Network node management method and device and processor readable storage medium

Abstract

The invention relates to a network node management method and device and a processor readable storage medium, and the method comprises the steps: carrying out the planning management of a plurality of network nodes deployed in a target region through a network arrangement management function network element, and determining at least one network node cooperation set for processing the service of UE in the target region. According to the method, the efficiency of cooperative work among the network nodes in the distributed network is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technologies, and in particular, to a method, an apparatus, and a processor-readable storage medium for network node management. Background Art

[0002] With the dual driving forces of the development of communication service scenarios and communication technologies, the control of new communication system networks is gradually evolving towards distribution, and its network architecture design has also started to adopt a distributed network architecture.

[0003] There are a large number of network nodes in the distributed network architecture, and the capabilities provided by each network node are also different. In related technologies, for some communication requirements, it is often necessary for network nodes in the distributed network to cooperate with each other to provide services by leveraging the different capabilities of different network nodes. Therefore, how to manage each network node to achieve efficient cooperation has become an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on this, in view of the above technical problems, it is necessary to provide a method, an apparatus, and a processor-readable storage medium for network node management, which can manage each network node to achieve efficient cooperation among the network nodes.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for network node management, which is applied to a network orchestration and management function network element. The method includes:

[0006] Performing planning and management on multiple network nodes deployed in a target area to determine at least one network node collaboration set; each network node collaboration set is used to process the services of UEs in the target area.

[0007] In one embodiment, performing planning and management on multiple network nodes deployed in a target area to determine at least one network node collaboration set includes:

[0008] Obtaining the service information of the target area and the network node information of each network node;

[0009] According to the service information and the network node information of each network node, performing planning and management on multiple network nodes deployed in the target area to determine at least one network node collaboration set.

[0010] In one embodiment, the service information of the target area includes at least one of the following:

[0011] The service requirements of the target area;

[0012] The service type of the target area;

[0013] The service type statistical information of the target area;

[0014] User demand statistical information of the target area.

[0015] In one embodiment, the network node information includes at least one of the following:

[0016] The service capacity of the network node;

[0017] The resources of the network node;

[0018] The processing capacity of the network node;

[0019] The performance of the network node;

[0020] The service scope of the network node.

[0021] In one embodiment, the service capacity of the network node includes at least one of the following:

[0022] The AI capacity of the network node;

[0023] The data service capacity of the network node;

[0024] The computing power service of the network node;

[0025] The service business type of the network node.

[0026] In one embodiment, for multiple network nodes deployed in the target area, planning and management are performed to determine at least one network node collaboration set, including:

[0027] In response to the service demand of the UE at the current moment, according to the service demand at the current moment and the network node information of each network node, planning and management are performed on the multiple network nodes to determine at least one network node collaboration set.

[0028] In one embodiment, according to the service demand at the current moment and the network node information of each network node, planning and management are performed on the multiple network nodes to determine at least one network node collaboration set, including:

[0029] According to the service demand at the current moment and the network node information of each network node, perform planning and management of the multiple network nodes at the current moment to determine at least one network node collaboration set at the current moment.

[0030] In one embodiment, according to the service demand at the current moment and the network node information of each network node, planning and management are performed on the multiple network nodes to determine at least one network node collaboration set, including:

[0031] According to the service demand at the current moment, predict the service demand of the UE at the next moment;

[0032] Based on the service requirements at the next moment and the network node information of each network node, perform planning and management of multiple network nodes at the next moment, and determine at least one network node collaboration set at the next moment.

[0033] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0034] For each network node collaboration set, determine the primary network node and the secondary network nodes in the network node collaboration set according to the network node information of each network node in the network node collaboration set.

[0035] In one embodiment, determining the primary network node and the secondary network nodes in each network node collaboration set according to the network node information of each network node in the network node collaboration set includes:

[0036] Determine the service capacity performance value of each network node according to the network node information of each network node in the network node collaboration set;

[0037] Determine the network nodes whose service capacity performance values meet the preset conditions as the primary network nodes in the network node collaboration set, and determine the other network nodes as the secondary network nodes in the network node collaboration set.

[0038] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0039] Perform function partitioning on the primary network node and the secondary network nodes in the network node collaboration set.

[0040] In one embodiment, the functions of the primary network node include at least one of the following:

[0041] Access control function;

[0042] Registration and connection management function;

[0043] UE mobility management function;

[0044] Collaboration management function within the network node set;

[0045] Context data management function;

[0046] Session management function.

[0047] In one embodiment, the functions of the secondary network node include at least one of the following:

[0048] User data processing and forwarding function;

[0049] Session management function.

[0050] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0051] Send an information synchronization mechanism to each network node in the network node collaboration set. The information synchronization mechanism is used to agree on the synchronization information for the collaboration of each network node in the network node collaboration set.

[0052] In one embodiment, sending an information synchronization mechanism to each network node in the network node collaboration set includes:

[0053] Set the information synchronization mechanism in the configuration files of each network node in the network node collaboration set; or,

[0054] When each network node in the network node collaboration set is started, send the information synchronization mechanism to each network node in the network node collaboration set by means of instruction issuance.

[0055] In one embodiment, the information synchronization mechanism includes at least one of the following:

[0056] Network nodes that need to synchronize information with each other;

[0057] Address information of network nodes that need to synchronize information with each other;

[0058] Address information of the central network node among multiple network nodes;

[0059] Discovery strategies between each network node;

[0060] Discovery strategies between each network node through the central network node.

[0061] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a network node management method, which is applied to the main network node in the network node collaboration set. The method includes:

[0062] According to the service request of the UE sent by the access network, perform service processing on the UE; the network node collaboration set is a network node collaboration set obtained by planning and managing multiple network nodes deployed in the target area.

[0063] In one embodiment, the service request is a registration request; according to the service request of the UE sent by the access network, performing service processing on the UE includes:

[0064] According to the registration request of the UE, perform registration processing on the UE and send a registration response message to the UE;

[0065] Receive the session establishment request sent by the UE based on the registration response message;

[0066] According to the session establishment request message, establish a session with the UE.

[0067] In one embodiment, according to the session establishment request message, establishing a session with the UE includes:

[0068] Determine multiple candidate network nodes from a network node collaboration set according to a session establishment request message;

[0069] Establish a user plane channel for the UE through the multiple candidate network nodes;

[0070] When the user plane channel establishment is completed, determine that the session establishment with the UE is successful.

[0071] In one embodiment, the multiple candidate network nodes include a primary network node and / or a secondary network node in a target network node collaboration set.

[0072] In one embodiment, establishing a user plane channel for the UE through the multiple candidate network nodes includes:

[0073] Send a session establishment request message to the multiple candidate network nodes, instructing each candidate network node to perform its respective user plane task;

[0074] Receive the user plane task completion information sent by each candidate network node, and determine that the user plane channel establishment is completed.

[0075] In one embodiment, establishing a user plane channel for the UE through the multiple candidate network nodes includes: performing a user plane task and sending user plane task completion information to each candidate network node.

[0076] In one embodiment, the user plane task includes at least one of the following:

[0077] UE session IP address allocation;

[0078] User plane session identifier establishment;

[0079] User plane protocol stack identifier establishment;

[0080] QoS rule establishment;

[0081] Forwarding rule establishment;

[0082] User plane path selection.

[0083] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0084] Predict the update requirement of the network node collaboration set;

[0085] Update the network node collaboration set according to the update requirement.

[0086] In one embodiment, predicting the update requirement of the target network node collaboration set includes:

[0087] Predict the secondary node update requirements of the network node collaboration set based on the current service information and historical service information of the UE, as well as the service capabilities of the network node collaboration set.

[0088] In one embodiment, the secondary node update requirements include replacing the existing primary and secondary network nodes with new secondary network nodes, and updating the target network node collaboration set according to the update requirements, including:

[0089] Send a service requirement creation request to the new secondary network node, instructing the new secondary network node to create a service;

[0090] According to the service requirement creation response sent by the new secondary network node, send a service requirement release request to the original secondary network node, instructing the original secondary network node to release the service.

[0091] In one embodiment, the secondary node update requirements include adding a new secondary network node, and updating the target network node collaboration set according to the update requirements, including:

[0092] Send a service requirement creation request to the new secondary network node, instructing the new secondary network node to create a service.

[0093] In one embodiment, predicting the update requirements of the network node collaboration set includes:

[0094] Predict the replacement requirements of the network node collaboration set based on the current service information of the UE, the location information of the UE, the service scope and service capabilities of the network node collaboration set.

[0095] In one embodiment, the replacement requirements include replacing the network node collaboration set with a new network node collaboration set; updating the network node collaboration set according to the update requirements, including:

[0096] Send a service requirement creation request to the new primary network node in the new network node collaboration set, instructing the new primary network node and the new secondary network nodes in the new network node collaboration set to create a service;

[0097] According to the service requirement creation response sent by the new primary network node, release the services on itself and the secondary network nodes in the network node collaboration set.

[0098] In one embodiment, the method includes:

[0099] Send a negotiation request to the primary network nodes in other network node collaboration sets;

[0100] Determine the new network node collaboration set according to the response messages sent by the primary network nodes in other network node collaboration sets based on the negotiation request.

[0101] In one embodiment, the method includes:

[0102] Send a collaboration set selection request to the central network node in the target area;

[0103] Receive the new network node collaboration set determined by the central network node based on the collaboration set selection request.

[0104] Thirdly, an embodiment of the present application provides a network node management method, which is applied to an access network. The method includes:

[0105] In response to the service request of the UE, instruct the target network node collaboration set in the multiple network node collaboration sets to process the service for the UE; the multiple network node collaboration sets are obtained by planning and managing the multiple network nodes deployed in the target area.

[0106] In one embodiment, the service request is a registration request; instructing the target network node collaboration set in the multiple network node collaboration sets to process the service for the UE includes:

[0107] Send a registration request to the primary network node in the target network node collaboration set, and instruct the primary network node to establish a session with the UE.

[0108] In one embodiment, the service request is a registration request; before instructing the target network node collaboration set in the multiple network node collaboration sets to process the service for the UE, the method further includes:

[0109] Determine available network nodes according to the information carried in the registration request;

[0110] Send a registration request to the available network nodes, and the registration request is used for the available network nodes to obtain the target network node collaboration set.

[0111] In one embodiment, the available network nodes are used to send the registration request to the primary network nodes of the respective network node collaboration sets to which they belong, and determine the target network node collaboration set according to the feedback information of the primary network nodes of the respective network node collaboration sets to which they belong.

[0112] In one embodiment, the available network nodes are further used to send the registration request to the network orchestration and management function network element / central network node, and instruct the network orchestration and management function network element / central network node to determine the target network node collaboration set from the multiple network node collaboration sets.

[0113] In one embodiment, the service request is a registration request; before instructing the target network node collaboration set in the multiple network node collaboration sets to process the service for the UE, the method further includes:

[0114] Determine the available network node collaboration set according to the information carried in the registration request;

[0115] Send a registration request to the primary network node in the available network node collaboration set, where the registration request is for the primary network node in the available network node collaboration set to obtain the target network node collaboration set.

[0116] In one embodiment, the primary network node in the available network node collaboration set is used to determine the available network node collaboration set as the target network node collaboration set.

[0117] In one embodiment, the primary network node in the available network node collaboration set is further used to determine the target network node collaboration set by negotiating with other network nodes; or, send the registration request to the network orchestration and management function network element / central network node, instructing the network orchestration and management function network element / central network node to determine the target network node collaboration set from multiple network node collaboration sets.

[0118] Fourthly, an embodiment of the present application provides a network node management device, and the device includes:

[0119] A planning module, configured to perform planning management on multiple deployed network nodes in a target area to determine at least one network node collaboration set; each network node collaboration set is used to process the services of UEs in the target area.

[0120] In one embodiment, the planning module includes:

[0121] An information acquisition unit, configured to acquire the service information of the target area and the network node information of each network node;

[0122] A first planning unit, configured to perform planning management on multiple deployed network nodes in the target area according to the service information and the network node information of each network node, and determine at least one network node collaboration set.

[0123] In one embodiment, the planning module includes:

[0124] A second planning unit, configured to respond to the service requirements of the UE at the current moment, and perform planning management on multiple network nodes according to the service requirements at the current moment and the network node information of each network node, and determine at least one network node collaboration set.

[0125] In one embodiment, the device further includes:

[0126] A node role planning module, configured to, for each network node collaboration set, determine the primary network node and the secondary network nodes in the network node collaboration set according to the network node information of each network node in the network node collaboration set.

[0127] In one embodiment, the device further includes:

[0128] A function division module, which is used to divide the functions of the primary network node and the secondary network node in the network node cooperation set.

[0129] In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes:

[0130] A synchronization mechanism sending module, which is used to send an information synchronization mechanism to each network node in the network node cooperation set, and the information synchronization mechanism is used to agree on the synchronization information for the cooperation of each network node in the network node cooperation set.

[0131] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a network node management apparatus, and the apparatus includes:

[0132] A first processing module, which is used to perform service processing on the UE according to the service request of the UE sent by the access network; the network node cooperation set is a network node cooperation set obtained by planning and managing multiple deployed network nodes in the target area.

[0133] In one embodiment, the service request is a registration request; the first processing module includes:

[0134] A registration processing unit, which is used to perform registration processing on the UE according to the registration request of the UE and send a registration response message to the UE;

[0135] A session establishment request receiving unit, which is used to receive a session establishment request sent by the UE based on the registration response message;

[0136] A session establishment unit, which is used to establish a session with the UE according to the session establishment request message.

