Network element selection method and device

Abstract

The invention discloses a network element selection method and device. Receiving a first message, wherein the first message comprises the identifier of the user; determining a media capability demand of the user according to the identifier of the user; and selecting at least one media network element to provide service for the user according to the media capability demand of the user, wherein the media capability provided by the at least one media network element meets the media capability demand of the user. According to the method and the device, the appropriate media network element can be selected for the user according to the media capability requirement of the user, the problems of roundabout, multi-hop and the like of the multimedia network element can be avoided, the media network element selection efficiency is improved, and the media network element selection complexity is reduced; the effects of reducing time delay, saving media resource overhead, reducing signaling complexity, simplifying traffic topology and the like can be achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of mobile communications, and in particular, to a method and apparatus for selecting a network element. Background Art

[0002] With the evolution of the network, there are media network elements with different media capabilities. Taking the media network element as an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS)-Access Gateway (AGW) as an example, IMS-AGW1 has media capability 1, and IMS-AGW2 has media capability 2. Due to factors such as cost investment, it is impossible to transform all media network elements into having the same media capabilities at one time. When a network element responsible for call session control function (such as a proxy-call session control function (P-CSCF)) selects a media network element for a user, since this network element has no user service subscription information as an access-side network element, it is impossible to perceive which media capability the user needs, and thus randomly selects a media network element, resulting in the selected media network element often not meeting the user's needs.

[0003] To address this problem, one method is to randomly select a network element again and combine multiple media network elements to form a multi-hop media network element to provide services for the user. Another method is to perform network element reselection. However, both of these selection methods have the problem of high consumption of network resources and performance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a method and apparatus for selecting a network element, which are used to select a suitable media network element for a user, improve the efficiency of media network element selection, reduce the complexity of media network element selection, and save media resource overhead.

[0005] In a first aspect, a method for selecting a network element is provided, which is applied to a first network element. Without special explanation, the "network element" in this application can refer to the network element itself, a component in the network element (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the network element functions. The method includes: receiving a first message, where the first message includes an identifier of a user; determining the user's media capability requirement according to the identifier of the user; and selecting at least one media network element to provide services for the user according to the user's media capability requirement, where the media capabilities provided by the at least one media network element meet the user's media capability requirement.

[0006] In an embodiment of the present application, the first network element may determine the media capability requirements of a user based on the user's identifier, and select a suitable media network element for the user according to the user's media capability requirements. Compared with the solution of randomly selecting a media network element, problems such as detours and multi-hop of the multimedia network element can be avoided, the efficiency of media network element selection can be improved, and the complexity of media network element selection can be reduced, achieving effects such as reducing latency, saving media resource overhead, reducing signaling complexity, and simplifying the traffic topology.

[0007] In a possible design, before receiving the first message, a second message from a second network element may also be received, where the second message is used to indicate the media capability requirements of the user; the media capability requirements of the user and the user's identifier are stored in correspondence.

[0008] In this way, the first network element can obtain and store the media capability requirements of the user, so as to determine the media capability requirements of the user subsequently, and the reliability of the solution can be improved.

[0009] In a possible design, the second message includes but is not limited to at least one of the following: the media capabilities required by the user; the set of media capabilities required by the user; the index of the media capabilities required by the user; the index of the set of media capabilities required by the user.

[0010] Of course, the above are only examples, and the actual situation is not limited to this.

[0011] In a possible design, the second message may be carried in a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) message. For example, a SIP Message message or a SIP INFO message, etc., without limitation.

[0012] In a possible design, before receiving the second message from the second network element, a registration message from the user may also be received, where the registration message includes the user's identifier; the registration message is forwarded to the second network element.

[0013] In this way, the first network element can obtain the media capability requirements of the user during the user's registration process without the need to initiate a separate process, saving network resources.

[0014] In a possible design, a third message from the second network element may also be received, where the third message is used to indicate the changed media capability requirements of the user; the media capability requirements of the user are updated according to the third message.

[0015] In this way, the media capability requirements of the user saved by the first network element can be updated in a timely manner, further improving the reliability of the solution.

[0016] In a possible design, at least one media network element can be selected to provide services to a user according to the media capabilities of one or more pre-configured media network elements and the user's media capability requirements. The one or more media network elements include at least one media network element.

[0017] In this way, the first network element can directly obtain the media capabilities of one or more media network elements locally, which can improve the efficiency of network element selection.

[0018] In a possible design, the media capabilities of one or more media network elements can be obtained from a network storage function network element; according to the media capabilities of one or more media network elements and the user's media capability requirements, at least one media network element is selected to provide services to the user. The one or more media network elements include at least one media network element.

[0019] In this way, the first network element can directly obtain the media capabilities of one or more media network elements from the network storage function network element, which can improve the accuracy of the media capabilities of the media network elements and the reliability of the solution.

[0020] In a possible design, a first request can also be sent to the first media network element. The first request contains a fourth message, and the fourth message is used to indicate at least one media capability required by the user. The first request is used to apply to the first media network element for at least one media capability. The first media network element is one of the at least one media network element; receive a first response feedback from the first media network element. The first response is used to indicate that the application for at least one media capability is successful.

[0021] In this way, media capabilities can be applied to the selected media network element for the user to ensure the subsequent media services of the user.

[0022] In a possible design, the first network element is a proxy-call session control function (P-CSCF) network element.

[0023] In a possible design, the second network element is an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) application server (AS).

[0024] In a possible design, the media network element is an IMS-access gateway (AGW).

