Calculation tunnel establishment method and related device

Abstract

Provided are a computing tunnel establishment method and a related device, the method comprising: a first network device sending a request message to a second network device, the request message being used for requesting to transfer a computing task in the first network device to the second network device, the request message carrying first computing tunnel information of the first network device; the first network equipment receives a response message from the second network equipment, wherein the response message carries second computing tunnel information of the second network equipment; the first network device transmits the computing data through a computing tunnel between the first network device and the second network device, the computing tunnel being established based on the first computing tunnel information and the second computing tunnel information. Based on the above method, the first network device and the second network device can directly interact the calculation data, which is conducive to shortening the transmission path of the calculation data and further conducive to reducing the transmission delay and the energy consumption overhead.

Description

A method for establishing a computing tunnel and related devices Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communications, and in particular to a method for establishing a computing tunnel and related devices. Background Art

[0002] In a converged computing network architecture, each network element possesses not only control and forwarding capabilities but also computing power. Computing nodes are deployed in addition to network elements. The computing power generated by this integrated computing and network model is called endogenous computing power. From the outset of network design, computing power was considered a fundamental element of the network. Computing power is pervasive across the network, distributed across cloud, edge, end, and intermediate network elements, effectively integrating it into the network. Computing power services, connectivity services, and services that combine computing power and connectivity are all considered fundamental services that the network can provide externally.

[0003] In a converged computing network, if computing data is transmitted using traditional user data transmission methods, the transmission path is long, resulting in significant transmission delays. For example, in an access network device handover scenario, assuming a terminal device switches from access network device #1 to access network device #2, but the computing task is still performed by access network device #1, the computing data transmission path is through the terminal device, access network device #2, the user plane function (UPF) network element, and access network device #1. This long transmission path results in significant transmission delays.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides a method and related apparatus for establishing a computing tunnel in order to reduce the transmission delay of computing data.

[0006] In the first aspect, the present application provides a method for establishing a computing tunnel, which can be executed by a first network device, or by a component configured in the first network device (such as a chip, a chip system, etc.), or by a logic module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the first network device. The present application does not limit this.

[0007] Exemplarily, the method includes: a first network device sends a request message to a second network device, the request message being used to request that a computing task in the first network device be transferred to the second network device, the request message carrying first computing tunnel information of the first network device; the first network device receives a response message from the second network device, the response message carrying second computing tunnel information of the second network device; the first network device transmits computing data through a computing tunnel between the first network device and the second network device, the computing tunnel being established based on the first computing tunnel information and the second computing tunnel information.

[0008] Among them, the second network device transmits computing data through the computing tunnel between the second network device and the first network device, which may include: the first network device transmits computing data to the second network device based on the second computing tunnel information, and accordingly, the second network device receives the computing data from the first network device; and / or, the second network device transmits computing data to the first network device based on the first computing tunnel information, and accordingly, the first network device receives the computing data from the second network device.

[0009] Based on the above technical solution, the first network device and the second network device exchange each other's computing tunnel information, and then establish a computing tunnel between the first network device and the second network device, so that the first network device and the second network device can directly exchange computing data through the computing tunnel. In other words, the computing data does not need to be forwarded through the UPF network element. Therefore, it is beneficial to shorten the transmission path of the computing data, and thus help reduce transmission delay and energy consumption overhead.

[0010] In combination with the first aspect, in some possible implementations of the first aspect, the above-mentioned response message also carries first information, and the first information is used to indicate the degree of acceptance of the computing task by the second network device; and, when the first information indicates that the second network device fully accepts the computing task, the above-mentioned method also includes: the first network device sends all computing configuration information to the second network device; when the first information indicates that the second network device accepts part of the computing task, the above-mentioned method also includes: the first network device sends computing configuration information corresponding to part of the computing task to the second network device; or when the first information indicates that the second network device does not accept the computing task at all, the above-mentioned method also includes: the first network device sends quality of service (QoS) information to the second network device; wherein, the computing configuration information is used to execute the computing task.

[0011] A first network device requests to transfer a computing task to a second network device. The second network device may accept part of the computing task, the entire computing task, or none of the computing task. Executing the computing task requires relevant computing configuration information. Therefore, when the second network device needs to execute the computing task, the first network device needs to transfer the relevant computing configuration information to the second network device. In this application, the first network device transfers the corresponding computing configuration information to the second network device based on the second network device's acceptance of the computing task, which helps improve the flexibility of the first network device in transferring computing configuration information.

[0012] One possible design is that the first network device performs corresponding operations based on the percentage of computing tasks accepted by the second network device. For example, the second network device accepts x% of computing tasks, where 0≤x≤100. When x=0, that is, the second network device does not accept any computing tasks at all, the first network device sends QoS information to the second network device, that is, the computing tasks are still performed by the first network device; when x=100, that is, the second network device fully accepts the computing tasks, the first network device sends all computing configuration information to the second network device, and the computing tasks are completely performed by the second network device; when 0<x<100, that is, the second network device accepts some computing tasks, the first network device sends computing configuration information corresponding to x% of the computing tasks to the second network device, that is, (1-x%) of the computing tasks are performed by the first network device, and x% of the computing tasks are performed by the second network device.

[0013] On the second aspect, the present application provides a method for establishing a computing tunnel, which can be executed by a second network device, or by a component configured in the second network device (such as a chip, a chip system, etc.), or by a logic module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the second network device. The present application does not limit this.

[0014] Exemplarily, the method includes: the second network device receives a request message from the first network device, the request message is used to request that the computing task in the first network device be transferred to the second network device, and the request message carries the first computing tunnel information of the first network device; the second network device sends a response message to the first network device based on the above request message, and the response message carries the second computing tunnel information of the second network device; the second network device transmits computing data through the computing tunnel between it and the first network device, and the above computing tunnel is established based on the first computing tunnel information and the second computing tunnel information.

[0015] Among them, the second network device transmits computing data through the computing tunnel between the second network device and the first network device, which may include: the first network device transmits computing data to the second network device based on the second computing tunnel information, and accordingly, the second network device receives the computing data from the first network device; and / or, the second network device transmits computing data to the first network device based on the first computing tunnel information, and accordingly, the first network device receives the computing data from the second network device.

[0016] Based on the above technical solution, the first network device and the second network device exchange each other's computing tunnel information, and then establish a computing tunnel between the first network device and the second network device, so that the first network device and the second network device can directly exchange computing data. In other words, the computing data does not need to be forwarded through the UPF network element, which is beneficial to shorten the transmission path of the computing data, and thus helps to reduce transmission delay and energy consumption overhead.

[0017] In combination with the second aspect, in some possible implementations of the second aspect, the above-mentioned response message also carries first information, and the first information is used to indicate the degree of acceptance of the computing task by the second network device; and, when the first information indicates that the second network device fully accepts the computing task, the above-mentioned method also includes: the second network device receives all computing configuration information from the first network device; when the first information indicates that the second network device accepts part of the computing task, the above-mentioned method also includes: the second network device receives computing configuration information corresponding to part of the computing task from the first network device; or when the first information indicates that the second network device does not accept the computing task at all, the above-mentioned method also includes: the second network device receives QoS information from the first network device; wherein, the computing configuration information is used to execute the computing task.

[0018] A first network device requests to transfer a computing task to a second network device. The second network device may accept part of the computing task, the entire computing task, or none of the computing task. Executing the computing task requires relevant computing configuration information. Therefore, when the second network device needs to execute the computing task, it needs to receive the relevant computing configuration information from the first network device. In this application, the first network device transfers the corresponding computing configuration information to the second network device based on the second network device's acceptance of the computing task, which helps improve the flexibility of the first network device in transferring computing configuration information.

[0019] In combination with the first aspect and the second aspect, in some possible implementations, the first computing tunnel information includes a tunnel endpoint identifier (TEID) and an Internet Protocol (IP) address of the first network device, and the second computing tunnel information includes the TEID and IP address of the second network device. The TEID of the first network device and the TEID of the second network device are used to identify the above-mentioned computing tunnels.

[0020] The request message sent by the first network device to the second network device carries the IP address and TEID of the first network device, so that the second network device can directly send calculation data to the first network device. The response message sent by the second network device to the first network device carries the IP address and TEID of the second network device, so that the first network device can directly send calculation data to the second network device.

