A path determination method and apparatus

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a path determination method and device, relate to the technical field of computers, and can effectively reduce the time delay of data packets in the transmission process, improve the data transmission efficiency, and meet the application requirements of industrial internet. The method comprises the following steps: receiving a data packet from a terminal device, then determining at least one target transmission path and the transmission time delay of each target transmission path based on the information of the data packet, and finally sending the data packet through the target transmission path with the minimum transmission time delay.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of computer technology, and in particular to a path determination method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] In the industrial internet architecture, the user plane function (UPF) network element, as an important component of the 5G core network, is mainly responsible for forwarding user data and network data. Its performance determines the real-time performance and reliability of data transmission.

[0003] Currently, UPF network elements primarily rely on traditional routing tables to determine the network cost of network nodes and select the path with the lowest latency for packet routing and forwarding based on this cost. However, the complexity of real-world network environments means that network cost is determined by multiple factors such as link bandwidth, latency, packet loss rate, and jitter, which traditional routing tables cannot fully and accurately reflect. Therefore, the path with the lowest latency determined by traditional routing tables may be biased, leading to higher latency during data transmission and failing to meet the application requirements of the Industrial Internet. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a path determination method and apparatus that can determine the path with the lowest latency for data packet transmission based on data packet information, thereby reducing the latency of data packets during transmission and meeting the application requirements of the Industrial Internet.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] Firstly, this application provides a path determination method, the method comprising:

[0007] Receive data packets from the terminal device.

[0008] Based on the information in the data packets, determine at least one target transmission path and the transmission delay of each target transmission path.

[0009] Send data packets along the target transmission path with the least transmission delay.

[0010] Based on the above technical solution, this application provides a path determination method. After receiving a data packet from a terminal device, the UPF network element can determine at least one target transmission path that matches the information of the data packet, and then select the target transmission path with the least transmission delay for data packet transmission. This effectively reduces the latency of data packets during transmission, improves data transmission efficiency, and thus meets the application needs of the Industrial Internet.

[0011] Optionally, the UPF network element stores the correspondence between data packet size and transmission path, as well as the transmission delay of each transmission path. The data packet information includes the data packet size. Based on this, determining at least one target transmission path and the transmission delay of each target transmission path, based on the data packet information, can include: using at least one transmission path corresponding to the data packet size as the target transmission path, and obtaining the transmission delay of each target transmission path.

[0012] Optionally, the UPF network element stores the idle time of each network node. The data packet information includes the time the UPF network element receives the data packet. Based on this, determining at least one target transmission path and the transmission delay of each target transmission path, based on the data packet information, may further include: identifying at least one network node whose idle time coincides with the time the UPF network element receives the data packet as the target network node; and then determining at least one target transmission path and the transmission delay of each target transmission path based on the target network node.

[0013] Optionally, a path determination model is deployed in the UPF network element. The above method may further include: inputting the information of the first data sample into the path determination model, obtaining the model processing result, and then storing the model processing result, as well as the first data sample and the information of the first data sample.

[0014] The information of the first data sample includes at least the packet size of the first data sample, the time when the UPF network element sends the first data sample to the target node, and the time when the UPF network element receives the response message sent by the target node. The target node can be an identifier node or a network node. The response message is used to characterize the target node's receipt of the first data sample sent by the UPF network element. The model processing result includes at least multiple transmission paths and the transmission delay of each transmission path.

[0015] Optionally, the above-mentioned inputting the information of the first data sample into the path determination model to obtain the model processing result may include: determining the first weight corresponding to the information of the first data sample, and then inputting the information of the first data sample and the first weight corresponding to the information of the first data sample into the path determination model to obtain the model processing result.

[0016] The first weight is used to characterize the importance of the information in the first data sample to the transmission delay.

[0017] Optionally, determining the first weight corresponding to the information of the first data sample may include: obtaining the priority parameter of the first data sample based on the packet header of the first data sample, and then determining the first weight corresponding to the information of the first data sample based on the initial weight corresponding to the information of the first data sample and the priority parameter of the first data sample.

[0018] The initial weights corresponding to the information of the first data sample are set by the UPF network element.