[0025] Of course, the above are only examples of the first network element, the second network element, and the media network element, and the actual situation is not limited to this.

[0026] Second aspect, a network element selection method is provided, which is applied to a second network element. Without special instructions, the "network element" in this application can refer to the network element itself, or a component in the network element (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or can also be a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the network element functions. The method includes: receiving a first message, where the first message includes the identifier of the user; determining the media capability requirements of the user according to the identifier of the user; selecting at least one media network element to provide services for the user according to the media capability requirements of the user, where the media capabilities provided by the at least one media network element meet the media capability requirements of the user. The method includes: receiving a registration message from the user via a first network element, where the registration message includes the identifier of the user; sending a second message to the first network element, where the second message is used to indicate the media capability requirements of the user.

[0027] In a possible design, the second message includes at least one of the following: the media capabilities required by the user; the set of media capabilities required by the user; the index of the media capabilities required by the user; the index of the set of media capabilities required by the user.

[0028] In a possible design, the second message is carried in a SIP message.

[0029] In a possible design, a third message can also be sent to the first network element, where the third message is used to indicate the changed media capability requirements of the user.

[0030] In a possible design, the first network element is a P-CSCF.

[0031] In a possible design, the second network element is an IMS AS.

[0032] Third aspect, a communication device is provided, and the device includes modules, units, or technical means for executing the method described in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect.

[0033] Exemplarily, the communication device may include:

[0034] A transceiver module, configured to receive a first message, where the first message includes the identifier of the user;

[0035] A processing module, configured to determine the media capability requirements of the user according to the identifier of the user; select at least one media network element to provide services for the user according to the media capability requirements of the user, where the media capabilities provided by the at least one media network element meet the media capability requirements of the user.

[0036] In a possible design, the transceiver module is further configured to: before receiving the first message, receive a second message from the second network element, where the second message is used to indicate the media capability requirements of the user; the processing module is further configured to: save the media capability requirements of the user and the identifier of the user in a corresponding manner.

[0037] In a possible design, the second message includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: the media capabilities required by the user; the set of media capabilities required by the user; the index of the media capabilities required by the user; the index of the set of media capabilities required by the user.

[0038] In a possible design, the second message is carried in the SIP message.

[0039] In a possible design, the transceiver module is further configured to: before receiving the second message from the second network element, receive a registration message from the user, where the registration message includes the identifier of the user; and forward the registration message to the second network element.

[0040] In a possible design, the transceiver module is further configured to: receive a third message from the second network element, where the third message is used to indicate the changed media capabilities requirements of the user; and the processing module is further configured to: update the media capabilities requirements of the user according to the third message.

[0041] In a possible design, when the processing module selects at least one media network element to provide services for the user according to the media capabilities requirements of the user, it is specifically configured to: select at least one media network element to provide services for the user according to the media capabilities of one or more pre-configured media network elements and the media capabilities requirements of the user, where the one or more media network elements include at least one media network element; or, obtain the media capabilities of one or more media network elements from the network storage function network element; and select at least one media network element to provide services for the user according to the media capabilities of one or more media network elements and the media capabilities requirements of the user, where the one or more media network elements include at least one media network element.

[0042] In a possible design, the transceiver module may further be configured to: send a first request to the first media network element, where the first request contains a fourth message, and the fourth message is used to indicate at least one media capability required by the user, and the first request is used to apply for at least one media capability from the first media network element, and the first media network element is one of the at least one media network element; and receive a first response feedback from the first media network element, where the first response is used to indicate that the application for at least one media capability is successful.

[0043] In a possible design, the first network element is a P-CSCF.

[0044] In a possible design, the second network element is an IMS AS.

[0045] In a possible design, the media network element is an IMS-AGW.

[0046] Fourthly, a communication device is provided, and the device includes modules, units or technical means for performing the method described in the second aspect or any possible design of the second aspect.

[0047] Exemplarily, the communication device may include:

[0048] A transceiver module, configured to receive a registration message from a user via a first network element, where the registration message includes an identifier of the user; and send a second message to the first network element, where the second message is used to indicate the user's media capability requirements.

[0049] In a possible design, the second message includes at least one of the following: the media capabilities required by the user; the set of media capabilities required by the user; the index of the media capabilities required by the user; the index of the set of media capabilities required by the user.

[0050] In a possible design, the second message is carried in a SIP message.

[0051] In a possible design, the transceiver module may further be configured to: send a third message to the first network element, where the third message is used to indicate the changed media capability requirements of the user.

[0052] In a possible design, the first network element is a P-CSCF.

[0053] In a possible design, the second network element is an IMS AS.

[0054] In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is electrically coupled to the processor. The processor, through a logic circuit or by executing code instructions, causes the method described in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect to be executed, or causes the method described in the second aspect or any possible design of the second aspect to be executed.

[0055] In a sixth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. A computer program or instruction is stored in the storage medium. When the computer program or instruction is run, it causes the method described in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect to be executed, or causes the method described in the second aspect or any possible design of the second aspect to be executed.

[0056] In a seventh aspect, a computer program product is provided, including instructions. When the instructions are run on a computer, they cause the method described in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect to be executed, or cause the method described in the second aspect or any possible design of the second aspect to be executed.

[0057] In an eighth aspect, a communication system is provided, including a first network element and a second network element. The first network element is configured to execute the method described in the first aspect or any possible design of the first aspect, and the second network element is configured to execute the method described in the second aspect or any possible design of the second aspect.

