Test method, device, electronic equipment and computer program product for network element simulation

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of network operation and maintenance, and provides a network element simulation test method and device, electronic equipment and a computer program product. The method comprises the following steps: performing traversal test on a measured network element according to a virtual network element to obtain a first test result, wherein the virtual network element comprises a base station and / or an access and mobility management function network element; determining a target measured network element according to the first test result, wherein the target measured network element is a network element with an unsuccessful test result; performing test on the target measured network element to obtain a second test result; and determining a fault network element according to the second test result. The network element simulation test method provided in the application can solve the technical problem that the existing 5G core network monitoring mode cannot realize fault network element positioning, realizes accurate positioning of the fault network element, and achieves the technical effect of real-time and efficient network quality monitoring.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of network operation and maintenance technology, specifically to a test method, device, electronic equipment, and computer program product for network element simulation. Background Technology

[0002] With the construction and commercialization of 5G networks, the structural evolution of networks brings huge challenges to the network operation and maintenance work of telecom operators, such as multi-network overlay, large-area networking, CU separation, and network cutover. At the same time, it is necessary to monitor the 5G network to ensure its normal operation.

[0003] Currently, 5G core network monitoring methods mainly include equipment network management, wireless testing, and signaling monitoring. However, existing monitoring methods all have limitations to varying degrees. For example, in equipment monitoring, network elements may fail to detect their own hidden dangers, have weak monitoring capabilities for carried services, and lack cross-device and full-process analysis capabilities. In wireless testing, there is a lack of targeted testing capabilities for 5G core network elements, and fault analysis support capabilities are weak. In signaling monitoring, the amount of data collected is massive, the investment is large, and the real-time performance and accuracy of network monitoring are insufficient. Therefore, it can be seen that existing 5G core network monitoring methods cannot achieve faulty network element location. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a testing method, apparatus, electronic device, and computer program product for network element simulation, which solves the technical problem that existing 5G core network monitoring methods cannot locate faulty network elements.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a testing method for network element simulation, comprising:

[0006] The test element is traversed and tested according to the virtual network element to obtain the first test result. The virtual network element includes base station and / or access and mobility management function network element.

[0007] The target network element to be tested is determined based on the first test result, wherein the target network element to be tested is the network element whose test result is unsuccessful in the first test.

[0008] The target network element under test is tested to obtain a second test result;

[0009] The faulty network element is determined based on the results of the second test.

[0010] In one embodiment, when the virtual network element is the base station and the network element under test is an access and mobility management function network element, the step of performing a traversal test on the network element under test based on the virtual network element to obtain a first test result includes:

[0011] Send a first registration request to the access and mobility management function network element;

[0012] The first test result of the access and mobility management function network element is determined based on the response result of the first registration request;

[0013] Correspondingly, the step of testing the target network element to obtain a second test result includes:

[0014] Based on user data, authentication is performed on the access and mobility management function network elements that failed the test, and the authentication results are obtained.

[0015] Based on the authentication results, a second test result is determined for the access and mobility management function network elements that failed the test.

[0016] Correspondingly, when the network element under test is a user plane function network element, the step of traversing and testing the network element under test according to the virtual network element to obtain the first test result includes:

[0017] When the first test result of the access and mobility management function network element is successful, a first session request is sent to the user plane function network element.

[0018] The first test result of the user plane function network element is determined based on the response result of the first session request;

[0019] Correspondingly, the step of testing the target network element to obtain a second test result includes:

[0020] Based on the tracking area code, the user plane function network elements that failed the test are tested, and the second test result of the user plane function network elements that failed the test is obtained.

[0021] Correspondingly, when the virtual network element is the base station and / or the access and mobility management function network element, and the network element under test is an authentication server network element or a unified data management network element, the step of traversing and testing the network element under test based on the virtual network element to obtain the first test result includes:

[0022] Send a second registration request to the authentication server network element or the unified data management network element;

[0023] The first test result of the authentication server network element or the unified data management network element is confirmed based on the response result of the second registration request.

[0024] Correspondingly, when the network element under test is a session management function network element, the step of traversing and testing the network element under test according to the virtual network element to obtain the first test result includes:

[0025] When the first test result of the authentication server network element or the unified data management network element is a successful test, a third registration request is sent to the session management function network element.

[0026] The response to the third registration request confirms the first test result of the session management function network element.

[0027] Correspondingly, when the network element under test is a user plane function network element, the step of traversing and testing the network element under test according to the virtual network element to obtain the first test result includes:

[0028] When the first test result of the session management function network element is successful, the base station sends a second session request to the user plane function network element.

[0029] The first test result of the user plane function network element is determined based on the response result of the second session request.