[0137] In one embodiment, the session establishment unit includes:

[0138] A network node determination subunit, which is used to determine multiple candidate network nodes from the network node cooperation set according to the session establishment request message;

[0139] A channel establishment subunit, which is used to establish a user plane channel for the UE through multiple candidate network nodes; when the user plane channel establishment is completed, it is determined that the session establishment with the UE is successful.

[0140] In one embodiment, the channel establishment subunit is further used to send a session establishment request message to multiple candidate network nodes, instruct each candidate network node to execute its respective user plane task; receive the user plane task completion information sent by each candidate network node, and determine that the user plane channel establishment is completed.

[0141] In one embodiment, the channel establishment subunit is further used to execute the user plane task and send the user plane task completion information to each candidate network node.

[0142] In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises:

[0143] A demand prediction module, configured to predict the update demand of the network node collaboration set;

[0144] An update module, configured to update the network node collaboration set according to the update demand.

[0145] In one embodiment, the demand prediction module comprises:

[0146] A secondary node update demand prediction unit, configured to predict the secondary node update demand of the network node collaboration set based on the current service information and historical service information of the UE, and the service capabilities of the network node collaboration set.

[0147] In one embodiment, the secondary node update demand includes replacing the existing original secondary network node with a new secondary network node. The update module comprises

[0148] A first request sending unit, configured to send a service demand creation request to the new secondary network node, instructing the new secondary network node to create a service;

[0149] A first demand creation response unit, configured to send a service demand release request to the original secondary network node according to the service demand creation response sent by the new secondary network node, instructing the original secondary network node to release the service.

[0150] In one embodiment, the secondary node update demand includes adding a new secondary network node. The update module comprises: a second request sending unit, configured to send a service demand creation request to the new secondary network node, instructing the new secondary network node to create a service.

[0151] In one embodiment, the demand prediction module comprises:

[0152] A collaboration set replacement prediction unit, configured to predict the replacement demand of the network node collaboration set based on the current service information of the UE, the location information of the UE, the service scope and service capabilities of the network node collaboration set.

[0153] In one embodiment, the replacement demand includes replacing the network node collaboration set with a new network node collaboration set. The update module comprises:

[0154] A third request sending unit, configured to send a service demand creation request to the new primary network node in the new network node collaboration set, instructing the new primary network node and the new secondary network nodes in the new network node collaboration set to create services;

[0155] A second demand creation response unit, configured to release the services on itself and the secondary network nodes in the network node collaboration set according to the service demand creation response sent by the new primary network node.

[0156] Sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a network node management device, which includes:

[0157] A second processing module, configured to, in response to a service request of a UE, instruct a target network node collaboration set in a collaboration of multiple network nodes to perform service processing on the UE; the multiple network node collaboration sets are obtained by planning and managing multiple deployed network nodes in a target area.

[0158] In one embodiment, the service request is a registration request; the device further includes:

[0159] An available node determination module, configured to determine available network nodes according to information carried in the registration request;

[0160] A first registration request sending module, configured to send a registration request to the available network nodes, where the registration request is used for the available network nodes to obtain the target network node collaboration set.

[0161] In one embodiment, the service request is a registration request; the device further includes:

[0162] An available collaboration set determination module, configured to determine an available network node collaboration set according to information carried in the registration request;

[0163] A second registration request sending module, configured to send a registration request to a primary network node in the available network node collaboration set, where the registration request is used for the primary network node in the available network node collaboration set to obtain the target network node collaboration set.

[0164] Seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a processor-readable storage medium, which stores a program for causing a processor to execute the steps of the network node management method provided in any one of the first to third aspects above.

[0165] The network node management method, device, and processor-readable storage medium provided by the embodiments of this application plan and manage multiple deployed network nodes in a target area through a network orchestration and management functional network element, and determine at least one network node collaboration set for processing the services of UEs in the target area. In this method, the network orchestration and management functional network element plans multiple network nodes in the distributed network of the target area, so that the multiple network nodes form one or more network node collaboration sets. That is, the network node collaboration sets that provide different services for UEs are planned in advance for the target area. It is equivalent to centering on the service requirements of users and making full use of available network resources to plan multiple network node collaboration sets that provide services. In this way, once there is a service processing requirement for a UE in the target area, there can be a suitable network node collaboration set that specifically provides the corresponding service to process the service requirement. The network nodes in the network node collaboration set cooperate with each other to process the service request of the UE, thereby improving the efficiency of collaborative work among network nodes in the distributed network. Description of the Drawings

[0166] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the network functions of the 6G network architecture provided in an embodiment;

[0167] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the application scenario of the network node management method provided in an embodiment;

[0168] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the process of the network node management method provided in an embodiment;

[0169] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the process of the network node management method provided in another embodiment;

[0170] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the process of the network node management method provided in another embodiment;

[0171] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the process of the network node management method provided in another embodiment;

[0172] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the target network node collaboration set selection method provided in an embodiment;

[0173] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of the target network node collaboration set selection method provided in another embodiment;

[0174] Figure 9 It is a schematic diagram of the target network node collaboration set selection method provided in another embodiment;

[0175] Figure 10Schematic flowchart of the network node management method provided in another embodiment;

[0176] Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the session establishment method provided in one embodiment;

[0177] Figure 12 Schematic diagram of the session establishment method provided in another embodiment;

[0178] Figure 13 Schematic flowchart of the network node management method provided in another embodiment;

[0179] Figure 14 Schematic diagram of the service migration method provided in one embodiment;

[0180] Figure 15 Schematic diagram of the service migration method provided in another embodiment;

[0181] Figure 16 Structural block diagram of the network node management device provided in one embodiment. Detailed implementation manners

[0182] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present application more clear and understandable, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present application and are not used to limit the present application.

[0183] The term "and / or" in the embodiments of the present application describes the association relationship of associated objects and indicates that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B may represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. The character " / " generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after.

[0184] The term "plurality" in the embodiments of the present application refers to two or more, and other quantifiers are similar thereto.

[0185] Next, the technical background of the present application will be described below.

[0186] The technical background of the present application will be described first below.

[0187] As communication technologies continue to evolve, from 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G to the current 5G and future 6G, each generation of communication standards and each specific system have their own network architectures. Among them, the original designs of the network architectures of 5G and previous generations are centrally controlled, that is, the core network functions are centrally deployed based on the requirement of centrally deploying the core network computer rooms. However, as the network develops faster and faster, the dual driving forces of business scenarios and technological development make 6G face diverse scenarios and network requirements in the air, space, land, and sea, and the centralized network architecture cannot uniformly meet all scenarios.

[0188] Based on this, the 6G network architecture needs to go beyond centralized control, and its control gradually evolves towards a distributed architecture. That is, the future 6G network will adopt a decentralized hierarchical network that combines centralization and distribution, and is organized in a way that combines centralization and distribution and distributed autonomy.

[0189] As Figure 1 shown in the figure, more network functions (such as authentication and authorization) in the 6G network can be extended to the network edge to establish distributed homogeneous micro-cloud units with different functional levels. Each micro-cloud unit is self-contained and has complete control and data forwarding functions. Multiple micro-cloud units can form autonomous micro-networks according to business requirements and provide network services targeted at specific business scenarios, user scales, geographical environments, etc. Among them, the above-mentioned micro-cloud units are also called distributed network nodes, representing a core network customized on demand or with complete functions; and these distributed network nodes will be under the management and control of a certain centralized network node. In this way, the 6G network provides network services targeted at specific business scenarios, user scales, geographical environments, etc. by establishing distributed network nodes with different functional levels and complete functions, and the network nodes form autonomous micro-networks according to business requirements.

[0190] However, in the distributed network scenario, the number of network nodes is large, and the service area of each network node is limited and may be customized and non-homogeneous. That is to say, the capabilities provided by distributed network nodes are different. Coupled with different scenario requirements or business types, distributed networks need cooperation between network nodes to provide services through the differential capabilities of different network nodes.

[0191] In the related art, for the cooperation among network nodes in a distributed network, there is UE-based information. The network selects a suitable and serving distributed network node for the UE; there is also cooperation based on the capabilities of the network nodes themselves and the access mobility management function within the same network node and the capabilities of adjacent network nodes to serve the UE. There is also cooperation based on the computing power resource situation of the network nodes when selecting cooperative network nodes. However, the above solutions all select available network nodes to provide services for the UE on the basis that the distributed network nodes have completed information setting. In fact, for network nodes to cooperate, there must be certain management rules. When managing network nodes to achieve efficient cooperation, key issues and preconditions for distributed network nodes to cooperate include what conditions form a cooperation set, who triggers cooperation, how to trigger cooperation, the role of each network node, and whether information synchronization is required between network nodes. Therefore, how to manage each network node to achieve efficient cooperation has become an urgent technical problem to be solved. Based on this, the embodiments of the present application provide a network node management method, device, and processor-readable storage medium, which can solve the above problems. Of course, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are not limited to only solving the above problems, and there are other technical effects, which can be specifically seen in the following embodiments.

[0192] Before describing the embodiments of the present application, the application scenarios of the embodiments of the present application will be described first.

[0193] The network node management method provided by the embodiments of the present application can be but is not limited to applicable to network architectures such as 5G, 6G, 7G, and above nG, such as Figure 2 As shown, taking the application scenario of a 6G network structure as an example, this application scenario includes user equipment (UE), an access network, and multiple network nodes in a distributed network. Among them, communication can be carried out pairwise between the UE, the access network, and each network node. Among them, each network node can represent a core network customized on demand or with complete functions, and each network node can also include some functions of the access network.

[0194] Among them, the UE includes but is not limited to being a terminal or a network device. The terminal can be but is not limited to various personal computers, laptop computers, smartphones, tablet computers, Internet of Things devices, and portable wearable devices. The Internet of Things device can be a smart speaker, a smart TV, a smart air conditioner, a smart vehicle-mounted device, etc. The portable wearable device can be a smart watch, a smart bracelet, a head-mounted device, etc. The network device can be a base station, a wireless access point, or other Internet of Things devices, etc.

[0195] In this application, embodiments are respectively provided with the network orchestration and management function network element in a distributed network, the main network node in which a certain network node in the distributed network collaborates centrally, and the access network as the execution entity. First, the embodiment with the network orchestration and management function network element in the distributed network as the execution entity will be described below.

[0196] In one embodiment, a network node management method is provided, which is applied to the network orchestration and management function network element in a distributed network. As Figure 3 shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0197] S101, perform planning management on multiple network nodes already deployed in the target area, and determine at least one network node collaboration set; each network node collaboration set is used to process the services of UEs in the target area.

[0198] In practical applications, network deployment can be carried out according to different areas, and the network nodes deployed in each area can be the same or different. The target area generally refers to any area where a distributed network has been deployed.

[0199] Exemplarily, when deploying a distributed network in the target area, it can be determined according to information such as the service requirements, service types of users / tenants in the target area, and combined with historical information, etc., the location, form, service capabilities, resources, processing capabilities, performance, service scope, etc. of the network nodes to be deployed, and build the corresponding network nodes in combination with the determined information to complete the deployment of the distributed network in the target area. Among them, the above historical information includes but is not limited to the historical statistical information of service types in the target area, the historical statistical information of user requirements, etc.

[0200] For the multiple network nodes already deployed in the target area, the network orchestration and management function network element performs planning management on the multiple network nodes to determine one network node collaboration set or multiple network node collaboration sets.

[0201] Among them, the network node, as mentioned above, represents a core network customized on demand or with complete functions. In some scenarios, the network node may include the network functions of the core network and may also include some network functions of the access network.

[0202] Among them, the network orchestration and management function network element refers to the network element with network node management and orchestration functions in the distributed network deployed in the target area, which can perform operation, administration, and maintenance (OAM) on each network node according to the actual needs of the operator's network operation. Among them, OAM includes three categories: operation, maintenance, and management. For example, operation mainly completes the analysis, prediction, planning, and configuration work for daily networks and services; maintenance mainly conducts daily operation activities such as testing and fault management of the network and its services, etc.

[0203] In the embodiments of the present application, the network orchestration and management function can be a separate function network element in the distributed network of the target area, or this function can be added to any original function network element in the distributed network of the target area, so that the original function network element has the function of managing and orchestrating each network node. The embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0204] The way for the network orchestration and management function network element to plan and manage these multiple network nodes can be to divide these multiple network nodes into one or more different network node collaboration sets according to the service requirements, service types of users / tenants in the target area, and combined historical information, etc. when deploying the network nodes as described above. For example, a large amount of historical experience data from multiple different regions can be collected to construct an algorithm model, and then the service requirements, service types of users / tenants in the target area, and combined historical information, etc. collected in the target area are input into the algorithm model, and the network node collaboration set determined by multiple network nodes in the target area is analyzed through the algorithm model.

[0205] The network node collaboration set, that is, the network node collaboration collection, refers to the collection formed by multiple network nodes that need to collaborate when serving the UE. Naturally, the principle of planning and managing to form at least one network node collaboration set is to find the network nodes that need to collaborate when serving the UE and divide these network nodes into a network node collaboration set. Therefore, the determined network node collaboration set is used to process the service requests initiated by the UE in the target area.

[0206] When planning the network node collaboration set, considering that a network node can process corresponding services in different network node collaboration sets at different times, therefore, in the embodiments of the present application, a network node may belong to multiple network node collaboration sets.

