Method and device for measuring and selecting network topology path

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a network topology path measurement and selection method and device. The method comprises the following steps: sensing a plurality of network topology paths from a wireless side to a network side; a communication link state subscription request is sent to the core network element through the interface, a communication link state subscription response returned by the core network element is received, the communication link state subscription response carries the communication link state, and the communication link states of the network topology paths are measured through the interface. According to the method and the device, the problem that all reachable network topology paths cannot be accurately measured in the prior art can be solved, the communication link states of all the network topology paths can be globally measured, and preparation is made for a user to select an optimal network topology path, so that higher-quality network services can be provided for the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of communication technologies, and in particular, to a method and apparatus for measuring and selecting network topology paths. Background Art

[0002] New terminals also have higher requirements for network quality, network performance, etc., and it is necessary to ensure that the links accessed by each terminal can be forwarded with high quality and high speed. However, currently, no protocol has pointed out a method to obtain the network-wide topology of 5G, including from the radio access side, the core network side to the network side. Therefore, the 5G network topology paths and path health cannot be directly obtained, and the link forwarding of the terminal access can only rely on the stability of the link itself. If the access link is abnormal, it will affect the terminal service.

[0003] 3GPP newly defines an NRF network element to provide NF service registration functions and NF service discovery functions. Although other network functions (NF) of 5GC are all registered on the Network Repository Function (NRF), theoretically, NRF can perceive the network-wide topology information, but the main functions of NRF are SBI automatic discovery and cross-domain / cross-network node discovery. In addition, NRF only focuses on the interconnection discovery within 5GC and has no ability to manage the topological connection between the radio side and 5GC. Therefore, NRF is not suitable for assuming the role of 5G network topology management and maintenance. It is impossible to accurately measure all reachable paths and select the optimal path for users.

[0004] A solution to the problem that all reachable paths cannot be accurately measured and the optimal path cannot be selected for users in the related art has not been proposed yet. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a method and apparatus for measuring and selecting network topology paths, so as to at least solve the problem that all reachable paths cannot be accurately measured and the optimal path cannot be selected for users in the related art.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present application, a method for measuring network topology paths is provided, which is applied to a control plane network element, and the method includes:

[0007] Perceiving multiple network topology paths from the radio side to the network side;

[0008] Sending a communication link status subscription request to a core network element through an interface, and receiving a communication link status subscription response returned by the core network element, where the communication link status subscription response carries the communication link status.

[0009] According to another embodiment of the present application, there is also provided a method for selecting a network topology path, which is applied to a core network element, and the method includes:

[0010] Receiving the communication link states of multiple network topology paths measured by a control plane element;

[0011] Selecting a target network topology path from the multiple network topology paths according to the communication link states of the multiple network topology paths.

[0012] According to another embodiment of the present application, there is also provided a method for selecting a network topology path, which is applied to a core network element, and the method includes:

[0013] Receiving the communication link states of multiple network topology paths sensed by a control plane element through an interface;

[0014] Selecting a target network topology path from the multiple network topology paths according to the communication link states of the multiple network topology paths.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present application, there is also provided a device for selecting a network topology path, which is applied to a control plane element, and the device includes:

[0016] A sensing module, configured to sense multiple network topology paths from the radio side to the network side;

[0017] A measuring module, configured to send a communication link state subscription request to a core network element through an interface, and receive a communication link state subscription response returned by the core network element, where the communication link state subscription response carries the communication link state.

[0018] According to another embodiment of the present application, there is also provided a device for selecting a network topology path, which is applied to a core network element, and the device includes:

[0019] A receiving module, configured to receive the communication link states of multiple network topology paths measured by a control plane element through an interface;

[0020] A selecting module, configured to select a target network topology path from the multiple network topology paths according to the communication link states of the multiple network topology paths.

[0021] According to still another embodiment of the present application, there is also provided a computer-readable storage medium, in which a computer program is stored, where the computer program is configured to execute the steps in any one of the above method embodiments when running.

[0022] According to another embodiment of the present application, an electronic device is further provided, including a memory and a processor. A computer program is stored in the memory, and the processor is configured to run the computer program to execute the steps in any one of the above method embodiments.

[0023] In the embodiment of the present application, multiple network topology paths from the wireless side to the network side are sensed; a communication link status subscription request is sent to the core network element through an interface, and a communication link status subscription response returned by the core network element is received. The communication link status is carried in the communication link status subscription response, which can solve the problem in the related art that accurate measurement cannot be performed on all network topology paths, realize the global measurement of the communication link status of all network topology paths, and prepare for the user to select the optimal network topology path, so as to provide better network services for the user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 It is a hardware structure block diagram of a computer device for the network topology path measurement and selection method in the embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 2 It is a flowchart of the network topology path measurement method according to the embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the network topology automatic management and maintenance TPSMF network element;

[0027] Figure 4 It is an architecture diagram of the networking of the TPSMF network element according to this embodiment;

[0028] Figure 5 It is a flowchart of the network topology path selection method according to the embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 6 It is a flowchart of the network topology path selection method according to an alternative embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 7 It is a flowchart of the TPSMF-C N2 interface perception according to the embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 8 It is a flowchart of the TPSMF-C N4 interface perception according to this embodiment;

[0032] Figure 9 It is the process of the TPSMF-C SBI interface perception according to this embodiment Figure 1 ;

[0033] Figure 10 It is the process of the TPSMF-C SBI interface perception according to this embodiment Figure 2 ;

[0034] Figure 11 is a flowchart of TPSMF-L N3 taste perception according to this embodiment;

[0035] Figure 12 is a flowchart of TPSMF-L N6 taste perception according to this embodiment;

[0036] Figure 13 is a block diagram of a network topology path measurement device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 14 is a block diagram of a network topology path selection device according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed implementation manners

[0038] In the following, embodiments of this application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and in combination with embodiments.

