Network element time zone synchronization method and system

Abstract

The present application discloses a network element time zone synchronization method and system. Among them, the method applied to the UPF network element includes: when the UPF network element is initialized, the status update information is sent to the SMF network element based on the private IE of PFCP, wherein the status update information includes: the first time zone information corresponding to the UPF network element and the configured time zone update method, and the time zone update method includes one of the following: the first update method of keeping the time zone synchronized with the SMF network element, the second update method of modifying the time zone by itself; receiving the second time zone information corresponding to the SMF network element fed back by the SMF network element based on the private IE; when the time zone update method is the first update method, updating its own first time zone information according to the second time zone information; when the time zone update method is the second update method, keeping its own first time zone information unchanged. The present application solves the technical problem that the relevant network time synchronization scheme only considers the time accuracy and ignores the time zone synchronization.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a network element time zone synchronization method and system. Background Art

[0002] In 5G networks, a variety of time synchronization technologies are used to ensure accurate time synchronization between devices. The Global Navigation Satellite System provides time for base stations by receiving satellite signals, while the Precision Time Protocol uses the exchange of synchronization packets within the network to correct the time. Synchronous Ethernet transmits frequency information through the Ethernet physical layer to achieve time synchronization. As the master clock signal source, the time server transmits time information to each device through the network. Base station time feedback combines the Global Navigation Satellite System and Precision Time Protocol technologies to send the time difference back to the bearer network for synchronization. Single-fiber bidirectional time transfer technology uses single-fiber bidirectional optical modules to form a dedicated clock time ring to reduce the delay deviation caused by optical fiber asymmetry. In addition, the intelligent time network uses big data and artificial intelligence technologies to effectively control the clock network, including automatic planning and time network segmentation. These methods are usually considered comprehensively based on actual needs and environment to select the most suitable time synchronization solution.

[0003] However, these synchronization mechanisms mainly solve the problem of time accuracy, but do not involve time zone synchronization. Time zone synchronization is particularly important for application scenarios that require global collaborative operations, such as global logistics tracking systems. If 5G devices only synchronize time but not time zones, confusion may occur in cross-time zone applications, causing the system to be unable to correctly process time-related data and events. Time zone inconsistency has always been a common problem encountered by users or operation and maintenance personnel, and is a risk factor that affects communication services and causes potential problems. For UPF time synchronization, the current method is to obtain time from the wireless access network, external UPF or time-sensitive network converter, and then synchronize the local network element time through the network management according to the obtained time, such as synchronizing the local UPF. However, the time synchronization process does not consider the synchronization of the UPF time zone, or directly configures the time and time zone by configuring the startup command template. This method is not flexible enough, and the time zone has been fixed. For cross-time zone services, there are still potential problems caused by time zone inconsistency.

[0004] To address the above-mentioned problems, no effective solution has been proposed yet. Summary of the invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a network element time zone synchronization method and system to at least solve the technical problem that related network time synchronization solutions only consider time accuracy but ignore time zone synchronization.

[0006] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a network element time zone synchronization method is provided, which is applied to a UPF network element, including: when the UPF network element is initialized, status update information is sent to the SMF network element based on a private IE of PFCP, wherein the status update information includes: first time zone information corresponding to the UPF network element and a configured time zone update method, the time zone update method including one of the following: a first update method for maintaining time zone synchronization with the SMF network element, a second update method for modifying the time zone by itself; receiving second time zone information corresponding to the SMF network element fed back by the SMF network element based on the private IE; when the time zone update method is the first update method, updating its own first time zone information according to the second time zone information; when the time zone update method is the second update method, keeping its own first time zone information unchanged.

[0007] Optionally, the method also includes: when the time zone of the UPF network element changes, sending time zone change information to the SMF network element based on the private IE, wherein the time zone change information includes: the third time zone information after the UPF network element changes, the SMF network element only feeds back the second time zone information to the UPF network element based on the private IE when the time zone update method is the first update method; when the time zone update method is the first update method, updating its own third time zone information according to the second time zone information; when the time zone update method is the second update method, keeping its own third time zone information unchanged.

[0008] Optionally, the initialization of the UPF network element includes: the UPF network element accessing the communication network for the first time, or the UPF network element switching from a standby state to an active state.

[0009] Optionally, sending status update information to the SMF network element based on the PFCP private IE includes: sending a PFCP-based session establishment request message to the SMF network element, wherein the session establishment request message includes: a private IE carrying the status update information.