[0030] Correspondingly, the method includes:

[0031] If the first test results of the authentication server network element, the unified data management network element, the session management function network element, and the user plane function network element are all successful, the access and mobility management function network element is determined to be a faulty network element.

[0032] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a testing apparatus for network element simulation, comprising:

[0033] The first test module is used to perform traversal testing on the network element under test based on the virtual network element and obtain the first test result. The virtual network element includes a base station and / or access and mobility management function network element.

[0034] The first determining module is used to determine the target network element under test based on the first test result, wherein the target network element under test is the network element whose first test result is unsuccessful.

[0035] The second test module is used to test the target network element under test and obtain the second test result;

[0036] The second determination module is used to determine the faulty network element based on the second test result.

[0037] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide an electronic device, including a processor and a memory storing a computer program, wherein the processor executes the program to implement the steps of the network element simulation test method described in the first aspect.

[0038] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product, including a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the test method for network element simulation described in the first aspect.

[0039] The network element simulation testing method, apparatus, electronic equipment, and computer program products provided in this application embodiment achieve network element traversal testing of 5G SA network by simulating 5G SAgNodeb and AMF. Based on the traversal test results, the target network element under test is determined, and then a continuous test is performed on the target network element under test. Furthermore, based on the continuous test results, the faulty network element in the 5G SA network is located. In this way, the technical problem that the existing 5G core network monitoring method cannot achieve faulty network element location is solved, and the accurate location of faulty network elements is achieved, thus achieving the technical effect of real-time and efficient monitoring of network quality. Attached Figure Description

[0040] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0041] Figure 1 This is one of the flowcharts illustrating the testing method for network element simulation provided in this application embodiment;

[0042] Figure 2 This is the second flowchart illustrating the testing method for network element simulation provided in this application embodiment;

[0043] Figure 3 This is the third schematic diagram of the structure of the test device for network element simulation provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0044] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the test principle provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0045] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the simulation system architecture and test logic provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0046] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the fault element location process provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0047] Figure 7 This is a test device for network element simulation provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0048] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0049] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, 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.

[0050] Currently, 5G core network monitoring methods mainly include: Equipment network management: collecting equipment performance and event data output by 5G core network elements, processing and implementing network monitoring. Wireless testing: initiating service tests on the 5G network through wireless devices to assess service quality. Signaling monitoring: collecting signaling between 5G network elements through mirroring, parsing and synthesizing it, and statistically analyzing service quality indicators to monitor the 5G core network.

[0051] However, existing 5G core network monitoring methods all have limitations to varying degrees. For example, in equipment monitoring, network elements may fail to detect their own vulnerabilities; they lack the ability to monitor services carried and lack cross-device, full-process service analysis capabilities. In wireless testing, they lack the ability to perform targeted testing on 5G core network elements; their fault analysis support capabilities are weak. In signaling monitoring, the amount of data collected is massive, the investment is large, and the real-time performance and accuracy of network monitoring are insufficient.

[0052] Based on this, this application proposes the following embodiments to solve the monitoring problem of 5G core network.

[0053] Furthermore, for ease of understanding, the following sections of the embodiments of this application will first provide a detailed explanation of the technical terms involved, including:

[0054] (1) gNodeB (gNB) refers to a 5G base station.

[0055] (2) Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) is responsible for managing handover between base stations within the next-generation radio access network.

[0056] (3) User Plane Function (UPF), as a basic component of 5GC, is used to separate the User Plane (CP) and the Control Plane (UP).

[0057] (4) Session Management Function (SMF): SMF is a functional unit of 5G service-based architecture. SMF is mainly responsible for interacting with the separate data plane, creating, updating and deleting PDU conversations, and managing the session environment with UPF.

[0058] (5) Unified Data Management (UDM) is used for user contract data management, user authentication data management and user identification data management, etc.

[0059] (6) Authentication Server Function (AUSF), used for authenticating data.

[0060] (7) Tracking Area Code (TAC).

[0061] (8) Protocol Data Unit (PDU): In layered network architectures, such as the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model, Protocol Data Units are established at each layer of the transport system. A PDU contains information from the upper layer and additional information about the entities in the current layer. This PDU is then transmitted to the next lower layer. The physical layer actually transmits these PDUs as a framed bit stream, which are constructed by the higher layers of the protocol stack. The receiving system transmits these packets from the bottom up through the protocol stack, extracting relevant information from the PDUs at each layer of the stack.

[0062] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is one of the flowcharts illustrating the testing method for network element simulation provided in this application embodiment.

[0063] This application provides a testing method for network element simulation, which may include:

[0064] Step S10: Perform traversal testing on the network element under test according to the virtual network element to obtain the first test result. The virtual network element includes base station and / or access and mobility management function network element.

