF network element is allowed to carry the data path corresponding to the first DNN.

[0027] The sending unit is used to send parameter update requests carrying network status parameters to SMF network elements.

[0028] Optionally, the network state parameters include priority parameters; the priority parameters include low priority for indicating that the DN corresponding to the first DNN is in an unreachable state, or high priority for indicating that the DN corresponding to the first DNN is in a reachable state; the preset condition includes that the priority parameter is high priority; the determining unit is specifically used for:

[0029] Determine the network reachability of the DN corresponding to the first DNN in the current period and the previous period;

[0030] If the network reachability is unreachable in the current period and the network reachability is reachable in the previous period, the priority parameter is set to low priority, and an alarm message is sent to indicate that the DN corresponding to the first DNN is unreachable.

[0031] If the network reachability is reachable in the current period and unreachable in the previous period, the priority parameter is set to high priority.

[0032] Optionally, the network state parameters also include weight parameters; the weight parameters are proportional to the network quality of the data output corresponding to the first DNN; the preset conditions also include that the weight parameters are greater than or equal to the weight parameters of the first DNN in the candidate UPF network elements with high priority parameters;

[0033] The determining unit is also used to determine the network performance indicators of the data egress corresponding to the first DNN in the current period and the previous period; the network performance indicators include at least one of bandwidth utilization, latency and packet loss rate;

[0034] The determining unit is further configured to determine the weight parameter as a first preset value and perform a first operation when the network performance index of the current period is greater than the preset index threshold and the network performance index of the previous period is less than or equal to the preset index threshold.

[0035] The first operation includes: monitoring the network performance metrics of the first DNN;

[0036] As the network performance metrics of the first DNN increase, the weight parameters are lowered according to a first preset rule until the weight parameters are less than or equal to a preset weight threshold. At this point, an alarm message related to the network quality of the data outlet corresponding to the first DNN is sent. The first preset rule includes: when the weight parameters are greater than a preset parameter value, the weight parameters are lowered by a preset parameter value whenever the network performance metrics of the first DNN increase by a preset value; when the weight parameters are less than or equal to a preset parameter value, the weight parameters are lowered by a preset percentage whenever the network performance metrics of the first DNN increase by a preset value.

[0037] Alternatively, as the network performance index of the first DNN decreases, the weight parameters are increased according to the second preset rule until the weight parameters are equal to the second preset value; the second preset rule includes increasing the weight parameters by a preset value whenever the network performance index of the first DNN decreases by a preset index value; the second preset value is greater than the first preset value.

[0038] Fifthly, a network element determination apparatus is provided, including a memory and a processor; the memory is used to store computer-executed instructions, and the processor is connected to the memory via a bus; when the network element determination apparatus is running, the processor executes the computer-executed instructions stored in the memory, so that the network element determination apparatus performs a network element determination method as selected in either the first or second aspect.

[0039] The network element determination device can be a network device or a part of a network device, such as a chip system within the network device. The chip system supports the network device in implementing the functions involved in the first aspect and any of its possible implementations, such as receiving, determining, and distributing the data and / or information involved in the aforementioned network element determination method. The chip system includes a chip, but may also include other discrete devices or circuit structures.

[0040] A sixth aspect provides a computer-readable storage medium including computer-executable instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform a network element determination method as selected in either the first or second aspect.

[0041] It should be noted that the aforementioned computer instructions may be stored, in whole or in part, on the first computer-readable storage medium. The first computer-readable storage medium may be packaged together with the processor of the network element determining device, or it may be packaged separately from the processor of the network element determining device; this application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0042] In this application, the name of the aforementioned network element determination device does not limit the device or functional module itself. In actual implementation, these devices or functional modules may appear under other names. As long as the function of each device or functional module is similar to that of this application, it falls within the scope of the claims of this application and its equivalents.

[0043] These or other aspects of this application will become more readily apparent in the following description.

[0044] The technical solution provided in this application brings at least the following beneficial effects:

[0045] Based on any of the above aspects, in this application, after acquiring the target DNN and multiple candidate UPF network elements, the SMF network element can determine the candidate UPF network elements whose network state parameters corresponding to the target DNN meet preset conditions as the target UPF network element corresponding to the data path, so as to establish a data path between the UE and the DN identified by the target DNN. Based on this, this application can support the SMF network element in determining the target UPF network element through the network state of each candidate UPF network element.

[0046] Since the network state parameters corresponding to the target DNN in the target UPF network element meet the preset conditions, meaning the target UPF network element can effectively support data routing and forwarding related to the DN identified by the target DNN, this application can, through the target UPF network element, support the establishment of a stable and reliable data path between the UE and the DN identified by the target DNN, thereby improving the QoS requirements of data transmission between the UE and the DN identified by the target DNN. Therefore, this application can be used to improve the problem of difficulty in effectively establishing a stable and reliable data path. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a network architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a network element determination system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the hardware structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a method for determining network elements provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating another method for determining network elements provided in this application embodiment;

[0052] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating another method for determining network elements provided in this application embodiment;

[0053] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating another method for determining network elements provided in this application embodiment;

[0054] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating another method for determining network elements provided in this application embodiment;

[0055] Figure 9 A schematic diagram illustrating a network element determination process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network element determination device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of another network element determination device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0058] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0059] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of the words "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0060] To facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish the same or similar items with essentially the same function and effect. Those skilled in the art can understand that the terms "first" and "second" are not intended to limit the quantity or execution order.

[0061] Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having" in the embodiments, claims, and drawings of this application are not exclusive. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or modules is not limited to the listed steps or modules, but may also include steps or modules not listed.

[0062] To facilitate understanding of this application, the relevant elements involved in this application are described below.

[0063] Currently, 5G, with its superior characteristics of high bandwidth, low latency, wide connectivity, and high security, has been integrated into various industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, education, and transportation, playing an enabling role. Furthermore, with the deep application of 5G in many new application scenarios such as high-definition live streaming, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, and industrial control, data transmission in these scenarios has placed higher end-to-end QoS requirements on 5G, leading to further development of 5G in various aspects. Examples include enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) services, ultra-reliable and low-latency communication (URLLC) services, and massive machine-type communication (mMTC) services.

[0064] eMBB services require high speed and dynamic bandwidth allocation, enabling high-speed uploading or downloading of gigabyte (GB) video content and dynamically allocating bandwidth for services such as ultra-high-definition video, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR).

[0065] URLLC services require high reliability, high availability, and low latency. They can support the reliable operation of mission-critical businesses such as automated factories and remote surgery, and meet the low latency requirements of latency-critical businesses such as autonomous driving and remotely controlled drones.

[0066] mMTC services require a significant increase in network capacity and connection density, which can provide connections for billions of devices for Internet of Things (IoT) services such as smart cities, with a density of millions of devices per square kilometer.