[0039] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. in the description and claims of this application and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects, and do not necessarily need to be used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0040] The method embodiments provided in the embodiments of this application can be executed in a computer device or a similar computing device. Taking running on a computer device as an example, Figure 1 is a hardware structure block diagram of a computer device for the network topology path measurement and selection method according to an embodiment of this application, as Figure 1 shown. The computer device may include one or more ( Figure 1 only one is shown in Figure 1 a processor 102 (the processor 102 may include, but is not limited to, a processing device such as a microprocessor MCU or a programmable logic device) and a memory 104 for storing data. Among them, the above-mentioned computer device may further include a transmission device 106 for communication functions and an input / output device 108. Those of ordinary skill in the art can understand that Figure 1 the structure shown in Figure 1 is only schematic and does not limit the structure of the above-mentioned computer device. For example, the computer device may further include more or fewer components than

[0041] The memory 104 can be used to store computer programs, for example, software programs and modules of application software, such as the computer programs corresponding to the network topology path selection measurement and method in the embodiments of the present application. The processor 102 executes various functional applications and single-board matching by running the computer programs stored in the memory 104, that is, implements the above-mentioned method. The memory 104 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 memories, or other non-volatile solid-state memories. In some instances, the memory 104 may further include a memory remotely disposed relative to the processor 102, and these remote memories can be connected to the computer device through a network. Examples of the above-mentioned network include but are not limited to the Internet, enterprise intranet, local area network, mobile communication network, and combinations thereof.

[0042] The transmission device 106 is used to receive or send data via a network. Specific examples of the above-mentioned network may include a wireless network provided by a communication provider of the computer device. In one instance, the transmission device 106 includes a network adapter (abbreviated as NIC), which can be connected to other network devices through a base station and thus communicate with the Internet. In one instance, the transmission device 106 may be a radio frequency (RF) module, which is used to communicate with the Internet wirelessly.

[0043] In this embodiment, a network topology path measurement method running on the above-mentioned computer device is provided. Figure 2 It is a flowchart of the network topology path measurement method according to the embodiments of the present application, as Figure 2 shown, applied to a control plane network element, and the process includes the following steps:

[0044] Step S202, sense multiple network topology paths from the wireless side to the network side;

[0045] Step S204, send a communication link status subscription request to the core network element through an interface, and receive a communication link status subscription response returned by the core network element, where the communication link status subscription response carries the communication link status.

[0046] Through the above steps S202 to S204, the problem in the related art that all reachable network topology paths cannot be accurately measured can be solved, and a global measurement of the communication link status of all network topology paths is realized, preparing for the user to select the optimal network topology path, so as to provide better network services for the user.

[0047] In an optional embodiment, the above method further includes: providing the communication link states of the multiple network topology paths to a core network element; further, receiving a request message for obtaining the communication link states of the multiple network topology paths sent by the core network element; and returning a response message carrying the communication link states of the multiple network topology paths to the core network element, where the communication link states are used by the core network element to select a target network topology path from the multiple network topology paths. Thereby, the problem in the related art that all reachable paths cannot be accurately measured and the optimal path cannot be selected for the user can be solved. A global measurement of the communication link states of all network topology paths can be performed to select the optimal network topology path for the user, realizing the provision of a better network service for the user.

[0048] In the embodiments of the present application, all network topology paths in the 5G network topology can be learned through interface perception, including the network topology paths from the access network side to the core network side, within the core network, and from the core network side to the network side. Specifically, the network topology relationship is learned from the SCP, from the switch connected to the NF, or from the NF, and then the topology structure relationship between all nodes in the network and the communication paths between the nodes can be learned, obtaining all network topology paths from the radio side to the network side.

[0049] The multiple core network elements in the embodiments of the present application at least include an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF for short), a User Plan Function (UPF for short), a Session Management Function (SMF for short), a Signaling Control point (SCP for short), and a Network Function (NF for short); in the case where the communication link state subscription request is a NON-SBI communication link state subscription request, the communication link state subscription response is a NON-SBI communication link state subscription response; in the case where the communication link state subscription request is an SBI communication link state subscription request, the communication link state subscription response is a Service Base Interface (SBI for short) communication link state subscription response. The above step S204 may specifically include:

[0050] Send a non-service-based interface (NON-SBI) communication link status subscription request for subscribing to the N2 interface link in the radio access network (RAN) to core network topology path to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), and receive the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response returned by the AMF after creating a subscription context and recording the N2 interface link status, where the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response carries the N2 interface link status; and / or

[0051] Send a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request for subscribing to the N3 interface link in the RAN to core network topology path to the User Plane Function (UPF), and receive the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response returned by the UPF after creating a subscription context and recording the N3 interface link status, where the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response carries the N3 interface link status, or send a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request for subscribing to the N6 interface link in the core network to network topology path to the UPF, and receive the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response returned by the UPF after creating a subscription context and recording the N6 interface link status, where the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response carries the N6 interface link status; and / or

