Method and apparatus for expanding network

Abstract

The application discloses a network capacity expansion method and device, belongs to the communication field, and solves the problem that the disaster protection method in different fusion scenarios of a core network is imperfect in the prior art. The method comprises the following steps: acquiring a network state of a target region in a target preset time period; determining a target network scenario corresponding to the fusion networking state and the fusion gateway function parameter; determining a session capacity utilization rate of a network element corresponding to the target network scenario based on a bearing number or a session number of the network element, and / or determining an interface traffic bandwidth utilization rate of the network element corresponding to the target network scenario based on an interface traffic between the network elements and an interface bandwidth between the network elements; and expanding the capacity of the network element and / or performing load migration in the target region under the condition that a preset condition is met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of communications, specifically relating to a method and apparatus for expanding network capacity. Background Technology

[0002] With the coexistence of 4G and 5G non-standalone (NSA) and standalone (SA) networks by operators, the explosive growth of 5G users, especially 5G traffic, can easily lead to capacity bottlenecks in the user plane equipment of the 4G / 5G core network due to the inability to achieve continuous and deep coverage in the short term. According to the 3GPP Release 15 specification, the Session Management Function (SMF) and User Plane Function (UPF) equipment are respectively converged network elements of the SMF and the Packet Data Network (PDN) Gateway (PGW) control plane PGW-C, and the UPF and PGW user plane PGW-U, respectively. There is no mandatory requirement to converge the Serving Gateway (SGW) function.

[0003] Currently, the progress of the full convergence of 4 / 5G equipment (i.e., SMF and UPF equipment are converged network elements of SMF and SAEGW-C and UPF and SAEGW-U, respectively) varies among different operators in different regions. When 5G terminal users move from 5G coverage areas to 4G coverage areas, or from 4G coverage areas to 5G coverage areas, 4 / 5G interoperability will be performed.

[0004] Currently, the disaster recovery and protection methods for different converged scenarios in the core network of related technologies (i.e., whether the user plane equipment has completed the full convergence of 4G / 5G logical functions or whether the converged gateway function is set up according to the 5G terminal capabilities) are not perfect. This can lead to problems such as 4G / 5G being unable to access the Internet, Internet speed being reduced, and end-to-end latency being increased. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a network expansion method and apparatus that can solve the problem of imperfect disaster recovery protection methods in different converged core network scenarios in related technologies.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a network expansion method, the method comprising: acquiring the network status of a target area within a target preset time period, wherein the network status includes converged networking status, converged gateway functional parameters, the number of bearers or sessions of network elements, inter-network element interface traffic, and inter-network element interface bandwidth, wherein the converged gateway functional parameters are used to indicate whether to prioritize the selection of a converged gateway based on terminal capabilities; determining a target network scenario corresponding to the converged networking status and the converged gateway functional parameters; determining the session capacity utilization rate of the network elements corresponding to the target network scenario based on the number of bearers or sessions of the network elements, and / or determining the interface traffic bandwidth utilization rate of the target network scenario based on the inter-network element interface traffic and inter-network element interface bandwidth; and, under preset conditions, expanding the network elements in the target area and / or performing load migration, wherein the preset conditions are that the session capacity utilization rate is higher than a first threshold, and / or the interface traffic bandwidth utilization rate is higher than a second threshold.

[0007] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a network expansion device, comprising: an acquisition module, configured to acquire the network status of a target area within a target preset time period, wherein the network status includes converged networking status, converged gateway functional parameters, the number of bearers or sessions of network elements, inter-network element interface traffic, and inter-network element interface bandwidth, the converged gateway functional parameters being used to indicate whether to prioritize the selection of a converged gateway based on terminal capabilities; a first determination module, configured to determine a target network scenario corresponding to the converged networking status and the converged gateway functional parameters; a second determination module, configured to determine the session capacity utilization rate of the network elements corresponding to the target network scenario based on the number of bearers or sessions of the network elements, and / or determine the interface traffic bandwidth utilization rate corresponding to the target network scenario based on the inter-network element interface traffic and inter-network element interface bandwidth; and an expansion module, configured to expand the network elements within the target area and / or perform load migration under preset conditions, wherein the preset conditions are that the session capacity utilization rate is higher than a first threshold, and / or the interface traffic bandwidth utilization rate is higher than a second threshold.

[0008] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide an electronic device including a processor, a memory, and a program or instructions stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, implement the steps of the method described in the first aspect.

[0009] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a readable storage medium on which a program or instructions are stored, which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the method described in the first aspect.

[0010] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a chip, the chip including a processor and a communication interface, the communication interface being coupled to the processor, the processor being used to run programs or instructions to implement the method as described in the first aspect.

[0011] In this embodiment, the network status of a target area within a preset time period is obtained. This network status includes the converged network status, converged gateway functional parameters, the number of bearers or sessions of network elements, inter-network element interface traffic, and inter-network element interface bandwidth. The converged gateway functional parameters indicate whether to prioritize the selection of a converged gateway based on terminal capabilities. A target network scenario corresponding to the converged network status and the converged gateway functional parameters is determined. Based on the number of bearers or sessions of network elements, the session capacity utilization rate of the network elements corresponding to the target network scenario is determined, and / or based on the inter-network element interface traffic and inter-network element interface bandwidth, the interface traffic bandwidth corresponding to the target network scenario is determined. Utilization rate; Under preset conditions, network elements within the target area are expanded and / or load migrated. The preset conditions are that the session capacity utilization rate is higher than a first threshold and / or the interface traffic bandwidth utilization rate is higher than a second threshold. For different converged networking states, thresholds for session capacity utilization rate and / or interface traffic bandwidth utilization rate corresponding to different converged networking states can be determined. If the session capacity utilization rate and / or interface traffic bandwidth utilization rate exceed their corresponding thresholds within a predetermined time period, network elements in the network can be expanded and / or load migrated, thereby solving the problem of imperfect disaster recovery guarantee methods in different converged scenarios of the core network in related technologies. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a network expansion method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0013] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating another network expansion method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0014] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a network expansion device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0015] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device according to another embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0016] 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, 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.

[0017] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such use of data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0018] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, details a network expansion method and apparatus provided in this application through specific embodiments and application scenarios.

[0019] Specifically, in the context of coexistence of 4G, 5G NSA, and 5G SA networks, the explosive growth of 5G users, especially 5G traffic, due to the inability to achieve continuous and deep coverage in the short term due to the construction of 5G base stations, can easily lead to capacity bottlenecks in the user plane equipment of the 4G / 5G core network. According to the 3GPP R15 specification, the UPF equipment is a converged network element of UPF / PGW-U, and there is no mandatory requirement for it to integrate SGW-U functionality.

[0020] Currently, the progress of the full convergence of 4 / 5G equipment (i.e., UPF equipment is a converged network element of UPF network element and SAEGW-U network element, and SMF equipment is a converged network element of SMF network element and SAEGW-C network element) varies among different operators in different regions. When 5G terminal users move from 5G coverage area to 4G coverage area, or from 4G coverage area to 5G coverage area, 4 / 5G interoperability will be performed.

[0021] Currently, the disaster recovery and protection methods for different converged scenarios in the core network of related technologies (i.e., whether the user plane equipment has completed the full convergence of 4G / 5G logical functions or whether the converged gateway function is set up according to the 5G terminal capabilities) are not perfect. This can lead to problems such as 4G / 5G being unable to access the Internet, Internet speed being reduced, and end-to-end latency being increased.

[0022] To address this, this application obtains the network status of a target area within a preset time period. The network status includes the converged network status, converged gateway functional parameters, the number of bearers or sessions of network elements, inter-network element interface traffic, and inter-network element interface bandwidth. The converged gateway functional parameters indicate whether to prioritize the selection of a converged gateway based on terminal capabilities. The application then determines the target network scenario corresponding to the converged network status and the converged gateway functional parameters. Based on the number of bearers or sessions of network elements, it determines the session capacity utilization rate of the network elements corresponding to the target network scenario, and / or based on the inter-network element interface traffic and inter-network element interface bandwidth, it determines the interface traffic bandwidth utilization rate of the target network scenario. Utilization rate; Under preset conditions, network elements within the target area are expanded and / or load migrated. The preset conditions are that the session capacity utilization rate is higher than a first threshold and / or the interface traffic bandwidth utilization rate is higher than a second threshold. For different converged networking states, thresholds for session capacity utilization rate and / or interface traffic bandwidth utilization rate corresponding to different converged networking states can be determined. If the session capacity utilization rate and / or interface traffic bandwidth utilization rate exceed their corresponding thresholds within a predetermined time period, network elements in the network can be expanded and / or load migrated, thereby solving the problem of imperfect disaster recovery assurance methods in different converged scenarios of the core network in related technologies.