[0065] It should be noted that in the 5G core network, network elements interact with each other through service-oriented interface protocols conforming to 3GPP standards. This application uses standard service-oriented interface protocols to simulate different types of test network elements. By introducing service-oriented interfaces, the network structure becomes more flexible, appearing in a mesh network form. Then, the simulated network elements are connected to the network element under test, and a user protocol stack is overlaid on the interface to initiate service testing. Finally, the faulty network element is determined based on the test results.

[0066] Virtual network elements refer to simulated network elements, while test network elements refer to existing network elements.

[0067] Further, refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the test principle provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0068] exist Figure 4 In the context of 5G core network, NF stands for 5G core network element. n The set is the test target of this application, namely the network element under test.

[0069] The number of network elements under test can be expressed as:

[0070] Where n represents the type of network element being tested, reflecting the testing depth; K i This indicates the number of network elements of the same type, reflecting the breadth of testing. Higher testing depth leads to more accurate analysis and localization of potential faults, while greater testing breadth results in fewer testing "blind spots."

[0071] sNF: A collection of virtual network elements (simulated network elements) for the 5G core network. Each virtual network element is a virtual software entity with configuration capabilities and interface protocol stack capabilities. Different virtual network elements (sNFs) n As a lower-level network element, via if n Connect to the upstream network element (NF) n ), which represents a one-to-one or one-to-many connection.

[0072] if: This is the interface between the virtual network element and the existing network element (if... n The set of sNFs and interconnected NFs determines the protocol stack type of the interface, including the 5G reference point or service-based bearer protocol stack and user service protocol stack.

[0073] Further, refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the simulation system architecture and test logic provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0074] (1) Simulate 5G SA gNodeB network elements, i.e., simulate base stations, to achieve the following functions:

[0075] The 5G SA signaling plane test was completed by accessing the existing AMF network through the N2 interface (based on the reference point).

[0076] 5G SA user plane testing was completed by accessing the existing UPF via the N3 interface (based on the reference point).

[0077] (2) Simulate 5G SA AMF network elements, namely access and mobility management function network elements, to achieve the following functions:

[0078] The 5G SA signaling plane test was completed by accessing the existing SMF network through the N11 interface (based on the reference point).

[0079] 5G SA signaling plane testing was completed by accessing the existing UDM / AUSF network via the N8 / N12 interface (based on the reference point).

[0080] The 5G SA user plane test was completed by simulating the N3 interface of the 5G SA gNodeB network element.

[0081] Specifically, the network elements are simulated through the 5G core network element simulation test system to obtain virtual network elements. After the virtual network elements establish a connection with the network elements under test, the virtual network elements traverse each network element under test, that is, the virtual network elements initiate service tests to the network elements under test through the virtual network elements to obtain the first test result, as described in steps S11 to S110.

[0082] Step S20: Determine the target network element to be tested based on the first test result. The target network element to be tested is the network element whose first test result is unsuccessful.

[0083] After determining the first test results for each network element under test, the network elements that were successful or unsuccessful, i.e., the target network elements under test, are determined based on the first test results.

[0084] Step S30: Test the target network element under test to obtain a second test result;

[0085] After identifying the target network element under test, the element is tested again to obtain a second test result. For example, if the signaling plane test of the UDM / AUSF network element fails, the system automatically triggers a continuity test for that UDM / AUSF network element; similarly, if the user plane test of the UPF network element fails, the system automatically triggers a continuity test for that UPF network element. It is understood that a continuity test refers to performing at least three consecutive tests. This avoids misjudgments, ensures the accuracy of the test, and thus improves the location of faulty network elements.

[0086] Step S40: Determine the faulty network element based on the second test result.

[0087] After determining the second test result of the target network element under test, the faulty network element is identified based on the second test result. For example, if the signaling plane test of the network element under test, UDM / AUSF, fails, the system automatically triggers a continuity test on the UDM / AUSF network element. If the second test result obtained in each test is abnormal, the fault point is located in the UDM / AUSF network element. Similarly, if the user plane test of the network element under test, UPF, fails, the system automatically triggers a continuity test on the UPF network element. If the second test result obtained in each test is abnormal, the fault point is located in the UPF network element.

[0088] Furthermore, after identifying the faulty network element, the network element parameters of the faulty network element are obtained, including network element type, network element IP address, port, network element ID, and other parameters. Then, alarm information is generated based on the network element parameters and output. In this way, by providing alarm prompts for the faulty network element, maintenance personnel can repair the faulty network element in a timely manner, thereby improving the efficiency of network operation.

[0089] This embodiment simulates 5G SA network element traversal testing using 5G SAgNodeb and AMF. Based on the traversal test results, the target network element under test is determined. Then, a continuity test is performed on the target network element under test. Furthermore, based on the continuity test results, the faulty network element in the 5G SA network is located. In this way, the technical problem that the existing 5G core network monitoring method cannot achieve faulty network element location is solved, and the accurate location of faulty network elements is achieved, thus achieving the technical effect of real-time and efficient monitoring of network quality.

