Route determination method, device and system, L-NRF, H-NRF and computer program product

Abstract

The invention relates to a route determination method, device and system, an L-NRF, an H-NRF and a computer program product, and relates to the technical field of space-air-ground integrated networks. The route determination method is executed by an L-NRF, and comprises: receiving a network element discovery request sent by a first network function NF, the first NF and the L-NRF belonging to a first network domain; according to a request condition in the network element discovery request, determining whether a second NF satisfying the request condition exists in the first network domain; under the condition that the second NF does not exist in the first network domain, sending a network element discovery request to the H-NRF; receiving a first segment routing request sent by the H-NRF, the first segment routing request comprising an identifier of a first inter-domain access node in a first network domain and an identifier of a second NF located in a second network domain; according to the first segment routing request, segment routing from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node is generated, and segment routing from the first inter-domain access node to the second NF is generated through the H-NRF and the L-NRF in the second network domain.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of air-ground-space integrated network technology, and in particular to a route determination method, a route determination device, a route determination system, an L-NRF, an H-NRF, a computer-readable storage medium, and a computer program product. Background Art

[0002] In a regenerative mode space-based network, network elements may be distributed on different satellites. In addition, the low-orbit satellite network topology will change over time, and the network load on each satellite will also be different.

[0003] Different network domains are divided in the satellite network, and different network domains can correspond to different regions, provinces or operators, etc. Summary of the invention

[0004] The inventors found that since the network topology of low-orbit satellites changes over time and the network loads on each satellite are different, communication between network elements on the satellites may be unreachable. Therefore, how to accurately determine the routes between network elements on the satellites is a problem that needs to be solved.

[0005] In view of this, the present disclosure proposes a routing determination method. According to some embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure, a routing determination method is provided, which is executed by a low-level network storage function L-NRF, including: receiving a network element discovery request sent by a first network function NF, wherein the first NF and the L-NRF belong to a first network domain; determining whether there is a second NF that meets the request condition in the first network domain according to the request condition in the network element discovery request; in the case where the second NF does not exist in the first network domain, sending a network element discovery request to a high-level network storage function H-NRF; receiving a first segment routing request sent by the H-NRF, wherein the first segment routing request includes an identifier of a first inter-domain access node in the first network domain and a second NF located in the second network domain; generating a segment routing from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node according to the first segment routing request, wherein the segment routing from the first inter-domain access node to the second NF is generated by the H-NRF and the L-NRF in the second network domain.

[0006] In some embodiments, the route determination method further includes: sending first segment routing information to the first NF, wherein the first segment routing information includes the segment routing from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node and domain information of each network domain passed from the first inter-domain access node to the second NF.

[0007] In some embodiments, the route determination method further includes: when there is a route disconnection in the segment route from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node, redetermining the segment route from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node; and updating the first segment route information.

[0008] In some embodiments, the route determination method further includes: receiving registration information of the first NF, wherein the registration information of the first NF includes a satellite identifier of the first NF; sending a first response to the first NF; and synchronizing the correspondence between the first NF and the L-NRF to the H-NRF.

[0009] In some embodiments, the route determination method further includes: receiving a second segment routing request sent by the H-NRF, wherein the second segment routing request includes an identifier of the first inter-domain access node and the first NF located in the first network domain; generating a segment routing from the first inter-domain access node to the first NF according to the second segment routing request, wherein the segment routing from the first inter-domain access node to the first NF is used for the second NF to communicate with the first NF.

[0010] In some embodiments, the route determination method further includes: receiving domain information of each network domain passed from the first inter-domain access node to the first NF sent by the H-NRF; and sending domain information of each network domain passed from the first inter-domain access node to the first NF to the first inter-domain access node.

[0011] In some embodiments, the route determination method further includes: sending first segmented route modification information to the first inter-domain access node, wherein the first segmented route modification information includes first modification notification information and the segmented route from the first inter-domain access node to the first NF, wherein the first modification notification information is used to indicate that the domain information of each network domain passed through from the first inter-domain access node to the first NF is modified to the segmented route from the first inter-domain access node to the first NF.

[0012] In some embodiments, the route determination method further includes: when there is a route disconnection in the segment route from the first inter-domain access node to the first NF, redetermining the segment route from the first inter-domain access node to the first NF; and updating the first segment route modification information.

[0013] In some embodiments, the route determination method further includes: determining a segmented route from the first NF to the second NF when the second NF exists in the first network domain; and sending third segmented route information to the first NF, wherein the third segmented route information includes the segmented route from the first NF to the second NF.

[0014] In some embodiments, the route determination method further includes: determining a segmented route from the second NF to the first NF; and sending fourth segmented route information to the second NF, wherein the fourth segmented route information includes the segmented route from the second NF to the first NF.

[0015] In some embodiments, the route determination method further includes: if there is a route disconnection in the segment routing between the first NF and the second NF, redetermining the segment routing between the first NF and the second NF; and updating the third segment routing information or the fourth segment routing information.

[0016] In some embodiments, the request condition includes at least one of the network element type, supported slices, and supported data network names DNN.

[0017] In some embodiments, the route determination method also includes: determining whether the time difference between the second data sent by the second NF and the first data sent by the first NF is greater than a preset time difference threshold, wherein the second data is feedback of the first data or the first data is feedback of the second data; when the time difference between the first data and the second data is greater than the time difference threshold, generating a segmented route between the first NF and the first inter-domain access node.

[0018] In some embodiments, the route determination method further includes: sharing the segmented route between the first NF and the first inter-domain access node through the H-NRF when the time difference between the first data and the second data is less than or equal to a time difference threshold.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the second aspect of the present disclosure, a route determination method is provided, which is executed by an H-NRF, and includes: receiving a network element discovery request sent by an L-NRF, wherein the L-NRF belongs to a first network domain, and the network element discovery request is sent by the L-NRF to the H-NRF when the network element discovery request sent by the first NF is received and there is no second NF in the first network domain that meets the request condition in the network element discovery request; determining a second NF that meets the request condition according to the request condition in the network element discovery request, wherein the second NF belongs to the second network domain; determining a first inter-domain access node in the first network domain according to the second NF; sending a first segment routing request to the L-NRF, so that the first NF generates a segment routing from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node according to the first segment routing request, wherein the first segment routing request includes an identifier of the first inter-domain access node and a second NF located in the second network domain, and the segment routing from the first inter-domain access node to the second NF is generated by the H-NRF and the L-NRF in the second network domain.

[0020] In some embodiments, the request condition includes at least one of the network element type, supported slices, and supported data network names DNN.

[0021] In some embodiments, according to the request conditions in the network element discovery request, determining the second NF that meets the request conditions includes: sending network element discovery requests to the L-NRFs of one or more neighboring domains in order from small to large of the inter-domain distance between the first network domain and one or more neighboring domains to determine the second NF; when the second NF is determined, stopping sending network element discovery requests to the L-NRFs of one or more neighboring domains.

[0022] In some embodiments, the route determination method further includes: receiving a second response sent by the L-NRF of the network domain where the second NF is located, wherein the second response includes identification information of the second NF that meets the request condition.

[0023] In some embodiments, the routing determination method further includes: determining a second segment routing request based on the first NF, wherein the second segment routing request includes an identifier of the first inter-domain access node and the first NF located in the first network domain; and sending the second segment routing request to the L-NRF.

[0024] In some embodiments, the route determination method further includes: determining a segment route from the first inter-domain access node to the second inter-domain access node.

[0025] In some embodiments, the route determination method further includes: sending, to the first inter-domain access node, domain information of each network domain that the first inter-domain access node passes through to the second inter-domain access node.

[0026] In some embodiments, the route determination method further includes: sending second segment routing modification information to the first inter-domain access node, wherein the second segment routing modification information includes second modification notification information and the segment routing from the first inter-domain access node to the second inter-domain access node, wherein the second modification notification information is used to indicate that the domain information of each network domain passed through from the first inter-domain access node to the second inter-domain access node is modified to the segment routing from the first inter-domain access node to the second inter-domain access node.

[0027] In some embodiments, the route determination method further includes: determining a segment route from the second inter-domain access node to the first inter-domain access node.

[0028] In some embodiments, the route determination method further includes: sending, to the second inter-domain access node, domain information of each network domain that the second inter-domain access node passes through to the first inter-domain access node.

[0029] In some embodiments, the route determination method further includes: sending third segment routing modification information to the second inter-domain access node, wherein the third segment routing modification information includes third modification notification information and the segment routing from the second inter-domain access node to the first inter-domain access node, wherein the third modification notification information is used to indicate that the domain information of each network domain passed through from the second inter-domain access node to the first inter-domain access node is modified to the segment routing from the second inter-domain access node to the first inter-domain access node.