[0010] Optionally, receiving the second time zone information corresponding to the SMF network element fed back by the SMF network element based on the private IE includes: receiving a PFCP-based session establishment response message fed back by the SMF network element, wherein the session establishment response message includes: a private IE carrying the second time zone information.

[0011] Optionally, sending time zone change information to the SMF network element based on the private IE includes: sending a PFCP-based session modification request message to the SMF network element, wherein the session modification request message includes: a private IE carrying the time zone change information.

[0012] Optionally, after sending the time zone change information to the SMF network element based on the private IE, the method also includes: receiving a PFCP-based session modification response message fed back by the SMF network element, wherein, when the time zone update method is the first update method, the session modification response message includes: a private IE carrying the second time zone information; when the time zone update method is the second update method, the session modification response message includes: a private IE whose content is an empty value.

[0013] Optionally, the IE type of the private IE is a preset IE type that is different from the IE type of the standard IE in the PFCP; the private IE includes: the enterprise number corresponding to the UPF network element, and the enterprise number includes: an organization unique identifier and a custom identifier corresponding to the UPF network element.

[0014] According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a network element time zone synchronization method is also provided, which is applied to an SMF network element, including: receiving status update information sent by a UPF network element based on a private IE of PFCP, wherein the status update information includes: first time zone information corresponding to the UPF network element and a configured time zone update method, the time zone update method includes one of the following: a first update method for maintaining time zone synchronization with the SMF network element, a second update method for modifying the time zone by itself; storing the time zone update method, and feeding back the second time zone information corresponding to the SMF network element to the UPF network element based on the private IE, wherein the UPF network element is used to update its own first time zone information according to the second time zone information when the time zone update method is the first update method, and keep its own first time zone information unchanged when the time zone update method is the second update method.

[0015] Optionally, the method also includes: receiving time zone change information sent by the UPF network element based on a private IE, wherein the time zone change information includes: third time zone information after the UPF network element changes; querying the time zone update method corresponding to the UPF network element; when the time zone update method is the first update method, feedback the second time zone information to the UPF network element based on the private IE, wherein the UPF network element is used to update its own third time zone information based on the second time zone information.

[0016] According to another aspect of the embodiment of the present application, a network element time zone synchronization system is also provided, including: a UPF network element and an SMF network element, wherein the UPF network element is used to send status update information to the SMF network element based on the private IE of PFCP during initialization, wherein the status update information includes: the first time zone information corresponding to the UPF network element and the configured time zone update method, the time zone update method includes one of the following: a first update method for maintaining time zone synchronization with the SMF network element, and a second update method for modifying the time zone by itself; the SMF network element is used to store the time zone update method and to feedback the second time zone information corresponding to the SMF network element to the UPF network element based on the private IE; the UPF network element is also used to update its own first time zone information according to the second time zone information when the time zone update method is the first update method; and keep its own first time zone information unchanged when the time zone update method is the second update method.

[0017] Optionally, the UPF network element is also used to send time zone change information to the SMF network element based on the private IE when its own time zone changes, wherein the time zone change information includes: the third time zone information of the UPF network element after the change; the SMF network element is used to query the time zone update mode corresponding to the UPF network element, and when the time zone update mode is the first update mode, the second time zone information is fed back to the UPF network element based on the private IE; the UPF network element is also used to update its own third time zone information according to the second time zone information when the time zone update mode is the first update mode; and keep its own third time zone information unchanged when the time zone update mode is the second update mode.

[0018] According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a computer program product is further provided, the computer program product comprising: a computer program, wherein when the computer program is executed by a processor, the above-mentioned network element time zone synchronization method is implemented.

[0019] According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present application, an electronic device is further provided, comprising: a memory and a processor, wherein a computer program is stored in the memory, and the processor is configured to execute the above-mentioned network element time zone synchronization method through the computer program.