[0090] Further, refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is the second flowchart illustrating the network element simulation test method provided in this application embodiment. When the virtual network element is a base station and the network element under test is an access and mobility management function network element, the specific descriptions of steps S11 to S12 are as follows:

[0091] Step S11: Send a first registration request to the access and mobility management function network element;

[0092] Step S12: Determine the first test result of the access and mobility management function network element based on the response result of the first registration request;

[0093] In a 5G SA network, the emulation terminal uses a simulator to simulate a gNodeB to complete the registration process with the actual AMF (Access and Mobility Management) network element in the 5G SA network, thus completing the signaling plane test procedure. Specifically, the simulated gNodeB accesses the existing AMF network element through the N2 interface (based on the reference point) and then sends a first registration request to the AMF network element (i.e., the Access and Mobility Management Function network element). After receiving the first registration request, the AMF network element will send a corresponding response result back to the simulated gNodeB, which includes registration success and registration failure. After receiving the response result, the simulated gNodeB uses this response result as the first test result of the AMF network element.

[0094] Correspondingly, the specific descriptions of steps S31 to S32 are as follows:

[0095] Step S31: Authentication is performed on the access and mobility management function network elements that failed the test based on user data, and the authentication result is obtained;

[0096] Step S32: Determine the second test result of the access and mobility management function network element that failed the test based on the authentication result.

[0097] Assuming the simulated gNodeB receives a registration failure response from the AMF network element, it automatically performs a continuity test on the AMF network element. Specifically, it acquires user data, authenticates the AMF network element based on this data, and obtains an authentication result, which includes successful or unsuccessful authentication. This authentication result is then designated as the second test result for the AMF network element. If the authentication result for the AMF network element is unsuccessful, the UDM / AUSF network element is identified as a faulty network element.

[0098] This embodiment uses simulated gNodeB to perform traversal testing on AMF network elements, thereby achieving fault location of AMF network elements and realizing the technical effect of real-time and efficient monitoring of network quality.

[0099] Furthermore, when the network element under test is a user plane function network element, the specific descriptions of steps S13 to S14 are as follows:

[0100] Step S13: When the first test result of the access and mobility management function network element is successful, send a first session request to the user plane function network element.

[0101] Step S14: Determine the first test result of the user plane function network element based on the response result of the first session request;

[0102] Specifically, when the first test result of the AMF network element is successful (i.e., successful registration), it is determined whether the PDU is successfully activated. If the PDU is successfully activated, the simulated gNodeB accesses the UPF network element allocated by the existing AMF network element through the N3 interface (based on the reference point). At the same time, it sends a first session request to the UPF network element (i.e., the user plane function network element). After receiving the first session request, the UPF network element sends a corresponding response result back to the simulated gNodeB. This response result includes responding to the first session request and not responding to the first session request. After receiving the response result, the simulated gNodeB takes the response result as the first test result of the UPF network element.

[0103] If PDU activation fails, the activation result of the existing AMF PDU is obtained. If the activation result of the existing AMF PDU is unsuccessful, the AMF network element is identified as a faulty network element.

[0104] Correspondingly, step S33 is described in detail as follows:

[0105] Step S33: Test the user plane function network element that failed the test according to the tracking area code, and obtain the second test result of the user plane function network element that failed the test.

[0106] Specifically, if the response from the UPF network element to the simulated gNodeB is that it does not respond to the first session request, then the UPF network element is traversed and tested according to the tracking area code to obtain the second test result of the UPF network element. If the second test result of the UPF network element is that the test is successful, then the UPF network element is determined to be normal; if the second test result of the UPF network element is that the test is unsuccessful, then the UPF network element is determined to be a faulty network element.

[0107] This embodiment uses a simulated gNodeB to perform traversal testing on the UPF network elements allocated to the existing AMF network elements, thereby achieving fault location of the UPF network elements and realizing the technical effect of real-time and efficient monitoring of network quality.

[0108] Further, refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is the third flowchart illustrating the testing method for network element simulation provided in this application embodiment. When the virtual network element is a base station and / or an access and mobility management function network element, and the network element under test is an authentication server network element or a unified data management network element, the specific descriptions of steps S15 to S16 are as follows:

[0109] Step S15: Send a second registration request to the authentication server network element or the unified data management network element;

[0110] Step S16: Confirm the first test result of the authentication server network element or the unified data management network element based on the response result of the second registration request.