[0030] In some embodiments, the route determination method further includes: when there is a route disconnection in the segment routing between the first inter-domain access node and the second inter-domain access node, redetermining the segment routing between the first inter-domain access node and the second inter-domain access node; and updating the second segment routing modification information or the third segment routing modification information.

[0031] According to some embodiments of the third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an L-NRF, including: a first receiving unit, configured to receive a network element discovery request sent by a first network function NF, wherein the first NF and the L-NRF belong to a first network domain; a first determining unit, configured to determine whether there is a second NF that meets the request condition in the first network domain according to the request condition in the network element discovery request; a first sending unit, configured to send a network element discovery request to a high-level network storage function H-NRF when the second NF does not exist in the first network domain; a second receiving unit, configured to receive a first segment routing request sent by the H-NRF, wherein the first segment routing request includes an identifier of a first inter-domain access node in the first network domain and a second NF located in the second network domain; a generating unit, configured to generate a segment routing from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node according to the first segment routing request, wherein the segment routing from the first inter-domain access node to the second NF is generated by the H-NRF and the L-NRF in the second network domain.

[0032] According to some embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, an H-NRF is provided, including: a third receiving unit, configured to receive a network element discovery request sent by an L-NRF, wherein the L-NRF belongs to a first network domain; a second determining unit, configured to determine, according to a request condition in the network element discovery request, a second NF that meets the request condition, wherein the second NF belongs to a second network domain; the third determining unit, configured to determine, according to the second NF, a first inter-domain access node in the first network domain; and a second sending unit, configured to send a first segment routing request to the L-NRF, wherein the first segment routing request includes an identifier of the first inter-domain access node and the second NF located in the second network domain.

[0033] According to some embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a route determination device is provided, comprising: a memory and a processor coupled to the memory, wherein the processor is configured to execute the route determination method in any one of the above embodiments based on instructions stored in the memory.

[0034] According to some embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a routing determination system is provided, including: the L-NRF in any of the above embodiments; the H-NRF in any of the above embodiments; a first NF, configured to send a network element discovery request to the L-NRF and receive first segment routing information or second segment routing information, wherein the L-NRF belongs to the first network domain; a second NF, configured to receive third segment routing information; a first inter-domain access node, configured to receive first segment routing modification information or second segment routing modification information; a second inter-domain access node, configured to receive third segment routing modification information.

[0035] According to some embodiments of the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which computer instructions are stored, and when the instructions are executed by a processor, the route determination method in any of the above embodiments is implemented.

[0036] According to some embodiments of the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product is provided, comprising computer instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implement the route determination method in any of the above embodiments.

[0037] In the above embodiment, the L-NRF obtains the request condition in the network element discovery request by receiving the network element discovery request sent by the first NF, so as to facilitate the subsequent discovery of the second NF that meets the request condition, wherein the first NF and the L-NRF belong to the first network domain. By determining whether there is a second NF that meets the request condition in the first network domain according to the request condition in the network element discovery request, by first performing network element discovery in the first network domain, when there is no second NF that meets the request condition in the first network domain, the network element discovery request is sent to the H-NRF so that the H-NRF performs network element discovery from other network domains according to the network element discovery request. When the H-NRF successfully discovers the second NF that meets the request condition, the first segment routing request sent by the H-NRF is received to obtain the first inter-domain access node in the first network domain and the identifier of the second NF located in the second network domain. Finally, the segment routing from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node is generated by the first segment routing request. In addition, the segment routing from the first inter-domain access node to the second NF is generated by the H-NRF and the L-NRF in the second network domain. In the above embodiment, it is possible to find a suitable second NF for the first NF across domains, and to implement route determination between network elements in different domains by segmented route determination, thereby improving the accuracy of route determination between network elements and improving the flexibility and reliability of communication between network elements in different network domains. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] The accompanying drawings, which constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0039] The present disclosure can be more clearly understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing some embodiments of the route determination method disclosed in the present invention.

[0041] Figure 2 Schematic diagrams showing some embodiments of the registration method of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 3 Schematic diagrams showing some embodiments of the satellite-ground fusion network of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 4 Schematic diagrams showing other embodiments of the route determination method disclosed in the present invention.

[0044] Figure 5 Schematic diagrams showing some further embodiments of the route determination method disclosed herein.

[0045] Figure 6 Schematic diagrams showing some further embodiments of the route determination method disclosed herein.

[0046] Figure 7 Schematic diagram showing some embodiments of the L-NRF of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 8 Schematic diagram showing some embodiments of the H-NRF of the present disclosure.

[0048] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram showing some embodiments of the route determination device of the present disclosure.

[0049] Fig.10 A schematic diagram showing some embodiments of the routing determination system of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the relative arrangement of components and steps, numerical expressions and numerical values ​​set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present disclosure unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0051] At the same time, it should be understood that for the convenience of description, the sizes of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn according to the actual proportional relationship.

[0052] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses.

[0053] Technologies, methods, and equipment known to ordinary technicians in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the technologies, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0054] In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limiting. Therefore, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0055] It should be noted that like reference numerals and letters refer to similar items in the following figures, and therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0056] The present disclosure proposes a route determination method. Figures 1 to 4 Give a description.

[0057] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing some embodiments of the route determination method disclosed in the present invention.

[0058] like Figure 1As shown, the route determination method includes steps 110 to 150, and the route determination method is executed by L-NRF (Low-Network Repository Function, low-layer network storage function). The first NF corresponding to the L-NRF here serves as the initiator of the network element discovery request.

[0059] In step 110, a network element discovery request sent by a first network function NF is received, wherein the first NF (Network Function) and the L-NRF belong to a first network domain.

[0060] In some embodiments, before the L-NRF receives the network element discovery request sent by the first NF, the first NF needs to register with the L-NRF, wherein the registration information of the first NF includes the satellite identifier of the first NF, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 shown.

[0061] Figure 2 Schematic diagrams showing some embodiments of the registration method of the present disclosure.

[0062] In step 210, the first NF sends registration information to the L-NRF, wherein the registration information carries the satellite identifier of the first NF.

[0063] In step 220, the L-NRF sends a first response to the first NF.

[0064] That is to say, before receiving the network element discovery request sent by the first NF, the L-NRF will first receive the registration information of the first NF, where the registration information of the first NF includes the satellite identifier of the first NF; then, the L-NRF will send a first response to the first NF. In addition, the L-NRF will also synchronize the correspondence between the first NF and the L-NRF to the H-NRF (High-Network Repository Function) so that the H-NRF can subsequently discover the second NF that meets the request conditions according to the network element discovery request (or request conditions).

[0065] By synchronizing the correspondence between NF and L-NRF to H-NRF, it is convenient for H-NRF to perform network element discovery in the network domain.

[0066] In step 120, based on the request condition in the network element discovery request, it is determined whether there is a second NF in the first network domain that meets the request condition.

[0067] In some embodiments, the request condition includes at least one of the network element type, supported slices, and supported DNN (Data Network Name).

[0068] In step 130, when the second NF does not exist in the first network domain, a network element discovery request is sent to a higher-level network storage function H-NRF.

[0069] In some embodiments, the H-NRF receives a network element discovery request sent by the L-NRF, wherein the L-NRF belongs to the first network domain, and the network element discovery request is sent to the H-NRF by the L-NRF after receiving the network element discovery request sent by the first NF and there is no second NF in the first network domain that meets the request conditions in the network element discovery request.

[0070] The H-NRF will also determine a second NF that meets the request condition according to the request condition in the network element discovery request, wherein the second NF belongs to the second network domain, and determine a first inter-domain access node in the first network domain according to the second NF.

[0071] The second NF is discovered across network domains through H-NRF, which makes it possible for network elements in different network domains to communicate with each other.

[0072] In some embodiments, regarding the H-NRF determining the second NF that meets the request conditions, it is specifically as follows: in the order of the inter-domain distance between the first network domain and one or more neighboring domains from small to large, the network element discovery request is sent to the L-NRF of one or more neighboring domains in sequence to determine the second NF, and when the second NF is determined, the network element discovery request is stopped to the L-NRF of one or more neighboring domains.

[0073] By sending network element discovery requests to the L-NRFs of one or more neighboring domains in the order of inter-domain distance from small to large, the network domain where the second NF that meets the request conditions exists must be the closest at the current distance, ensuring the efficiency of communication between network elements in different network domains and saving communication resources.

[0074] For example, the H-NRF also receives a second response sent by the L-NRF in the network domain where the second NF is located, wherein the second response includes identification information of the second NF that meets the request condition.

[0075] By receiving the second response sent by the second NF, it is convenient for the H-NRF to determine whether it can stop sending network discovery requests to the L-NRFs in other network domains. This helps the H-NRF to stop sending network discovery requests to the L-NRFs in other network domains in a timely manner, and helps the resource management of the communication process between network elements in different network domains.