[0023] Figure 1 This illustration shows a network expansion method according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method can be executed by an electronic device, which may include a server and / or a terminal device, wherein the terminal device may be, for example, a mobile phone terminal. In other words, the method can be executed by software or hardware installed on the electronic device, and the method includes the following steps:

[0024] Step 101: Obtain the network status of the target area within the target preset time period.

[0025] The network status includes the converged network status, converged gateway function parameters, number of network elements carrying or sessions, inter-network element interface traffic, and inter-network element interface bandwidth. The converged gateway function parameters are used to indicate whether to prioritize the selection of the converged gateway based on the terminal's capabilities.

[0026] Specifically, the converged networking status can be the converged status during the current network evolution process. For example, the converged networking status can be the converged status of the current 4G network and 5G network, that is, the convergence status of network elements in the current 4G network and network elements in the 5G network.

[0027] Specifically, the number of bearers for a network element can be the number of bearers for each network element in a 4G network; the number of sessions for a network element can be the number of sessions for each network element in a 5G network.

[0028] It should be noted that the settings for the converged gateway function parameters can be enabled through the Mobility Management Entity (MME) device. Furthermore, these settings can be configured based on the capabilities of the 5G terminal. For example, enabling the converged gateway function parameters will prioritize converged gateway devices that combine SMF and PGW-C network elements, as well as those that combine UPF and PGW-U network elements, regardless of whether the 5G terminal is in a 4G or 5G coverage area.

[0029] It is understandable that the network elements in this step can be network elements in the 4G core network or network elements in the 5G core network. For example, network elements in the 4G core network can be SGW network elements, PGW network elements, etc., while network elements in the 5G core network can be SMF network elements, UPF network elements, etc.

[0030] Step 102: Determine the target network scenario corresponding to the converged networking status and the converged gateway functional parameters.

[0031] Specifically, based on various converged networking states and the various converged gateway function parameters set, different network scenarios can be formed with different converged networking states and different converged gateway function parameters.

[0032] Step 103: Based on the number of bearers or sessions of the network element, determine the session capacity utilization rate of the network element corresponding to the target network scenario, and / or based on the interface traffic and interface bandwidth between the network elements, determine the interface traffic bandwidth utilization rate corresponding to the target network scenario.

[0033] Specifically, the session capacity utilization rate of a network element can be the ratio of the number of bearers of the network element to the bearer capacity of the network element (for 4G networks), and the session capacity utilization rate of a network element can be the ratio of the number of sessions of the network element to the session capacity of the network element (for 5G networks); the interface traffic bandwidth utilization rate can be the ratio of the interface traffic between network elements to the interface bandwidth between network elements.

[0034] Step 104: Under the condition that the preset conditions are met, expand the capacity of the network elements in the target area and / or perform load migration.

[0035] The preset conditions are that the session capacity utilization rate is higher than a first threshold, and / or the interface traffic bandwidth utilization rate is higher than a second threshold.

[0036] Optionally, if preset conditions are met, the load of network elements in the target area can be migrated to network elements in other pools.

[0037] Specifically, the first and second thresholds can be set by relevant personnel according to actual needs in the application.

[0038] Optionally, relevant technical personnel can also set specific thresholds for session capacity utilization and interface traffic bandwidth utilization for network elements in the corresponding hardware resource pool and data center.

[0039] Thus, this embodiment obtains the network status of the target area within a preset time period. The network status includes the converged network status, converged gateway functional parameters, the number of bearers or sessions of network elements, inter-network element interface traffic, and inter-network element interface bandwidth. The converged gateway functional parameters indicate whether to prioritize the converged gateway based on terminal capabilities. The embodiment then determines the target network scenario corresponding to the converged network status and the converged gateway functional parameters. Based on the number of bearers or sessions of network elements, it determines the session capacity utilization rate of the network elements corresponding to the target network scenario, and / or based on the inter-network element interface traffic and inter-network element interface bandwidth, it determines the interface traffic bandwidth utilization rate of the target network scenario. Utilization rate; Under preset conditions, network elements within the target area are expanded and / or load migrated. The preset conditions are that the session capacity utilization rate is higher than a first threshold and / or the interface traffic bandwidth utilization rate is higher than a second threshold. For different converged networking states, thresholds for session capacity utilization rate and / or interface traffic bandwidth utilization rate corresponding to different converged networking states can be determined. If the session capacity utilization rate and / or interface traffic bandwidth utilization rate exceed their corresponding thresholds within a predetermined time period, network elements in the network can be expanded and / or load migrated, thereby solving the problem of imperfect disaster recovery assurance methods in different converged scenarios of the core network in related technologies.

[0040] In one optional implementation, the converged networking state corresponding to the target network scenario is the converged service gateway (SGW) function of the user plane function (UPF) device; both the first threshold and the second threshold are obtained through a first preset formula; the first preset formula is: min([S1%, (N1-x1) / N1*100%]).

[0041] Wherein, S1 is the first preset threshold, N1 is the number of network elements in the resource pool POOL of the UPF device, and x1 is the number of network elements corresponding to the first protection level.

[0042] Specifically, the network element at this time can be the S1-U interface, SGi interface, N3 interface, and N6 interface.

[0043] Specifically, the converged networking state corresponding to the target network scenario can be that the UPF device integrates the SGW function. In this way, the SGW network element of the 4G core network is integrated with the UPF network element of the 5G core network. At this time, the traffic carrying path of 5G terminal users in both the 4G base station coverage area and the 5G base station coverage area is from the base station to the converged gateway device of the UPF network element and the System Architecture Evolution Gateway-U (SAEGW-U) network element, and then through the aforementioned converged gateway device to the external data network. It can be understood that SAEGW-U includes PGW-U network elements and SGW-U network elements. On this basis, when 5G terminal users move from the 4G base station coverage area to the 5G coverage area, they do not need to switch from the SGW network element of the 4G core network to the UPF network element of the 5G core network.

[0044] Specifically, the first preset threshold can be set by relevant technologies in actual applications according to actual needs. For example, the first preset threshold can be 75.

[0045] Specifically, the value of x1 can indicate that when x1 network elements in the POOL of the UPF device fail, other network elements can take over the services undertaken by the failed network elements. The value of x1 can be set by relevant technical personnel according to the specific protection level required. For example, if the value of x1 can be 1, it means that when one network element in the POOL of the UPF device fails, other network elements in the POOL can take over the services of the failed network element.

[0046] In this way, when the converged networking state corresponding to the target network scenario is the User Plane Function (UPF) device converged service gateway (SGW) function, a first threshold for session capacity utilization and / or a second threshold for interface traffic bandwidth utilization can be set for the current target network scenario. When the session capacity utilization and interface bandwidth utilization exceed their corresponding thresholds, network elements can be expanded and / or load migrated in a timely manner, thereby meeting the disaster recovery requirements of this network scenario.

[0047] In one optional implementation, the converged networking state corresponding to the target network scenario is that the UPF device does not integrate the SGW function, and the MME device does not enable the converged gateway function parameter settings; the second threshold includes a third threshold and a fourth threshold;

[0048] The interface traffic bandwidth utilization rate being higher than the second threshold includes: the interface traffic bandwidth utilization rate of the N3 interface and the N6 interface being higher than the third threshold, and the interface traffic bandwidth utilization rate of the S1-U interface and the SGi interface being higher than the fourth threshold.

[0049] Specifically, the N3 interface is the interface between the UPF network element and the next-generation base station gNodeB, the N6 interface is the interface between the external data network and the UPF network element, the S1-U interface is the interface between the SGW network element and the evolved NodeB, and the SGi interface is the interface between the external data network and the PGW network element.

[0050] The first threshold and the third threshold are both obtained through a second preset formula, and the fourth threshold is obtained through a third preset formula.

