Communication method, device, system, equipment and storage medium

Abstract

The invention discloses a communication method, device, system and equipment and a storage medium, which are applied to target user plane equipment of a virtual broadband network gateway, a first service function chain module is deployed in the target user plane equipment, and the first service function chain module is configured to be in a backup mode; the target user plane equipment can migrate a user session carried by the target user plane equipment to other user plane equipment in the virtual broadband network gateway under the condition that warm standby group switching occurs to the target user plane equipment; and synchronizing the user service function chain information recorded in the first service function chain module to other user plane equipment based on the backup mode corresponding to the first service function chain module, so that the user terminal accesses the network through the other user plane equipment. By adopting the method, the reliability of the service function chain can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, apparatus, system, device and storage medium. Background Art

[0002] Currently, the traffic of user terminals needs to go through the following steps to access the service function (SF) through the virtual broadband network gateway (vBNG): (1) The forwarding plane (or user plane (UP)) receives the path information and filtering policy of the service function chain (SFC) (or SFC business chain) required by the user sent by the control plane (CP); (2) When the UP detects the arrival of user traffic, it encapsulates the network service header (NSH) protocol packet header or SRv6 (an IPv6-based network programming technology that combines the advantages of source routing and the simplicity of IPv6 to provide an intelligent, minimalist and pure IP network solution) path based on the path information and filtering policy of the SFC business chain; (3) The UP forwards the user traffic through the service function forwarder (SF) to the service function forwarder (SF). The SFC service chain is forwarded by the Service Forwarder (SFF) to the attached SF. However, current SFC service chain bearer solutions include NSH and SRv6. This complicates the overall SFC process due to differences in underlying bearer protocols. Furthermore, after an SFC service chain is updated, the CP cannot synchronize the SFC service chain path information. As a result, the next SFC service chain path information sent to the UP will not be the latest SFC path. Therefore, the current SFC service chain has low reliability.

[0003] Therefore, how to improve the reliability of the SFC business chain has become an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method, apparatus, system, device, and storage medium, which can improve the reliability of an SFC service chain.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applied to a target user plane device in a virtual broadband network gateway, wherein a first service function chain module is deployed in the target user plane device, and the first service function chain module is configured in a backup mode; the method comprises:

[0006] When a warm standby group switch occurs on the target user plane device, the user session carried by the target user plane device is migrated to other user plane devices in the virtual broadband network gateway;

[0007] Based on the backup mode corresponding to the first service function chain module, the user service function chain information recorded in the first service function chain module is synchronized to other user plane devices, so that the user terminal accesses the network through the other user plane devices.

[0008] In one embodiment, a service function chain path is bound to the first service function chain module; the first service function chain module establishes communication connections with the main business function forwarding node SFF and the backup SFF respectively; the method also includes: detecting the path status of the first service function chain between the main SFF and the path status of the second service function chain between the backup SFF through the first service function chain module; wherein the first service function chain and the second service function chain are in a backup relationship with each other; when the path status of the first service function chain is faulty, the service traffic of the user terminal is switched to the backup SFF, and the service traffic is forwarded to the service function SF unit through the backup SFF; or, when the path status of the first service function chain and the second service function chain are both faulty, skipping the SF units respectively attached to the main SFF and the backup SFF.

[0009] In one embodiment, the path status of the first service function chain between the main SFF and the path status of the second service function chain between the main SFF and the backup SFF are detected through the first service function chain module, including: sending keep-alive messages to the main SFF and the backup SFF respectively through the first service function chain module; when the number of times that no response messages returned by the main SFF and / or the backup SFF are continuously received within a first preset time period is greater than a preset number threshold, or when the number of response messages returned by the main SFF and / or the backup SFF is not received within a second preset time period, it is determined that the path status of the first service function chain between the main SFF and / or the path status of the second service function chain between the main SFF and / or the backup SFF is faulty.

[0010] In one of the embodiments, the method further includes: generating an updated service function chain path when switching the service traffic to the backup SFF, or skipping the SF units respectively attached to the primary SFF and the backup SFF; synchronizing the updated service function chain path to the second service function chain module in the control plane device in the virtual broadband network gateway through the first service function chain module, and the updated service function chain path is used to cover the original service function chain path in the control plane device that is sent to the target user plane device.

[0011] In one embodiment, the updated SFC path is synchronized to the second service function chain module in the control plane device in the virtual broadband network gateway through the first service function chain module, including: in the event that the service function chain path in the control plane device in the virtual broadband network gateway is lost, the updated service function chain path is synchronized to the second service function chain module in the control plane device in the virtual broadband network gateway through the first service function chain module.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first service function chain module is connected to the main business function forwarding node SFF and the backup SFF respectively through an intermediate node. The method also includes: when it is detected that the intermediate node fails or is congested, detecting the link status between other user plane devices in the virtual broadband network gateway; when it is determined that the link status with other user plane devices is not failed, switching the user session and service function chain policy carried by the target user plane device to the third service function chain module in the other user plane device.