[0020] In the embodiment of the present application, during the UPF initialization phase, through the private IE field in the PFCP protocol, the UPF can automatically report its current time zone information (first time zone information) and the preset time zone update method to the SMF. This mechanism ensures that the UPF can immediately establish a time zone synchronization connection with the SMF when joining the network, thereby improving the network initialization efficiency and the automation level of time zone management. The UPF can select two time zone update methods through configuration: the first update method (keeping time zone synchronization with the SMF) or the second update method (modifying the time zone by itself). The first update method enhances the stability and consistency of time zone synchronization, which is especially important in application scenarios that require global time unification. The second update method provides the flexibility of localized time zone management to adapt to business needs or time zone changes in specific regions. When UPF is configured as the first update mode, SMF will feedback its own second time zone information based on the private IE field, and UPF will update its own time zone settings based on the received second time zone information. This mechanism ensures that even when the geographical location of the network device changes or the system configuration is updated, UPF can still maintain the same time zone as SMF, avoiding communication errors, data processing problems or business continuity interruptions caused by time zone asynchrony, thereby solving the technical problem of only considering time accuracy but ignoring time zone synchronization in related network time synchronization solutions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present application and constitute a part of the present application. The illustrative embodiments of the present application and their descriptions are used to explain the present application and do not constitute an improper limitation on the present application. In the drawings:

[0022] Figure 1 is a structural diagram of an optional network element time zone synchronization system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0023] Figure 2 It is a flowchart of an optional network element time zone synchronization method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0024] Figure 3 It is a flowchart of an optional network element time zone synchronization method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of an optional electronic device according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the solution of the present application, the technical solution in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work should fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0027] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification, claims and drawings of the present application are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the data used in this way can be interchangeable where appropriate, so that the embodiments of the present application described herein can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any of their variations are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, for example, a process, method, system, product or device comprising a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units clearly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0028] Example 1

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present application, a network element time zone synchronization system is provided, such as Figure 1 As shown, the system includes: a UPF network element 11 and a SMF network element 12, wherein:

[0030] UPF network element 11 is used to send status update information to SMF network element based on private IE of PFCP during initialization, wherein the status update information includes: first time zone information corresponding to the UPF network element and configured time zone update mode, and the time zone update mode includes one of the following: a first update mode for keeping time zone synchronization with the SMF network element and a second update mode for modifying the time zone by itself;

[0031] The SMF network element 12 is used to store the time zone update mode and feedback the second time zone information corresponding to the SMF network element to the UPF network element based on the private IE;

[0032] The UPF network element 11 is also used to update its own first time zone information according to the second time zone information when the time zone update mode is the first update mode; and to keep its own first time zone information unchanged when the time zone update mode is the second update mode.

[0033] The functions of each component of the network element time zone synchronization system are explained below in conjunction with a specific implementation process.

[0034] When the UPF network element is initialized, the private IE based on PFCP sends status update information to the SMF network element, where the status update information includes: the first time zone information corresponding to the UPF network element and the configured time zone update method, and the time zone update method includes one of the following: the first update method of keeping the time zone synchronized with the SMF network element, and the second update method of modifying the time zone by itself.

[0035] The IE type of the private IE is a preset IE type that is different from the IE type of the standard IE in PFCP to avoid conflicts with existing protocols. This IE type is pre-defined to ensure unique identification in the PFCP protocol, so that the time zone synchronization requirements can be accurately conveyed. The private IE includes: the enterprise number corresponding to the UPF network element, and the enterprise number includes: the organizational unique identifier and the custom identifier corresponding to the UPF network element. The organizational unique identifier (OUI) is assigned by IEEE and is used to uniquely identify an enterprise or organization, while the custom identifier is a code unique to the UPF network element, which is used to uniquely identify the device in the network. This means that the private IE can not only convey time zone information, but also clearly identify the UPF network element that sends the information, making it easier for SMF to manage and identify the time zone status of each UPF in a large-scale network.

[0036] As an optional implementation, the initialization of the UPF network element includes: the UPF network element accessing the communication network for the first time, or the UPF network element switching from a standby state to an active state.

[0037] As an optional implementation, sending status update information to the SMF network element based on a private IE of PFCP includes: sending a session establishment request message based on PFCP to the SMF network element, wherein the session establishment request message includes: a private IE carrying status update information.

[0038] Specifically, it can be explained as follows: When the UPF device is started for the first time and connected to the 5G communication network, it will go through an initialization process. During this process, UPF needs to establish a communication session with SMF in order to start processing user data flows. UPF communicates with SMF for the first time by sending a PFCP session establishment request (Session Establishment Request) message. This request message contains a private IE, which carries status update information, including the first time zone information where the UPF is located and its configured time zone update method (such as keeping the time zone synchronized with the SMF or modifying the time zone by itself). In the 5G network, in order to improve the reliability and availability of services, UPF devices are usually deployed as active-standby redundant systems. When the active UPF fails or requires maintenance, the backup UPF will switch to the active state to ensure service continuity. In this active-standby switching case, the new active UPF also needs to start the time zone synchronization process to ensure that its time zone settings are consistent with other components in the network. The UPF switched to the active state will send a session establishment request (or session modification request, Session Modification Request) through the PFCP protocol. The message also contains a private IE carrying status update information.

