Method and communication device for implementing service

Abstract

The invention provides a service implementation method and a communication device, which are applied to the field of communication. The method comprises the following steps: a service plane control function network element receives a service request comprising a data plane function demand and / or a computing plane function demand, determines target service plane execution function network elements, a forwarding path between the target service plane execution function network elements and a processing rule of each target service plane execution function network element according to the service request, and sends the forwarding path to the target service plane execution function network elements; and establishing a forwarding path between the target service plane execution function network elements, and sending the processing rule to each target service plane execution function network element. According to the method, a data plane and a calculation plane are introduced, and service plane execution function network elements for executing services, forwarding paths of the service plane execution function network elements for executing services and corresponding processing rules can be determined according to service requests with data plane function requirements and / or calculation plane function requirements. Therefore, the business with the data plane function requirement and / or the computing plane function requirement can be realized.

Description

Method and communication device for implementing service Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of wireless communications, and in particular to a method and a communication device for implementing a service. Background Art

[0002] The fifth generation (5G) network can be viewed as a single connection model, maintaining a user plane transmission channel from user equipment (UE) to data network (DN), thereby enabling UE to access DN data services.

[0003] The industry is still exploring the architecture of sixth-generation (6G) networks. 6G networks will incorporate new data and compute plane capabilities, expanding beyond connectivity. However, there are currently no specific plans for implementing the various new 6G services based on these two planes.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides a method and a communication device for implementing a service, which can implement a service with data plane functional requirements and / or computing plane functional requirements.

[0006] In the first aspect, a method for implementing a service is provided. The method can be executed by a service plane control function network element, or by a component of the service plane control function network element (such as a processor, chip, or chip system, etc.), or by a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the service plane control function network element.

[0007] The method includes: receiving a service request, the service request including a data plane function requirement and / or a computing plane function requirement; determining, based on the service request, M target service plane execution function network elements, a forwarding path between the M target service plane execution function network elements, and a processing rule for each of the target service plane execution function network elements, 2≤M; establishing a forwarding path between the M target service plane execution function network elements, and sending the processing rule to each of the target service plane execution function network elements, the processing rule indicating the service operation performed by the target service plane execution function network element.

[0008] According to the method provided in the present application, the data plane and the computing plane are introduced. By determining the business plane execution function network element for executing the business and the forwarding path of the business plane execution function network element for executing the business and the corresponding processing rules based on the business request with data plane functional requirements and / or computing plane functional requirements, it is possible to realize the business with data plane functional requirements and / or computing plane functional requirements.

[0009] In a possible implementation manner, the service plane control function network element may be implemented by a session management function (SMF).

[0010] Specifically, the data and compute plane control functions can be enhanced within the current SMF to implement the functionality of the service plane control function network element. This solution requires minimal changes to the existing network architecture and is suitable for various future user, data, and compute plane requirements.

[0011] In one possible implementation, M target business plane execution function network elements are determined based on the business request, including determining the M target business plane execution function network elements based on the business request and capability information of each business plane execution function network element in the N business plane execution function network elements, the capability information including the data plane capability and / or computing plane capability supported by the business plane execution function network element, the M target business plane execution function network elements belong to the N business plane execution function network elements, and M≤N.

[0012] Illustratively, the data plane capabilities may include one or more of the following capabilities: data feature extraction, data analysis, data compression, or data decompression.

[0013] For example, the computing surface capability may include one or more of the following capabilities: the capacity of a central processing unit (CPU) / graphics processing unit (GPU), the margin of the CPU / GPU, or what computing algorithms are supported.

[0014] In a possible implementation, the M target service plane execution function network elements include one or more of the following: at least one access network device, at least one user plane function network element, or at least one network data analysis function network element.

[0015] In other words, by enhancing the data plane and computing plane capabilities in access network equipment, user plane functional network elements, or network data analysis functional network elements, the functions of the service plane execution function network element can be realized. This solution requires minimal changes to the existing network architecture and is easy to implement.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the M target service plane execution function network elements include a first access network device among the at least one access network device. Sending the processing rule to each target service plane execution function network element includes: sending the processing rule to the first access network device through an interface between the service plane control function network element and the first access network device.