[0013] In a second aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which is applied to a target user plane device in a virtual broadband network gateway, wherein a first service function chain module is deployed in the target user plane device, and the first service function chain module is configured in a backup mode; the device includes:

[0014] A migration module is used to migrate the user session carried by the target user plane device to other user plane devices in the virtual broadband network gateway when a warm standby group switch occurs on the target user plane device;

[0015] The synchronization module is used to synchronize the user service function chain information recorded in the first service function chain module to other user plane devices based on the backup mode corresponding to the first service function chain module, so that the user terminal can access the network through other user plane devices.

[0016] In the third aspect, the present application provides a communication system including a control plane device and multiple user plane devices, wherein a service function chain module is deployed in the control plane device and each user plane device, and a service function chain path is bound to each service function chain module. The service function chain modules in each user plane device are in the same service function chain backup group, and the target user plane device among the multiple user plane devices is used to execute the steps in the method provided in the first aspect.

[0017] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a computer device comprising a processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a computer program; when the processor executes the computer program, the steps in the method provided in the first aspect are implemented.

[0018] In a fifth aspect, the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which implements the steps in the method provided in the first aspect when the computer program is executed by a processor.

[0019] In a sixth aspect, the present application further provides a computer program product, comprising a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps in the method provided in the first aspect.

[0020] The above-mentioned communication method, apparatus, system, device, and storage medium are applied to a target user plane device in a virtual broadband network gateway. A first service function chain module is deployed in the target user plane device, and the first service function chain module is configured in backup mode. The target user plane device can migrate user sessions carried by the target user plane device to other user plane devices in the virtual broadband network gateway when a warm standby group switch occurs on the target user plane device. Based on the backup mode corresponding to the first service function chain module, the user service function chain information recorded in the first service function chain module is synchronized to the other user plane devices, allowing user terminals to access the network through the other user plane devices. Using this method, the target user plane device can synchronize the user service function chain information recorded in the first service function chain to other user plane devices based on the backup mode corresponding to the first service function chain module when a warm standby group switch occurs. This improves the reliability of the service function chain (SFC service chain). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or related technologies, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments of the present application or related technical descriptions. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of a network device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of this application more clear, the following further describes this application in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain this application and are not intended to limit this application.

[0028] First, some terms / nouns involved in the embodiments of this application are briefly explained.

[0029] 1. Virtual Broadband Network Gateway (vBNG)

[0030] vBNG is a virtualized version of the traditional physical Broadband Network Gateway (BNG), implemented based on Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) and Software Defined Network (SDN) technologies. It performs core functions for broadband user access, such as user authentication, traffic forwarding, and policy control, but is deployed as software on general-purpose servers or cloud platforms, rather than as a dedicated hardware device.

[0031] Among them, vBNG is divided into control plane (CP) equipment (denoted as vBNG-CP) and forwarding plane (or user plane (UP)) equipment (denoted as vBNG-UP).

[0032] 2. vBNG-UP

[0033] In vBNG, the vBNG-UP is responsible for traffic forwarding and routing management. The vBNG-UP includes two types: the virtual user plane (vUP) (denoted as vBNG-vUP) and the hardware user plane (or physical user plane) (denoted as vBNG-pUP).

[0034] It should be noted that the user plane device mentioned in this application refers to a physical user plane device.

[0035] 3. vBNG-CP

[0036] In a vBNG, the vBNG-CP is responsible for user access control, user management, address management, and UP management. It typically includes the CP control VM (responsible for system monitoring, resource management, and alarm management), the service management VM (responsible for user access control, user management, address management, and UP management), and the load balancing VM (responsible for communication between the CP and UP, packet distribution, and other functions).

[0037] vBNG-CP and vBNG-UP implement control and information reporting through the CU channel (Control-User Channel, which is the key communication link between vBNG-CP and vBNG-UP and is responsible for control signaling, policy delivery, status synchronization, etc.).

[0038] 4. Service Function Chain (SFC)

[0039] SFC is a network architecture technology used to define and manage the order in which network traffic flows through a series of service functions. SFC allows network administrators to dynamically direct traffic through specific security, optimization, or monitoring services (such as firewalls, load balancers, and Deep Packet Inspection (DPI)) without relying on traditional physical topology.

[0040] 5. Service Function (SF)

[0041] SF is a functional node that provides network services. It can be a virtual network element, a physical network element, or a functional unit embedded in a physical network element. SF processes received packets and can provide network functions such as a virtual firewall, load balancer, and TCP optimizer.

[0042] 6. Service Function Forwarder (SFF)

[0043] SFF is usually connected to SF. SFF can forward data flow to SF based on SFC header information and forward data flow returned from SF to the next-hop SFF.

[0044] See Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 As shown, the communication system includes a control plane device 101 and multiple user plane devices ( Figure 1 In the figure, multiple user plane devices including the target user plane device 102 and other user plane devices 103 are used as an example for drawing).