[0021] One possible design is that the TEID of the first network device and the TEID of the second network device are used to identify the computing tunnel, that is, the TEID of the first network device and the TEID of the second network device are used to identify the computing tunnel used by a terminal device to transmit computing data. Different terminal devices use different computing tunnels. When there are multiple terminal devices, different TEIDs are required to identify the computing tunnels used by different terminal devices to transmit computing data. This is conducive to distinguishing the computing tunnels used by different terminal devices.

[0022] Another possible design is to identify the computing tunnel based on the TEID and IP address of the first network device, as well as the TEID and IP address of the second network device. That is, the TEID and IP address of the first network device, as well as the TEID and IP address of the second network device are used to identify the computing tunnel used by a terminal device to transmit computing data, wherein the IP address refers to the IP address of the endpoint of the computing tunnel. This is helpful in distinguishing the computing tunnels used by different terminal devices.

[0023] In combination with the first aspect and the second aspect, in some possible implementations, the first network device is the source access network device of the terminal device, the second network device is the target access network device of the terminal device, and the above-mentioned request message is a switching request message, which is also used to request that the terminal device be switched from the source access network device to the target access network device.

[0024] In the scenario where the terminal device switches access network devices, the first network device is the source access network device, and the second network device is the target access network device. The switching request message sent by the source access network device to the target access network device can carry the first computing tunnel information of the source access network device, so that the target access network device can directly transmit computing data to the source access network device. In other words, if the switching request message carries the first computing tunnel information of the source access network device, it means that the switching request message is not only used to request switching the access network device, but also to request transferring the computing task to the target access network device. In this way, the request message for requesting switching the connection and the request message for requesting transferring the computing task can be the same request message, which is beneficial to saving signaling overhead.

[0025] In combination with the first aspect and the second aspect, in some possible implementations, the first network device is the primary access network device of the terminal device, and the above-mentioned request message is an add request message, which is also used to request that the second network device be added as the secondary access network device of the terminal device.

[0026] In the scenario where a terminal device adds an auxiliary access network device, the first network device is the main access network device, and the second network device is the auxiliary access network device. The add request message sent by the main access network device to the auxiliary access network device can carry the first computing tunnel information of the main access network device, so that the auxiliary access network device can directly transmit computing data to the main access network device. In other words, if the add request message carries the first computing tunnel information of the main access network device, it means that the add request message is not only used to request to add an access network device, but also to request to transfer the computing task to the auxiliary access network device. In this way, the request message for requesting to add an access network device and the request message for requesting to transfer the computing task can be the same request message, which is beneficial to saving signaling overhead.

[0027] In combination with the first aspect and the second aspect, in some possible implementations, the second network device is an access network device of the terminal device, the first network device is a core network device to which the access network device is connected, and the above-mentioned request message is a computing session resource establishment request message, which is also used to request the establishment of computing session resources.

[0028] In the scenario of establishing a computing session, the first network device is a core network device, and the second network device is an access network device. The computing session resource establishment request message sent by the core network device to the access network device can carry the first computing tunnel information of the core network device, so that the access network device can directly transmit computing data to the core network device. In other words, if the computing session resource establishment request message carries the first computing tunnel information of the core network device, it means that the computing session resource establishment request message is not only used to request the establishment of computing session resources, but also to request the transfer of computing tasks to the access network device. This is conducive to saving signaling overhead.

[0029] In combination with the first aspect and the second aspect, in some possible implementations, the extended header of the computing tunnel includes a predefined identifier, and the predefined identifier is used to indicate that the data carried in the computing tunnel is computing data.

[0030] The extended header of the computing tunnel includes a predefined identifier, that is, the extended header of the general packet radio service tunneling protocol (GTP) entity includes a predefined identifier, which indicates that the data carried in the transport protocol data unit (T-PDU) is computing data. Based on the above predefined identifier, computing data and user plane data can be distinguished. In this way, if it is identified as computing data, the first network device and the second network device can exchange the above computing data, which is conducive to reducing the transmission delay of the computing data.

[0031] In a third aspect, the present application provides a communication device that can implement the method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, or implement the method described in the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect. The device includes corresponding units for executing the above methods. The units included in the device can be implemented in software and / or hardware.

[0032] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, comprising a processor. The processor is coupled to a memory and can be used to execute a computer program in the memory to implement the method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, or to implement the method described in the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0033] Optionally, the above-mentioned device may also include a memory for storing a computer program (also referred to as code or instruction), and the processor reads the computer program so that the above-mentioned device can implement the method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, or implement the method described in the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0034] Optionally, the apparatus may further include a communication interface, where the communication interface is used for the apparatus to communicate with other devices. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, or other types of communication interfaces.

[0035] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores a computer program or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are executed, it implements the method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, or implements the method described in the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0036] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed, implement the method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, or implement the method described in the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0037] In the seventh aspect, the present application provides a chip system, which includes a processor for implementing the method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, or implementing the method described in the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0038] In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory, which is used to store program instructions and data, and the memory is located inside or outside the processor.

[0039] The chip system can be composed of chips, or can include chips and other discrete devices.

[0040] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a communication system, which includes a first network device for implementing the method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation method of the first aspect, and a second network device for implementing the method described in the second aspect and any possible implementation method of the second aspect.

[0041] It should be understood that the third to eighth aspects of the present application correspond to the technical solutions of the first and second aspects of the present application, and the beneficial effects achieved by each aspect and the corresponding feasible implementation methods are similar and will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a protocol stack provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a deployment method of mobile / multi-access edge computing (MEC) provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a scenario applicable to the method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] FIG4 is a schematic flow chart of a method for establishing a computing tunnel provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] 5 is a schematic diagram of establishing a computing tunnel between an access network device and a core network device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] FIG6 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] FIG7 is another schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of an access network device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] The technical solution in this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: global system for mobile communications (GSM) system, code division multiple access (CDMA) system, wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) system, general packet radio service (GPRS), wireless local area network (WLAN), long term evolution (LTE) system, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, LTE time division duplex (TDD) system, sidelink communication system, universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), world-wide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, fifth generation (5G) mobile communication system or new radio access technology (NR). Among them, the 5G mobile communication system can include non-standalone (NSA) and / or standalone (SA).

[0052] The technical solution provided in this application can also be applied to future communication systems, such as the sixth generation (6G) mobile communication system, etc. This application does not limit this.

[0053] Before specifically introducing the method for establishing a computing tunnel provided in the embodiment of the present application, a brief introduction to each network element involved in the present application is first given:

[0054] 1. Terminal equipment: may be referred to as user equipment (UE), access terminal, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent or user device.

[0055] The terminal device may be a device that provides voice / data connectivity to users, such as a handheld device or vehicle-mounted device with wireless connection function. At present, some examples of terminal devices may include: mobile phones, tablet computers, computers with wireless transceiver functions (such as laptops, PDAs, etc.), mobile internet devices (MIDs), virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication functions, computing devices or other processing devices connected to wireless modems, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5G networks or future evolved public land mobile communication networks (PLMNs). terminal equipment in a mobile phone network (PLMN), a laptop computer, a machine type communication (MTC) terminal, etc.

[0056] Furthermore, terminal devices can also be end devices in IoT systems. IoT is a crucial component of future information technology development. Its primary technical feature is connecting objects to the internet through communication technologies, thereby enabling intelligent networks that interconnect humans and machines, and objects and things. IoT technology, for example, utilizes narrowband (NB) technology to achieve massive connectivity, deep coverage, and power-saving terminals.

[0057] In addition, terminal devices can also include sensors such as smart printers, train detectors, and gas stations. Their main functions include collecting data (part of the terminal devices), receiving control information and downlink data from access network devices, and sending electromagnetic waves to transmit uplink data to access network devices.

[0058] 2. Access network (AN) equipment: The access network can provide network access functions for authorized users in a specific area and can use transmission tunnels of different qualities according to the user level, business requirements, etc. The access network can be an access network that adopts different access technologies. There are currently two types of wireless access technologies: 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) access technology (such as the wireless access technology used in 3G, 4G or 5G systems) and non-3GPP (non-3GPP) access technology. 3GPP access technology refers to access technology that complies with 3GPP standards and specifications. For example, the access network equipment in the 5G system is called the next generation node base station (gNB). Non-3GPP access technology refers to access technology that does not comply with 3GPP standards and specifications, for example, the air interface technology represented by the access point (AP) in wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi).