[0058] For the specific designs and beneficial effects of the second to eighth aspects above, reference may be made to the corresponding designs and beneficial effects in the first to second aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] Figure 1 FIG. is a network architecture diagram of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of the present application;

[0060] Figure 2 FIG. is a flowchart of a method for selecting a media network element;

[0061] Figure 3 FIG. is a flowchart of a method for selecting a media network element;

[0062] Figure 4 FIG. is a flowchart of a network element selection method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0063] Figure 5 FIG. is a registration flowchart provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0064] Figure 6 FIG. is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0065] Figure 7 FIG. is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application, some terms mentioned in the embodiments of the present application are first explained and described below.

[0067] 1) Media capabilities: include the ability to provide media plane services (such as the ability to process media data), and may also include the ability to provide the media resources required for media plane services (such as the ability to transmit media data). For example: codec capabilities (such as audio transcoding (e.g., audio transcoding), video transcoding capabilities, etc.), the ability to support the message session relay protocol (MSRP), web real-time communication (WebRTC) capabilities, etc. Among them, media data includes, but is not limited to, one or more of audio, video, pictures, faxes, etc.

[0068] 2) In the embodiments of the present application, the term "a plurality of" refers to two or more. The "and / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, both A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. In addition, it should be understood that although terms such as first and second may be used to describe various objects in the embodiments of the present invention, these objects should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish each object from each other.

[0069] 3) In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the terms "include" and "have" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but optionally further includes other steps or units not listed, or optionally further includes other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices. It should be noted that in the embodiments of the present application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to represent examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design solution described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of the present application should not be construed as being more preferred or having more advantages than other embodiments or design solutions. Rather, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0070] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: the fifth-generation (5G) communication system, the sixth-generation (6G) communication system, or other future evolved systems, or other various wireless communication systems adopting wireless access technologies, etc., and the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be adopted.

[0071] See Figure 1The network architecture diagram of a communication system applicable to the embodiments of the present application is shown. The main network functions and entities included in the system are: user equipment (UE), (radio) access network ((R) AN) network element, proxy-call session control function (P-CSCF), interrogating-call session control function (I-CSCF), serving-call session control function (S-CSCF), IP multimedia subsystem (IMS)-access gateway (AGW), remote IMS, home subscriber server (HSS), IMS application server (AS), etc.

[0072] It should be noted that in the present application, the names of each network element are just examples. The present application does not exclude the situation that each network element may have other names in the future, as well as the function combination between each network element. With the evolution of technology, any device or network element that can implement the functions of each of the above network elements is within the protection scope of the present application.

[0073] For the convenience of description, in the following text, each network element can be expressed by its corresponding English abbreviation. For example, the application function network element is expressed by "P-CSCF" or "P-CSCF network element".

[0074] A terminal device (user equipment, UE) can also be referred to as a user device, terminal, mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. The terminal can be widely applied in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, remote healthcare, smart grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wearables, smart transportation, smart city, etc. The terminal can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, wearable device, vehicle, drone, helicopter, airplane, ship, robot, robotic arm, smart home device, etc. Embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies and specific device forms adopted by the terminal.

[0075] A radio access network ((radio) access network, (R)AN) network element can also be referred to as an access network device, radio access network device, access network, etc. The specific implementation can be a base station, evolved NodeB (eNodeB), transmission reception point (TRP), next generation NodeB (gNB) in the fifth generation mobile communication system, next generation NodeB in the sixth generation mobile communication system, base station in future mobile communication systems, or access node in a WiFi system, etc.; it can also be a module or unit that completes part of the base station functions. For example, it can be a central unit (CU) or a distributed unit (DU). Here, the CU completes the functions of the radio resource control protocol and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) of the base station, and can also complete the function of the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP); the DU completes the functions of the radio link control layer and medium access control (MAC) layer of the base station, and can also complete part or all of the functions of the physical layer. For specific descriptions of the above protocol layers, reference can be made to the relevant technical specifications of 3GPP. The radio access network device can be a macro base station, a micro base station or an indoor station, and can also be a relay node or a donor node, etc. Embodiments of this application do not limit the specific technologies and specific device forms adopted by the radio access network device.

[0076] P-CSCF: The first contact point for a user to access the IMS network during service application. It is responsible for proxying all SIP signaling, completing call routing control, providing QoS resource reservation, supporting SIP signaling compression to improve the bandwidth utilization efficiency of the air interface, providing NAT control to support NAT penetration in enterprise networks, and maintaining a security association with the UE to protect the privacy and integrity of the signaling between the UE and itself.

[0077] I-CSCF: The unified entry point of the user's home network, responsible for the allocation of the S-CSCF and the query of the S-CSCF where the called party is located.

[0078] S-CSCF: The service switching center of the IMS network, mainly responsible for receiving and processing the UE's registration request, user management, session control, service switching, service control, SIP message processing, charging, etc., and triggering the SIP request to the corresponding AS according to the application triggering principle.

[0079] In specific implementations, the I-CSCF and the S-CSCF can be deployed on different physical devices or integrated into the same physical device without limitation. In this article, I / S-CSCF can represent any one of the S-CSCF, I-CSCF, I-CSCF, and S-CSCF.

[0080] IMS AS: Used to provide various services.

[0081] IMS AGW: The IMS access gateway, used to provide media processing capabilities.

[0082] HSS: The core database for storing user information. It is used to save the subscription information of IMS users in the home network and provide a management interface for operators and end users to customize and modify the subscription data. The main information stored in the HSS includes but is not limited to: IMS user identifier, IMS user security context, IMS user routing information, service subscription information, etc. The HSS is similar to the home location register (HLR) in the global system for mobile communications (GSM).