[0017] Based on this solution, the service plane control function network element and the access network device can communicate directly without forwarding by other network elements. The first access network device performs data plane and / or computing plane functions based on the processing rules.

[0018] In one possible implementation, receiving the service request includes: receiving the service request from a first network element; or receiving the service request from the first network element via a network open function network element. The first network element is one of the following: a terminal device, an application function network element, a task anchor point, or an operation, maintenance, and management function network element.

[0019] That is to say, terminal equipment, application function network elements, task anchor points, or operation and maintenance management function network elements can all send service requests when there is a service demand.

[0020] In one possible implementation, based on the service request, M target service plane execution function network elements are determined, including: based on the service request, sending a first request to the network storage function network element, the first request including the data plane function requirement and / or the computing plane function requirement, the first request being used by the network storage function network element to determine P candidate service plane execution function network elements, the M target service plane execution function network elements belonging to the P candidate service plane execution function network elements; receiving a first response from the network storage function network element, the first response indicating the P candidate service plane execution function network elements; and determining the M target service plane execution function network elements from the P candidate service plane execution function network elements.

[0021] In this solution, the service plane execution function network element can register its capability information with the network storage function network element. The service plane control function network element can request the network storage function network element to determine P candidate service plane execution function network elements based on the data plane function requirements and / or the computing plane function requirements of the service request, and then determine the M target service plane execution function network elements from the P candidate service plane execution function network elements. It should be understood that P can be equal to M or greater than M.

[0022] In one possible implementation, before determining M target business plane execution function network elements, the forwarding path between the M target business plane execution function network elements, and the processing rules of each target network element based on the business request, the method also includes: receiving registration information from some or all of the N business plane execution function network elements, and the registration information includes capability information of the business plane execution function network element.

[0023] In this solution, the service plane execution function network element can register its capability information with the service plane control function network element.

[0024] In one possible implementation, before determining M target business plane execution function network elements, the forwarding path between the M target business plane execution function network elements, and the processing rules of each target network element based on the business request, the method also includes: receiving configuration information, which includes capability information of some or all of the N business plane execution function network elements.

[0025] In this solution, the capability information of the service plane execution function network element can be registered and configured on the service plane control function network element, saving the cost caused by the service plane control function network element inquiring from other network elements.

[0026] In a second aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising a service plane control function network element and M target service plane execution function network elements. The service plane control function network element is configured to: receive a service request, the service request including data plane function requirements and / or computing plane function requirements; determine, based on the service request, the M target service plane execution function network elements, a forwarding path between the M target service plane execution function network elements, and a processing rule for each of the target service plane execution function network elements, where 2≤M≤N; establish a forwarding path between the M target service plane execution function network elements, and send the processing rule to each of the target service plane execution function network elements, the processing rule indicating the service operation to be performed by the target service plane execution function network element. The target service plane execution function network element is configured to: receive the processing rule from the service plane control function network element.

[0027] According to the communication system provided by the present application, a data plane and a computing plane are introduced. By determining the business plane execution function network element for executing the business and the forwarding path of the business plane execution function network element for executing the business and the corresponding processing rules based on the business request with data plane function requirements and / or computing plane function requirements, it is possible to realize the business with data plane function requirements and / or computing plane function requirements.

[0028] In a possible implementation, the target service plane execution function network element is further used to: send registration information to the network storage function network element or the service plane control function network element, where the registration information includes the data plane capabilities and / or computing plane capabilities supported by the target service plane execution function network element.

[0029] In a possible implementation, the target service plane execution function network element is a network device, and the target service plane execution function network element is specifically configured to receive the processing rule through an interface between the network device and the service plane control function network element.

[0030] According to a third aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a module or unit for executing the method according to the first aspect or any possible implementation manner of the first aspect.

[0031] In a fourth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor coupled to a memory, the memory being used to store computer programs or instructions, and the processor being used to execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory to implement the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the apparatus further includes a memory coupled to the processor.

[0033] In a possible implementation, there are one or more processors and / or one or more memories.

[0034] In a possible implementation, the memory may be integrated with the processor, or the memory may be provided separately from the processor.