[0019] Optionally, the first data sample can be either a data packet generated by the UPF network element or a historical data packet received by the UPF network element from the terminal device.

[0020] Secondly, this application provides a path determination apparatus, comprising:

[0021] The transceiver unit is used to receive data packets from the terminal device.

[0022] The processing unit is used to determine at least one target transmission path and the transmission delay of each target transmission path based on the information in the data packets.

[0023] The transceiver unit is also used to send data packets along the target transmission path with the least transmission delay.

[0024] Optionally, the processing unit is further configured to use at least one transmission path corresponding to the data packet size as the target transmission path, and obtain the transmission delay of each target transmission path.

[0025] Optionally, the processing unit is further configured to identify at least one network node whose idle time coincides with the time when the UPF network element receives the data packet as the target network node, and based on the target network node, determine at least one target transmission path and the transmission delay of each target transmission path.

[0026] Optionally, the processing unit is also used to input the information of the first data sample into the path determination model to obtain the model processing result.

[0027] Optionally, the processing unit is further configured to determine the first weight corresponding to the information of the first data sample, and input the information of the first data sample and the first weight corresponding to the information of the first data sample into the path determination model to obtain the model processing result.

[0028] Optionally, the processing unit is further configured to obtain the priority parameter of the first data sample based on the packet header of the first data sample, and determine the first weight corresponding to the information of the first data sample based on the initial weight corresponding to the information of the first data sample and the priority parameter of the first data sample.

[0029] Thirdly, this application provides a path determination apparatus, comprising: a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is coupled to the processor, which is used to execute computer programs or instructions to implement the path determination method as described in any one of the first aspects and any possible implementations of the first aspect.

[0030] Fourthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a terminal, cause the terminal to perform the path determination method as described in any one of the first aspects and any possible implementations of the first aspect.

[0031] Fifthly, this application provides a computer program product comprising computer instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the path determination method as described in any one of the first aspects and any possible implementation thereof.

[0032] It is understood that the beneficial effects that can be achieved by the second to fifth aspects provided above can be referred to the beneficial effects in any possible design of the path determination method as described in any one of the first aspects and any possible implementation of the first aspect, which will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 An architecture diagram of a path determination system provided in this application embodiment;

[0034] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a path determination method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating another path determination method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 4 An interactive flowchart of a path determination method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a path determination device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another path determination device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The path determination method and apparatus provided in this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] In this article, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone.

[0041] The terms "first" and "second," etc., used in the specification and drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects or to distinguish different treatments of the same object, rather than to describe a specific order of objects.

[0042] Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, used in the description of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the steps or units listed, but may optionally include other steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to such process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0043] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of the words "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0044] The following explanations of some terms used in the embodiments of this disclosure are provided to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art:

[0045] (1) The UPF network element is an important component of the 5G core network system architecture. It is mainly responsible for packet routing and forwarding, user plane policy rule implementation, traffic usage reporting, and user plane quality of service (QoS) processing.

[0046] As a product of the deep integration of new-generation information technology and manufacturing, the Industrial Internet is gradually becoming a key force driving high-quality industrial development. The Industrial Internet Identifier Resolution System, as an important component of the Industrial Internet system, is accelerating its development under the impetus of new infrastructure construction, providing strong support for the digital transformation of the industrial sector.

[0047] The identifier resolution system, by assigning a unique "ID card" to each physical entity and digital object, enables precise data positioning and efficient interoperability. This not only promotes high-quality industrial development but also generates new productivity. Driven by the industrial internet identifier resolution system, enterprises can achieve data interconnection, thereby significantly improving the resilience and security of the industrial and supply chains.

[0048] By shifting from "building" to "using," the identifier resolution system has driven the chain-like development of suppliers, enriched the industrial chain ecosystem, and further promoted high-quality industrial development. At the same time, the identifier resolution system is considered a crucial engine for promoting data interoperability and information sharing across the industrial chain, enabling enterprises to utilize data resources more efficiently and improve production efficiency and market competitiveness.

[0049] However, despite the significant achievements of the Industrial Internet Identifier Resolution System in promoting industrial digital transformation, the development of the Industrial Internet still faces numerous challenges, especially the increasingly prominent issue of network latency. As Industrial Internet applications deepen and expand, higher demands are placed on network latency. In the Industrial Internet architecture, the UPF network element, as a crucial component of the 5G core network, is responsible for forwarding user data and network data; its performance determines the real-time performance and reliability of data transmission.