[0051] The second preset formula is: min([S2%, (N2-x2) / N2*100%]);

[0052] The third preset formula is: min([S3%,(M1-x3) / M1*100%]);

[0053] Wherein, S2 is the second preset threshold, N2 is the number of network elements in the POOL of the UPF device, and x2 is the number of network elements corresponding to the second protection level; S3 is the third preset threshold, M1 is the number of network elements in the POOL of the SAEGW device, and x3 is the number of network elements corresponding to the third protection level.

[0054] Specifically, the converged networking status corresponding to the target network scenario can be that the UPF device does not integrate the SGW function, and the MME device does not enable the converged gateway function parameter settings. In this case, the SGW network element of the 4G core network has not been integrated with the UPF network element of the 5G core network.

[0055] Furthermore, in this target network scenario, the traffic carrying path in the 4G base station coverage area is from the mobile terminal to the eNodeB, then through the SGW and PGW to the external data network; in the same target network scenario, the network carrying path in the 5G base station coverage area is from the mobile terminal to the gNodeB, then through the UPF to the external data network. Based on this, when a 5G terminal user moves from the 4G base station coverage area to the 5G coverage area, the user plane anchor point needs to be changed, specifically from the SGW-U user plane anchor point on the 4G core network side to the UPF user plane anchor point on the 5G core network side. This requires setting the threshold values ​​for the interface bandwidth utilization rate on the 4G core network side, the interface bandwidth utilization rate on the 5G core network side, and the session capacity utilization rate on the 5G core network side interface, respectively.

[0056] Specifically, the second and third preset thresholds can be set by relevant technologies in actual applications according to actual needs. For example, both the second and third preset thresholds can be 75.

[0057] Specifically, the value of x2 can indicate that when x2 network elements in the POOL of the UPF device fail, other network elements can take over the services undertaken by the failed network elements; the value of x3 can indicate that when x3 network elements in the POOL of the SGW device fail, other network elements can take over the services undertaken by the failed network elements; the values ​​of x2 and x3 can be set by relevant technical personnel according to the specific protection level required.

[0058] In this way, when the converged networking status corresponding to the target network scenario is that the UPF device does not integrate the SGW function and the MME device does not enable the converged gateway function parameter settings, a first threshold for session capacity utilization and / or a second threshold for interface traffic bandwidth utilization can be set for the current target network scenario. In this way, when the session capacity utilization and interface bandwidth exceed their corresponding thresholds, network elements can be expanded and / or load migrated in a timely manner, thereby meeting the disaster recovery requirements of this network scenario.

[0059] In one optional implementation, the converged networking state corresponding to the target network scenario is that the UPF device does not integrate the SGW function, and the mobility management entity MME device has the converged gateway function parameter settings enabled; the second threshold includes the fifth threshold and the sixth threshold;

[0060] The interface traffic bandwidth utilization rate being higher than the second threshold includes: the interface traffic bandwidth utilization rate of the N3 interface and the N6 interface being higher than the fifth threshold, and the interface traffic bandwidth utilization rate of the S1-U interface and the SGi interface being higher than the sixth threshold.

[0061] The interface bandwidth requirements of the Gn interface are determined using the sixth preset formula.

[0062] Among them, the Gn interface is the interface between the UPF network element and the PGW user plane PGW-U network element, which are integrated network elements, and the SGW user plane SGW-U network element.

[0063] Wherein, the first threshold and the fifth threshold are both obtained by the fourth preset formula, and the sixth threshold is obtained by the fifth preset formula;

[0064] The fourth preset formula is: min([S4%,(N4-x4) / N4*100%]);

[0065] The fifth preset formula is: min([S5%, (N5-x5) / N5*100%]);

[0066] The sixth preset formula is: L1*L2*v / min([S4%,(N4-x4) / N4*100%]);

[0067] Wherein, S4 is the fourth preset threshold, N4 is the number of POOL network elements of the UPF device, and x4 is the number of network elements corresponding to the fourth protection level;

[0068] S5 is the fifth preset threshold, N5 is the number of network elements in the POOL of the SAEGW device, and x5 is the number of network elements corresponding to the fifth protection level.

[0069] Wherein, L1 is the number of 5G terminals covered by 4G base stations, L2 is the 4G session ratio, and v is the single-user traffic model.

[0070] Wherein, the 4G session ratio is the ratio of the number of 4G sessions on PGW-U to the number of 5G terminal users, and the value of the single-user traffic model is the ratio of the traffic generated per unit time of the target network standard within a preset time period to the total number of bearers or sessions corresponding to the target network standard, wherein the traffic generated per unit time is the ratio of the total traffic generated in the preset time period to the total time corresponding to the preset time period.

[0071] Specifically, the converged networking status corresponding to the target network scenario can be that the UPF device has not integrated the SGW function, and the Mobility Management Entity (MME) device has enabled the converged gateway function parameter settings. In this way, although the SGW network element of the 4G core network has not been integrated with the UPF network element of the 5G core network, the 5G terminal can choose the converged gateway device between the SMF network element and the PGW-C network element, as well as the converged gateway device between the UPF network element and the PGW-U network element.

[0072] Furthermore, in this target network scenario, the network bearer path in the 4G base station coverage area is from the mobile terminal to the eNodeB, then through the SGW-U to the UPF network element and the converged gateway device of the PGW-U network element, and then to the external data network. In the same target network scenario, the network bearer path in the 5G base station coverage area is from the mobile terminal to the gNodeB, then through the UPF network element to the external data network. Based on this, when a 5G terminal user moves from the 4G base station coverage area to the 5G coverage area, the user plane anchor point needs to be changed, that is, from the SGW-U network element to the UPF network element.

[0073] As can be seen, in this target scenario, if the 5G terminal is within the coverage area of ​​the 4G base station, the internet traffic will be forwarded from the traditional SGW device to the UPF (PGW-U), which increases the traffic on the Gn interface. Moreover, the worse the continuous coverage of the 5G base station, the greater the bandwidth requirement of the Gn interface. At this time, it is necessary to meet the bandwidth requirements of the Gn interface.

[0074] Specifically, the fourth and fifth preset thresholds can be set by relevant technologies according to actual needs in practical applications. For example, both the fourth and fifth preset thresholds can be 75.

[0075] Specifically, the value of x4 can indicate that when x4 network elements in the POOL of the UPF device fail, other network elements can take over the services undertaken by the failed network elements; the value of x5 can indicate that when x5 network elements in the POOL of the SGW device fail, other network elements can take over the services undertaken by the failed network elements; the values ​​of x4 and x5 can be set by relevant technical personnel according to the specific protection level required.

[0076] In this way, when the converged networking state corresponding to the target network scenario is that the UPF device does not integrate the SGW function, and the MME device has the converged gateway function parameter settings enabled, a first threshold for session capacity utilization and / or a second threshold for interface traffic bandwidth utilization can be set for the current target network scenario. In addition, the required bandwidth of the interface can be determined. Thus, when the session capacity utilization and interface bandwidth exceed their corresponding thresholds, or when the current interface bandwidth does not meet the required bandwidth, the network element can be expanded and / or the load can be migrated in a timely manner, thereby meeting the disaster recovery requirements of the network scenario.

[0077] In one alternative implementation, the session capacity is determined by a seventh preset formula;

[0078] Obtaining the bandwidth of the interface between network elements includes: determining the predicted peak value of the first 5G session count within a first preset time period; determining the predicted peak value of the second 5G session count within a second preset time period; and determining the bandwidth of the N3 interface and the N6 interface through an eighth preset formula.

[0079] Wherein, the second preset time period includes the first preset time period;

[0080] The seventh preset formula is:

[0081] max(U,U S ) / min([S6%, (M2-x6) / M2*100%]);

[0082] The eighth preset formula is:

[0083] max(U,U S )*v / min([S6%, (M2-x6) / M2*100%]);

[0084] Wherein, the U SThe first 5G session peak prediction value, U is the second 5G session peak prediction value, v is the value of the single-user traffic model, the value of the single-user traffic model is the ratio of the traffic generated per unit time of the target network standard within a preset time period to the total bearer or session number corresponding to the target network standard, S6 is the sixth preset threshold, M2 is the number of network elements in the POOL of the UPF device, and x6 is the number of network elements corresponding to the sixth protection level.