[0111] In a 5G SA network, the emulation terminal simulates an AMF network element to complete the registration with the existing UDM / AUSF network element in the 5G SA network, thus completing the availability test of the UDM / AUSF network element. Specifically, the simulated AMF network element accesses the existing UDM / AUSF network element through the N8 / N12 interface (based on the reference point). Then, the simulated AMF network element sends a second registration request to the UDM / AUSF network element. When the UDM / AUSF network element receives the second registration request, it sends a corresponding response result back to the simulated AMF network element. This response result includes whether the registration was successful or unsuccessful. After receiving this response result, the simulated AMF network element uses it as the first test result of the UDM / AUSF network element, thereby completing the availability test of the UDM / AUSF network element.

[0112] This embodiment completes the traversal test of UDM / AUSF network elements by simulating AMF network elements, realizing fault location of UDM / AUSF network elements and achieving the technical effect of real-time and efficient monitoring of network quality.

[0113] Furthermore, when the network element under test is a session management function network element, the specific descriptions of steps S17 to S18 are as follows:

[0114] Step S17: When the first test result of the authentication server network element or the unified data management network element is a successful test, a third registration request is sent to the session management function network element.

[0115] Step S18: Confirm the first test result of the session management function network element based on the response result of the third registration request.

[0116] If the simulated AMF network element receives a successful registration response from the UDM / AUSF network element, it then obtains the AMF registration test result. If the AMF registration test result is successful, it performs a traversal test on the SMF network element. Specifically, the simulated AMF network element sends a third registration request to the SMF network element. After receiving the third registration request from the simulated AMF network element, the SMF network element sends a corresponding response result back to the simulated AMF network element. This response result includes whether the registration was successful or unsuccessful. After receiving the response result from the SMF network element, the simulated AMF network element uses this response result as the first test result of the SMF network element, thus completing the SMF network element signaling plane test process.

[0117] This embodiment completes the traversal test of SMF network elements by simulating AMF network elements, realizing the fault location of SMF network elements and achieving the technical effect of real-time and efficient monitoring of network quality.

[0118] Furthermore, when the network element under test is a user plane function network element, the specific descriptions of steps S19 to S110 are as follows:

[0119] Step S19: When the first test result of the session management function network element is a successful test, the base station sends a second session request to the user plane function network element.

[0120] Step S110: Determine the first test result of the user plane function network element based on the response result of the second session request.

[0121] It should be noted that, according to the 3GPP specification, the CreateSMContextReq message initiated by the simulated AMF network element carries different test TAIs (Location Area Identifiers). By configuring the association between the test TAI and the existing UPF in the SMF configuration, the simulator can test the specified UPF. The simulated AMF network element establishes a connection with the specified UPF in the existing network by calling the simulated gNodeb, completing the user plane testing process. At the same time, by comparing the sent data packets and the response from the service server, packet loss and latency metrics are calculated.

[0122] Specifically, if the simulated AMF network element receives a successful registration response from the SMF network element, the simulated AMF network element sends a second session request to the UPF network element by calling the simulated gNodeb. After receiving the second session request, the UPF network element sends a corresponding response to the simulated AMF network element. After receiving the response, the simulated AMF network element determines the response as the first test result of the UPF network element.

[0123] Furthermore, if the first test result is unsuccessful, a continuous test is performed on the UPF network element. If all test results are abnormal, the UPF network element is determined to be a faulty network element.

[0124] In this embodiment, the simulated AMF network element achieves traversal testing of the existing UPF network element by binding the TAI and UPF correspondence on the existing SMF side, thereby realizing fault location of the UPF network element and achieving the technical effect of real-time and efficient monitoring of network quality.

[0125] Furthermore, the specific description of step S111 is as follows:

[0126] Step S111: When the first test results of the authentication server network element, the unified data management network element, the session management function network element, and the user plane function network element are all successful, the access and mobility management function network element is determined to be a faulty network element.

[0127] Specifically, if the first test results of the tested network element UDM / AUSF, SMF, and UPF are all normal, that is, the test is successful, then the AMF network element is determined to be the faulty network element.

[0128] Based on the test results of the AMF network element, this embodiment further conducts in-depth tests on subsequent SMF network elements, AUSF / UDM network elements, and UPF network elements. In this way, fault location of network elements in the 5G SA network is achieved, and the technical effect of real-time and efficient monitoring of network quality is realized.

[0129] Further, refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the fault location process provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0130] a. In a 5G SA network, the emulated terminal uses a simulator to simulate a gNodeB to complete the actual AMF registration in the 5G SA network, thereby completing the signaling plane test process. Specifically, the simulated gNodeB performs traversal testing on the existing AMF network elements. For example, it sends registration requests to AMF network elements. If the registration is successful, it determines whether the PDU is successfully activated; if the registration fails, it obtains user data and then authenticates the AMF network element based on the user data. If authentication fails, it determines that the UDM / AUSF network element is a faulty network element.