[0045] The control plane device 101, the target user plane device 102, and the other user plane devices 103 are all deployed with a service function chain module (or SFC service module). Each SFC service module is bound to an SFC path. Optionally, the SFC service module can be deployed as hardware within the control plane device 101, the target user plane device 102, and the other user plane devices 103, or installed as a software code package. The presence of the SFC service module does not affect the original function of each device.

[0046] The SFC service module in the control plane device and the SFC modules in each user plane device can communicate with each other through the underlying Internet Protocol (IP) (for example, IP based on the loopback address) and transmit information based on the upper layer protocol of the network layer.

[0047] The SFC service modules in the target user plane device 102 and the other user plane devices 103 are in the same SFC backup group. The target user plane device 102 is deployed with a first service function chain module, which is configured in a backup mode.

[0048] When a warm standby group switchover occurs on the target user plane device 102, the target user plane device 102 can migrate the user session carried by the target user plane device 102 to another user plane device 103 in the virtual broadband network gateway. Based on the backup mode corresponding to the first SFC service module, the user SFC information recorded in the first SFC service module is synchronized with the other user plane device 103, allowing the user terminal to access the network through the other user plane device 103. This improves the reliability of the service function chain (SFC service chain).

[0049] The communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] See Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a flow chart of a communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The method can be applied to a target user plane device (e.g., a device configured as a backup mode) deployed with a first service function chain module in a virtual broadband network gateway. Figure 1 Target user plane device 102 in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, the method may include but is not limited to the following steps:

[0051] S201: When a warm standby group switch occurs on a target user plane device, migrate a user session carried by the target user plane device to another user plane device in a virtual broadband network gateway.

[0052] Among them, warm standby group switching refers to the process of taking over business traffic through the standby node when the target user plane equipment fails or requires maintenance.

[0053] S202: Based on the backup mode corresponding to the first service function chain module, synchronize the user service function chain information recorded in the first service function chain module to other user plane devices, so that the user terminal accesses the network through the other user plane devices.

[0054] Optionally, the first service function chain module may also be referred to as a first SFC business module. The backup mode corresponding to this module may be a hot standby mode, a warm standby mode, or a cold standby mode, which is not limited here.

[0055] Hot standby mode synchronizes all user sessions and configurations in real time; warm standby mode synchronizes configurations and some user sessions; and cold standby mode synchronizes only configurations without synchronizing user sessions.

[0056] In an optional implementation, the user service function chain information recorded in the first service function chain module may include but is not limited to user session, user service function chain path, path tag, etc.

[0057] In an embodiment of the present application, a target user plane device can migrate user sessions carried by the target user plane device to other user plane devices in the virtual broadband network gateway when a warm standby group switch occurs on the target user plane device. Based on the backup mode corresponding to the first service function chain module, the user service function chain information recorded in the first service function chain module is synchronized with the other user plane devices, allowing user terminals to access the network through the other user plane devices. Using this method, the target user plane device can synchronize the user service function chain information recorded in the first service function chain with the other user plane devices when a warm standby group switch occurs, based on the backup mode corresponding to the first service function chain module. This improves the reliability of the service function chain (SFC service chain).

[0058] In an optional embodiment, Figure 2In the communication method shown, a service function chain path is bound to the first service function chain module; the first service function chain module establishes communication connections with the main business function forwarding node SFF and the backup SFF respectively; the target user plane device can also detect the path status of the first service function chain between the main SFF and the path status of the second service function chain between the backup SFF through the first service function chain module; wherein, the first service function chain and the second service function chain are in a backup relationship with each other; when the path status of the first service function chain is faulty, the service traffic of the user terminal is switched to the backup SFF, and the service traffic is forwarded to the service function SF unit through the backup SFF; or, when the path status of the first service function chain and the second service function chain are both faulty, the SF units respectively attached to the main SFF and the backup SFF are skipped.

[0059] The first SFC service module in the target user plane device establishes communication connections with the primary SFF and the backup SFF respectively through the Internet Protocol (IP).

[0060] In some embodiments, the target user plane device detects the path status of the first service function chain between the target user plane device and the primary SFF, and the path status of the second service function chain between the target user plane device and the backup SFF through the first service function chain module, which may include: sending a keep-alive message to the primary SFF and the backup SFF respectively through the first service function chain module; when the number of times that the response message returned by the primary SFF and / or the backup SFF is not received continuously within a first preset time period is greater than a preset number threshold, or when the response message returned by the primary SFF and / or the backup SFF is not received within a second preset time period, it is determined that the path status of the first service function chain between the target user plane device and the primary SFF and / or the path status of the second service function chain between the target user plane device and the backup SFF is a fault.

[0061] The response message refers to a feedback message for the keep-alive message.

[0062] For example, assuming that the first preset time length is 60 seconds, the preset number threshold is 4 times, and assuming that the target user plane device has not received the response message returned by the main SFF for 5 consecutive times within 60 seconds, in this case, the target user plane device can determine that the number of times the response message returned by the main SFF has not been received for 5 consecutive times within 60 seconds is greater than the preset number threshold of 4 times. At this time, the target user plane device can determine that the first service function chain path status between it and the main SFF is faulty.