[0059] A radio access network (RAN) is a network that implements network access functions based on wireless communication technologies. The RAN manages radio resources, provides access services to terminal devices, and forwards control signals and user data between the terminal and the core network.

[0060] The wireless access network equipment may include, but is not limited to: a radio network controller (RNC), an evolved Node B (eNB), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a home base station (e.g., home evolved node B, or home node B, HNB), a baseband unit (BBU), an AP in a Wi-Fi system, a wireless relay node, a wireless backhaul node, a transmission point (TP) or a transmission and reception point (TRP), etc., and may also be a gNB or transmission point (TRP or TP) in a 5G (e.g., NR) system, one or a group of (including multiple antenna panels) antenna panels of a base station in a 5G system, or a network node constituting a gNB or transmission point, such as a baseband unit (BBU), or a distributed unit (DU), or a base station in a next-generation communication 6G system, etc.

[0061] It should be understood that, in this application, unless otherwise specified, the access network devices described below refer to wireless access network devices. In addition, this application does not limit the specific device forms of terminal devices and access network devices.

[0062] 3. Core network: The core network is located within the network subsystem. Core network devices may include, but are not limited to, access and mobility management function (AMF) network elements, session management function (SMF) network elements, UPF network elements, etc. Each network element can be used to implement its own function. For example, the UPF network element is mainly used to implement all or part of the following functions: interconnecting protocol data unit (PDU) sessions with data networks; packet routing and forwarding (for example, supporting uplink classification of traffic before forwarding to the data network, supporting branching points to support multi-homed PDU sessions); data packet detection, etc.

[0063] In order to better understand the method provided in the embodiments of the present application, the terms involved in the present application are briefly explained below.

[0064] 1. Compute Executor (CE): This unit can be used to implement the following functions: computing power configuration for fusion control functions, serial and parallel computing, storage with specified precision, quantization processing, and calculation.

[0065] 2. Computing Session: Also known as computing transport, this refers to the end-to-end channel between CEs, including computing radio bearers (CRBs) and / or computing bearers (CBs). A CRB is a computing channel between a terminal device and a RAN (e.g., data PDUs carried by the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer can transmit not only control plane data and user plane data, but also compute plane data, introducing a category of computing plane data (hereinafter referred to as "computing data")). A CB is a computing channel between RANs or between a RAN and a core network device. This means that data PDUs carried in a GTP tunnel can transmit not only user plane data but also computing plane data. Computing data indication information is introduced in an extension header, further distinguishing computing data indication information between RANs and between the RAN and the core network. Computing data indication information refers to indication information included in the extension header to indicate computing data.

[0066] 3. Convergence Anchor (CA): This can be deployed in the central unit (CU) of core and access network equipment to manage computing sessions, computing bearers, computing power, and CE addresses. In the task architecture, the CA is part of the task anchor (TA) functionality.

[0067] 4. Convergence Scheduling (CS): This can be deployed in the DU portion of core and access network equipment to manage computing radio bearers, trigger computing radio bearer establishment, sense and report computing power status, and control computing power. In the task architecture, CS is part of the task scheduling (TS) function.

[0068] 5. Computing resource control (CRC): CRC can have the following two possible designs:

[0069] Design a: As shown in a) in Figure 1, the CRC layer is located above the radio resource control (RRC) layer. The terminal device, access network device, and core network all have a computing resource control layer.

[0070] Design b: As shown in b) of Figure 1, the CRC function can be an information element (IE) or RRC container of the RRC layer, that is, the enhanced RRC (denoted as xRC) has both connection and computing power control functions, or it can be an IE or NAS container of the non-access stratum (NAS) layer, that is, the enhanced NAS (denoted as xNAS) has both connection and computing power control functions.

[0071] 6. Mobile / multi-access edge computing (MEC): This can be considered a cloud server running at the edge of the mobile network, performing specific tasks. The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) defines MEC as a platform that provides users with internet technology (IT) architecture and cloud computing capabilities within the RAN network close to mobile users. MEC can integrate with 3GPP's existing core network data offload mechanism to shift service data processing from remote data networks (typically public clouds) to the local MEC. This is the fundamental reason MEC enables service acceleration. Because communication network capabilities are exposed to the network management platform, distributed external computing power is also available on the network management platform. Through capability exposure (north-south interfaces), the 5G mobile network and MEC enable communication control plane functions to perceive the MEC's ​​computing status. The MEC management platform then perceives the communication connection status (such as connection QoS and congestion status), thereby achieving collaborative computing. Therefore, services such as artificial intelligence (AI) applications can comprehensively consider network information and distributed computing resources to optimize service deployment and adjustments. The deployment of AI services based on such computing power is achieved through the management plane, which has high latency. If MEC computing power and network integration are integrated through the management plane, the latency will be high, making it impossible to respond to user movements and network changes in a timely manner.

[0072] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a deployment method of MEC provided in an embodiment of the present application. The following describes in detail possible deployment methods of MEC in conjunction with FIG2 .

[0073] One possible design is that, as shown in a) in Figure 2, MEC can be deployed behind a single access network device (such as the eNB shown in the figure), that is, MEC can be co-located with the base station.

[0074] Another possible design is that, as shown in b) of Figure 2, MEC can be deployed behind the aggregation node of multiple access network devices (such as eNBs shown in the figure), that is, MEC can be co-located with the network aggregation node.

[0075] It should be understood that the deployment method of MEC shown in Figure 2 is only an example and should not constitute any limitation to the embodiments of the present application. In other embodiments, MEC may also adopt other deployment methods.

[0076] 7. Computing Power Network: The China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, in collaboration with the three major operators, has explored different technical approaches to the current trend of communications and computing convergence (referred to as "comprehensive computing convergence") and conducted extensive analysis on the necessity of this convergence. The routing layer introduces a comprehensive computing convergence mechanism, which uses IP layer protocols such as the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), Interior Gateway Protocol (IGP), or Segment Routing IPv6 (SRv6) to disseminate and synchronize computing and network performance information. This allows the routing layer to combine current computing power, application performance, and network conditions to route computing task messages to the appropriate computing nodes, thereby achieving global optimization of connectivity and computing resources within the network.

[0077] In the new computing network architecture, each network element possesses not only control and forwarding capabilities but also computing capabilities. Computing nodes are deployed in addition to network elements. The computing power generated by this integrated computing and network model is called endogenous computing power. From the outset of network design, computing power was considered a fundamental element of the network. Computing power is pervasive across the network, distributed across cloud, edge, end, and intermediate network elements, effectively integrating it into the network. Computing services, connectivity services, and services that combine computing power and connectivity are all considered fundamental services that the network can provide externally. Endogenous computing power can promote the development and deployment of endogenous intelligence, better support ubiquitous base stations and terminals with sensing, communication, and computing capabilities, and enable large-scale intelligent distributed collaborative services. It also maximizes the utility of communication and computing power within the network, adapts to data distribution, and protects data privacy. In this new network architecture, control considers not only the status of connections but also the status of compute nodes, enabling timely responses to mobility and network changes. The network's endogenous computing power can promote the emergence and development of future intelligent applications, such as immersive cloud, holographic communication, sensory interconnection, intelligent interaction, communication perception, and digital twins.

[0078] 8. User plane GTP (GTP user plane, GTP-U) tunnel: used to transmit user data between RANs (GTP-U extension header is NR RAN container) and between RAN nodes and UPF (GTP-U extension header is PDU session container). In this embodiment of the present application, the value of the calculation tunnel extension header is different from the value of the above-mentioned user plane tunnel extension header to facilitate the distinction between user plane data and calculation data.