[0131] Understandably, dial testing is a testing function of the unified communications and converged communications professional information network system of the call center. It refers to simulating the user's business operation process to obtain performance data and operation result data of the business operation process. Dial testing is a kind of testing method.

[0132] b. According to the AMF allocation, the simulator simulates the gNodeB to establish a connection to the existing UPF N3 port. The simulated terminal accesses the Internet service through the simulated gNodeB via the UPF, completing the user plane test process. Simultaneously, packet loss and latency metrics are calculated by comparing the sent data packets and the service server's response. Specifically, after confirming successful PDU activation, the simulated gNodeB tests the UPF network element allocated by the existing AMF network element. For example, the simulated gNodeB sends a session request to the UPF network element. If the UPF network element successfully responds to the session request sent by the simulated gNodeB, the user plane test is successful, and the UPF network element is functioning normally. If the UPF network element fails to respond to the session request sent by the simulated gNodeB, the UPF is traversed and tested according to TAI. If the test is successful, the user plane test is successful, and the UPF network element is functioning normally. If the test fails, the UPF network element is identified as a faulty network element.

[0133] c. Based on steps a and b, calculate the signaling plane success rate of a single AMF network element and the quality index to any UPF user plane.

[0134] d. Repeat steps a, b, and c to traverse all AMF network elements in the current network. If the signaling plane test of the tested AMF fails, the system automatically triggers a continuity test for that AMF network element and, in conjunction with step f, identifies the faulty network element in the network. If the user plane test of the UPF selected by the tested AMF fails, the system, in conjunction with step g, identifies the faulty network element in the network.

[0135] e. In a 5G SA network, the emulation terminal uses an emulator to simulate AMF network elements to complete registration with real UDM / AUSF network elements in the 5G SA network, and completes UDM / AUSF network element availability testing. For example, it can perform test traversal of UDM / AUSF network elements using different SIM cards. Specifically, it performs traversal testing of UDM / AUSF network elements by emulating AMF network elements. For example, it acquires user data and then authenticates the user data. If authentication is successful, it obtains the AMF registration test result; if authentication fails, it determines that the UDM / AUSF network element is a faulty network element.

[0136] f. In a 5G SA network, the emulation terminal uses an emulator to simulate AMF network elements to complete registration with real SMF network elements in the 5G SA network, thus completing the signaling plane testing process. Simultaneously, by configuring the simulated AMF network element service interface on the SMF network element to interface with data, the NRF registration problem is resolved, and interference from the simulated network element to the real network is avoided.

[0137] Specifically, when the AMF registration test result is determined to be normal, the simulated AMF network element is used to perform traversal testing on the existing SMF network element. For example, it is used to determine whether the PDU is successfully activated. If the PDU is not successfully activated, the SMF network element is determined to be a faulty network element. If the PDU is successfully activated, it is determined whether the activation result of the existing AMF PDU is normal.

[0138] g. Following 3GPP specifications, different test TAIs are carried in the CreateSMContextReq message initiated by the simulated AMF network element. By configuring the association between the test TAI and the actual UPF in the live network, the simulator can test the specified UPF network element. The simulator simulates the AMF network element and calls the simulated gNodeb to establish a connection with the specified UPF network element in the live network, completing the user plane test process. By comparing the sent data packets and the response from the service server, packet loss and latency metrics are calculated.

[0139] h. Repeat steps e, f, and g to iterate through all UDM / AUSF, SMF, and UPF on the current network.

[0140] i. If the signaling plane test of the network element under test (UDM / AUSF) fails, the system automatically triggers a continuity test for that UDM / AUSF. If all results are abnormal, the fault is located in that UDM / AUSF. If the signaling plane test of the network element under test (SMF) fails, the system automatically triggers a continuity test for that SMF. If all results are abnormal, the fault is located in that SMF. If the user plane test of the network element under test (UPF) fails, the system automatically triggers a continuity test for that UPF. If all results are abnormal, the fault is located in that UPF.

[0141] This embodiment achieves real AMF traversal testing for 5G SA by simulating gNodeb, real UDM / AUSF and SMF traversal testing for 5G SA by simulating AMF, and real UPF traversal testing for the current network by binding the TAI and UPF correspondence on the SMF side of the current network, thereby realizing the location of faulty network elements and achieving the technical effect of real-time and efficient monitoring of network quality.

[0142] The test apparatus for network element simulation provided in the embodiments of this application will be described below. The test apparatus for network element simulation described below can be referred to in correspondence with the test method for network element simulation described above.

[0143] Reference Figure 7 , Figure 7 This application provides a test device for network element simulation, comprising a first test module 701, a first determination module 702, a second test module 703, and a second determination module 704, wherein:

[0144] The first test module 701 is used to perform traversal testing on the network element under test according to the virtual network element to obtain a first test result. The virtual network element includes a base station and / or access and mobility management function network element.