[0207] The network node management method provided by the embodiments of this application plans and manages multiple deployed network nodes in a target area through a network orchestration and management function network element, and determines at least one network node collaboration set for processing the services of UEs in the target area. In this method, the network orchestration and management function network element plans multiple network nodes in the distributed network of the target area, so that the multiple network nodes form one or more network node collaboration sets. That is, the network node collaboration sets for providing different services to UEs are planned in advance for the target area. It is equivalent to centering on the service requirements of users and making full use of available network resources to plan multiple network node collaboration sets for providing services. In this way, once there is a service processing requirement for a UE in the target area, there can be an appropriate network node collaboration set dedicated to providing the corresponding service to process the service requirement. The network nodes in the network node collaboration set cooperate with each other to process the service requests of UEs, thereby improving the efficiency of collaborative work among network nodes in the distributed network.

[0208] The following uses different embodiments to illustrate the process by which the network orchestration and management function network element determines the network node collaboration set.

[0209] As Figure 4 shown, in one embodiment, the process by which the above-mentioned network orchestration and management function network element determines the network node collaboration set includes the following steps:

[0210] S201, Obtain the service information of the target area and the network node information of each network node.

[0211] The service information of the target area represents information such as communication services, network services, and traffic services that may exist in the target area. In one embodiment, the service information of the target area includes at least one of the following: the service requirements of the target area; the service types of the target area; the service type statistical information of the target area; the user requirement statistical information of the target area.

[0212] Among them, the service types include, but are not limited to, authenticating, authorizing, address allocating for UE services, or selecting network slices, etc. The service type statistical information can be information obtained by statistically analyzing the types of historical services involved in the target area. Similarly, the user requirement statistical information of the target area can be information obtained by statistically analyzing the historical user requirements involved in the target area.

[0213] The network node information of each network node in the target area can be understood as the attribute information, capability information, and service information of the network node. In one embodiment, the network node information includes at least one of the following: the service capability of the network node; the resources of the network node; the processing capability of the network node; the performance of the network node; the service scope of the network node. Among them, the service capability of the network node includes at least one of the following: the AI capability of the network node; the data service capability of the network node; the computing power service of the network node; the service business type of the network node.

[0214] In practical applications, the method for the network orchestration and management function to obtain the service information of the target area and the network node information of each network node can be to receive the input from network operation users, or to query based on the service and network node related information of each area pre-stored in the local database, or to predict based on the historical service information and historical network node information of other areas. The embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit the process of obtaining the service information of the target area and the network node information of each network node.

[0215] S202, according to the service information and the network node information of each network node, perform planning and management on multiple network nodes already deployed in the target area, and determine at least one network node collaboration set.

[0216] Based on the obtained service information of the target area and the network node information of each network node, the network orchestration and management function network element performs planning on these multiple network nodes.

[0217] In the embodiments of the present application, the network orchestration and management function network element obtains the service information of the target area and the network node information of each network node, and according to the service information and the network node information of each network node, performs planning and management on multiple network nodes already deployed in the target area, and determines at least one network node collaboration set. This method combines the service information of the target area and the network node information of each network node to divide the network node collaboration set. In this way, the network node collaboration set is centered around the actual service requirements of the UE, making the division of the network node collaboration set more reasonable, accurate, and reliable.

[0218] In the above embodiments, the network orchestration and management function network element first obtains the service information of the target area and the network node information of the deployed network nodes, analyzes this information, and then divides these multiple network nodes into one or more network node collaboration sets. Once the network node collaboration set divided in this case is determined, it will not change again without special circumstances and does not need to be adjusted, belonging to a static process. However, in practical applications, in order to make the divided network node collaboration set more in line with the service situation of the target area, the embodiments of the present application also provide a solution for dynamically dividing the network node collaboration set.

[0219] In another embodiment, the process by which the above-mentioned network orchestration and management function network element determines a network node collaboration set further includes: in response to the service requirements of the UE at the current moment, based on the service requirements at the current moment and the network node information of each network node, planning and managing multiple network nodes to determine at least one network node collaboration set.

[0220] In the embodiments of the present application, the UE may initiate a service request at each moment, and the service requirements of the UE at each moment may be different at different moments. Therefore, when dividing the network node collaboration set, it can be dynamically divided in combination with the service requirements of the UE at each moment.

[0221] Specifically, the network orchestration and management function network element obtains the service requirement information of the UE at the current moment, and based on the service requirement information of the UE at the current moment and the network node information of each network node, divides the network node collaboration set. That is, the network node collaboration set at each moment is in a dynamic change process. In this way, the dynamic division of the network node collaboration set enables the network node collaboration set to be updated very timely. Thus, when processing the UE service, it can better match the user's service processing requirements, improve the efficiency of collaborative work among network nodes in the distributed network, and ensure the service quality of the service.

[0222] When dynamically dividing the network node collaboration set, it can be divided into two types: directly dividing the network node collaboration set in real time at the current moment and predictively dividing the network node collaboration set at the next moment of the current moment.

[0223] Then, the implementation process of planning and managing multiple network nodes according to the service requirements at the current moment and the network node information of each network node to determine at least one network node collaboration set includes:

[0224] In one embodiment, it may be to plan and manage multiple network nodes at the current moment according to the service requirements at the current moment and the network node information of each network node, and determine at least one network node collaboration set at the current moment. That is, the network orchestration and management function network element directly combines the service requirements at the current moment and the network node information of each network node to divide the network node collaboration set belonging to the current moment.

[0225] In another embodiment, it may be to predict the service requirements of the UE at the next moment according to the service requirements at the current moment; according to the service requirements at the next moment and the network node information of each network node, plan and manage multiple network nodes at the next moment, and determine at least one network node collaboration set at the next moment.

[0226] That is, the network orchestration and management function network element first combines the service requirements at the current moment to predict the service requirements of the UE at the next moment, and then divides the network node collaboration set belonging to the next moment based on the service requirements at the next moment and the network node information of each network node.

[0227] In the embodiments of the present application, after receiving the service requirements of the UE at the current moment, the network orchestration and management function network element can directly determine the network node collaboration set at the current moment by combining the service requirements at the current moment and the network node information of each network node, or can predict the service requirements at the next moment according to the service requirements at the current moment, and determine the network node collaboration set at the next moment according to the service requirements at the next moment and the network node information, so that the network node collaboration set can be divided in real time and in a timely manner following the service requirements of the UE, improving the adaptability between the network node collaboration set of the target area division and the service requirements, and ensuring the service quality of the network node collaboration set for serving the UE.

[0228] In the embodiments of the present application, dividing the network node collaboration set not only involves how to form the network node collaboration set, but also includes dividing the roles of the network nodes in the formed network node collaboration set, dividing the functional responsibilities of the network nodes with different roles, the process of using and updating the network node collaboration set, and the information synchronization process of each node in the network node collaboration set, etc. The above related processes will be described below through different embodiments respectively.

[0229] In one embodiment, the process of defining the roles of the network nodes in each network node collaboration set in the embodiments of the present application includes: for each network node collaboration set, determining the primary network node and the secondary network nodes in the network node collaboration set according to the network node information of each network node in the network node collaboration set.

[0230] Among them, the functions of the primary network node and the secondary network nodes are different. The primary network node represents the network node in the network node collaboration set responsible for some main functions, and the secondary network nodes are some network nodes that assist the primary network node. There is only one primary network node in each network node collaboration set, but the number of secondary network nodes can be one or more, without limitation.

[0231] As mentioned above, a network node may belong to multiple network node collaboration sets. Then, the primary network node in one network node collaboration set may also be the secondary network node in another network node collaboration set.

[0232] However, it should be noted that in some cases, the same network node will not serve as the primary network node of more than two network node cooperation sets simultaneously. However, in some special cases, the same network node can serve as the primary network node of more than two network node cooperation sets. For example, the primary network nodes of two network node cooperation sets that do not provide services simultaneously can be the same network node. Another example is that even if there is an overlap in the services provided by two network node cooperation sets, but the service capabilities, service scopes, service resources, etc. of one network node can support the services required by these two network node cooperation sets. In this case, these two network node cooperation sets can share a network node as the primary network node.

[0233] Exemplarily, when determining the primary network node and the secondary network node in each network node cooperation set, the network orchestration and management function network element can determine based on the network node information of each network node. Each primary and secondary network node is for a single network node cooperation set.

[0234] Among them, the network node information includes, but is not limited to, the service capabilities of the network node (such as service business types such as artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, data service capabilities, computing power services, etc.), the resources of the network node, the processing capabilities of the network node, the performance of the network node, the service scope, and other information.

[0235] Based on the above network node information, a network node with strong processing capabilities, high performance, large coverage, and a large number of served users can be used as the primary network node. Naturally, the other network nodes in the network node cooperation set will be used as secondary network nodes.

[0236] In the embodiments of the present application, according to the network node information of each network node in each network node cooperation set, the primary network node and the secondary network node in each network node cooperation set are determined. In this way, the network nodes in each network node cooperation set are divided into primary and secondary roles, enabling the network nodes in each network node cooperation set to be more clear about their own positions when collaborating to provide services, and ensuring harmonious and stable collaborative work among network nodes.

[0237] In one embodiment, as Figure 5 s shown, the process of determining the primary network node and the secondary network node in each network node cooperation set includes the following steps:

[0238] S301, according to the network node information of each network node in the network node cooperation set, determine the service capability performance value of each network node.

[0239] For a set of cooperating network nodes, the network node information of each network node included therein is such as the service capabilities, resources, processing capabilities, performance, service scope, etc. exemplified above. Then, based on this information, a service capability performance value that can reflect the service capability of each network node can be calculated.

[0240] Exemplarily, each piece of information in the network node information can be quantified and corresponding weights can be assigned. Based on the quantified values and the corresponding weights of each piece of information, a weighted sum is obtained, and the weighted sum is used as the service capability performance value of each network node.

[0241] Alternatively, the quantified value of the most representative piece of information in the network node information can be directly regarded as the service capability performance value of the network node.

[0242] S302: Determine the network nodes whose service capability performance values meet the preset conditions as the primary network nodes in the set of cooperating network nodes, and determine the other network nodes as the secondary network nodes in the set of cooperating network nodes.

[0243] Based on the service capability performance values of each network node in each determined set of cooperating network nodes, the network nodes whose service capability performance values meet the preset conditions in the set of cooperating network nodes are used as its primary network nodes, and the other remaining network nodes are its secondary network nodes.

[0244] Among them, meeting the preset conditions can be greater than a certain set threshold, or meeting the preset conditions can be being ranked first from largest to smallest.

[0245] Taking the case of being ranked first from largest to smallest as an example, assume that there are five network nodes in the set of cooperating network nodes, and the network node ranked first in the sorting of the service performance values of these five network nodes is network node A. Then, network node A is determined as the primary network node in the set of cooperating network nodes, and the other four network nodes are the secondary network nodes in the set of cooperating network nodes.

[0246] In the embodiments of the present application, the service capability performance values of each network node are determined according to the network node information of each network node in the set of cooperating network nodes, and the network nodes whose service capability performance values meet the preset conditions are determined as the primary network nodes in the set of cooperating network nodes, and the other network nodes are determined as the secondary network nodes in the set of cooperating network nodes. In this method, by quantifying the service capability of each network node into a service capability performance value, the primary network nodes and secondary network nodes are objectively screened based on the quantified service capability performance values, making the screening of the primary network nodes and secondary network nodes in the set of cooperating network nodes more objective, more reasonable, and more accurate.

[0247] After the roles of the network nodes in each network node collaboration set are divided, different functions are set for different roles so that each network node can perform correct operations according to its own function.

[0248] In one embodiment, the method further includes dividing the functions of the primary network node and the secondary network node in the network node collaboration set.

[0249] In practical applications, the network nodes deployed in the target area include the responsibilities of the core network and part of the access network. Therefore, the responsibilities involved in the network nodes can include access control functions; registration and connection management functions; UE mobility management functions; in-network-node-set collaboration management functions; context data management functions; user data processing and forwarding functions; session management functions, etc.

[0250] Among them, access control includes authentication, authorization, access control and restriction, lawful interception, etc. Registration and connection management includes registration and connection status management, registration area management, Network Attached Storage (NAS) signaling connection management, etc. UE mobility management includes mobility restriction, mobility type, handover, paging, UE reachability management, etc.

[0251] Then, when dividing the functions of the primary network node and the secondary network node, in one embodiment, the functions of the primary network node include at least one of the following: access control function; registration and connection management function; UE mobility management function; in-network-node-set collaboration management function; context data management function; session management function. The functions of the secondary network node include at least one of the following: user data processing and forwarding function; session management function.

[0252] It should be noted that the session management function can be divided either to the primary network node or to the secondary network node. That is, the division of the functional responsibilities of the primary network node and the secondary network node can include two schemes:

[0253] Scheme 1: Responsibilities of the primary network node: access control, registration and connection management, UE mobility management, in-network-node-set collaboration management, context data management, etc. Responsibilities of the secondary network node: user data processing and forwarding, session management, etc.

[0254] Scheme 2: Responsibilities of the primary network node: access control, registration and connection management, UE mobility management, in-network-node-set collaboration management, context data management, session management, etc. Responsibilities of the secondary network node: user data processing and forwarding, etc.

[0255] It can be understood that since there are a master network node and a slave network node in each network node cooperation set, when dividing the functions of the master network node and the slave network node in each network node cooperation set, the function responsibilities can be divided in the manner of the above-mentioned Solution 1, or the function responsibilities can be divided in the manner of Solution 2. There is no restriction that the same solution must be adopted between different network node cooperation sets.