[0083] It can be understood that in actual applications, other network elements may also be included in the above network architecture, which is not limited in this application.

[0084] It should be understood that Figure 1The interface names between the various network elements in [description] are only examples. In actual implementation, the interface names may be other names, and this application does not make specific limitations in this regard. In addition, the names of the messages (or signaling) transmitted between the above-mentioned network elements are also only examples and do not impose any limitations on the functions of the messages themselves.

[0085] The communication systems and scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for more clearly explaining the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application and do not constitute limitations on the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application. As known to those of ordinary skill in the art, with the evolution of the network architecture and the emergence of new scenarios, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application are equally applicable to similar technical problems.

[0086] See Figure 2 , which is a method for selecting a media network element and includes the following processes:

[0087] S201. The terminal device corresponding to the user sends an INVITE message, and the P-CSCF receives the INVITE message. The INVITE message contains the identifier of the user.

[0088] Among them, the INVITE message is the first message in the session initiation protocol (SIP), which is sent by the caller to the callee to make the callee ring.

[0089] S202. The P-CSCF randomly selects a media network element, such as selecting IMS-AGW1, and sends an ADD request to IMS-AGW1. The IMS-AGW1 receives the ADD request.

[0090] S203. The IMS-AGW1 sends an ADD response to the P-CSCF. The P-CSCF receives the ADD response, and the selection of the IMS-AGW1 is successful.

[0091] S204. The P-CSCF forwards the INVITE message to other network elements to execute the subsequent processes (not elaborated here).

[0092] S205. The P-CSCF receives an 18X message and determines that the IMS-AGW1 cannot meet the media capability requirements of the user's service according to the 18X message.

[0093] Among them, the 18X message is a response message defined by the SIP protocol, indicating that the request message has been received and is being processed.

[0094] S206. The P-CSCF randomly selects a media network element again. For example, it selects IMS-AGW2 and sends an ADD request to IMS-AGW2. IMS-AGW2 receives the ADD request.

[0095] S207. IMS-AGW2 sends an ADD response to the P-CSCF. The P-CSCF receives the ADD response, and the selection of IMS-AGW2 is successful.

[0096] It can be understood that if IMS-AGW2 and IMS-AGW1 still cannot meet the media capability requirements of the user's service, the P-CSCF can continue to randomly select a media network element.

[0097] S208. The selected media network elements (such as IMS-AGW1 and IMS-AGW2) form a multi-hop media network element to provide services for the user. For example, Figure 2 As shown, the media data can be first sent to IMS-AGW2, then to IMS-AGW1, and finally sent to the user's corresponding terminal device via the P-CSCF.

[0098] In the above solution, combining multiple media network elements to form a multi-hop media network element causes the media data to pass through multiple media network elements, consuming more network resources and performance.

[0099] See Figure 3 , which is another method for selecting a media network element, including the following process:

[0100] S301. The user's corresponding terminal device sends an INVITE message. The P-CSCF receives the INVITE message, and the INVITE message contains the user's identifier.

[0101] S302. The P-CSCF randomly selects a media network element. For example, it selects IMS-AGW1 and sends an add request (ADD request) to IMS-AGW1. IMS-AGW1 receives the ADD request.

[0102] S303. IMS-AGW1 sends an ADD response to the P-CSCF. The P-CSCF receives the ADD response, and the selection of IMS-AGW1 is successful.

[0103] S304. The P-CSCF forwards the INVITE message to other network elements and executes the subsequent process (not elaborated here).

[0104] S305. The P-CSCF receives a 18X message and determines that IMS-AGW1 cannot meet the media capability requirements of the user's service according to the 18X message.

[0105] The P-CSCF performs network element reselection:

[0106] S306. The P-CSCF sends a DELETE request (SUB request) to the IMS-AGW1, and the P-CSCF receives the SUB request;

[0107] S307. The IMS-AGW1 sends a DELETE response (SUB response), and the P-CSCF receives the SUB response, indicating that the operation of selecting the IMS-AGW1 is withdrawn;

[0108] S308. The P-CSCF randomly selects a media network element again. For example, if it selects the IMS-AGW2, it sends an ADD request to the IMS-AGW2, and the IMS-AGW2 receives the ADD request;

[0109] S309. The IMS-AGW2 sends an ADD response to the P-CSCF, and the P-CSCF receives the ADD response, indicating that the selection of the IMS-AGW2 is successful;

[0110] It can be understood that if the IMS-AGW2 and the IMS-AGW1 still cannot meet the media capabilities required by the user's service, network element reselection can continue to be performed.

[0111] S310. The selected media network element provides services to the user. For example, Figure 3 as shown, the media data is first sent to the IMS-AGW2, and then sent to the corresponding terminal device of the user via the P-CSCF.

[0112] In the above solution, randomly selecting a media network element will cause media network element reselection, consuming more network resources and performance.

[0113] To solve the problem of large consumption of network resources and performance caused by selecting a media network element, the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application is provided.

[0114] See Figure 4 , which is a network element selection method provided by the embodiment of the present application. This method can be applied to Figure 1 the communication system shown. It can be understood that, without special description, the "network element" in the present application can refer to the network element itself (for example, Figure 4 the P-CSCF or IMS-AS or IMS-AGW shown in Figure 4The terminal device shown in , or a component in the terminal device (such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or can also be a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the terminal device. The method includes S401 to S403:

[0115] S401. The terminal device sends a first message, and the first network element receives the first message.