[0063] For another example, assuming that the second preset time length is 10 seconds, and assuming that the target user plane device receives the response message returned by the main SFF 15 seconds after sending the keep-alive message to the main SFF, in this case, the target user plane device can determine that 15 seconds is greater than 10 seconds. At this time, the target user plane device can determine that the first service function chain path status between it and the main SFF is faulty.

[0064] With this implementation, the target user plane device can perform SFC path switching through the first SFC service module when detecting that the first SFC path status between the target user plane device and the primary SFF is path abnormal, or when detecting that both the first SFC path status and the second SFC path status between the target user plane device and the backup SFF are path abnormal. This can avoid service interruption and thus improve the reliability of the SFC service chain.

[0065] In an optional embodiment, Figure 2 In the communication method shown, the target user plane device can also generate an updated service function chain path when switching the service traffic to the backup SFF, or skipping the SF units respectively hung under the main SFF and the backup SFF; through the first service function chain module, the updated service function chain path is synchronized to the second service function chain module in the control plane device in the virtual broadband network gateway, and the updated service function chain path is used to cover the original service function chain path in the control plane device that is sent down to the target user plane device.

[0066] That is, after receiving the updated service function chain path synchronized by the second service function chain module in the target user plane device, the control plane device can use the updated service function chain path to overwrite (or replace) the non-updated service function chain path in the control plane device. This facilitates the subsequent delivery of the updated service function chain path to the target user plane device, thereby improving the reliability of the SFC service chain.

[0067] In some embodiments, the target user plane device synchronizes the updated SFC path to the second service function chain module in the control plane device in the virtual broadband network gateway through the first service function chain module, which may include: in the event that the service function chain path in the control plane device in the virtual broadband network gateway is lost, synchronizing the updated service function chain path to the second service function chain module in the control plane device in the virtual broadband network gateway through the first service function chain module.

[0068] Optionally, the target user plane device may determine that the service function chain path in the control plane device of the virtual broadband network gateway is lost by: receiving a request message from the control plane device, the request message including information indicating that data in the control plane device has been lost, the request message being used to indicate a request to obtain an SFC path; and determining, based on the request message, that the service function chain path in the control plane device is lost. The request message may be sent by the control plane device to the target user plane device via the second service function chain module.

[0069] In some embodiments, the target user plane device can also receive SFC service chain information sent from the second service function chain module in the control plane device through the first service function chain module under normal operation, wherein the SFC service chain information is sent by the upper-layer system to the second service function chain module in the control plane device.

[0070] Optionally, the SFC service chain information may include but is not limited to a user address, an SFC service chain authentication status, an SFC service chain path, and the like.

[0071] Using this implementation, the target user plane device synchronizes the updated SFC path to the second service function chain module in the control plane device through the first service function chain module, thereby maintaining the consistency of the SFC paths of the control plane device and the user plane device. This is beneficial for the control plane device to subsequently send the updated service function chain path to the target user plane device, thereby improving the reliability of the SFC service chain.

[0072] In an optional embodiment, Figure 2 In the communication method shown, the first service function chain module is connected to the main business function forwarding node SFF and the backup SFF respectively through the intermediate node. The target user plane device also detects the link status between it and other user plane devices in the virtual broadband network gateway when it detects that the intermediate node has failed or is congested; when it is determined that the link status with other user plane devices is not failed, the user session and service function chain policy carried by the target user plane device are switched to the third service function chain module in the other user plane device.

[0073] In some embodiments, the target user plane device detects the link status between it and other user plane devices in the virtual broadband network gateway, and can establish a keep-alive connection with other service function chain modules in other user plane devices through the first service function chain module; send a keep-alive message to other service function chain modules in other user plane devices through the first service function chain module; if the number of response messages returned by other service function chain modules in other user plane devices not continuously received within a third preset time period is greater than a preset number threshold, or if the number of response messages returned by other service function chain modules in other user plane devices not received within a fourth preset time period, it is determined that the link status between the target user plane device is a fault; otherwise, it is determined that the link status between the target user plane device is not a fault.

[0074] Optionally, the third preset duration and the fourth preset duration may be the same or different. The third preset duration may be the same or different from the aforementioned first preset duration; the fourth preset duration may be the same or different from the aforementioned second preset duration.

[0075] For example, assuming that the first service function chain module in the target user plane device is connected to the primary SFF via intermediate node 1 and to the backup SFF via intermediate node 2, the target user plane device may periodically or in real time detect the operating status of intermediate node 1 and intermediate node 2. If it is determined that both intermediate node 1 and intermediate node 2 have failed or are congested, the target user plane device may detect the link status between itself and other user plane devices in the virtual broadband network gateway (for example, user plane device A). If the detection result shows that the link between the target user plane device and user plane device A is not faulty, the target user plane device may switch the carried user session and service function chain policy to the service function chain module in user plane device A.