[0039] Among them, if UPF chooses the first update method, it will automatically adjust its own time zone to keep consistent with the time zone of SMF. This method is suitable for business scenarios that require cross-time zone synchronization, such as global roaming services, distributed cloud network elements, etc., to ensure the time consistency of UPF nodes in different geographical locations when processing session data. If UPF chooses the second update method, it can independently modify its own time zone without synchronizing with SMF. This method is suitable for local services that do not require cross-time zone synchronization, or in special circumstances where UPF needs to independently adjust the time zone.

[0040] The SMF network element stores the time zone update method and feeds back the second time zone information corresponding to the SMF network element to the UPF network element based on the private IE.

[0041] The UPF network element receives the second time zone information corresponding to the SMF network element fed back by the SMF network element based on the private IE. The process may include the following steps: receiving a session establishment response message based on PFCP fed back by the SMF network element, wherein the session establishment response message includes: a private IE carrying the second time zone information.

[0042] When the time zone update mode is the first update mode, the UPF network element updates its first time zone information according to the second time zone information. When the time zone update mode is the second update mode, the UPF network element keeps its first time zone information unchanged.

[0043] As an optional implementation, when the time zone of the UPF network element changes, the time zone may be determined as follows:

[0044] The UPF network element sends time zone change information to the SMF network element based on the private IE, wherein the time zone change information includes: the third time zone information after the UPF network element changes.

[0045] For example, when the UPF network element finds that its current time zone (time zone information) is different from the previous one due to geographical location changes, system configuration updates, etc., it will generate a new time zone information, which is the starting point of the time zone synchronization process.

[0046] Among them, as an optional implementation method, the UPF network element sends time zone change information to the SMF network element based on the private IE, and the following method can be adopted: sending a PFCP-based session modification request message to the SMF network element, wherein the session modification request message includes: a private IE carrying the time zone change information.

[0047] For example, UPF informs SMF of the time zone change information by constructing a PFCP-based session modification request message (Session ModificationRequest). This information is encapsulated in a private IE, which is a field used to extend the PFCP protocol to carry specific information. This message not only contains the time zone information after the UPF changes, but also the current time zone status of the UPF.

[0048] The SMF network element queries the time zone update method corresponding to the UPF network element, that is, whether the UPF chooses the first update method of keeping the time zone synchronized with the SMF, or chooses the second update method of modifying the time zone by itself.

[0049] The SMF network element feeds back the second time zone information to the UPF network element based on the private IE only when the time zone update method is the first update method. The following method can be adopted: the SMF network element feeds back a session modification response message based on PFCP, and the session modification response message includes: a private IE carrying the second time zone information. The second time zone information is the time zone information that the SMF hopes the UPF to maintain, which is usually consistent with the SMF's own time zone.

[0050] When the time zone update method is the first update method, the SMF network element feeds back the second time zone information to the UPF network element based on the private IE. The following method can be adopted: the SMF network element feeds back a session modification response message based on PFCP, and the session modification response message includes: a private IE with an empty value, which means that the SMF will not send any time zone information to update the UPF time zone, allowing the UPF to keep its modified time zone information unchanged.

[0051] When the time zone update method of the UPF network element is the first update method, the UPF network element updates its own third time zone information according to the second time zone information to ensure synchronization with the time zone of the SMF.

[0052] When the time zone update mode of the UPF network element is the second update mode, the third time zone information of the UPF network element remains unchanged, that is, the time zone will not be updated.

[0053] In the embodiment of the present application, during the UPF initialization phase, through the private IE field in the PFCP protocol, the UPF can automatically report its current time zone information (first time zone information) and the preset time zone update method to the SMF. This mechanism ensures that the UPF can immediately establish a time zone synchronization connection with the SMF when joining the network, thereby improving the network initialization efficiency and the automation level of time zone management. The UPF can select two time zone update methods through configuration: the first update method (keeping time zone synchronization with the SMF) or the second update method (modifying the time zone by itself). The first update method enhances the stability and consistency of time zone synchronization, which is especially important in application scenarios that require global time unification. The second update method provides the flexibility of localized time zone management to adapt to business needs or time zone changes in specific regions. When UPF is configured as the first update mode, SMF will feedback its own second time zone information based on the private IE field, and UPF will update its own time zone settings based on the received second time zone information. This mechanism ensures that even when the geographical location of the network device changes or the system configuration is updated, UPF can still maintain the same time zone as SMF, avoiding communication errors, data processing problems or business continuity interruptions caused by time zone asynchrony, thereby solving the technical problem of only considering time accuracy but ignoring time zone synchronization in related network time synchronization solutions.