[0052] Send a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request for subscribing to the N4 interface link in the core network internal topology path to the Session Management Function (SMF), and receive the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response returned by the SMF after creating a subscription context and recording the N4 interface link status, where the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response carries the N4 interface link status; and / or

[0053] Send an SBI communication link status subscription request for subscribing to the service-based interface (SBI) link in the core network internal topology path to the Service Capability Platform (SCP) or each Network Function (NF), and receive the SBI communication link status subscription response returned by the SCP or each NF after creating a subscription context and recording the SBI communication link status, where the SBI communication link status subscription response carries the SBI communication link status. Further, if the SCP is deployed, send a communication link status subscription request for obtaining the SBI link in the core network internal topology path to the SCP; if the SCP is not deployed, send a communication link status subscription request for obtaining the SBI link in the core network internal topology path to each NF.

[0054] In one embodiment, the method further includes: receiving an interface status change message sent by a core network element, and updating the communication link status of multiple network topology paths according to the interface status change message; and / or receiving a new interface status message sent by a core network element, and updating the communication connection status of multiple network topology paths according to the new interface status message.

[0055] The above control plane network element in the embodiment of the present application can specifically be a Topology Sensing and Manage Function (TPSMF) network element, that is, the global topology management and maintenance of the 5G network is realized through the TPSMF network element, including topology management and maintenance from the radio side to the core network side and then to the network side, realizing a global measurement of the 5G network topology path and path health, and providing better network services for users. The TPSMF network element has the following functions: automatic network topology discovery; network connection health monitoring; providing an open capability interface to query the status of network connections; being able to formulate accurate measurement of link delay / bandwidth / jitter and other indicators for users on a specified path, and being able to accurately measure jitter / delay for special users on all reachable paths according to user characteristics to select the optimal path for users. The newly built network topology automatic management and maintenance in this embodiment is not limited to being applied in the 5G network, and can also be applied in the future 6G network.

[0056] The TPSMF network element in this embodiment realizes the global topology management and maintenance of the 5G network, including topology management and maintenance from the radio side to the core network side and then to the network side, realizing a global measurement of the 5G network topology path and path health, and providing better network services for users.

[0057] TPSMF belongs to the control plane network element and can be logically divided into two network elements, TPSMF-C and TPSMF-L.

[0058] TPSMF obtains the 5G network topology path and topology path health through the following technical means.

[0059] 1. For the 5G network topology path, TPSMF learns the network topology relationship from the SCP, or from the switch connected to the NF, or from the NF.

[0060] 2. For the topology path health, the topology path health includes the health status and jitter, delay, throughput indicators.

[0061] Measurement of the topology path health from the radio side to the core network side:

[0062] Link perception of the N2 interface: TPSMF-C sends a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request message to the AMF to subscribe to the N2 interface link status event notification.

[0063] Link perception of the N3 interface: TPSMF-L sends a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request message to the UPF to subscribe to the N3 interface link status event notification.

[0064] Among them, the NON-SBI communication link status subscription is a newly defined subscription message.

[0065] Measurement of the health of the internal topology path of the core network:

[0066] Link status awareness of the N4 interface: TPSMF-C sends a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request message to the SMF to subscribe to the N4 interface link status event notification.

[0067] Link status awareness of the SBI interface: If the 5G network deploys the SCP, TPSMF-C sends an SBI communication link status subscription request message to the SCP to subscribe to the SBI interface link status event notification. If the 5G network does not deploy the SCP, TPSMF-C sends an SBI communication link status subscription request message to each NF to subscribe to the SBI interface link status event notification.

[0068] Topology path awareness from the core network side to the network side and link status awareness of the N6 interface: TPSMF-L sends a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request message to the UPF to subscribe to the N6 interface link status event notification.

[0069] 3. Provide an ability open interface to query the status of the network connection.

[0070] TPSMF provides an ability open interface for third parties to query the status of the network connection. Examples of related functions are as follows:

[0071] (1) Selection of NF: For example, during the PDU session, in addition to selecting the appropriate NF according to the specifications defined by 3GPP, the communication link status near the NF provided by TPSMF can also be combined for a better selection.

[0072] (2) Network path optimization: For example, TPSMF can provide network path optimization processing to the network computing controller.

[0073] 4. Have the ability to formulate accurate measurement of link delay / bandwidth / jitter and other metrics of the user's communication on the specified path.

[0074] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the TPSMF network element for automatic management and maintenance of the network topology, as Figure 3 shown, TPSMF automatically learns network topology paths 1 to 6, and the learned network topology paths are from the wireless side to the network side. TPSMF can sense the jitter / delay metrics of paths 1 to 6. TPSMF can accurately measure the jitter / delay on all reachable paths for special users according to the characteristics of the users, and select the optimal path for the users. For example, according to the user's location (Celll / TA) and based on the ID / IP identified by the DN, accurate measurement is performed on all reachable paths of the user. TPSMF can sense and decide the best link for a specific user to use a specific service to a specific edge cloud node. It plays a role in the integrated scheduling of network computing.

