Method, device and system for expressing intention

Abstract

The invention provides an intention expression method, device and system. A first network element receives an intent that expresses a desire for a network with a first expression of a first category, the first network element may convert the first expression into a second expression of a second category, the second expression containing a set of attributes for determining at least one action. The expectation of the network is achieved by the performance of the at least one action. The expression requirement on the intention is reduced, and the flexible expression of the intention is supported.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and more particularly, to a method, device, and system for expressing intent. Background Art

[0002] With the development of network management, network consuming entities no longer need to directly manage the network. Instead, they can send intentions expressed using specific structured expressions to network producing entities. The network producing entities then execute the intentions to meet the network consuming entities' expectations for the network.

[0003] However, network production entities cannot recognize the intent expressed by expressions that do not use this specific structure, which makes the expression of specific structures place higher expression requirements on network consumption entities. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a method of expressing intent that can reduce the expression requirements of intent. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present application provides a method, device, and system for expressing intent, which can reduce the requirements for expressing intent.

[0005] In a first aspect, a method for expressing intent is provided, which can be executed by a first network element or a chip in the first network element, and the method includes: receiving an intent, which uses a first expression of a first category to express an expectation for the network; converting the first expression into a second expression of a second category corresponding to the intent, the second expression including an attribute set, the attribute set being used to determine at least one action, and the at least one action being used to achieve the expectation.

[0006] Based on this technical solution, a first network element receives an intent expressed using a first expression of a first category and can convert the first expression into a second expression of a second category that can determine at least one action. Network expectations are met through the execution of the at least one action. This reduces the requirements for intent expression and supports flexible intent expression.

[0007] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first expression and the second expression are different.

[0008] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first expression includes information that is not expressed using an attribute set.

[0009] Based on this technical solution, the first expression can be expressed without using the attribute set expression method, and the first network element can identify the first expression that is not expressed using the attribute set expression method, which reduces the expression requirements of the intent and supports flexible expression of the intent.

[0010] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first expression includes information expressed in an unstructured language, and the second expression includes information expressed in a structured language.

[0011] Based on this technical solution, the first expression can be expressed using information expressed in unstructured language, and the intention expressed in unstructured language can be an unstructured intention. The unstructured language expression method supports a flexible expression method, making the expression of intention more flexible.

[0012] Illustratively, intent represents a characteristic of intent-driven management information between network consuming entities and network producing entities.

[0013] Illustratively, expectations include requirements, goals, and constraints for the network, but may not include an expression of how to achieve them.

[0014] Exemplarily, the intention expressed by the second expression includes one or more of the following: intention expectation, expected context, expected object, and expected goal, wherein the expected context is used to represent the constraints for achieving the requirement, the expected object is used to represent the object of the management action, and the expected goal is used to represent the target value for achieving the requirement.

[0015] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the intention comes from the second network element, and the method also includes: sending part or all of the second expression to the second network element; receiving response information from the first network element, the response information being used to confirm whether the second expression expresses the expectation.

[0016] Based on this technical solution, the first network element sends part or all of the generated second expression to the second network element, so that the second network element determines whether the second expression expresses the expectation for the network, which can improve the reliability of the intention expression.

[0017] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the second expression does not express the expectation, and the response information is used to indicate how to modify the second expression.

[0018] Based on this technical solution, if the second expression does not express the expectation, the second network element can also instruct the first network element how to modify the second expression. For example, the response information can indicate the reason, modification method, etc., so that the first network element can modify the second expression based on the response information, thereby improving the reliability of the conversion of the intention expression.

[0019] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the response information includes a third expression for expressing the desired first category, and the third expression is different from the first expression.

[0020] Based on this technical solution, the response information can adopt the third expression of the first category, for example, the response information can be expressed in an unstructured language, which reduces the expression requirements for the second network element and supports flexible expression of the second network element.

[0021] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, sending part or all of the second expression to the second network element includes: sending the following information in the second expression to the second network element: intended expectation and expected context, and / or, intended target and target context, and / or, expected object and object context.

[0022] Based on this technical solution, the first network element can send relevant context type information and non-context type information to the second network element. If the structure of the non-context type information and the context type information is similar, there is a risk that the non-context type information and the context type information will be reversed in the second expression. The first network element will send part or all of the generated second expression to the second network element, so that the second network element can determine whether the second expression is expressed correctly, which can improve the reliability of the conversion of the intent expression.

[0023] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, converting the first expression into a second expression of the second category corresponding to the intention includes: converting the first expression into an expression of the second category corresponding to the intention based on prompt information of the attribute set, the prompt information indicating the conversion rules between the first expression and the second expression.

[0024] Based on this technical solution, the prompt information indicates the conversion rules between the first expression and the second expression, so that even if the first expression contains information expressed in an unstructured language, the first network element can convert the first expression into the second expression based on the conversion rules, reducing the requirements for expressing the intention.

[0025] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the second expression includes an intent expectation, and the conversion rules include rules for converting the first expression into the intent expectation; and / or, the second expression includes an expectation context, and the conversion rules include rules for converting the first expression into the expectation context; and / or, the second expression includes an intent target, and the conversion rules include rules for converting the first expression into the intent target; and / or, the second expression includes a target context, and the conversion rules include rules for converting the first expression into the target context; and / or, the second expression includes an expected object, and the conversion rules include rules for converting the first expression into the expected object; and / or, the second expression includes an object context, and the conversion rules include rules for converting the first expression into the object context.

[0026] Based on this technical solution, the prompt information can indicate the conversion rules of the above-mentioned various types of information, making the intention conversion more reliable.

[0027] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: updating prompt information of the attribute set based on the response information.

[0028] Based on this technical solution, the first network element can also update the prompt information based on the response information, thereby enhancing the accuracy of the prompt information and improving the reliability of subsequent expression conversion.

[0029] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: obtaining prompt information.

[0030] Based on this technical solution, the first network element can generate, store or configure prompt information, so that expression conversion can be performed based on the prompt information, thereby improving the reliability of expression conversion.

[0031] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: determining at least one action based on the second expression; sending information indicating at least one action to a third network element, or performing at least one action.

[0032] Based on this technical solution, the first network element can determine at least one action based on the second expression, and send information about the at least one action or execute the at least one action to achieve expectations for the network.

[0033] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending the second expression to a fourth network element, and the fourth network element is used to determine at least one action.

[0034] Based on this technical solution, the first network element can send the second expression to the fourth network element, and the fourth network element determines at least one action. The fourth network element can send information indicating at least one action or execute the at least one action to achieve the expectations for the network.

[0035] According to a second aspect, a method for expressing intent is provided, which can be executed by a second network element or a chip in the second network element. The method includes: sending an intent to a first network element, where the intent uses a first expression of a first category to express an expectation for the network, where the first expression is different from a second expression of a second category, where the second expression includes a set of attributes, where the set of attributes is used to determine at least one action, and where the at least one action is used to achieve the expectation.