[0076] In step 140, a first segment routing request sent by the H-NRF is received, wherein the first segment routing request includes identifiers of a first inter-domain access node in the first network domain and a second NF located in the second network domain.

[0077] In some embodiments, the H-NRF sends a first segment routing request to the L-NRF so that the first NF generates a segment routing from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node according to the first segment routing request, wherein the first segment routing request includes the identifiers of the first inter-domain access node and the second NF located in the second network domain, and the segment routing from the first inter-domain access node to the second NF is generated by the H-NRF and the L-NRF in the second network domain.

[0078] In step 150, a segment route from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node is generated according to the first segment route request, wherein the segment route from the first inter-domain access node to the second NF is generated by the H-NRF and the L-NRF in the second network domain.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the L-NRF obtains the request condition in the network element discovery request by receiving the network element discovery request sent by the first NF, so as to facilitate the subsequent discovery of the second NF that meets the request condition, wherein the first NF and the L-NRF belong to the first network domain. By determining whether there is a second NF that meets the request condition in the first network domain according to the request condition in the network element discovery request, by first performing network element discovery in the first network domain, when there is no second NF that meets the request condition in the first network domain, the network element discovery request is sent to the H-NRF so that the H-NRF performs network element discovery from other network domains according to the network element discovery request. When the H-NRF successfully discovers the second NF that meets the request condition, the first segment routing request sent by the H-NRF is received to obtain the first inter-domain access node in the first network domain and the identifier of the second NF located in the second network domain. Finally, the segment routing from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node is generated by the first segment routing request. In addition, the segment routing from the first inter-domain access node to the second NF is generated by the H-NRF and the L-NRF in the second network domain. In the above embodiment, it is possible to find a suitable second NF for the first NF across domains, and to implement route determination between network elements in different domains by segmented route determination, thereby improving the accuracy of route determination between network elements and improving the flexibility and reliability of communication between network elements in different network domains.

[0080] In some embodiments, the L-NRF also sends first segment routing information to the first NF, wherein the first segment routing information includes the segment routing from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node and the domain information of each network domain passed from the first inter-domain access node to the second NF.

[0081] When the L-NRF receives the first segment routing information, the segment routing from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node and the domain information of each network domain passed by the first inter-domain access node to the second NF are determined, and the first NF can communicate with the first inter-domain access node according to the segment routing from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node.

[0082] In some embodiments, the L-NRF will also redetermine the segment routing from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node and update the first segment routing information when there is a route disconnection in the segment routing from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node.

[0083] In the case where the segmented route from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node is disconnected, the segmented route from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node can be re-determined, and the first segmented routing information can be updated. When the route is disconnected, the segmented route available at the current moment can be determined in time, thereby ensuring the stability of communication between network elements in different network domains.

[0084] The first NF may encapsulate the network layer message based on the segment routing information from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node, and send the data according to the segment routing.

[0085] In the case where the L-NRF determines the segmented route from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node, if communication between the first NF and the second NF is to be achieved, it is also necessary to generate the segmented route from the first inter-domain access node to the second NF through the H-NRF and the L-NRF in the second network domain, as follows.

[0086] In some embodiments, the L-NRF in the second network domain receives the second segment routing request sent by the H-NRF, and generates a segment routing from the second inter-domain access node to the second NF based on the second segment routing request, wherein the second segment routing request includes the identifier of the second inter-domain access node in the second network domain and the second NF located in the second network domain.

[0087] That is, the H-NRF determines a second segment routing request according to the second NF, and sends the second segment routing request to the L-NRF in the second network domain, so that the second NF generates a segment routing from the second inter-domain access node to the second NF according to the second segment routing request.

[0088] In some embodiments, the L-NRF in the second network domain also receives domain information of each network domain passed through from the second inter-domain access node to the second NF sent by the H-NRF, and sends domain information of each network domain passed through from the second inter-domain access node to the second NF to the second inter-domain access node.

[0089] That is, the H-NRF sends the domain information of each network domain that the second inter-domain access node passes through to the second NF to the L-NR in the second network domain.

[0090] In some embodiments, the L-NRF in the second network domain also sends first segment routing modification information to the second inter-domain access node, wherein the second segment routing modification information includes first modification notification information and the segment routing from the second inter-domain access node to the second NF, wherein the first modification notification information is used to indicate that the domain information of each network domain passed through from the second inter-domain access node to the second NF is modified to the segment routing from the second inter-domain access node to the second NF.

[0091] In addition, if there is a routing disconnection in the segment route from the second inter-domain access node to the second NF (for example, the routing disconnection may be caused by a change in the network topology of the network domain), the L-NRF of the second network domain also needs to redetermine the segment route from the second inter-domain access node to the second NF and update the second segment route modification information sent to the second inter-domain access node.

[0092] In the case where the L-NRF of the second network domain determines the segmented route from the second inter-domain access node to the second NF, if communication between the first NF and the second NF is to be achieved, the H-NRF is also required to generate the segmented route from the first inter-domain access node to the second inter-domain access node, as follows.

[0093] If the data transmission direction is from the first NF to the second NF, the H-NRF determines the segmented route from the first inter-domain access node to the second inter-domain access node, and sends the domain information of each network domain passed by the first inter-domain access node to the second inter-domain access node to the first inter-domain access node.

[0094] Next, the H-NRF sends second segment routing modification information to the first inter-domain access node, wherein the second segment routing modification information includes second modification notification information and the segment routing from the first inter-domain access node to the second inter-domain access node, wherein the second modification notification information is used to indicate that the domain information of each network domain passed from the first inter-domain access node to the second inter-domain access node is modified to the segment routing from the first inter-domain access node to the second inter-domain access node.

[0095] If the data transmission direction is from the second NF to the first NF, the H-NRF determines the segmented route from the second inter-domain access node to the first inter-domain access node, and sends the domain information of each network domain that the second inter-domain access node to the first inter-domain access node passes through to the second inter-domain access node.

[0096] Next, the H-NRF sends the third segment routing modification information to the second inter-domain access node, wherein the third segment routing modification information includes the third modification notification information and the segment routing from the second inter-domain access node to the first inter-domain access node, wherein the third modification notification information is used to indicate that the domain information of each network domain passed from the second inter-domain access node to the first inter-domain access node is modified to the segment routing from the second inter-domain access node to the first inter-domain access node.

[0097] In some embodiments, if there is a routing disconnection in the segment routing between the first inter-domain access node and the second inter-domain access node, the H-NRF may also redetermine the segment routing between the first inter-domain access node and the second inter-domain access node, and update the second segment routing modification information or the third segment routing modification information.

[0098] In some embodiments, when the second NF acts as the initiator of the network element discovery request, the L-NRF receives a second segment routing request sent by the H-NRF, wherein the second segment routing request includes the identifiers of the first inter-domain access node and the first NF located in the first network domain; and generates a segment routing from the first inter-domain access node to the first NF according to the second segment routing request, wherein the segment routing from the first inter-domain access node to the first NF is used for the second NF to communicate with the first NF.

[0099] In some embodiments, the H-NRF determines a second segment routing request based on the first NF, wherein the second segment routing request includes an identifier of the first inter-domain access node and the first NF located in the first network domain, and sends the second segment routing request to the L-NRF.

[0100] In some embodiments, the L-NRF also receives domain information of each network domain that the first inter-domain access node passes through to the first NF sent by the H-NRF; and sends domain information of each network domain that the first inter-domain access node passes through to the first NF to the first inter-domain access node.

[0101] It is impossible to achieve communication from the first inter-domain access node to the first NF based only on the domain information of each network domain passed by the first inter-domain access node to the first NF. Therefore, the L-NRF also needs to send first segment routing modification information to the first inter-domain access node, wherein the first segment routing modification information includes first modification notification information and the segment routing from the first inter-domain access node to the first NF, wherein the first modification notification information is used to indicate that the domain information of each network domain passed by the first inter-domain access node to the first NF is modified to the segment routing from the first inter-domain access node to the first NF.

[0102] In addition, if there is a routing disconnection in the segment route from the first inter-domain access node to the first NF (for example, the routing disconnection may be caused by a change in the network topology of the network domain), the L-NRF also needs to redetermine the segment route from the first inter-domain access node to the first NF and update the first segment route modification information sent to the first inter-domain access node.

[0103] In the case where the segment routing between the first inter-domain access node and the second inter-domain access node is disconnected, the segment routing between the first inter-domain access node and the second inter-domain access node can be re-determined, and the first segment routing modification information is updated, so that the segment routing available at the current moment can be determined in time when the routing is disconnected, thereby ensuring the stability of communication between network elements in different network domains.