[0050] Currently, UPF network elements primarily rely on traditional routing tables to determine the network cost of network nodes and select the path with the lowest latency for packet routing and forwarding based on this cost. However, the complexity of real-world network environments means that network cost is determined by multiple factors such as link bandwidth, latency, packet loss rate, and jitter, which traditional routing tables cannot fully and accurately reflect. Therefore, the path with the lowest latency determined by traditional routing tables may be biased, leading to higher latency during data transmission and failing to meet the application requirements of the Industrial Internet.

[0051] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a path determination method. After receiving a data packet from a terminal device, the UPF network element can determine at least one target transmission path and the transmission delay of each target transmission path based on the information in the data packet. Then, it selects the target transmission path with the shortest transmission delay for data packet transmission. This effectively reduces the latency of data packets during transmission, improves data transmission efficiency, and thus meets the application requirements of the Industrial Internet.

[0052] Figure 1 An architecture diagram of a path determination system provided in this application embodiment is shown below. Figure 1 As shown, the system framework includes: terminal device 101, base station 102, UPF network element 103, network node 104, and identification node 105.

[0053] Terminal device 101 may be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user, a device with wireless connectivity, or other devices connected to a wireless modem. The terminal device may be at least one of a desktop computer, laptop, wireless terminal, or laptop computer. In one embodiment, terminal device 101 has communication capabilities and can access a wired or wireless network.

[0054] Base station 102 can be a base station in Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Internet of Things (IoT) or Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB IoT), or a base station in a future 5G mobile communication network or a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN).

[0055] Network node 104 can be a gateway device that connects different networks and provides network communication and data transmission services for these networks. Network node 104 may include, but is not limited to, routers, switches, and virtual private network (VPN) devices.

[0056] This application embodiment does not limit the number of network nodes 104 in the path determination system, and may include more than... Figure 1 104 more or fewer network nodes.

[0057] The identifier node 105 can be a high-performance server providing various services on the internet. It can be a standalone physical server, a server cluster consisting of multiple physical servers, or at least one of the following cloud servers providing basic cloud computing services: cloud services, cloud databases, cloud computing, cloud functions, cloud storage, network services, cloud communication, middleware services, domain name services, security services, content delivery networks, and big data or artificial intelligence platforms. This application embodiment does not limit this. Of course, the server can also include other functions to provide more comprehensive and diversified services.

[0058] In this embodiment, terminal device 101 can send data packets to base station 102. After receiving the data packets sent by terminal device 101, base station 102 can send data packets to UPF network element 103. Accordingly, after receiving the data packets sent by base station 102, UPF network element 103 can determine at least one target transmission path and the transmission delay of each target transmission path based on the information in the data packets. Then, UPF network element 103 can send data packets to network node 104 according to the target transmission path with the minimum transmission delay. Accordingly, after receiving the data packets sent by UPF network element 103, network node 104 can send data packets to identifier node 105.

[0059] It should be noted that each target transmission path may consist of at least one network node 104 and one identifier node 105. The network node 104 is an intermediate node in the transmission path, and the identifier node 105 is the destination node. This application embodiment does not make specific limitations on this.

[0060] Optionally, the UPF network element 103 stores the correspondence between data packet size and transmission path, as well as the transmission delay of each transmission path. After receiving a data packet from the terminal device, the UPF network element 103 can determine the data packet size based on the data packet information. Then, the UPF network element 103 selects at least one transmission path corresponding to the data packet size as the target transmission path and obtains the transmission delay of each target transmission path.

[0061] Optionally, the UPF network element 103 also stores the correspondence between the idle time of each network node, the data packet size, and the transmission path, as well as the transmission delay of each transmission path. After receiving a data packet from the terminal device, the UPF network element 103 can first determine the time when the UPF network element 103 received the data packet. Then, the UPF network element 103 can identify at least one network node whose idle time coincides with the time when the UPF network element 103 received the data packet as the target network node. Based on the target network node, at least one target transmission path and the transmission delay of each target transmission path are determined.