[0036] For the description of the beneficial effects of the second aspect and various implementation methods of the second aspect, reference may be made to the description of the first aspect and various implementation methods of the first aspect, which will not be repeated here.

[0037] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first expression includes information that is not expressed using an attribute set.

[0038] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first expression includes information expressed in an unstructured language, and the second expression includes information expressed in a structured language.

[0039] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: receiving part or all of the second expression from the first network element; and sending response information to the first network element, the response information being used to confirm whether the second expression expresses the expectation.

[0040] In conjunction with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the second expression does not express the expectation, and the response information is used to indicate how to modify the second expression.

[0041] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the response information includes a third expression for expressing the desired first category, and the third expression is different from the first expression.

[0042] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, receiving part or all of the second expression from the first network element includes: receiving the following information in the second expression from the first network element: intended expectation and expected context, and / or, intended target and target context, and / or, expected object and object context.

[0043] According to a third aspect, a method for expressing intent is provided, the method comprising: a second network element sends an intent to a first network element, the first network element receives the intent from the second network element, the intent uses a first expression of a first category to express expectations for the network; the first network element converts the first expression into a second expression of a second category corresponding to the intent, the second expression includes a set of attributes, the set of attributes is used to determine at least one action, and the at least one action is used to achieve the expectation.

[0044] For descriptions of various implementations of the third aspect and beneficial effects of the third aspect and various implementations of the third aspect, reference may be made to the descriptions of the first aspect and various implementations of the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0045] In a fourth aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit is used to receive an intent, and the intent uses a first expression of a first category to express an expectation for a network; the processing unit is used to convert the first expression into a second expression of a second category corresponding to the intent, and the second expression includes a set of attributes, and the set of attributes is used to determine at least one action, and the at least one action is used to achieve the expectation.

[0046] For descriptions of various implementations of the fourth aspect and beneficial effects of the fourth aspect and various implementations of the fourth aspect, reference may be made to the descriptions of the first aspect and various implementations of the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0047] In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes a transceiver unit, which is used to send an intention to a first network element, wherein the intention uses a first expression of a first category to express an expectation for the network, and the first expression is different from a second expression of a second category, and the second expression includes an attribute set, and the attribute set is used to determine at least one action, and the at least one action is used to achieve the expectation.

[0048] For descriptions of various implementations of the fifth aspect and beneficial effects of the fifth aspect and various implementations of the fifth aspect, reference may be made to the descriptions of the first aspect and various implementations of the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0049] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, wherein the communication device is capable of implementing the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect, or the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect. The functions can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units corresponding to the above functions.

[0050] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor and a memory. Optionally, the device may further comprise a transceiver. The memory is configured to store a computer program, and the processor is configured to call and execute the computer program stored in the memory and control the transceiver to transmit and receive signals, so that the communication device performs the method according to the first aspect, or any possible implementation of any aspect of the first aspect.

[0051] Exemplarily, the communication device is a first network element.

[0052] In an eighth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor and a memory. Optionally, the device may further comprise a transceiver. The memory is configured to store a computer program, and the processor is configured to call and execute the computer program stored in the memory and control the transceiver to transmit and receive signals, so that the communication device performs the method according to the second aspect, or any possible implementation of any aspect of the second aspect.

[0053] Exemplarily, the communication device is a second network element.

[0054] In a ninth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is configured to receive data and / or information and transmit the received data and / or information to the processor, and the processor processes the data and / or information. Furthermore, the communication interface is configured to output the processed data and / or information, so that the method according to the first aspect, or any possible implementation of any aspect of the first aspect, is executed. The communication device may be a chip applied to a first network element.

[0055] In a tenth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor and a communication interface, wherein the communication interface is configured to receive data and / or information and transmit the received data and / or information to the processor, and the processor processes the data and / or information. Furthermore, the communication interface is configured to output the processed data and / or information, so that the method according to the second aspect, or any possible implementation of any aspect of the second aspect, is executed. The communication device may be a chip applied to a second network element.

[0056] In an eleventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions. When the computer instructions are executed on a computer, the method in the first aspect, or any possible implementation of any aspect in the first aspect, is executed.

[0057] In the twelfth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions. When the computer instructions are executed on a computer, the method in the second aspect, or any possible implementation of any aspect in the second aspect, is executed.

[0058] In a thirteenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program code, which, when run on a computer, enables the method according to the first aspect, or any possible implementation of any aspect in the first aspect, to be executed.

[0059] In a fourteenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program code, which, when run on a computer, enables the method according to the second aspect, or any possible implementation of any aspect in the second aspect, to be executed.

[0060] In the fifteenth aspect, a wireless communication system is provided, comprising the communication device as described in the fourth aspect, and / or the communication device as described in the fifth aspect.

[0061] In the sixteenth aspect, a wireless communication system is provided, comprising a communication device as described in any one or more aspects from the fourth aspect to the fifteenth aspect, or a communication device in any possible implementation of any of these aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the data structure of an intention;

[0063] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system applicable to an embodiment of the present application;

[0064] Figure 3 is a schematic flow chart of the intention expression method provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0065] Figures 4 to 6 It is a schematic diagram of a possible communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] The technical solution in this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0067] The technical solution of the present application can be applied to various network function virtualization (NFV) systems. The system can describe the current operator's business technology solutions, network construction solutions, and network operation and maintenance methods as patterns and strategies in a standard formal language, and implement the technical solutions and construction solutions based on these patterns and strategies. For example, the technical solution of the present application can be applied to one or more of the following systems: a wireless intent driven network (wIDN) system, an experiential networked intelligence (ENI) system, an intent driven management service (IDMS) system, or an open network automation platform (ONAP) system.

[0068] For the sake of clarity, some terms in the embodiments of this application are explained below.

[0069] 1. Network management, network management services, network production entities, and network consumption entities

[0070] 1.1 Network Management

[0071] Network management refers to the management of network resources, including but not limited to monitoring, controlling and recording the performance and usage of network resources, and issuing management action groups to network resources (such as devices in the network) based on the detected network conditions to enable the network to operate effectively. For example, network management can be monitoring, testing, configuring, analyzing, evaluating and controlling network resources. Network management can also be timely reporting and handling when a network failure occurs, and coordinating and maintaining the efficient operation of the network system. Among them, network resources are the objects of network management, which can also be called network objects or managed entities. For example, network resources can be base station equipment, routers, switches, core network equipment, etc. In this regard, the embodiments of the present application do not make special limitations. For the convenience of description, the embodiments of the present application are explained using managed entities as an example, but they can be replaced with other objects of network management.

[0072] 1.2 Network Management Services

[0073] A network management service refers to a service that provides network management functions. The service producing entity usually provides the network management functions to the service consuming entity through a network interface (eg, a service-based interface).