[0116] Among them, the first message includes the identification of the user. It can be understood that the user refers to the user corresponding to the terminal device, such as the holder of the terminal device, generally the owner of the terminal device. The terminal device can pre-store the information of one (or of course, it may also be multiple) users, such as the identification of the user (or the identity identification).

[0117] The identification of the user, for example, includes but is not limited to the identification number of the subscriber identification module (SIM) card (such as the integrate circuit card identity (ICCID)), the telephone number, the identity card number, and so on. In some embodiments, the identification of the user can also be the identification of the terminal device, such as the media access control (MAC) address of the terminal device, the internet protocol (IP) address, etc.

[0118] In a possible design, the first message can be a message for accessing a media service (or media service). Taking the media service as an internet phone as an example, the first message can be an INVITE message.

[0119] In a possible design, the first network element can be a network element responsible for session control, such as a P-CSCF.

[0120] Optionally, the terminal device can send the first message to the P-CSCF via at least one device or entity. For example, the terminal device first sends the first message to the access network device, and the access network device then forwards the first message to the P-CSCF. Of course, this is only an example here, and the actual path for the terminal device to send the first message to the first network element is not limited to this.

[0121] S402. The first network element determines the media capability requirements of the user according to the identification of the user.

[0122] In a possible design, the first network element stores the identification of the user and the media capability requirements of the user; after receiving the first message, the first network element queries the media capability requirements corresponding to the identification of the user from the local according to the identification of the user carried in the first message.

[0123] It can be understood that to ensure that the first network element can obtain the media capability requirements corresponding to the identifier of the user locally, the first network element needs to pre-obtain the media capability requirements corresponding to the user and store the identifier of the user and the media capability requirements corresponding to the user in a corresponding manner.

[0124] In a specific implementation, the first network element can obtain the media capability requirements corresponding to the user from the second network element. For example, the first network element receives a second message from the second network element, and the second message is used to indicate the media capability requirements of the user. It can be understood that the second network element is a network element that provides media services (or media services). For example, the second network element can be an IMS-AS.

[0125] In the embodiments of the present application, the media capability requirements of the user can be one type of media capability requirement or multiple types of media capability requirements, without limitation. For example, for voice services, the media capability requirements of the user at least include audio codec capability requirements and video codec capability requirements; for video call services, the media capability requirements of the user at least include audio codec capability requirements and video codec capability requirements, and so on.

[0126] There can be multiple implementation manners for the second message to indicate the media capability requirements of the user. Exemplarily, the second message may include at least one of the following:

[0127] (1) The media capabilities required by the user.

[0128] That is, each media capability required by the user is carried in the second message.

[0129] In this implementation manner, the first network element can directly obtain each media capability required by the user from the second message, which can reduce the processing complexity of the first network element.

[0130] (2) The set of media capabilities required by the user.

[0131] Among them, the media capability set can represent at least one media capability. The first network element obtains the set of media capabilities required by the user and determines each media capability required by the user according to the set of media capabilities required by the user.

[0132] In this implementation manner, the set of media capabilities required by the user is carried in the second message, and compared with carrying each media capability required by the user in the second message, the amount of information in the second message can be reduced.

[0133] (3) The index of the media capabilities required by the user.

[0134] For example, 001 represents audio transcoding, 002 represents video transcoding, 003 represents MSRP capability, 004 represents WebRTC capability, etc. It can be understood that the index here is only an example, and the actual situation is not limited to this.

[0135] After the first network element obtains the index of the media capabilities required by the user, it determines each of the media capabilities required by the user according to the index of the media capabilities required by the user.

[0136] The index of the media capabilities required by the user is carried in the second message. Compared with carrying the media capabilities required by the user in the second message, the amount of information in the second message can be reduced, saving transmission resources.

[0137] (4) The index of the set of media capabilities required by the user.

[0138] For example, 001 represents audio transcoding and video transcoding, 002 represents video transcoding and MSRP capabilities, 003 represents audio transcoding, video transcoding and MSRP capabilities, etc. It can be understood that the indexes here are only examples and are not limited to this in reality.

[0139] The first network element obtains the index of the set of media capabilities required by the user, and determines the set of media capabilities required by the user (or each of the media capabilities required by the user) according to the index of the set of media capabilities required by the user.

[0140] The index of the set of media capabilities required by the user is carried in the second message. Compared with carrying the media capabilities required by the user or the set of media capabilities required by the user in the second message, the amount of information in the second message can be reduced, saving transmission resources.

[0141] Optionally, the second message can be a SIP message, or the second message can be carried in a SIP message. For example, the second message can specifically be (or carried in) a SIP INFO (Message) message or a SIP INFO message, etc., without limitation.

[0142] The SIP message can send the user's media capability requirements to the first network element in the following indicated way:

[0143] Method 1: By adding a new custom header field to carry the media capabilities or the set of media capabilities or the index of the media capabilities or the index of the set of media capabilities.

[0144] Example of the name of the new header field: P-MediaCapability-Info, indicating that this header field is media capability information.

[0145] Method 2: By adding a parameter to an existing header field to carry the media capabilities or the set of media capabilities or the index of the media capabilities or the index of the set of media capabilities.

[0146] Example of the name of the new header field parameter: Media-Capability-infos, indicating that this parameter is media capability information.

[0147] Method 3: Carry custom information, media capabilities, or a set of media capabilities, or an index of media capabilities, or an index of a set of media capabilities in the SIP message body.

[0148] Examples of the names of the newly added message body information: <media-capability-infos>, indicating that the message body carries media capability information.

[0149] Of course, the above three are only examples, and the actual situation is not limited to this.