[0062] Optionally, a path determination model is deployed in the UPF network element 103. The UPF network element 103 can input the information of the first data sample into the path determination model, and the path determination model can process the information of the first data sample. Afterwards, the UPF network element 103 can obtain the model processing result output by the path determination model, and store the model processing result, as well as the first data sample and its information.

[0063] The first data sample can be a data packet generated by the UPF network element 103 or a historical data packet received by the UPF network element 103 from the terminal device.

[0064] Optionally, the UPF network element 103 can also obtain the priority parameter of the first data sample based on the packet header of the first data sample, and determine the first weight corresponding to the information of the first data sample based on the initial weight corresponding to the information of the first data sample and the priority parameter of the first data sample. Then, the UPF network element 103 can input the information of the first data sample and the first weight corresponding to the information of the first data sample into the model to obtain the model processing result.

[0065] Optionally, the UPF network element 103 may include a transmitting unit, a storage unit, a computing unit, and a routing unit.

[0066] The sending unit is used to send a first data sample to network node 104 or identification node 105.

[0067] The storage unit is used to store the first data sample and its information. The storage unit can send the information of the first data sample to the computing unit so that the computing unit can process the information of the first data sample.

[0068] The computation unit contains a path determination model. This model processes information from the first data sample and outputs the processing results. The computation unit can then send the processing results from the path determination model to the routing unit, allowing the routing unit to store the results.

[0069] The routing unit contains a routing information table, which is used to store the model processing results of the path determination model in the above calculation unit.

[0070] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a path determination method provided in an embodiment of this application. The method comprises... Figure 1 As shown, the UPF network element 103 is executed, such as Figure 2 As shown, the method includes:

[0071] S201, Receive data packets from the terminal device.

[0072] Specifically, the terminal device can send data packets to the base station. After receiving the data packets sent by the terminal device, the base station can forward the data packets to the UPF network element.

[0073] S202, based on the information in the data packets, determine at least one target transmission path and the transmission delay of each target transmission path.

[0074] This application does not limit the information of the data packet in its embodiments. For example, the information of the data packet may include, but is not limited to, the data packet size, the time when the UPF network element receives the data packet, the source address of the data packet, and the destination address of the data packet.

[0075] Specifically, a UPF network element stores multiple transmission paths and the transmission delay of each path. After receiving a data packet from a terminal device, the UPF network element can determine at least one target transmission path that matches the data packet information from the multiple transmission paths, as well as the transmission delay of each target transmission path, based on the information in the data packet.

[0076] The following will provide a detailed description of how the above-mentioned UPF network element determines at least one target transmission path based on data packet information, and the transmission delay of each target transmission path, through Examples 1 and 2.

[0077] Example 1

[0078] In one optional implementation, the UPF network element may store the correspondence between data packet size and transmission delay, as well as the transmission delay of each transmission path. After receiving a data packet from the terminal device, the UPF network element can select at least one transmission path corresponding to the data packet size as the target transmission path and obtain the transmission delay of each target transmission path.

[0079] Specifically, after receiving a data packet from the terminal device, the UPF network element can obtain the data packet size based on the data packet information. Then, based on the correspondence between data packet size and transmission path, the UPF network element can select the transmission path whose data packet size is greater than or equal to the data packet size as the target transmission path and obtain the transmission delay of each target transmission path.

[0080] For example, assume that the UPF network element stores three sets of correspondences. In correspondence one, the data packet size corresponding to transmission path R1 is 10 megabytes (MB), and the transmission delay of transmission path R1 is 5 milliseconds (ms). In correspondence two, the data packet size corresponding to transmission path R2 is 15 MB, and the transmission delay of transmission path R2 is 10 ms. In correspondence three, the data packet size corresponding to transmission path R3 is 5 MB, and the transmission delay is 8 ms.

[0081] After receiving a data packet from the terminal device, the UPF network element can determine the data packet size to be 10MB based on the packet information. Then, based on the above three sets of correspondences, the UPF network element can determine transmission paths R1 and R2 as target transmission paths and obtain the transmission delay for each target transmission path.