[0256] In the embodiment of the present application, by dividing the function responsibilities of the master and slave network nodes in each network node cooperation set, the function responsibilities of the network nodes in different roles are clarified, so that the network nodes in the same network node cooperation set can cooperate more fittingly to provide services, and the cooperation fitting degree between the network nodes is improved.

[0257] In practical applications, when the network nodes in the network node cooperation set cooperate with each other, in addition to defining the angles and function responsibilities, it is also necessary to define the information synchronization mechanism between each network.

[0258] Then in one embodiment, the network node management method provided in the embodiment of the present application further includes: sending an information synchronization mechanism to each network node in the network node cooperation set, and the information synchronization mechanism is used to agree on the synchronization information for the cooperation of each network node in the network node cooperation set.

[0259] The information synchronization mechanism refers to a mechanism for whether information synchronization is required between the network nodes in the network node cooperation set and how to implement information synchronization, that is, a mechanism for agreeing on how to synchronize information when these network nodes cooperate with each other.

[0260] For each network node cooperation set, the information synchronization mechanisms between different network node cooperation sets can be the same or different, which can be set according to actual needs. Therefore, it is necessary to send an information synchronization mechanism to each network node in each network node cooperation set when planning the network node cooperation set, so that the network nodes in each network node cooperation set can follow the issued information synchronization mechanism to synchronize the information required for providing services with other network nodes.

[0261] In one embodiment, the information synchronization mechanism includes at least one of the following: the network nodes that need to synchronize information with each other; the address information of the network nodes that need to synchronize information with each other; the address information of the central network node among multiple network nodes; the discovery strategy between each network node; the discovery strategy between each network node through the central network node.

[0262] Among them, in this information synchronization mechanism, the network nodes that need to synchronize information with each other during the process of collaborative service provision are defined, as well as the respective address information of these network nodes; the discovery strategy for how network nodes discover other network nodes that need to interact can also be defined. For example, the address of other network nodes that need to interact can be queried by communicating with the central network node to discover other network nodes without a network that need to interact; the relevant information of the central network node among multiple network nodes can also be defined, such as address information, communication method, and so on.

[0263] The central network node refers to the network node with the highest authority for overall information management in the network collaboration set. In some scenarios, the central network node can be the same as the main network node. In some scenarios, one central network node can be set for each network node collaboration set. In some scenarios, one central network node can be set for multiple network node collaboration sets.

[0264] In the embodiment of the present application, by sending the information synchronization mechanism to each network node in the network node collaboration set, each network node in the network node collaboration set can synchronize information with each other according to the preset information synchronization mechanism when collaborating to provide services. This information synchronization mechanism not only ensures the effective collaboration between the network nodes in the network node collaboration set, but also ensures the timely sharing of information between the network nodes that collaborate with each other, improving the service quality of each network node when collaborating to provide services.

[0265] In one embodiment, the above method of sending the information synchronization mechanism to each network node in the network node collaboration set includes: setting the information synchronization mechanism in the configuration file of each network node in the network node collaboration set; or, when each network node in the network node collaboration set is started, sending the information synchronization mechanism to each network node in the network node collaboration set by means of instruction issuance.

[0266] In the embodiment of the present application, for the two methods of sending the information synchronization mechanism, the first one is to directly set the information synchronization mechanism in the configuration file of each network node in the network node collaboration set. For example, when deploying network nodes in the target area, when the network node collaboration set planning is completed and the synchronization information mechanism of each network node collaboration set is also specified, the information synchronization mechanism is set in the configuration file of the network nodes in each network node collaboration set. In this way, when the network nodes in the network node collaboration set collaborate to provide services, the information synchronization mechanism that needs to be followed can be read from their own configuration files.

[0267] The second way is that after the network nodes are started, the network orchestration and management network element synchronizes the information synchronization mechanism to the network nodes in real time. For example, after the network node collaboration set planning in the target area is completed and enters the working state, after each network node is started, the network orchestration and management network element obtains the synchronization information mechanism of each network node collaboration set and sends the information synchronization mechanism to the corresponding network node, so that when the network nodes cooperate to provide services, they can timely learn the information synchronization mechanism that needs to be followed.

[0268] In the embodiments of the present application, by setting the information synchronization mechanism in the configuration file of the network node or sending the information synchronization mechanism to the network node in the form of an instruction after the network node is started, the network nodes in the network node collaboration set can quickly, simply and timely learn the information synchronization mechanism that needs to be followed when cooperating to provide services, thereby improving the collaboration effectiveness and efficiency among the network nodes in the network node collaboration set, and also improving the service quality of each network node when cooperating to provide services.

[0269] The above is an explanation of the embodiments involved in the network node management method provided by the embodiments of the present application from the perspective of the network orchestration and management functional network element as the execution entity, which involves processes such as network node collaboration set division, network node role definition in the network node collaboration set, functional responsibility definition, and information synchronization method. Based on the same technical concept, the embodiments of the present application also provide embodiments related to the network node management method with the master network node in each network node collaboration set as the execution entity. Among them, some processes involved in the embodiments with the master network node in each network node collaboration set as the execution entity are the same as those with the network orchestration and management functional network element as the execution entity. For the principles, methods and achievable technical effects involved in the same part, they are the same as those in the previous embodiments and will not be repeated. However, there are also some embodiments that are unique to the master network node. The embodiments with the master network node in each network node collaboration set as the execution entity will be described in detail below.

[0270] In one embodiment, as Figure 6 shown, the embodiments of the present application provide a network node management method applied to the master network node in a network node collaboration set. The method includes:

[0271] S401, perform service processing on the UE according to the service request of the UE sent by the access network; the network node collaboration set is a network node collaboration set obtained by planning and managing multiple network nodes deployed in the target area.

[0272] In the embodiments of the present application, the premise for the master network node in the network node collaboration set to process the services of the UE according to the service request of the UE sent by the access network is that: the access network first receives the service request sent by the UE, then selects a network node collaboration set from the multiple network node collaboration sets that have been determined in the target area and can efficiently process the service request of the current UE, and sends the service request to the master network node in the selected network node collaboration set. Naturally, after receiving the service request of the UE sent by the access network, the master network node in the selected network node collaboration set processes the UE according to this service request.

[0273] Among them, the multiple network node collaboration sets that have been determined in the target area are obtained by planning and managing the multiple network nodes deployed in the target area. Among them, the process of obtaining multiple network node collaboration sets by planning and managing the multiple network nodes deployed in the target area can refer to the description in the foregoing embodiments with the network orchestration and management function network element as the execution entity, and will not be elaborated here.

[0274] In the embodiments of the present application, the process for the access network to select a network node collaboration set (referred to as the target network node collaboration set here for clear expression) from multiple network node collaboration sets to process the service request of the current UE includes three schemes:

[0275] The first scheme is to first select an available network node, and then determine the target network node collaboration set through the available network node. As Figure 7 shown, this scheme includes the following steps:

[0276] S11, the access network receives the service request of the UE.

[0277] The service request may carry information such as the service type of the UE, the default network node, and may also carry information such as the service requirements of the UE, the service scenario of the UE, and the UE capabilities.

[0278] S12, the access network determines an available network node according to the service request of the UE.

[0279] The access network selects an available network node according to the information carried in the request of the UE or the pre-configured policy. For example, the default network node carried in the service request can be determined as the available network node. Or, the network node that served the UE last time can be used as the available network node. Or, the network node with the largest service capacity and performance value in the distributed network of the target area can be used as the available network node, etc.

[0280] S13, the access network sends the service request of the UE to the available network node.

[0281] S14. The available network node sends a service request to the master network node of the network node collaboration set to which it belongs.

[0282] Since the available network node may belong to multiple network node collaboration sets, when sending, the available network node can send a service request message to the master network node of each network node collaboration set to which it belongs. Figure 7 Only the case where the available network node belongs to one network node collaboration set is shown in the figure, and other possible network node collaboration sets are not shown.

[0283] S15. The master network node of the network node collaboration set to which it belongs evaluates whether it can serve the UE.

[0284] The master network node of the network node collaboration set to which it belongs can accurately evaluate whether it can serve the UE according to the information carried in the service request.

[0285] S16. The available network node receives the response message returned by the master network node of the network node collaboration set to which it belongs.

[0286] The response message returned by the master network node of each network node collaboration set indicates two results: it can serve the UE or it cannot serve the UE.

[0287] S17. The available network node determines the target network node collaboration set according to the response message.

[0288] If there are multiple network node collaboration sets that can provide services in the response message, the available network node can select a network node collaboration set that processes the service request of the current UE as the target network node collaboration set according to the service capabilities of each network node collaboration set.

[0289] Solution 2 also first selects an available network node, and then determines the target network node collaboration set through this available network node. As Figure 8 shown, this solution includes the following steps:

[0290] S21. The access network receives the service request of the UE.

[0291] The service request may carry the service type of the UE, the default network node, and may also carry information such as the service requirements of the UE, the service scenario of the UE, and the UE capabilities.

[0292] S22. The access network determines an available network node according to the service request of the UE.

[0293] The access network selects an available network node according to the information carried in the request of the UE or a pre-configured policy. For example, the default network node carried in the service request can be determined as the available network node. Or, the network node that served the UE most recently can be used as the available network node. Or, the network node with the maximum service capacity performance value in the distributed network of the target area can be used as the available network node, and so on.

[0294] S23, the access network sends the service request of the UE to the available network node.

[0295] S24, the available network node sends the service request to the network orchestration and management function network element / central network node.

[0296] Among them, the central network node is a node with the relevant information of all network node collaboration sets in the target area. The central network node can belong to any network node collaboration set or not belong to any network node collaboration set.

[0297] S25, the network orchestration and management function network element / central network node determines the target network node collaboration set.

[0298] The network orchestration and management function network element / central network node can screen out a target network node collaboration set that can process the service request of the current UE from multiple network node collaboration sets according to information such as the UE's service requirements, UE's service scenario, and UE capabilities.

[0299] S26, the available network node receives the response message returned by the network orchestration and management function network element / central network node.

[0300] The response message carries the selected target network node collaboration set.

[0301] S27, the available network node determines the target network node collaboration set according to the response message.

[0302] The third solution is to first select an available network node collaboration set, and then determine the target network node collaboration set through the main network node in the available network node collaboration set. As Figure 9 shown, this solution includes the following steps:

[0303] S31, the access network receives the service request of the UE.

[0304] The service request can carry the UE's service type, default network node, default network node collaboration set, etc., and can also carry information such as the UE's service requirements, UE's service scenario, and UE capabilities.

[0305] S32, the access network determines an available network node collaboration set according to the service request of the UE.

[0306] The access network selects an available network node collaboration set according to the information carried in the UE's request or pre-configured policies. For example, the default network node collaboration set carried in the service request can be determined as the available network node. Or, the network node collaboration set that served the UE most recently can be used as the available network node. Or, the collaboration set to which the network node with the maximum service capacity performance value in the distributed network of the target area belongs can be used as the available network node collaboration set. Or, the collaboration set to which the default network node carried in the service request belongs can be used as the available network node collaboration set, and so on.

[0307] S33, the access network sends the UE's service request to the primary network node in the available network node collaboration set.

[0308] S34, the primary network node in the available network node collaboration set determines whether it can provide UE services.

[0309] The primary network node in the available network node collaboration set can evaluate whether it can serve the UE based on information such as the UE's service requirements, UE's service scenario, and UE capabilities.

[0310] S35, if it can serve the UE, the primary network node in the available network node collaboration set determines the available network node collaboration set as the target network node collaboration set.

[0311] Or, S35, if it cannot serve the UE, the primary network node in the available network node collaboration set re-selects the target network node collaboration set.

[0312] Among them, the primary network node in the available network node collaboration set can re-form a target network node collaboration set for serving the UE by negotiating with other network nodes, or send the UE service request to the central network node in the target area, and the central network node selects or generates a new network node collaboration set as the target network node collaboration set for the UE. Or, send the UE service request to the network orchestration and management function network element in the target area, and the network orchestration and management function network element selects or generates a new network node collaboration set as the target network node collaboration set for the UE.

[0313] It can be understood that the above three solutions can be used alternatively when applied, or two or all of them can be adopted simultaneously, and a final network node collaboration set is selected based on the target network node collaboration sets determined by two or all of them. Whichever method is used, as long as the target network node collaboration set can be determined.

[0314] Among them, the service requests of the UE include, but are not limited to, registration requests, data processing requests, authentication requests, etc. The main network node that receives the service request will cooperate with other secondary network nodes in the network node cooperation set to jointly perform corresponding service processing according to the specific request content of the service request to provide corresponding services.

[0315] In the embodiment of the present application, the main network node in the network node cooperation set processes the UE according to the service request of the UE sent by the access network; among them, the network node cooperation set is selected from multiple network node cooperation sets obtained by planning and managing multiple deployed network nodes in the target area. Since the network node cooperation set is selected from multiple network node cooperation sets in the target area, and these multiple network node cooperation sets are network node cooperation sets that are pre-planned for the target area to provide different services for the UE. It is equivalent to centering on the service requirements of the user and making full use of available network resources to plan multiple network node cooperation sets that provide services. In this way, no matter which UE has a service request, an appropriate network node cooperation set that specifically provides services can be selected, and the network nodes in this network node cooperation set cooperate with each other to process the service request of the UE, thereby improving the efficiency of collaborative work among network nodes in the distributed network.

[0316] Taking the service request sent by the above UE as a registration request as an example, the following describes the process of how the main network node in the network node cooperation set selected by the access network processes the UE service.

