Method, device and system for mobility management of computing power

Abstract

A wireless communication method for use in a computing power control node is disclosed. The method comprises the following steps: acquiring computing power resource information of at least one computing power consumption node, and selecting a target computing power consumption node from at least one target computing power consumption node candidate based on computing power resource information of at least one target computing power consumption node candidate and computing power requirement information of wireless equipment, for handover associated with computing power resources of the wireless device.

Description

[0001] This document generally relates to wireless communication, and particularly to wireless communication associated with the mobility management of computing power.

[0002] In recent years, the development of the convergence of computing networks has been insufficient. The relevant key solutions for the convergence of computing networks include computing power routing, unique ID identification, computing measurement, computing power scheduling, etc. A computing power network (CPN) can participate in an existing network (e.g., a 4G / 5G network) to provide computing services for applications executed on a user equipment (UE). When the UE and / or the computing server providing computing resources for the UE moves, the UE may need to switch to another computing server. Therefore, it is necessary to discuss the handover of the UE from one (source) computing server to another (target) computing server.

[0003] This document relates to methods and devices for the mobility management of computing power, and particularly to methods and devices for providing handover of computing servers for computing power.

[0004] This disclosure relates to a wireless communication method used in a computing power control node. The method includes: obtaining information on the computing power resources of at least one computing power consumption node, and selecting a target computing power consumption node from at least one target computing power consumption node candidate based on the information on the computing power resources of the at least one target computing power consumption node candidate and the computing power requirement information of the wireless device, for handover associated with the computing power resources of the wireless device.

[0005] Various embodiments may preferably implement the following features:

[0006] Preferably, the at least one target computing power consumption node candidate serves the area where the wireless device is located.

[0007] Preferably, the wireless communication method further includes: sending information on the target computing power consumption node to a wireless network node serving the wireless device.

[0008] Preferably, the wireless communication method further includes: receiving a handover notification of the handover from the wireless network node.

[0009] Preferably, the handover notification includes at least one of the computing power requirement information or the location information of the wireless device.

[0010] Preferably, the wireless network node includes at least one of a base station, an access and mobility management function, or a session management function.

[0011] Preferably, the wireless communication method further includes switching the computing power consumption node serving the wireless device from a source computing power consumption node to a target computing power consumption node.

[0012] Preferably, the wireless communication method further includes determining the handover of the wireless device.

[0013] Preferably, the wireless communication method further includes receiving a handover request associated with the handover of the wireless device.

[0014] Preferably, the computing power control node includes at least one of a base station serving the wireless device, an access and mobility management function serving the wireless device, or a session management function serving the wireless terminal.

[0015] Preferably, the computing power consumption node includes at least one of a computing power node having computing power resources or associated with at least one computing power server, a base station, or a user plane function.

[0016] The present disclosure relates to a wireless communication method used in a wireless network node. The method includes:

[0017] Sending a handover notification associated with the handover of the computing power resources of the wireless device to a computing power control node, and

[0018] Receiving a target computing power consumption node for the handover from the computing power control node.

[0019] Various embodiments may preferably implement the following features:

[0020] Preferably, the wireless communication method further includes switching the computing power consumption node serving the wireless device from a source computing power consumption node to a target computing power consumption node.

[0021] Preferably, the handover notification includes at least one of computing power requirement information or location information of the wireless device.

[0022] Preferably, the wireless network node includes at least one of a base station serving the wireless device, an access and mobility management function, or a session management function.

[0023] Preferably, the target computing power consumption node includes at least one of a computing power node having computing power resources or associated with at least one computing power server, a base station, or a user plane function.

[0024] The present disclosure relates to a wireless communication method used in a computing power control node. The method includes:

[0025] Receiving status information of the source computing power server from the source computing power server, and

[0026] Obtaining status information of at least one computing power server in the area serving the computing power consumption node served by the source computing power server,

[0027] Based on the status information of the source computing power server and the status information of the at least one computing power server, selecting a target computing power server from the at least one computing power server, and

[0028] In the switching notification, information of the target computing power server is sent to the computing power consuming node served by the source computing power server.

[0029] Various embodiments may preferably implement the following features:

[0030] Preferably, the status information includes at least one of location information or computing resource information.

[0031] Preferably, the computing power information includes at least one of used computing power resource information or remaining computing power resource information.

[0032] Preferably, the computing power consumption node includes at least one of a computing power node, a base station or a user plane function having computing power resources or associated with at least one computing power server.

[0033] The present disclosure relates to a wireless communication method used in a computing power server. The method includes: in response to a change in the location of the computing power server, sending status information of the computing power server to a computing power control node.

[0034] Various embodiments may preferably implement the following features:

[0035] Preferably, the status information includes at least one of location information or computing resource information.

[0036] Preferably, the computing power information includes at least one of used computing power resource information or remaining computing power resource information.

[0037] The present disclosure relates to a computing power control node. The computing power control node includes:

[0038] A processor configured to:

[0039] Obtain computing resource information of at least one computing power consumption node, and

[0040] Based on computing power resource information of at least one target computing power consumption node candidate and computing power requirement information of the wireless device, a target computing power consumption node is selected from the at least one target computing power consumption node candidate for switching associated with the computing power resources of the wireless device.

[0041] Various embodiments may preferably implement the following features:

[0042] Preferably, the processor is also configured to execute any one of the aforementioned wireless communication methods.

[0043] The present disclosure relates to a wireless network node. The wireless network node comprises:

[0044] A communication unit, the communication unit being configured to:

[0045] Send a handover notification associated with the computing power resources of the wireless device to the computing power control node, and

[0046] Receive, from the computing power control node, a target computing power consumption node for the handover.

[0047] Various embodiments may preferably implement the following features:

[0048] Preferably, the wireless network node further includes a processor configured to execute any one of the foregoing wireless communication methods.