[0075] Figure 4 is the architecture diagram of the networking of the TPSMF network element according to this embodiment. As Figure 4 shown, the TPSMF belongs to the control plane network element and can be logically divided into two network elements, namely TPSMF-C and TPSMF-L. TPSMF-C and TPSMF-L can communicate with devices such as AMF, SMF, UPF, PCF, and UDM in the 5GC through the service-based interfaces provided by the 5GC, and the devices in the 5GC can also communicate with each other through the service-based interfaces.

[0076] TPSMF-C is centrally deployed and is responsible for the automatic learning and maintenance of the control plane SBI interface, as well as the N2 interface and the N4 interface, and provides a capability open SBI interface. TPSMF-L is edge-deployed and is responsible for the automatic learning and maintenance of the user plane N3 interface and the N6 interface, and provides a capability open SBI interface.

[0077] In terms of product implementation, TPSMF-C and TPSMF-L can be implemented in one. In terms of deployment, TPSMF-C and TPSMF-L can also be separately deployed. For example, TPSMF-C is mainly centrally deployed in major regions, and TPSMF-L can be distributedly deployed in cities or parks. In terms of capability registration, TPSMF-C / TPSMF-L can register its own capabilities on the NRF so that other NFs can perceive the capability range of TPSMF (control plane link, user plane link).

[0078] The embodiment of this application also provides a method for selecting a network topology path. Figure 5 is the flowchart of the method for selecting a network topology path according to the embodiment of this application. As Figure 5 shown, it is applied to the core network element, and this process includes the following steps:

[0079] Step S502: Receive the communication link status of multiple network topology paths measured by the control plane network element through the interface;

[0080] Step S504: Select a target network topology path from multiple network topology paths according to the communication link status of the multiple network topology paths.

[0081] Through the above steps S502 to S504, the problem in the related technology that it is impossible to accurately measure all reachable paths and cannot select the optimal path for the user can be solved. A global measurement of the communication link status of all network topology paths can be performed to select the optimal network topology path for the user, realizing the provision of better network services for the user.

[0082] In the embodiment of the present application, the above step S502 may specifically include: sending a request message for obtaining the communication link status of multiple network topology paths to the control plane network element; receiving a response message returned by the control plane network element and carrying the communication link status of multiple network topology paths.

[0083] Figure 6 It is a flowchart of a network topology path selection method according to an alternative embodiment of the present application. As Figure 6 shown, the method further includes:

[0084] Step S602, receiving a communication link status subscription request sent by the control plane network element, and returning a communication link status subscription response to the control plane network element, where the communication link status subscription response carries the communication link status.

[0085] The core network element in the embodiment of the present application is at least one of the following: AMF, UPF, SMF, SCP, NF. When the communication link status subscription request is a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request, the communication link status subscription response is a NON-SBI communication link status subscription response; when the communication link status subscription request is an SBI communication link status subscription request, the communication link status subscription response is an SBI communication link status subscription response.

[0086] In the embodiment of the present application, the above step S602 may specifically include:

[0087] If it is AMF, receive a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request for subscribing to the N2 interface link in the topology path from the radio side to the core network side sent by the control plane network element, and return a NON-SBI communication link status subscription response to the control plane network element after creating a subscription context and recording the N2 interface link status, where the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response carries the N2 interface link status;

[0088] If it is UPF, receive a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request for subscribing to the N3 interface link in the topology path from the radio side to the core network side sent by the control plane network element, and return a NON-SBI communication link status subscription response to the control plane network element after creating a subscription context and recording the N3 interface link status, where the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response carries the N3 interface link status; or, receive a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request for subscribing to the N6 interface link in the topology path from the core network side to the network side sent by the control plane network element, and return a NON-SBI communication link status subscription response to the control plane network element after creating a subscription context and recording the N6 interface link status, where the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response carries the N6 interface link status;

[0089] If it is an SMF, it receives a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request for subscribing to the N4 interface link in the core network internal topology path sent by the control plane network element, and returns a NON-SBI communication link status subscription response to the control plane network element after creating a subscription context and recording the N4 interface link status, where the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response carries the N4 interface link status;

[0090] If it is an SCP or NF, it receives an SBI communication link status subscription request for subscribing to the service-based interface SBI interface link in the core network internal topology path sent by the control plane network element, and returns an SBI communication link status subscription response to the control plane network element after creating a subscription context and recording the SBI communication link status, where the SBI communication link status subscription response carries the SBI communication link status.

[0091] In an embodiment, after the above step S602, the method further includes: sending an interface status change message to the control plane network element, where the interface status change message is used for the control plane network element to update the communication link status of multiple network topology paths; and / or sending a new interface status message to the control plane network element, where the new interface status message is used for the control plane network element to update the communication connection status of multiple network topology paths.

[0092] The following further details the technical solutions described in the embodiments of the present application through specific embodiments, so that those skilled in the art can better understand the present application and be able to implement it, but the specific embodiments given are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0093] The control plane network element in the embodiments of the present application may specifically be a TPSMF network element. The embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below taking the TPSMF network element as an example.

[0094] Figure 7 is a flowchart of TPSMF-C N2 interface perception according to an embodiment of the present application, as Figure 7 shown, including:

[0095] S701, TPSMF-C sends a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request message to the AMF to subscribe to the N2 interface link status event notification.

[0096] S702, the AMF creates a subscription context and records the NON-SBI communication link status.