[0054] Example 2

[0055] According to an embodiment of the present application, a network element time zone synchronization method for a UPF network element in a network element time zone synchronization system of Example 1 is provided. It should be noted that the steps shown in the flowchart in the accompanying drawings can be executed in a computer system such as a set of computer executable instructions, and although a logical order is shown in the flowchart, in some cases, the steps shown or described may be executed in an order different from that shown here.

[0056] Figure 2 is a flow chart of a network element time zone synchronization method provided according to an embodiment of the present application, such as Figure 2 As shown, the method comprises the following steps:

[0057] Step S202, when the UPF network element is initialized, the private IE based on the PFCP sends status update information to the SMF network element, wherein the status update information includes: the first time zone information corresponding to the UPF network element and the configured time zone update method, and the time zone update method includes one of the following: the first update method of keeping the time zone synchronized with the SMF network element, and the second update method of modifying the time zone by itself;

[0058] Step S204, receiving the second time zone information corresponding to the SMF network element fed back by the SMF network element based on the private IE;

[0059] Step S206, when the time zone update mode is the first update mode, updating the first time zone information according to the second time zone information;

[0060] Step S208, when the time zone update mode is the second update mode, keep the first time zone information unchanged.

[0061] The following describes the various steps of the network element time zone synchronization method in conjunction with a specific implementation process.

[0062] UPF network element sends status update information during initialization When the UPF network element is started for the first time or switched from standby state to active state, it sends a status update message to the SMF network element through the private IE field in the PFCP protocol. This information includes the first time zone information where the UPF is located and the pre-configured time zone update method, that is, whether the UPF chooses to keep the time zone synchronized with the SMF (the first update method) or modify the time zone by itself (the second update method).

[0063] After receiving the status update information sent by UPF, the SMF network element will respond according to the time zone update method of UPF. If UPF is configured with the first update method, SMF will feedback a response message carrying the second time zone information to UPF. This second time zone information is usually the time zone information that SMF expects UPF to maintain, which is consistent with the time zone of SMF itself.

[0064] If the time zone update method of UPF is the first update method to maintain time zone synchronization with SMF, then UPF will update its own first time zone information based on the received second time zone information to ensure time zone synchronization with SMF, thereby improving the time consistency of the entire network.

[0065] On the contrary, if the time zone update method of UPF is the second update method of modifying the time zone by itself, even if UPF receives the second time zone information fed back by SMF, it will not change its own first time zone information, that is, keep the current time zone configuration unchanged, which means that UPF can manage its time zone settings independently of SMF, which is suitable for scenarios that require local time zone control.

[0066] The entire process realizes automatic synchronization or confirmation of time zone information between UPF and SMF through the private IE field in the PFCP protocol. This mechanism not only ensures that UPF can automatically synchronize the time zone with SMF in the first update mode, but also allows UPF to manage the time zone according to business needs in the second update mode, thereby improving the flexibility and stability of 5G networks in global and distributed deployment.

[0067] It should be noted that the steps in the network element time zone synchronization method in the embodiment of the present application correspond one by one to the implementation steps of the network element time zone synchronization system in Example 1. Since a detailed description has been given in Example 1, some details not reflected in this embodiment can be referred to Example 1 and will not be repeated here.

[0068] Example 3

[0069] According to an embodiment of the present application, a network element time zone synchronization method for an SMF network element in a network element time zone synchronization system of Example 1 is provided. It should be noted that the steps shown in the flowchart of the accompanying drawings can be executed in a computer system such as a set of computer executable instructions, and although a logical order is shown in the flowchart, in some cases, the steps shown or described may be executed in an order different from that shown here.