[0076] With this implementation, if the target user plane device detects a failure or congestion in the intermediate node connecting the first service function chain module with the primary SFF and backup SFF, it can then check the link status between it and other user plane devices in the virtual broadband network gateway. If the link status with the other user plane device is determined to be intact, the user session and service function chain policy carried by the target user plane device can be switched to the third service function chain module in the other user plane device. This prevents service interruption and improves the reliability of the SFC service chain.

[0077] The following combination Figure 3 , describes the overall process of the communication method provided in the embodiment of this application. Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a flow chart of another communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application, which is applied to Figure 1 The target user plane device shown. Figure 3 As shown, the method may include but is not limited to the following steps:

[0078] S301 : Establish an IP-based keep-alive connection with the primary SFF and the backup SFF through the first SFC service module.

[0079] S302 : Detecting the status of a first SFC path between the primary SFF and the backup SFF through the first SFC service module, and detecting the status of a second SFC path between the backup SFF and the primary SFF.

[0080] In an optional embodiment, the target user plane device detects the first SFC path status between the target user plane device and the primary SFF, and detects the second SFC path status between the target user plane device and the backup SFF through the first SFC service module. This may be: sending a keep-alive message to the primary SFF and the backup SFF respectively through the first SFC service module; and determining that the first SFC path status between the target user plane device and the primary SFF and / or the second SFC path status between the target user plane device and the backup SFF is faulty when the number of times that no response message returned by the primary SFF and / or the backup SFF is continuously received within a first preset time period is greater than a preset number threshold, or when the number of times that no response message returned by the primary SFF and / or the backup SFF is received within a second preset time period.

[0081] S303 : When the first SFC path status is abnormal, or when both the first SFC path status and the second SFC path status are abnormal, perform SFC path switching through the first SFC service module.

[0082] Optionally, when the first SFC path state is path abnormal, or when the first SFC path state and the second SFC path state are both path abnormal, the target user plane device enters the SFC path switching module through the first SFC service module, which may include: determining the reason why the first SFC path state is path abnormal, and determining the reason why the first SFC path state and the second SFC path state are both path abnormal; and performing SFC path switching through the first SFC service module based on the reason for the path abnormality.

[0083] In an optional embodiment, the reason why the first SFC path status is abnormal may be that a warm standby group switch occurs on the target user plane device. In this case, when the first SFC path status is faulty, the target user plane device enters path switching mode through the first SFC service module, which may include: migrating user sessions carried by the target user plane device to other user plane devices in the vBNG; and synchronizing user SFC information recorded in the first SFC service module to other user plane devices based on the backup mode corresponding to the first SFC service module, so that the user terminal can access the network through the other user plane devices.

[0084] In another optional embodiment, the reason why the first SFC path status is abnormal may be that the primary SFF fails. In this case, when the first SFC path status is abnormal, the target user plane device enters a path switching mode through the first SFC service module. This mode may include: switching the service traffic of the user terminal to the backup SFF through the first SFC service module, and forwarding the service traffic to the service function SF unit through the backup SFF.

[0085] In an optional embodiment, the reason why both the first SFC path status and the second SFC path status are path abnormal may be that an intermediate path fails, causing the first SFC service module to fail to receive response messages to keep-alive messages sent by the primary SFF and the backup SFF, respectively. In this case, when both the first SFC path status and the second SFC path status are faulty, the target user plane device enters path switching mode through the first SFC service module, which may be: skipping the SF units attached to the primary SFF and the backup SFF, respectively, through the first SFC service module.

[0086] In another optional embodiment, the first SFC service module is connected to the primary SFF and the backup SFF respectively through an intermediate node; the reason why the first SFC path status and the second SFC path status are both path abnormalities may be that the link related to the intermediate node is faulty or congested. In this case, when the first SFC path status and the second SFC path status are both faulty, the target user plane device enters path switching mode through the first SFC service module, which may include: detecting the link status between the target user plane device and other user plane devices in the vBNG; and if it is determined that the link status with the other user plane devices is not faulty, switching the user session and service function chain policy carried by the target user plane device to a third SFC service module in the other user plane device.

[0087] S304: When the path switching is complete, the SFC path is updated and synchronized to the second SFC service module in the control plane device of the vBNG through the first SFC service module. This ensures consistency of the SFC paths between the control plane device and the user plane device.

[0088] The updated SFC path is used to overwrite the original SFC path in the control plane device that is sent to the target user plane device.

[0089] In an optional implementation, the target user plane device may also synchronize the updated SFC path to the second SFC service module in the control plane device in the vBNG through the first SFC service module when data in the control plane device is lost.

[0090] In this embodiment, the target user plane device may also receive a request message from the control plane device, the request message including that data in the control plane device has been lost, and the request message is used to indicate a request to obtain an SFC path; based on the request message, it is determined that data in the control plane device has been lost.

[0091] In some embodiments, when both the first SFC path status and the second SFC path status are normal, the target user plane device may send the user terminal's service traffic to the primary SFF and / or backup SFF via the first SFC service module, and forward the service traffic to the service function SF unit via the primary SFF and / or backup SFF. It should be noted that in this case, the target user plane device does not need to perform steps S303 and S304.