[0150] In a possible implementation, the first network element can obtain the media capability requirements corresponding to the user during the process of the user registering to the second network element.

[0151] Taking the first network element as P-CSCF and the second network element as IMS-AS as an example, as Figure 5 shown, the registration process may include the following steps:

[0152] S501. The terminal device sends a registration message to the P-CSCF (i.e., the first network element), and the P-CSCF receives the registration message. The registration message includes the user's identifier;

[0153] Optionally, the terminal device may send the registration message to the P-CSCF via at least one device or entity (such as an access network device).

[0154] S502. The P-CSCF forwards the registration message to the IMS-AS (i.e., the second network element), and the IMS-AS receives the registration message;

[0155] Optionally, the P-CSCF may send the registration message to the IMS-AS via at least one device or entity. As Figure 5 shown, the P-CSCF may send the registration message to the IMS-AS via the S-CSCF.

[0156] S503. The IMS-AS sends a second message to the P-CSCF, and the P-CSCF receives the second message. The second message is used to indicate the media capability requirements of the user.

[0157] Optionally, after mapping the media capabilities required by the user according to the user's service subscription information, the IMS AS sends a second message to the P-CSCF. The second message is used to indicate the media capability requirements of the user. Among them, the user's service subscription information may be stored locally in the IMS AS or in other network elements (such as HSS), without limitation.

[0158] Optionally, the IMS-AS may send the second message to the P-CSCF via at least one device or entity. As Figure 5 shown, the IMS-AS may send the second message to the P-CSCF via the I-PCSCF or the S-CSCF.

[0159] S504. The P-CSCF correspondingly saves the user identifier and the media capability requirements of the user.

[0160] S505. The P-CSCF may send a 200 OK message to the IMS-AS to indicate confirmation of receipt of the user's media capability requirements.

[0161] Optionally, the P-CSCF may send a 200 OK message to the IMS-AS via at least one device or entity. As Figure 5 shown, the P-CSCF may send the 200 OK message to the IMS-AS via the S-CSCF.

[0162] In the above design, the first network element pre-stores the user's media capability requirements, enabling the first network element to quickly obtain the user's media capability requirements locally after receiving the first information.

[0163] In a possible implementation, when the user's media capability requirements change, the second network element may also send a change notification to the first network element. For example, when the second network element determines that the user's media capability requirements have changed based on the user's service subscription information, it sends a third message to the first network element, and the third message is used to indicate the changed media capability requirements of the user; after receiving the third message from the second network element, the first network element updates the user's media capability requirements saved locally. In this way, the accuracy of the user's media capability requirements saved by the first network element can be ensured.

[0164] In a possible design, after receiving the first message, the first network element may obtain the user's media capability requirements from other network elements. For example, obtaining the user's media capability requirements from the second network element, and the specific implementation method may refer to Figure 5 the method flow shown.

[0165] In the above design, the first network element obtains the user's media capability requirements from other network elements after receiving the first information, which can ensure the accuracy of the obtained user's media capability requirements.

[0166] S403. The first network element selects at least one media network element to provide services to the user according to the user's media capability requirements.

[0167] Among them, the media network element may be any network element capable of providing media capabilities, such as but not limited to the IMS-AGW.

[0168] In a specific implementation, the first network element may determine at least one media network element from the one or more media network elements to provide services to the user according to the media capabilities of the one or more media network elements and the user's media capability requirements, and the media capabilities provided by the determined at least one media network element can meet the user's media capability requirements.

[0169] In one possible implementation, the first network element may pre-configure the media capabilities of one or more media network elements. In another possible implementation, the first network element may obtain the media capabilities of one or more media network elements from other network elements (such as the NRF). The embodiments of the present application do not limit the manner in which the first network element obtains the media capabilities of the media network elements.

[0170] Further, after the first network element selects at least one media network element that meets the user's media capability requirements, it applies to each selected media network element for the media capabilities required by the user, so that the media network element can provide the corresponding media capabilities for the user.

[0171] Exemplarily, the first network element sends a first request to the first media network element. The first request includes a fourth message, and the fourth message is used to indicate at least one media capability required by the user. The first request is used to apply to the first media network element for at least one media capability, and the first media network element is one of the at least one media network elements; after receiving the first request, if the first media network element confirms that it can provide the at least one media capability applied by the first network element, it feeds back a first response to the first network element. The first network element receives the first response fed back by the first media network element, and the first response is used to indicate that the at least one media capability application is successful. Of course, if the first media network element cannot provide the media capabilities applied by the first network element, it may not return any response, or feed back a response indicating that the media capability application fails, without limitation.

[0172] In some embodiments, the process of the first network element applying to the media network element for media capabilities may also be included in the step of the first network element selecting the media network element.

[0173] In the embodiments of the present application, the first network element may determine the user's media capability requirements according to the user's identifier, and select a suitable media network element for the user according to the user's media capability requirements. Compared with the scheme of randomly selecting media network elements, problems such as detours and multi-hop of multimedia network elements can be avoided, the efficiency of media network element selection can be improved, and the complexity of media network element selection can be reduced, achieving effects such as reducing latency, saving media resource overhead, reducing signaling complexity, and simplifying traffic topology.

[0174] It can be understood that the various embodiments provided by the embodiments of the present application can be implemented separately or in combination with each other, without limitation.

[0175] The method provided by the embodiments of the present application has been introduced above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The device provided by the embodiments of the present application will be introduced below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0176] Based on the same inventive concept, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device 500. The device 500 includes modules, units or means corresponding to the method steps in the above method embodiments. The functions, units or means can be implemented by software, or by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software.