[0049] The present disclosure relates to a computing power control node. The computing power control node includes:

[0050] A communication unit configured to receive status information of the source computing power server from the source computing power server,

[0051] A processor configured to obtain status information of at least one computing power server in the area serving the computing power consumption nodes served by the source computing power server, and select a target computing power server from the at least one computing power server based on the status information of the source computing power server and the status information of the at least one computing power server,

[0052] Wherein the communication unit is further configured to send information of the target computing power server to the computing power consumption nodes served by the source computing power server in a handover notification.

[0053] Various embodiments may preferably implement the following features:

[0054] Preferably, the processor is further configured to execute any one of the foregoing wireless communication methods.

[0055] The present disclosure relates to a computing power server. The computing power server includes:

[0056] A communication unit configured to send status information of the computing power server to the computing power control node in response to a change in the location of the computing power server.

[0057] Various embodiments may preferably implement the following features:

[0058] Preferably, the computing power server further includes a processor configured to execute any one of the foregoing wireless communication methods.

[0059] The present disclosure relates to a computer program product including computer-readable program media code stored thereon, which when executed by a processor causes the processor to implement the wireless communication method described in any one of the foregoing methods.

[0060] The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are intended to provide features that will become apparent by combining the accompanying drawings and referring to the following description. According to various embodiments, exemplary systems, methods, devices, and computer program products are disclosed herein. However, it should be understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example and not limitation, and that various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art who have read this disclosure, while remaining within the scope of this disclosure.

[0061] Accordingly, this disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments and applications described and illustrated herein. In addition, the specific order and / or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed herein are merely exemplary methods. Based on design preferences, the specific order or hierarchy of steps of the disclosed methods or processes may be rearranged while remaining within the scope of this disclosure. Thus, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the methods and techniques disclosed herein present various steps or acts in an exemplary order, and this disclosure is not limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented unless otherwise expressly stated.

[0062] This disclosure is defined by the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims. In the following description, although many features may be designated as optional, it should be recognized that all features included in the independent claims should not be construed as optional.

[0063] The above and other aspects and their implementations are described in more detail in the drawings, the description, and the claims.

[0064] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the functional architecture of a CPN according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0065] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing a network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0066] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing a handover process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0067] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing a network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0068] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing a process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0069] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing a process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0070] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing a network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0071] Figure 8 Shows a schematic diagram of a process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] Figure 9 Shows a schematic diagram of a process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0073] Figure 10 Shows a schematic diagram of a process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0074] Figure 11 Shows a schematic diagram of a process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0075] Figure 12 Shows a schematic diagram of a process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] Figure 13 Shows a schematic diagram of a process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] Figure 14 Shows a schematic diagram of a process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0078] Figure 15 Shows an example of a schematic diagram of a wireless terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0079] Figure 16 Shows an example of a schematic diagram of a wireless network node according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] In the present disclosure, the term "info" refers to "information".

[0081] CPN is a network that distributes computing, storage, network, and other resource information of service nodes through a network control plane (such as a centralized controller, a distributed routing protocol, etc.) to achieve optimized resource allocation. CPN combines the network environment and user requirements to provide the best distribution, association, processing, and scheduling of computing, storage, and network resources.

[0082] Figure 1 Shows a schematic diagram of the functional architecture of a CPN according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 The shown CPN includes four layers, which provide the above functions through mutual interaction.

[0083] In one embodiment, the CPN resource layer is where computing resources reside, and the computing resources are provided by, for example, computing power network providers and network operators.

[0084] The CPN control layer (implemented by the CPN control plane) collects information from the CPN resource layer and sends the collected information to the CPN service layer for further processing. After receiving the processing result from the CPN service layer, the CPN control layer will pre-occupy resources and establish a network connection.

[0085] The CPN orchestration and management layer can implement the orchestration, security, modeling, and operation and maintenance (OAM) functions of the CPN.

[0086] The CPN service layer can implement the functions of the CPN processing platform. The CPN service layer supports the following functions: resource information processing, charging, and transaction processing execution.

[0087] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a network (architecture) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In Figure 1 it, the network includes the following network functions / entities:

[0088] 1) UE: User Equipment

[0089] 2) RAN: Radio Access Network

[0090] In the present disclosure, the RAN can be equal to the RAN node or the next-generation RAN (NG-RAN) (node).

[0091] 3) AMF: Access and Mobility Management Function

[0092] The AMF includes the following functions: registration management, connection management, reachability management, and mobility management. The AMF terminates the RAN control plane (CP) interface N2 and the NAS interface N1, non-access stratum (NAS) encryption and integrity protection. It also allocates session management (SM) NAS to the appropriate session management function (SMF) via the interface N11. The AMF provides services for other consumer network functions (NFs) to subscribe to or obtain notifications of mobility-related events and information.

[0093] 4) SMF: Session Management Function

[0094] The SMF includes the following functions: session establishment, modification, and release, UE IP address allocation and management (including optional authorization functions), selection and control of the user plane (UP) function, and downlink data notification. The SMF can subscribe to mobility-related events and information from the AMF.

[0095] 5) UPF: User Plane Function

[0096] The UPF includes the following functions: acting as an anchor for mobility within / between radio access technologies (RATs) and an external session point for interconnection with data networks, packet routing and forwarding as indicated by the SMF, service usage reporting, quality of service (QoS) handling for the UP, downlink packet buffering, and triggering of downlink data notifications, etc.

[0097] 6) UDM: Unified Data Management

[0098] The UDM manages the UE's subscription profiles. The subscription includes data for mobility management (e.g., restricted areas), session management (e.g., QoS profiles per DNN per slice). The subscription data also includes slice selection parameters, which are used by the AMF to select an appropriate SMF. The AMF and SMF obtain the subscription from the UDM. The subscription data is stored in the Unified Data Repository (UDR). The UDM uses this data upon receiving a request from the AMF or SMF.