[0317] In one embodiment, when the service request is a registration request, the above-mentioned processing of the UE according to the service request of the UE sent by the access network includes: performing registration processing on the UE according to the registration request of the UE, and sending a registration response message to the UE; receiving a session establishment request sent by the UE based on the registration response message; and performing session establishment with the UE according to the session establishment request message.

[0318] The purpose of the UE sending a registration request is to access the corresponding network node cooperation set to ensure the services provided by the network node cooperation set to the UE. Based on this, after receiving the registration request, the main network node in the network node cooperation set performs the registration process of the UE. After completing the registration of the UE, a registration response message is sent to the UE, and this registration response message indicates that the registration of the UE has been completed.

[0319] After the UE receives the registration response message sent by the main network node, it will send a session establishment request to the UE to request session establishment with the network nodes in the network node cooperation set for convenient session interaction. After completing the session establishment, the main network node will send a session acceptance response message to the UE to indicate that the session establishment has been completed and normal session interaction can be carried out.

[0320] In the embodiment of the present application, when the service request is a registration request, the master network node will correspondingly complete the registration of the UE and establish a session with the UE. In this way, the master network node performs corresponding service processing according to the specific service request content of the UE, improving the service quality for the UE.

[0321] For the process of the master network node establishing a session with the UE, an embodiment is provided below for illustration. As Figure 10 shown, in one embodiment, the above-mentioned establishing a session with the UE according to the session establishment request message includes the following steps:

[0322] S501, according to the session establishment request message, determine multiple candidate network nodes from the network node collaboration set.

[0323] After receiving the session establishment request message, the master network node will determine multiple candidate network nodes from the network node collaboration set to which it belongs. These multiple candidate network nodes represent the network nodes in the network node collaboration set to which they belong that are suitable for processing this session establishment request, that is, select the network nodes that need to collaborate to process the session establishment request from the network node collaboration set to which they belong. For example, the selection criteria can be based on the service type, service scope, service quality, available service resources, etc. of each network node.

[0324] In one embodiment, the multiple candidate network nodes include the master network node and / or the secondary network node in the target network node collaboration set. That is, the multiple candidate network nodes selected can all be secondary network nodes in the network node collaboration set to which they belong, or can be composed of both secondary network nodes and the master network node in the network node collaboration set to which they belong.

[0325] Since a session needs to be established with the UE, at least one of the multiple candidate network nodes selected must have session management capabilities. As mentioned in the foregoing embodiment with the network orchestration and management function network element as the execution entity, when dividing the functional responsibilities of the master network node and the secondary network node, the session management function can be assigned to either the master network node or the secondary network node. However, the master network node and the secondary network node will not be assigned the session management function simultaneously.

[0326] Based on this, if the session management function is assigned to the master network node, then the multiple candidate network nodes determined can include the master network node, but if the session management function is assigned to the secondary network node, then the multiple candidate network nodes determined can exclude the master network node.

[0327] S502, establish the user plane channel of the UE through multiple candidate network nodes; when the establishment of the user plane channel is completed, determine that the session with the UE is successfully established.

[0328] According to the selected multiple candidate network nodes, the master network node establishes the user plane channel of the UE through these multiple candidate network nodes. Among them, the user plane channel refers to the channel for transmitting the specific data of the UE. Naturally, some related user plane tasks need to be executed for the establishment of the user plane channel. In one embodiment, the user plane tasks include at least one of the following: Internet Protocol (IP) address assignment for the UE session; establishment of the user plane session identifier; establishment of the user plane protocol stack identifier; establishment of the Quality of Service (QoS) rules; establishment of the forwarding rules; selection of the user plane path.

[0329] That is, it is necessary to assign an IP address, a user plane session identifier, a user plane protocol stack identifier, QoS rules, select a user plane path, etc. for the UE session, and finally complete the establishment of the user plane channel of the UE within the network node cooperation network set of the master network node and the bearer with the access network.

[0330] After the establishment of the user plane channel of the UE is completed, the master network node determines that the session with the UE is successfully established, and the master network node returns a session acceptance response message to the UE.

[0331] In the embodiments of the present application, multiple candidate network nodes are determined from the network node cooperation set, the user plane channel of the UE is established through these multiple candidate network nodes, and when the establishment of the user plane channel is completed, it is determined that the session with the UE is successfully established. The master network node selects several dedicated network nodes to establish the user plane channel of the UE, so that the UE can transmit its specific data through this user plane channel, thereby ensuring the successful establishment of the session with the UE.

[0332] In the two cases where the above session management function is assigned to the master network node or the secondary network node, the process of establishing the user plane channel of the UE through multiple candidate network nodes is also different.

[0333] Among them, for the case where the session management function is assigned to the secondary network node, the process of establishing the user plane channel of the UE through multiple candidate network nodes includes: sending a session establishment request message to the multiple candidate network nodes, instructing each candidate network node to execute its respective user plane tasks; receiving the user plane task completion information sent by each candidate network node, and determining that the establishment of the user plane channel is completed.

[0334] In this case, the secondary network node has session management capabilities. The primary network node forwards the UE's session establishment request message to the secondary network node among the multiple candidate network nodes, instructing the secondary network node among the multiple candidate network nodes to perform the user plane tasks required for user plane channel establishment.

[0335] Considering that there are more or less differences in the service scope, service traffic, service performance, etc. of each network node, the multiple candidate secondary network nodes can also cooperate to complete the user plane tasks. For example, some secondary network nodes perform the task of allocating IP addresses for the UE session, some secondary network nodes are responsible for the tasks of allocating user plane session identifiers and user plane protocol stack identifiers for the UE session, some secondary network nodes are responsible for the tasks of establishing and allocating QoS rules for the UE session, and some secondary network nodes can be responsible for selecting the user plane path for the UE session, etc. In this way, different secondary network nodes perform their respective user plane tasks and cooperate with each other to complete the user plane channel establishment. After each candidate secondary network node completes its respective user plane task, it sends a task completion response message to the primary network node. The primary network node determines that the user plane channel establishment is completed after all user plane tasks are completed.

[0336] For the case where the session management function is assigned to the primary network node, the above process of establishing the UE's user plane channel through multiple candidate network nodes includes: performing user plane tasks and sending user plane task completion information to each of the candidate network nodes.

[0337] In this case, the primary network node has session management capabilities, but the secondary network node does not. Therefore, the primary network node itself will execute the above user plane tasks. After all user plane tasks are executed, in order for other network nodes among the multiple candidate network nodes that need to cooperate to also know the completion information of the user plane tasks, for example, what the completion information includes such as the allocated IP address, user plane session identifier, user plane protocol stack identifier, QoS rules, and the specific content of the selected user plane path, etc., the primary network node will synchronize the completion information of these user plane tasks to each candidate network node to ensure the smooth progress of subsequent cooperative services.

[0338] In the embodiments of the present application, for the case where the session management function is assigned to different network nodes, the network node mainly responsible for user plane tasks is also different in the process of the primary network node establishing the UE's user plane channel through multiple candidate network nodes. By having the network node with session management capabilities execute the user plane channel establishment, the establishment of the UE's user plane channel becomes more reliable.

[0339] In addition, based on any of the above embodiments, the present application also provides an embodiment for UE session establishment. In this embodiment, the functional responsibilities of the primary network node include: access control, registration and connection management, UE mobility management, in-network node set collaboration management, context data management, etc. The functional responsibilities of the secondary network node: user data processing and forwarding, session management, etc. As Figure 11 shown, this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0340] S41, The access network receives a registration / access request from the UE.

[0341] S42, The access network selects a network node collaboration set and determines a suitable target network node collaboration set.

[0342] S43, The access network sends a registration / access request to the primary network node in the target network node collaboration set.

[0343] S44, The primary network node in the target network node collaboration set completes the user registration process

[0344] S45, The primary network node in the target network node collaboration set returns a registration acceptance response message to the UE.

[0345] S46, The UE sends a session establishment request to the primary network node in the target network node collaboration set.

[0346] S47, The primary network node in the target network node collaboration set selects multiple candidate network nodes based on the UE's session establishment request message.

[0347] These multiple candidate network nodes may consist of the primary network node and some secondary network nodes, or some secondary network nodes.

[0348] S48, The primary network node in the target network node collaboration set sends a session establishment request to the multiple candidate network nodes.

[0349] Among them, for the convenience of illustration, Figure 11 it is illustrated by taking the example that all candidate network nodes are secondary network nodes.

[0350] S49, Each candidate network node establishes a user plane channel based on the received session establishment request.

[0351] Tasks such as allocating an IP address for the UE session, user plane session identifier, user plane protocol stack identifier, QoS rules, selecting a user plane path, etc. are performed, and finally, the user plane channel within the collaborative network set and the bearer with the access network are established.

[0352] S410, Each candidate network node feeds back a session establishment completion response message to the primary network node in the target network node collaboration set.

[0353] S411. The master network node in the target network node cooperation set returns a session acceptance response message to the UE.

[0354] For the principles, methods involved in the implementation processes of the steps in the above embodiments and the achievable technical effects, they are the same as those in the previous embodiments. Here, the same parts and beneficial effects as those in the foregoing method embodiments in this application will not be specifically elaborated again.

[0355] Based on any of the above embodiments, the present application further provides an embodiment of UE session establishment. In this embodiment, the functional responsibilities of the master network node include: access control, registration and connection management, UE mobility management, in-network node set cooperation management, context data management, session management, etc. The responsibilities of the secondary network node include: user data processing and forwarding, etc. As Figure 12 shown, this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0356] S51. The access network receives a registration / access request from the UE.

[0357] S52. The access network selects a network node cooperation set and determines a suitable target network node cooperation set.

[0358] S53. The access network sends a registration / access request to the master network node in the target network node cooperation set.

[0359] S54. The master network node in the target network node cooperation set completes the user registration process

[0360] S55. The master network node in the target network node cooperation set returns a registration acceptance response message to the UE.

[0361] S56. The UE sends a session establishment request to the master network node in the target network node cooperation set.

[0362] S57. Based on the UE's session establishment request message, the master network node in the target network node cooperation set selects multiple candidate network nodes.

[0363] These multiple candidate network nodes may consist of the master network node and some secondary network nodes, or some secondary network nodes.

[0364] S58. Based on the UE's session establishment request message, the master network node in the target network node cooperation set establishes a user plane channel.

[0365] The master network node allocates an IP address, a user plane session identifier, a user plane protocol stack identifier, QoS rules, and selects a user plane path for the UE session.

[0366] In S59, the master network node in the target network node cooperation set sends relevant information to each candidate network node.

[0367] Each candidate network node only needs to complete the establishment of the user plane path, the distribution of forwarding rules and QoS rules according to the issued instructions. Finally, the user plane channel within the cooperation network set and the bearer establishment with the access network are completed.

[0368] In S510, the master network node in the target network node cooperation set returns a session acceptance response message to the UE.

[0369] The principles, methods involved in the implementation process of each step in the above embodiments, and the achievable technical effects are the same as those in the previous embodiments. Here, the same parts and beneficial effects in the embodiments of the present application as those in the foregoing method embodiments will not be specifically described again.

[0370] In the embodiments of the present application, for the multiple network node cooperation sets planned for the target area, during the process of providing services to the UE, the network node cooperation sets can be updated in a timely manner. Specifically, the master network node in each network node cooperation set can perform the update operation of the network node cooperation set.

[0371] Then, as Figure 13 shown, in one embodiment, the network node management method provided by the embodiments of the present application includes the following steps:

[0372] S601, predict the update requirement of the network node cooperation set.

[0373] In practical applications, in order to ensure the service quality of the network node cooperation set for the UE, the master network node in the network node cooperation set can predict the update requirement of the network node cooperation set in advance.

[0374] Among them, when there are some situations in the network node cooperation set, it needs to be updated. For example, when a secondary network node or the master network node in the original network node cooperation set fails, or there is no failure but it cannot provide services, etc., in order not to reduce the service quality provided to the UE, the network node cooperation set needs to be updated. Then the update requirement of the network node cooperation set can be the update requirement of the secondary network node, or the update requirement of the master network node, or the requirement for both the master and secondary network nodes to be updated.

[0375] S602, update the network node cooperation set according to the update requirement.

[0376] Based on the update requirement of the network node cooperation set predicted by the master network node, the corresponding update operation is performed. For example, if the update requirement is the update requirement of the secondary network node, the master network node only needs to update the secondary network node in the network node cooperation set.

[0377] In the embodiment of the present application, the master network node predicts the update requirement of the network node collaboration set to which it belongs, and accordingly updates the network node collaboration set, so that the network node collaboration set better matches the service requirements of the UE, improving the service reliability and service quality of the network node collaboration set.

[0378] In one embodiment, the master network node predicts the update requirement of the target network node collaboration set, including: predicting the update requirement of the secondary nodes of the network node collaboration set based on the current service information and historical service information of the UE, as well as the service capabilities of the network node collaboration set.

[0379] In this embodiment, the predicted update requirement of the network node collaboration set is whether there is an update requirement for the secondary network nodes. The update requirements of the secondary nodes of the network node collaboration set intelligently predicted by the master network node based on the current service information and historical service information of the UE, as well as the service capabilities of the network node collaboration set, include two types: a new secondary network node is needed to replace the existing secondary network node or a new secondary network node is needed to join.

[0380] Among them, the current service information and historical service information of the UE can be obtained by sending a request to the UE. Based on the current service information and historical service information of the UE, the service type, service content, service data, etc. required by the UE at the next moment can be predicted.