[0104] In some embodiments, the L-NRF may also determine whether the time difference between the second data sent by the second NF and the first data sent by the first NF is greater than a preset time difference threshold, wherein the second data is feedback of the first data or the first data is feedback of the second data, and generate a segmented route between the first NF and the first inter-domain access node when the time difference between the first data and the second data is greater than the time difference threshold.

[0105] When the time difference between the first data and the second data is relatively large, the direction of data transmission is determined by generating a segmented route between the first NF and the first inter-domain access node, thereby reducing the risk of data failure due to disconnection of the segmented route and ensuring the stability of communication between network elements in different network domains.

[0106] If the time difference between the first data and the second data is less than or equal to the time difference threshold, the segment routing between the first NF and the first inter-domain access node is shared through the H-NRF.

[0107] When the time difference between the first data and the second data is relatively small, the risk of affecting the timeliness of data transmission due to a long time spent on recalculating the segmented route can be reduced by sharing the segmented route between the first NF and the first inter-domain access node, thereby ensuring the efficiency of communication between network elements in different network domains.

[0108] In some embodiments, the second NF will act as the initiator of the network element discovery request. The segmented route from the access node between the first domain to the first NF has been determined. If communication between the first NF in the second NF domain is to be achieved, the segmented route from the second NF to the access node between the first domain must be generated through the H-NRF and the L-NRF of the second network domain, as follows.

[0109] In some embodiments, the L-NRF of the second network domain receives a network element discovery request sent by the second NF, wherein the second NF belongs to the second network domain.

[0110] In some embodiments, the L-NRF of the second network domain determines whether there is a first NF in the second network domain that meets the request condition based on the request condition in the network element discovery request.

[0111] If the first NF does not exist in the second network domain, the L-NRF of the second network domain sends a network element discovery request to the H-NRF.

[0112] In some embodiments, the L-NRF of the second network domain receives a first segment routing request sent by the H-NRF, wherein the first segment routing request includes an identifier of a second inter-domain access node in the second network domain and a first NF located in the first network domain.

[0113] In some embodiments, the L-NRF of the second network domain generates a segmented route from the second NF to the second inter-domain access node based on the first segmented route request, wherein the segmented route from the second inter-domain access node to the first NF is generated by the H-NRF and the L-NRF in the first network domain.

[0114] In some embodiments, the L-NRF of the second network domain also sends first segment routing information to the second NF, wherein the first segment routing information includes the segment routing from the second NF to the second inter-domain access node and the domain information of each network domain passed from the second inter-domain access node to the first NF.

[0115] In some embodiments, the L-NRF of the second network domain will also redetermine the segment routing from the second NF to the second inter-domain access node and update the first segment routing information when there is a route disconnection in the segment routing from the second NF to the second inter-domain access node.

[0116] On the basis of determining the segment routing between the first NF and the first inter-domain access node and the segment routing between the second NF and the second inter-domain access node, the segment routing between the first inter-domain access node and the second inter-domain access node is specifically as follows.

[0117] The H-NRF may determine a segment route from the first inter-domain access node to the second inter-domain access node.

[0118] In some embodiments, the H-NRF may also send, to the first inter-domain access node, domain information of each network domain that the first inter-domain access node passes through to reach the second inter-domain access node.

[0119] In some embodiments, the H-NRF may also send second segment routing modification information to the first inter-domain access node, wherein the second segment routing modification information includes second modification notification information and the segment routing from the first inter-domain access node to the second inter-domain access node, wherein the second modification notification information is used to indicate that the domain information of each network domain passed from the first inter-domain access node to the second inter-domain access node is modified to the segment routing from the first inter-domain access node to the second inter-domain access node.

[0120] The H-NRF may determine a segment route from the second inter-domain access node to the first inter-domain access node.

[0121] In some embodiments, the H-NRF may also send, to the second inter-domain access node, domain information of each network domain that the second inter-domain access node passes through to reach the first inter-domain access node.

[0122] In some embodiments, the H-NRF may also send third segment routing modification information to the second inter-domain access node, wherein the third segment routing modification information includes third modification notification information and the segment routing from the second inter-domain access node to the first inter-domain access node, wherein the third modification notification information is used to indicate that the domain information of each network domain passed through from the second inter-domain access node to the first inter-domain access node is modified to the segment routing from the second inter-domain access node to the first inter-domain access node.

[0123] If the segment routing between the first inter-domain access node and the second inter-domain access node is disconnected, the H-NRF may also redetermine the segment routing between the first inter-domain access node and the second inter-domain access node, and update the second segment routing modification information or the third segment routing modification information.

[0124] Regarding the situation where there is a second NF in the first network domain that meets the request conditions in the network discovery request, the details are as follows.

[0125] In some embodiments, the L-NRF determines the segment route from the first NF to the second NF, and sends third segment route information to the first NF, wherein the third segment route information includes the segment route from the first NF to the second NF.

[0126] In some embodiments, the L-NRF further determines the segment route from the second NF to the first NF, and sends fourth segment routing information to the second NF, wherein the fourth segment routing information includes the segment route from the second NF to the first NF.

[0127] By determining the segmented route from the first NF to the second NF and notifying the first NF of the segmented route, communication between network elements in the same network domain is achieved.

[0128] If there is a route disconnection in the segment routing between the first NF and the second NF, the L-NRF will redetermine the segment routing between the first NF and the second NF, and update the third segment routing information sent to the first NF or the fourth segment routing information sent to the second NF.

[0129] By timely updating the segment routing between the first NF and the second NF, the stability of communication between network elements in the same network domain is guaranteed.

[0130] Figure 3 Schematic diagrams showing some embodiments of the satellite-ground fusion network disclosed in the present invention are shown below. Figure 3 Take NF-1 (equivalent to the first NF) and NF-3 (equivalent to the second NF) as an example to illustrate the network element discovery process between NF-1 (equivalent to the first NF) and NF-3 (equivalent to the second NF). Take NF-1 as the initiator of the network element discovery request as an example. The details are as follows.

[0131] like Figure 3 As shown, in the satellite-ground fusion network, there are high-orbit satellites, medium-orbit satellites and low-orbit satellites. If the network element (i.e., NF) on the low-orbit satellite wants to realize discovery between network elements, it needs to obtain another network element that meets the request requirements of the network element (initiator) through the L-NRF on the medium-orbit satellite or the H-NRF on the high-orbit satellite, and the L-NRF or H-NRF will send the segment routing information of the other end to the network element or another network element, so as to obtain the segment routing between the network element (initiator) and another network element.

[0132] like Figure 3 As shown, NF-1 is registered in network domain-1, and the satellite identifier of NF-1 is SAT-1. Network domain-1 also includes satellites SAT-2, SAT-3, and SAT-4. NF-2 is registered in network domain-1 and network domain-3, and the satellite identifier of NF-2 is SAT-4. Network domain-3 also includes satellites SAT-8 and SAT-5, where satellite SAT-5 is a common satellite of network domain-3 and network domain-2. NF-3 is registered in network domain-2, and the satellite identifier of NF-3 is SAT-7. Network domain-2 also includes satellite SAT-6.

[0133] If the network element that meets the request conditions of NF-1 is NF-2, then the intra-domain network element discovery and intercommunication can be directly performed. The L-NRF corresponding to the network domain-1 sends segment routing information (SAT-2 to SAT-4) to NF-1. If NF-2 needs to feedback information to NF-1 at this time, the L-NRF corresponding to the network domain-1 sends segment routing information (SAT-2 to SAT-1) to NF-2. According to the above two types of segment routing information, NF-1 and NF-2 will encapsulate the network layer message based on the two types of segment routing information and send it to the next-hop satellite according to the segment routing information, and finally route it to the opposite end, where the opposite end of NF-1 is NF-2, and the opposite end of NF-2 is NF-1.

[0134] In some embodiments, if the satellite topology within network domain-1 changes, the routing between NF-1 and NF-2 may be disconnected. For example, when the corporate direct intersatellite link between SAT-2 and SAT-4 is disconnected, the segment routing information sent to NF-1 and NF-2 needs to be updated. For example, the segment routing information sent to NF-1 can be modified to SAT-2 to SAT-3 to SAT-4, and the segment routing information sent to NF-2 can be modified to SAT-3 to SAT-2 to SAT-1.

[0135] If the network element that meets the request conditions of NF-1 is NF-3, cross-domain network element discovery and intercommunication are required, that is, communication between NF-1 and NF-3 is required through the L-NRF corresponding to network domain-1, the L-NRF corresponding to network domain-2, and the H-NRF, as follows.

[0136] NF-1 will first send a network element discovery request to the L-NRF of network domain-1. The L-NRF of network domain-1 will perform network element discovery within network domain-1. When there is no network element that meets the request conditions in the network element discovery request within network domain-1, the L-NRR of network domain-1 will then send a network element discovery request to the H-NRF to facilitate the H-NRF to perform network element discovery in network domain-3 and network domain-2. NF-3 is taken as an example as a network element that meets the request conditions.