[0074] 1.3 Network Production Entity

[0075] The entity providing network management services is referred to as a network production entity. For example, the capabilities or functions of the network production entity may be deployed on a network element, referred to as a network management service production network element. The capabilities or functions of the network production entity may also be deployed on other devices, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application. For ease of description, this embodiment of the present application uses the network production entity as an example, but any other device that deploys the capabilities or functions of the network production entity may be substituted.

[0076] 1.4 Online Consumption Entities

[0077] The invoking entity of network management is called a network consuming entity. For example, the capabilities or functions of the network consuming entity can be deployed on a certain network element, which is called a network management service consuming network element. The capabilities or functions of the network consuming entity can also be deployed on other devices, which is not limited in the embodiments of this application. For ease of description, the embodiments of this application use the network consuming entity as an example, but any other device that deploys the capabilities or functions of the network consuming entity can be replaced.

[0078] 2. Intent

[0079] Intent can also be called network management intent, which refers to the demand of a network consumer entity for network management services, and can also be called network management service demand. This name is not limited in the embodiments of this application. For example, the network management intent can be an intent such as optical dedicated line service intent or energy saving intent, such as the intent defined in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standard specification 28.312.

[0080] In the intent-based interaction scenario of this application, there are two main roles: the network management provider and the network consumer. The network management provider can also be called a network management provider, an intent provider, or an intent handler. The network consumer can also be called a network management service consumer, an intent consumer, or an intent owner.

[0081] Among them, the network consumption entity can be the caller of the network management service, and can perform operations such as creating, modifying, deleting, and querying network management intent expressions. It can be configured in a network management system (NMS), an element management system (EMS), or a network equipment (NE). It can be a management function, a management function entity, a management entity, a network equipment, a network element, etc. This application does not limit this.

[0082] Intents can be applied to network systems to achieve desired performance targets for specific network devices within a specific scope. Intents can express expectations for network systems through formal specifications and descriptive information. Formal specifications can refer to the intent's specific syntax or semantics, while descriptive information can describe the intent's requirements, goals, and constraints.

[0083] An intent may include at least one intent expectation. Each intent expectation may represent the performance requirements of a network consumer entity for a specific network object. An intent expectation may consist of at least one expected target and an expected object, and each expected target may represent the performance requirements of the network consumer entity for a specific attribute of the expected object. For example, an intent expectation may include two expected targets, one of which is an average downlink throughput greater than 5 Mbps and the other is an end-to-end delay less than 10 milliseconds. If the average downlink throughput of the expected object is greater than 5 Mbps, then the expected target for downlink throughput is met. If the end-to-end delay of the expected object is less than 10 milliseconds, then the expected target for delay is met. If both expected targets of an intent expectation are met, then the intent expectation is achieved. If one or more intent expectations are not met, or one or more expected targets are not met, then the intent is not met, or it can be described as the intent not being fulfilled or the intent not being realized.

[0084] An intent can also include an intent context. The intent context can represent constraints or conditions imposed by the network consuming entity on the intent. For example, the network consuming entity can use the intent context to constrain the duration of the intent.

[0085] Intents can also include expected contexts. Expected contexts can represent constraints or conditions that a network consumer entity places on an intent. For example, a network consumer entity can use expected contexts to constrain the duration of the intent's expected effect.

[0086] The intent may also include a target context, which may represent the constraints or conditions imposed by the network consumer on a desired goal. For example, the network consumer may constrain the duration of the desired goal through the target context.

[0087] The intent may also include an object context, which may indicate constraints or conditions imposed by the network consuming entity on the network object to be acted upon. For example, the network consuming entity may indicate the region where the network object to be acted upon is located through the object context.

[0088] The intent expectation, expected target and intent context introduced above can be used as information elements in the information object class (IOC) in the intent creation request. The network consumption entity can express its demand for network management services by sending the above information elements to the network production entity.

[0089] The information element in the intent IOC can use a specific structure to express the demand for network management services. For example, Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of an intended IOC is shown.

[0090] See also Figure 1 , intent IOC includes intent expectation and intent context. Intent expectation includes expected object, expected target, and expected context. The expected object includes expected object context (or it can also be called object context), and the expected target includes target context. It can be understood that non-context type information elements (such as intent IOC, intent expectation, expected object or expected target) can contain context type information elements (such as intent context, expected object context, target context, expected context, etc.), and context type information elements can be used to constrain non-context type information elements.

[0091] It is understandable that Figure 1 This is a schematic illustration of the relationship between attributes in the intent IOC. Based on network management service requirements, the intent IOC may also include other attributes, which are not specifically limited in this application. It should also be understood that this application does not specifically limit the number of attributes of the same type. For example, an intent IOC may include one or more parallel intent expectation attributes, and an intent expectation may also include one or more parallel desired target attributes.

[0092] 3. Network Management Intent Template

[0093] The network management intent template refers to the templated description information of the network management intent, which can also be called the network management service requirement template. The embodiment of this application does not limit this name. The intent template can be used to specify the syntax and semantics of the various attribute expressions introduced above. For example, the intent template can specify the field type, value type, etc. that can be used for each attribute in the IOC. Exemplarily, the intent template can include intent expectation description information for specifying how the intent expectation is expressed. The intent expectation description information can specify the type of expected target attributes that the intent expectation can contain, such as latency, bandwidth, maximum number of users, etc. The intent expectation description information can also specify the field type of each expected target. For example, the field type of the expected target for latency is a string, the field type of the expected target for bandwidth is a string, and the field type of the expected target for the maximum number of users is an integer. As another example, the intent template can also include intent context description information that specifies how the intent context and the expected context are expressed. The intent context description information can be used to specify the field type of the intent context, etc., and this application does not specifically limit this.

[0094] 4. Intent Expression

[0095] In the embodiment of the present application, the intent expression is an information formula that expresses the network management service intent, and can be the instantiation result of the network management intent template. Consumers of network management intent can instantiate the intent IOC according to the intent template to generate an intent expression, and the instantiated intent expression can be used for specific network services. For example, the intent expression can be represented by a list of a set of attribute and value key-value pairs (for example, a set of [attribute, value]) of the network management service intent.

[0096] Exemplarily, the intent expression includes a performance indicator information instance, a network object information instance, and a context information instance.

[0097] For example, a performance indicator information instance may include the value or value range of the target indicator requirement corresponding to the performance indicator information. For example, if the target indicator requirement corresponding to a performance indicator information template includes a bandwidth parameter, a performance indicator information instance may include a bandwidth parameter value of 20 Mbps, or a bandwidth parameter value range of 10 Mbps to 15 Mbps. For example, if the target indicator requirement corresponding to a performance indicator information template includes a latency parameter, a latency parameter instance may include a latency parameter value of 2 s, or a latency parameter value range of 1 s to 5 s.