[0085] Optionally, the first time period can be a period of time during which traffic surges within the second time period. For example, the first time period can be certain important events or major holidays (such as National Day or Spring Festival).

[0086] Specifically, the second time period can be a quarter, half a year, or a year, etc., without any specific limitation here.

[0087] In one optional implementation, determining the predicted peak value of the first 5G session count within the first preset time period includes: determining the predicted peak value of the first 5G session count using a ninth preset formula.

[0088] The ninth preset formula is: U S =A*(1+b) t +D*c*d;

[0089] Wherein, A is the number of 5G sessions within the third preset time period, b is the natural average growth rate of 5G sessions over the n first preset periods closest to the third preset time period, t is the ratio of the time difference between the third preset time period and the first preset time period to the first preset period, D is the total number of users who migrated in during the first preset time period, c is the proportion of 5G registered users in the total number of users, and d is the ratio of the number of 5G sessions to the number of 5G registered users.

[0090] Wherein, the first preset period is equal in length to the third preset time period, and n is a preset value.

[0091] Optionally, the first preset period can be one day, two days, one month, one year, etc., without specific limitations.

[0092] Optionally, the value of D can be determined based on the total number of historical users who migrated during the first preset time period. For example, if the first preset time period is the Spring Festival, the value of D can be determined based on the total number of historical users who migrated during previous Spring Festivals.

[0093] As a specific example, the third preset time period can be one month (e.g., April). The natural average growth rate of 5G sessions is determined for the three first preset periods (e.g., one month) that are closest to the third preset time period. For example, the natural average growth rate of 5G sessions in January, February and March can be determined. In this way, it can be determined that there are 10 months left until the Spring Festival in April (assuming that the Spring Festival is February of the following year), which means that there are 10 first preset periods left until the third preset time period.

[0094] Optionally, the traditional Long Term Evolution (LTE) network load forecasting method can be used to predict the number of 4G users, the number of 4G bearers, and the peak flow rate of 4G. The portion of the traffic that cannot be guaranteed by POOL in the traditional Evolved Packet Core (EPC) network can be migrated to 4G cloud devices or 4 / 5G fully converged cloud devices. The principle of the migration load is to ensure that the capacity utilization rate of the traditional SAEGW POOL network elements, the bandwidth utilization rate of the S1-U and SGi interfaces are all lower than the preset threshold after the migration.

[0095] In this way, by predicting the peak number of sessions and the bandwidth of the interface, the session capacity and bandwidth for a certain period in the future can be met in a timely manner, thereby avoiding network paralysis that may occur in the future.

[0096] In one optional implementation, determining the predicted peak value of the second 5G session count within the second preset time period includes:

[0097] Based on a preset algorithm, the historical number of 5G sessions is predicted to determine the third peak predicted value U1; based on the average natural growth rate of the number of 5G sessions in the second preset period and historical data on sudden increases in the number of 5G sessions, the fourth peak predicted value U2 is determined; U2 is obtained by the following formula: U2=B*(1+a) w +E;

[0098] Based on the converged network status, the proportion of terminals with 5G on / off, and the 5G base station coverage, the fifth 5G session peak prediction value U3 is determined; based on U1, U2, and U3, the second 5G session peak prediction value is determined by the following formula: U = δ1U1 + δ2U2 + δ3U3.

[0099] Wherein, B is the number of 5G sessions within the fourth preset time period, a is the natural average growth rate of 5G sessions in the second preset period, w is the ratio of the time difference between the fourth preset time period and the end time of the second preset time period to the second preset period, and E is the historical data of the sudden increase in 5G sessions.

[0100] Wherein, δ1 is the first preset value, δ2 is the second preset value, δ3 is the third preset value, and the sum of δ1, δ2, and δ3 is 1, and the values ​​of δ1, δ2, and δ3 are all within the range of 0 to 1.

[0101] Specifically, the preset algorithm can be a time series prediction algorithm, such as the ARIMA algorithm, long short-term memory and linear regression algorithm, etc.

[0102] As a concrete example, if the second preset time period can be a whole year after the current time, and the second preset cycle can be one month, then the peak 5G session count U2 = B*(1+a) within this year can be predicted. 12 +E.

[0103] Optionally, δ1, δ2, and δ3 have the same initial values, which can be changed according to rules. The following example uses the error of the predicted value U1 to illustrate the rules for changing the coefficients:

[0104] Rule 1: IF | U1-U real |≤α1, THEN (then) δ1=1, δ2=0, δ3=0;

[0105] Rule 2: IFα1<|U1-U real |≤α2, THENδ1(k)=1.4δ1(k-1);

[0106] Rule 3: IFα2<|U1-U real |≤α3, THENδ1(k)=δ1(k-1);

[0107] Rule 4: IFα3<|U1-U real |≤α4, THENδ1(k)=0.6δ1(k-1);

[0108] Rule 5: IF|U1-U real |>α4, THEN δ1=0, δ2=0.5, δ3=0.5;

[0109] Rule 6: If the values ​​of δ1, δ2, and δ3 change compared to the previous training, then the sum of δ1, δ2, and δ3 is renormalized.

[0110] Among them, U real To determine the true values ​​(historical data) of the training sample flow, α1, α2, α3, and α4 can be selected by relevant technical personnel based on experience; for example, α1 = 0.5%U. real α2 = 5% U real α3 = 12%U real α4 = 35% Ureal k is the number of training iterations.

[0111] In this way, the peak number of 5G sessions within the second preset time period can be determined in multiple ways, and the final peak number of 5G sessions can be obtained from the peak number of 5G sessions obtained by these multiple methods, thereby making the obtained peak number of 5G sessions more accurate.

[0112] In one optional implementation, determining the fifth 5G session peak prediction value U3 based on the converged network status, the proportion of terminals with 5G on / off switches, and the 5G base station coverage includes:

[0113] When the converged networking state is that the UPF device integrates the SGW function, and / or when the converged networking state is that the UPF device does not integrate the SGW function and the MME device does not enable the converged gateway function parameter settings, the fifth 5G session number peak prediction value U3 is determined by the following formula:

[0114] U3 = Number of 5G terminals * Percentage of 5G switches on * SA conversion rate * d;

[0115] Wherein, the SA conversion rate is the ratio of 5G terminals using the SA network to all 5G terminals, and d is the ratio of the number of 5G sessions to the number of 5G registered users;

[0116] When the converged networking state corresponding to the target network scenario is that the UPF device does not integrate the SGW function, and the MME device has the converged gateway function parameter settings enabled, the fifth 5G session number peak prediction value U3 is determined by the following formula:

[0117] U3 = Number of 5G terminals * Percentage of 5G terminals within 5G coverage * Percentage of 5G switches on * SA conversion rate * d.

[0118] In this way, the peak value of 5G sessions within the second preset time period can be determined under different network scenarios, making the obtained peak value of 5G sessions more accurate.

[0119] Optional, see below Figure 2 The flowchart below illustrates the specific steps of one embodiment of this application.

[0120] Step 201: Use the data acquisition module to collect network status-related data within a preset time period.

[0121] Specifically, the data acquisition module can be used to obtain the number of 5G terminals, the distribution of 5G terminals, gNodeB coverage data, converged networking status, converged gateway parameter settings, number of 4 / 5G users, number of 4 / 5G bearers / sessions, traffic of each interface, and bandwidth of each interface within a preset time period.

[0122] The aforementioned interfaces include S1-U, Gn, SGi, N3, and N6.

[0123] Step 202: Based on the acquired data, determine the 4 / 5G session capacity utilization rate and the bandwidth utilization rate of each interface for each network element.

[0124] Among them, the 4G session capacity utilization rate is the ratio of the number of bearers of each network element in the 4G network to the bearer capacity of each network element; the 5G session capacity utilization rate is the ratio of the number of sessions of each network element in the 5G network to the session capacity of each network element; and the interface bandwidth utilization rate is the ratio of the traffic of each interface to the bandwidth of each interface.

[0125] Optionally, the determined 4 / 5G session capacity utilization and interface bandwidth utilization of each network element can be stored in the database storage module.