[0079] To facilitate understanding of the method provided in the embodiments of the present application, the following describes an application scenario applicable to the method provided in the embodiments of the present application. It is understood that the application scenario described in the embodiments of the present application is intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the embodiments of the present application and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solution provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0080] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a scenario applicable to the method provided in an embodiment of the present application. In the scenario shown in Figure 3, xNB is an example of access network equipment, and xCN is an example of core network equipment. CA, CS, and CE are deployed on xNB1 and xCN, while CS and CE are deployed on xNB2. If a dotted line passes through a CE, it indicates that the CE is participating in computing collaboration. Conversely, if the dotted line does not pass through a CE, it indicates that the CE is not participating in computing collaboration.

[0081] It should be noted that xNB can be eNB, gNB, or base stations under other network standards (such as base stations in future 6G systems), and this application does not limit this. Similarly, xCN can be a core network device in a 4G communication system, a core network device in a 5G communication system, or a core network device in other communication systems, and this application does not limit this.

[0082] As shown in a) of Figure 3, xNB2 and the CE on the UE participate in computing collaboration. This means that the CE can perform computing tasks, and computing data can be transmitted between the UE and xNB2 via air interface resources. As shown in b) of Figure 3, xNB1, xNB2, and the CE on the UE participate in computing collaboration. Computation data can be transmitted between the UE and xNB2 via air interface resources, and computing data can also be transmitted between the UE and xNB1 via air interface resources. Figures c) and d) of Figure 3 can be scenarios involving base station switching or adding a secondary base station. Taking base station switching as an example, assume that the terminal device switches from xNB1 to xNB2. As shown in c) of Figure 3, xNB1 and the CE on the UE participate in computing collaboration. The UE's connection is switched to xNB2, and computing data needs to be exchanged between xNB1 and xNB2. Computation data can be transmitted between the UE and xNB2 via air interface resources. As shown in d) of Figure 3, xNB1, xNB2, and the CE on the UE participate in computing collaboration. Computation data needs to be exchanged between xNB1 and xNB2, and computing data can be transmitted between the UE and xNB2 via air interface resources. As shown in Figure 3 (e), the xCN and the CE on the UE participate in computing collaboration. Computation data can be transmitted between the UE and xNB2 via air interface resources, and xNB2 and xCN need to exchange computing data. As shown in Figure 3 (f), the xCN, xNB2, and the CE on the UE participate in computing collaboration. Computation data can be transmitted between the UE and xNB2 via air interface resources, and xCN and xNB2 need to exchange computing data.

[0083] In the scenarios shown in c) and d) of Figure 3, computation data needs to be exchanged between xNB1 and xNB2. In the scenarios shown in e) and f), computation data needs to be exchanged between xCN and xNB2. If traditional user data transmission methods are used to transmit computation data, the transmission path is long, resulting in significant transmission latency. The following examples illustrate several scenarios using traditional user data transmission methods to transmit computation data. In one example, taking access network device handover as an example, assuming a terminal device switches from access network device #1 to access network device #2, but the computation task is performed by access network device #1, the computation data transmission path is terminal device, access network device #2, UPF network element, and access network device #1. In another example, taking the addition of a secondary access network device as an example, assuming the terminal device's primary access network device is access network device #1 and the secondary access network device is access network device #2, and the computation task can be performed by both access network devices #1 and #2, then the computation data exchanged between access network devices #1 and #2 requires forwarding by the UPF network element. That is to say, the interaction of computing data between access network devices or between access network devices and core network devices needs to be forwarded by UPF network elements. The transmission path is long, resulting in a large transmission delay.

[0084] To solve the above problems, the present application provides a method, through which the first network device and the second network device exchange each other's computing tunnel information, and then establish a computing tunnel between the first network device and the second network device, so that the first network device and the second network device can directly exchange computing data. In other words, the computing data does not need to be forwarded through the UPF network element, which is conducive to shortening the transmission path of the computing data, and thus helps to reduce transmission delay and energy consumption overhead.

[0085] It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, access network equipment and core network equipment can be collectively referred to as network equipment.

[0086] In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, computing data refers to data related to computing tasks, such as source data required to perform computing tasks, or data of the execution results of computing tasks, etc. Computing data can also be understood as computing surface data, which is different from user surface data.

[0087] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the following description is first made:

[0088] First, to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, in the embodiments of this application, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish between identical or similar items with substantially identical functions and effects. For example, the first computing tunnel information and the second computing tunnel information are merely used to distinguish between different computing tunnel information and do not limit their order. Those skilled in the art will understand that terms such as "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and that terms such as "first" and "second" do not necessarily indicate differences.

[0089] Second, in the embodiments of the present application, "at least one" refers to one or more, and "more" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: the existence of A alone, the existence of A and B at the same time, and the existence of B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an "or" relationship, but does not exclude the situation where the previous and next associated objects are in an "and" relationship. The specific meaning can be understood in conjunction with the context. "At least one of the following items" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single items or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c; a and b; a and c; b and c; or a and b and c. Where a, b, c can be single or multiple.

[0090] Third, in the embodiments of the present application, "when", "if" and "if" all mean that the device will perform corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances, which does not limit the time, nor does it require that the device must perform a judgment action when it is implemented, nor does it mean that there are other limitations.

[0091] Fourth, in each embodiment of the present application, “B corresponding to A” means that B is associated with A.

[0092] The following will describe in detail the method for establishing a computing tunnel provided by the embodiment of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0093] It should be understood that the embodiments described below describe the method from the perspective of the interaction between a first network device and a second network device. For example, the first network device may be xNB1 as shown in Figure 3 , and the second network device may be xNB2 as shown in Figure 3 . For another example, the first network device may be xCN as shown in Figure 3 , and the second network device may be xNB2 as shown in Figure 3 .

[0094] It should also be understood that although the embodiments shown below are described as examples of interactions between devices, they should not constitute any limitation on the execution subject of the method. As long as it is possible to run a program that records the code of the method provided in the embodiment of the present application, the method provided in the embodiment of the present application can be executed. For example, the first network device can also be replaced by a component (such as a chip, a chip system, etc.) configured in the first network device, or other functional modules that can call a program and execute the program. For another example, the second network device can also be replaced by a component (such as a chip, a chip system, etc.) configured in the second network device, or other functional modules that can call a program and execute the program. The embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0095] Figure 4 is a schematic flow chart of a method 400 for establishing a computing tunnel according to an embodiment of the present application. The method 400 shown in Figure 4 may include steps S410 to S430, and each step shown in Figure 4 will be described in detail below.

[0096] S410: The first network device sends a request message to the second network device, wherein the request message carries the first computing tunnel information of the first network device. Correspondingly, the second network device receives the request message from the first network device.

[0097] Among them, the above-mentioned request message is used to request to transfer the computing task in the first network device to the second network device. The above-mentioned request message can be a predefined computing switching request message, computing transfer request message, etc. The embodiment of this application does not limit the name of the above-mentioned request message.

[0098] The first computing tunnel information of the first network device carried in the above request message can be used by the second network device to send computing data to the first network device. That is, the second network device can send computing data to the first network device based on the first computing tunnel information of the first network device, so as to enable the second network device to directly send computing data to the first network device, which is conducive to shortening the transmission path of the computing data and thereby reducing the transmission delay of the computing data.

[0099] S420: The second network device sends a response message to the first network device, wherein the response message carries the second computing tunnel information of the second network device. Correspondingly, the first network device receives the response message from the second network device.

[0100] Among them, the second network device sends a response message to the first network device based on the request message in S410, that is, after the second network device receives the request message from the first network device, it sends a response message to the first network device, and the response message carries the second computing tunnel information of the second network device.

[0101] The above response message carries the second computing tunnel information of the second network device, which can be used by the first network device to send computing data to the second network device. In other words, the first network device can send computing data to the second network device based on the second computing tunnel information in the response message, so as to realize the first network device to directly send computing data to the second network device, which is conducive to shortening the transmission path of the computing data and thereby reducing the transmission delay of the computing data.

[0102] S430. The first network device transmits computing data via a computing tunnel between the first network device and the second network device.

[0103] The above-mentioned computing tunnel is established based on the first computing tunnel information and the second computing tunnel information. For example, when the second network device receives the first computing tunnel information from the first network device, it can be understood that a computing tunnel from the second network device to the first network device is established, that is, the second network device can send computing data to the first network device based on the first computing tunnel information; when the first network device receives the second computing tunnel information from the second network device, it can be understood that a computing tunnel from the first network device to the second network device is established, that is, the first network device can send computing data to the second network device based on the second computing tunnel information. It should be understood that the first network device and the second network device do not actually perform the establishment action, but only receive each other's computing tunnel information and can send computing data to each other based on the above-mentioned computing tunnel information.