[0098] The target network object indicated by the network object information instance is the instantiation result of the target network object indicated by the network object information template. Exemplarily, the target network object indicated by the network object information instance is one of the target network objects indicated by the network object information template, i.e., one of the physical or logical entities that implement the network management service. In this case, the network object information instance indicates a specific network object. For example, the network object information template indicates a network service, while the network object information instance indicates an energy-saving service.

[0099] The context information instance is used to indicate the constraints of the network management intent expression. Exemplarily, the context information instance includes the constraint parameters of the network management intent expression. For example, the context information instance may include the source and sink information corresponding to the target network object indicated by the network object instance.

[0100] Intent expectation information instances include performance indicator information instances and network object information instances.

[0101] In the embodiment of the present application, the "intention" transmitted through the message refers to the intention expression.

[0102] 5. Intent Examples

[0103] A network management intent instance refers to a network management intent processing process created locally by a network management service provider entity based on a received network management intent expression (e.g., a performance indicator information instance, a network object information instance, a context information instance).

[0104] The network management intent processing process is used to process network management intent expressions. For example, the network management intent processing process may include an identifier that identifies the process; computing resources that are used to perform operations such as network management intent translation and database query (e.g., a semantic knowledge base); and storage resources that are used to store network management intent expressions and network management intent translation results.

[0105] Among them, network management intent translation is used to convert the network management intent expression into a corresponding management action group, which can be an instruction acting on a physical entity or a logical entity, such as adjusting the antenna tilt angle of a base station or turning on the energy-saving switch of a cell.

[0106] 6. Network Management Action Group (actions)

[0107] A network management action group is one or more network management actions generated by a network production entity based on an intent expression. Network management actions can also be called actions. A network production entity satisfies the intent of a network consumer entity by executing one or more network management actions. A network management action group can also be called a management operation, an intent operation, or a network management task. A network management action group can be a set of operation instructions for a desired object (e.g., a physical or logical entity in a network system that is intended to act on), containing one or more instructions. For example, adjusting the antenna tilt angle of a base station, turning on the energy-saving switch of a cell, etc.

[0108] Network production entities can generate multiple management action groups based on intent expressions. During execution, network production entities can select some of these management action groups to execute at a time. In other words, the management action groups generated by network production entities based on intent expression translation are optional operations that can be used to satisfy the intent. A network production entity may select one of these network management action groups to execute to satisfy the intent, or it may select multiple network management action groups to execute to satisfy the intent.

[0109] The above describes the relevant terms involved in the embodiments of the present application. Figure 1 The application scenarios to which the embodiments of the present application are applicable are described.

[0110] The above describes the relevant terms involved in the embodiments of the present application. Figure 1 The application scenarios to which the embodiments of the present application are applicable are described.

[0111] Figure 2This is a schematic structural diagram of a communication system applicable to the embodiments of the present application. First, the devices that may be involved in the communication system are described.

[0112] 1. Network Consumption Entity 210: This entity can be used to invoke management services, or intent services, to manage the network system. For example, Network Consumption Entity 210 can instantiate an intent template, set intent IOCs, generate intent expressions, and send these intent expressions to Network Management Service Production Element 220 to implement expectations for the network system.

[0113] The network consumption entity 210 may also be referred to as a network management service consumption network element, a network management service consumer, an intent management service consumer, an intent consumer or an intent owner, etc. In future communication systems, the network consumption entity may also have other names, which are not specifically limited in this application.

[0114] 2. Network production entity 220: can be used to provide management services. For example, the network production entity 220 can receive intent expressions from the network consumption entity 210 and perform intent translation, intent management, and intent execution and maintenance based on the intent expressions.

[0115] The network production entity 220 can also be called a network management service production network element, an intent management service provider, a network management service producer, an intent provider, an intent handler, etc. In future communication systems, the network production entity may also have other names, and this application does not specifically limit this.

[0116] The above-mentioned entity can be a network element in a hardware device, a software function running on dedicated hardware, or a virtualized function instantiated on a platform (for example, a cloud platform). It is understandable that the above-mentioned entity can be implemented by one device, or it can be implemented by multiple devices together. In addition, the above-mentioned entity can also be a functional module within a system, such as a network management system (NMS), an equipment management system (EMS), or a functional module within a device, such as one or more functional modules within a network equipment (NE), and the network equipment can be a base station or a core network element.

[0117] Exemplarily, the network consumption entity 210 may be deployed in an NMS, and the network production entity 220 may be deployed in a different EMS. The interaction between the network consumption entity 210 and the network production entity 220 may be performed through information exchange via an interface between the NMS and the EMS.

[0118] As another example, the network consumption entity 210 may be deployed in an EMS, and the network production entity 220 may be deployed in different NEs. The interaction between the network consumption entity 210 and the network production entity 220 may be performed through information exchange via an interface between the NMS and the EMS.

[0119] The solution of the present application can also be applied to other systems including corresponding entities, which is not limited in the present application and is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0120] It can be seen that the network consumption entity can send Figure 1 The intention of the specific structure expression shown above enables the network production entity to execute the intention in order to meet the expectations of the network consumption entity on the network. Figure 1 The expression of the specific structure shown places high expression requirements on the network consumption entity. Therefore, this application proposes a method for expressing intent that can reduce the expression requirements on the network consumption entity.

[0121] Figure 3 It is a schematic flowchart of the intention expression method provided in the embodiment of the present application.

[0122] S310: The second network element sends an intent to the first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the intent from the second network element.

[0123] The first expression of the first category is intended to express the expectation for the network. For the expectation for the network, please refer to the introduction of the network above and will not be repeated here.

[0124] S320: The first network element converts the first expression into a second expression of a second category corresponding to the intent.

[0125] The second includes a set of attributes, the set of attributes is used to determine at least one action, and the at least one action is used to achieve the expectation.

[0126] The first network element receives the first expression and can convert the first expression into a second expression of a second category, where the second expression includes a set of attributes, and the set of attributes is used to determine at least one action, where the at least one action is used to achieve the desired result. The first network element converts the first expression into a second expression capable of determining an action, thereby reducing the expression requirements for the second network element and supporting flexible expression.

[0127] In the embodiment of the present application, the first network element may be as follows: Figure 2 The network production entity, or the first network element may also be other network elements with conversion functions. The second network element may be such as Figure 2 The network consumption entity or other network element that expresses expectations for the network is not particularly limited in this application.

[0128] The first category and the second category are different. The first expression of the first category and the second expression of the second category are different.

[0129] In some implementations, the first expression does not use the information expressed by the attribute set, and the second expression uses the information expressed by the attribute set. Figure 1 The intention IOC shown, that is, the first expression can be not adopted as Figure 1 The second expression can be as follows: Figure 1 The expression shown.