[0099] 7) PCF: Policy Control Function

[0100] The PCF supports a unified policy framework to manage network behavior. The PCF provides access management policies to the AMF, or session management policies to the SMF, and / or UE policies to the UE. The PCF can access the UDR to obtain subscription information related to policy decisions. The PCF can also generate policies for managing network behavior based on subscriptions and indications from the Application Function (AF). Then, the PCF can provide policy rules to the CP functions (e.g., AMF and / or SMF) to enforce the CP functions.

[0101] 8) NEF: Network Exposure Function

[0102] The NEF supports the ability to expose the network and events to the AF. Third-party AFs can invoke services provided by the network via the NEF, and the NEF performs authentication and authorization of third-party applications. The NEF also provides transformation of information exchanged with the AF and information exchanged with internal NFs.

[0103] 9) AF: Application Function

[0104] The AF interacts with the core network to provide services, such as supporting: the impact of the application on service routing, accessing the NEF, interacting with the policy framework for policy control, etc. The AF can be considered trusted by the operator and can be allowed to directly interact with relevant NFs. An AF that is not allowed by the operator to directly access NFs should use the external exposure framework via the NEF to interact with relevant NFs. The AF can store application information in the UDR via the NEF.

[0105] Figure 3Shows a schematic diagram of the process of Xn-based inter-RAN handover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. When the AMF remains unchanged and the SMF decides to keep the existing UPF, Figure 3 The process shown is used to hand over the UE from the source RAN to the target RAN via the use of Xn (interface). In one embodiment, the source / target RAN may be an NG-RAN (Next Generation RAN).

[0106] Step 301a, the source RAN requests a handover operation from the target RAN and provides the UE radio capability ID of the UE to the target RAN.

[0107] Step 301b: Target RAN to AMF: N2 path handover request.

[0108] The target RAN sends an N2 path handover request message to the AMF to notify that the UE has moved to a new target cell and provides a list of PDU sessions to be handed over.

[0109] Step 302: AMF to SMF: Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext request

[0110] In the case where the AMF determines that the PDU session is related to the LADN (Local Area Data Network), the AMF provides an indication of "UE present in the LADN service area" to the SMF. If the AMF does not provide an indication of "UE present in the LADN service area" and the SMF determines that the DNN corresponds to the LADN, the SMF considers the UE to be outside the LADN service area. The SMF takes actions for the LADN PDU session as defined in the indication of "UE present in the LADN service area".

[0111] Step 303: SMF to UPF: N4 session modification request (AN tunnel information)

[0112] The SMF sends an N4 session modification request message to the UPF. The SMF may notify the UPF that initiated the data notification to discard the downlink data of the PDU session and / or not provide further data notification messages.

[0113] Step 304: UPF to SMF: N4 session modification response (CN tunnel information)

[0114] For the PDU session to be handed over, after the requested PDU session is handed over, the UPF returns an N4 session modification response message to the SMF.

[0115] Step 305: To assist the reordering function in the target RAN, after the handover path, the UPF immediately sends one or more "end marker" packets for each N3 tunnel on the old path. The UPF starts sending downlink packets to the target RAN.

[0116] Step 306: SMF to AMF: Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Response (N2 SM Information)

[0117] In step 306, for the PDU sessions that have been successfully handovered, the SMF sends an Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext response (N2 SM information (e.g., CN tunnel information, updated QoS parameters of the accepted QoS flows)) to the AMF.

[0118] Step 307: AMF to RAN: N2 Path Switch Request Acknowledgment

[0119] Once the Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext responses are received from all SMFs, the AMF aggregates the received CN tunnel information and sends this aggregated information, together with the failed PDU sessions in the N2 Path Switch Request Acknowledgment, to the target RAN as part of the N2 SM information.

[0120] Step 308: The target RAN confirms the successful handover by sending a Release Resource message to the source RAN. Then, the target RAN triggers the resource release of the source RAN.

[0121] Step 309 (optional): If one of the triggers in the registration process applies, the UE may initiate a mobility registration update process.

[0122] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In Figure 4 , each source / target RAN (e.g., eNodeB for 4G and / or RAN for 5G) is served by one or more computing servers. Specifically, the source RAN is served by one or more computing servers 1, the target RAN-1 is served by one or more computing servers 2, and so on.

[0123] In Figure 4 , the network includes an integrated computing controller configured to manage the entire computing power resources. When the source RAN receives a handover request from the UE and / or determines that the UE needs to handover, the source RAN notifies the computing controller that a handover operation from computing server 1 is requested, where the request message associated with the handover may carry the location / position information of the UE. For example, the location / position information may include physical geographical location, serving cell information, etc.

[0124] In one embodiment, the computing controller may obtain information related to computing power resources from all target RANs in the area where the UE is located. The computing controller then compares the obtained information with the computing power resources required by the UE and selects a suitable target RAN from those target RANs that have sufficient computing power resources to meet the computing power resources required by the UE.

[0125] The computing controller notifies / sends the information of the selected target RAN to the source RAN, and the source RAN accordingly requests a handover operation to the selected target RAN. The subsequent handover process may refer to Figure 3 the process shown.

[0126] In some embodiments, the network may not include an integrated computing controller configured to manage the entire computing power resources. In these embodiments, the source RAN directly obtains information related to computing power resources from all target RANs in the area where the UE is located. The source RAN compares the obtained information with the computing power resources required by the UE and determines / obtains / selects a suitable target RAN from those target RANs that have more computing power resources than required. The source RAN requests a handover operation to the selected target RAN, where the request message carries the target RAN information in the message. The subsequent handover process may refer to Figure 3 the process shown.

[0127] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of a process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In Figure 5 it, the computing controller selects a suitable target RAN for the handover operation.