[0104] The first network device transmits computing data through the computing tunnel between the first network device and the second network device. It can be understood that the first network device can send computing data to the second network device based on the second tunnel information; the second network device can send computing data to the first network device based on the first tunnel information. In other words, the first network device and the second network device can directly send computing data to each other based on each other's computing tunnel information, which is conducive to reducing the transmission delay of the computing data.

[0105] Optionally, the first computing tunnel information includes the TEID and IP address of the first network device, and the second computing tunnel information includes the TEID and IP address of the second network device. The TEID of the first network device and the TEID of the second network device are used to identify the computing tunnels.

[0106] It can be understood that for the first network device, its source IP address is its own IP address, and the target IP address is the IP address of the second network device; for the second network device, its source IP address is its own IP address, and the target IP address is the IP address of the first network device.

[0107] The request message sent by the first network device to the second network device carries the IP address and TEID of the first network device, so that the second network device can directly send calculation data to the first network device. The response message sent by the second network device to the first network device carries the IP address and TEID of the second network device, so that the first network device can directly send calculation data to the second network device.

[0108] One possible design is that the TEID of the first network device and the TEID of the second network device are used to identify the computing tunnel, that is, the TEID of the first network device and the TEID of the second network device are used to identify the computing tunnel used by a terminal device to transmit computing data. Different terminal devices use different computing tunnels. When there are multiple terminal devices, different TEIDs are required to identify the computing tunnels used by different terminal devices to transmit computing data. This is conducive to distinguishing the computing tunnels used by different terminal devices.

[0109] Another possible design is to identify the computing tunnel based on the TEID and IP address of the first network device, and the TEID and IP address of the second network device, that is, the TEID and IP address of the first network device, and the TEID and IP address of the second network device are used to identify the computing tunnel used by a terminal device to transmit computing data, wherein the IP address refers to the IP address of the endpoint of the computing tunnel. Different terminal devices use different computing tunnels. When there are multiple terminal devices, different TEIDs and IP addresses can be used to identify the computing tunnels used by different terminal devices to transmit computing data. This is helpful to distinguish the computing tunnels used by different terminal devices.

[0110] Optionally, the above-mentioned response message also carries first information, which is used to indicate the degree of acceptance of the computing task by the second network device; and, when the first information indicates that the second network device fully accepts the computing task, the above-mentioned method also includes: the first network device sends all computing configuration information to the second network device; when the first information indicates that the second network device accepts part of the computing task, the above-mentioned method also includes: the first network device sends the computing configuration information corresponding to the above-mentioned part of the computing task to the second network device; or when the first information indicates that the second network device does not accept the computing task at all, the above-mentioned method also includes: the first network device sends QoS information to the second network device; wherein, the above-mentioned computing configuration information is used to execute the computing task.

[0111] One possible design is that the first network device performs corresponding operations based on the percentage of computing tasks accepted by the second network device. For example, the second network device accepts x% of computing tasks, where 0≤x≤100. When x=0, that is, the second network device does not accept any computing tasks at all, the first network device sends QoS information to the second network device, that is, the computing tasks are still performed by the first network device; when x=100, that is, the second network device fully accepts the computing tasks, the first network device sends all computing configuration information to the second network device, and the computing tasks are completely performed by the second network device; when 0<x<100, that is, the second network device accepts some computing tasks, the first network device sends computing configuration information corresponding to x% of the computing tasks to the second network device, that is, (1-x%) of the computing tasks are performed by the first network device, and x% of the computing tasks are performed by the second network device.

[0112] It should be understood that the degree to which the second network device accepts the computing task includes the following situations:

[0113] Case 1: The second network device accepts to execute part of the computing task. In other words, the first network device and the second network device perform computing collaboration, the second network device executes part of the computing task, and the remaining computing tasks are still executed by the first network device. Exemplarily, if the second network device accepts to execute x% of the computing task, then the first network device executes (100-x)% of the computing task, where 0<x<100. For example, if a computing task uses a neural network model (taking 100 layers as an example), and the second network device accepts to execute 30% of the computing task (for example, the second network device accepts to execute 30 layers), then the first network device executes 70% of the computing task, that is, the first network device executes 70 layers.

[0114] Case 2: The second network device accepts and executes all computing tasks. In other words, the first network device does not need to execute computing tasks and can only provide computing-related connections. All computing tasks are executed by the second network device.

[0115] Case 3: The second network device does not accept any computing tasks at all. In other words, all computing tasks are still performed by the first network device, and the second network device can only provide computing-related connections.

[0116] In the three scenarios described above, the first network device needs to transfer the corresponding computing configuration information to the second network device based on the second network device's acceptance of the computing task. The computing configuration information is used to execute the computing task, that is, the computing configuration information includes the parameters required to execute the computing task. For example, the computing configuration information includes, but is not limited to, the calculation accuracy, the model used for the calculation, the storage method, and the quantization processing method.

[0117] One possible implementation method is that the above-mentioned response message also carries first information, and the first information is used to indicate the degree of acceptance of the computing task by the second network device. In other words, the second network device can carry the degree of acceptance of the computing task in the response message and send it to the first network device, so that the first network device can determine to transfer relevant computing configuration information to the second network device based on the degree of acceptance of the computing task by the second network device.

[0118] Exemplarily, when the second network device fully accepts the computing task, the first network device sends all computing configuration information to the second network device. When the second network device accepts part of the computing task, the first network device sends the computing configuration information corresponding to the above-mentioned part of the computing task to the second network device. For example, the second network device accepts to execute 30% of the computing task (such as the second network device accepts to execute 30 layers of the neural network model), and the first network device executes 70% of the computing task, that is, the first network device executes 70 layers, then the first network device sends the parameters required to execute 30 layers to the second network device, such as the accuracy of the calculation, the model used for the calculation, the storage method and the quantization processing method, etc. When the second network device does not accept the computing task at all, the first network device sends QoS information to the second network device, such as bandwidth, message transmission delay and jitter, and packet loss rate.

[0119] Optionally, the extended header of the computing tunnel includes a predefined identifier, where the predefined identifier is used to indicate that the data carried in the computing tunnel is computing data.

[0120] Exemplarily, the extended header of the GTP includes a predefined identifier, which indicates that the data carried in the T-PDU is calculation data, so as to distinguish between user plane data and calculation data.

[0121] Based on the above technical solution, the first network device and the second network device exchange each other's computing tunnel information, and then establish a computing tunnel between the first network device and the second network device, so that the first network device and the second network device can directly exchange computing data through the computing tunnel. In other words, the computing data does not need to be forwarded through the UPF network element, which is conducive to shortening the transmission path of the computing data, and thus helps to reduce transmission delay and energy consumption overhead.

[0122] The method provided in the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below in conjunction with specific scenarios.

[0123] Scenario 1: In the scenario where the terminal device switches access network devices, the first network device is the source access network device of the terminal device, and the second network device is the target access network device of the terminal device. The above request message is a switching request message, which is also used to request that the terminal device be switched from the source access network device to the target access network device.

[0124] That is to say, the source access network device of the terminal device sends a switching request message to the target access network device. The switching request message is used to request that the terminal device be switched from the source access network device to the target access network device. If the switching request message also carries the IP address and TEID of the source access network device, it is considered that the source access network device also requests to transfer the computing task to the target access network device, that is, the switching request message can also be considered as a computing switching request message; if the switching request message does not carry the IP address and TEID of the source access network device, it is considered that the source access network device only requests to switch the access network device, that is, a connection switching request message.

[0125] Accordingly, after the target access network device receives the switching request message from the source access network device (the switching request message carries the IP address and TEID of the source access network device), it sends a switching response message to the source access network device. The switching response message carries the IP address and TEID of the target access network device, so that the source access network device can send calculation data to the target access network device.

[0126] Optionally, the protocol may separately define a computing switching request message, which carries the IP address and TEID of the first network device. In other words, the computing switching request message and the connection switching request message may be different request messages.