[0082] Example 2

[0083] In one optional implementation, the UPF network element may also store the correspondence between the idle time of each network node, the data packet size, and the transmission delay, as well as the transmission delay of each transmission path. After receiving a data packet from the terminal device, the UPF network element can identify at least one network node whose idle time coincides with the time when the UPF network element receives the data packet as the target network node. Then, based on the target network node, at least one target transmission path and the transmission delay of each target transmission path are determined.

[0084] In some embodiments, the time during which a network node is idle can be a certain time period, and the time when a UPF element receives data packets can be a certain moment. The overlap between the time when a UPF element receives data packets and the time when a network node is idle means that the time when the UPF element receives data packets falls within the time period during which the network node is idle.

[0085] Specifically, after receiving a data packet from a terminal device, the UPF network element can first determine the time when it received the data packet. Then, based on the time the data packet was received, the UPF network element can identify target network nodes whose idle time coincides with the time the UPF network element received the data packet. Next, based on the target network nodes, the UPF network element can determine at least one target transmission path passing through the target network nodes, as well as the transmission delay of each target transmission path.

[0086] For example, the UPF network element stores the idle times of network nodes A, B, and C. Specifically, network node A is idle from 9:00 to 9:30, network node B from 9:15 to 9:45, and network node C from 10:00 to 10:30. The UPF network element also stores three sets of correspondences: in correspondence one, the data packet size corresponding to transmission path R1 is 10MB, transmission path R1 passes through network node A, and the transmission delay is 5ms. In correspondence two, the data packet size corresponding to transmission path R2 is 15MB, transmission path R2 passes through network nodes A and B, and the transmission delay is 10ms. In correspondence three, the data packet size corresponding to transmission path R3 is 5MB, transmission path R3 passes through network node C, and the transmission delay is 8ms.

[0087] Assuming the UPF network element receives a data packet from the terminal device at 9:20, the UPF network element can identify network node A and network node B as target network nodes. Then, based on network node A and network node B, the UPF network element can determine transmission paths R1 and R2 as target transmission paths and determine the transmission delay for each target transmission path.

[0088] This application does not specifically limit the method for the UPF network element to determine at least one target transmission path and the transmission delay of each target transmission path. For example, the UPF network element can determine at least one target transmission path and the transmission delay of each target transmission path according to the method of Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2. The UPF network element can also determine at least one target transmission path and the transmission delay of each target transmission path based on the data packet size, the time when the UPF receives the data packet, and the time when the network node is in an idle state, based on Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2.

[0089] S203, send data packets according to the target transmission path with the least transmission delay.

[0090] Specifically, based on the information in the data packets, the UPF network element determines at least one target transmission path and the transmission delay of each target transmission path. Then, it can determine the target transmission path with the minimum transmission delay and send data packets according to the target transmission path with the minimum transmission delay.

[0091] For example, assuming that the UPF network element determines two target transmission paths, where the transmission delay of target transmission path R1 is 5ms and the transmission delay of target transmission path R3 is 8ms, the UPF network element can send data packets according to target transmission path R1.

[0092] Through the above technical solution, after receiving a data packet from a terminal device, the UPF network element can determine at least one transmission path corresponding to the data packet size as the target transmission path based on the data packet size, the time the UPF network element received the data packet, and / or the idle time of the network node. It can also determine the network node whose idle time coincides with the time the UPF network element received the data packet as the target network node, and based on the target network node, determine at least one target transmission path passing through the target network node. Finally, the UPF network element can select the target transmission path with the least transmission latency for data packet transmission. This method effectively reduces the transmission latency of data packets during transmission, ensuring efficient data packet transmission in the network, thereby meeting the application requirements of the Industrial Internet.

[0093] In one alternative implementation, a path determination model can be deployed in the UPF network element. When performing the above... Figure 2 Before S201-S203 shown, the UPF network element can input the information of the first data sample into the path determination model to obtain multiple transmission paths and the transmission delay of each transmission path, and store each transmission path and its corresponding transmission delay. For example... Figure 3 As shown, before executing S201-S203 above, the following steps can also be performed:

[0094] S301, input the information of the first data sample into the path determination model to obtain the model processing result.

[0095] The model processing results can include multiple transmission paths and the transmission delay of each transmission path.