[0128] Step 501: The UE moves from the area of the source RAN to the area of the target RAN, and the UE interacts with the source RAN for handover preparation and execution.

[0129] Step 502: The source RAN receives a handover request from the UE, and then the source RAN sends a handover notification to the computing controller to request information about the target RAN that needs to meet the computing power resource requirements of the UE. This message includes the required computing power resources and the location information of the UE, such as physical geographical location or serving cell information.

[0130] Step 503, the computing controller obtains the computing power resources of the target server from all target RANs serving the area where the UE is located. The target RAN may obtain information about the computing power resources of the target server from the associated served computing servers (i.e., computing server 1 to computing server n + 1).

[0131] Step 504: The computing controller selects a suitable target RAN from those target RANs that have available computing power resources to meet the UE's needs / requirements.

[0132] Step 505: The computing controller notifies the source RAN of the information of the selected target RAN.

[0133] Step 506: The source RAN initiates a handover request to the selected target RAN. In this embodiment, the selected target RAN is target RAN 1.

[0134] Step 507: The subsequent handover process from the source RAN to the target RAN can refer to the process in Figure 3 the process in

[0135] Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of the process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In Figure 6 the source RAN selects a suitable target RAN for the handover operation.

[0136] Step 601: The UE moves from the area of the source RAN to the area served by one or more target RANs and interacts with the source RAN for handover preparation and execution.

[0137] Step 602: The source RAN obtains information related to the computing power resources of the target computing server from all target RANs serving the area where the UE is located. Each target RAN can obtain information on the computing power resources of the target computing server from the associated served computing servers (e.g., computing server 2 to computing server n + 1).

[0138] Step 603: The target RAN notifies the source RAN of the computing power resources available to them for the handover operation.

[0139] Step 604: The source RAN selects a suitable target RAN from the target RANs whose available computing power resources meet the UE's needs / requirements.

[0140] Step 605: The source RAN initiates a handover request to the selected target RAN. In this embodiment, the selected target RAN is target RAN n

[0141] Step 606: The subsequent handover process from the source RAN to the target RAN can refer to the process in Figure 3 the process in

[0142] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of the network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In Figure 7 each of UPF 1 to UPF n is served by one or more computing servers. Specifically, UPF 1 is served by computing server 1, UPF 2 is served by computing server 2, and so on.

[0143] In some embodiments, Figure 7The UE in it may need to move from the source core network system (e.g., anchored in the source UPF 1 served by the computing server 1) to the target core network system (e.g., anchored in the target UPF 2 served by the computing server 2). When the UE initiates a handover request, the most suitable target UPF can be selected to provide computing power resources for the UE.

[0144] In Figure 7 , the network includes an integrated computing controller that is configured to manage the entire computing power resources. In this case, the AMF or SMF notifies the computing controller of the operation to request PDU modification from [source UPF and the corresponding computing server] to [target UPF and the corresponding computing server] by sending a request message carrying the UE location such as physical geographical location, serving cell information, etc.

[0145] The computing controller requests information on relevant computing power resources from all target UPFs in the area where the UE is located, compares the obtained information with the computing power resources required by the UE, and accordingly selects a suitable target UPF from those target UPFs with more computing power resources than the required ones.

[0146] In one embodiment, the computing controller notifies / sends the information of the selected target UPF to the AMF, and the AMF requests a PDN session update operation from the SMF. The SMF performs a PDU modification operation that interacts with the source UPF and the target UPF. The subsequent PDU session modification process refers to the existing 3GPP handover process.

[0147] In one embodiment, the computing controller notifies / sends the information of the selected target UPF to the SMF. The SMF directly performs the subsequent PDU session modification process (e.g., Figure 3 at least a part of the process shown).

[0148] In some embodiments, the network does not include an integrated computing controller configured to manage the entire computing power resources, and the AMF or SMF directly obtains relevant information on computing power resources from all target UPFs serving the area where the UE is located. The AMF or SMF compares the obtained information with the computing power resources required by the UE and determines / selects a suitable target UPF from those target UPFs with more computing power resources than the UE requires. In the case where the AMF selects the target UPF, the AMF requests a PDN session update operation from the SMF, and the target UPF information is carried in the request message. The SMF performs a PDU modification operation by interacting with the source UPF and the target UPF. The subsequent PDU session modification process refers to Figure 3 the handover process shown.

[0149] Figure 8A schematic diagram of a process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In this embodiment, the computing controller selects a suitable target UPF for the handover operation. Note that in Figure 8 the term "S-UPF" refers to the source UPF, the term "T-UPF" refers to the target UPF, the term "S-RAN" refers to the source RAN, and the term "T-RAN" refers to the target RAN.

[0150] Step 801: The UE moves from the area of the source RAN to the area served by the target RAN. The UE interacts with the source RAN for handover preparation and execution. The source RAN performs the handover operation and hands over the UE to the target RAN.

[0151] Step 802, the target RAN sends a path handover request to the AMF in the core network, where the path handover request carries the location of the UE and other information required for the handover operation.

[0152] Option 1: AMF as the local computing controller

[0153] Step 803a: The AMF sends a PDU session update notification to the computing controller, notifying that the UE has moved and that the PDU session may need to be updated from the source UPF to the target UPF, and requests information about the target UPF. Note that the target UPF needs to meet the computing power requirements of the UE. This message carries the location of the UE, the computing power resources required by the UE, etc.

[0154] Step 804a, the computing controller obtains information about the computing power resources of the target computing server from one or more target UPFs serving the area where the UE is located. In one embodiment, each target UPF can obtain information about the computing power resources of the target computing server from the associated served computing server (e.g., computing servers 1 to n).

[0155] Step 805a, the computing controller selects a suitable target UPF from the target UPFs with available computing power resources that meet / meet the computing power resource requirements of the UE.