[0092] In an embodiment of the present application, a target user plane device can establish an IP-based keepalive connection with a primary SFF and a backup SFF via a first SFC service module. The first SFC service module can detect the status of a first SFC path between the target user plane device and the primary SFF, as well as the status of a second SFC path between the target user plane device and the backup SFF. If the first SFC path status is abnormal, or if both the first and second SFC paths are abnormal, the target user plane device can perform an SFC path switch via the first SFC service module. Upon completion of the path switch, the target user plane device can update the SFC path and synchronize the updated SFC path to the second SFC service module in the control plane device within the vBNG via the first SFC service module. This method synchronizes user service function chain information recorded in the first service function chain to other user plane devices. This ensures that the SFC paths of the control plane device and the user plane device remain consistent after the SFC path is updated, thereby facilitating the control plane device's transmission of the latest SFC path to the user plane device the next time, thereby improving the reliability of the service function chain (SFC service chain).

[0093] It should be understood that although Figure 2 and Figure 3 The steps in the flowchart shown are shown in sequence as indicated by the arrows, but these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless otherwise specified herein, there is no strict order restriction for the execution of these steps, and these steps can be executed in other orders. Figure 2 and Figure 3At least part of the steps may include multiple steps or multiple stages. These steps or stages are not necessarily performed at the same time, but can be performed at different times. The order of execution of these steps or stages is not necessarily one by one, but can be performed in turn or alternately with other steps or at least part of the steps or stages in other steps.

[0094] See Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 As shown, the device is applied to a target user plane device in a virtual broadband network gateway, wherein a first service function chain module is deployed in the target user plane device, and the first service function chain module is configured in a backup mode; the device includes:

[0095] Migration module 401, configured to migrate user sessions carried by the target user plane device to other user plane devices in the virtual broadband network gateway when a warm standby group switch occurs on the target user plane device;

[0096] The synchronization module 402 is used to synchronize the user service function chain information recorded in the first service function chain module to other user plane devices based on the backup mode corresponding to the first service function chain module, so that the user terminal can access the network through other user plane devices.

[0097] In some embodiments, the device may also include a detection module and a processing module. A service function chain path is bound to the first service function chain module; the first service function chain module establishes communication connections with the main business function forwarding node SFF and the backup SFF respectively; the detection module is used to detect the path status of the first service function chain between the main SFF and the path status of the second service function chain between the backup SFF through the first service function chain module; wherein the first service function chain and the second service function chain are in a backup relationship with each other; the processing module is used to switch the service traffic of the user terminal to the backup SFF when the path status of the first service function chain is faulty, and forward the service traffic to the service function SF unit through the backup SFF; or, when the path status of the first service function chain and the second service function chain are both faulty, skip the SF units respectively attached to the main SFF and the backup SFF.

[0098] In some embodiments, when the detection module is used to detect the path status of the first service function chain between the main SFF and the path status of the second service function chain between the main SFF and the backup SFF through the first service function chain module, it is specifically used to: send keep-alive messages to the main SFF and the backup SFF respectively through the first service function chain module; when the number of times that no response messages returned by the main SFF and / or the backup SFF are continuously received within a first preset time period is greater than a preset number threshold, or when the number of response messages returned by the main SFF and / or the backup SFF is not received within a second preset time period, it is determined that the path status of the first service function chain between the main SFF and / or the path status of the second service function chain between the main SFF and / or the backup SFF is faulty.

[0099] In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a generation and update module. The generation and update module is configured to generate an updated service function chain path when switching service traffic to the backup SFF, or skipping the SF units respectively attached to the primary SFF and the backup SFF; synchronize the updated service function chain path to the second service function chain module in the control plane device in the virtual broadband network gateway through the first service function chain module, and the updated service function chain path is used to overwrite the original service function chain path in the control plane device that is sent to the target user plane device.

[0100] In some embodiments, when the generation and update module is used to synchronize the updated SFC path to the second service function chain module in the control plane device in the virtual broadband network gateway through the first service function chain module, it is specifically used to: in the event that the service function chain path in the control plane device in the virtual broadband network gateway is lost, synchronize the updated service function chain path to the second service function chain module in the control plane device in the virtual broadband network gateway through the first service function chain module.

[0101] In some embodiments, the first service function chain module is connected to the main business function forwarding node SFF and the backup SFF respectively through an intermediate node. The detection module is also used to detect the link status between the other user plane devices in the virtual broadband network gateway when a failure or congestion is detected in the intermediate node; the processing module is also used to switch the user session and service function chain policy carried by the target user plane device to the third service function chain module in the other user plane device when it is determined that the link status with other user plane devices is not faulty.