[0067] It is evident that in the process of transmitting service data, 5G networks need to ensure greater bandwidth, shorter latency, and more flexible and reliable control, requiring a more rational establishment of data paths for transmitting service data.

[0068] like Figure 1 The diagram shown is an architecture diagram for establishing a data path in a 5G network.

[0069] The user equipment (UE) initiates a session establishment procedure with the access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, carrying information such as the data network namespace (DNN), to establish a data path from the UE to the external data network (DN). During this process, the AMF network element selects an SMF network element based on single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI), DNN information, and tracking area code (TAC) information, and then forwards the session establishment request.

[0070] Based on S-NSSAI, DNN information, and TAC information, the SMF network element selects a User Plane Function (UPF) network element and notifies the selected UPF network element and the radio side to establish a data path from the UE to the UPF network element. Specifically, the DNN can be used to identify external DNs, and the UPF network element can serve as a user plane data anchor point, transmitting user data streams to different external DNs according to the DNN. In other words, within the UPF network element, different DNNs are bound to different external data exits such as virtual local area networks (VLANs), virtual private networks (VPNs), and leased lines, thereby enabling data streams from different DNNs to enter different data exits and reach different data networks.

[0071] In this data path establishment method that selects UPF network elements based on S-NSSAI, DNN information, and TAC information, it is easy for multiple UEs to select the same UPF network element, which can lead to high load and network congestion in the selected UPF network element, resulting in a reduction in network quality.

[0072] Furthermore, for the selected UPF network element, its external data egress corresponding to the DNN carried by the UE may suffer from high load, high packet loss, long latency, low available bandwidth, or even congestion or unreachability of the external DN. These DNN-level issues are not perceptible to the SMF network element during session establishment. The SMF network element is also unable to make effective adjustments, and will still select the UPF network element and establish a data path according to the established procedure, further exacerbating the performance degradation of the external data egress on the UPF network element, leading to reduced network quality, congested available bandwidth, or even inability to access the external DN, severely reducing the user's service experience.

[0073] It is evident that this method of establishing data paths based on network distribution information makes it difficult to determine suitable UPF network elements for the UE, and thus makes it difficult to establish stable and reliable data paths.

[0074] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a network element determination method. In this application, after acquiring a target DNN and multiple candidate UPF network elements, the SMF network element can determine the candidate UPF network elements whose network state parameters corresponding to the target DNN meet preset conditions as the target UPF network element corresponding to the data path, thereby establishing a data path between the UE and the DN identified by the target DNN. Based on this, this application can support the SMF network element in determining the target UPF network element through the network state of each candidate UPF network element.

[0075] Since the network state parameters corresponding to the target DNN in the target UPF network element meet the preset conditions, meaning the target UPF network element can effectively support data routing and forwarding related to the DN identified by the target DNN, this application can, through the target UPF network element, support the establishment of a stable and reliable data path between the UE and the DN identified by the target DNN, thereby improving the QoS requirements of data transmission between the UE and the DN identified by the target DNN. Therefore, this application can be used to improve the problem of difficulty in effectively establishing a stable and reliable data path.

[0076] This network element determination method is applicable to network element determination systems. Figure 2 One structure of the network element determination system 100 is shown. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the network element determination system 100 may include: SMF network element 101, multiple UPF network elements 102 and UE 103.

[0077] Specifically, SMF network element 101 can establish a communication connection with UPF network element 102 via a wired or wireless network. SMF network element 101 can also establish a communication connection with UE 103 via a wired or wireless network. For example, SMF network element 101 can establish a communication connection with UE 103 via AMF network element. UPF network element 102 can establish a communication connection with UE 103 via a wired or wireless network.

[0078] In practical applications, SMF network element 101 can communicate with one or more UEs 103.

[0079] For ease of understanding, this application uses the communication connection between SMF network element 101 and a UE 103 as an example for illustration.

[0080] Optional, Figure 2The SMF network element 101 and UPF network element 102 can be independently configured devices or functional modules integrated within the same device. This application embodiment does not impose such limitations.

[0081] It is easy to understand that when SMF network element 101 and UPF network element 102 are functional modules integrated within the same device, the communication method between SMF network element 101 and UPF network element 102 is the same as the communication between modules within the device. In this case, the communication process between the two is the same as the communication process between SMF network element 101 and UPF network element 102 when they are set up independently.

[0082] For ease of understanding, this application mainly uses the example of SMF network element 101 and UPF network element 102 being configured independently of each other.

[0083] Figure 2 The SMF network element 101 can have session management functions to provide tunnel maintenance services, Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation and management services, policy enforcement services, and QoS control, billing data collection and roaming services.

[0084] Figure 2 The UPF network element 102 in the middle can have user plane functions, which can be used to realize functions such as data routing and forwarding, data and service identification, action and policy execution.

[0085] Optionally, SMF network element 101 and UPF network element 102 can be servers. The server can be a single server, or a server cluster consisting of multiple servers. In some embodiments, the server cluster can also be a distributed cluster. Figure 2 This is an example of one device configuration of SMF network element 101 and UPF network element 102 provided in the embodiments of this application, and does not constitute a limitation on the specific device configuration of SMF network element 101 and UPF network element 102.

[0086] In one possible way, Figure 2 UE103 in the system can be used to provide network access services to users, etc.

[0087] Optionally, Figure 2UE103 can be a device providing voice and / or data connectivity to a user, a handheld device with wireless connectivity, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem. UE103 can communicate with one or more core networks via a radio access network (RAN). UE103 can be a mobile terminal, such as a computer with a mobile terminal, or a portable, pocket-sized, handheld, or computer-embedded mobile device that exchanges voice and / or data with the radio access network. Examples include mobile phones, tablets, laptops, netbooks, and personal digital assistants (PDAs). Figure 2 This is an example of one device form of UE103 provided in the embodiments of this application, and does not constitute a limitation on the specific device form of UE103.

[0088] like Figure 3 The diagram shown is a hardware structure schematic of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application. The electronic device can be an SMF network element 101 or a UPF network element 102. The electronic device may include a processor 21, a memory 22, a communication interface 23, and a bus 24. The processor 21, memory 22, and communication interface 23 can be connected via the bus 24.

[0089] Processor 21 is the control center of the electronic device. It can be a single processor or a collective term for multiple processing elements. For example, processor 21 can be a CPU or other general-purpose processors. Among them, general-purpose processors can be microprocessors or any conventional processors.

[0090] As one embodiment, processor 21 may include one or more CPUs, for example Figure 3 CPU0 and CPU1 are shown in the diagram.

[0091] The memory 22 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions, or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto.

[0092] In one possible implementation, the memory 22 can exist independently of the processor 21. The memory 22 can be connected to the processor 21 via a bus 24 and is used to store instructions or program code. When the processor 21 calls and executes the instructions or program code stored in the memory 22, it can implement the network element determination method provided in the following embodiments of this application.