[0130] In some implementations, the first expression includes information expressed in an unstructured language, and the second expression includes information expressed in a structured language. The information expressed in the structured language may refer to information arranged and generated in a specific structure, such as Figure 1 The structure shown. Information expressed in unstructured language can be a kind of information that can be flexibly arranged and expressed.

[0131] Exemplarily, the first expression of the first category can be various natural language information, machine language information, image information, etc. provided by the user, used to express expectations for the network. Exemplarily, the first expression of the first category can be any information provided by the user on the interface. For example, the first expression of the first category can be a natural sentence provided by the user, such as "Save electricity today". The second network element may not process the natural sentence (or perform simple processing) and send the natural sentence to the first network element. The first network element can convert the natural sentence into a second expression that can be executed, thereby greatly reducing the processing complexity of the user end.

[0132] It should be noted that the first expression can be a natural word, a natural sentence, a computer sentence, an image, a video, or any combination thereof. This application does not specifically limit this. For example, the first expression can also include information expressed in a structured language, but the first network element does not expect the second network element to provide an intent expressed in a structured language. The first network element will still process and analyze the expression to obtain an executable intent expressed in a structured language.

[0133] It should also be noted that the intent expressed in structured language can be called structured intent, and the intent expressed in unstructured language can be called unstructured intent. In some implementations, the intent of the embodiments of the present application can include structured intent and unstructured intent, that is, the intent provided by the embodiments of the present application can be in the following ways: Figure 1 On the basis of what is shown, information supporting natural language expression is added, so that the second network element can choose to express its expectations for the network through the information, which reduces the expression requirements for the second network element and supports flexible expression.

[0134] The above describes the difference between the first expression of the first category and the second expression of the second category. The following describes how the first network element converts the first expression into the second expression.

[0135] In some implementations, the first network element converts the first expression into the second expression, which may include: the first network element converts the first expression into the second expression according to prompt information of the attribute set, the prompt information indicating the conversion rule between the first expression and the second expression. For example, the prompt information can generate a more fine-grained task by splicing prompt information with the original text according to the context (such as the network context), the thought chain or the prompt word. For example, the base station and the core network equipment belong to Class A (such as the expected object category), the throughput rate and the delay belong to Class B (the target category), and the user inputs the bandwidth, and the bandwidth statement is not classified into the existing Class A and Class B. The prompt function can perform commonality analysis on the information in Class A and Class B respectively, such as Class A indicates the objects that can be managed, and Class B indicates the requirements that can be met. The prompt function further analyzes the "bandwidth" provided by the user to determine the function that the word meets the requirements that Class B indicates can be met, thereby determining that the "bandwidth" belongs to Class B.

[0136] Exemplarily, the second expression includes an intent expectation, and the conversion rules include rules for converting the first expression into the intent expectation; and / or, the second expression includes an expectation context, and the conversion rules include rules for converting the first expression into the expectation context; and / or, the second expression includes an intent target, and the conversion rules include rules for converting the first expression into the intent target; and / or, the second expression includes a target context, and the conversion rules include rules for converting the first expression into the target context; and / or, the second expression includes an expected object, and the conversion rules include rules for converting the first expression into the expected object; and / or, the second expression includes an object context, and the conversion rules include rules for converting the first expression into the object context.

[0137] It is understandable that the above-mentioned conversion rules can be indicated by one or more information. For example, the prompt information can uniformly indicate the rules for converting the first expression into the intent context, intent expectation, expectation context, intent target, target context, expected object and / or object context. The prompt information can also separately indicate the rules for converting the first expression into the intent context, intent expectation, expectation context, intent target, target context, expected object and / or object context. This application does not specifically limit this.

[0138] To facilitate the understanding of subsequent examples, an example of the first expression #1 is given here: "Ensure that the base station in the first area has a load less than 20% and energy saving greater than 80% at night, a load greater than 60% and a switching failure rate less than 2%" for reference in subsequent examples.

[0139] For example, the rule for converting the first expression into an intended expectation indicates converting the information in the first expression expressing the expectation for the network (the goal to be achieved) into an intended expectation. For example, the first network element converts the first expression #1 into the intended expectation "Base stations in the first area have a load less than 20% and energy savings of 80%, a load greater than 60% and a handover failure rate less than 2%."

[0140] For example, the rule for converting the first expression into the intent context indicates converting all constraint information in the desired fulfillment process in the first expression into the intent context. For example, the first network element converts the first expression #1 into the intent context "night time".

[0141] For example, the rule for converting the first expression into an intent goal indicates converting the information describing the network performance indicators (such as bandwidth, latency, energy consumption, energy efficiency, etc.) in the first expression into an intent goal. For example, the first network element converts the first expression #1 into intent goal #1 "energy saving greater than 80%" and intent goal #2 "handover failure rate less than 2%."

[0142] For example, the rule for converting the first expression into a target context indicates converting the information in the first expression describing the condition constraining the intended target into a target context. For example, the first network element converts the first expression #1 into target context #1 "load less than 20%" corresponding to intended target #1, and into target context #2 "load greater than 60%" corresponding to intended target #2.

[0143] For example, the rule for converting the first expression into the desired object indicates converting the action object or network object (such as subnet, base station, cell, etc.) described in the first expression into the desired object. For example, the first network element converts the first expression #1 into the desired object "base station".

[0144] For example, the regulation for converting the first expression into the object context indicates converting the information describing the conditions constraining the desired object in the first expression into the object context. For example, the first network element converts the first expression #1 into the object context "first area".

[0145] In some implementations, the prompt information may further indicate a format for converting the first expression into the second expression. For example, the prompt information may indicate that the schematic context, intended expectation, expected context, intended target, target context, expected object, and / or object context are expressed in Jason format.

[0146] For example, the prompt information may indicate that the intent context, intent expectation, expectation context, intent target, target context, expected object and / or object context are expressed in the format of a triple. To facilitate understanding of this example, Table 1 gives an example of an intent target, and Table 2 gives an example of a context type of information (such as intent context, expectation context, target context or object context). It is understandable that the format of the intent expectation and expected object can be similar to that of the intent target, and will not be repeated here.

[0147] Table 1:

[0148]

[0149] In Table 1, the symbol "M" indicates whether the information is mandatory, the symbol "T" indicates whether the information is true, and the symbol "F" indicates whether the information is false. The above symbols have similar meanings in Table 2 and are not described in detail below.

[0150] For example, the intent goal is expressed as a triplet [goal name, target condition, target range]. The above intent goal #1 "energy saving greater than 80%" can be expressed as [energy efficiency, greater than, 80%], and intent goal #2 "switching failure rate less than 2%" can be expressed as [switching failure rate, less than, 2%].

[0151] Table 2:

[0152]

[0153] For example, the target context is represented as a triplet [context attribute, context condition, context value range]. For example, target context #1 "load less than 20%" can be represented as [load, less than, 20%], and target context #2 "load greater than 60%" can be represented as [load, greater than, 60%].