[0177] Exemplarily, referring to Figure 6 , the device 600 may include a processing module 601 and a transceiver module 602.

[0178] Optionally, the transceiver module 602 may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module. The transmitting module is used to perform the transmitting operation in the above method embodiment. The receiving module is used to perform the receiving operation in the above method embodiment.

[0179] It should be noted that the communication device 600 may include a transmitting module but not a receiving module. Or, the communication device 600 may include a receiving module but not a transmitting module. Specifically, it depends on whether the above solution executed by the communication device 600 includes a transmitting action and a receiving action.

[0180] The processing module 601 is used for data processing. The transceiver module 602 can implement corresponding communication functions.

[0181] Optionally, the communication device 600 may further include a storage module, which can be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing module 601 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage module so that the communication device 600 can implement the foregoing method embodiments.

[0182] Exemplarily, the communication device 600 may be a first network element or a component configurable in the first network element. The processing module 601 is used to perform operations related to processing on the first network element side in the above method embodiment. The transceiver module 602 is used to perform operations related to receiving on the first network element side in the above method embodiment.

[0183] For example: the transceiver module 602 is used to receive a first message, and the first message includes the identifier of the user; the processing module 601 is used to determine the media capability requirements of the user according to the identifier of the user; select at least one media network element to provide services for the user according to the media capability requirements of the user, where the media capabilities provided by the at least one media network element meet the media capability requirements of the user.

[0184] Exemplarily, the communication device 600 may be a second network element or a component configurable in the second network element. The processing module 601 is used to perform operations related to processing on the second network element side in the above method embodiment. The transceiver module 602 is used to perform operations related to receiving on the second network element side in the above method embodiment.

[0185] For example, a transceiver module 602 is configured to receive a registration message from a user via a first network element, where the registration message includes the identifier of the user; and send a second message to the first network element, where the second message is used to indicate the user's media capability requirements.

[0186] It should be understood that all relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be cited in the function descriptions of the corresponding functional modules, and will not be elaborated here.

[0187] The processing module 601 in the above embodiments can be implemented by at least one processor or processor-related circuits. The transceiver module 602 can be implemented by a transceiver or transceiver-related circuits. The transceiver module 602 can also be referred to as a communication module or a communication interface.

[0188] The following shows another structural schematic diagram of the communication device according to the embodiments of the present application. As Figure 7 shown, the embodiments of the present application further provide a communication device 700, including:

[0189] At least one processor 701; and a communication interface 703 communicatively connected to the at least one processor 701; the at least one processor 701 executes instructions stored in a memory 702, so that the device executes the method steps in the above method embodiments through the communication interface 703.

[0190] Optionally, the memory 702 is located outside the device 700.

[0191] Optionally, the device 700 includes the memory 702, the memory 702 is connected to the at least one processor 701, and the memory 702 stores instructions executable by the at least one processor 701. The attached Figure 7 dashed line indicates that the memory 702 is optional for the device 700.

[0192] Wherein, the processor 701 and the memory 702 can be coupled through an interface circuit or integrated together, which is not limited here.

[0193] In the embodiments of the present application, the specific connection medium between the above-mentioned processor 701, memory 702 and communication interface 703 is not limited. In the embodiments of the present application Figure 7 it is shown that the processor 701, memory 702 and communication interface 703 are connected through a bus 704, and the bus is shown as a thick line in Figure 7 The connection manners between other components are only for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For the sake of convenience of representation, Figure 7 only one thick line is shown in

[0194] In the embodiments of the present application, the specific connection medium between the above-mentioned processor 701, memory 702, and communication interface 703 is not limited. In the embodiments of the present application, Figure 7 it is connected through a bus 704 between the processor 701, memory 702, and communication interface 703. The bus is represented by a thick line in Figure 7 it. The connection manners between other components are only for illustrative purposes and are not limited thereto. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For the convenience of representation, Figure 7 it is only represented by a thick line in it, but it does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0195] When the communication device 700 is a first network element, the first network element may include a processor, a memory, and a transceiver. Among them, the memory may store computer program codes, and the transceiver includes a transmitter and a receiver.

[0196] The processor is mainly used to process communication protocols and communication data; control the first network element, execute software programs, and process data of software programs, etc.

[0197] The memory is mainly used to store software programs and data.

[0198] The transmitter is used to send signals to other network elements or devices, and the receiver is used to receive signals from other network elements or devices.

[0199] When the communication device 700 is a chip in the first network element, the chip may include a processor, a memory, and a transceiver. Among them, the transceiver may be an input / output circuit or a communication interface. The processor may be a processing module integrated on the chip, a microprocessor, or an integrated circuit. The sending operation of the first network element in the above method embodiments can be understood as the output of the chip, and the receiving operation of the first network element in the above method embodiments can be understood as the input of the chip.

[0200] When the communication device 700 is a second network element, the second network element may include a processor, a memory, and a transceiver. Among them, the memory may store computer program codes, and the transceiver includes a transmitter and a receiver.

[0201] The processor is mainly used to process communication protocols and communication data; control the second network element, execute software programs, and process data of software programs, etc.

[0202] The memory is mainly used to store software programs and data.

[0203] The transmitter is used to send signals to other network elements or devices, and the receiver is used to receive signals from other network elements or devices.

[0204] When the communication device 700 is a chip in the second network element, the chip may include a processor, a memory, and a transceiver. Among them, the transceiver may be an input / output circuit or a communication interface. The processor may be a processing module integrated on the chip, a microprocessor, or an integrated circuit. The sending operation of the second network element in the above method embodiments may be understood as the output of the chip, and the receiving operation of the second network element in the above method embodiments may be understood as the input of the chip.