[0137] H-NRF will send the inter-domain access node (SAT-4) in network domain-1 to L-NRF in network domain-1, and H-NRF will send the inter-domain access node (SAT-5) in network domain-2 to L-NRF in network domain-2.

[0138] The L-NRF of network domain-1 will calculate the segment routing from SAT-1 to SAT-4. When the data transmission direction is from NF-1 to NF-3, the L-NRF of network domain-1 will also notify NF-1, carrying the segment routing information: SAT-2 to SAT-4 to FILED-3 to FIELD-2. When the data transmission direction is from NF-3 to NF-1, the L-NRF of network domain-1 will also notify SAT-4 to modify FILED-1 in the segment routing information to SAT-2 to SAT-1. When the data transmission direction is from NF-3 to NF-1, the segment routing information received by SAT-4 is notified to SAT-4 directly or indirectly by the H-NRF. The indirect notification can be implemented, for example, through the L-NRF of network domain-3 (if it exists).

[0139] The L-NRF of network domain-2 will calculate the segment routing from SAT-5 to SAT-7. When the data transmission direction is from NF-3 to NF-1, the L-NRF of network domain-2 will also notify NF-3, carrying the segment routing information: SAT-6 to SAT-5 to FILED-3 to FIELD-1. When the data transmission direction is from NF-1 to NF-3, the L-NRF of network domain-2 will also notify SAT-5 to modify FILED-2 in the segment routing information to SAT-6 to SAT-7. When the data transmission direction is from NF-1 to NF-3, the segment routing information received by SAT-5 is notified to SAT-5 directly or indirectly by the H-NRF. The indirect notification can be implemented, for example, through the L-NRF of network domain-3 (if it exists).

[0140] For the route between SAT-4 and SAT-5: when the data transmission direction is from NF-1 to NF-3, H-NRF will directly or indirectly notify SAT-4 to modify FIELD-3 to SAT-8 to SAT-5; when the data transmission direction is from NF-3 to NF-1, H-NRF will directly or indirectly notify SAT-5 to modify FIELD-3 to SAT-8 to SAT-4.

[0141] In summary, when the data transmission direction is from NF-1 to NF-3, the segmented route is SAT-2 to SAT-4 to FILED-3 to FIELD-2. At SAT-4, SAT-4 will replace FILED-3, and the segmented route at this time is SAT-8 to SAT-5 to FIELD-2. At SAT-5, SAT-5 will replace FIELD-2, and the segmented route at this time is SAT-6 to SAT-7. When the data transmission direction is from NF-3 to NF-1, it is similar to the above situation and will not be repeated here.

[0142] In the above embodiment, the discovery and communication between network elements in the same network domain and the discovery and communication between network elements in different network domains are realized through the L-NRF on the medium-orbit satellite and the H-NRF on the high-orbit satellite. In addition, for the communication between network elements in the same network domain, if the routing between network elements is disconnected, the segment routing information between the two network elements can be updated in time, thereby ensuring the stability of the communication between network elements in the same network domain. Furthermore, for the communication between network elements in different network domains, if the routing between network elements is disconnected, it can be determined to which part the disconnected routing belongs (for example, between NF-1 and the inter-domain access node of network domain-1, between the inter-domain access node of network domain-1 and the inter-domain access node of network domain-2, or between the inter-domain access node of network domain-2 and NF-3). After determining the disconnected part, the segment routing information of the part can be directly updated, without updating the segment routing information of the whole process, which not only ensures the stability of the communication between network elements in different network domains, but also ensures the efficiency between network elements, and creates a good application prospect and value for the integrated air-ground-ground service.

[0143] Figure 4 Schematic diagrams showing other embodiments of the route determination method disclosed in the present invention.

[0144] like Figure 4 As shown, the route determination method includes steps 410 to 440, and the route determination method is executed by the H-NRF.

[0145] In step 410, a network element discovery request sent by L-NRF is received, wherein L-NRF belongs to the first network domain, and the network element discovery request is sent to H-NRF by L-NRF after receiving the network element discovery request sent by the first NF and there is no second NF in the first network domain that meets the request conditions in the network element discovery request.

[0146] In step 420, according to the request condition in the network element discovery request, a second NF that meets the request condition is determined, wherein the second NF belongs to the second network domain.

[0147] In some embodiments, the H-NRF may send network element discovery requests to the L-NRFs of one or more neighboring domains in order from small to large of the inter-domain distance between the first network domain and the one or more neighboring domains, determine the second NF, and stop sending network element discovery requests to the L-NRFs of one or more neighboring domains when the second NF is determined.

[0148] In some embodiments, the H-NRF also receives a second response sent by the L-NRF in the network domain where the second NF is located, wherein the second response includes identification information of the second NF that meets the request condition.

[0149] In step 430, a first inter-domain access node in the first network domain is determined according to the second NF.

[0150] In step 440, a first segment routing request is sent to the L-NRF so that the first NF generates a segment routing from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node according to the first segment routing request, wherein the first segment routing request includes the identifiers of the first inter-domain access node and the second NF located in the second network domain, and the segment routing from the first inter-domain access node to the second NF is generated by the H-NRF and the L-NRF in the second network domain.

[0151] In some embodiments, when the second NF is the initiator of the network element discovery request, the H-NRF determines a second segment routing request based on the first NF, wherein the second segment routing request includes an identifier of the first inter-domain access node and the first NF located in the first network domain, and sends the second segment routing request to the L-NRF.

[0152] In some embodiments, when the first NF is the initiator of the network element discovery request, the H-NRF determines a segment route from the first inter-domain access node to the second inter-domain access node.

[0153] In some embodiments, when the first NF is the initiator of the network element discovery request, the H-NRF sends, to the first inter-domain access node, domain information of each network domain that the first inter-domain access node passes through to the second inter-domain access node.

[0154] In some embodiments, when the first NF is the initiator of the network element discovery request, the H-NRF sends the second segment routing modification information to the first inter-domain access node, wherein the second segment routing modification information includes the second modification notification information and the segment routing from the first inter-domain access node to the second inter-domain access node, wherein the second modification notification information is used to indicate that the domain information of each network domain passed through from the first inter-domain access node to the second inter-domain access node is modified to the segment routing from the first inter-domain access node to the second inter-domain access node.

[0155] In some embodiments, when the second NF is the initiator of the network element discovery request, the H-NRF determines a segment route from the second inter-domain access node to the first inter-domain access node.

[0156] In some embodiments, when the second NF is the initiator of the network element discovery request, the H-NRF sends, to the second inter-domain access node, domain information of each network domain that the second inter-domain access node passes through to the first inter-domain access node.

[0157] In some embodiments, when the second NF is the initiator of the network element discovery request, the H-NRF sends third segment routing modification information to the second inter-domain access node, wherein the third segment routing modification information includes third modification notification information and the segment routing from the second inter-domain access node to the first inter-domain access node, wherein the third modification notification information is used to indicate that the domain information of each network domain passed through from the second inter-domain access node to the first inter-domain access node is modified to the segment routing from the second inter-domain access node to the first inter-domain access node.

[0158] If the segment routing between the first inter-domain access node and the second inter-domain access node is disconnected, the H-NRF redetermines the segment routing between the first inter-domain access node and the second inter-domain access node, and updates the second segment routing modification information or the third segment routing modification information.

[0159] In the above embodiment, the H-NRF obtains the request condition in the network element discovery request by receiving the network element discovery request sent by the L-NRF, so that the subsequent H-NRF can find the second NF that meets the request condition in the second network domain. The second NF that meets the request condition is found in the second network domain according to the request condition. According to the second NF, the first inter-domain node in the first network domain is determined so that the communication between the first NF and the second NF can be realized through the first inter-domain access node. By sending a first segment routing request to the L-NRF, it is convenient for the subsequent L-NRF to generate a segment routing from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node according to the first segment routing request. In addition, the segment routing from the first inter-domain access node to the second NF is generated by the H-NRF and the L-NRF in the second network domain. In the above embodiment, it is possible to find a suitable second NF across domains for the first NF, and to realize the route determination between network elements in different domains by the method of segmented route determination, thereby improving the accuracy of route determination between network elements and improving the flexibility and reliability of communication between network elements in different network domains.

[0160] Figure 5 Schematic diagrams showing some further embodiments of the route determination method disclosed herein.

[0161] like Figure 5 As shown, the route determination method includes steps 510 to 570. The route determination method is applicable to the case where the first NF and the second NF exist in the same network domain and the first NF is the initiator of the network element discovery request, and is specifically as follows.

[0162] In step 510, the first NF sends a network element discovery request to the L-NRF.