[0093] In another possible implementation, the memory 22 can also be integrated with the processor 21.

[0094] Communication interface 23 is used for connecting electronic devices to other devices via a communication network, which may be Ethernet, wireless access network, wireless local area network (WLAN), etc. Communication interface 23 may include a receiving unit for receiving data and a transmitting unit for sending data.

[0095] Bus 24 can be an industry standard architecture (ISA) bus, a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus, or an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, etc. This bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 3 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0096] It should be pointed out that, Figure 3 The structures shown do not constitute a limitation on electronic devices, except... Figure 3 In addition to the components shown, electronic devices may include more or fewer components than illustrated, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0097] like Figure 4 The diagram shown is a flowchart illustrating a network element determination method provided in an embodiment of this application. This network element determination method can be applied to... Figure 2 The network element determination system 100 shown includes SMF network element 101. The network element determination method includes: S401-S402.

[0098] S401, SMF network element acquires target DNN and multiple candidate UPF network elements.

[0099] The target DNN can be used to identify the DN corresponding to the data path requested by the UE. After establishing a data path with the DN, the UE can obtain multimedia data such as audio, images, and text from the DN to meet service requirements.

[0100] Candidate UPF network elements can be UPF network elements located within the network slice corresponding to the target DNN and supporting the area where the serving UE is located.

[0101] In one possible approach, network slicing is a virtual end-to-end network separated by the operator on a unified infrastructure, which can be used to adapt to a variety of application types.

[0102] In one possible approach, different UPF network elements can be deployed in different areas. UPF network elements can be used to provide services such as data transmission to UEs located within their deployment areas.

[0103] In one possible approach, when a data path needs to be established with the DN identified by the target DNN, the UE can send a session establishment request carrying the target DNN to the AMF network element. In response to the session establishment request sent by the UE, the AMF network element can, after selecting the SMF network element, send a session establishment instruction carrying the target DNN, network slice information, and network area information to the SMF network element. Correspondingly, the SMF network element can receive the session establishment instruction sent by the AMF network element, parse the instruction to obtain the target DNN, network slice information, and network area information, and further select multiple candidate UPF network elements based on the parsed information.

[0104] S402, the SMF network element determines the candidate UPF network element whose network state parameters corresponding to the target DNN meet the preset conditions among multiple candidate UPF network elements as the target UPF network element corresponding to the data path.

[0105] In one possible approach, a UPF network element can have multiple data exits. These multiple data exits can correspond one-to-one with multiple Data Network Names (DNNs). The UPF network element can use the data exits corresponding to the DNNs to achieve data routing and forwarding related to the DNs identified by the DNNs.

[0106] At the single UPF network element granularity, that is, for each UPF network element, multiple DNNs can correspond one-to-one with multiple network state parameters. Network state parameters can be used to represent the network state related to the DN identified by the DNN corresponding to the network state parameter. The network state can be whether the network is reachable or unreachable, or it can be the level of network performance (such as bandwidth utilization, latency, and packet loss rate).

[0107] In one possible approach, the network state parameters may include priority parameters and weight parameters. The priority parameters may include low priority indicating that the DN corresponding to the DNN is in an unreachable state, or high priority indicating that the DN corresponding to the DNN is in a reachable state. That is, the priority parameters can be either low priority indicating that the DN corresponding to the DNN is in an unreachable state, or high priority indicating that the DN corresponding to the DNN is in a reachable state.

[0108] The weight parameters are directly proportional to the network quality of the data output corresponding to the DNN. That is, the higher the network quality of the data output corresponding to the DNN, the larger the weight parameters. Lower bandwidth utilization, lower latency, and lower packet loss rate at the data output corresponding to the DNN indicate higher network quality.

[0109] In one possible approach, the preset conditions may include the weight parameters of the target DNN in candidate UPF network elements with high priority parameters and weight parameters that are greater than or equal to other candidate UPF network elements with high priority parameters. This can be used to filter candidate UPF network elements with better network status among multiple candidate UPF network elements.

[0110] In one possible approach, after acquiring the target DNN and multiple candidate UPF network elements, the SMF network element can identify the candidate UPF network elements whose network state parameters corresponding to the target DNN meet preset conditions as the target UPF network element corresponding to the data path, so as to establish a stable and reliable data path between the UE and the DN identified by the target DNN.

[0111] Specifically, after matching multiple candidate UPF network elements with preset conditions, the SMF network element can obtain matching results corresponding one-to-one with each candidate UPF network element. A matching result can be used to indicate whether the candidate UPF network element corresponding to that matching result is allowed to carry the data path corresponding to the target DNN. The SMF network element can determine the candidate UPF network element as the target UPF network element if the matching result indicates that it is allowed to carry the data path corresponding to the target DNN, that is, if the network state parameters meet the preset conditions.

[0112] In one possible approach, after the SMF network element identifies the target UPF network element, it can send notification messages to both the target UPF network element and the radio-side equipment to establish a data path between the UE and the DN identified by the target DNN. The radio-side equipment is the radio access network equipment (such as a base station).

[0113] In one embodiment, combined with Figure 4In S402 above, when the SMF network element determines the candidate UPF network element whose network state parameters corresponding to the target DNN meet the preset conditions from among multiple candidate UPF network elements as the target UPF network element corresponding to the data path, such as Figure 5 As shown, this application embodiment provides an optional implementation method, including: S501-S503.

[0114] S501 and SMF network elements determine the subsets corresponding to candidate UPF network elements in the preset parameter set as candidate subsets, thus obtaining multiple candidate subsets.

[0115] In one possible approach, the SMF network element can be configured with a storage module. The storage module can pre-configure a preset parameter set. This preset parameter set can include multiple subsets corresponding to multiple UPF network elements. Each subset can include multiple network state parameters corresponding to multiple DNNs. That is, the subset corresponding to a single UPF network element can include multiple network state parameters on that UPF network element that correspond to multiple DNNs.

[0116] Optionally, the initial configuration can be within a preset parameter set in the storage module, where the network state parameters corresponding to multiple DNNs in the subset corresponding to each UPF network element can be the same. That is, the priority parameters and weight parameters corresponding to each DNN on each UPF network element can be the same during the initial configuration. For example, the priority parameter corresponding to each DNN on each UPF network element can be high priority during the initial configuration, and the weight parameter corresponding to each DNN on each UPF network element can be 1 or 0.8, etc.

[0117] In one possible approach, the SMF network element can match multiple candidate UPF network elements within a preset parameter set, and determine the subset of the preset parameter set that corresponds to the candidate UPF network element as a candidate subset, thus obtaining multiple candidate subsets.