[0097] The NON-SBI communication link status includes: jitter, latency, throughput, and health status.

[0098] S703, the AMF sends a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request message to the TPSMF-C, carrying the status of the N2 connection.

[0099] S704, when the NON-SBI communication link status of the N2 interface changes, the AMF reports the latest NON-SBI communication link status of the N2 interface to the TPSMF-C.

[0100] Whether to report the jitter, latency, and throughput of the NON-SBI communication link can be determined according to the actual sensitivity range. Reporting is required when the health status of the NON-SBI communication link changes.

[0101] S705, after a new N2 connection is established, the AMF reports the status of the newly established NON-SBI communication link of the N2 interface to the TPSMF-C.

[0102] Figure 8 It is a flowchart of TPSMF-C N4 interface perception according to this embodiment, as Figure 8 shown, including:

[0103] S801, the TPSMF-C sends a subscription request for the UPF description information reported by the SMF to the SMF, subscribing to the physical and status information of the UPF connected to the SMF.

[0104] S802, the SMF creates a subscription context and records the UPF description information, which includes the physical information and status information of the UPF. Among them, the physical information includes: the port information and link information of the UPF. The status information includes: the load information of the UPF, whether it is congested, and the N3 / N6 connection status.

[0105] After the TPSMF-C obtains the UPF description information, it can use this information as additional information for the SMF to select the UPF, helping the SMF select a UPF that better meets the special users.

[0106] S803, the SMF sends a subscription request for the UPF description information to the TPSMF-C, carrying the UPF description information, including the UPF physical information event and the UPF status information event.

[0107] S804, when the physical or status information of the UPF connected to the SMF changes, the SMF reports the latest physical and status information of the UPF connected to the SMF to the TPSMF-C.

[0108] S805, after a new UPF connection is established, the SMF reports the physical and status information of the newly established UPF to the TPSMF-C.

[0109] Figure 9 It is the process of TPSMF-C SBI interface perception according to this embodiment Figure 1, as Figure 9 shown, when the SCP is deployed in the network, the TPSMF-C SBI interface perception includes:

[0110] S901, TPSMF-C sends an SBI communication link status subscription request message to the SCP to subscribe to the SBI port link status event notification.

[0111] S902, the SCP automatically perceives the SBI interface status link information.

[0112] The SBI communication link status includes: jitter, latency, throughput, and health status.

[0113] S903, the SCP sends an SBI communication link status subscription request message to TPSMF-C, carrying the status of each NF connection.

[0114] S904, when the SBI communication link status changes, the SCP reports the latest SBI communication link status to TPSMF-C.

[0115] Whether to report the SBI communication link jitter, latency, and throughput can be judged according to the actual sensitivity range, and the SBI communication link health status needs to be reported when it changes.

[0116] S905, after a new NF is established, the SCP reports the SBI communication link status of the newly established NF to TPSMF-C.

[0117] Figure 10 is the process of TPSMF-C SBI interface perception according to this embodiment Figure 2 , as Figure 10 shown, when the SCP is not deployed in the network, the TPSMF-C SBI interface perception includes:

[0118] S1001, TPSMF-C sends an SBI communication link status subscription request message to each NF to subscribe to the SBI port link status event notification.

[0119] S1002, each NF creates a subscription context and reports the SBI communication link status, where the SBI communication link status includes: jitter, latency, throughput, and health status.

[0120] S1003, the NF sends an SBI communication link status subscription request message to TPSMF-C, carrying the SBI communication link status.

[0121] S1004, when the SBI communication link status changes, the NF reports the latest SBI communication link status to TPSMF-C.

[0122] For the SBI communication link, whether to report jitter, latency, and throughput can be determined according to the actual sensitivity range, and any change in the health status of the SBI communication link requires reporting.

[0123] After a new NF connection is established at S1005, the NF reports the status of the newly established SBI communication link to TPSMF-C.

[0124] Figure 11 It is a flowchart of TPSMF-L N3 interface perception according to this embodiment. As Figure 11 shown, TPSMF-L N3 interface perception includes:

[0125] At S1101, TPSMF-L sends a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request message to the UPF to subscribe to N3 interface link status event notifications.

[0126] At S1102, the UPF creates a subscription context and records the NON-SBI communication link status, which includes jitter, latency, throughput, and health status.

[0127] The N3 interface perception is further divided into "with Uu interface" and "without Uu interface"

[0128] (1) With Uu interface: For the N3 interface NON-SBI communication link status, the UPF can measure and obtain it through the QoS Monitor at the QoS flow level.

[0129] (2) Without Uu interface: For the N3 interface NON-SBI communication link status, the UPF can measure and obtain it through the QoS Monitor at the Node level.

[0130] At S1103, the UPF sends a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request message to TPSMF-L, carrying the status of the N3 connection.

[0131] At S1104, when the N3 interface NON-SBI communication link status changes, the UPF reports the latest N3 interface NON-SBI communication link status to TPSMF-L.

[0132] For the NON-SBI communication link, whether to report jitter, latency, and throughput can be determined according to the actual sensitivity range, and any change in the health status of the NON-SBI communication link requires reporting.

[0133] At S1105, after a new N3 connection is established, the UPF reports the status of the newly established N3 interface NON-SBI communication link to TPSMF-L.