[0163] In step 520, the L-NRF determines whether the second NF that meets the request condition is in the network domain to which the L-NRF belongs according to the request condition in the network element discovery request. If the second NF that meets the request condition exists in the network domain to which the L-NRF belongs, the segment routing between the first NF and the second NF is directly calculated.

[0164] In step 530, the L-NRF sends third segment routing information to the first NF, wherein the third segment routing information carries the segment routing from the first NF to the second NF.

[0165] In step 540, the L-NRF sends fourth segment routing information to the second NF, wherein the fourth segment routing information carries the segment route from the second NF to the first NF.

[0166] Through step 510 to step 540, communication between network elements in the same network domain is achieved.

[0167] After the satellite topology in the network domain changes, step 550 to step 570 are continued to be executed.

[0168] In step 550, after the satellite topology in the network domain changes, the L-NRF notifies the first NF and the second NF.

[0169] In step 560, the L-NRF sends first update information to the first NF, wherein the first update information carries the segment route from the first NF to the second NF.

[0170] In step 570, the L-NRF recalls that the second NF sends a second update message, wherein the second update message carries the segment route from the second NF to the first NF.

[0171] When the satellite topology in the network domain changes, by sending update information (i.e., first update information and second update information) to the first NF and the second NF, re-communication between the first NF and the second NF is achieved, thereby ensuring the stability of communication between network elements in the same network domain.

[0172] Figure 6 Schematic diagrams showing some further embodiments of the route determination method disclosed in the present invention. Figure 6 The following description is made by taking the first NF as the initiator of the network element discovery request as an example.

[0173] like Figure 6 As shown, the route determination method includes steps 610 to 624.

[0174] In step 610, the first NF sends a network element discovery request to the first L-NRF, wherein the first NF and the first L-NRF belong to the first network domain.

[0175] In step 611, the first L-NRF determines whether the second NF that meets the request condition in the network discovery request exists in the first network domain. If the second NF does not exist in the first network domain, a network element discovery request is made to the H-NRF.

[0176] In step 612, the first L-NRF sends a network element discovery request to the H-NRF.

[0177] In step 613, the H-NRF sends network element discovery requests to the L-NRFs in the neighboring domains of the first network domain in sequence (according to the distance from near to far) until the second NF is discovered.

[0178] In step 614, the second L-NRF sends a second response to the H-NRF, wherein the second response includes identification information of the second NF that meets the request condition.

[0179] In step 615, the H-NRF determines a first inter-domain access node in the first network domain and a second inter-domain access node in the second network domain.

[0180] In step 616, the H-NRF sends a second segment routing request to the second L-NRF, wherein the second segment routing request carries the second inter-domain access node.

[0181] In step 617, the second L-NRF calculates the segment route from the second inter-domain access node to the second NF. Here, the data transmission direction from the first NF to the second NF is taken as an example.

[0182] If the data transmission direction is from the second NF to the first NF, then the segment route from the second NF to the second inter-domain access node is calculated here.

[0183] In step 618, the second L-NRF sends a first notification message to the second NF, wherein the first notification message carries the segmented route from the second inter-domain access node to the second NF and the domain information of each network domain passed by the first NF to the second inter-domain access node. Here, the data transmission direction is taken as an example from the first NF to the second NF.

[0184] In step 619, the second L-NRF notifies the second inter-domain access node of the segment routing modification information from the second inter-domain access node to the second NF. Here, the data transmission direction from the first NF to the second NF is taken as an example.

[0185] In step 620, the H-NRF sends a first segment routing request to the first L-BRF, wherein the first segment routing request carries the first inter-domain access node.

[0186] In step 621, the first L-NRF calculates the segment route from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node. Here, the data transmission direction from the first NF to the second NF is taken as an example.

[0187] If the data transmission direction is from the second NF to the first NF, the segment route from the first inter-domain access node to the first NF is calculated here.

[0188] In step 622, the first L-NRF sends a second notification message to the first NF, wherein the second notification message carries the segment route from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node and the domain information of each network domain passed from the first inter-domain access node to the second NF.

[0189] In step 623, the first L-NRF notifies the first inter-domain access node of the segment routing modification information from the first inter-domain access node to the first NF. Here, the data transmission direction from the second NF to the first NF is taken as an example.

[0190] In step 624, the H-NRF notifies the first inter-domain access node of the segment route from the first inter-domain access node to the second inter-domain access node; and notifies the second inter-domain access node of the segment route from the second inter-domain access node to the first inter-domain access node.

[0191] In the above embodiment, the first NF is able to search for a suitable second NF across domains, and the route determination between network elements in different domains is achieved by segmented route determination, thereby improving the accuracy of route determination between network elements, and improving the flexibility and reliability of communication between network elements in different network domains, creating better application prospects and value for air-ground integrated services.

[0192] Figure 7 Schematic diagram showing some embodiments of the L-NRF of the present disclosure.

[0193] like Figure 7 As shown, the L-NRF 70 includes a first receiving unit 71 , a first determining unit 72 , a first sending unit 73 , a second receiving unit 74 and a generating unit 75 .

[0194] The first receiving unit 71 is configured to receive a network element discovery request sent by a first network function NF, wherein the first NF and the L-NRF belong to a first network domain.

[0195] In some embodiments, the first receiving unit 71 is further configured to receive registration information of the first NF, wherein the registration information of the first NF includes a satellite identifier of the first NF; send a first response to the first NF; and synchronize the correspondence between the first NF and the L-NRF to the H-NRF.

[0196] In some embodiments, the first receiving unit 71 is further configured to receive domain information of each network domain passed from the first inter-domain access node to the first NF sent by the H-NRF; and send domain information of each network domain passed from the first inter-domain access node to the first NF to the first inter-domain access node.

[0197] The first determining unit 72 is configured to determine whether there is a second NF that meets the request condition in the first network domain according to the request condition in the network element discovery request.

[0198] In some embodiments, the request condition includes at least one of the network element type, supported slices, and supported data network names DNN.

[0199] In some embodiments, the first determination unit 72 is further configured to, when there is a route disconnection in the segment routing from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node, redetermine the segment routing from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node; and update the first segment routing information.

[0200] In some embodiments, the first determining unit 72 is further configured to, when there is a route disconnection in the segment route from the first inter-domain access node to the first NF, redetermine the segment route from the first inter-domain access node to the first NF; and update the first segment route modification information.

[0201] In some embodiments, the first determination unit 72 is further configured to determine the segmented route from the first NF to the second NF when the second NF exists in the first network domain; and send third segmented routing information to the first NF, wherein the third segmented routing information includes the segmented route from the first NF to the second NF.

[0202] In some embodiments, the first determining unit 72 is further configured to determine a segment route from the second NF to the first NF; and send fourth segment routing information to the second NF, wherein the fourth segment routing information includes the segment route from the second NF to the first NF.

[0203] In some embodiments, the first determining unit 72 is further configured to, when there is a route disconnection in the segment routing between the first NF and the second NF, redetermine the segment routing between the first NF and the second NF; and update the third segment routing information or the fourth segment routing information.

[0204] The first sending unit 73 is configured to send a network element discovery request to a higher-level network storage function H-NRF when the second NF does not exist in the first network domain.

[0205] In some embodiments, the first sending unit 73 is further configured to send first segment routing information to the first NF, wherein the first segment routing information includes the segment routing from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node and domain information of each network domain passed from the first inter-domain access node to the second NF.

[0206] In some embodiments, the first sending unit 73 is further configured to send first segment routing modification information to the first inter-domain access node, wherein the first segment routing modification information includes first modification notification information and the segment routing from the first inter-domain access node to the first NF, wherein the first modification notification information is used to indicate that the domain information of each network domain passed through from the first inter-domain access node to the first NF is modified to the segment routing from the first inter-domain access node to the first NF.

[0207] The second receiving unit 74 is configured to receive a first segment routing request sent by the H-NRF, wherein the first segment routing request includes an identifier of a first inter-domain access node in the first network domain and a second NF located in the second network domain.

[0208] The generating unit 75 is configured to generate a segment route from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node according to the first segment route request, wherein the segment route from the first inter-domain access node to the second NF is generated by the H-NRF and the L-NRF in the second network domain.

[0209] In some embodiments, the generation unit 75 is further configured to receive a second segment routing request sent by the H-NRF, wherein the second segment routing request includes an identifier of the first inter-domain access node and the first NF located in the first network domain; based on the second segment routing request, generate a segment routing from the first inter-domain access node to the first NF, wherein the segment routing from the first inter-domain access node to the first NF is used for the second NF to communicate with the first NF.