[0118] S502 and SMF network elements determine the network state parameters corresponding to the target DNN in each candidate subset as candidate network state parameters, thus obtaining multiple candidate network state parameters.

[0119] In one possible approach, the SMF network element can match the target DNN within each candidate subset and determine the network state parameters corresponding to the target DNN in each candidate subset as candidate network state parameters, thus obtaining multiple candidate network state parameters.

[0120] Among them, multiple candidate network state parameters correspond one-to-one with multiple candidate UPF network elements.

[0121] S503 and SMF network elements will identify the candidate UPF network elements corresponding to the candidate network state parameters that meet the preset conditions as the target UPF network elements.

[0122] In one possible approach, after obtaining multiple candidate network state parameters, the SMF network element can determine the weight parameters corresponding to the target DNN in the candidate UPF network element with high priority parameters and weight parameters greater than or equal to other high priority parameters as candidate network state parameters that meet preset conditions, and then determine the candidate UPF network element corresponding to the candidate network state parameter that meets the preset conditions as the target UPF network element.

[0123] In one embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, the network element determination method provided in this application embodiment further includes: S601-S602.

[0124] S601, the SMF network element receives the parameter update request sent by the UPF network element.

[0125] The parameter update request can be used to request updates to the priority or weight parameters included in the network state parameters of the first DNN. The first DNN can be any one of multiple DNNs.

[0126] In one possible approach, the UPF network element can determine the network performance indicators of each configured data egress point in real time or periodically, as well as the network reachability between each configured data egress point and the external DN.

[0127] If the network performance indicators of the data exit corresponding to the first DNN change, or the network reachability between the data exit and the external DN changes, it can indicate that the network status of the data exit corresponding to the first DNN has changed from being unsuitable to carry a data path to being suitable to carry a data path, or it can indicate that the network status of the data exit corresponding to the first DNN has changed from being suitable to carry a data path to being unsuitable to carry a data path.

[0128] In this scenario, the UPF network element can adjust the weight parameters of the data exit corresponding to the first DNN, or adjust the priority parameters of the data exit corresponding to the first DNN to low or high priority, thereby updating the network state parameters of the data exit corresponding to the first DNN, and sending a parameter update request carrying the updated network state parameters to the SMF network element. Correspondingly, the SMF network element can receive the parameter update request sent by the UPF network element.

[0129] Based on this, SMF network elements can dynamically sense the network status of the data exits corresponding to each DNN in UPF network elements, thereby reasonably determining the target UPF network elements used to carry the data path.

[0130] S602, the SMF network element responds to the parameter update request by updating the network state parameters of the first DNN in the subset corresponding to the UPF network element.

[0131] In one possible approach, after receiving the parameter update request sent by the UPF network element, the SMF network element can parse the parameter update request to obtain the updated network state parameters corresponding to the first DNN, that is, the updated priority parameters or weight parameters corresponding to the first DNN.

[0132] In response to a parameter update request, an SMF network element can update the priority parameters or weight parameters included in the network state parameters of the first DNN in the subset corresponding to the UPF network element to the priority parameters or weight parameters corresponding to the first DNN included in the parameter update request.

[0133] Based on this, this application can monitor the network performance and reachability of the external data exit corresponding to each DNN through each UPF network element, and update the priority parameters and weight parameters of each DNN on each UPF network element configured in the SMF network element in real time, so as to realize that the SMF network element can perceive the network status of the external data exit corresponding to each DNN on each UPF network element, so as to further enable the SMF network element to reasonably determine the target UPF network element for establishing a data path for the UE.

[0134] Therefore, this application can support the construction of a stable and reliable end-to-end data path, ensure the stability and reliability of data transmission, improve the QoS of 5G networks, and help build a secure, agile and intelligent 5G network.

[0135] In one embodiment, when the SMF network element acquires the target DNN and multiple candidate UPF network elements, such as Figure 7 As shown, this application embodiment provides an optional implementation method, including: S701-S702.

[0136] S701, SMF network element receive session establishment instruction.

[0137] The session establishment instruction may include the target DNN, network slice information, and network region information.

[0138] Network slice information can be S-NSSAI. Network area information can include TAC information and cell identifiers, etc.

[0139] In one possible approach, the UE can send a session establishment request carrying the target DNN to the AMF network element when it needs to establish a data path with the DN corresponding to the target DNN. The session establishment request may also include network slice information and network area information corresponding to the area where the UE is located.

[0140] In response to a session establishment request sent by the UE, the AMF network element can select the corresponding SMF network element based on the target DNN, network slice information and network area information, and after selecting the SMF network element, send a session establishment instruction carrying the target DNN, network slice information and network area information to the selected SMF network element.

[0141] Correspondingly, the SMF network element can receive the session establishment instruction from the AMF network element and parse the session establishment instruction to obtain information including the target DNN, network slice information, and network area information.

[0142] S702, the SMF network element parsing session establishment instruction obtains the target DNN, and the UPF network elements that satisfy the network slice information and network area information are identified as candidate UPF network elements, resulting in multiple candidate UPF network elements.

[0143] In this embodiment, after acquiring the target DNN and multiple candidate UPF network elements, the SMF network element can determine the candidate UPF network elements whose network state parameters corresponding to the target DNN meet preset conditions as the target UPF network element corresponding to the data path, thereby establishing a data path between the UE and the DN identified by the target DNN. Based on this, this application can support the SMF network element in determining the target UPF network element through the network state of each candidate UPF network element.

[0144] Since the network state parameters corresponding to the target DNN in the target UPF network element meet the preset conditions, meaning the target UPF network element can effectively support data routing and forwarding related to the DN identified by the target DNN, this application can, through the target UPF network element, support the establishment of a stable and reliable data path between the UE and the DN identified by the target DNN, thereby improving the QoS requirements of data transmission between the UE and the DN identified by the target DNN. Therefore, this application can be used to improve the problem of difficulty in effectively establishing a stable and reliable data path.

[0145] like Figure 8 The diagram shown is a flowchart illustrating a network element determination method provided in an embodiment of this application. This network element determination method can be applied to... Figure 2 The network element determination system 100 shown includes UPF network element 102. The network element determination method includes: S801-S802.

[0146] S801 and UPF network elements determine the network state parameters corresponding to the first DNN.

[0147] The matching result between the network state parameters and the preset conditions can be used to indicate whether the UPF network element is allowed to carry the data path corresponding to the first DNN.

[0148] In one possible approach, the UPF network element can determine the network performance indicators of each configured data egress point in real time or periodically, as well as the network reachability between each configured data egress point and the external DN.

[0149] If the network performance indicators of the data exit corresponding to the first DNN change, or the network reachability between the data exit and the external DN changes, it can indicate that the network status of the data exit corresponding to the first DNN has changed from being unsuitable to carry a data path to being suitable to carry a data path, or it can indicate that the network status of the data exit corresponding to the first DNN has changed from being suitable to carry a data path to being unsuitable to carry a data path.