[0035] In a possible implementation, the device further includes a communication interface, and the processor is coupled to the communication interface.

[0036] In one implementation, the device is a service plane control function network element. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, or an input / output interface.

[0037] In another implementation, the device is a chip in a service plane control function network element. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be an input / output interface.

[0038] In a fifth aspect, a processor is provided, comprising: an input circuit, an output circuit, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive a signal through the input circuit and transmit a signal through the output circuit, so that the processor executes the method of the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0039] In a specific implementation, the processor may be a chip, the input circuit may be an input pin, the output circuit may be an output pin, and the processing circuit may be a transistor, a gate circuit, a trigger, or various logic circuits. The input signal received by the input circuit may be, for example, but not limited to, received and input by a receiver, and the signal output by the output circuit may be, for example, but not limited to, output to and transmitted by a transmitter. The input circuit and the output circuit may be the same circuit, which functions as an input circuit and an output circuit at different times. This application does not limit the specific implementation of the processor and various circuits.

[0040] In a sixth aspect, a computer program product is provided, which includes: a computer program (also referred to as code, or instructions), which, when executed, enables a computer to execute the method in the above-mentioned first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0041] In the seventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program (also referred to as code, or instructions). When the computer program runs on a computer, the computer executes the method in the above-mentioned first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0042] In an eighth aspect, a chip is provided, comprising a processor for calling and running a computer program from a memory, so that a communication device equipped with the chip executes the method in the above-mentioned first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0043] In a ninth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising an interface and a processor, wherein the interface is used to send and / or receive signals, so that the processor executes the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a 5G network architecture;

[0045] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] FIG3 is a schematic flow chart of a method for implementing a service provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] FIG4 is a schematic flow chart of a method for implementing a service provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] FIG5 is a schematic flow chart of a method for implementing a service provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0049] FIG6 is a schematic flow chart of a method for implementing a service provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] FIG7 is a schematic flow chart of a method for implementing a service provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] FIG8 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] FIG9 is a schematic block diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application.

[0054] In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, " / " indicates that the objects associated with each other are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" in this application is merely a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. A and B can be singular or plural. In addition, in the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means two or more than two. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. In addition, to facilitate the clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, in the embodiments of this application, words such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish between identical or similar items with substantially the same functions and effects. Those skilled in the art will understand that terms such as "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or order of execution, and that terms such as "first" and "second" do not necessarily limit differences. In this application, terms such as "under the circumstances," "if," "when," and "if" can be used interchangeably. Furthermore, terms such as network element, network function, device, and apparatus can be used interchangeably; "entity" can be used to represent network element, network function, device, and apparatus, and "function network element" can be used to represent "function."

[0055] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a 5G network architecture. Referring to Figure 1, the 5G network includes a user plane and a control plane. The user plane is used to transmit data and includes a (radio) access network (R)AN) 101 and a user plane function (UPF) 102. The UPF can be divided into an intermediate user plane function (I-UPF) and an anchor user plane function (A-UPF). The control plane can adopt a service-based interface. The control plane can include: an access and mobility management function (AMF) 104, a session management function (SMF) 105, a network repository function (NRF) 106, a network exposure function (NEF) 107, a policy control function (PCF) 108, etc. The 5G network can also include a network data analytics function (NWDAF) 110. 1 also shows a UE 111 accessing the network, a data network (DN) 103 connected to the 5G network, an application function (AF) 109, and an operation, administration, and maintenance (OAM) 112. The following describes each network element, device, or function shown in FIG1 .

[0056] (R)AN101: Provides network access for authorized user equipment (UE) in a specific area (e.g., UE 111 in Figure 1). It is responsible for radio resource management, uplink and downlink data classification and quality of service (QoS) application, signaling processing with control plane network elements, and data forwarding with user plane functional network elements.

[0057] UPF 102: used for packet routing and forwarding, and QoS processing of user plane data.

[0058] DN 103: A network used to transmit data.