[0210] In some embodiments, the generation unit 75 is also configured to determine whether the time difference between the second data sent by the second NF and the first data sent by the first NF is greater than a preset time difference threshold, wherein the second data is feedback of the first data or the first data is feedback of the second data; when the time difference between the first data and the second data is greater than the time difference threshold, generate a segmented route between the first NF and the first inter-domain access node.

[0211] In some embodiments, the generating unit 75 is further configured to share the segment routing between the first NF and the first inter-domain access node through the H-NRF if the time difference between the first data and the second data is less than or equal to a time difference threshold.

[0212] In the above embodiment, a suitable second NF is found across domains for the first NF, and the route determination between network elements in different domains is realized by the segmented route determination method, which improves the accuracy of route determination between network elements and improves the flexibility and reliability of communication between network elements in different network domains.

[0213] Figure 8 Schematic diagram showing some embodiments of the H-NRF of the present disclosure.

[0214] like Figure 8 As shown, the H-NRF 80 includes a third receiving unit 81 , a second determining unit 82 , a third determining unit 83 and a second sending unit 84 .

[0215] The third receiving unit 81 is configured to receive a network element discovery request sent by the L-NRF, wherein the L-NRF belongs to the first network domain.

[0216] In some embodiments, the third receiving unit 81 is further configured to receive a second response sent by the L-NRF of the network domain where the second NF is located, wherein the second response includes identification information of the second NF that meets the request condition.

[0217] The second determining unit 82 is configured to determine, according to the request condition in the network element discovery request, a second NF that meets the request condition, wherein the second NF belongs to the second network domain.

[0218] In some embodiments, the second determination unit 82 is also configured to send network element discovery requests to the L-NRFs of one or more neighboring domains in order from small to large of the inter-domain distance between the first network domain and the one or more neighboring domains to determine the second NF; when the second NF is determined, stop sending network element discovery requests to the L-NRFs of one or more neighboring domains.

[0219] The third determining unit 83 is configured to determine a first inter-domain access node in the first network domain according to the second NF.

[0220] In some embodiments, the third determination unit 83 is further configured to determine a second segment routing request based on the first NF, wherein the second segment routing request includes an identifier of the first inter-domain access node and the first NF belonging to the first network domain; and send the second segment routing request to the L-NRF.

[0221] In some embodiments, the third determining unit 83 is further configured to determine a segment route from the first inter-domain access node to the second inter-domain access node.

[0222] In some embodiments, the third determining unit 83 is further configured to determine a segment route from the second inter-domain access node to the first inter-domain access node.

[0223] In some embodiments, the third determination unit 83 is further configured to, when there is a routing disconnection in the segment routing between the first inter-domain access node and the second inter-domain access node, redetermine the segment routing between the first inter-domain access node and the second inter-domain access node; and update the second segment routing modification information or the third segment routing modification information.

[0224] The second sending unit 84 is configured to send a first segment routing request to the L-NRF, wherein the first segment routing request includes an identifier of the first inter-domain access node and a second NF located in the second network domain.

[0225] In some embodiments, the second sending unit 84 is further configured to send, to the first inter-domain access node, domain information of each network domain that the first inter-domain access node passes through to the second inter-domain access node.

[0226] In some embodiments, the second sending unit 84 is further configured to send second segment routing modification information to the first inter-domain access node, wherein the second segment routing modification information includes second modification notification information and the segment routing from the first inter-domain access node to the second inter-domain access node, wherein the second modification notification information is used to indicate that the domain information of each network domain passed through from the first inter-domain access node to the second inter-domain access node is modified to the segment routing from the first inter-domain access node to the second inter-domain access node.

[0227] In some embodiments, the second sending unit 84 is further configured to send, to the second inter-domain access node, domain information of each network domain that the second inter-domain access node passes through to reach the first inter-domain access node.

[0228] In some embodiments, the second sending unit 84 is further configured to send third segment routing modification information to the second inter-domain access node, wherein the third segment routing modification information includes third modification notification information and the segment routing from the second inter-domain access node to the first inter-domain access node, wherein the third modification notification information is used to indicate that the domain information of each network domain passed through from the second inter-domain access node to the first inter-domain access node is modified to the segment routing from the second inter-domain access node to the first inter-domain access node.

[0229] In the above embodiment, a suitable second NF is found across domains for the first NF, and the route determination between network elements in different domains is realized by the segmented route determination method, which improves the accuracy of route determination between network elements and improves the flexibility and reliability of communication between network elements in different network domains.

[0230] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram showing some embodiments of the route determination device of the present disclosure.

[0231] like Fig. 9As shown, the route determination device 90 of this embodiment includes: a memory 91 and a processor 92 coupled to the memory 91 , and the processor 92 is configured to execute the route determination method in any one of the aforementioned embodiments based on instructions stored in the memory 91 .

[0232] The memory 91 may include, for example, a system memory, a fixed non-volatile storage medium, etc. The system memory may store, for example, an operating system, an application program, a boot loader, and other programs.

[0233] The route determination device 90 may also include an input / output interface 93, a network interface 94, a storage interface 95, etc. These interfaces 93, 94, 95, the memory 91, and the processor 92 may be connected, for example, via a bus 96. The input / output interface 93 provides a connection interface for input / output devices such as a display, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch screen, a microphone, and a speaker. The network interface 94 provides a connection interface for various networked devices. The storage interface 95 provides a connection interface for external storage devices such as an SD card and a USB flash drive.

[0234] In the above embodiment, the first NF is able to search for a suitable second NF across domains, and the route determination between network elements in different domains is achieved by segmented route determination, thereby improving the accuracy of route determination between network elements, and improving the flexibility and reliability of communication between network elements in different network domains, creating better application prospects and value for air-ground integrated services.

[0235] Fig.10 A schematic diagram showing some embodiments of the routing determination system of the present disclosure.

[0236] like Fig.10 As shown, the routing determination system 100 includes the L-NRF 101 in any of the above embodiments, the H-NRF 102 in any of the above embodiments, a first NF 103 , a second NF 104 , a first inter-domain access node 105 , and a second inter-domain access node 106 .

[0237] The first NF 103 is configured to send a network element discovery request to the L-NRF 101 and receive the first segment routing information or the second segment routing information, wherein the L-NRF 101 belongs to the first network domain.

[0238] The second NF 104 is configured to receive the third segment routing information.

[0239] The first inter-domain access node 105 is configured to receive the first segment routing modification information or the second segment routing modification information.

[0240] The second inter-domain access node 106 is configured to receive third segment routing modification information.

[0241] In the above embodiment, the first NF is able to search for a suitable second NF across domains, and the route determination between network elements in different domains is achieved by segmented route determination, thereby improving the accuracy of route determination between network elements, and improving the flexibility and reliability of communication between network elements in different network domains, creating better application prospects and value for air-ground integrated services.

[0242] In some embodiments, a computer program product is protected, including a computer program or an instruction, which implements the above-mentioned route determination method when the computer program or instruction is executed by a processor. The computer program product includes a computer program carried on a computer-readable medium, and the computer program contains program code for executing the method shown in the flowchart. In such an embodiment, the computer program can be downloaded and installed from a network through a communication device, or installed from a storage device, or installed from a ROM. When the computer program is executed by the CPU, the above-mentioned functions defined in the method of the embodiment of the present disclosure are executed.

[0243] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of the present disclosure may be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the present disclosure may take the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware. Furthermore, the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable non-transient storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0244] So far, the route determination method, device, system, L-NRF, H-NRF and computer program product of the present disclosure have been described in detail. In order to avoid obscuring the concept of the present disclosure, some details known in the art are not described. Based on the above description, those skilled in the art can fully understand how to implement the technical solution disclosed herein.

[0245] The method and system of the present disclosure may be implemented in many ways. For example, the method and system of the present disclosure may be implemented by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination of software, hardware, and firmware. The above order of steps for the method is for illustration only, and the steps of the method of the present disclosure are not limited to the order specifically described above, unless otherwise specifically stated. In addition, in some embodiments, the present disclosure may also be implemented as a program recorded in a recording medium, which includes machine-readable instructions for implementing the method according to the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure also covers a recording medium storing a program for executing the method according to the present disclosure.

[0246] Although some specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail by way of example, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above examples are for illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above embodiments may be modified without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A route determination method, performed by a low-layer network storage function L-NRF, comprising: Receiving a network element discovery request sent by a first network function NF, wherein the first NF and the L-NRF belong to a first network domain; Determine, according to the request condition in the network element discovery request, whether there is a second NF in the first network domain that meets the request condition; In the case that the second NF does not exist in the first network domain, sending the network element discovery request to a higher-level network storage function H-NRF; Receiving a first segment routing request sent by the H-NRF, wherein the first segment routing request includes an identifier of a first inter-domain access node in the first network domain and the second NF located in the second network domain; According to the first segment routing request, a segment route from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node is generated, wherein the segment route from the first inter-domain access node to the second NF is generated by the H-NRF and the L-NRF in the second network domain.