[0096] In the embodiments of this application, the first data sample can be a historical data packet received by the UPF network element from the terminal device, or a data packet generated by the UPF network element; no specific limitation is made in this regard.

[0097] The information of the first data sample may include, but is not limited to: the size of the first data sample data packet, the time when the UPF network element sends the first data sample to the network node or the identification node (hereinafter collectively referred to as the target node), the time when the UPF network element receives the response message sent by the target node, the source address and destination address of the first data sample, and the address of each network node.

[0098] The response message sent by the target node is used to characterize the first data sample received by the target node from the UPF network element.

[0099] Specifically, the UPF network element can input the information of the first data sample into the path determination model, which can then process the information. Afterward, the UPF network element can obtain the model processing result output by the path determination model and determine multiple transmission paths and the transmission delay of each path based on the model processing result.

[0100] In some embodiments, after the UPF network element obtains the information of the first data sample, it can also determine the first weight corresponding to the information of the first data sample, and then input the information of the first data sample and the first weight corresponding to the information of the first data sample into the path determination model to obtain the model processing result.

[0101] The first weight is used to characterize the importance of the information in the first data sample to the transmission delay.

[0102] For example, assuming the first weight corresponding to the size of the first data sample packet is 0.5, and the weight corresponding to the time when the UPF network element sends the first data sample is 0.8, this shows that the size of the first data sample packet is more important to the transmission delay than the sending time of the first data sample.

[0103] In some embodiments, the packet header of the first data sample may include a priority parameter for the first data sample. Based on this, the first weight corresponding to the information of the first data sample can be obtained through the following steps: The UPF network element can obtain the priority parameter of the first data sample from the packet header of the first data sample. Then, the UPF network element can determine the first weight corresponding to the information of the first data sample based on the initial weight corresponding to the information of the first data sample and the priority parameter of the first data sample.

[0104] In this embodiment, the initial weights corresponding to the information of the first data sample are set by the UPF network element. The method for setting the initial weights in this application is not specifically limited. For example, the UPF network element may store preset weights corresponding to the information of the first data sample. The UPF network element may determine the preset weights corresponding to the information of the first data sample as the initial weights corresponding to the information of the first data sample. Alternatively, the UPF network element may set the corresponding initial weights for the information of the first data sample based on a built-in algorithm.

[0105] For example, suppose the UPF network element stores information about a first data sample a, including the data packet size of the first data sample a, the time it takes for the UPF network element to send the first data sample a to the target node, the time it takes for the UPF network element to receive the response message sent by the target node, the time difference between the time the UPF network element sends the first data sample a to the target node and the time it receives the response message sent by the target node, and the source and destination addresses of the first data sample a. Based on this, the UPF network element can set the preset weight corresponding to the stored information of the first data sample as the initial weight corresponding to the information of the first data sample a. Table 1 shows the information of the first data sample a and the initial weight corresponding to the information of the first data sample a.

[0106] Table 1. Information of the first data sample and the corresponding initial weights.

[0107]

[0108] Based on the above, the UPF network element can obtain the priority parameter of the first data sample a by reading the packet header of the first data sample a. Assuming the priority parameter of the first data sample a is p, the UPF network element can determine the first weight W′ corresponding to the information of the first data sample a according to the following formula.

[0109] W′=W*(1-p)(Formula 1)

[0110] Where W is the initial weight corresponding to the information of the first data sample a, and p is the priority parameter of the first data sample a.

[0111] After determining the first weight W′ corresponding to the information of the first data sample a, the UPF network element can input the information of the first data sample a and the first weight W′ corresponding to each piece of information into the path determination model to obtain the model processing result.

[0112] This application does not specifically limit the type of path determination model. For example, the path determination model can be a convolutional neural network (CNN) model, a deep neural network (DNN) model, or a support vector machine (SVM) model, etc.

[0113] Assuming the path determination model is a CNN model, the calculation formula for the CNN model can be found in Formula 2 below.

[0114] V = conv2(X, W) ′ (Formula 2)

[0115] Where V represents the model processing result, X represents the specific data value of each piece of information in the first data sample a, and W represents the value of the second piece of information. ′ Let be the first weight corresponding to each piece of information in the first data sample a.