[0154] In some implementations, the prompt information may further indicate steps for converting the first expression into the second expression. For example, the prompt information may further indicate the first network element to convert the first expression into the second expression using the following steps:

[0155] Step 1: Convert the information about intent expectation and intent context in the first expression into [intent expectation, intent context].

[0156] Step 2: Further transform the intention expectation into [intent target, expected object, expected context].

[0157] Step 3: Convert the target context information in the first expression into the target context of the intended target object to form [intended target, target context].

[0158] Step 4: Convert the information about the object context in the first expression into the object context of the expected object to form [expected object, object context].

[0159] Step 5: Express the information generated above in the format of Jason (such as triples).

[0160] It is understandable that the above steps 1 to 5 are only exemplary illustrations, and this application does not exclude other possible transformation methods. For example, the order of the above steps 3 and 4 may not be limited. For example, step 5 may be executed after the above steps 1 to 4 are completed, or after each step is completed. This application does not specifically limit this.

[0161] The above describes how the first network element converts the first expression into the second expression according to the prompt information. This application does not exclude the possibility that the first network element also performs the conversion based on other methods. For example, the first network element can use various tools such as a large language model (LLM) to process the first expression.

[0162] LLM can project the discrete data of the digitized real world onto a mathematical space, which becomes a vector in a mathematical sense. The distance between vectors represents semantic similarity, so that technical problems can be solved based on mathematical vectors. For example, LLM can include any one or more of the following functions: natural language processing (NLP) function, computer vision (CV) processing function, language recognition and synthesis function, recommendation system function, etc. Among them, the NLP function can be used to process and generate natural language, such as text classification, machine translation, sentiment analysis, natural language generation and other tasks. The CV processing function can perform image classification, target detection, image generation, etc., and can process visual information. The language recognition and synthesis function can be used for speech recognition, speech synthesis, etc. The functions that LLM possesses can be set based on the application scenario of the method provided in the embodiment of the present application, and the present application does not make any special restrictions on this.

[0163] In some implementations, the first network element and the second network element may also interactively confirm whether the second expression obtained by the conversion expresses the expectation for the network. That is, the first network element and the second network element may also perform the following steps S330 and S340.

[0164] Optionally, in S330, the first network element sends part or all of the second expression to the second network element. Correspondingly, the second network element receives part or all of the second expression from the first network element.

[0165] Exemplarily, the first network element may send the second expression generated in step S320 to the second network element. Exemplarily, the first network element may send all the second expressions to the second network element after generating all the second expressions. As another example, the first network element may send each piece of information (such as intent expectation, intent context, intent target, etc.) generated by the first network element to the second network element. As another example, the first network element may send part of the generated information, such as the intent target, to the second network element. This application does not specifically limit this.

[0166] For example, the first network element may send the following information in the second expression to the second network element: intended expectation and expected context, and / or intended target and target context, and / or expected object and object context. That is, the first network element may send associated non-context type information and context type information (such as [intended expectation, expected context], [intended target, target context], [expected object, object context]) to the second network element, so that the second network element can determine whether the expectation for the network is expressed based on all or part of the received second expression.

[0167] It can be understood that the structures of non-context type information and context type information are similar. For example, the intended target #1 is expressed as [energy efficiency, greater than, 80%], and the target context #1 corresponding to the intended target #1 is expressed as [load, less than, 20%]. When the first network element converts the first expression into the second expression, there is a risk of converting the non-context type information (such as intended target #1) and the context type information (such as target context #1) into the opposite, that is, mistaking [load, less than, 20%] for the intended target #1 and [energy efficiency, greater than, 80%] for the target context #1. In an embodiment of the present application, the first network element sends part or all of the generated second expression to the second network element, so that the second network element determines whether the second expression is correctly expressed, which can improve the reliability of the intent expression conversion.

[0168] Optionally, in S340, the second network element sends response information to the first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the response information from the second network element.

[0169] The response information is used to confirm whether the second expression expresses the expectation for the network. Exemplarily, the second network element can confirm whether part or all of the second expression is correct, such as whether there is an error in the target name of the intended target, whether there is an error in the target value, whether there is an error in the opposite setting of the intended target and the target context, etc. As another example, the second network element can determine whether part or all of the second expression is feasible (or whether it is within a tolerable range), such as the second network element can determine whether the value range of the target value is tolerable, such as determining whether the context value range of the object context can meet the expectations for the network, etc. As another example, the second network element can authorize or authenticate part or all of the received second expressions, such as the second network element can determine whether to authorize or approve the first network element to use the second expression to express the intention, etc. This application does not specifically limit this.

[0170] If the second network element determines that part or all of the received second expression expresses expectations for the network, and the response information indicates that part or all of the second expression expresses expectations for the network, then the first network element can perform subsequent steps based on the response information (see S370).

[0171] If the second network element determines that part or all of the received second expressions do not express the expectation for the network, then the response information indicates that part or all of the second expressions do not express the expectation for the network. In this case, the first network element may restart from step S320 based on the response information until an expression of the second category that can express the expectation for the network is generated.

[0172] In some implementations, if the second network element determines that part or all of the received second expression does not express expectations for the network, the response information may be used to indicate how to modify the second expression.

[0173] Exemplarily, the response information may indicate the reason why part or all of the second expression does not express the expectation. For example, the response information may indicate which information or information in the second expression is incorrect, so that the second network element can modify the information in the second expression accordingly. The response information may also indicate the modification method, such as the response information indicating that the intended target and target context in the second expression are swapped. This application does not specifically limit this.

[0174] As another example, the response information may also refer to a third expression of the first category corresponding to the schematic diagram. The third expression is different from the first expression. That is, the second network element may modify the unstructured expression of the intent, for example, still using natural language to re-describe the expectation for the network. The first network element may restart from step S320 based on the third expression, converting the third expression into a fourth expression of the second category corresponding to the intent, until an expression of the second category that can express the expectation for the network is obtained.

[0175] In some implementations, if the response information indicates that part or all of the second expression does not express the expectation for the network, the first network element may further update the prompt information after re-converting the second type of expression based on the response information to obtain an expression that can express the expectation for the network. In other words, the first network element may further perform the following step S350.

[0176] Optionally, in S350 , the first network element updates prompt information of the attribute set based on the response information.

[0177] The first network element can be updated based on the content indicated by the response information. For example, the first network element can be updated based on the reason why the part or all of the second expression does not express the expectation indicated by the response information. For example, if the response information indicates that the target name of the intended target in the second expression is wrong, then after the first network element modifies the target name to obtain the correct intended target, it can update the target name to the prompt information. For another example, if the response information indicates that the intended target and the target context are reversed in the second expression, then the first network element can modify the conversion rule that converts the first expression into the intended target and the target context. This application does not specifically limit this.