[0134] Figure 12It is a flowchart of TPSMF-L N6 mouthfeel perception according to this embodiment. As Figure 12 shown, the TPSMF-L N6 mouthfeel perception includes:

[0135] S1201, TPSMF-L sends a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request message to the UPF to subscribe to the N6 interface link status event notification.

[0136] S1202, the UPF creates a subscription context and records the NON-SBI communication link status. The NON-SBI communication link status includes: jitter, latency, throughput, and health status.

[0137] The UPF can perform measurements and obtain them through TWAMP or simple ICMP echo probes.

[0138] S1203, the UPF sends a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request message to TPSMF-L, carrying the status of the N6 connection.

[0139] S1204, when the NON-SBI communication link status of the N6 interface changes, the UPF reports the latest NON-SBI communication link status of the N6 interface to TPSMF-L.

[0140] Whether to report the jitter, latency, and throughput of the NON-SBI communication link can be judged according to the actual sensitivity range. When the health status of the NON-SBI communication link changes, it needs to be reported.

[0141] S1205, after a new N6 connection is established, the UPF reports the status of the newly established NON-SBI communication link of the N6 interface to TPSMF-L.

[0142] Next, taking the PDU session establishment process as an example, this embodiment of the present application will be described.

[0143] The process of selecting an NF includes but is not limited to registration, service request, and session management processes. Selecting an NF's PDU session based on the communication link status near the NF provided by TPSMF includes:

[0144] 1. The UE sends a PDU Session Establishment Request message to the AMF.

[0145] 2. The AMF performs a slice selection process to select an appropriate SMF.

[0146] When the AMF receives the PDU Session Establishment Request message from the UE and discovers that it is for creating a new PDU session, it will execute the SMF selection process to select an SMF for this PDU session. During the SMF selection process by the AMF, the AMF will interact with the NSSF to obtain network slice information and then discover the SMF through the NRF. The AMF will interact with the TPSMF to obtain the communication link status near the SMF as auxiliary information for selecting the SMF and select a suitable SMF.

[0147] 3. The AMF sends an Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Request message to the SMF to request the establishment of a PDU session.

[0148] 4. The SMF initiates session registration and obtains subscription information from the UDM.

[0149] 5. The SMF sends an Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Response to the AMF.

[0150] 6. The SMF executes the PCF selection function to select a suitable PCF.

[0151] When the SMF discovers that it is for creating a new PDU session, it discovers and selects a suitable PCF through the NRF. The SMF will interact with the TPSMF to obtain the communication link status near the PCF as auxiliary information for selecting the PCF and select a suitable PCF.

[0152] 7. The SMF sends a process for establishing a PDU-CAN session to the PCF.

[0153] 8. The SMF executes the UPF selection function to select a suitable UPF.

[0154] The SMF selects the UPF based on the DNN, DNAI, the user's location information, etc. The SMF will interact with the TPSMF to obtain the communication link status near the UPF as auxiliary information for selecting the UPF and select a suitable UPF.

[0155] The embodiment of the present application also discloses a network topology path measurement device. Figure 13 It is a block diagram of the network topology path measurement device according to the embodiment of the present application, as Figure 13 shown, applied to a control plane network element. The device includes:

[0156] A sensing module 132, configured to sense multiple network topology paths from the radio side to the network side;

[0157] A measurement module 134, configured to send a communication link status subscription request to a core network element via an interface and receive a communication link status subscription response returned by the core network element, where the communication link status subscription response carries the communication link status.

[0158] In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes: a providing module, configured to send a communication link status subscription request to a core network element and receive a communication link status subscription response returned by the core network element, where the communication link status subscription response carries the communication link status.

[0159] The above-mentioned providing module is further configured to receive a request message sent by the core network element to obtain the communication link status of the multiple network topology paths; and return a response message carrying the communication link status of the multiple network topology paths to the core network element.

[0160] In one embodiment, the core network element is at least one of the following: Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), User Plane Function (UPF), Session Management Function (SMF), Service Control Point (SCP), Network Function (NF); when the communication link status subscription request is a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request, the communication link status subscription response is the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response; when the communication link status subscription request is an SBI communication link status subscription request, the communication link status subscription response is an SBI communication link status subscription response.

[0161] In one embodiment, the measurement module 134 is further configured to

[0162] send a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request for subscribing to the N2 interface link in the radio side to core network side topology path to the AMF and receive the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response returned by the AMF after creating a subscription context and recording the N2 interface link status, where the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response carries the N2 interface link status; and / or

[0163] send a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request for subscribing to the N3 interface link in the radio side to core network side topology path to the UPF and receive the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response returned by the UPF after creating a subscription context and recording the N3 interface link status, where the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response carries the N3 interface link status; and / or

[0164] Send a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request for subscribing to the N6 interface link in the core network side to network side topology path to the UPF, and receive the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response returned by the UPF after creating a subscription context and recording the N6 interface link status, where the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response carries the N6 interface link status; and / or

[0165] Send a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request for subscribing to the N4 interface link in the core network internal topology path to the SMF, and receive the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response returned by the SMF after creating a subscription context and recording the N4 interface link status, where the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response carries the N4 interface link status; and / or

[0166] Send an SBI communication link status subscription request for subscribing to the service-based interface SBI interface link in the core network internal topology path to the SCP or each NF, and receive the SBI communication link status subscription response returned by the SCP or each NF after creating a subscription context and recording the SBI communication link status, where the SBI communication link status subscription response carries the SBI communication link status.