[0381] The service capabilities of the network node collaboration set to which the master network node belongs can refer to the service capabilities of the network node collaboration set itself or the available service capabilities of the network node collaboration set. Among them, the service capabilities of the network node collaboration set itself depend on the service scope, service business type, resources, computing power, processing capabilities, etc. of each network node in the network node collaboration set.

[0382] In practical applications, when each network node collaboration set is planned, the service capabilities of each network node collaboration set can be quantified and stored in a database for easy retrieval during use. Of course, if the network node collaboration set is updated, the corresponding quantified value of the service capabilities of the updated network node collaboration set is also updated. Among them, the quantified value of the service capabilities of the network node collaboration set can be calculated based on the service capability performance values of the network nodes mentioned in the foregoing embodiments. For example, the quantified value of a network node collaboration set can be the average of the service capability performance values of all the network nodes it includes.

[0383] Optionally, if the predicted update requirement for the secondary node is to replace the existing original secondary network node with a new secondary network node, the process of updating the target network node cooperation set by the primary network node according to the update requirement may include: sending a service requirement creation request to the new secondary network node to instruct the new secondary network node to create services; according to the service requirement creation response sent by the new secondary network node, sending a service requirement release request to the original secondary network node to instruct the original secondary network node to release services.

[0384] Among them, in the case where the new secondary network node replaces the existing secondary network node, it is necessary to migrate the original services from the original secondary network node to the new secondary network node, create services on the new secondary network node, and at the same time release the services on the original secondary network node. Therefore, the service requirement creation request sent by the primary network node to the new secondary network node is to request the new secondary network node to create the services that have not been processed and are being processed on the original secondary network node, so as to avoid loss of services for the UE. After the new secondary network node has created all the unprocessed and ongoing services, it is equivalent to having completed service backup on the new secondary network node. At this time, the primary network node can notify the original secondary network node to release the services on it. At the same time, the new secondary network node can also be added to the network node cooperation set and the original secondary network node can be removed through some identifier updates.

[0385] Optionally, if the predicted update requirement for the secondary node is to add a new secondary network node, the process of updating the target network node cooperation set by the primary network node according to the update requirement includes: sending a service requirement creation request to the new secondary network node to instruct the new secondary network node to create services.

[0386] Since only a new secondary network node is added, service migration may not be required, and the new secondary network node can be directly notified to create corresponding services according to the actual service requirements.

[0387] As Figure 14 shown, the service migration process during secondary node update includes the following steps:

[0388] S61, the primary network node sends a service requirement creation request to the new secondary network node.

[0389] S62, the new secondary network node creates services.

[0390] S63, the new secondary network node sends a service requirement creation response to the primary network node.

[0391] S64, the primary network node sends a service requirement release request to the original secondary network node.

[0392] S65, the original secondary network node releases services.

[0393] Among them, the update requirement of the secondary node is to replace the existing original secondary network node with a new secondary network node to execute S61 - S65. However, if the update requirement of the secondary node is to add a new secondary network node, then S64 and S65 do not need to be executed, and only S61 - S63 need to be executed.

[0394] In the embodiment of the present application, the primary network node can predict whether the secondary network node in the network node collaboration set needs to be updated. If the update of the secondary network node is to replace the old one with a new one, the services on the old secondary network node are migrated to the new secondary network node by means of service migration. However, if the update of the secondary network node is to directly add a new secondary network node, only the corresponding services need to be created on the new secondary network node. In either case, the secondary network node in the network node collaboration set can be updated in a timely manner according to the service requirements of the UE, improving the adaptability between the network node collaboration set and the UE service requirements, so that the updated network node collaboration set can provide higher service quality for the UE.

[0395] In one embodiment, the primary network node collaboration set predicts the update requirement of the network node collaboration set, including: predicting the replacement requirement of the network node collaboration set based on the current service information of the UE, the location information of the UE, the service range and service capabilities of the network node collaboration set.

[0396] In this embodiment, the update requirement of the network node collaboration set predicted by the primary network node is whether the entire network node collaboration set needs to be replaced, that is, whether the currently affiliated network node collaboration set needs to be replaced with a new network node collaboration set.

[0397] Exemplarily, the primary network node can intelligently predict whether a new network node collaboration set is needed to serve the UE based on the current service information of the UE, the location information of the UE, the service range of the currently affiliated network node collaboration set, and the service capabilities. Among them, the current service information of the UE and the location information of the UE can be obtained by sending requests to the UE, and the service range and service capabilities of the currently affiliated network node collaboration set can be obtained according to the content pre-recorded in the database.

[0398] Because the replacement of the network node collaboration set currently affiliated to the primary network node with a new network node collaboration set means that even the primary network node itself needs to be replaced, the primary network node needs to first determine the new network node collaboration set before performing the formal replacement operation.

[0399] In one embodiment, the way for the primary network node to determine the new network node collaboration set can be that the primary network node sends a negotiation request to the primary network nodes in other network node collaboration sets; and determines the new network node collaboration set according to the response messages sent by the primary network nodes in other network node collaboration sets based on the negotiation request.

[0400] The master network node can automatically trigger a network node negotiation process based on pre - saved information of other network nodes. For example, the master network node sends a negotiation request to the master network node in each other network node collaboration set. The negotiation request may carry relevant content such as the service information and location information of the UE, etc., to request each network node collaboration set to evaluate based on this whether it can serve the UE.

[0401] After the master network node in each network node collaboration set has evaluated, it will return a response message. The master network node determines a new network node collaboration set according to each response message. If there are two or more response messages indicating that it can serve, the master network node can select one of them as the new network node collaboration set. For example, select the network node collaboration set with the highest service - ability quantization value as the new network node collaboration set.

[0402] In this embodiment, the master network node determines a new network node collaboration set through the interaction with the master network node in other network node collaboration sets. Since the final determination result is comprehensively evaluated by the master network node in each network node collaboration set according to relevant information, the accuracy of the new network node collaboration set determined by the master network node is improved.

[0403] In another embodiment, the way for the master network node to determine a new network node collaboration set can be to send a collaboration set selection request to the central network node in the target area; and receive the new network node collaboration set determined by the central network node based on the collaboration set selection request.

[0404] The master network node can also send a collaboration set selection request to the central network node in the target area. Similarly, the collaboration set selection request may also carry relevant content such as the service information and location information of the UE, etc., and the central network node has the relevant information of all network node collaboration sets in the target area. In this way, the central network node can determine a new network node collaboration set that can serve the UE based on this information and inform the master network node of the new network node collaboration set. Thus, by using the central network node in the target area to determine the new network node collaboration set, the interaction between the master network node and the master network node in other network node collaboration sets is reduced, thereby greatly saving network resources.

[0405] Based on the determined new network node collaboration set, the process for the master network node to update the network node collaboration set includes: sending a service - demand creation request to the new master network node in the new network node collaboration set, instructing the new master network node and the new secondary network nodes in the new network node collaboration set to create services; and releasing the services on itself and the secondary network nodes in the network node collaboration set according to the service - demand creation response sent by the new master network node.

[0406] The entire current network node collaboration set to which the master network node belongs needs to be replaced with a new network node collaboration set. Therefore, all services on the current network node collaboration set need to be migrated to the new network node collaboration set. Specifically, the service migration process is as Figure 15 shown and includes the following steps:

[0407] S71, the master network node sends a service requirement creation request to the new master network node in the new network node collaboration set.

[0408] S72, both the new master network node and the new secondary network node create services.

[0409] S73, the new master network node sends a service requirement creation response to the master network node.

[0410] S74, the master network node sends a service requirement release request to the secondary network nodes in its affiliated collaboration set.

[0411] S75, both the master network node and the secondary network nodes in its affiliated collaboration set perform service release.

[0412] That is, the master network node sends a service requirement creation request to the new master network node in the new network node collaboration set, instructing the new master network node and the new secondary network node in the new network node collaboration set to create corresponding services and UE context information respectively. After the service creation by the new master network node and the new secondary network node in the new network node collaboration set is completed, a service requirement creation response will be returned. At this time, the master network node releases the services and UE context information on itself and the secondary network nodes.

[0413] In the embodiments of the present application, when the master network node predicts that a new network node collaboration set is needed to serve the UE, it first selects a suitable new network node collaboration set, and then migrates all the services on the currently affiliated network node collaboration set to the new network node collaboration set. After the migration is successful, it releases the services and UE context information on the currently affiliated network node collaboration set, greatly reducing the risk of UE service loss during the service migration process and ensuring the service quality of the new network node collaboration set for the UE.

[0414] Similarly, based on the same technical concept, the embodiments of the present application also provide an embodiment of a network node management method with the access network as the execution entity. Among them, the principles, methods, and technical effects that can be achieved in the implementation process of each step in the embodiment with the access network as the execution entity are the same as those in the previous embodiment with the master network node in the network node collaboration set as the execution entity, and the same parts and beneficial effects as those in the foregoing method embodiments in the embodiments of the present application will not be specifically described herein.

[0415] The following are embodiments related to a network node management method with an access network as the execution entity.

[0416] In one embodiment, a network node management method is provided, which is applied to an access network. The method includes: in response to a service request of a UE, instructing a target network node collaboration set in a collaboration set of multiple network nodes to perform service processing on the UE; the collaboration set of multiple network nodes is obtained by planning and managing multiple deployed network nodes in a target area.

[0417] In one embodiment, the service request is a registration request; the above-mentioned instructing the target network node collaboration set in the collaboration set of multiple network nodes to perform service processing on the UE includes: sending a registration request to the primary network node in the target network node collaboration set, instructing the primary network node to establish a session with the UE.

[0418] In one embodiment, the service request is a registration request; before the above-mentioned instructing the target network node collaboration set in the collaboration set of multiple network nodes to perform service processing on the UE, the method further includes:

[0419] Determining available network nodes according to the information carried in the registration request;

[0420] Sending a registration request to the available network nodes, where the registration request is used for the available network nodes to obtain the target network node collaboration set.

[0421] In one embodiment, the above-mentioned available network nodes are used to send the registration request to the primary network nodes of the respective network node collaboration sets to which they belong, and determine the target network node collaboration set according to the feedback information of the primary network nodes of the respective network node collaboration sets to which they belong.

[0422] In one embodiment, the above-mentioned available network nodes are further used to send the registration request to a network orchestration management function network element / central network node, instructing the network orchestration management function network element / central network node to determine the target network node collaboration set from the collaboration set of multiple network nodes.

[0423] In one embodiment, the service request is a registration request; before the above-mentioned instructing the target network node collaboration set in the collaboration set of multiple network nodes to perform service processing on the UE, the method further includes:

[0424] Determining an available network node collaboration set according to the information carried in the registration request;

[0425] Sending a registration request to the primary network node in the available network node collaboration set, where the registration request is used for the primary network node in the available network node collaboration set to obtain the target network node collaboration set.

[0426] In one embodiment, the master network node in the above available network node cooperation set is used to determine the available network node cooperation set as the target network node cooperation set.

[0427] In one embodiment, the master network node in the above available network node cooperation set is further used to determine the target network node cooperation set through negotiation with other network nodes; or send a registration request to the network orchestration and management function network element / central network node, instructing the network orchestration and management function network element / central network node to determine the target network node cooperation set from multiple network node cooperation sets.

[0428] In the distributed network scenario applicable to the network node management method provided in the embodiments of the present application, the network orchestration and management function network element can perform planning and management of network nodes in the target area according to service requirements, service types, and historical information (such as service type statistics information and user requirement statistics information in the target area), etc. The planning and management process includes: the network node cooperation set planning process, the selection of the network node cooperation set, and the service migration process.

[0429] Among them, the network node cooperation set planning process includes:

[0430] (1) Division of the network node cooperation set:

[0431] Specifically, when the network operation unit deploys the network, it can deploy network nodes and divide the network node cooperation set according to service requirements, service types, and historical information (such as service type statistics information and user requirement statistics information in the target area) of users / tenants in the target area. Or, the network orchestration and management system (such as OAM, network orchestration and management function network element, etc.) divides the network node cooperation set based on the network node information already deployed in the target area, combined with service requirements, service types, and historical information (such as service type statistics information and user requirement statistics information in the target area) of users / tenants in the target area. Or, when the network orchestration and management system receives the service requirements of the UE, it intelligently and dynamically divides the network node cooperation set at the current moment or the next moment based on the network node information already deployed in the target area and the service requirements.

[0432] Among them, the network node information includes the service capabilities of the network nodes (such as AI capabilities, data service capabilities, computing power services, etc., service business types, etc.), the resources of the network nodes, the processing capabilities of the network nodes, the performance of the network nodes, the service scope, and other information.

[0433] (2) Select the master network node and the secondary network nodes in each divided network node cooperation set according to the network node information.

[0434] In one solution, the functional responsibilities of the primary network node include: access control, registration and connection management, UE mobility management, in-network node set cooperation management, context data management, session management, etc. The functional responsibilities of the secondary network node include user data processing and forwarding. In another solution, the functional responsibilities of the primary network node include: access control, registration and connection management, UE mobility management, in-network node set cooperation management, context data management, etc. The functional responsibilities of the secondary network node include user data processing and forwarding, session management, etc. Among them, based on the partitioning strategy of the network node cooperation set, a suitable network node information synchronization mechanism can be distributed to each network node cooperation set, such as configuration methods, mechanisms such as instruction issuance after the network node starts up, etc.