[0150] In this case, the UPF network element can adjust the weight parameters of the data exit corresponding to the first DNN to lower or higher, or adjust the priority parameters of the data exit corresponding to the first DNN to low or high priority, thereby updating the network state parameters of the data exit corresponding to the first DNN.

[0151] In one possible approach, the network state parameters may include priority parameters. Priority parameters may include low priority indicating that the DN corresponding to the first DNN is in an unreachable state, or high priority indicating that the DN corresponding to the first DNN is in a reachable state. A preset condition may include setting the priority parameter to high priority.

[0152] In one possible approach, the network state parameters may also include weight parameters. The weight parameters may be proportional to the network quality of the data output corresponding to the first DNN. Preset conditions may also include that the weight parameters are greater than or equal to the weight parameters of the first DNN among candidate UPF network elements with high priority parameters.

[0153] S802, the UPF network element sends a parameter update request carrying network status parameters to the SMF network element.

[0154] In one possible approach, the UPF network element can send a parameter update request carrying the updated network state parameters of the data exit corresponding to the first DNN to the SMF network element when updating the network state parameters of the data exit corresponding to the first DNN, so that the SMF network element can be aware of the network state of the data exit corresponding to the first DNN.

[0155] Correspondingly, the SMF network element can receive the parameter update request sent by the UPF network element, and in response to the parameter update request, update the network state parameters of the first DNN in the subset corresponding to the UPF network element.

[0156] Based on this, this application can monitor the network performance and reachability of the external data exit corresponding to each DNN through each UPF network element, and update the priority parameters and weight parameters of each DNN on each UPF network element configured in the SMF network element in real time, so as to realize that the SMF network element can perceive the network status of the external data exit corresponding to each DNN on each UPF network element, so as to further enable the SMF network element to reasonably determine the target UPF network element for establishing a data path for the UE.

[0157] Therefore, this application can support the construction of a stable and reliable end-to-end data path, ensure the stability and reliability of data transmission, improve the QoS of 5G networks, and help build a secure, agile and intelligent 5G network.

[0158] In one embodiment, when the UPF network element determines the network state parameters corresponding to the first DNN in S801 above, this application embodiment provides an optional implementation method, including: S901-S903.

[0159] S901, UPF network element determines the network reachability of the DN corresponding to the first DNN in the current period and the previous period.

[0160] The previous period can be used to indicate the period preceding the current period.

[0161] In one possible approach, the UPF network element can periodically determine the network reachability of the DN corresponding to the first DNN according to a preset period. Furthermore, the UPF network element can be configured with a storage module. The storage module can be used to store the network reachability information of the DN corresponding to the first DNN in each period.

[0162] Based on this, the UPF network element can read the network reachability of the DN corresponding to the first DNN in the current period and the previous period from the configured storage module, so as to further determine whether the network reachability of the DN corresponding to the first DNN has changed.

[0163] Optionally, the preset period can be flexibly set by staff in the UPF network element based on their experience. For example, the preset period can be 10 seconds or 1 minute.

[0164] When the network reachability of the S902 and UPF network elements is unreachable in the current period and reachable in the previous period, the priority parameter is set to low priority, and an alarm message is sent to indicate that the DN corresponding to the first DNN is unreachable.

[0165] In one possible approach, if the network reachability of the DN corresponding to the first DNN is unreachable in the current period but reachable in the previous period, it indicates a change in the network reachability of the DN corresponding to the first DNN. It has changed from being able to carry the data path corresponding to the first DNN to being unable to do so. The SMF network element needs to promptly detect that it can no longer carry the data path corresponding to the first DNN to avoid service failures after the SMF network element chooses to carry the data path corresponding to the first DNN using the UPF network element. In this case, the UPF network element can set the priority parameter corresponding to the first DNN to low priority to obtain the updated network state parameters corresponding to the first DNN.

[0166] In one possible approach, if the network reachability of the current period is unreachable and the network reachability of the previous period is also unreachable, it can be indicated that the priority parameter corresponding to the first DNN is already of low priority and does not need to be updated.

[0167] In one possible approach, the UPF network element can also be pre-configured with an alarm address. The alarm address can be an IP address or a domain name, etc. The UPF network element can also send an alarm message to the alarm address indicating that the DN corresponding to the first DNN is unreachable when the network reachability is unreachable in the current period and the network reachability was reachable in the previous period, so that staff can handle the fault in a timely manner.

[0168] When the network reachability of the S903 and UPF network elements is in a reachable state in the current cycle and the network reachability of the previous cycle is in an unreachable state, the priority parameter is set to high priority.

[0169] In one possible approach, if the network reachability of the DN corresponding to the first DNN is reachable in the current period and unreachable in the previous period, it indicates a change in the network reachability of the DN corresponding to the first DNN. It has changed from being unable to carry the data path corresponding to the first DNN to being able to carry it. The SMF network element needs to promptly recognize that it can carry the data path corresponding to the first DNN to prevent other UPF network elements from experiencing overload. In this case, the UPF network element can set the priority parameter corresponding to the first DNN as high priority, thus obtaining the updated network state parameters corresponding to the first DNN.

[0170] In one possible approach, if the network reachability of the current period is reachable and the network reachability of the previous period is reachable, it can be indicated that the priority parameter corresponding to the first DNN is already of high priority and does not need to be updated.

[0171] In one embodiment, when the network reachability of the current period is in a reachable state, the network element determination method provided in this application embodiment further includes: S1001-S1002.

[0172] S1001, the UPF network element determines the network performance indicators of the data output corresponding to the first DNN in the current cycle and the previous cycle.

[0173] Network performance metrics may include at least one of bandwidth utilization, latency, and packet loss rate.

[0174] In one possible approach, if the network reachability is in a reachable state for the current period, it indicates that the data path corresponding to the first DNN can be carried. In this case, the network quality of the data exit corresponding to the first DNN can be determined to update the weight parameters corresponding to the first DNN.

[0175] In one possible approach, the UPF network element can periodically determine the network performance indicators of the data outlet corresponding to the first DNN according to a preset period, and store the network performance indicators of the data outlet corresponding to the first DNN in each period through a configured storage module.

[0176] Based on this, the UPF network element can read the network performance indicators of the data outlet corresponding to the first DNN in the current period and the previous period from the configured storage module, so as to further determine whether the network quality of the data outlet corresponding to the first DNN has changed.

[0177] S1002, when the network performance index of the current period is greater than the preset index threshold and the network performance index of the previous period is less than or equal to the preset index threshold, the UPF network element determines the weight parameter to the first preset value and performs the first operation.