[0102] It can be understood that the steps that can be implemented by each module in the device and the beneficial effects that can be achieved can be referred to the description in the aforementioned communication method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0103] In one embodiment, the present application also provides a network device. Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 5 As shown, the network device includes: at least one processor 501, a memory 502, and at least one network interface 503. The various components in the network device are coupled together via a bus system 504. It is understood that the bus system 504 is used to achieve connection and communication between these components. In addition to the data bus, the bus system 504 also includes a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus. However, for the sake of clarity, Figure 5 Various buses are labeled as bus system 504. In addition, in the embodiment of the present application, a transceiver 505 is also included. The transceiver can be multiple components, that is, including a transmitter and a receiver, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices on a transmission medium.

[0104] It is understood that the memory 502 in the embodiment of the present application can be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or can include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory can 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 can be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDRSDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct RAM bus random access memory (DRRAM). The memory 502 of the systems and methods described in the embodiments of the present application is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0105] In some embodiments, the memory 502 stores the following elements, executable modules or data structures, or subsets thereof, or extended sets thereof: an operating system 5021. The operating system 5021 includes various system programs, such as a framework layer, a core library layer, and a driver layer, for implementing various basic services and processing hardware-based tasks.

[0106] Some or all of the methods disclosed in the above embodiments of the present application can be applied to the processor 501, or implemented by the processor 501, or implemented by the processor 501 in conjunction with other components (e.g., a transceiver). The processor 501 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method can be performed by hardware integrated logic circuits in the processor 501 or by software instructions. The processor 501 may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component. The methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented or executed. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be directly implemented and executed by a hardware decoding processor, or by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module can be located in a mature storage medium in the field such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory or electrically erasable programmable memory, register, etc. The storage medium is located in the memory 502, and the processor 501 reads the information in the memory 502 and completes the steps of the above-mentioned communication method in combination with its hardware. For example: the processor 501 can execute the following by calling the program or instruction stored in the memory 502: in the case of a warm standby group switch on the target user plane device, the user session carried by the target user plane device is migrated to other user plane devices in the virtual broadband network gateway; based on the backup mode corresponding to the first service function chain module, the user service function chain information recorded in the first service function chain module is synchronized to other user plane devices, so that the user terminal can access the network through other user plane devices.

[0107] It is understood that the embodiments described in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, or a combination thereof. For hardware implementation, the processing unit can be implemented in one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), general-purpose processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, other electronic units for performing the functions described in the present application, or a combination thereof.

[0108] For software implementation, the techniques described in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented through modules (e.g., procedures, functions, etc.) that perform the functions described in the embodiments of the present application. The software code can be stored in a memory and executed by the processor 501. The memory can be implemented in the processor 501 or external to the processor 501.

[0109] In one embodiment, a service function chain path is bound to the first service function chain module; the first service function chain module establishes communication connections with the main business function forwarding node SFF and the backup SFF respectively; the processor is also used to execute: through the first service function chain module, detect the path status of the first service function chain between the main SFF and the path status of the second service function chain between the backup SFF; wherein, the first service function chain and the second service function chain are in a backup relationship with each other; when the path status of the first service function chain is faulty, the service traffic of the user terminal is switched to the backup SFF, and the service traffic is forwarded to the service function SF unit through the backup SFF; or, when the path status of the first service function chain and the second service function chain are both faulty, skip the SF units respectively hanging under the main SFF and the backup SFF.

[0110] In one embodiment, when the processor is used to execute the detection of the path status of the first service function chain between the main SFF and the path status of the second service function chain between the main SFF and the backup SFF through the first service function chain module, it specifically performs: sending keep-alive messages to the main SFF and the backup SFF respectively through the first service function chain module; when the number of times that no response messages returned by the main SFF and / or the backup SFF are continuously received within a first preset time length is greater than a preset number threshold, or when the number of times that no response messages returned by the main SFF and / or the backup SFF are received within a second preset time length, it is determined that the path status of the first service function chain between the main SFF and / or the path status of the second service function chain between the main SFF and / or the backup SFF is faulty.

[0111] In one embodiment, the processor is further used to execute: when switching the service traffic to the backup SFF, or skipping the SF units respectively attached to the primary SFF and the backup SFF, generating an updated service function chain path; synchronizing the updated service function chain path to the second service function chain module in the control plane device in the virtual broadband network gateway through the first service function chain module, and the updated service function chain path is used to cover the original service function chain path in the control plane device that is sent down to the target user plane device.

[0112] In one embodiment, when the processor is used to execute the synchronization of the updated SFC path to the second service function chain module in the control plane device in the virtual broadband network gateway through the first service function chain module, it specifically performs: in the event that the service function chain path in the control plane device in the virtual broadband network gateway is lost, the updated service function chain path is synchronized to the second service function chain module in the control plane device in the virtual broadband network gateway through the first service function chain module.

[0113] In one embodiment, the first service function chain module is connected to the main business function forwarding node SFF and the backup SFF through an intermediate node respectively, and the processor is also used to execute: when a failure or congestion is detected in the intermediate node, detecting the link status between the other user plane devices in the virtual broadband network gateway; when it is determined that the link status with other user plane devices is not a failure, switching the user session and service function chain policy carried by the target user plane device to the third service function chain module in the other user plane device.