[0167] In an embodiment, the measurement module 134 is further configured to, if the SCP is deployed, send a communication link status subscription request for obtaining the SBI interface link in the core network internal topology path to the SCP; if the SCP is not deployed, send a communication link status subscription request for obtaining the SBI interface link in the core network internal topology path to each NF.

[0168] In an embodiment, the apparatus further includes:

[0169] An update module, configured to receive an interface status change message sent by a core network element, and update the communication link status of the multiple network topology paths according to the interface status change message; and / or receive a new interface status message sent by the core network element, and update the communication connection status of the multiple network topology paths according to the new interface status message.

[0170] An embodiment of the present application further provides a network topology path selection apparatus, Figure 14 which is a block diagram of the network topology path selection apparatus according to the embodiment of the present application, as Figure 14 shown, applied to a core network element, and the apparatus includes:

[0171] A first receiving module 142, configured to receive the communication link status of multiple network topology paths measured by a control plane element through an interface.

[0172] A selection module 144 is configured to select a target network topology path from the multiple network topology paths according to the communication link status of the multiple network topology paths.

[0173] In one embodiment, the first receiving module 142 is further configured to send a request message for obtaining the communication link status of the multiple network topology paths to the control plane network element; and receive a response message returned by the control plane network element and carrying the communication link status of the multiple network topology paths.

[0174] In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes:

[0175] A second receiving module, configured to receive a communication link status subscription request sent by the control plane network element and return a communication link status subscription response to the control plane network element, where the communication link status subscription response carries the communication link status.

[0176] In an embodiment of the present application, the communication link status subscription request includes a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request and / or an SBI communication link status subscription request, and the communication link status subscription response includes a NON-SBI communication link status subscription response and / or an SBI communication link status subscription response. When the communication link status subscription request is a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request, the communication link status subscription response is a NON-SBI communication link status subscription response; when the communication link status subscription request is an SBI communication link status subscription request, the communication link status subscription response is an SBI communication link status subscription response.

[0177] In one embodiment, the second receiving module is further configured to

[0178] If it is an AMF, receive a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request for subscribing to the link status of the N2 interface in the topology path from the radio side to the core network side sent by the control plane network element, and return a NON-SBI communication link status subscription response to the control plane network element after creating a subscription context and recording the N2 interface link status, where the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response carries the N2 interface link status;

[0179] If it is a UPF, receive a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request for subscribing to the N3 interface link in the topology path from the radio side to the core network side sent by the control plane network element, and after creating a subscription context and recording the N3 interface link status, return a NON-SBI communication link status subscription response to the control plane network element, where the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response carries the N3 interface link status; or receive a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request for subscribing to the N6 interface link in the topology path from the core network side to the network side sent by the control plane network element, and after creating a subscription context and recording the N6 interface link status, return a NON-SBI communication link status subscription response to the control plane network element, where the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response carries the N6 interface link status;

[0180] If it is an SMF, receive a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request for subscribing to the N4 interface link in the core network internal topology path sent by the control plane network element, and after creating a subscription context and recording the N4 interface link status, return a NON-SBI communication link status subscription response to the control plane network element, where the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response carries the N4 interface link status;

[0181] If it is an SCP or each NF, receive an SBI communication link status subscription request for subscribing to the SBI interface link of the service-based interface in the core network internal topology path sent by the control plane network element, and after creating a subscription context and recording the SBI communication link status, return an SBI communication link status subscription response to the control plane network element, where the SBI communication link status subscription response carries the SBI communication link status.

[0182] In an embodiment, the apparatus further includes:

[0183] A sending module, configured to send an interface status change message to the control plane network element, where the interface status change message is used for the control plane network element to update the communication link status of the multiple network topology paths; and / or send a new interface status message to the control plane network element, where the new interface status message is used for the control plane network element to update the communication connection status of the multiple network topology paths.

[0184] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which a computer program is stored, where the computer program is configured to execute the steps in any one of the above method embodiments when running.

[0185] In an exemplary embodiment, the above computer-readable storage medium may include, but is not limited to, various media capable of storing computer programs, such as USB flash drives, read-only memory (ROM for short), random access memory (RAM for short), mobile hard disks, magnetic disks, or optical discs.

[0186] An embodiment of the present application further provides an electronic device, including a memory and a processor. A computer program is stored in the memory, and the processor is configured to run the computer program to execute the steps in any one of the above method embodiments.

[0187] In an exemplary embodiment, the above electronic device may further include a transmission device and an input / output device. Among them, the transmission device is connected to the above processor, and the input / output device is connected to the above processor.

[0188] Specific examples in this embodiment may refer to the examples described in the above embodiments and exemplary embodiments, and will not be elaborated here.

[0189] Obviously, those skilled in the art should understand that the above modules or steps of the present application can be implemented by a general-purpose computing device. They can be concentrated on a single computing device or distributed on a network composed of multiple computing devices. They can be implemented by program codes executable by the computing device. Thus, they can be stored in a storage device and executed by the computing device. And in some cases, the steps shown or described can be executed in a different order from here, or they can be separately made into individual integrated circuit modules, or multiple modules or steps among them can be made into a single integrated circuit module to implement. In this way, the present application is not limited to any specific combination of hardware and software.