[0178] The first operation may include: monitoring the network performance metrics of the first DNN. As the network performance metrics of the first DNN increase, the weight parameter is reduced according to a first preset rule until the weight parameter is less than or equal to a preset weight threshold, at which point an alarm message related to the network quality of the data exit corresponding to the first DNN is sent. The first preset rule may include: when the weight parameter is greater than a preset parameter value, the weight parameter is reduced by a preset parameter value whenever the network performance metrics of the first DNN increase by a preset metric value; when the weight parameter is less than or equal to a preset parameter value, the weight parameter is reduced by a preset percentage whenever the network performance metrics of the first DNN increase by a preset metric value.

[0179] Alternatively, as the network performance metric of the first DNN decreases, the weight parameters are increased according to a second preset rule until the weight parameters equal a second preset value. The second preset rule may include increasing the weight parameters by a preset value whenever the network performance metric of the first DNN decreases by a preset value. The second preset value may be greater than the first preset value.

[0180] In one possible approach, the preset indicator thresholds may include a first indicator threshold corresponding to bandwidth utilization, a second indicator threshold corresponding to latency, and a third indicator threshold corresponding to packet loss rate. The first, second, and third indicator thresholds may be different.

[0181] In one possible approach, the first preset value, preset parameter value, preset index value, and second preset value can be flexibly set by staff in the UPF network element based on experience. This application embodiment does not impose such limitations.

[0182] In one possible approach, during the execution of the first operation, the UPF network element can send a parameter update request to the SMF network element whenever the weight parameters are adjusted, so that the SMF network element can be aware of the changes in the network quality of the first DNN.

[0183] In one possible approach, the implementation method of the UPF network element sending alarm information related to the network quality of the data exit corresponding to the first DNN can be referred to in S902, which describes in detail the specific description of the UPF network element sending alarm information to indicate that the DN corresponding to the first DNN is in an unreachable state. It will not be repeated here.

[0184] In one embodiment, such as Figure 9 The diagram illustrates a network element determination process provided in an embodiment of this application. The SMF network element can be pre-configured with a preset parameter set. Based on this, after receiving a session establishment instruction from the AMF network element, the SMF network element can determine the target UPF network element according to the target DNN, network slice information, network area information, and the preset parameter set, in order to establish a data path.

[0185] UPF network elements can monitor the network performance metrics of the data egress points corresponding to the target DNN, as well as the network reachability of the DN corresponding to the target DNN.

[0186] If the DN corresponding to the target DNN is unreachable, the UPF network element can adjust the priority parameter of the target DNN in this UPF network element to low priority, notify the SMF network element, and send an alarm message. When the DN corresponding to the target DNN is reachable, it can be adjusted to high priority, thereby dynamically updating the preset parameter set configured in the SMF network element.

[0187] If the DN corresponding to the target DNN is reachable, the UPF network element can determine whether the bandwidth utilization is greater than the first indicator threshold, whether the latency is greater than the second indicator threshold, and whether the packet loss rate is greater than the third indicator threshold.

[0188] If the bandwidth utilization rate is greater than the first indicator threshold, the UPF network element can adjust the weight parameter to the first preset value. As the bandwidth utilization rate increases, the weight parameter is lowered according to the first preset rule, or as the bandwidth utilization rate decreases, the weight parameter is raised according to the second preset rule, until the weight parameter is equal to the second preset value.

[0189] If the latency is greater than the second indicator threshold, the UPF network element can adjust the weight parameter to the first preset value, and then lower the weight parameter according to the first preset rule as the latency increases, or raise the weight parameter according to the second preset rule as the latency decreases, until the weight parameter is equal to the second preset value.

[0190] If the packet loss rate is greater than the third indicator threshold, the UPF network element can adjust the weight parameter to the first preset value. As the packet loss rate increases, the weight parameter is lowered according to the first preset rule, or as the packet loss rate decreases, the weight parameter is raised according to the second preset rule, until the weight parameter is equal to the second preset value.

[0191] In one possible approach, if the weight parameter is less than or equal to a preset parameter value, the UPF network element can adjust the weight parameter according to a preset ratio and notify the SMF network element. When the weight parameter is less than or equal to a preset weight threshold, a warning message is sent, thereby dynamically updating the preset parameter set configured in the SMF network element.

[0192] The foregoing mainly describes the solutions provided by the embodiments of this application from a methodological perspective. To achieve the above functions, it includes corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules for executing each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, in conjunction with the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in the embodiments herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0193] This application embodiment can divide the control server into functional modules according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. Optionally, the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division; other division methods may be used in actual implementation.

[0194] like Figure 10 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a network element determination device provided in an embodiment of this application. This network element determination device can be applied to SMF network elements and can be used to perform tasks such as... Figures 4-7 The network element determination method shown is described. The network element determination device includes: an acquisition unit 1101 and a determination unit 1102.

[0195] Acquisition unit 1101 is used to acquire a target DNN and multiple candidate UPF network elements; the target DNN is used to identify the DN corresponding to the data path requested by the UE; the candidate UPF network elements are located within the network slice corresponding to the target DNN and support the area where the UE is located; for example, combined with Figure 4 The acquisition unit 1101 can be used to execute S401.

[0196] The determining unit 1102 is used to determine the candidate UPF network elements whose network state parameters corresponding to the target DNN meet preset conditions from among multiple candidate UPF network elements as the target UPF network elements corresponding to the data path. For example, combined with Figure 4 The determination unit 1102 can be used to execute S402.

[0197] Optionally, the network state parameters include priority parameters and weight parameters; the priority parameters include low priority for indicating that the DN corresponding to the DNN is in an unreachable state, or high priority for indicating that the DN corresponding to the DNN is in a reachable state; the weight parameters are proportional to the network quality of the data output corresponding to the DNN; the preset conditions include the weight parameters corresponding to the target DNN among candidate UPF network elements whose priority parameters are high and whose weight parameters are greater than or equal to other high priority parameters; the determining unit 1102 is specifically used for:

[0198] The subsets corresponding to candidate UPF network elements in the preset parameter set are determined as candidate subsets, resulting in multiple candidate subsets; the preset parameter set includes multiple subsets that correspond one-to-one with multiple UPF network elements; each subset includes multiple network state parameters that correspond one-to-one with multiple DNNs; for example, combining... Figure 5 The determination unit 1102 can be used to execute S501.

[0199] The network state parameters corresponding to the target DNN in each candidate subset are determined as candidate network state parameters, resulting in multiple candidate network state parameters; for example, combining... Figure 5 The determination unit 1102 can be used to execute S502.

[0200] Candidate UPF network elements corresponding to candidate network state parameters that meet preset conditions are identified as target UPF network elements. For example, combining... Figure 5 The determination unit 1102 can be used to execute S503.

[0201] Optionally, the network element determination device further includes a receiving unit 1103 and an updating unit 1104.