[0145] The first determining module 702 is used to determine the target network element under test based on the first test result, wherein the target network element under test is the network element whose test result is unsuccessful.

[0146] The second test module 703 is used to test the target network element under test and obtain a second test result;

[0147] The second determining module 704 is used to determine the faulty network element based on the second test result.

[0148] This embodiment simulates 5G SA network element traversal testing using 5G SAgNodeb and AMF. Based on the traversal test results, the target network element under test is determined. Then, a continuity test is performed on the target network element. Furthermore, based on the continuity test results, faulty network elements in the 5G SA network are located. This solves the technical problem that existing 5G core network monitoring methods cannot locate faulty network elements, achieving precise faulty network element location and realizing the technical effect of real-time and efficient network quality monitoring.

[0149] In one embodiment, the first test module 701 is specifically used for:

[0150] Send a first registration request to the access and mobility management function network element;

[0151] The first test result of the access and mobility management function network element is determined based on the response result of the first registration request;

[0152] Correspondingly, the step of testing the target network element to obtain a second test result includes:

[0153] Based on user data, authentication is performed on the access and mobility management function network elements that failed the test, and the authentication results are obtained.

[0154] Based on the authentication results, a second test result is determined for the access and mobility management function network elements that failed the test.

[0155] In one embodiment, the first test module 701 is specifically used for:

[0156] When the first test result of the access and mobility management function network element is successful, a first session request is sent to the user plane function network element.

[0157] The first test result of the user plane function network element is determined based on the response result of the first session request;

[0158] Correspondingly, the step of testing the target network element to obtain a second test result includes:

[0159] Based on the tracking area code, the user plane function network elements that failed the test are tested, and the second test result of the user plane function network elements that failed the test is obtained.

[0160] In one embodiment, the first test module 701 is specifically used for:

[0161] Send a second registration request to the authentication server network element or the unified data management network element;

[0162] The first test result of the authentication server network element or the unified data management network element is confirmed based on the response result of the second registration request.

[0163] In one embodiment, the first test module 701 is specifically used for:

[0164] When the first test result of the authentication server network element or the unified data management network element is a successful test, a third registration request is sent to the session management function network element.

[0165] The response to the third registration request confirms the first test result of the session management function network element.

[0166] In one embodiment, the first test module 701 is specifically used for:

[0167] When the first test result of the session management function network element is successful, the base station sends a second session request to the user plane function network element.

[0168] The first test result of the user plane function network element is determined based on the response result of the second session request.

[0169] In one embodiment, the method includes:

[0170] If the first test results of the authentication server network element, the unified data management network element, the session management function network element, and the user plane function network element are all successful, the access and mobility management function network element is determined to be a faulty network element.

[0171] Figure 8 An example is a schematic diagram of the physical structure of an electronic device, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the electronic device may include: a processor 810, a communication interface 820, a memory 830, and a communication bus 840, wherein the processor 810, the communication interface 820, and the memory 830 communicate with each other via the communication bus 840. The processor 810 can call a computer program in the memory 830 to execute the steps of a network element simulation test method, such as including:

[0172] The test element is traversed and tested according to the virtual network element to obtain the first test result. The virtual network element includes base station and / or access and mobility management function network element.

[0173] The target network element to be tested is determined based on the first test result, wherein the target network element to be tested is the network element whose test result is unsuccessful in the first test.

[0174] The target network element under test is tested to obtain a second test result;

[0175] The faulty network element is determined based on the results of the second test.

[0176] Furthermore, the logical instructions in the aforementioned memory 830 can be implemented as software functional units and, when sold or used as independent products, can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0177] On the other hand, this application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program that can be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the computer can perform the steps of the network element simulation test method provided in the above embodiments, such as including:

[0178] The test element is traversed and tested according to the virtual network element to obtain the first test result. The virtual network element includes base station and / or access and mobility management function network element.

[0179] The target network element to be tested is determined based on the first test result, wherein the target network element to be tested is the network element whose test result is unsuccessful in the first test.

[0180] The target network element under test is tested to obtain a second test result;

[0181] The faulty network element is determined based on the results of the second test.

[0182] The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs. Those skilled in the art can understand and implement this without any creative effort.

[0183] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that each embodiment can be implemented by means of software plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms, and of course, it can also be implemented by hardware. Based on this understanding, the above technical solutions, in essence or the part that contributes to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk, etc., and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in the various embodiments or some parts of the embodiments.