[0126] Step 203: Based on the network integration status of the target area, perform capacity assessment and early warning for 4 / 5G user plane equipment and design disaster recovery parameters.

[0127] Specifically, the target's network integration status can be divided into the following three network integration scenarios.

[0128] Specifically, the first network convergence scenario can be that the user plane equipment (UPF equipment) integrates the SGW function. In this case, in the 5G core network, the UPF equipment is a converged network element of UPF network element and SAEGW-U network element (SGW-U network element and PGW-U network element).

[0129] Specifically, in this scenario, since the UPF network element on the 5G core network side is integrated with the SGW network element and PGW network element on the 4G core network side, the 5G terminal does not involve the switching of core network elements when moving from the 4G base station coverage area to the 5G coverage area.

[0130] Furthermore, in this scenario, the session capacity utilization rate and the aforementioned interface bandwidth utilization rate of the UPF device must both be lower than min([S1%, (N1-x1) / N1*100%]) to meet disaster recovery requirements.

[0131] It should be noted that S1 is the first preset threshold, N1 is the number of network elements in the resource pool (POOL) of the UPF device, and x1 is the number of network elements corresponding to the first protection level. For example, if the value of x1 is 1, it means that after one UPF network element in the above POOL goes down, other network elements in the POOL can take over all the services of the downed network element.

[0132] Specifically, the second network convergence scenario can be where the user plane equipment (UPF equipment) does not integrate SGW functionality, and the MME equipment does not have the converged gateway parameter settings enabled. In this case, in the 5G core network, the UPF equipment is a converged network element of UPF network elements and PGW-U network elements.

[0133] Specifically, in this scenario, when a 5G terminal moves from a 4G base station coverage area to a 5G coverage area, it needs to change the user plane anchor point, that is, it needs to move from the user plane equipment (SGW) on the 4G core network side to the user plane equipment (UPF) on the 5G core network side. At this time, it is necessary to set the threshold for the interface bandwidth utilization rate on the 5G core network side, the threshold for the session capacity utilization rate of the interface on the 5G core network side, and the threshold for the interface bandwidth utilization rate, respectively.

[0134] Furthermore, in this scenario, since the SGW and PGW only need to be separated in a few situations such as cross-POOL handover or international roaming, the traffic of the Gn interface between the UPF network element and the converged network element of PGW-U and the SGW-U is small and does not require special attention.

[0135] Furthermore, in this scenario, the session capacity utilization rate of the UPF device and the interface bandwidth utilization rate of the N3 and N6 interfaces must be lower than min([S2%, (N2-x2) / N2*100%]); the interface traffic bandwidth utilization rate of the S1-U interface and the SGi interface must be lower than min([S3%, (M1-x3) / M1*100%]) to meet the disaster recovery requirements.

[0136] It should be noted that S2 is the second preset threshold, N2 is the number of network elements in the POOL of the UPF device, and x2 is the number of network elements corresponding to the second protection level; S3 is the third preset threshold, M1 is the number of network elements in the POOL of the SAEGW device, and x3 is the number of network elements corresponding to the third protection level; for example, if the value of x2 is 1, it means that after one UPF network element in the above POOL goes down, other network elements in the POOL can take over all the services of the downed network element.

[0137] Specifically, the third network convergence scenario can be where the UPF device does not integrate the SGW function, but the Mobility Management Entity (MME) device has enabled the converged gateway function parameter settings. In this way, although the SGW network element of the 4G core network has not been integrated with the UPF network element of the 5G core network, the 5G terminal can choose the converged gateway device between the SMF network element and the PGW-C network element, as well as the converged gateway device between the UPF network element and the PGW-U network element.

[0138] Furthermore, in this target network scenario, the network bearer path in the 4G base station coverage area is from the mobile terminal to the eNodeB, then through the SGW-U to the UPF network element and the converged gateway device of the PGW-U network element, and then to the external data network. In the same target network scenario, the network bearer path in the 5G base station coverage area is from the mobile terminal to the gNodeB, then through the UPF network element to the external data network. Based on this, when a 5G terminal user moves from the 4G base station coverage area to the 5G coverage area, the user plane anchor point needs to be changed, that is, from the SGW-U network element to the UPF network element.

[0139] As can be seen, in this target scenario, if the 5G terminal is within the coverage area of ​​the 4G base station, the internet traffic will be forwarded from the traditional SGW device to the UPF (PGW-U), which increases the traffic on the Gn interface. Moreover, the worse the continuous coverage of the 5G base station, the greater the bandwidth requirement of the Gn interface. At this time, it is necessary to meet the bandwidth requirements of the Gn interface.

[0140] Furthermore, in this scenario, the session capacity utilization rate of the UPF device and the interface bandwidth utilization rate of the N3 and N6 interfaces must both be lower than min([S4%, (N4-x4) / N4*100%]); the interface traffic bandwidth utilization rate of the S1-U interface and the SGi interface must be lower than min([S5%, (N5-x5) / N5*100%]) to meet the disaster recovery requirements.

[0141] The interface bandwidth requirements of the Gn interface must meet the following:

[0142] L1*L2*v / min([S4%,(N4-x4) / N4*100%]) to meet disaster recovery requirements.

[0143] It should be noted that S4 is the fourth preset threshold, N4 is the number of network elements in the POOL of the UPF device, and x4 is the number of network elements corresponding to the fourth protection level.

[0144] S5 is the fifth preset threshold, N5 is the number of network elements in the POOL of the SAEGW device, and x5 is the number of network elements corresponding to the fifth protection level.

[0145] L1 represents the number of 5G terminals covered by 4G base stations, L2 represents the 4G session ratio, and v represents the single-user traffic model.

[0146] The 4G session ratio is the ratio of the number of 4G sessions on PGW-U to the number of 5G terminal users. The value of the single-user traffic model is the ratio of the traffic generated per unit time of the target network standard within a preset time period to the total number of bearers or sessions corresponding to the target network standard. The traffic generated per unit time is the ratio of the total traffic generated in the preset time period to the total time corresponding to the preset time period.

[0147] Step 204: Determine the 5G session capacity, N3 interface, and N6 interface bandwidth.

[0148] Specifically, if we select a certain time period, let A be the number of 5G sessions during that time period, b be the natural average growth rate of 5G sessions over the most recent three periods (the period can be month, day, or week), t be the ratio of the time difference between the aforementioned time period and the Spring Festival to the aforementioned period, D be the total number of users migrating in during the Spring Festival, c be the proportion of 5G registered users in the total number of users, and d be the ratio of the number of 5G sessions to the number of 5G registered users, then we can predict the peak number of 5G sessions U during the Spring Festival. S as follows:

[0149] U S =A*(1+b) t +D*c*d;

[0150] Specifically, it can also predict the peak number of 5G sessions one year from now;

[0151] First, based on a large number of historical 5G session counts, predictions can be made using time series prediction algorithms (such as ARIMA algorithm, long short-term memory, and linear regression) to obtain the peak 5G session count prediction value U1 one year later.

[0152] Secondly, the peak predicted value of 5G sessions within one year from the current month can be obtained based on the monthly average natural growth rate of 5G sessions and the sudden increase in 5G sessions such as major events or holidays, U2 = B*(1+a). 12 +E;

[0153] Where B is the number of 5G sessions in the current month, a is the monthly average natural growth rate of 5G sessions, and E is the historical data of the sudden increase in 5G sessions.

[0154] Furthermore, based on the converged network status, the proportion of terminals with 5G on / off, and the coverage of 5G base stations, the predicted peak value U3 of 5G session count one year later can be determined.

[0155] When the UPF device is in a converged network state with SGW functionality integrated, and / or when the UPF device is in a converged network state without SGW functionality integrated, and the MME device has not enabled the converged gateway function parameter settings, the peak predicted value U3 for 5G session count is determined using the following formula:

[0156] U3 = Number of 5G terminals * Percentage of 5G switches on * SA conversion rate * d;

[0157] Among them, the SA conversion rate is the ratio of 5G terminals using the SA network to all 5G terminals, and d is the ratio of the number of 5G sessions to the number of 5G registered users.