[0116] S302, store the results of the model processing, as well as the information of the first data sample and the first data sample.

[0117] Specifically, after the UPF network element obtains the model processing result of the path determination model on the first data sample, it can store the model processing result (i.e., multiple transmission paths and the transmission delay of each transmission path), and store the first data sample and its information.

[0118] In some embodiments, a UPF network element may include a storage unit and a routing unit. The UPF network element may store a first data sample and its information in the storage unit, and store the model processing results in the routing information table of the routing unit, so that the UPF network element can determine the target transmission path based on the routing information table.

[0119] The path determination method provided in this application will be described in detail below in conjunction with the various embodiments described above. Figure 4 An interactive flowchart of a path determination method provided in an embodiment of this application is shown below. Figure 4 As shown, the method includes:

[0120] S401, the UPF network element obtains the priority parameter of the first data sample based on the packet header of the first data sample.

[0121] S402, the UPF network element determines the first weight corresponding to the information of the first data sample based on the priority parameter of the first data sample and the initial weight corresponding to the information of the first data sample.

[0122] S403, the UPF network element inputs the information of the first data sample and the first weight corresponding to the information of the first data sample into the model to obtain the model processing result.

[0123] S404, the processing results of the UPF network element storage model, and the information of the first data sample and the first data sample.

[0124] S405, the terminal device sends data packets to the base station.

[0125] S406, the base station sends data packets to the UPF network element.

[0126] S407, the UPF network element determines at least one target transmission path and the transmission delay of each target transmission path based on the information in the data packet.

[0127] S408, the UPF network element sends data packets to the network node according to the target transmission path with the least transmission delay.

[0128] S409, the network node sends a data packet to the identification node.

[0129] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a path determination device provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 5 As shown, the device includes:

[0130] The transceiver unit 501 is used to receive data packets from the terminal device.

[0131] The processing unit 502 is used to determine at least one target transmission path and the transmission delay of each target transmission path based on the information in the data packets.

[0132] The transceiver unit 501 is also used to send data packets along the target transmission path with the least transmission delay.

[0133] Optionally, the processing unit 502 is further configured to take at least one transmission path corresponding to the data packet size as the target transmission path and obtain the transmission delay of each target transmission path.

[0134] Optionally, the processing unit 502 is further configured to identify at least one network node whose idle time coincides with the time when the UPF network element receives the data packet as the target network node, and based on the target network node, determine at least one target transmission path and the transmission delay of each target transmission path.

[0135] Optionally, the processing unit 502 is further configured to input the information of the first data sample into the path determination model to obtain the model processing result.

[0136] Optionally, the processing unit 502 is further configured to determine the first weight corresponding to the information of the first data sample, and input the information of the first data sample and the first weight corresponding to the information of the first data sample into the path determination model to obtain the model processing result.

[0137] Optionally, the processing unit 502 is further configured to obtain the priority parameter of the first data sample based on the data packet header of the first data sample, and determine the first weight corresponding to the information of the first data sample based on the initial weight corresponding to the information of the first data sample and the priority parameter of the first data sample.

[0138] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of another possible structure of the path determination device involved in the above embodiments is shown. The path determination device includes a processor 601 and a communication interface 602. The processor 601 is used to control and manage the operation of the path determination device, and the communication interface 602 is used to support communication between the path determination device and other network entities. The path determination device may also include a memory 603 and a bus 604, the memory 603 being used to store the program code and data of the path determination device.

[0139] The memory 603 may be a memory in a path determination device, and the memory may include volatile memory, such as random access memory; the memory may also include non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory, flash memory, hard disk or solid-state drive; the memory may also include a combination of the above types of memory.

[0140] The processor 601 described above can implement or execute various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processor can be a central processing unit, a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It can implement or execute various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application. The processor can also be a combination that implements computing functions, such as including one or more microprocessor combinations, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, etc.

[0141] Bus 604 can be an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, etc. Bus 604 can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 6The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0142] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, only the division of the above functional modules is used as an example. In practical applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above. The specific working process of the system, device, and unit described above can be referred to the corresponding process in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0143] This application provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to execute the path determination method in the above method embodiments.