[0070] Figure 3 is a flow chart of a network element time zone synchronization method provided according to an embodiment of the present application, such as Figure 3 As shown, the method comprises the following steps:

[0071] Step S302, receiving the status update information sent by the UPF network element based on the private IE of the PFCP, wherein the status update information includes: the first time zone information corresponding to the UPF network element and the configured time zone update method, the time zone update method includes one of the following: the first update method of keeping the time zone synchronized with the SMF network element, and the second update method of modifying the time zone by itself;

[0072] Step S304, store the time zone update method, and feedback the second time zone information corresponding to the SMF network element to the UPF network element based on the private IE, wherein the UPF network element is used to update its own first time zone information according to the second time zone information when the time zone update method is the first update method, and keep its own first time zone information unchanged when the time zone update method is the second update method.

[0073] The following describes the various steps of the network element time zone synchronization method in conjunction with a specific implementation process.

[0074] When the UPF network element is initialized or undergoes active / standby switching, it uses a private IE based on the PFCP protocol to send a status update message to the SMF. This message includes the first time zone information where the UPF is currently located and the time zone update method configured by the UPF. There are two time zone update methods:

[0075] The first update method: keeping the time zone synchronized with SMF means that UPF wants its own time zone to be consistent with that of SMF.

[0076] The second update method: modify the time zone by yourself, which means that UPF wants to manage its own time zone independently and is not affected by the SMF time zone.

[0077] After receiving the status update information of UPF, SMF will store the time zone update method configured by UPF. This step is crucial for the subsequent time zone synchronization feedback, because SMF needs to decide how to process the time zone information based on this configuration.

[0078] Based on the stored time zone update mode, SMF sends a feedback message to UPF. This feedback message carries the second time zone information of SMF itself through the private IE field of PFCP.

[0079] If UPF is configured with the first update mode, SMF will send the second time zone information as the time zone information that UPF should maintain. UPF will update its first time zone information based on this information to achieve time zone synchronization with SMF.

[0080] If UPF is configured with the second update mode, the second time zone information sent by SMF has no effect on the time zone setting of UPF. UPF will continue to keep its first time zone information unchanged, that is, it will not update its own time zone based on the feedback of SMF.

[0081] Through this process, SMF can intelligently identify the time zone update strategy of UPF and provide or not provide time zone information accordingly, achieving an automated and strategic time zone synchronization effect.

[0082] It should be noted that the steps in the network element time zone synchronization method in the embodiment of the present application correspond one by one to the implementation steps of the network element time zone synchronization system in Example 1. Since a detailed description has been given in Example 1, some details not reflected in this embodiment can be referred to Example 1 and will not be repeated here.

[0083] Example 4

[0084] According to an embodiment of the present application, a computer program product is also provided, which includes a computer program, wherein when the computer program is executed by a processor, the network element time zone synchronization method in Example 2 or Example 3 is implemented.

[0085] According to an embodiment of the present application, a non-volatile storage medium is also provided, which includes a stored computer program, wherein the device where the non-volatile storage medium is located executes the network element time zone synchronization method in Example 2 or Example 3 by running the computer program.

[0086] According to an embodiment of the present application, a processor is also provided, which is used to run a computer program, wherein the network element time zone synchronization method in Example 2 or Example 3 is executed when the computer program is running.

[0087] According to an embodiment of the present application, an electronic device is also provided, which includes: a memory and a processor, wherein a computer program is stored in the memory, and the processor is configured to execute the network element time zone synchronization method in Example 2 or Example 3 through the computer program.

[0088] Specifically, the following steps can be executed when the computer program is running: when the UPF network element is initialized, status update information is sent to the SMF network element based on the private IE of PFCP, wherein the status update information includes: the first time zone information corresponding to the UPF network element and the configured time zone update method, the time zone update method includes one of the following: a first update method for maintaining time zone synchronization with the SMF network element, a second update method for modifying the time zone by itself; receiving the second time zone information corresponding to the SMF network element based on the private IE feedback from the SMF network element; when the time zone update method is the first update method, updating its own first time zone information according to the second time zone information; when the time zone update method is the second update method, keeping its own first time zone information unchanged.

[0089] Specifically, when the computer program is running, the following steps can also be executed: receiving status update information sent by the UPF network element based on the private IE of PFCP, wherein the status update information includes: the first time zone information corresponding to the UPF network element and the configured time zone update method, the time zone update method includes one of the following: a first update method for maintaining time zone synchronization with the SMF network element, a second update method for modifying the time zone by itself; storing the time zone update method, and feeding back the second time zone information corresponding to the SMF network element to the UPF network element based on the private IE, wherein the UPF network element is used to update its own first time zone information according to the second time zone information when the time zone update method is the first update method, and keep its own first time zone information unchanged when the time zone update method is the second update method.