[0158] When the converged networking status corresponding to the target network scenario is that the UPF device does not integrate the SGW function, and the MME device has enabled the converged gateway function parameter settings, the fifth 5G session number peak prediction value U3 is determined by the following formula:

[0159] U3 = Number of 5G terminals * Percentage of 5G terminals within 5G coverage * Percentage of 5G switches on * SA conversion rate * d;

[0160] Based on U1, U2 and U3, the predicted peak value of 5G session count one year later is determined by the following formula: U=δ1U1+δ2U2+δ3U3;

[0161] Wherein, δ1 is the first preset value, δ2 is the second preset value, δ3 is the third preset value, and the sum of δ1, δ2, and δ3 is 1. The values ​​of δ1, δ2, and δ3 are all within the range of 0 to 1.

[0162] The initial values ​​of δ1, δ2, and δ3 are the same, and they can be changed according to rules. The following example uses the error of the predicted value U1 to illustrate the rules for changing the coefficients:

[0163] Rule 1: IF | U1-U real |≤α1, THEN (then) δ1=1, δ2=0, δ3=0;

[0164] Rule 2: IFα1<|U1-U real |≤α2, THENδ1(k)=1.4δ1(k-1);

[0165] Rule 3: IFα2<|U1-U real |≤α3, THENδ1(k)=δ1(k-1);

[0166] Rule 4: IFα3<|U1-U real |≤α4, THENδ1(k)=0.6δ1(k-1);

[0167] Rule 5: IF|U1-U real |>α4, THEN δ1=0, δ2=0.5, δ3=0.5;

[0168] Rule 6: If the values ​​of δ1, δ2, and δ3 change compared to the previous training, then the sum of δ1, δ2, and δ3 is renormalized.

[0169] Among them, U real To determine the true values ​​(historical data) of the training sample flow, α1, α2, α3, and α4 can be selected by relevant technical personnel based on experience; for example, α1 = 0.5%U. real α2 = 5% U real α3 = 12%U real α4 = 35% U real k is the number of training iterations.

[0170] Session capacity is determined using the following formula:

[0171] max(U,U S ) / min([S6%, (M2-x6) / M2*100%]);

[0172] The bandwidth of the N3 interface and the bandwidth of the N6 interface are determined using the following formula:

[0173] max(U,U S )*v / min([S6%, (M2-x6) / M2*100%]);

[0174] v is the value of the single-user traffic model, which is the ratio of the traffic generated per unit time of the target network standard within a preset time period to the total number of bearers or sessions corresponding to the target network standard. S6 is a preset threshold, M2 is the number of network elements in the POOL of the UPF device, and x6 is the number of network elements corresponding to the preset protection level.

[0175] Simultaneously, the traditional LTE network load forecasting method is used to predict the number of 4G users, the number of 4G bearers, and the peak flow rate of 4G. The portion of the service volume that cannot achieve POOL disaster recovery protection in the traditional EPC network is migrated to 4G cloud devices or 4 / 5G fully converged cloud devices. The principle of load migration is to ensure that the capacity utilization rate of the traditional SAEGW POOL internal network element, the bandwidth utilization rate of S1-U and SGi interfaces are all lower than the preset threshold after migration.

[0176] In this way, thresholds for session capacity utilization and / or interface traffic bandwidth utilization can be determined for different converged networking states. If the session capacity utilization and / or interface traffic bandwidth utilization exceed their corresponding thresholds within a predetermined time period, network elements in the network can be expanded and / or load migrated. In addition, by predicting the peak number of sessions and the bandwidth of interfaces, the session capacity and bandwidth for a future time period can be met in a timely manner, thereby avoiding network paralysis that may occur in the future.

[0177] It should be noted that the network expansion method provided in this application embodiment can be executed by a network expansion device or a control module within that network expansion device for executing the network expansion method. This application embodiment uses a network expansion device executing a network expansion method as an example to illustrate the network expansion device provided in this application embodiment.

[0178] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a network expansion device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 As shown, a network expansion device 300 includes: an acquisition module 310, a first determination module 320, a second determination module 330, and an expansion module 340.

[0179] The acquisition module 310 is used to acquire the network status of the target area within a preset time period. The network status includes the converged networking status, converged gateway function parameters, the number of bearers or sessions of network elements, the interface traffic between network elements, and the interface bandwidth between network elements. The converged gateway function parameters are used to indicate whether to prioritize the selection of the converged gateway based on the terminal capabilities.

[0180] The first determining module 320 is used to determine the target network scenario corresponding to the converged networking status and the converged gateway functional parameters;

[0181] The second determining module 330 is used to determine the session capacity utilization rate of the network element corresponding to the target network scenario based on the number of bearers or sessions of the network element, and / or to determine the interface traffic bandwidth utilization rate of the target network scenario based on the interface traffic between the network elements and the interface bandwidth between the network elements.

[0182] The expansion module 340 is used to expand the capacity of network elements in the target area and / or perform load migration when preset conditions are met, wherein the preset conditions are that the session capacity utilization rate is higher than a first threshold and / or the interface traffic bandwidth utilization rate is higher than a second threshold.

[0183] In one implementation, the converged networking state corresponding to the target network scenario is the converged service gateway (SGW) function of the User Plane Function (UPF) device; both the first threshold and the second threshold are obtained through a first preset formula; the first preset formula is: min([S1%, (N1-x1) / N1*100%]); where S1 is the first preset threshold, N1 is the number of network elements in the resource pool (POOL) of the UPF device, and x1 is the number of network elements corresponding to the first protection level.

[0184] In one implementation, the converged networking state corresponding to the target network scenario is that the UPF device does not integrate the SGW function, and the Mobility Management Entity (MME) device does not enable the converged gateway function parameter settings; the second threshold includes a third threshold and a fourth threshold; the interface traffic bandwidth utilization rate being higher than the second threshold includes: the interface traffic bandwidth utilization rate of the N3 interface and the N6 interface being higher than the third threshold, and the interface traffic bandwidth utilization rate of the S1-U interface and the SGi interface being higher than the fourth threshold, wherein the N3 interface is the interface between the UPF network element and the next-generation base station gNodeB, the N6 interface is the interface between the external data network and the UPF network element, and the S1-U interface is the interface between the SGW network element and the evolved NodeB. The SGi interface is the interface between the external data network and the packet data gateway PGW network element; wherein, the first threshold and the third threshold are both obtained through a second preset formula, and the fourth threshold is obtained through a third preset formula; the second preset formula is min([S2%, (N2-x2) / N2*100%]), and the third preset formula is min([S3%, (M1-x3) / M1*100%]); wherein, S2 is the second preset threshold, N2 is the number of network elements in the POOL of the UPF device, and x2 is the number of network elements corresponding to the second protection level; S3 is the third preset threshold, M1 is the number of network elements in the POOL of the SAEGW device, and x3 is the number of network elements corresponding to the third protection level.

[0185] In one implementation, the converged networking state corresponding to the target network scenario is that the UPF device does not integrate the SGW function, and the MME device has the converged gateway function parameter settings enabled; the interface bandwidth requirement of the Gn interface is determined by a sixth preset formula, wherein the Gn interface is the interface between the converged network element of the UPF network element and the PGW user plane PGW-U network element and the SGW user plane SGW-U network element; the second threshold includes the fifth threshold and the sixth threshold; the interface traffic bandwidth utilization rate is higher than the second threshold, including: the interface traffic bandwidth utilization rate of the N3 interface and the N6 interface is higher than the fifth threshold, and the interface traffic bandwidth utilization rate of the S1-U interface and the SGi interface is higher than the sixth threshold;

[0186] Wherein, the first threshold and the fifth threshold are both obtained through the fourth preset formula, the sixth threshold is obtained through the fifth preset formula, and the seventh threshold is obtained through the sixth preset formula; the fourth preset formula is: min([S4%, (N4-x4) / N4*100%]); the fifth preset formula is: min([S5%, (N5-x5) / N5*100%]); the sixth preset formula is: L1*L2*vmin([S4%, N4-x4N4*100%]); where S4 is the fourth preset threshold, N4 is the number of POOL network elements of the UPF device, and x4 is the number of network elements corresponding to the fourth protection level; S5 is the fifth preset threshold. N5 represents the number of POOL network elements in the SAEGW device, and x5 represents the number of network elements corresponding to the fifth protection level. L1 represents the number of 5G terminals covered by the 4G base station, L2 represents the 4G session ratio, and v represents the single-user traffic model. The 4G session ratio is the ratio of the number of 4G sessions to the number of 5G terminal users on the public data network gateway user plane PGW-U. The single-user traffic model is the ratio of the traffic generated per unit time by the target network standard within a preset time period to the total number of bearers or sessions corresponding to the target network standard. The traffic generated per unit time is the ratio of the total traffic generated within the preset time period to the total time corresponding to the preset time period.