[0435] Among them, the selection process of the network node cooperation set includes:

[0436] After the access network receives the registration request of the UE, the access network first selects a default network node, and then the selected network node selects a network node cooperation set that can serve the UE from the planned multiple network node cooperation sets. Finally, the primary network node of the selected network node cooperation set processes the registration request of the UE. Alternatively, the access network first selects a default network node cooperation set, and then the primary network node in the further default network node cooperation set determines a network node cooperation set that can serve the UE. Finally, the primary network node of the network node cooperation set that can serve the UE processes the request of the UE.

[0437] Among them, the process of service migration includes:

[0438] Based on the current service situation and the capabilities of the current network node cooperation set, the primary network node in the current network node cooperation set serving the UE intelligently predicts the secondary network nodes that need to be changed and performs corresponding service migrations on the secondary network nodes that need to be changed. Alternatively, based on the current service situation of the UE, the UE location information, the service scope of the current network node cooperation set, and the capabilities of the cooperation set, the primary network node in the current network node cooperation set serving the UE intelligently predicts that a new network node cooperation set is needed to serve the UE, and then migrates the corresponding services by collaborating with the new network node cooperation set.

[0439] In this way, through the partitioning management of the network node cooperation set and intelligent adjustment of the network node cooperation set based on user requirements or location changes, a consistent service experience is provided for users, achieving user-centric network services.

[0440] The implementation principles, processes, and achievable technical effects of each step in the above embodiments are the same as those in the above embodiments, and will not be elaborated here. Additionally, each step in the embodiments of the present application is not mandatory, and other steps may be included between steps. The steps in the embodiments of the present application are not limited to being executed in the described order. Some steps in the embodiments of the present application can be executed in parallel.

[0441] It should be understood that although the steps in the flowcharts involved in the above embodiments are shown in sequence according to the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless there is a clear description in this article, the execution of these steps has no strict order limit, and these steps can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least some of the steps in the flowcharts involved in the above embodiments may include multiple steps or multiple stages. These steps or stages are not necessarily executed at the same time, but can be executed at different times. The execution order of these steps or stages is not necessarily sequential, but can be executed alternately or in turn with at least a part of other steps or steps or stages in other steps.

[0442] Based on the same inventive concept, the embodiments of the present application also provide a network node management device for implementing all the network node management methods involved above.

[0443] As Figure 16 shown, the embodiments of the present application provide a network node management device 10, and the device 10 includes: a planning module 101, configured to perform planning management on multiple network nodes deployed in a target area, and determine at least one network node cooperation set; each of the network node cooperation sets is used to process the services of UEs in the target area.

[0444] In one embodiment, the planning module 101 includes:

[0445] An information acquisition unit, configured to acquire the service information of the target area and the network node information of each network node;

[0446] A first planning unit, configured to perform planning management on multiple network nodes deployed in the target area according to the service information and the network node information of each network node, and determine at least one network node cooperation set.

[0447] In one embodiment, the service information of the target area includes at least one of the following: the service requirements of the target area; the service types of the target area; the service type statistical information of the target area; the user requirement statistical information of the target area.

[0448] In one embodiment, the network node information includes at least one of the following: the service capabilities of the network node; the resources of the network node; the processing capabilities of the network node; the performance of the network node; the service scope of the network node.

[0449] In one embodiment, the service capabilities of the network node include at least one of the following: the AI capabilities of the network node; the data service capabilities of the network node; the computing power services of the network node; the service business types of the network node.

[0450] In one embodiment, the planning module 101 includes: a second planning unit, configured to, in response to the service requirements of the UE at the current moment, perform planning management on multiple network nodes according to the service requirements at the current moment and the network node information of each network node, and determine at least one network node cooperation set.

[0451] In one embodiment, the second planning unit includes: a first planning unit sub-unit, configured to perform planning management on multiple network nodes at the current moment according to the service requirements at the current moment and the network node information of each network node, and determine at least one network node cooperation set at the current moment.

[0452] In one embodiment, the second planning unit includes:

[0453] a demand prediction sub-unit, configured to predict the service requirements of the UE at the next moment according to the service requirements at the current moment;

[0454] a second planning unit sub-unit, configured to perform planning management on multiple network nodes at the next moment according to the service requirements at the next moment and the network node information of each network node, and determine at least one network node cooperation set at the next moment.

[0455] In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes: a node role planning module, configured to, for each network node cooperation set, determine the primary network node and the secondary network node in the network node cooperation set according to the network node information of each network node in the network node cooperation set.

[0456] In one embodiment, the node role planning module includes:

[0457] a performance value determination unit, configured to determine the service capability performance value of each network node;

[0458] a role planning unit, configured to determine the network nodes whose service capability performance values meet the preset conditions as the primary network nodes in the network node cooperation set, and determine the other network nodes as the secondary network nodes in the network node cooperation set.

[0459] In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes: a function division module, configured to perform function division on the primary network node and the secondary network node in the network node cooperation set.

[0460] In one embodiment, the functions of the master network node include at least one of the following: access control function; registration and connection management function; UE mobility management function; in-network node set cooperation management function; context data management function; session management function.

[0461] In one embodiment, the functions of the secondary network node include at least one of the following: user data processing and forwarding function; session management function.

[0462] In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes: a synchronization mechanism sending module, configured to send an information synchronization mechanism to each network node in the network node cooperation set, where the information synchronization mechanism is used to agree on the synchronization information for cooperation among the network nodes in the network node cooperation set.

[0463] In one embodiment, the synchronization mechanism sending module includes: a synchronization mechanism sending unit, configured to set the information synchronization mechanism in the configuration files of each network node in the network node cooperation set; or, when each network node in the network node cooperation set is started, send the information synchronization mechanism to each network node in the network node cooperation set by means of instruction distribution.

[0464] In one embodiment, the information synchronization mechanism includes at least one of the following: network nodes that need to synchronize information with each other; address information of network nodes that need to synchronize information with each other; address information of the central network node among multiple network nodes; discovery strategies among each network node; discovery strategies among each network node through the central network node.

[0465] In one embodiment, the embodiment of the present application further provides a network node management apparatus, where the apparatus includes: a first processing module, configured to perform service processing on a UE according to a service request of the UE sent by an access network; the network node cooperation set is a network node cooperation set obtained by planning and managing multiple network nodes already deployed in a target area.

[0466] In one embodiment, the service request is a registration request; the first processing module includes:

[0467] a registration processing unit, configured to perform registration processing on the UE according to the registration request of the UE, and send a registration response message to the UE;

[0468] a session establishment request receiving unit, configured to receive a session establishment request sent by the UE based on the registration response message;

[0469] a session establishment unit, configured to establish a session with the UE according to the session establishment request message.

[0470] In one embodiment, the session establishment unit includes:

[0471] A network node determination subunit, configured to determine a plurality of candidate network nodes from a network node collaboration set according to a session establishment request message;

[0472] A channel establishment subunit, configured to establish a user plane channel of a UE through a plurality of candidate network nodes; and determine that the session establishment with the UE is successful when the user plane channel establishment is completed.

[0473] In one embodiment, the plurality of candidate network nodes include a primary network node and / or a secondary network node in a target network node collaboration set.

[0474] In one embodiment, the channel establishment subunit is further configured to send a session establishment request message to the plurality of candidate network nodes, instruct each candidate network node to perform its respective user plane task; receive user plane task completion information sent by each candidate network node, and determine that the user plane channel establishment is completed.

[0475] In one embodiment, the channel establishment subunit is further configured to perform a user plane task and send user plane task completion information to each candidate network node.

[0476] In one embodiment, the user plane task includes at least one of the following: UE session IP address allocation; user plane session identifier establishment; user plane protocol stack identifier establishment; QoS rule establishment; forwarding rule establishment; user plane path selection.

[0477] In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes:

[0478] A demand prediction module, configured to predict an update demand of the network node collaboration set;

[0479] An update module, configured to update the network node collaboration set according to the update demand.

[0480] In one embodiment, the demand prediction module includes: a secondary node update demand prediction unit, configured to predict a secondary node update demand of the network node collaboration set based on the current service information and historical service information of the UE, and the service capabilities of the network node collaboration set.

[0481] In one embodiment, the secondary node update demand includes replacing an existing original secondary network node with a new secondary network node, and the update module includes:

[0482] A first request sending unit, configured to send a service demand creation request to the new secondary network node, instructing the new secondary network node to create a service;

[0483] A first demand creation response unit, configured to send a service demand release request to the original secondary network node according to a service demand creation response sent by the new secondary network node, instructing the original secondary network node to release the service.

[0484] In one embodiment, the secondary node update requirement includes adding a new secondary network node, and the update module includes: a second request sending unit, configured to send a service requirement creation request to the new secondary network node, instructing the new secondary network node to create a service.

[0485] In one embodiment, the requirement prediction module includes: a cooperation set replacement prediction unit, configured to predict the replacement requirement of the network node cooperation set based on the current service information of the UE, the location information of the UE, the service range and service capabilities of the network node cooperation set.

[0486] In one embodiment, the replacement requirement includes replacing the network node cooperation set with a new network node cooperation set; the update module includes:

[0487] a third request sending unit, configured to send a service requirement creation request to the new primary network node in the new network node cooperation set, instructing the new primary network node and the new secondary network node in the new network node cooperation set to create a service;

[0488] a second requirement creation response unit, configured to release the service on itself and the secondary network nodes in the network node cooperation set according to the service requirement creation response sent by the new primary network node.

[0489] In one embodiment, the apparatus includes:

[0490] a negotiation request sending unit, configured to send a negotiation request to the primary network nodes in other network node cooperation sets;

[0491] a new cooperation set determination unit, configured to determine a new network node cooperation set according to the response messages sent by the primary network nodes in other network node cooperation sets based on the negotiation request.

[0492] In one embodiment, the apparatus includes:

[0493] a cooperation set selection request unit, configured to send a cooperation set selection request to the central network node in the target area;

[0494] a new cooperation set receiving unit, configured to receive the new network node cooperation set determined by the central network node based on the cooperation set selection request.

[0495] In one embodiment, the embodiment of the present application further provides a network node management apparatus, which includes: a second processing module, configured to, in response to a service request of the UE, instruct a target network node cooperation set in a plurality of network node cooperation sets to perform service processing on the UE; the plurality of network node cooperation sets are obtained by planning and managing a plurality of deployed network nodes in the target area.

[0496] In one embodiment, the service request is a registration request; the apparatus further includes:

[0497] An available node determination module, configured to determine available network nodes according to information carried in a registration request;

[0498] A first registration request sending module, configured to send a registration request to the available network nodes, where the registration request is used for the available network nodes to obtain a target network node collaboration set.

[0499] In one embodiment, the service request is a registration request; the apparatus further includes:

[0500] An available collaboration set determination module, configured to determine an available network node collaboration set according to information carried in the registration request;

[0501] A second registration request sending module, configured to send a registration request to a primary network node in the available network node collaboration set, where the registration request is used for the primary network node in the available network node collaboration set to obtain a target network node collaboration set.

[0502] In one embodiment, the primary network node in the available network node collaboration set is configured to determine the available network node collaboration set as the target network node collaboration set.

[0503] In one embodiment, the primary network node in the available network node collaboration set is further configured to determine the target network node collaboration set by negotiating with other network nodes; or, send the registration request to a network orchestration management function network element / central network node, instructing the network orchestration management function network element / central network node to determine the target network node collaboration set from multiple network node collaboration sets.

[0504] It should be noted here that for each network node management apparatus provided in the embodiments of the present application, its implementation principle, process, and achievable technical effects are similar to those of the foregoing network node management method. Therefore, the same parts and beneficial effects in the embodiments of the network node management apparatus and the embodiments of the network node management method will not be specifically described herein.

[0505] It should be noted that the division of modules, units, and subunits in the embodiments of the present application is illustrative only, and is only a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. In addition, in each embodiment of the present application, each functional unit may be integrated into a processing unit, or each unit may exist physically alone, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit. The above integrated units may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional units.

[0506] When the above integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a processor-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of this technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for causing a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) or a processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in various embodiments of this application.

[0507] It should be noted here that the above device provided in the embodiments of this application can implement all the method steps implemented in the above method embodiments and can achieve the same technical effects. The same parts and beneficial effects as those in the method embodiments will not be specifically described in this embodiment.

[0508] In one embodiment, a processor-readable storage medium is further provided. The processor-readable storage medium stores a program for causing the processor to execute the embodiment of any one of the above network node management methods. The processor-readable storage medium can be any available medium or data storage device accessible by the processor, including but not limited to magnetic memories (such as floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, magneto-optical disks (MO), etc.), optical memories (such as CDs, DVDs, BDs, HVDs, etc.), and semiconductor memories (such as ROMs, EPROMs, EEPROMs, non-volatile memories (NAND FLASH), solid-state drives (SSD)).

[0509] In one embodiment, a computer program product is further provided. When the computer program is executed by the processor, it can implement any one of the above network node management methods. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When these computer instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the above method can be implemented in accordance with the process or function described in the embodiments of this application.