[0144] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the path determination method in the method flow shown in the above method embodiments.

[0145] The computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media (a non-exhaustive list) include: an electrical connection having one or more wires; a portable computer disk drive; a hard disk drive; random access memory (RAM); read-only memory (ROM); erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM); a register; a hard disk drive; an optical fiber; a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM); an optical storage device; a magnetic storage device; or any suitable combination thereof; or any other form of computer-readable storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium may also be a component of the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In the embodiments of this application, the computer-readable storage medium can be any tangible medium that contains or stores a program that can be used by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0146] Embodiments of the present invention provide a computer program product containing instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the path determination method described in the embodiments of this application.

[0147] Since the path determination device, computer-readable storage medium, and computer program product in the embodiments of the present invention can be applied to the above method, the technical effects obtained can also be referred to the above method embodiments, and the embodiments of the present invention will not be repeated here.

[0148] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0149] 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 units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0150] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0151] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A path determination method, characterized in that, Applied to the User Plane Function (UPF) network element, the UPF network element stores the correspondence between data packet size and transmission path, as well as the transmission delay of each transmission path; The information of the data packet includes the data packet size; the method includes: Receive data packets from the terminal device; Based on the information in the data packet, at least one target transmission path is determined, as well as the transmission delay of each target transmission path; The data packet is sent along the target transmission path with the least transmission delay; The step of determining at least one target transmission path and the transmission delay of each target transmission path based on the information in the data packet includes: The target transmission path is defined as at least one of the transmission paths corresponding to the size of the data packet. Obtain the transmission delay for each of the target transmission paths.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The UPF network element stores the time when each network node is in an idle state; the information of the data packet includes the time when the UPF network element receives the data packet; The determination of at least one target transmission path and the transmission delay of each target transmission path based on the information in the data packet includes: At least one network node whose idle time coincides with the time when the UPF network element receives the data packet is identified as the target network node. Based on the target network node, at least one target transmission path is determined, along with the transmission delay of each target transmission path.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The UPF network element is equipped with a path determination model, and the method further includes: The information of the first data sample is input into the path determination model to obtain the model processing result; the information of the first data sample includes at least the data packet size of the first data sample, the time when the UPF network element sends the first data sample to the target node, and the time when the UPF network element receives the response message sent by the target node; the target node is an identifier node or a network node; the response message is used to indicate that the target node has received the first data sample sent by the UPF network element; the model processing result includes at least multiple transmission paths and the transmission delay of each transmission path; The model processing results, as well as the first data sample and its information, are stored.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The step of inputting the information of the first data sample into the path determination model to obtain the model processing result includes: Determine a first weight corresponding to the information of the first data sample; the first weight is used to characterize the importance of the information of the first data sample to the transmission delay. The information of the first data sample and the first weight corresponding to the information of the first data sample are input into the path determination model to obtain the model processing result.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The step of determining the first weight corresponding to the information of the first data sample includes: Based on the packet header of the first data sample, obtain the priority parameter of the first data sample; Based on the initial weight corresponding to the information of the first data sample and the priority parameter of the first data sample, the first weight corresponding to the information of the first data sample is determined; the initial weight corresponding to the information of the first data sample is set by the UPF network element.

6. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first data sample is any one of the following: The data packets generated by the UPF network element; The UPF network element receives historical data packets from the terminal device.

7. A path determination device, characterized in that, Applied to the User Plane Function (UPF) network element, the UPF network element stores the correspondence between data packet size and transmission path, as well as the transmission delay of each transmission path; The information of the data packet includes the data packet size; the device includes: Transceiver unit, used to receive data packets from terminal devices; The processing unit is configured to take at least one transmission path corresponding to the data packet size of the data packet as the target transmission path; and obtain the transmission delay of each target transmission path; The transceiver unit is also used to send the data packet along the target transmission path with the least transmission delay.

8. A path determination device, characterized in that, include: A processor and a communication interface; the communication interface is coupled to the processor, the processor being configured to run computer programs or instructions to implement the path determination method as described in any one of claims 1-6.

9. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions that, when executed by a computer, perform the path determination method as described in any one of claims 1-6.

10. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes computer instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the path determination method as described in any one of claims 1-6.

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