[0187] In one implementation, the acquisition module 310 is further configured to: determine the session capacity using a seventh preset formula; determine the predicted peak value of the first 5G session count within a first preset time period; determine the predicted peak value of the second 5G session count within a second preset time period, wherein the second preset time period includes the first preset time period; and determine the bandwidth of the N3 interface and the bandwidth of the N6 interface using an eighth preset formula.

[0188] The seventh preset formula is: max(U, U S ) / min([S6%,(M2-x6) / M2*100%]); The eighth preset formula is: max(U,U S )*v / min([S6%, (M2-x6) / M2*100%]); where, the U S The first 5G session peak prediction value, U is the second 5G session peak prediction value, v is the value of the single-user traffic model, the value of the single-user traffic model is the ratio of the traffic generated per unit time of the target network standard within a preset time period to the total bearer or session number corresponding to the target network standard, S6 is the sixth preset threshold, M2 is the number of network elements in the POOL of the SGW device, and x6 is the number of network elements corresponding to the sixth protection level.

[0189] In one implementation, the acquisition module 310 is further configured to: determine the predicted peak value of the first 5G session count using a ninth preset formula; the ninth preset formula is: U S =A*(1+b) t +D*c*d; where A is the number of 5G sessions within the third preset time period, b is the natural average growth rate of 5G sessions over the n first preset periods closest to the third preset time period, t is the ratio of the time difference between the third preset time period and the first preset time period to the first preset period, D is the total number of users who migrated in during the first preset time period, c is the proportion of 5G registered users in the total number of users, and d is the ratio of the number of 5G sessions to the number of 5G registered users; where the first preset period and the third preset time period have the same duration, and n is a preset value.

[0190] In one implementation, the acquisition module 310 is further configured to: predict the historical number of 5G sessions according to a preset algorithm to determine the third 5G session peak prediction value U1; and determine the fourth 5G session peak prediction value U2 based on the historical data of the average natural growth rate of the number of 5G sessions in a second preset period and the sudden increase in 5G sessions; wherein U2 is obtained by the following formula: U2=B*(1+a) w +E; where B is the number of 5G sessions within the fourth preset time period, a is the natural average growth rate of 5G sessions in the second preset period, w is the ratio of the time difference between the fourth preset time period and the end time of the second preset time period to the second preset period, and E is the historical data of the burst 5G session increment; based on the converged network status, the terminal 5G switch on / off ratio, and the 5G base station coverage, the fifth 5G session peak prediction value U3 is determined; based on U1, U2, and U3, the second 5G session peak prediction value is determined by the following formula: U = δ1U1 + δ2U2 + δ3U3; where δ1 is the first preset value, δ2 is the second preset value, δ3 is the third preset value, and the sum of δ1, δ2, and δ3 is 1, and the values ​​of δ1, δ2, and δ3 are all within the range of 0 to 1.

[0191] In one implementation, the acquisition module 310 is further configured to: determine the fifth 5G session peak prediction value U3 using the following formula when the converged networking state is that the UPF device integrates the SGW function, and / or when the converged networking state is that the UPF device does not integrate the SGW function and the MME device does not enable the converged gateway function parameter setting: U3 = number of 5G terminals * 5G switch on percentage * SA conversion rate * d; where the SA conversion rate is the ratio of 5G terminals using the SA network to all 5G terminals, and d is the ratio of 5G session count to 5G registered user count; and when the converged networking state corresponding to the target network scenario is that the UPF device does not integrate the SGW function and the MME device enables the converged gateway function parameter setting: U3 = number of 5G terminals * 5G terminal percentage within 5G coverage * 5G switch on percentage * SA conversion rate * d.

[0192] The network expansion device in this application embodiment can be a device, or a component, integrated circuit, or chip in a terminal. The device can be a mobile electronic device or a non-mobile electronic device. For example, mobile electronic devices can be mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, in-vehicle electronic devices, wearable devices, ultra-mobile personal computers (UMPCs), netbooks, or personal digital assistants (PDAs), etc., while non-mobile electronic devices can be servers, network attached storage (NAS), personal computers (PCs), televisions (TVs), ATMs, or self-service machines, etc. This application embodiment does not impose specific limitations.

[0193] One network expansion device in this application embodiment can be a device with an operating system. The operating system can be Android, iOS, or other possible operating systems; this application embodiment does not specifically limit the specific operating system.

[0194] The network expansion device provided in this application embodiment can achieve... Figures 1-2 The various processes implemented in the method embodiments are not described in detail here to avoid repetition.

[0195] Optional, such as Figure 4As shown, this application embodiment also provides an electronic device 400, including a processor 401, a memory 402, and a program or instructions stored in the memory 402 and executable on the processor 401. When the program or instructions are executed by the processor 401, they implement the various processes of the above method embodiments and achieve the same technical effects. To avoid repetition, they will not be described again here.

[0196] It should be noted that the electronic devices in the embodiments of this application include the mobile electronic devices and non-mobile electronic devices described above.

[0197] This application also provides a readable storage medium storing a program or instructions. When the program or instructions are executed by a processor, they implement the various processes of the above-described network expansion method embodiment and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, they will not be described again here.

[0198] The processor is the processor in the electronic device described in the above embodiments. The readable storage medium includes computer-readable storage media, such as computer read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0199] This application embodiment also provides a chip, which includes a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is coupled to the processor. The processor is used to run programs or instructions to implement the various processes of the above-described network expansion method embodiment and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described again here.

[0200] It should be understood that the chip mentioned in the embodiments of this application may also be referred to as a system-on-a-chip, system chip, chip system, or system-on-a-chip, etc.

[0201] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element. Furthermore, it should be noted that the scope of the methods and apparatuses in the embodiments of this application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, but may also include performing functions substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved. For example, the described methods may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Additionally, features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[0202] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by means of software plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms. Of course, they can also be implemented by hardware, but in many cases the former is a better implementation method. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, 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 is stored in a storage medium (such as ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk) and includes several instructions to cause a terminal (which may be a mobile phone, computer, server, air conditioner, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in the various embodiments of this application.

[0203] The embodiments of this application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other forms under the guidance of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and all of these forms are within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A method for expanding network capacity, characterized in that, include: Obtain the network status of the target area within a preset time period. The network status includes the converged networking status, converged gateway function parameters, number of bearers or sessions of network elements, inter-network element interface traffic, and inter-network element interface bandwidth. The converged gateway function parameters are used to indicate whether to prioritize the selection of the converged gateway based on the terminal capabilities. Determine the target network scenario corresponding to the converged networking status and the converged gateway functional parameters; Based on the number of bearers or sessions of the network element, determine the session capacity utilization rate of the network element corresponding to the target network scenario, and / or based on the interface traffic and interface bandwidth between the network elements, determine the interface traffic bandwidth utilization rate corresponding to the target network scenario. Under the condition that the preset conditions are met, the network elements in the target area are expanded and / or the load is migrated, wherein the preset conditions are that the session capacity utilization rate is higher than a first threshold and / or the interface traffic bandwidth utilization rate is higher than a second threshold. The converged networking status refers to the convergence of network elements in the current 4G network and network elements in the 5G network. There are three statuses: User Plane Function (UPF) devices converge the Service Gateway (SGW) function; UPF devices do not converge the SGW function and Mobility Management Entity (MME) devices do not have the converged gateway function parameter settings enabled; UPF devices do not converge the SGW function and MME devices have the converged gateway function parameter settings enabled.

2. The network expansion method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The converged networking state corresponding to the target network scenario is the converged service gateway (SGW) function of the user plane function (UPF) device. Both the first threshold and the second threshold are obtained through a first preset formula; The first preset formula is: ; Among them, the The first preset threshold, the The number of internal network elements in the resource pool (POOL) of the UPF device. The number of network elements corresponding to the first level of protection.