[0510] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments of this application can be provided as a method, a system, or a computer program product. Therefore, this application can adopt the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Moreover, this application can adopt the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk memories and optical memories, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0511] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of this application fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalent technologies, this application is also intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A network node management method, characterized in that, Applied to a network orchestration management function network element, the method includes: Planning and managing multiple deployed network nodes in a target area to determine at least one network node collaboration set; each of the network node collaboration sets is used to process the services of UEs in the target area.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The planning and management of multiple deployed network nodes in the target area to determine at least one network node collaboration set includes: [[ID=I3]]Obtaining the service information of the target area and the network node information of each network node; According to the service information and the network node information of each network node, planning and managing the multiple deployed network nodes in the target area to determine the at least one network node collaboration set.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein The service information of the target area includes at least one of the following: The service requirements of the target area; The service type of the target area; The service type statistical information of the target area; The user requirement statistical information of the target area.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The network node information includes at least one of the following: The service capacity of the network node; The resources of the network node; The processing capacity of the network node; The performance of the network node; The service scope of the network node.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein The service capacity of the network node includes at least one of the following: The AI capacity of the network node; The data service capacity of the network node; The computing power service of the network node; The service business type of the network node.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein The planning and management of multiple deployed network nodes in the target area to determine at least one network node collaboration set includes: In response to the service requirements of the UE at the current moment, according to the service requirements at the current moment and the network node information of each network node, planning and managing the multiple network nodes to determine the at least one network node collaboration set.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The planning and management of the multiple network nodes according to the service requirements at the current moment and the network node information of each network node to determine the at least one network node collaboration set includes: According to the service requirements at the current moment and the network node information of each network node, performing planning and management of the multiple network nodes at the current moment to determine at least one network node collaboration set at the current moment.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The planning and management of the multiple network nodes according to the service requirements at the current moment and the network node information of each network node to determine the at least one network node collaboration set includes: According to the service requirements at the current moment, predicting the service requirements of the UE at the next moment; According to the service requirements at the next moment and the network node information of each network node, performing planning and management of the multiple network nodes at the next moment to determine at least one network node collaboration set at the next moment.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The method further includes: For each network node collaboration set, according to the network node information of each network node in the network node collaboration set, determining the primary network node and the secondary network node in the network node collaboration set.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein The determining of the primary network node and the secondary network node in each network node collaboration set according to the network node information of each network node in the network node collaboration set includes: Determine the service capability performance values of each network node according to the network node information of each network node in the network node collaboration set; Determine the primary network nodes in the network node collaboration set as the network nodes whose service capability performance values meet the preset conditions, and determine the other network nodes as the secondary network nodes in the network node collaboration set.

11. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The method further includes: Perform function partitioning on the primary network nodes and secondary network nodes in the network node collaboration set.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein The functions of the primary network nodes include at least one of the following: Access control function; Registration and connection management function; UE mobility management function; Collaboration management function within the network node set; Context data management function; Session management function.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein The functions of the secondary network nodes include at least one of the following: User data processing and forwarding function; Session management function.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that The method further includes: Send an information synchronization mechanism to each network node in the network node collaboration set, where the information synchronization mechanism is used to agree on the synchronization information for collaboration among the network nodes in the network node collaboration set.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The sending the information synchronization mechanism to each network node in the network node collaboration set includes: Set the information synchronization mechanism in the configuration files of each network node in the network node collaboration set; or, When each network node in the network node collaboration set is started, send the information synchronization mechanism to each network node in the network node collaboration set by means of instruction issuance.

16. The method according to claim 14, wherein The information synchronization mechanism includes at least one of the following: Network nodes that need to synchronize information with each other; Address information of network nodes that need to synchronize information with each other; Address information of the central network node among the multiple network nodes; Discovery strategies among each network node; Discovery strategies among each network node through the central network node.

17. A network node management method, characterized in that Applied to the primary network nodes in the network node collaboration set, the method includes: Perform service processing on the UE according to the service request of the UE sent by the access network; the network node collaboration set is obtained by planning and managing multiple network nodes already deployed in the target area.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein The service request is a registration request; The performing service processing on the UE according to the service request of the UE sent by the access network includes: Perform registration processing on the UE according to the registration request of the UE, and send a registration response message to the UE; Receive the session establishment request sent by the UE based on the registration response message; Perform session establishment with the UE according to the session establishment request message.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The performing session establishment with the UE according to the session establishment request message includes: Determine multiple candidate network nodes from the network node collaboration set according to the session establishment request message; Establish the user plane channel of the UE through the multiple candidate network nodes; When the establishment of the user plane channel is completed, determine that the session establishment with the UE is successful.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein The multiple candidate network nodes include the primary network nodes and / or secondary network nodes in the target network node collaboration set.

21. The method according to claim 19, wherein The establishing the user plane channel of the UE through the multiple candidate network nodes includes: Send the session establishment request message to the multiple candidate network nodes, instructing each of the candidate network nodes to perform its respective user plane task; Receive the user plane task completion information sent by each of the candidate network nodes, and determine that the user plane channel establishment is completed.

22. The method according to claim 19, wherein The establishment of the user plane channel of the UE through the multiple candidate network nodes includes: Perform the user plane task and send the user plane task completion information to each of the candidate network nodes.

23. The method according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that The user plane task includes at least one of the following: UE session IP address allocation; User plane session identifier establishment; User plane protocol stack identifier establishment; QoS rule establishment; Forwarding rule establishment; User plane path selection.

24. The method according to any one of claims 17-22, characterized in that, The method further includes: Predict the update requirement of the network node cooperation set; Update the network node cooperation set according to the update requirement.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein The prediction of the update requirement of the target network node cooperation set includes: Based on the current service information and historical service information of the UE, and the service capabilities of the network node cooperation set, predict the update requirement of the secondary nodes of the network node cooperation set.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein The update requirement of the secondary nodes includes replacing the existing primary and secondary network nodes with new secondary network nodes. The update of the target network node cooperation set according to the update requirement includes: Send a service requirement creation request to the new secondary network node, instructing the new secondary network node to create a service; According to the service requirement creation response sent by the new secondary network node, send a service requirement release request to the primary and secondary network nodes, instructing the primary and secondary network nodes to release the service.

27. The method according to claim 25, wherein The update requirement of the secondary nodes includes adding new secondary network nodes. The update of the target network node cooperation set according to the update requirement includes: Send a service requirement creation request to the new secondary network node, instructing the new secondary network node to create a service.

28. The method according to claim 24, wherein ​ ​ 29. The method according to claim 28, wherein ​ ​ ​ 30. The method according to claim 29, characterized in that, ​ ​ ​ 31. The method according to claim 29, wherein ​ ​ ​ 32. A network node management method, characterized in that, Applied to an access network, the method includes: In response to a service request from a UE, instructing a target network node collaboration set in a collaboration of multiple network nodes to process the service for the UE; the multiple network node collaboration sets are obtained by planning and managing multiple network nodes deployed in a target area.

33. The method according to claim 32, wherein The service request is a registration request; the instructing a target network node collaboration set in a collaboration of multiple network nodes to process the service for the UE includes: Sending the registration request to a primary network node in the target network node collaboration set, and instructing the primary network node to establish a session with the UE.

34. The method according to claim 32, wherein The service request is a registration request; before the instructing a target network node collaboration set in a collaboration of multiple network nodes to process the service for the UE, the method further includes: Determining available network nodes according to information carried in the registration request; Sending the registration request to the available network nodes, where the registration request is used for the available network nodes to obtain the target network node collaboration set.

35. The method according to claim 34, wherein The available network nodes are used to send the registration request to the primary network nodes of the respective network node collaboration sets to which they belong, and determine the target network node collaboration set according to the feedback information from the primary network nodes of the respective network node collaboration sets to which they belong.

36. The method according to claim 34, wherein The available network nodes are further used to send the registration request to a network orchestration and management function network element / central network node, and instruct the network orchestration and management function network element / central network node to determine the target network node collaboration set from the multiple network node collaboration sets.

37. The method according to claim 32, wherein The service request is a registration request; before the instructing a target network node collaboration set in a collaboration of multiple network nodes to process the service for the UE, the method further includes: Determining an available network node collaboration set according to information carried in the registration request; Sending the registration request to a primary network node in the available network node collaboration set, where the registration request is used for the primary network node in the available network node collaboration set to obtain the target network node collaboration set.

38. The method according to claim 37, wherein The primary network node in the available network node collaboration set is used to determine the available network node collaboration set as the target network node collaboration set.

39. The method according to claim 37, wherein The primary network node in the available network node collaboration set is further used to determine the target network node collaboration set by negotiating with other network nodes; or send the registration request to a network orchestration and management function network element / central network node, and instruct the network orchestration and management function network element / central network node to determine the target network node collaboration set from the multiple network node collaboration sets.

40. A network node management device, characterized in that, The apparatus includes: A planning module, configured to plan and manage multiple network nodes deployed in a target area, and determine at least one network node collaboration set; each network node collaboration set is used to process services of UEs in the target area.

41. The device according to claim 40, characterized in that, The planning module includes: An information acquisition unit, configured to acquire service information of the target area and network node information of each network node. The first planning unit is used to perform planning management on multiple deployed network nodes in a target area according to the service information and the network node information of each network node, and determine the at least one network node cooperation set.

42. The device according to claim 40, characterized in that, The planning module includes: The second planning unit is used to respond to the service requirements of the UE at the current moment, perform planning management on the multiple network nodes according to the service requirements at the current moment and the network node information of each network node, and determine the at least one network node cooperation set.

43. The device according to any one of claims 40 - 42, characterized in that, The device further includes: The node role planning module is used to determine the primary network node and the secondary network node in each network node cooperation set according to the network node information of each network node in the network node cooperation set.

44. The device according to claim 43, characterized in that, The device further includes: The function division module is used to perform function division on the primary network node and the secondary network node in the network node cooperation set.

45. The device according to any one of claims 40-42, characterized in that, The device further includes: The synchronization mechanism sending module is used to send an information synchronization mechanism to each network node in the network node cooperation set, and the information synchronization mechanism is used to agree on the synchronization information for the cooperation of each network node in the network node cooperation set.

46. A network node management device, characterized in that, The device includes: The first processing module is used to perform service processing on the UE according to the service request of the UE sent by the access network; the network node cooperation set is a network node cooperation set obtained by performing planning management on multiple deployed network nodes in a target area.

47. The device according to claim 46, characterized in that, The service request is a registration request; the first processing module includes: The registration processing unit is used to perform registration processing on the UE according to the registration request of the UE, and send a registration response message to the UE. The session establishment request receiving unit is used to receive the session establishment request sent by the UE based on the registration response message. The session establishment unit is used to perform session establishment with the UE according to the session establishment request message.

48. The device according to claim 47, characterized in that, The session establishment unit includes: The network node determination subunit is used to determine multiple candidate network nodes from the network node cooperation set according to the session establishment request message. The channel establishment subunit is used to establish the user plane channel of the UE through the multiple candidate network nodes; when the user plane channel establishment is completed, it is determined that the session establishment with the UE is successful.

49. The apparatus according to claim 48, wherein The channel establishment subunit is further used to send the session establishment request message to the multiple candidate network nodes, instruct each candidate network node to perform its respective user plane task; receive the user plane task completion information sent by each candidate network node, and determine that the user plane channel establishment is completed.

50. The device according to claim 48, characterized in that, The channel establishment subunit is further used to perform the user plane task and send the user plane task completion information to each candidate network node.

51. The device according to any one of claims 46 - 50, characterized in that, The device further includes: The demand prediction module is used to predict the update demand of the network node cooperation set. The update module is used to update the network node cooperation set according to the update demand.

52. The device according to claim 51, wherein, The demand prediction module includes: The secondary node update requirement prediction unit is configured to predict the secondary node update requirements of the network node cooperation set based on the current service information and historical service information of the UE, and the service capabilities of the network node cooperation set.

53. The device according to claim 52, wherein, The secondary node update requirements include replacing the existing original secondary network node with a new secondary network node, and the update module includes The first request sending unit is configured to send a service requirement creation request to the new secondary network node, instructing the new secondary network node to create a service; The first requirement creation response unit is configured to send a service requirement release request to the original secondary network node according to the service requirement creation response sent by the new secondary network node, instructing the original secondary network node to release the service.

54. The device according to claim 52, characterized in that, The secondary node update requirements include adding a new secondary network node, and the update module includes: a second request sending unit configured to send a service requirement creation request to the new secondary network node, instructing the new secondary network node to create a service.

55. The device according to claim 51, characterized in that, The requirement prediction module includes: The cooperation set replacement prediction unit is configured to predict the replacement requirements of the network node cooperation set based on the current service information of the UE, the location information of the UE, the service scope and service capabilities of the network node cooperation set.

56. The device according to claim 55, characterized in that, The replacement requirements include replacing the network node cooperation set with a new network node cooperation set; the update module includes: The third request sending unit is configured to send a service requirement creation request to the new primary network node in the new network node cooperation set, instructing the new primary network node and the new secondary network node in the new network node cooperation set to create a service; The second requirement creation response unit is configured to release the services on itself and the secondary network nodes in the network node cooperation set according to the service requirement creation response sent by the new primary network node.

57. A network node management device, characterized in that, The apparatus includes: The second processing module is configured to, in response to a service request of the UE, instruct the target network node cooperation set in a plurality of network node cooperation sets to process the service for the UE; the plurality of network node cooperation sets are obtained by planning and managing a plurality of deployed network nodes in a target area.

58. The device according to claim 57, wherein The service request is a registration request; the apparatus further includes: The available node determination module is configured to determine available network nodes according to the information carried in the registration request; The first registration request sending module is configured to send the registration request to the available network nodes, and the registration request is used for the available network nodes to obtain the target network node cooperation set.

59. The device according to claim 57, characterized in that, The service request is a registration request; the apparatus further includes: The available cooperation set determination module is configured to determine available network node cooperation sets according to the information carried in the registration request; The second registration request sending module is configured to send the registration request to the primary network node in the available network node cooperation sets, and the registration request is used for the primary network node in the available network node cooperation sets to obtain the target network node cooperation set.

60. A processor-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The processor-readable storage medium stores a program, and the program is used to cause the processor to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 39.

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