[0178] The prompt information used by the first network element when converting the first expression into the second expression can be pre-configured, or the prompt information can be obtained by the first network element. That is, before step S320, the first network element can also perform the following step S360.

[0179] Optionally, in S360, the first network element obtains prompt information.

[0180] In some implementations, the first network element may generate prompt information. For example, the first network element may generate the prompt information based on historical conversion experience.

[0181] In other implementations, the first network element may receive prompt information from other network elements, which may be a second network element (such as a network consumption network element), or any network element that can provide the information, such as a network element responsible for managing data in the network. For example, the first network element may receive prompt information from other network elements, and the first network element may store or configure the prompt information so that the prompt information can be used in subsequent conversions. Optionally, after receiving the prompt information from the other network element, the first network element may also send information in response to the prompt information to the other network element, which may indicate whether the first network element has successfully accepted the prompt information. This application does not specifically limit this.

[0182] The above describes how the second network element converts and obtains the second type of expression that can express the expectation for the network. Figure 4 The following describes how the second network element implements the network expectation. It will be appreciated that, for ease of description, the following description uses the second expression obtained in step 320. If the second expression fails to correctly express the expectation, the first network element subsequently modifies or regenerates an expression of the second category to implement the network expectation in a similar manner, which is not further described here.

[0183] The first network element can adopt the following three methods to realize the expectation on the network.

[0184] Method 1: S370 includes steps S371A to S373A.

[0185] Optionally, S371A, the first network element determines at least one action based on the attribute set.

[0186] The first network element may determine at least one action based on the network expectation expressed by the attribute set. For example, if the desired goal in the second expression is energy saving greater than 80%, the first network element may determine an action that can achieve energy saving, such as turning on a power-saving switch of the base station or entering sleep mode of the base station. This application does not impose any particular limitation on this.

[0187] Optionally, S372A, the first network element sends information indicating the at least one action to the third network element.

[0188] The first network element may determine a third network element based on the determined at least one action. Exemplarily, the third network element may be the action target indicated in the desired object. For example, if the action target is a base station in the first area, the third network element may be a base station in the first area, and the first network element may send information indicating the at least one action to the base station in the first area. This application is not particularly limited in this regard.

[0189] Optionally, S373A, the third network element performs the at least one action to achieve the expectation.

[0190] The third network element may perform the at least one action based on the instruction of the first network element, such as turning on the energy-saving switch, to achieve the energy-saving expectation. This application does not impose any special limitation on this.

[0191] Method 2: S370 includes step S371B.

[0192] Optionally, S371B, the first network element determines at least one action according to the attribute set, and executes the at least one action.

[0193] That is, in mode 2, the first network element can determine at least one action and then execute the at least one action. For details on how to determine and execute an action, please refer to the description of mode 1. No further details will be given here.

[0194] Mode 3: S370 includes steps S371C to S373C.

[0195] Optionally, S371C, the first network element sends the second expression to the fourth network element.

[0196] The first network element may send the generated second expression of the second category to the fourth network element, which determines at least one action to achieve the desired result. In this method 3, the first network element may be a network element that provides the function of converting the expression, and the fourth network element may be a network element responsible for executing the intention, such as Figure 2 Network production entities in .

[0197] Optionally, S372C, the fourth network element determines at least one action according to the attribute set.

[0198] For the description of this step, please refer to the description of method 1 and will not be repeated here.

[0199] Optionally, S373C, the fourth network element sends information indicating the at least one action or performs the at least one action.

[0200] For the description of this step, please refer to the description of Method 1 and Method 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0201] Based on this technical solution, a first network element receives an intent expressed using a first expression of a first category and can convert the first expression into a second expression of a second category that can determine at least one action. Network expectations are met through the execution of the at least one action. This reduces the requirements for intent expression and supports flexible intent expression.

[0202] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced to each other, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their internal logical relationships.

[0203] It should also be understood that in some of the above embodiments, devices in existing network architectures are mainly used as examples for illustrative purposes, and it should be understood that the embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific form of the devices. For example, devices that can achieve the same functions in the future are applicable to the embodiments of the present application.

[0204] It can be understood that in the above-mentioned various method embodiments, the methods and operations implemented by the device (such as the first network element and the second network element) can also be implemented by components that can be used in the device (such as chips or circuits).

[0205] It can also be understood that some optional features in the various embodiments of the present application may not depend on other features in certain scenarios, and may also be combined with other features in certain scenarios, without limitation.

[0206] Above, combined Figure 3 The communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application is described in detail. The above communication method is mainly introduced from the perspective of the first network element or the second network element. It is understandable that in order to implement the above functions, the first network element or the second network element includes the corresponding hardware structure and / or software modules for performing each function.

[0207] Those skilled in the art should be aware that, in combination with the units and algorithm steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is performed in the form of hardware or computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of this application.

[0208] The following, combined Figures 4 to 6 The communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application is described in detail. It should be understood that the description of the device embodiment corresponds to the description of the method embodiment, so that the content not described in detail can be referred to the above method embodiment. For the sake of brevity, some content will not be repeated.

[0209] In the embodiment of the present application, the functional modules of the transmitting device or the receiving device can be divided according to the above method example. For example, each functional module can be divided according to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The above integrated modules can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional modules. It should be noted that the division of modules in the embodiment of the present application is schematic and is only a logical functional division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation. The following is an example of dividing each functional module according to each function.

[0210] Figure 4 1 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 10 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The device 10 includes a transceiver module 11 and a processing module 12. The transceiver module 11 can implement corresponding communication functions, and the processing module 12 is used to process data. In other words, the transceiver module 11 is used to perform operations related to receiving and sending, while the processing module 12 is used to perform operations other than receiving and sending. The transceiver module 11 can also be referred to as a communication interface or a communication unit.

[0211] Optionally, the device 10 may further include a storage module 13, which may be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing module 12 may read the instructions and / or data in the storage module so that the device implements the actions of the devices in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0212] In a first design, the apparatus 10 may correspond to the first network element in the above method embodiment, or a component (such as a chip) of the first network element.

[0213] The device 10 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to those executed by the first network element in the above method embodiment, wherein the transceiver module 11 can be used to perform operations related to transceiver transmission of the first network element in the above method embodiment, and the processing module 12 can be used to perform operations related to processing of the first network element in the above method embodiment.

[0214] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit executing the above corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiment, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0215] In the second design, the apparatus 10 may correspond to the second network element in the above method embodiment, or a component (such as a chip) of the second network element.

[0216] The device 10 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to those executed by the second network element in the above method embodiment, wherein the transceiver module 11 can be used to perform the transceiver-related operations of the second network element in the above method embodiment, and the processing module 12 can be used to perform the processing-related operations of the second network element in the above method embodiment.