3. The network expansion method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The converged networking status corresponding to the target network scenario is that the UPF device does not integrate the SGW function, and the Mobility Management Entity (MME) device does not enable the converged gateway function parameter settings. The second threshold includes the third threshold and the fourth threshold; The interface traffic bandwidth utilization rate being higher than the second threshold includes: The interface traffic bandwidth utilization rates of the N3 and N6 interfaces are higher than the third threshold, and the interface traffic bandwidth utilization rates of the S1-U and SGi interfaces are higher than the fourth threshold. The N3 interface is the interface between the UPF network element and the next-generation base station gNodeB, the N6 interface is the interface between the external data network and the UPF network element, the S1-U interface is the interface between the SGW network element and the evolved NodeB, and the SGi interface is the interface between the external data network and the packet data gateway PGW network element. Wherein, the first threshold and the third threshold are both obtained by a second preset formula, and the fourth threshold is obtained by a third preset formula; The second preset formula is: ; The third preset formula is: ; Among them, the The second preset threshold, the The number of POOL internal network elements of the UPF device, the The number of network elements corresponding to the second level of protection; The The third preset threshold, the The number of POOL internal network elements of the SAEGW gateway device in the system architecture evolution is described below. The number of network elements corresponding to the third level of protection.

4. The network expansion method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The converged networking state corresponding to the target network scenario is that the UPF device does not integrate the SGW function, and the MME device has the converged gateway function parameter settings enabled. The interface bandwidth requirement of the Gn interface is determined by the sixth preset formula, wherein the Gn interface is the interface between the UPF network element and the PGW user plane PGW-U network element, which are integrated network elements, and the SGW user plane SGW-U network element. The second threshold includes the fifth threshold and the sixth threshold; The interface traffic bandwidth utilization rate being higher than the second threshold includes: The interface traffic bandwidth utilization of the N3 and N6 interfaces is higher than the fifth threshold, and the interface traffic bandwidth utilization of the S1-U and SGi interfaces is higher than the sixth threshold. Wherein, the first threshold and the fifth threshold are both obtained by the fourth preset formula, and the sixth threshold is obtained by the fifth preset formula; The fourth preset formula is: ； The fifth preset formula is: ； The sixth preset formula is: ; Among them, the The fourth preset threshold, the The number of POOL internal network elements of the UPF device, the The number of network elements corresponding to the fourth level of protection; The The fifth preset threshold, the The number of POOL internal network elements of the SAEGW device, the The number of network elements corresponding to the fifth protection level; Among them, the The number of 5G terminals covered by 4G base stations (fourth-generation communication technology) For 4G session ratio, the This is a single-user traffic model. Wherein, the 4G session ratio is the ratio of the number of 4G sessions on the PGW user plane PGW-U to the number of 5G terminal users, and the value of the single-user traffic model is the ratio of the traffic generated per unit time of the target network standard within a preset time period to the total number of bearers or sessions corresponding to the target network standard, wherein the traffic generated per unit time is the ratio of the total traffic generated in the preset time period to the total time corresponding to the preset time period.

5. The network expansion method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Session capacity is determined using the seventh preset formula; Obtain the bandwidth of the interface between network elements, including: Determine the predicted peak value of the first 5G session count within the first preset time period; Determine the predicted peak value of the second 5G session count within a second preset time period, wherein the second preset time period includes the first preset time period; The bandwidth of the N3 interface and the bandwidth of the N6 interface are determined by the eighth preset formula; The seventh preset formula is: ； The eighth preset formula is: ; Among them, the The first 5G session count peak prediction value, the This is the predicted peak value for the second 5G session count. This is the value of the single-user traffic model, where the value of the single-user traffic model is the ratio of the traffic generated per unit time by the target network type within a preset time period to the total capacity or number of sessions corresponding to the target network type. The sixth preset threshold, the The number of POOL internal network elements of the SGW device, the The number of network elements corresponding to the sixth protection level.

6. The network expansion method according to claim 5, characterized in that, Determining the predicted peak value of the first 5G session count within the first preset time period includes: The peak predicted value of the first 5G session count is determined using the ninth preset formula; The ninth preset formula is: ; Among them, the Let b be the number of 5G sessions within a third preset time period, where b is the natural average growth rate of 5G sessions over the n first preset periods closest to the third preset time period. The ratio of the time difference between the third preset time period and the first preset time period to the first preset period, wherein... The total number of users who migrated in during the first preset time period, the The percentage of 5G registered users in the total number of users, the This is the ratio of the number of 5G sessions to the number of registered 5G users. Wherein, the first preset period is equal in length to the third preset time period, and n is a preset value.

7. The network expansion method according to claim 5, characterized in that, Determining the predicted peak value of the second 5G session count within the second preset time period includes: Based on a preset algorithm, the historical number of 5G sessions is predicted to determine the predicted peak value of the third 5G session count. ; Based on the average natural growth rate of 5G session counts during the second preset period and historical data on sudden increases in 5G session counts, the predicted peak value of the fourth 5G session count is determined. ; The It is obtained through the following formula: ； Among them, the The number of 5G sessions within the fourth preset time period, the The natural average growth rate of 5G sessions in the second preset period, the The ratio of the time difference between the fourth preset time period and the end time of the second preset time period to the second preset period is given by the second preset period. This refers to historical data of the sudden 5G session increments; Based on the converged network status, the proportion of terminals with 5G on / off switches, and the 5G base station coverage, determine the predicted peak value of the fifth 5G session count. ; Based on the above , and The predicted peak value of the second 5G session count is determined using the following formula: ； Among them, the The first preset value, the The second preset value, the It is the third preset value, and , , The sum of is 1. , , The values ​​are all within the range of 0 to 1.

8. The network expansion method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The fifth 5G session peak prediction value is determined based on the converged network status, the proportion of terminals with 5G on / off switches, and the 5G base station coverage. ,include: When the converged networking state is that the UPF device integrates the SGW function, and / or when the converged networking state is that the UPF device does not integrate the SGW function and the MME device does not enable the converged gateway function parameter settings, the fifth 5G session count peak prediction value is determined by the following formula. : ； The Standalone (SA) conversion rate is the ratio of 5G terminals using the SA network to all 5G terminals. This is the ratio of the number of 5G sessions to the number of registered 5G users. When the converged networking state corresponding to the target network scenario is that the UPF device does not integrate the SGW function, and the MME device has the converged gateway function parameter settings enabled, the fifth 5G session number peak prediction value is determined by the following formula. : 。 9. A network expansion device, characterized in that, include: The acquisition module is used to acquire the network status of the target area within a preset time period. The network status includes the converged networking status, converged gateway functional parameters, the number of bearers or sessions of network elements, the interface traffic between network elements, and the interface bandwidth between network elements. The converged gateway functional parameters are used to indicate whether to prioritize the selection of the converged gateway based on the terminal capabilities. The first determining module is used to determine the target network scenario corresponding to the converged networking status and the converged gateway functional parameters; The second determining module is used to determine the session capacity utilization rate of the network element corresponding to the target network scenario based on the number of bearers or sessions of the network element, and / or to determine the interface traffic bandwidth utilization rate of the target network scenario based on the interface traffic between the network elements and the interface bandwidth between the network elements. The expansion module is used to expand the capacity of network elements in the target area and / or perform load migration when preset conditions are met, wherein the preset conditions are that the session capacity utilization rate is higher than a first threshold and / or the interface traffic bandwidth utilization rate is higher than a second threshold. The converged networking status refers to the convergence of network elements in the current 4G network and network elements in the 5G network. There are three statuses: User Plane Function (UPF) devices converge the Service Gateway (SGW) function; UPF devices do not converge the SGW function and Mobility Management Entity (MME) devices do not have the converged gateway function parameter settings enabled; UPF devices do not converge the SGW function and MME devices have the converged gateway function parameter settings enabled.

10. The network expansion device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The converged networking state corresponding to the target network scenario is the converged service gateway (SGW) function of the user plane function (UPF) device. Both the first threshold and the second threshold are obtained through a first preset formula; The first preset formula is: ; Among them, the The first preset threshold, the The number of internal network elements in the resource pool (POOL) of the UPF device. The number of network elements corresponding to the first level of protection.

Images