[0127] Optionally, the above-mentioned switching response message may also carry the target access network device's acceptance level for the computing task. The source access network device may determine to send corresponding computing configuration information to the target access network device based on the above-mentioned acceptance level. In the case where the target access network device accepts all computing tasks (as shown in the scenario a) in Figure 3), the source access network device sends all configuration information to the target access network device; in the case where the target access network device accepts x% of the computing tasks (as shown in the scenario d in Figure 3), the source access network device sends x% of the configuration information to the target access network device; in the case where the target access network device does not accept the computing task at all (as shown in the scenario c in Figure 3), the source access network device sends QoS information related to the computing connection to the target access network device.

[0128] Based on the above technical solution, after the source access network device and the target access network device receive each other's IP address and TEID, they can directly interact with each other to calculate data based on the calculation tunnel, supporting direct interaction of calculation data between the source access network device and the target access network device, which is conducive to reducing the transmission delay of calculation data.

[0129] Scenario 2: In the scenario where the terminal device adds an auxiliary access network device, the first network device is the main access network device of the terminal device, and the above request message is an add request message, which is also used to request that the second network device be added as the auxiliary access network device of the terminal device.

[0130] Exemplarily, access network device #1 sends an add request message to access network device #2, where the add request message is used to request that access network device #2 be added as a secondary access network device of the terminal device, wherein access network device #1 is the primary access network device of the terminal device. If the add request message also carries the IP address and TEID of the primary access network device, it is considered that the primary access network device also requests to transfer the computing task to the secondary access network device, that is, the add request message can also be considered as a computing transfer request message; if the add request message does not carry the IP address and TEID of the primary access network device, it is considered that the primary access network device only requests to add a secondary access network device.

[0131] Correspondingly, after the secondary access network device receives the add request message from the primary access network device (the add request message carries the IP address and TEID of the primary access network device), it sends an add response message to the primary access network device, and the add response message carries the IP address and TEID of the secondary access network device, so that the primary access network device can send calculation data to the secondary access network device.

[0132] Optionally, the add response message may also carry the secondary access network device's acceptance level of the computing task. Based on the acceptance level, the primary access network device may determine whether to send the corresponding computing configuration information to the secondary access network device. For details, please refer to the description of the access network device switching scenario; for the sake of brevity, this description is omitted here.

[0133] Based on the above technical solution, after the auxiliary access network device and the main access network device receive each other's IP address and TEID, they can directly interact and calculate data based on the calculation tunnel, supporting direct interaction of calculation data between the auxiliary access network device and the main access network device, which is conducive to reducing the transmission delay of calculation data.

[0134] Scenario three, the scenario of establishing a computing session, the second network device is the access network device of the terminal device, the first network device is the core network device connected to the access network device, and the above request message is a computing session resource establishment request message, and the computing session resource establishment request message is also used to request the establishment of computing session resources.

[0135] Exemplarily, a core network device sends a computing session resource establishment request message to an access network device. The computing session resource establishment request message is used to request the establishment of computing session resources and carries the IP address and TEID of the core network device. Accordingly, after receiving the computing session resource establishment request message from the core network device, the access network device sends a computing session resource establishment response message to the core network device. The computing session resource establishment request message is used to request the establishment of computing session resources and carries the IP address and TEID of the access network device.

[0136] When a core network device sends a computing session resource establishment request message to an access network device, one possible design is for the core network device to transmit the computing session resource establishment request message via the CA, and computing-related control messages are implemented using the protocol stack shown in Figure 1 (a). Another possible design is for the core network device to transmit the computing session resource establishment request message via the CA and AMF, and computing-related control messages are implemented using the protocol stack shown in Figure 1 (b).

[0137] Similarly, when the access network device sends a computing session resource establishment response message to the core network device, one possible design is that the access network device transmits the computing session resource establishment response message through the CA, and computing-related control messages are implemented using the protocol stack shown in Figure 1 (a). Another possible design is that the access network device transmits the computing session resource establishment response message through the CA and the AMF, and computing-related control messages are implemented using the protocol stack shown in Figure 1 (b).

[0138] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of establishing a computing tunnel between an access network device and a core network device according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 5 (a) illustrates the process by which the RAN obtains the IP address and TEID of the xCN CE, i.e., the process of establishing an uplink computing tunnel. Figure 5 (b) illustrates the process by which the xCN CE obtains the IP address and TEID of the RAN CE, i.e., the process of establishing a downlink computing tunnel. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the steps performed by the core network device are specifically performed by the xCN CE.

[0139] The following first introduces the process of the RAN obtaining the IP address and TEID of the xCN CE shown in a) of Figure 5.

[0140] S510 : After receiving a real-time control protocol (RCP) session establishment request, the xCN CE allocates a TEID of the xCN CE to the RAN CE.

[0141] S520: The xCN CE sends an RCP session resource establishment request to the CA. Correspondingly, the CA receives the RCP session resource establishment request from the xCN CE.

[0142] The RCP session resource establishment request carries the TEID and IP address of the xCN CE, which are used by the RAN to send calculation data to the xCN CE.

[0143] After receiving the RCP session resource establishment request from the xCN CE, the CA may send the RCP session resource establishment request to the RAN through S530a and S530b, or may send the RCP session resource establishment request to the RAN through S530c, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0144] S530a. The CA sends an RCP session resource establishment request to the AMF.

[0145] As an example but not a limitation, for example, the RCP session resource establishment request may be a request message for invoking a "Namf_communication_N1NxMessageTransfer" service-based operation.

[0146] S530b: The AMF sends an RCP session resource establishment request to the RAN. Accordingly, the RAN receives the RCP session resource establishment request.

[0147] S530a and S530b are xCN CE transmitting RCP session resource establishment request through CA and AMF, and calculation of related control messages is implemented through the CRC protocol stack shown in b) of Figure 1.

[0148] S530c: The CA sends an RCP session resource establishment request to the RAN, and calculation of related control messages is implemented through the CRC protocol stack shown in a) of FIG1 .

[0149] After receiving the RCP session resource establishment request, the RAN obtains the TEID and IP address of the xCN CE, indicating that the uplink computing tunnel is successfully established. In other words, the RAN can directly transmit computing data to the xCN CE through the uplink computing tunnel.

[0150] The following describes the process of the xCN CE obtaining the IP address and TEID of the RAN CE shown in b) of FIG. 5 .

[0151] S610: After receiving the IP address and TEID of the xCN CE, the RAN allocates the TEID of the RAN CE to the xCN CE.

[0152] The RAN may send an RCP session resource establishment response to the CA through S620a and S620b, or may send an RCP session resource establishment response to the CA through S620c, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0153] S620a: RAN sends an RCP session resource establishment response to the AMF.

[0154] The RCP session resource establishment response carries the TEID and IP address of the RAN CE, which is used by the xCN CE to send calculation data to the RAN.

[0155] S620b: The AMF sends an RCP session resource establishment response to the CA.

[0156] As an example but not limitation, for example, the RCP session resource establishment response may be a response message for calling a "Namf_communication_N1NxMessageTransfer" service-based operation.

[0157] S620a and S620b are the RAN transmitting the RCP session resource establishment response to the CA through the AMF, and the calculation of related control messages is implemented through the CRC protocol stack shown in b) of Figure 1.

[0158] S620c: RAN sends an RCP session resource establishment response to CA, and calculation of related control messages is implemented through the CRC protocol stack shown in a) of FIG1 .

[0159] S630: The CA sends an RCP session resource establishment response to the xCN CE. Correspondingly, the xCN CE receives the RCP session resource establishment response.

[0160] After receiving the RCP session resource establishment response, the xCN CE obtains the TEID and IP address of the RAN CE, indicating that the downlink computing tunnel is successfully established. In other words, the xCN CE can directly transmit computing data to the RAN through the downlink computing tunnel.

[0161] Based on the above technical solution, after the core network device and the access network device receive each other's IP address and TEID, they can directly interact with each other to calculate data based on the calculation tunnel, supporting direct interaction of calculation data between the core network device and the access network device, which is conducive to reducing the transmission delay of the calculation data.

[0162] 6 to 9 are schematic structural diagrams of possible communication devices provided in embodiments of the present application.