[0217] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit executing the above corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiment, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0218] It should also be understood that the device 10 here is embodied in the form of a functional module. The term "module" here may refer to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (such as a shared processor, a dedicated processor or a group processor, etc.) and memory for executing one or more software or firmware programs, a combined logic circuit and / or other suitable components that support the described functions. In an optional example, those skilled in the art will understand that the device 10 may be specifically the mobile management network element in the above-mentioned embodiment, and may be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the mobile management network element in the above-mentioned method embodiments; or, the device 10 may be specifically the terminal device in the above-mentioned embodiment, and may be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the terminal device in the above-mentioned method embodiments. To avoid repetition, it will not be described here.

[0219] The apparatus 10 of each of the above-mentioned solutions has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the device (such as the first network element or the second network element) in the above-mentioned method. This function can be implemented by hardware, or it can be implemented by hardware executing the corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above-mentioned functions; for example, the transceiver module can be replaced by a transceiver (for example, the sending unit in the transceiver module can be replaced by a transmitter, and the receiving unit in the transceiver module can be replaced by a receiver), and other units, such as the processing module, can be replaced by a processor to respectively perform the transceiver operations and related processing operations in each method embodiment.

[0220] In addition, the transceiver module 11 may also be a transceiver circuit (for example, may include a receiving circuit and a sending circuit), and the processing module may be a processing circuit.

[0221] Figure 5 FIG2 is a schematic diagram of another communication device 20 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The device 20 includes a processor 21, which is configured to execute computer programs or instructions stored in a memory 22, or read data / signaling stored in the memory 22, to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Optionally, there are one or more processors 21.

[0222] Alternatively, as Figure 5 As shown, the device 20 further includes a memory 22, which is used to store computer programs or instructions and / or data. The memory 22 can be integrated with the processor 21, or can be separately provided. Optionally, there are one or more memories 22.

[0223] Alternatively, as Figure 5 As shown, the device 20 further includes a transceiver 23, which is used to receive and / or send signals. For example, the processor 21 is used to control the transceiver 23 to receive and / or send signals.

[0224] As a solution, the device 20 is used to implement the operations performed by the first network element or the second network element in the above various method embodiments.

[0225] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may be a central processing unit (CPU), or may be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc.

[0226] It should also be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may be a volatile memory and / or a non-volatile memory. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM). For example, RAM can be used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, RAM includes the following forms: static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0227] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) can be integrated into the processor.

[0228] It should also be noted that the memory described herein is intended to comprise, but not be limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0229] Figure 6 FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a chip system 30 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The chip system 30 (or also referred to as a processing system) includes a logic circuit 31 and an input / output interface 32 .

[0230] The logic circuit 31 may be a processing circuit in the chip system 30. The logic circuit 31 may be coupled to a storage unit and call instructions in the storage unit so that the chip system 30 can implement the methods and functions of the various embodiments of the present application. The input / output interface 32 may be an input / output circuit in the chip system 30, outputting information processed by the chip system 30 or inputting data or signaling information to be processed into the chip system 30 for processing.

[0231] As a solution, the chip system 30 is used to implement the operations performed by the first network element or the second network element in the above various method embodiments.

[0232] For example, the logic circuit 31 is used to implement the processing-related operations performed by the first network element or the second network element in the above method embodiment; the input / output interface 32 is used to implement the sending and / or receiving-related operations performed by the terminal device in the above method embodiment.

[0233] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium on which computer instructions for implementing the methods executed by the device in the above-mentioned method embodiments are stored.

[0234] For example, when the computer program is executed by a computer, the computer can implement the method performed by the first network element or the second network element in each embodiment of the above method.

[0235] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed by a computer, implement the methods performed by the first network element or the second network element in the above-mentioned method embodiments.

[0236] An embodiment of the present application also provides a communication system, including the aforementioned first network element or second network element.

[0237] The explanation of the relevant contents and beneficial effects of any of the above-mentioned devices can be referred to the corresponding method embodiments provided above, which will not be repeated here.

[0238] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only schematic. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0239] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the process or function described in the embodiment of the present application is generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. For example, the computer can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center by wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) mode. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more available media integrations. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (e.g., a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., a DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., a solid state disk (SSD)). For example, the aforementioned available medium includes, but is not limited to, various media that can store program code, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0240] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A network management method, characterized in that: The method is applied to a first network element, including: receiving an intent, wherein the intent uses a first expression of a first category to express a desire for a network; The first expression is converted into a second expression of a second category corresponding to the intention, wherein the second expression includes a set of attributes, and the set of attributes is used to determine at least one action, and the at least one action is used to achieve the expectation.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first expression and the second expression are different.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first expression includes information not expressed using the attribute set.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The first expression includes information expressed in an unstructured language, and the second expression includes information expressed in a structured language.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The intention comes from the second network element, and the method further includes: sending part or all of the second expression to the second network element; Receive response information from the second network element, where the response information is used to confirm whether the second expression expresses the expectation.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein The second expression does not express the expectation, and the response information is used to indicate how to modify the second expression.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein The response information includes a third expression for expressing the desired first category, and the third expression is different from the first expression.

8. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that The sending part or all of the second expression to the second network element includes: The following information in the second expression is sent to the second network element: intended expectation and expected context, and / or intended target and target context, and / or expected object and object context.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The converting the first expression into a second expression of a second category corresponding to the intention includes: According to the prompt information of the attribute set, the first expression is converted into an expression of the second category corresponding to the intention, and the prompt information indicates a conversion rule between the first expression and the second expression.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein The second expression includes an intended expectation, and the conversion rule includes a rule for converting the first expression into the intended expectation; and / or, The second expression includes an expected context, and the conversion rule includes a rule for converting the first expression into the expected context; and / or, The second expression includes an intended target, and the conversion rule includes a rule for converting the first expression into the intended target; and / or, The second expression includes a target context, and the conversion rule includes a rule for converting the first expression into the target context; and / or, The second expression includes an expected object, and the conversion rule includes a rule for converting the first expression into the expected object; and / or, The second expression includes an object context, and the conversion rule includes a rule for converting the first expression into the object context.

11. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that The method further comprises: The prompt information of the attribute set is updated based on the response information.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that The method further comprises: Obtain the prompt information.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that The method further comprises: determining at least one action based on the set of attributes; Send information indicating the at least one action to a third network element, or perform the at least one action.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that The method further comprises: The second expression is sent to a fourth network element, and the fourth network element is used to determine the at least one action.

15. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises a unit or module for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A communication system, characterized in that: comprising means for carrying out the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14.

17. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, and when the computer program is run on a computer, the computer is caused to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

18. A computer program product, characterized in that The method comprises a computer program code, which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

19. A communication device, characterized in that: include: A processor, configured to execute a computer program stored in a memory, so that the apparatus performs the method according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

20. The device according to claim 19, wherein The apparatus further comprises the memory.

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