[0190] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present application and are not used to limit the present application. For those skilled in the art, the present application can have various changes and modifications. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the principle of the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A method for measuring a network topology path, characterized in that Applied to a control plane network element, the method includes: Perceive multiple network topology paths from the radio side to the network side; Send a communication link status subscription request to a core network element through an interface, and receive a communication link status subscription response returned by the core network element, where the communication link status subscription response carries the communication link status.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that After measuring the communication link status of the multiple network topology paths through the interface, the method further includes: Provide the communication link status of the multiple network topology paths to the core network element, where the communication link status is used by the core network element to select a target network topology path from the multiple network topology paths.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The providing the communication link status of the multiple network topology paths to the core network element includes: Receive a request message sent by the core network element to obtain the communication link status of the multiple network topology paths; Return a response message to the core network element carrying the communication link status of the multiple network topology paths.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein The core network element is at least one of the following: Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), User Plane Function (UPF), Session Management Function (SMF), Service Control Point (SCP), Network Function (NF); The communication link status subscription request includes a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request and / or an SBI communication link status subscription request, and the communication link status subscription response includes a NON-SBI communication link status subscription response and / or an SBI communication link status subscription response, where the NON-SBI communication link status subscription request corresponds to the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response; the SBI communication link status subscription request corresponds to the SBI communication link status subscription response.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein Sending a communication link status subscription request to the core network element and receiving a communication link status subscription response returned by the core network element includes: Send a Non-Service Based Interface (NON-SBI) communication link status subscription request for subscribing to the N2 interface link in the topology path from the radio side to the core network side to the AMF, and receive a NON-SBI communication link status subscription response returned by the AMF after creating a subscription context and recording the N2 interface link status, where the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response carries the N2 interface link status; and / or Send a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request for subscribing to the N3 interface link in the topology path from the radio side to the core network side to the UPF, and receive a NON-SBI communication link status subscription response returned by the UPF after creating a subscription context and recording the N3 interface link status, where the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response carries the N3 interface link status; and / or Send a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request for subscribing to the N6 interface link in the core network side to network side topology path to the UPF, and receive the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response returned by the UPF after creating a subscription context and recording the N6 interface link status, where the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response carries the N6 interface link status; and / or Send a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request for subscribing to the N4 interface link in the core network internal topology path to the SMF, and receive the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response returned by the SMF after creating a subscription context and recording the N4 interface link status, where the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response carries the N4 interface link status; and / or Send an SBI communication link status subscription request for subscribing to the SBI interface link of the service-based interface in the core network internal topology path to the SCP or each NF, and receive the SBI communication link status subscription response returned by the SCP or each NF after creating a subscription context and recording the SBI communication link status, where the SBI communication link status subscription response carries the SBI communication link status.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sending an SBI communication link status subscription request for subscribing to the SBI interface link of the service-based interface in the core network internal topology path to the SCP includes: In the case where the SCP is deployed, send a communication link status subscription request for obtaining the SBI interface link in the core network internal topology path to the SCP.

7. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The sending an SBI communication link status subscription request for subscribing to the SBI interface link of the service-based interface in the core network internal topology path to each NF includes: In the case where the SCP is not deployed, send a communication link status subscription request for obtaining the SBI interface link in the core network internal topology path to each NF.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, After receiving the communication link status subscription response returned by the core network element, the method further includes: Receive an interface status change message sent by the core network element, and update the communication link status of the multiple network topology paths according to the interface status change message; and / or Receive a new interface status message sent by the core network element, and update the communication connection status of the multiple network topology paths according to the new interface status message.

9. A network topology path selection method, characterized in that Applied to a core network element, the method includes: Receive the communication link status of multiple network topology paths measured by the control plane element through the interface; Select a target network topology path from the multiple network topology paths according to the communication link status of the multiple network topology paths.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein The method further includes: Receive a communication link status subscription request sent by the control plane element, and return a communication link status subscription response to the control plane element, where the communication link status subscription response carries the communication link status.

11. According to the method of claim 9 or 10, wherein The communication link status subscription request includes a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request and / or an SBI communication link status subscription request, and the communication link status subscription response includes a NON-SBI communication link status subscription response and / or an SBI communication link status subscription response. Among them, the NON-SBI communication link status subscription request corresponds to the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response; the SBI communication link status subscription request corresponds to the SBI communication link status subscription response.

12. A network topology path measurement device, characterized in that Applied to a control plane network element, the device includes: A sensing module, configured to sense multiple network topology paths from the radio side to the network side; A measurement module, configured to send a communication link status subscription request to a core network element through an interface and receive a communication link status subscription response returned by the core network element, where the communication link status is carried in the communication link status subscription response.

13. A network topology path selection device, characterized in that Applied to a core network element, the device includes: A receiving module, configured to receive the communication link status of multiple network topology paths measured by a control plane network element through an interface; A selection module, configured to select a target network topology path from the multiple network topology paths according to the communication link status of the multiple network topology paths.

14. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program therein, wherein, The computer program is set to execute the method described in any one of claims 1 to 8, 9 to 11 when running.

15. An electronic device, including a memory and a processor, where a computer program is stored in the memory, and the processor is set to run the computer program to execute the method described in any one of claims 1 to 8, 9 to 11.

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