[0163] FIG6 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 600 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0164] As shown in FIG6 , the communication device 600 includes a sending unit 610 , a receiving unit 620 and a processing unit 630 .

[0165] In one possible design, the above-mentioned device 600 is used to implement the function of the first network device in the method embodiment shown in Figure 4 above, or the above-mentioned device 600 may include a module for implementing any function or operation of the first network device in the above-mentioned method embodiment, and the module can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof.

[0166] Exemplarily, the sending unit 610 is used to send a request message to the second network device, wherein the request message is used to request that the computing task in the device 600 be transferred to the second network device, and the request message carries the first computing tunnel information of the device 600; the receiving unit 620 is used to receive a response message from the second network device, wherein the response message is a response message to the request message, and the response message carries the second computing tunnel information of the second network device; the processing unit 630 is used to transmit computing data through the computing tunnel between the second network device, and the computing tunnel is established based on the first computing tunnel information and the second computing tunnel information.

[0167] Optionally, the first computing tunnel information includes the TEID and IP address of the apparatus 600, and the second computing tunnel information includes the TEID and IP address of the second network device. The TEID of the apparatus 600 and the TEID of the second network device are used to identify the computing tunnel.

[0168] Optionally, the above-mentioned response message also carries first information, and the first information is used to indicate the degree of acceptance of the computing task by the second network device; and, when the first information indicates that the second network device fully accepts the computing task, the sending unit 610 is also used to send all computing configuration information to the second network device; when the first information indicates that the second network device accepts part of the computing task, the sending unit 610 is also used to send the computing configuration information corresponding to the part of the computing task to the second network device; or when the first information indicates that the second network device does not accept the computing task at all, the sending unit 610 is also used to send QoS information to the second network device; wherein, the computing configuration information is used to execute the computing task.

[0169] Optionally, the device 600 is the source access network device of the terminal device, the second network device is the target access network device of the terminal device, the request message is a switching request message, and the switching request message is also used to request that the terminal device be switched from the source access network device to the target access network device.

[0170] Optionally, the apparatus 600 is a primary access network device of the terminal device, the request message is an add request message, and the add request message is further used to request that the second network device be added as a secondary access network device of the terminal device.

[0171] Optionally, the second network device is an access network device of the terminal device, the device 600 is a core network device connected to the access network device, and the request message is a computing session resource establishment request message, which is also used to request the establishment of computing session resources.

[0172] Optionally, the extended header of the computing tunnel includes a predefined identifier, and the predefined identifier is used to indicate that the data carried in the computing tunnel is computing data. Exemplarily, the extended header of the GTP includes a predefined identifier, and the predefined identifier indicates that the data carried in the T-PDU is computing data, so as to distinguish between user plane data and computing data.

[0173] In another possible design, the above-mentioned device 600 is used to implement the functions of the second network device in the method embodiment shown in Figure 4 above, or the device 600 may include a unit for implementing any function or operation of the second network device in the method embodiment shown in Figure 4 above, and the unit can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof.

[0174] Exemplarily, the receiving unit 620 is used to receive a request message from a first network device, wherein the request message is used to request that the computing task in the first network device be transferred to the device 600, and the request message carries the first computing tunnel information of the first network device; the sending unit 610 is used to send a response message to the first network device, wherein the response message is a response message to the request message, and the response message carries the second computing tunnel information of the device 600; the processing unit 630 is used to transmit computing data through the computing tunnel between the first network device, and the computing tunnel is established based on the first computing tunnel information and the second computing tunnel information.

[0175] Optionally, the first computing tunnel information includes the TEID and IP address of the first network device, and the second computing tunnel information includes the TEID and IP address of the apparatus 600 , and the TEID of the first network device and the TEID of the apparatus 600 are used to identify the computing tunnel.

[0176] Optionally, the response message also carries first information, and the first information is used to indicate the degree of acceptance of the computing task by the device 600; and, when the first information indicates that the device 600 fully accepts the computing task, the receiving unit 620 is also used to receive all computing configuration information from the first network device; when the first information indicates that the device 600 accepts part of the computing task, the receiving unit 620 is also used to receive computing configuration information corresponding to the part of the computing task from the first network device; or when the first information indicates that the device 600 does not accept the computing task at all, the receiving unit 620 is also used to receive QoS information from the first network device; wherein, the computing configuration information is used to execute the computing task.

[0177] Optionally, the first network device is the source access network device of the terminal device, the device 600 is the target access network device of the terminal device, the request message is a switching request message, and the switching request message is also used to request that the terminal device be switched from the source access network device to the target access network device.

[0178] Optionally, the first network device is a primary access network device of the terminal device, the request message is an add request message, and the add request message is also used to request that the apparatus 600 be added as a secondary access network device of the terminal device.

[0179] Optionally, the device 600 is an access network device of the terminal device, the first network device is a core network device to which the access network device is connected, and the request message is a computing session resource establishment request message, which is also used to request the establishment of computing session resources.

[0180] Optionally, the extended header of the computing tunnel includes a predefined identifier, and the predefined identifier is used to indicate that the data carried in the computing tunnel is computing data. Exemplarily, the extended header of the GTP includes a predefined identifier, and the predefined identifier indicates that the data carried in the T-PDU is computing data, so as to distinguish between user plane data and computing data.

[0181] It should be understood that the division of units in the embodiments of the present application is illustrative and is merely a logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used. Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of the present application may be integrated into a single processor, or may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into a single unit. The aforementioned integrated units may be implemented in the form of hardware or software functional units.

[0182] FIG7 is another schematic block diagram of a communication device 700 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The device 700 may be a system-on-a-chip, or may be a device configured with a system-on-a-chip for implementing the communication functions in the above method embodiments. In the embodiment of the present application, the system-on-a-chip may be composed of a chip, or may include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0183] As shown in Figure 7, the device 700 may include a processor 710 and a communication interface 720. The communication interface 720 may be used to communicate with other devices via a transmission medium, thereby enabling the device 700 to communicate with other devices. The communication interface 720 may be, for example, a transceiver, an interface, a bus, a circuit, or a device capable of performing transceiver functions. The processor 710 may utilize the communication interface 720 to input and output data and to implement the method described in the embodiment corresponding to Figure 4. Specifically, the device 700 may be used to implement the functions of the first network device or the second network device in the above-described method embodiment.

[0184] When the apparatus 700 is used to implement the method shown in FIG. 4 , the processor 710 is used to implement the functions of the processing unit 630 , and the communication interface 720 is used to implement the functions of the sending unit 610 and the receiving unit 620 .

[0185] Optionally, the device 700 further includes at least one memory 730 for storing program instructions and / or data. The memory 730 is coupled to the processor 710. The coupling in the embodiments of the present application is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units, or modules, which can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms, and is used for information exchange between devices, units, or modules. The processor 710 may operate in conjunction with the memory 730. The processor 710 may execute program instructions stored in the memory 730. At least one of the at least one memory may be included in the processor.

[0186] The specific connection medium between the processor 710, communication interface 720, and memory 730 is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. In Figure 7, the processor 710, communication interface 720, and memory 730 are connected via a bus 740. Bus 740 is represented by a bold line in Figure 7, and the connection methods between other components are only for schematic illustration and are not limiting. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of representation, only one bold line is used in Figure 7, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0187] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an access network device provided in an embodiment of the present application, which may be, for example, a schematic diagram of the structure of a base station. The base station 800 may perform the functions of the access network device in the above-mentioned method embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, the base station 800 may include one or more radio frequency units, such as a remote radio unit (RRU) 810 and one or more baseband units (BBU) (also referred to as distributed units (DU)) 820. The RRU 810 may be referred to as a transceiver unit, corresponding to the transmitting unit 610 and the receiving unit 620 in Figure 6. Optionally, the RRU 810 may also be referred to as a transceiver, a transceiver circuit, or a transceiver, etc., and may include at least one antenna 811 and a radio frequency unit 812. Optionally, the RRU 810 may include a receiving unit and a transmitting unit, the receiving unit may correspond to a receiver (or a receiver, a receiving circuit), and the transmitting unit may correspond to a transmitter (or a transmitter, a transmitting circuit). The RRU 810 is mainly used for transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals and converting radio frequency signals into baseband signals, for example, for sending configuration information to a terminal device. The BBU 820 is mainly used for baseband processing, base station control, etc. The RRU 810 and BBU 820 can be physically arranged together or physically separated, that is, a distributed base station.