[0202] The receiving unit 1103 is configured to receive a parameter update request sent by a UPF network element; the parameter update request is used to request an update of the priority parameters or weight parameters included in the network state parameters of the first DNN; the first DNN is any one of multiple DNNs; for example, combined with Figure 6 The receiving unit 1103 can be used to execute S601.

[0203] Update unit 1104 is used to update the network state parameters of the first DNN in the subset corresponding to the UPF network element in response to a parameter update request. For example, combined with Figure 6 The update unit 1104 can be used to execute S602.

[0204] Optionally, the acquisition unit 1101 is specifically used for:

[0205] Receive a session establishment instruction; the session establishment instruction includes the target DNN, network slice information, and network region information; for example, combining... Figure 7 The acquisition unit 1101 can be used to execute S701.

[0206] The target DNN is obtained by parsing the session establishment instruction, and UPF network elements that satisfy the network slice information and network region information are identified as candidate UPF network elements, resulting in multiple candidate UPF network elements. For example, combining... Figure 7 The acquisition unit 1101 can be used to execute S702.

[0207] like Figure 11 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a network element determination device provided in an embodiment of this application. This network element determination device can be applied to UPF network elements and can be used to perform tasks such as... Figure 8 The network element determination method shown is described. The network element determination apparatus includes: a determination unit 1201 and a transmission unit 1202;

[0208] The determining unit 1201 is used to determine the network state parameters corresponding to the first DNN; the matching result of the network state parameters and preset conditions is used to indicate whether the UPF network element is allowed to carry the data path corresponding to the first DNN; for example, combined with Figure 8 The determination unit 1201 can be used to execute S801.

[0209] The sending unit 1202 is used to send a parameter update request carrying network status parameters to the SMF network element. For example, combined with... Figure 8 The sending unit 1202 can be used to execute S802.

[0210] Optionally, the network state parameters include priority parameters; the priority parameters include low priority for indicating that the DN corresponding to the first DNN is in an unreachable state, or high priority for indicating that the DN corresponding to the first DNN is in a reachable state; the preset condition includes the priority parameter being high priority; the determining unit 1201 is specifically used for:

[0211] Determine the network reachability of the DN corresponding to the first DNN in the current period and the previous period; for example, the determination unit 1201 can be used to perform S901.

[0212] If the network reachability is unreachable in the current period and the network reachability is reachable in the previous period, the priority parameter is set to low priority, and an alarm message is sent to indicate that the DN corresponding to the first DNN is unreachable; for example, the determination unit 1201 can be used to execute S902.

[0213] If the network reachability is reachable in the current cycle and unreachable in the previous cycle, the priority parameter is set to high priority. For example, determination unit 1201 can be used to execute S903.

[0214] Optionally, the network state parameters also include weight parameters; the weight parameters are proportional to the network quality of the data output corresponding to the first DNN; the preset conditions also include that the weight parameters are greater than or equal to the weight parameters of the first DNN in the candidate UPF network elements with high priority parameters;

[0215] The determining unit 1201 is also used to determine the network performance indicators of the data outlet corresponding to the first DNN in the current period and the previous period; the network performance indicators include at least one of bandwidth utilization, latency and packet loss rate; for example, the determining unit 1201 can be used to execute S1001.

[0216] The determining unit 1201 is further configured to determine the weight parameter as a first preset value and perform a first operation when the network performance index of the current period is greater than the preset index threshold and the network performance index of the previous period is less than or equal to the preset index threshold; for example, the determining unit 1201 can be used to execute S1002.

[0217] The first operation includes: monitoring the network performance metrics of the first DNN;

[0218] As the network performance metrics of the first DNN increase, the weight parameters are lowered according to a first preset rule until the weight parameters are less than or equal to a preset weight threshold. At this point, an alarm message related to the network quality of the data outlet corresponding to the first DNN is sent. The first preset rule includes: when the weight parameters are greater than a preset parameter value, the weight parameters are lowered by a preset parameter value whenever the network performance metrics of the first DNN increase by a preset value; when the weight parameters are less than or equal to a preset parameter value, the weight parameters are lowered by a preset percentage whenever the network performance metrics of the first DNN increase by a preset value.

[0219] Alternatively, as the network performance index of the first DNN decreases, the weight parameters are increased according to the second preset rule until the weight parameters are equal to the second preset value; the second preset rule includes increasing the weight parameters by a preset value whenever the network performance index of the first DNN decreases by a preset index value; the second preset value is greater than the first preset value.

[0220] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, in one or more of the examples above, the functions described in this application can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, these functions can be stored in a computer-readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer-readable storage media and communication media, wherein communication media include any medium that facilitates the transmission of a computer program from one place to another. Storage media can be any available medium accessible to a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0221] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, only the division of the above functional modules is used as an example. In actual applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0222] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of modules or units is only a logical functional division, and other division methods may exist in actual implementation. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another device, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the shown or discussed mutual couplings, direct couplings, or communication connections may be through some interfaces; indirect couplings or communication connections between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms. Units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate; components shown as units may be one physical unit or multiple physical units, i.e., they may be located in one place or distributed in multiple different places. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0223] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for determining network elements, characterized in that, SMF network elements used for session management functions include: Obtain the target data network name (DNN) and multiple candidate user plane function (UPF) network elements; the target DNN is used to identify the data network DN corresponding to the data path requested by the user equipment (UE); the candidate UPF network elements are located within the network slice corresponding to the target DNN and support serving the area where the UE is located; Among the multiple candidate UPF network elements, those whose network state parameters corresponding to the target DNN meet preset conditions are determined as the target UPF network elements corresponding to the data path; the network state parameters include priority parameters and weight parameters; the priority parameters include low priority for indicating that the DN corresponding to the DNN is in an unreachable state, or high priority for indicating that the DN corresponding to the DNN is in a reachable state; the weight parameters are proportional to the network quality of the data exit corresponding to the DNN; the preset conditions include the weight parameters corresponding to the target DNN among the candidate UPF network elements whose priority parameters are high priority and whose weight parameters are greater than or equal to other candidate UPF network elements whose priority parameters are high priority. The step of determining the candidate UPF network elements whose network state parameters corresponding to the target DNN meet preset conditions from among the plurality of candidate UPF network elements as the target UPF network element corresponding to the data path includes: The subsets corresponding to the candidate UPF network elements in the preset parameter set are determined as candidate subsets, resulting in multiple candidate subsets; the preset parameter set includes multiple subsets that correspond one-to-one with multiple UPF network elements; the subsets include multiple network state parameters that correspond one-to-one with multiple DNNs; The network state parameters corresponding to the target DNN in each of the candidate subsets are determined as candidate network state parameters, thus obtaining multiple candidate network state parameters; Candidate UPF network elements corresponding to candidate network state parameters that meet the preset conditions are determined as the target UPF network elements; The method further includes: The system receives a parameter update request sent by the UPF network element; the parameter update request is used to request an update of the priority parameter or weight parameter included in the network state parameters of the first DNN; the first DNN is any one of the plurality of DNNs. In response to the parameter update request, the network state parameters of the first DNN in the subset corresponding to the UPF network element are updated.