[0090] As an optional implementation, the electronic device may be in the form of a mobile terminal, a computer terminal or a similar computing device. Figure 4 FIG. 1 shows a hardware structure block diagram of an electronic device for implementing a network element time zone synchronization method. Figure 4As shown, the electronic device 40 may include one or more (402a, 402b, ..., 402n are used to illustrate) processors 402 (the processor 402 may include but is not limited to a processing device such as a microprocessor MCU or a programmable logic device FPGA), a memory 404 for storing data, and a transmission device 406 for communication functions. In addition, it may also include: a display, an input / output interface (I / O interface), a universal serial bus (USB) port (which may be included as one of the ports of the BUS bus), a network interface, a power supply and / or a camera. It can be understood by those skilled in the art that Figure 4 The structure shown is only for illustration and does not limit the structure of the above electronic device. Figure 4 More or fewer components as shown, or with Figure 4 Different configurations are shown.

[0091] It should be noted that the one or more processors 402 and / or other data processing circuits described above may generally be referred to herein as "data processing circuits". The data processing circuits may be embodied in whole or in part as software, hardware, firmware, or any other combination thereof. In addition, the data processing circuit may be a single independent processing module, or may be incorporated in whole or in part into any of the other components in the electronic device 40. As described in the embodiments of the present application, the data processing circuit acts as a processor control (e.g., selection of a variable resistor terminal path connected to an interface).

[0092] The memory 404 can be used to store software programs and modules of application software, such as the program instructions / data storage device corresponding to the network element time zone synchronization method in the embodiment of the present application. The processor 402 executes various functional applications and data processing by running the software programs and modules stored in the memory 404, that is, to implement the vulnerability detection method of the above-mentioned application. The memory 404 may include a high-speed random access memory, and may also include a non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic storage devices, flash memory, or other non-volatile solid-state memory. In some instances, the memory 404 may further include a memory remotely arranged relative to the processor 402, and these remote memories may be connected to the electronic device 40 via a network. Examples of the above-mentioned network include, but are not limited to, the Internet, an intranet, a local area network, a mobile communication network, and combinations thereof.

[0093] The transmission device 406 is used to receive or send data via a network. The specific example of the above network may include a wireless network provided by a communication provider of the electronic device 40. In one example, the transmission device 406 includes a network adapter (Network Interface Controller, NIC), which can be connected to other network devices through a base station so as to communicate with the Internet. In one example, the transmission device 406 can be a radio frequency (RF) module, which is used to communicate with the Internet wirelessly.

[0094] The display may be, for example, a touch screen liquid crystal display (LCD) that enables a user to interact with a user interface of the electronic device 40 .

[0095] The serial numbers of the above embodiments are only for description and do not represent the advantages or disadvantages of the embodiments.

[0096] In the above embodiments of the present application, the description of each embodiment has its own emphasis. For parts that are not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant description of other embodiments.

[0097] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed technical content can be implemented in other ways. Among them, the device embodiments described above are only schematic. For example, the division of units can be a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation. For example, multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of units or modules, which can be electrical or other forms.

[0098] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed over multiple units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the present embodiment.

[0099] 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. The above-mentioned integrated unit may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional units.

[0100] If the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it 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 all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product, which is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for a computer device (which can be a personal computer, server or network device, etc.) to perform all or part of the steps of each embodiment method of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: U disk, read-only memory (ROM, Read-Only Memory), random access memory (RAM, Random Access Memory), mobile hard disk, disk or optical disk, etc. Various media that can store program codes.