2. The route determination method according to claim 1, further comprising: Sending first segment routing information to the first NF, wherein the first segment routing information includes the segment routing from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node and domain information of each network domain passed from the first inter-domain access node to the second NF.

3. The route determination method according to claim 2, further comprising: In the case that the segment route from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node is disconnected, re-determine the segment route from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node; The first segment routing information is updated.

4. The route determination method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: receiving registration information of the first NF, wherein the registration information of the first NF includes a satellite identifier of the first NF; Sending a first response to the first NF; The corresponding relationship between the first NF and the L-NRF is synchronized to the H-NRF.

5. The route determination method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: receiving a second segment routing request sent by the H-NRF, wherein the second segment routing request includes an identifier of the first inter-domain access node and the first NF located in the first network domain; A segment route from the first inter-domain access node to the first NF is generated according to the second segment route request, wherein the segment route from the first inter-domain access node to the first NF is used for the second NF to communicate with the first NF.

6. The route determination method according to claim 5, further comprising: Receive domain information of each network domain that the first inter-domain access node to the first NF passes through, sent by the H-NRF; Sending, to the first inter-domain access node, domain information of each network domain that the first inter-domain access node to the first NF passes through.

7. The route determination method according to claim 6, further comprising: Sending first segment routing modification information to the first inter-domain access node, wherein the first segment routing modification information includes first modification notification information and the segment routing from the first inter-domain access node to the first NF, wherein the first modification notification information is used to indicate that the domain information of each network domain passed from the first inter-domain access node to the first NF is modified to the segment routing from the first inter-domain access node to the first NF.

8. The route determination method according to claim 7, further comprising: In the case where a segment route from the first inter-domain access node to the first NF is disconnected, re-determine a segment route from the first inter-domain access node to the first NF; The first segment routing modification information is updated.

9. The route determination method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: In a case where the second NF exists in the first network domain, determining a segmented route from the first NF to the second NF; Send third segment routing information to the first NF, wherein the third segment routing information includes a segment route from the first NF to the second NF.

10. The route determination method according to claim 9, further comprising: Determine a segment route from the second NF to the first NF; Send fourth segment routing information to the second NF, wherein the fourth segment routing information includes a segment route from the second NF to the first NF.

11. The route determination method according to claim 10, further comprising: In the case where the segment routing between the first NF and the second NF is disconnected, re-determine the segment routing between the first NF and the second NF; The third segment routing information or the fourth segment routing information is updated.

12. The method for determining a route according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The request condition includes at least one of the network element type, supported slices, and supported data network name DNN.

13. The route determination method according to claim 1 or 5, further comprising: Determine whether a time difference between second data sent by the second NF and first data sent by the first NF is greater than a preset time difference threshold, wherein the second data is feedback of the first data or the first data is feedback of the second data; When the time difference between the first data and the second data is greater than the time difference threshold, a segment route between the first NF and the first inter-domain access node is generated.

14. The route determination method according to claim 13, further comprising: In a case where the time difference between the first data and the second data is less than or equal to the time difference threshold, the segment routing between the first NF and the first inter-domain access node is shared through the H-NRF.

15. A route determination method, performed by a high-level network storage function H-NRF, comprising: Receiving a network element discovery request sent by an L-NRF, wherein the L-NRF belongs to a first network domain, and the network element discovery request is sent by the L-NRF to the H-NRF when the L-NRF receives the network element discovery request sent by a first NF and there is no second NF in the first network domain that meets the request condition in the network element discovery request; Determine, according to the request condition in the network element discovery request, a second NF that meets the request condition, wherein the second NF belongs to the second network domain; Determine, according to the second NF, a first inter-domain access node in the first network domain; A first segment routing request is sent to the L-NRF, so that the first NF generates a segment routing from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node according to the first segment routing request, wherein the first segment routing request includes the identifier of the first inter-domain access node and the second NF located in the second network domain, and the segment routing from the first inter-domain access node to the second NF is generated by the H-NRF and the L-NRF in the second network domain.

16. The method for determining a route according to claim 15, wherein: The determining, according to the request condition in the network element discovery request, a second NF that satisfies the request condition comprises: Send the network element discovery request to the L-NRFs of the one or more neighboring domains in order of the inter-domain distance between the first network domain and the one or more neighboring domains from small to large, to determine the second NF; When the second NF determines, stop sending the network element discovery request to the L-NRFs of the one or more neighboring areas.

17. The route determination method according to claim 16, further comprising: Receive a second response sent by the L-NRF of the network domain where the second NF is located, wherein the second response includes identification information of the second NF that meets the request condition.

18. The route determination method according to claim 15, further comprising: Determine a second segment routing request according to the first NF, wherein the second segment routing request includes an identifier of the first inter-domain access node and the first NF to which it belongs located in the first network domain; Send a second segment routing request to the L-NRF.

19. The route determination method according to claim 17, further comprising: A segment route from the first inter-domain access node to the second inter-domain access node is determined.

20. The route determination method according to claim 19, further comprising: Sending, to the first inter-domain access node, domain information of each network domain that the first inter-domain access node to the second inter-domain access node passes through.

21. The route determination method according to claim 20, further comprising: Sending second segment routing modification information to the first inter-domain access node, wherein the second segment routing modification information includes second modification notification information and the segment routing from the first inter-domain access node to the second inter-domain access node, wherein the second modification notification information is used to indicate that the domain information of each network domain passed through from the first inter-domain access node to the second inter-domain access node is modified to the segment routing from the first inter-domain access node to the second inter-domain access node.

22. The route determination method according to claim 18, further comprising: A segment route from the second inter-domain access node to the first inter-domain access node is determined.

23. The route determination method according to claim 22, further comprising: Sending, to the second inter-domain access node, domain information of each network domain that the second inter-domain access node passes through to reach the first inter-domain access node.

24. The route determination method according to claim 23, further comprising: Send third segment routing modification information to the second inter-domain access node, wherein the third segment routing modification information includes third modification notification information and the segment routing from the second inter-domain access node to the first inter-domain access node, wherein the third modification notification information is used to indicate that the domain information of each network domain passed through from the second inter-domain access node to the first inter-domain access node is modified to the segment routing from the second inter-domain access node to the first inter-domain access node.

25. The route determination method according to claim 19 or 22, further comprising: In a case where the segment route between the first inter-domain access node and the second inter-domain access node is disconnected, re-determining the segment route between the first inter-domain access node and the second inter-domain access node; The second segment routing modification information or the third segment routing modification information is updated.

26. A low-level network storage function L-NRF, comprising: A first receiving unit is configured to receive a network element discovery request sent by a first network function NF, wherein the first NF and the L-NRF belong to a first network domain; A first determining unit is configured to determine whether there is a second NF that meets the request condition in the first network domain according to the request condition in the network element discovery request; A first sending unit is configured to send the network element discovery request to a higher-level network storage function H-NRF when the second NF does not exist in the first network domain; A second receiving unit is configured to receive a first segment routing request sent by the H-NRF, wherein the first segment routing request includes an identifier of a first inter-domain access node in the first network domain and the second NF located in the second network domain; A generating unit is configured to generate a segment route from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node according to the first segment routing request, wherein the segment route from the first inter-domain access node to the second NF is generated by the H-NRF and the L-NRF in the second network domain.

27. A high-level network storage function H-NRF, comprising: A third receiving unit is configured to receive a network element discovery request sent by the L-NRF, wherein the L-NRF belongs to the first network domain; A second determining unit is configured to determine, according to a request condition in the network element discovery request, a second NF that meets the request condition, wherein the second NF belongs to a second network domain; A third determining unit is configured to determine a first inter-domain access node in the first network domain according to the second NF; The second sending unit is configured to send a first segment routing request to the L-NRF, wherein the first segment routing request includes an identifier of the first inter-domain access node and the second NF located in the second network domain.

28. A route determination device, comprising: Memory; and A processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute the route determination method according to any one of claims 1 to 25 based on instructions stored in the memory.

29. A route determination system comprising: The L-NRF as claimed in claim 26; The H-NRF as claimed in claim 27; a first NF configured to send the network element discovery request to the L-NRF and receive the first segment routing information or the second segment routing information, wherein the L-NRF belongs to the first network domain; A second NF is configured to receive the third segment routing information; A first inter-domain access node is configured to receive the first segment routing modification information or the second segment routing modification information; The second inter-domain access node is configured to receive the third segment routing modification information.

30. A computer-readable storage medium having computer instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implement the route determination method according to any one of claims 1 to 25.

31. A computer program product, comprising computer instructions, wherein when the computer instructions are executed by a processor, the route determination method according to any one of claims 1 to 25 is implemented.

Images