[0156] Step 806a, the computing controller notifies the AMF of the information of the selected target UPF.

[0157] Step 807a, the AMF sends a PDU session update request carrying the information of the selected target UPF to the SMF.

[0158] Step 808a: The PDU session modification operation is executed and completed through the interaction between the SMF, the source UPF, and the target UPF. The data link is switched from the source UPF to the target UPF.

[0159] Option 2: SMF as the local computing controller

[0160] Step 803b: The AMF sends a PDU session update request to the SMF.

[0161] Steps 804b to 808b: The SMF obtains information computing resources from all target UPFs and selects a suitable target UPF for the PDU session update operation. The PDU session modification operation is executed and completed through the interaction between the SMF, the source UPF, and the target UPF. The data link has been switched from the source UPF to the target UPF.

[0162] In one embodiment, Steps 804b to 808b are similar to Steps 803a to 806a and 808a.

[0163] Step 809: After the PDU session is updated, the downlink data can be delivered from the target UPF to the UE via the target RAN.

[0164] Step 810: The PDU session update is successful, and the SMF returns a PDU session update response to the AMF.

[0165] Step 811: The AMF sends a path switch response to the target RAN.

[0166] Step 812: The handover from the source UPF to the target UPF is completed.

[0167] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In Figure 9 it, the AMF or the SMF selects a suitable target UPF for the handover operation. Note that the term "S-UPF" refers to the source UPF, the term "T-UPF" refers to the target UPF, the term "S-RAN" refers to the source RAN, and the term "T-RAN" refers to the target RAN.

[0168] Step 901: The UE moves from the area of the source RAN to the area of the target RAN. The UE interacts with the source RAN for handover preparation and execution. The source RAN performs the handover operation and hands over the UE to the target RAN.

[0169] Step 902: The target RAN sends a path switch request to the AMF located in the core network. The path switch request carries the location of the UE and other information required for this handover operation.

[0170] Option 1: The AMF acts as a local computing controller

[0171] Step 903a: The AMF obtains information on the computing resources of the target computing server from all target UPFs serving the area where the UE is located.

[0172] Step 904a, each target UPF obtains information on computing power resources from the associated served computing server and sends the obtained information to the AMF. In one embodiment, the target UPF obtains information on computing power resources from the associated computing server (e.g., computing server 1 to computing server n).

[0173] Step 905a, the AMF selects a suitable target UPF from those target UPFs that have available computing power resources meeting the UE requirements.

[0174] Step 906a, the AMF sends a PDU session update request carrying the information of the selected target UPF to the SMF.

[0175] Step 907a: The PDU session modification operation is executed and completed through the interaction among the SMF, the source UPF, and the target UPF. The data link is switched from the source UPF to the target UPF.

[0176] Option 2: The SMF acts as a local computing controller

[0177] Step 903b: The AMF sends a PDU session update request to the SMF.

[0178] Steps 904b to 907b: The SMF obtains information on computing power resources from all target UPFs and selects a suitable target UPF for the PDU session update operation. The PDU session modification operation is executed and completed through the interaction among the SMF, the source UPF, and the target UPF. The data link is switched from the source UPF to the target UPF. In one embodiment, steps 904b to 907b are similar to steps 903a to 905a and 907a.

[0179] Step 908: After the PDU session is updated, the downlink data can be delivered from the target UPF to the UE via the target RAN.

[0180] Step 909: The PDU session update is successful, and the SMF returns a PDU session update response to the AMF.

[0181] Step 910: The AMF sends a path switch response to the target RAN.

[0182] Step 911: The handover from the source UPF to the target UPF is completed.

[0183] In some embodiments, the computing server can be mobile. When the source computing server serving the UE (e.g., providing computing resources for the UE) moves to an area where there are troubles / problems in serving the UE, it is necessary to switch from the source computing server to the target computing server to provide computing power resources to the UE.

[0184] That is to say, in the case of a mobile computing server, it may be necessary to switch from a source computing server to a target computing server.

[0185] In some embodiments, when the computing server moves, the computing server reports its location and computing power resource information to the computing controller. If the computing controller determines that it is difficult for the source computing server to serve the RAN / AMF without degrading performance, the computing controller notifies the RAN / AMF to switch to the target computing server and carries the information of the target computing server, and the RAN / AMF updates the serving computing server with the target computing server.

[0186] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In this embodiment, when the source computing server moves, the computing controller notifies the RAN / AMF to initiate a switch from the source computing server to the target computing server. In Figure 10 this context, the term "S-computing server" refers to the source computing server, and the term "T-computing server" refers to the target computing server.

[0187] Step 1001, each computing server registers with the computing controller, where the registration information may include at least one of the ID, location, and computing power resource information of the registered computing server. In one embodiment, if the computing server stops serving, it can also deregister from the computing controller.

[0188] Step 1002, the RAN / AMF applies to the computing controller for computing power resources for services and applications, and the computing controller allocates the source computing server to provide computing power resources to the RAN / AMF.

[0189] Step 1003, when the source computing server or the target computing server moves, the source computing server or the target computing server should report the location and information of the computing power resources to the computing controller. In one embodiment, the information of the computing power resources includes information on the computing resources used and / or the remaining computing resources.

[0190] Step 1004, after receiving the location information and the computing power resource information from the source computing server, the computing controller determines / judges based on the changed location that the source computing server is difficult to serve the RAN / UPF without degrading performance, and decides to replace the source computing server with a suitable target computing server. The computing controller selects a target computing server to serve the RAN / AMF.

[0191] Step 1005, the computing controller sends a switch notification to the RAN / AMF, notifying that the source computing server needs to be replaced by the target computing server, where the switch notification may carry the information of the selected target computing server.

[0192] Step 1006: The RAN / AMF sends a handover request to the target computing server to update the computing server serving the RAN / AMF.