[0205] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may be implemented by hardware or by software. When implemented by hardware, the processor may be a logic circuit, an integrated circuit, etc. When implemented by software, the processor may be a general-purpose processor that implements by reading software code stored in the memory.

[0206] Exemplarily, the processor may be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), or may also be other general-purpose processors, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or the processor may also be any conventional processor, etc.

[0207] It should be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchlink dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus random access memory (DR RAM).

[0208] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) may be integrated in the processor.

[0209] It should be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0210] Based on the same technical concept, the embodiments of the present application further provide a computer-readable storage medium, including a program or instruction, which, when running on a computer, causes the method in the above method embodiments to be executed.

[0211] Based on the same technical concept, the embodiments of the present application further provide a computer program product, including an instruction, which, when running on a computer, causes the method in the above method embodiments to be executed.

[0212] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments of the present application can be provided as a method, a system, or a computer program product. Therefore, the present application can take the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Moreover, the present application can take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) that contain computer-usable program code.

[0213] The present application is described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatuses (systems), and computer program products according to the present application. It should be understood that each flow and / or block in the flowchart and / or block diagram, and the combination of flows and / or blocks in the flowchart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to the processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing devices to generate a machine, such that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing devices generate means for implementing the functions specified in Figure 1 one or more flows and / or blocks Figure 1 one or more blocks.

[0214] These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to work in a specific manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory generate a manufactured article including instruction means that implement the functions specified in Figure 1 one or more flows and / or blocks Figure 1 one or more blocks.

[0215] These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device, such that a series of operation steps are executed on the computer or other programmable device to generate a computer-implemented process, so that the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device provide steps for implementing the functions specified in Figure 1 one or more flows and / or blocks Figure 1 one or more blocks.

Claims

1. A network element selection method, characterized in that Applied to a first network element, the method includes: Receiving a first message, where the first message includes an identifier of a user; Determining the media capability requirements of the user according to the identifier of the user; Selecting at least one media network element to provide services for the user according to the media capability requirements of the user, where the media capabilities provided by the at least one media network element meet the media capability requirements of the user.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein Before receiving the first message, it further includes: Receiving a second message from a second network element, where the second message is used to indicate the media capability requirements of the user; Correspondingly saving the media capability requirements of the user and the identifier of the user.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein The second message includes at least one of the following: The media capabilities required by the user; The set of media capabilities required by the user; The index of the media capabilities required by the user; The index of the set of media capabilities required by the user.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The second message is carried in a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) message.

5. The method according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, Before receiving the second message from the second network element, it further includes: Receiving a registration message from the user, where the registration message includes the identifier of the user; Forwarding the registration message to the second network element.

6. The method according to any one of claims 2-5, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receiving a third message from the second network element, where the third message is used to indicate the changed media capability requirements of the user; Updating the media capability requirements of the user according to the third message.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The step of selecting at least one media network element to provide services for the user according to the media capability requirements of the user includes: Selecting the at least one media network element to provide services for the user according to the media capabilities of one or more pre-configured media network elements and the media capability requirements of the user, where the one or more media network elements include the at least one media network element; or, Obtaining the media capabilities of one or more media network elements from a Network Storage Function (NSF) network element; selecting the at least one media network element to provide services for the user according to the media capabilities of the one or more media network elements and the media capability requirements of the user, where the one or more media network elements include the at least one media network element.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Sending a first request to a first media network element, where the first request contains a fourth message, and the fourth message is used to indicate at least one media capability required by the user, and the first request is used to apply to the first media network element for the at least one media capability, and the first media network element is one of the at least one media network element; Receiving a first response feedback from the first media network element, where the first response is used to indicate that the application for the at least one media capability is successful.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The first network element is a Proxy-Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF) network element.

10. The method according to any one of claims 2-6, characterized in that, The second network element is an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) Application Server (AS).

11. The method according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The media network element is an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem - Access Gateway (IMS-AGW).

12. A network element selection method, characterized in that, Applied to a second network element, the method includes: Receiving, via a first network element, a registration message from a user, where the registration message includes the identifier of the user; Sending a second message to the first network element, where the second message is used to indicate the media capability requirements of the user.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The second message includes at least one of the following: The media capabilities required by the user; The set of media capabilities required by the user; The index of the media capabilities required by the user; The index of the set of media capabilities required by the user.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The second message is carried in a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) message.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 - 14, characterized in that, It further includes: Sending a third message to the first network element, where the third message is used to indicate the changed media capabilities requirements of the user.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 - 15, characterized in that, The first network element is a Proxy-Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF) network element.

17. The method according to any one of claims 12 - 16, characterized in that, The second network element is an Internet Protocol-Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) Application Server (AS).

18. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a module for executing the method according to any one of claims 1-11, or includes a module for executing the method according to any one of claims 12-16.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a processor and an interface circuit, where the interface circuit is electrically coupled to the processor, and the processor enables the execution of the method according to any one of claims 1-11 through logic circuits or by executing code instructions, or enables the execution of the method according to any one of claims 12-16.

20. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, A computer program or instruction is stored in the storage medium, and when the computer program or instruction is run, it enables the execution of the method according to any one of claims 1-11, or enables the execution of the method according to any one of claims 12-16.

21. A communication system, characterized in that, It includes: A first network element for executing the method according to any one of claims 1-11; A second network element for executing the method according to any one of claims 12-16.

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