[0114] In an exemplary embodiment, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps in the above-mentioned communication method are implemented.

[0115] In an exemplary embodiment, the present application provides a computer program product, including a computer program, which implements the steps in the above communication method when executed by a processor.

[0116] It should be noted that the data involved in this application (including but not limited to user sessions, user service function chain information, etc.) are all information and data authorized by the user or fully authorized by all parties, and the collection, use and processing of relevant data must comply with relevant regulations.

[0117] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that all or part of the processes in the above-described method embodiments can be implemented by instructing the relevant hardware through a computer program. The computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. When executed, the computer program can include the processes of the above-described method embodiments. Any reference to memory, storage, database, or other media used in the embodiments provided herein may include at least one of non-volatile and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory may include read-only memory (ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash memory, or optical storage. Volatile memory may include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM can be in various forms, such as static random access memory (SRAM) or dynamic random access memory (DRAM).

[0118] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. To make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0119] The above-described embodiments merely represent several implementation methods of the present application. While the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that a person skilled in the art could make various modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit of the present application, all of which fall within the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present patent application shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: A target user plane device is applied to a virtual broadband network gateway, wherein the target user plane device is deployed with a first service function chain module, and the first service function chain module is configured in a backup mode; the method includes: When a warm standby group switch occurs on the target user plane device, migrating the user session carried by the target user plane device to other user plane devices in the virtual broadband network gateway; Based on the backup mode corresponding to the first service function chain module, the user service function chain information recorded in the first service function chain module is synchronized to the other user plane devices, so that the user terminal accesses the network through the other user plane devices.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first service function chain module is bound to a service function chain path; the first service function chain module establishes communication connections with the primary service function forwarding node SFF and the backup SFF respectively; the method further includes: Detecting, through the first service function chain module, a path status of a first service function chain between the primary SFF and a path status of a second service function chain between the backup SFF; wherein the first service function chain and the second service function chain are in a backup relationship with each other; When the path status of the first service function chain is faulty, the user's business traffic is switched to the backup SFF, and the business traffic is forwarded to the business function SF unit through the backup SFF; or, when the path status of both the first service function chain and the second service function chain are faulty, the SF units respectively attached to the main SFF and the backup SFF are skipped.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The detecting, by the first service function chain module, a path status of the first service function chain between the primary SFF and a path status of the second service function chain between the backup SFF includes: Sending a keep-alive message to the primary SFF and the backup SFF respectively through the first service function chain module; If the number of times that the response messages returned by the primary SFF and / or the backup SFF are not received continuously within the first preset time period is greater than the preset number threshold, or if the response message returned by the primary SFF and / or the backup SFF is not received within the second preset time period, it is determined that the path status of the first service function chain between the primary SFF and / or the path status of the second service function chain between the primary SFF and the backup SFF is faulty.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The method further comprises: When the service traffic is switched to the backup SFF, or when the SF units respectively connected to the primary SFF and the backup SFF are skipped, an updated service function chain path is generated; Through the first service function chain module, the updated service function chain path is synchronized to the second service function chain module in the control plane device in the virtual broadband network gateway, and the updated service function chain path is used to cover the original service function chain path in the control plane device that is sent to the target user plane device.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The step of synchronizing the updated SFC path to a second service function chain module in a control plane device in the virtual broadband network gateway through the first service function chain module includes: In the event that the service function chain path in the control plane device in the virtual broadband network gateway is lost, the updated service function chain path is synchronized to the second service function chain module in the control plane device in the virtual broadband network gateway through the first service function chain module.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The first service function chain module is connected to the primary service function forwarding node SFF and the backup SFF respectively through an intermediate node, and the method further includes: When it is detected that the intermediate node fails or is congested, detecting the link status between the intermediate node and other user plane devices in the virtual broadband network gateway; When it is determined that the link status with the other user plane device is not faulty, the user session and service function chain policy carried by the target user plane device are switched to the third service function chain module in the other user plane device.

7. A communication device, characterized in that: A target user plane device applied to a virtual broadband network gateway, wherein the target user plane device is deployed with a first service function chain module, and the first service function chain module is configured in a backup mode; the device comprises: A migration module, configured to migrate user sessions carried by the target user plane device to other user plane devices in the virtual broadband network gateway when a warm standby group switch occurs on the target user plane device; A synchronization module is used to synchronize the user service function chain information recorded in the first service function chain module to the other user plane devices based on the backup mode corresponding to the first service function chain module, so that the user terminal accesses the network through the other user plane devices.

8. A communication system, characterized in that: The system includes a control plane device and multiple user plane devices. A service function chain module is deployed in the control plane device and each of the user plane devices. A service function chain path is bound to each of the service function chain modules. The service function chain modules in each of the user plane devices are in the same service function chain backup group. The target user plane device among the multiple user plane devices is used to perform the steps of the method described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. A computer device, characterized in that: include: A processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a computer program; when the processor executes the computer program, the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 are implemented.

10. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that: When the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 are implemented.

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