[0193] Step 1007: The handover operation is successful, and the computing server of the RAN / AMF is updated from the source computing server to the target computing server.

[0194] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of a process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In Figure 11 this, a computing power consumer (e.g., a computing server) registers with a computing controller.

[0195] Step 1101: When providing a service of computing power resources, the computing power consumer registers with the computing controller.

[0196] In one embodiment, the registration information includes at least one of the ID (identity), location, and information of computing power resources of the computing power consumer. Note that if necessary, the registration information may also include other information.

[0197] Step 1102: The computing controller registers the service associated with the existing computing server instance.

[0198] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of a process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In Figure 12 this, the computing power consumer (e.g., a computing server) deregisters from the computing controller.

[0199] Step 1201: If the computing power consumer (e.g., a computing server) stops the service (e.g., due to mobility or a fault), the computing controller performs a deregistration / deletion operation when receiving a deletion message from the computing power consumer.

[0200] The service operation in Step 1201 removes the information of the computing server instance previously registered in the computing controller.

[0201] Step 1202: The computing controller responds to the computing power consumer, indicating whether the deregistration / deletion operation is successful.

[0202] In one embodiment, when the UE or the computing server moves, the source RAN or the source UPF that provides computing resources for the UE can be switched to the target RAN or the target UPF that can provide sufficient computing power resources to meet the requirements of the UE.

[0203] In one embodiment, the RAN or the UPF obtains the information of the computing power resources from the computing server serving the RAN or the UPF.

[0204] In one embodiment, the computing controller decides / selects a suitable RAN or UPF as the target RAN or target UPF based on the information of computing power resources provided by the target RAN candidate or target UPF candidate (e.g., the RAN or UPFs serving the area where the UE is located).

[0205] In one embodiment, the source RAN, AMF, or SMF may decide and / or select the target RAN or target UPF based on the information of computing power resources.

[0206] In one embodiment, the computing controller, source RAN, AMF, or SMF may obtain the information of computing power resources from all target RANs or target UPFs and judge / determine which one is the best candidate to meet the UE requirements.

[0207] In the embodiment of the computing server being moved, the computing server reports its location and / or the information of its computing power resources.

[0208] In one embodiment, the computing controller, RAN, AMF, or SMF may send the information of the selected target RAN, target UPF, or target computing server to the source RAN or AMF.

[0209] In one embodiment, an interface between the RAN and the computing controller is disclosed. This interface can be used / configured to send handover notifications and / or request information of the target RAN.

[0210] In one embodiment, an interface between the AMF and the computing controller is proposed. This interface is configured to send PDU update notifications and / or request information of the target RAN.

[0211] In one embodiment, the computing controller, source RAN, SMF, or AMF is configured to perform at least one of the following:

[0212] - Collect information of computing power resources from all target servers, target UPFs, or target RANs;

[0213] - Compare the available computing power resources with the required resources of the UE to find out which target UPF, computing server, RAN can be used

[0214] - Select the target RAN, target UPF, or target computing server to the source RAN or AMF;

[0215] - Send the information of the selected target UPF, RAN to the source RAN / AMF; or

[0216] - Send a handover notification to the RAN / AMF and provide the information of the selected target RAN / computing server / UPF.

[0217] In one embodiment, the target RAN or the target UPF is configured to perform at least one of the following operations:

[0218] - Obtain information about the computing power resource from the computing server serving the computing power resource; or

[0219] - Send the information about the computing power resource to the computing controller, the source RAN, or the AMF.

[0220] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of a process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In Figure 13 this, the source computing power consumer (e.g., RAN, AMF, or SMF) sends a handover notification to the computing controller. The handover notification includes at least one of the location information of the wireless device (e.g., UE) or the computing power resource requirement (step 1301). The computing controller obtains information about the computing power resource from the target computing power consumers (e.g., RAN, UPF, wireless network node with computing resources, or wireless network node associated with the computing server) serving the area where the wireless device is located, and determines / selects one of the target computing power consumers based on the obtained information and the computing power resource demand. Note that the computing controller can obtain the location information from all the target computing power consumers and determine whether each target computing power consumer serves the area where the wireless device is located (steps 1302 and 1303). The computing controller then sends the information of the selected target computing power consumer to the source computing power consumer (step 1304). The source computing power consumer can perform subsequent handover procedures to switch the computing power consumer serving the wireless device from the source computing power consumer to the selected target computing power consumer. That is, after the subsequent handover procedure, the computing power consumer serving the wireless device changes from the source computing power consumer to the selected target computing power consumer.

[0221] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of a process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In Figure 14In this case, a source computing power consumer (e.g., RAN, AMF, or SMF) can receive a handover request from a wireless device or determine that a handover of the wireless device is required. For example, the wireless device may move outside the service area of the source computing power consumer, the communication performance between the wireless device and the source computing power consumer may degrade, or the wireless device may require more computing power (resources) than the computing power consumer can provide. In such a case, the source computing power consumer obtains computing power resource information from each target computing power consumer (e.g., RAN, UPF, a wireless network node with computing resources, or a wireless network node associated with a computing server) serving the area where the wireless device is located (steps 1401 and 1402). The source computing power consumer determines / selects one of the target computing power consumers based on the obtained information and the computing power resource requirements of the wireless device (step 1403). The source computing power consumer can perform subsequent handover procedures to switch the computing power consumer serving the wireless device from the source computing power consumer to the selected target computing power consumer. That is, after the subsequent handover procedure, the computing power consumer serving the wireless device changes from the source computing power consumer to the selected target computing power consumer. That is, in Figure 14 this case, the source computing power consumer acts as a local computing controller.