2. The network element determination method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The acquisition of the target DNN and multiple candidate UPF network elements includes: Receive a session establishment instruction; the session establishment instruction includes the target DNN, network slice information, and network region information; The target DNN is obtained by parsing the session establishment instruction, and the UPF network elements that satisfy the network slice information and the network region information are determined as the candidate UPF network elements, thus obtaining the plurality of candidate UPF network elements.

3. A method for determining network elements, characterized in that, Applied to UPF network elements, including: Determine the network state parameters corresponding to the first DNN; the matching result of the network state parameters and the preset conditions is used to indicate whether the UPF network element is allowed to carry the data path corresponding to the first DNN; Send a parameter update request carrying the network status parameters to the SMF network element; The network state parameters include priority parameters; the priority parameters include low priority indicating that the DN corresponding to the first DNN is in an unreachable state, or high priority indicating that the DN corresponding to the first DNN is in a reachable state; the preset condition includes the priority parameter being the high priority; determining the network state parameters corresponding to the first DNN includes: Determine the network reachability of the DN corresponding to the first DNN in the current period and the previous period; If the network reachability of the current period is unreachable and the network reachability of the previous period is reachable, the priority parameter is set to low priority, and an alarm message is sent to indicate that the DN corresponding to the first DNN is unreachable. If the network reachability of the current period is reachable and the network reachability of the previous period is unreachable, the priority parameter is determined to be high priority.

4. The network element determination method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The network state parameters also include weight parameters; the weight parameters are proportional to the network quality of the data output corresponding to the first DNN; the preset conditions also include that the weight parameters are greater than or equal to the weight parameters corresponding to the first DNN among the candidate UPF network elements with high priority parameters; If the network reachability for the current period is in a reachable state, the method further includes: Determine the network performance metrics for the data egress corresponding to the first DNN in the current period and the previous period; the network performance metrics include at least one of bandwidth utilization, latency, and packet loss rate. If the network performance index of the current period is greater than the preset index threshold and the network performance index of the previous period is less than or equal to the preset index threshold, the weight parameter is determined to be a first preset value and the first operation is performed. The first operation includes: monitoring the network performance metrics of the first DNN; As the network performance metrics of the first DNN increase, the weight parameter is lowered according to a first preset rule until the weight parameter is less than or equal to a preset weight threshold. Then, an alarm message related to the network quality of the data exit corresponding to the first DNN is sent. The first preset rule includes: when the weight parameter is greater than a preset parameter value, the weight parameter is lowered whenever the network performance metrics of the first DNN increase by a preset metric value; when the weight parameter is less than or equal to the preset parameter value, the weight parameter is lowered by a preset percentage whenever the network performance metrics of the first DNN increase by the preset metric value. Alternatively, as the network performance index of the first DNN decreases, the weight parameter is increased according to a second preset rule until the weight parameter equals a second preset value; the second preset rule includes increasing the preset parameter value of the weight parameter whenever the network performance index of the first DNN decreases by the preset index value; the second preset value is greater than the first preset value.

5. A network element determination device, characterized in that, Applied to SMF network elements, including: acquisition unit and determination unit; The acquisition unit is used to acquire a target data network name (DNN) and multiple candidate user plane function (UPF) network elements; the target DNN is used to identify the data network DN corresponding to the data path requested by the user equipment (UE); the candidate UPF network elements are located within the network slice corresponding to the target DNN and support serving the area where the UE is located; The determining unit is configured to determine, from among the plurality of candidate UPF network elements, the candidate UPF network elements whose network state parameters corresponding to the target DNN meet preset conditions, as the target UPF network element corresponding to the data path; the network state parameters include priority parameters and weight parameters; the priority parameters include low priority indicating that the DN corresponding to the DNN is in an unreachable state, or high priority indicating that the DN corresponding to the DNN is in a reachable state; the weight parameters are proportional to the network quality of the data exit corresponding to the DNN; the preset conditions include the weight parameters corresponding to the target DNN among candidate UPF network elements whose priority parameters are high priority and whose weight parameters are greater than or equal to other candidate UPF network elements whose priority parameters are high priority. The determining unit is specifically used for: The subsets corresponding to the candidate UPF network elements in the preset parameter set are determined as candidate subsets, resulting in multiple candidate subsets; the preset parameter set includes multiple subsets that correspond one-to-one with multiple UPF network elements; the subsets include multiple network state parameters that correspond one-to-one with multiple DNNs; The network state parameters corresponding to the target DNN in each of the candidate subsets are determined as candidate network state parameters, thus obtaining multiple candidate network state parameters; Candidate UPF network elements corresponding to candidate network state parameters that meet the preset conditions are determined as the target UPF network elements; The device further includes: a receiving unit and an updating unit; The receiving unit is configured to receive a parameter update request sent by the UPF network element; the parameter update request is used to request an update of the priority parameter or weight parameter included in the network state parameter of the first DNN; the first DNN is any one of the plurality of DNNs; The update unit is used to update the network state parameters of the first DNN in the subset corresponding to the UPF network element in response to the parameter update request.

6. A network element determination device, characterized in that, Applied to UPF network elements, including: determination unit and transmission unit; The determining unit is used to determine the network state parameters corresponding to the first DNN; the matching result of the network state parameters and the preset conditions is used to indicate whether the UPF network element is allowed to carry the data path corresponding to the first DNN. The sending unit is used to send a parameter update request carrying the network status parameters to the SMF network element; The network state parameters include priority parameters; the priority parameters include low priority indicating that the DN corresponding to the first DNN is in an unreachable state, or high priority indicating that the DN corresponding to the first DNN is in a reachable state; the preset condition includes the priority parameter being the high priority; determining the network state parameters corresponding to the first DNN includes: Determine the network reachability of the DN corresponding to the first DNN in the current period and the previous period; If the network reachability of the current period is unreachable and the network reachability of the previous period is reachable, the priority parameter is set to low priority, and an alarm message is sent to indicate that the DN corresponding to the first DNN is unreachable. If the network reachability of the current period is reachable and the network reachability of the previous period is unreachable, the priority parameter is determined to be high priority.

7. A network element determination device, characterized in that, It includes a memory and a processor; the memory is used to store computer execution instructions, and the processor is connected to the memory via a bus; when the network element determination device is running, the processor executes the computer execution instructions stored in the memory, so that the network element determination device performs the network element determination method as described in any one of claims 1-2 and 3-4.

8. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium includes computer-executable instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the network element determination method as described in any one of claims 1-2 and 3-4.

Images