[0184] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A test method for network element simulation, characterized in that, include: The test element is traversed and tested according to the virtual network element to obtain the first test result. The virtual network element includes base station and / or access and mobility management function network element. The network element under test is a 5G core network element, and the traversal test includes testing based on the 5GSA network signaling process; the virtual network element and the network element under test establish a connection through a service interface conforming to the 3GPP standard, and a user protocol stack is superimposed on the service interface to initiate test services. The target network element to be tested is determined based on the first test result, wherein the target network element to be tested is the network element whose test result is unsuccessful in the first test. The target network element under test is tested to obtain a second test result; The faulty network element is determined based on the second test result; The step of traversing and testing the network element under test based on the virtual network element includes: When the first test result of the access and mobility management function network element is successful, the user plane function network element is tested; and / or, If the first test result of the authentication server network element or the unified data management network element is successful, the session management function network element shall be tested; and / or, When the first test result of the session management function network element is a successful test, the user plane function network element is tested. The step of testing the target network element to obtain a second test result includes: When the target network element under test is an access and mobility management function network element, the access and mobility management function network element is authenticated according to user data to obtain the second test result; When the target network element under test is a user plane function network element, the user plane function network element is tested according to the tracking area code to obtain the second test result.

2. The test method for network element simulation according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the virtual network element is the base station and the network element under test is an access and mobility management function network element, the step of performing a traversal test on the network element under test based on the virtual network element to obtain the first test result includes: Send a first registration request to the access and mobility management function network element; The first test result of the access and mobility management function network element is determined based on the response result of the first registration request; Correspondingly, the step of testing the target network element to obtain the second test result includes: Based on user data, authentication is performed on the access and mobility management function network elements that failed the test, and the authentication results are obtained. Based on the authentication results, a second test result is determined for the access and mobility management function network elements that failed the test.

3. The test method for network element simulation according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the network element under test is a user plane function network element, the step of traversing and testing the network element under test according to the virtual network element to obtain the first test result includes: When the first test result of the access and mobility management function network element is successful, a first session request is sent to the user plane function network element. The first test result of the user plane function network element is determined based on the response result of the first session request; Correspondingly, the step of testing the target network element to obtain the second test result includes: Based on the tracking area code, the user plane function network elements that failed the test are tested, and the second test result of the user plane function network elements that failed the test is obtained.

4. The test method for network element simulation according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the virtual network element is the base station and / or the access and mobility management function network element, and the network element under test is an authentication server network element or a unified data management network element, the step of performing a traversal test on the network element under test based on the virtual network element to obtain the first test result includes: Send a second registration request to the authentication server network element or the unified data management network element; The first test result of the authentication server network element or the unified data management network element is confirmed based on the response result of the second registration request.

5. The test method for network element simulation according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the network element under test is a session management function network element, the step of traversing and testing the network element under test according to the virtual network element to obtain the first test result includes: When the first test result of the authentication server network element or the unified data management network element is a successful test, a third registration request is sent to the session management function network element. The response to the third registration request confirms the first test result of the session management function network element.

6. The test method for network element simulation according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the network element under test is a user plane function network element, the step of traversing and testing the network element under test according to the virtual network element to obtain the first test result includes: When the first test result of the session management function network element is successful, the base station sends a second session request to the user plane function network element. The first test result of the user plane function network element is determined based on the response result of the second session request.

7. The test method for network element simulation according to claim 6, characterized in that, The method includes: If the first test results of the authentication server network element, the unified data management network element, the session management function network element, and the user plane function network element are all successful, the access and mobility management function network element is determined to be a faulty network element.

8. A test device for network element simulation, characterized in that, include: The first test module is used to perform traversal testing on the network element under test based on the virtual network element to obtain a first test result. The virtual network element includes a base station and / or access and mobility management function network element. The network element under test is a 5G core network element. The traversal test includes testing based on the 5G SA network signaling process. The virtual network element and the network element under test establish a connection through a service interface conforming to the 3GPP standard, and overlay a user protocol stack on the service interface to initiate test services. The first determining module is used to determine the target network element under test based on the first test result, wherein the target network element under test is the network element whose first test result is unsuccessful. The second test module is used to test the target network element under test and obtain the second test result; The second determining module is used to determine the faulty network element based on the second test result; The first testing module is further configured to test the user plane function network element when the first test result of the access and mobility management function network element is a successful test; and / or, test the session management function network element when the first test result of the authentication server network element or the unified data management network element is a successful test; and / or, test the user plane function network element when the first test result of the session management function network element is a successful test. The second test module is further configured to authenticate the access and mobility management function network element based on user data when the target network element under test is an access and mobility management function network element, and obtain the second test result; When the target network element under test is a user plane function network element, the user plane function network element is tested according to the tracking area code to obtain the second test result.

9. An electronic device comprising a processor and a memory storing a computer program, characterized in that, When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the steps of the test method for network element simulation according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. A computer program product, comprising a computer program, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements the steps of the test method for network element simulation as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

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