[0222] Figure 15 FIG. is a schematic diagram of a wireless terminal 150 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The wireless terminal 150 can be a user equipment (UE), a mobile phone, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, an e-book, or a portable computer system, and is not limited thereto. The wireless terminal 150 can include a processor 1500 such as a microprocessor or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a storage unit 1510, and a communication unit 1520. The storage unit 1510 can be any data storage device that stores program code 1512 accessed and executed by the processor 1500. Embodiments of the storage unit 1510 include, but are not limited to, a subscriber identity module (SIM), a read only memory (ROM), a flash memory, a random access memory (RAM), a hard disk, and an optical data storage device. The communication unit 1520 can be a transceiver and is used to send and receive signals (e.g., messages or data packets) according to the processing result of the processor 1500. In one embodiment, the communication unit 1520 transmits and receives signals via Figure 15 at least one antenna 1522 as shown.

[0223] In one embodiment, the storage unit 1510 and the program code 1512 can be omitted, and the processor 1500 can include a storage unit having the stored program code.

[0224] The processor 1500 can implement any one of the steps in the exemplary embodiments on the wireless terminal 150, for example, by executing the program code 1512.

[0225] The communication unit 1520 may be a transceiver. As an alternative or complementary solution, the communication unit 1520 may combine a transmitting unit and a receiving unit, which are configured to transmit signals to a wireless network node (e.g., a base station) and receive signals from the wireless network node (e.g., a base station) respectively.

[0226] Figure 16 Schematic diagram of a wireless network node 160 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The wireless network node 160 may be a satellite, a base station (BS), a network entity, a mobility management entity (MME), a serving gateway (S-GW), a packet data network (PDN) gateway (P-GW), a radio access network (RAN) node, a next-generation RAN (NG-RAN) node, a gNB, an eNB, a gNB centralized unit (gNB-CU), a gNB distributed unit (gNB-DU), a data network, a core network, or a radio network controller (RNC), and is not limited thereto. In addition, the wireless network node 160 may include (perform) at least one network function such as an access and mobility management function (AMF), a session management function (SMF), a user location function (UPF), a policy control function (PCF), an application function (AF), etc. The wireless network node 160 may include a processor 1600 such as a microprocessor or an ASIC, a storage unit 1610, and a communication unit 1620. The storage unit 1610 may be any data storage device that stores program code 1612 accessed and executed by the processor 1600. Examples of the storage unit 1610 include, but are not limited to, a SIM, a ROM, a flash memory, a RAM, a hard disk, and an optical data storage device. The communication unit 1620 may be a transceiver and is used to transmit and receive signals (e.g., messages or data packets) according to the processing result of the processor 1600. In one example, the communication unit 1620 transmits and receives signals via Figure 16 at least one antenna 1622 shown.

[0227] In one embodiment, the storage unit 1610 and the program code 1612 may be omitted. The processor 1600 may include a storage unit having the stored program code.

[0228] The processor 1600 may implement any of the steps described in the exemplary embodiments on the wireless network node 160, for example, by executing the program code 1612.

[0229] The communication unit 1620 may be a transceiver. As an alternative or complementary solution, the communication unit 1620 may combine a transmitting unit and a receiving unit, which are configured to transmit signals to a wireless terminal (e.g., a user equipment or another wireless network node) and receive signals from the wireless terminal respectively.

[0230] In the present disclosure, a wireless network node, wireless device, or wireless terminal includes network functions (e.g., AMF, SMF, or UPF), and / or a network element refers to a device that performs network functions and / or includes at least some of the functions of a network element included in the device.

[0231] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that these embodiments are provided by way of example only and not as limitations. Similarly, the various figures may depict exemplary architectures or configurations that are provided to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to understand the exemplary features and functions of the present disclosure. However, these persons should understand that the present disclosure is not limited to the exemplary architectures or configurations shown, but may be implemented using various alternative architectures and configurations. In addition, as should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, one or more features of one embodiment may be combined with one or more features of another embodiment described herein. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above exemplary embodiments.

[0232] It should also be understood that any reference to elements by names such as "first", "second", etc. generally does not limit the number or order of these elements. Instead, these names may be used herein as a convenient means of distinguishing between two or more elements or instances of elements. Thus, referring to a first and a second element does not mean that only two elements can be used, or that the first element must precede the second element in some manner.

[0233] In addition, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that information and signals can be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, the data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, and symbols that may be referred to in the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0234] Those skilled in the art should also recognize that any of the various illustrative logical blocks, units, processors, devices, circuits, methods, and functions described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented by electronic hardware (e.g., digital implementations, analog implementations, or a combination of both), firmware, various forms of programs or design code containing instructions (for convenience, may be referred to herein as "software" or "software units"), or any combination of these techniques.

[0235] To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware, firmware, and software, various illustrative components, blocks, units, circuits, and steps have been generally described above according to their functions. Whether this functionality is implemented as hardware, firmware, software, or a combination of these techniques depends on the particular application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in various ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions do not result in a departure from the scope of the present disclosure. According to various embodiments, a processor, device, component, circuit, structure, machine, unit, etc. may be configured to perform one or more of the functions described herein. The terms “configured to” or “configured for” as used herein with respect to a specified operation or function refer to a processor, device, component, circuit, structure, machine, unit, etc. that is physically constructed, programmed, and / or arranged to perform the specified operation or function.

[0236] In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various exemplary logic blocks, units, devices, components, and circuits described herein may be implemented within or performed by an integrated circuit (IC), which may include 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 device, or any combination thereof. The logic blocks, units, and circuits may also include antennas and / or transceivers to communicate with various components within a network or device. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but alternatively, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other suitable configuration that performs the functions described herein. If implemented in software, these functions may be stored as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Thus, the steps of the methods or algorithms disclosed herein may be implemented as software stored on a computer-readable medium.

[0237] Computer-readable media includes computer storage media and communication media, which include any medium that can transfer a computer program or code from one place to another. The storage media may be any available medium accessible by a computer. By way of example and not limitation, such computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer.