[0188] The BBU 820 is the control center of the base station, also known as a processing unit, which may correspond to the processing unit 630 in FIG6 . It is primarily used to perform baseband processing functions such as channel coding, multiplexing, modulation, and spread spectrum. For example, the BBU (processing unit) may be used to control the base station to execute the operation flow of the access network device in the above-described method embodiment.

[0189] In one example, the BBU 820 may be composed of one or more single boards, and the multiple single boards may jointly support a wireless access network of a single access standard (such as an LTE network), or may separately support wireless access networks of different access standards (such as an LTE network, a 5G network, or other networks). The BBU 820 also includes a memory 821 and a processor 822. The memory 821 is used to store necessary instructions and data. The processor 822 is used to control the base station to perform necessary actions, for example, to control the base station to execute the operation process of the access network device in the above method embodiment. The memory 821 and the processor 822 may serve one or more single boards. That is, a memory and a processor may be separately set on each single board. Alternatively, multiple single boards may share the same memory and processor. In addition, necessary circuits may also be provided on each single board.

[0190] It should be understood that base station 800 shown in FIG8 is capable of implementing the various processes involving access network devices in the method embodiment shown in FIG4 . The operations and / or functions of the various modules in base station 800 are respectively for implementing the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiment. For details, please refer to the description of the aforementioned method embodiment; to avoid repetition, detailed descriptions are omitted here.

[0191] The BBU 820 can be used to perform the actions implemented within the access network device described in the previous method embodiment, while the RRU 810 can be used to perform the sending or receiving actions of the access network device described in the previous method embodiment. For details, please refer to the description of the previous method embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0192] The present application also provides a computer program product, which includes: a computer program (also referred to as code, or instructions), which, when executed, enables the computer to execute the method executed by the first network device or the second network device in the embodiment shown in FIG4 , or enables the computer to execute the method executed by the core network device or the access network device in the embodiment shown in FIG5 .

[0193] The present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions). When the computer program is executed, the computer executes the method executed by the first network device or the second network device in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 , or the method executed by the core network device or the access network device in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 .

[0194] The present application also provides a communication system, which includes the first network device and the second network device as described above.

[0195] It should be understood that the processor in the embodiments of the present application can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above-mentioned method embodiment can be completed by hardware integrated logic circuits in the processor or by software instructions. The above-mentioned processor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components, and can implement or execute the various methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be directly implemented and executed by a hardware decoding processor, or by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module can be located in a storage medium mature in the art, such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, etc. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above-mentioned method.

[0196] It should also be understood that the memory in the embodiments of the present application may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous link DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct RAM bus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory of the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0197] The terms "unit", "module", etc. used in this specification can be used to refer to computer-related entities, hardware, firmware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. The terms "unit" and "module" in the embodiments of this application have the same meaning and can be used interchangeably.

[0198] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented using electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professionals and technicians may use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application. In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices, equipment, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not performed. In addition, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interface, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, and can be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0199] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0200] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0201] In the above embodiments, the functions of each functional unit can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions (programs). When the computer program instructions (program) are loaded and executed on a computer, the process or function described in the embodiment of the present application is generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more available media integrated therein. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (eg, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (eg, a digital versatile disc (DVD)), or a semiconductor medium (eg, a solid state disk (SSD)).

[0202] If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a ROM, a RAM, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0203] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for establishing a computing tunnel, characterized in that: include: A first network device sends a request message to a second network device, wherein the request message is used to request that a computing task in the first network device be transferred to the second network device, and the request message carries first computing tunnel information of the first network device; The first network device receives a response message from the second network device, where the response message carries second computing tunnel information of the second network device; The first network device transmits computing data via a computing tunnel between the first network device and the second network device, where the computing tunnel is established based on the first computing tunnel information and the second computing tunnel information.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first computing tunnel information includes a tunnel endpoint identifier TEID and an Internet Protocol IP address of the first network device, and the second computing tunnel information includes a TEID and an IP address of the second network device. The TEID of the first network device and the TEID of the second network device are used to identify the computing tunnel.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The response message also carries first information, where the first information is used to indicate the degree of acceptance of the computing task by the second network device; as well as, When the first information indicates that the second network device has fully accepted the computing task, the method further includes: The first network device sends all computing configuration information to the second network device; When the first information indicates that the second network device accepts part of the computing task, the method further includes: The first network device sends computing configuration information corresponding to the partial computing task to the second network device, wherein the partial computing task is a part of the computing task; or When the first information indicates that the second network device does not accept the computing task at all, the method further includes: The first network device sends quality of service (QoS) information to the second network device; wherein, The computing configuration information is used to execute the computing task.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The first network device is the source access network device of the terminal device, the second network device is the target access network device of the terminal device, the request message is a switching request message, and the switching request message is also used to request that the terminal device be switched from the source access network device to the target access network device.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The first network device is a primary access network device of the terminal device, the request message is an add request message, and the add request message is also used to request that the second network device be added as a secondary access network device of the terminal device.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The second network device is an access network device of a terminal device, the first network device is a core network device to which the access network device is connected, the request message is a computing session resource establishment request message, and the computing session resource establishment request message is also used to request the establishment of computing session resources.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The extended header of the computing tunnel includes a predefined identifier, and the predefined identifier is used to indicate that the data carried in the computing tunnel is computing data.

8. A method for establishing a computing tunnel, characterized in that: include: The second network device receives a request message from the first network device, wherein the request message is used to request to transfer the computing task in the first network device to the second network device, and the request message carries the first computing tunnel information of the first network device; The second network device sends a response message to the first network device based on the request message, where the response message carries the second computing tunnel information of the second network device; The second network device transmits computing data via a computing tunnel between the second network device and the first network device, where the computing tunnel is established based on the first computing tunnel information and the second computing tunnel information.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein The first computing tunnel information includes a tunnel endpoint identifier TEID and an Internet Protocol IP address of the first network device, and the second computing tunnel information includes a TEID and an IP address of the second network device. The TEID of the first network device and the TEID of the second network device are used to identify the computing tunnel.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that The response message also carries first information, where the first information is used to indicate the degree of acceptance of the computing task by the second network device; as well as, When the first information indicates that the second network device has fully accepted the computing task, the method further includes: The second network device receives all computing configuration information from the first network device; When the first information indicates that the second network device accepts part of the computing task, the method further includes: The second network device receives computing configuration information corresponding to the partial computing task from the first network device, wherein the partial computing task is a part of the computing task; or When the first information indicates that the second network device does not accept the computing task at all, the method further includes: The second network device receives the quality of service (QoS) information from the first network device; wherein, The computing configuration information is used to execute the computing task.

11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that The first network device is the source access network device of the terminal device, the second network device is the target access network device of the terminal device, the request message is a switching request message, and the switching request message is also used to request that the terminal device be switched from the source access network device to the target access network device.

12. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that The first network device is a primary access network device of the terminal device, the request message is an add request message, and the add request message is also used to request that the second network device be added as a secondary access network device of the terminal device.

13. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that The second network device is an access network device of a terminal device, the first network device is a core network device to which the access network device is connected, the request message is a computing session resource establishment request message, and the computing session resource establishment request message is also used to request the establishment of computing session resources.

14. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that The extended header of the computing tunnel includes a predefined identifier, and the predefined identifier is used to indicate that the data carried in the computing tunnel is computing data.

15. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises a unit for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, or comprises a unit for implementing the method according to any one of claims 8 to 14.

16. A communication device, characterized in that: comprising a processor and a memory, wherein, The memory is used to store computer programs; The processor is configured to call the computer program to enable the communication device to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, or to enable the communication device to execute the method according to any one of claims 8 to 14.

17. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The storage medium stores a computer program or instruction. When the computer program or instruction is executed by a computer, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or the method according to any one of claims 8 to 14 is implemented.

18. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product comprises instructions, and when the instructions are executed by a computer, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or the method according to any one of claims 8 to 14 is implemented.

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