[0101] The above are only preferred implementations of the present application. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principles of the present application. These improvements and modifications should also be regarded as the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A network element time zone synchronization method, applied to a user plane function UPF network element, characterized in that: include: When the UPF network element is initialized, the private information element IE based on the packet forwarding control protocol PFCP sends status update information to the session management function SMF network element, wherein the status update information includes: the first time zone information corresponding to the UPF network element and the configured time zone update method, and the time zone update method includes one of the following: the first update method of keeping the time zone synchronized with the SMF network element, and the second update method of modifying the time zone by itself; Receiving the second time zone information corresponding to the SMF network element fed back by the SMF network element based on the private IE; When the time zone updating method is the first updating method, updating the first time zone information thereof according to the second time zone information; When the time zone updating method is the second updating method, the first time zone information thereof is kept unchanged.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises: When the time zone of the UPF network element changes, the time zone change information is sent to the SMF network element based on the private IE, wherein the time zone change information includes: the third time zone information after the UPF network element changes, and the SMF network element feeds back the second time zone information to the UPF network element based on the private IE only when the time zone update mode is the first update mode; When the time zone updating method is the first updating method, updating the third time zone information thereof according to the second time zone information; When the time zone updating method is the second updating method, the third time zone information thereof is kept unchanged.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The initialization of the UPF network element includes: the UPF network element accessing the communication network for the first time, or the UPF network element switching from the standby state to the active state.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The PFCP-based private IE sends status update information to the SMF network element, including: A PFCP-based session establishment request message is sent to the SMF network element, wherein the session establishment request message includes: a private IE carrying the status update information.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Receiving the second time zone information corresponding to the SMF network element fed back by the SMF network element based on the private IE, including: Receive a PFCP-based session establishment response message fed back by the SMF network element, wherein the session establishment response message includes: a private IE carrying the second time zone information.

6. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that Sending time zone change information to the SMF network element based on the private IE includes: A PFCP-based session modification request message is sent to the SMF network element, wherein the session modification request message includes: a private IE carrying the time zone change information.

7. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that After sending the time zone change information to the SMF network element based on the private IE, the method further includes: Receive a PFCP-based session modification response message fed back by the SMF network element, wherein, when the time zone update method is the first update method, the session modification response message includes: a private IE carrying the second time zone information; when the time zone update method is the second update method, the session modification response message includes: a private IE whose content is an empty value.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The IE type of the private IE is a preset IE type that is different from the IE type of the standard IE in the PFCP; The private IE includes: the enterprise number corresponding to the UPF network element, and the enterprise number includes: an organization unique identifier and a custom identifier corresponding to the UPF network element.

9. A network element time zone synchronization method, applied to SMF network elements, characterized in that: include: Receive status update information sent by the UPF network element based on the private IE of PFCP, wherein the status update information includes: the first time zone information corresponding to the UPF network element and the configured time zone update method, and the time zone update method includes one of the following: a first update method for keeping the time zone synchronized with the SMF network element, and a second update method for modifying the time zone by itself; The time zone update method is stored, and the second time zone information corresponding to the SMF network element is fed back to the UPF network element based on the private IE, wherein the UPF network element is used to update its own first time zone information according to the second time zone information when the time zone update method is the first update method, and to keep its own first time zone information unchanged when the time zone update method is the second update method.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receiving time zone change information sent by the UPF network element based on the private IE, wherein the time zone change information includes: third time zone information after the UPF network element changes; Query the time zone update method corresponding to the UPF network element; When the time zone update method is the first update method, the second time zone information is fed back to the UPF network element based on the private IE, wherein the UPF network element is used to update its own third time zone information according to the second time zone information.

11. A network element time zone synchronization system, characterized in that: include: UPF network elements and SMF network elements, among which, The UPF network element is used to send status update information to the SMF network element based on the private IE of PFCP during initialization, wherein the status update information includes: the first time zone information corresponding to the UPF network element and the configured time zone update method, and the time zone update method includes one of the following: a first update method for keeping the time zone synchronized with the SMF network element, and a second update method for modifying the time zone by itself; The SMF network element is used to store the time zone update mode, and to feed back the second time zone information corresponding to the SMF network element to the UPF network element based on the private IE; The UPF network element is also used to update its own first time zone information according to the second time zone information when the time zone update method is the first update method; and to keep its own first time zone information unchanged when the time zone update method is the second update method.

12. The system according to claim 11, characterized in that The UPF network element is further used to send time zone change information to the SMF network element based on the private IE when its own time zone changes, wherein the time zone change information includes: the third time zone information after the UPF network element changes; The SMF network element is used to query the time zone update mode corresponding to the UPF network element, and when the time zone update mode is the first update mode, feedback the second time zone information to the UPF network element based on the private IE; The UPF network element is also used to update its own third time zone information according to the second time zone information when the time zone update method is the first update method; and to keep its own third time zone information unchanged when the time zone update method is the second update method.

13. A computer program product, characterized in that include: A computer program, wherein when the computer program is executed by a processor, the network element time zone synchronization method described in any one of claims 1 to 10 is implemented.

14. An electronic device, characterized in that: include: A memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor is configured to execute the network element time zone synchronization method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 through the computer program.

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