[0238] As used herein, the term "unit" refers to software, firmware, hardware, and any combination of these elements for performing the relevant functions described herein. Additionally, for the purposes of discussion, the various units are described as discrete units; however, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that two or more units may be combined to form a single unit that performs the relevant functions in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0239] Furthermore, a memory or other storage device and communication components may be employed in embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood that, for clarity, the above description has described embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to different functional units and processors. However, it is apparent that any suitable distribution of functionality between different functional units, processing logic elements, or domains may be used without departing from the present disclosure. For example, functions illustrated as being performed by separate processing logic elements or controllers may be performed by the same processing logic element or controller. Thus, the reference to a particular functional unit is merely a reference to a suitable means for providing the recited functionality and is not an indication of a strict logical or physical structure or organization.

[0240] Various modifications to the described embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the novel features and principles disclosed herein, as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A wireless communication method used in a computing power control node, the method comprises: obtaining computing power resource information of at least one computing power consumption node, and selecting a target computing power consumption node from the at least one candidate target computing power consumption node based on the computing power resource information of the at least one candidate target computing power consumption node and the computing power requirement information of the wireless device, for switching associated with the computing power resources of the wireless device.

2. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, the at least one candidate target computing power consumption node serves the area where the wireless device is located.

3. The wireless communication method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprises: sending information of the target computing power consumption node to a wireless network node serving the wireless device.

4. The wireless communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprises: receiving a handover notification of the handover from the wireless network node.

5. The wireless communication method according to claim 4, wherein, the handover notification includes at least one of the computing power requirement information or the location information of the wireless device.

6. The wireless communication method according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein, the wireless network node includes at least one of a base station, an access and mobility management function, or a session management function.

7. The wireless communication method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprises: switching the computing power consumption node serving the wireless device from a source computing power consumption node to the target computing power consumption node.

8. The wireless communication method according to claim 7, further comprises: determining the handover of the wireless device, or receiving a handover request associated with the handover of the wireless device.

9. The wireless communication method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, the computing power control node includes at least one of a base station serving the wireless device, an access and mobility management function serving the wireless device, or a session management function serving the wireless terminal.

10. The wireless communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, the computing power consumption node includes at least one of a computing power node having computing power resources or associated with at least one computing power server, a base station, or a user plane function.

11. A wireless communication method used in a wireless network node, the method comprises: sending a handover notification of a handover associated with the computing power resources of a wireless device to a computing power control node, and receiving a target computing power consumption node for the handover from the computing power control node.

12. The wireless communication method according to claim 11, further comprises: switching the computing power consumption node serving the wireless device from a source computing power consumption node to the target computing power consumption node.

13. The wireless communication method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, the handover notification includes at least one of the computing power requirement information or the location information of the wireless device.

14. The wireless communication method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein, The wireless network node includes at least one of a base station serving the wireless device, an access and mobility management function, or a session management function.

15. The wireless communication method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein, The target computing power consumption node includes at least one of a computing power node having computing power resources or associated with at least one computing power server, a base station, or a user plane function.

16. A wireless communication method used in a computing power control node, the method comprises: Receiving status information of the source computing power server from the source computing power server, and Obtaining status information of at least one computing power server in the area serving the computing power consumption node served by the source computing power server, Selecting a target computing power server from the at least one computing power server based on the status information of the source computing power server and the status information of the at least one computing power server, and Sending information of the target computing power server to the computing power consumption node served by the source computing power server in a handover notification.

17. The wireless communication method according to claim 16, wherein, The status information includes at least one of location information or computing power resource information.

18. The wireless communication method according to claim 17, wherein, The computing power information includes at least one of used computing power resource information or remaining computing power resource information.

19. The wireless communication method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein, The computing power consumption node includes at least one of a computing power node having computing power resources or associated with at least one computing power server, a base station, or a user plane function.

20. A wireless communication method used in a computing power server, the method comprises: In response to a change in the location of the computing power server, sending the status information of the computing power server to the computing power control node.

21. The wireless communication method according to claim 20, wherein, The status information includes at least one of location information or computing power resource information.

22. The wireless communication method according to claim 21, wherein, The computing power information includes at least one of used computing power resource information or remaining computing power resource information.

23. A computing power control node, the computing power control node comprises: A processor configured to: Obtain computing power resource information of at least one computing power consumption node, and Select a target computing power consumption node from the at least one target computing power consumption node candidate based on the computing power resource information of at least one target computing power consumption node candidate and the computing power requirement information of the wireless device for handover associated with the computing power resources of the wireless device.

24. The computing power control node according to claim 23, wherein, The processor is further configured to execute the wireless communication method according to any one of claims 2 to 10.

25. A wireless network node, the wireless network node comprises: A communication unit configured to: Send a handover notification for a handover associated with the computing power resources of the wireless device to the computing power control node, and Receive a target computing power consumption node for the handover from the computing power control node.

26. The wireless network node according to claim 25, further comprising a processor configured to execute the wireless communication method according to any one of claims 12 to 15.

27. A computing power control node, the computing power control node comprising: A communication unit configured to receive status information of the source computing power server from the source computing power server, A processor configured to obtain status information of at least one computing power server in a region serving the computing power consumption node served by the source computing power server, and based on the status information of the source computing power server and the status information of the at least one computing power server, select a target computing power server from the at least one computing power server, wherein the communication unit is further configured to send information of the target computing power server to the computing power consumption node served by the source computing power server in a handover notification.

28. The computing power control node according to claim 27, wherein the processor is further configured to execute the wireless communication method according to any one of claims 17 to 19.

29. A computing power server, comprising: A communication unit configured to send status information of the computing power server to a computing power control node in response to a change in the location of the computing power server.

30. The computing power server according to claim 29, further comprising a processor configured to execute the wireless communication method according to claim 21 or 22.

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