[0059] In a 5G communication system, after accessing the network, a UE can establish a protocol data unit (PDU) session and access the DN through the PDU session, interacting with the AF deployed in the DN. Depending on the DN accessed by the user, the network can select the UPF of the accessed DN as the PDU session anchor (PSA) based on network policy and access the AF through the N6 interface of the PSA.

[0060] AMF 104: Mainly used for mobility management and access management, etc., and can be used to implement other functions of the mobility management entity (MME) in addition to session management, such as lawful interception and access authorization / authentication.

[0061] SMF 105: Mainly responsible for establishing and managing sessions for users, configuring packet forwarding rules and QoS processing rules for username functions, etc.

[0062] NRF 106: Responsible for network function service registration and status monitoring, realizing automatic management, selection and scalability of network function services, and allowing each network function to discover services provided by other network functions.

[0063] NEF 107: Provides customized functions for network openness. 5GC-supported capabilities, such as small data transmission capabilities, can also be exposed to external application function network elements through NEF network elements.

[0064] PCF 108: A unified policy framework for guiding network behavior, providing policy rule information to control plane functional network elements (such as AMF, SMF network elements, etc.).

[0065] AF 109: Application function network elements can interact with the 5G system through application function network elements to access NEF or interact with the policy framework for policy control, etc.

[0066] NWDAF 110: Can provide network analysis services based on the data requested by network services. For example, a network service might request specialized analysis information on the load level of a particular network slice. Alternatively, a network service can subscribe to a service that notifies the NWDAF when network slices change or when certain thresholds are reached.

[0067] OAM112: Mainly used for daily network and service analysis, prediction, planning, and configuration; daily operational activities such as network and service testing and fault management.

[0068] It should be understood that the communication interface or service interface between the network elements, devices or functions shown in Figure 1 is only an example, and this application does not exclude the use of other interfaces for communication between the network elements, devices or functions.

[0069] The 5G network shown in Figure 1 can be viewed as a single connection model, maintaining a user plane transmission channel from UE to DN (UE—RAN—I-UPF—A-UPF—DN), thereby enabling UE to access DN data services.

[0070] The industry is still exploring 6G network architecture, with various companies and standards organizations proposing their own concepts. However, it's widely recognized that 6G networks will add data and compute planes, moving beyond connectivity. However, specific solutions remain to be found for defining these two planes and implementing new 6G services based on them.

[0071] In view of this, the present application provides a method for implementing a service, introducing a data plane and a computing plane. By determining the service request with data plane functional requirements and / or computing plane functional requirements and the capability information of the service plane execution function network element, the forwarding path of the service plane execution function network element that executes the service and the corresponding processing rules can be determined, thereby enabling the implementation of services with data plane functional requirements and / or computing plane functional requirements.

[0072] The business plane in this application can also be called the functional plane, user plane, data plane, or computing plane. This application does not limit the name. For ease of understanding, this article uses the term business plane to explain.

[0073] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture provided by this application. Referring to Figure 2 , the network architecture includes a service plane control function network element 201 and a service plane execution function network element. Optionally, the network architecture may also include one or more of the following: a network exposure function network element 202, a network storage function network element 203, an application function network element 204, or a network management function network element 205. Furthermore, the network architecture also shows a terminal device 207 communicating with an access network device 206. Each device or network element is described below.

[0074] 1. Business plane control function network element 201: has computing plane and data plane control functions, used to manage (or call network storage function 203 service query) connection resources, computing resources and data resources, and realize connection, computing and data collaboration.

[0075] In some embodiments, the functions of the service plane control function network element 201 can be implemented by enhancing the data plane and computing plane control functions in the session management function network element.

[0076] In a 5G communication system, the session management function network element may be an SMF. In future communication systems, the session management function network element may be an SMF, or may have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0077] 2. Business plane execution function network element: a network element that has or supports certain data plane and / or computing plane functions.

[0078] In some embodiments, the service plane execution function network element may be implemented by the access network device 206, the user plane function network element 208, or the network data analysis function network element 209 shown in FIG2 . Alternatively, the service plane execution function network element may be implemented by adding a new network element (e.g., the new network element 210 shown in FIG2 ) to the current network architecture.

[0079] Access network equipment: This can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G mobile communication system, a next-generation base station in a 6th-generation (6G) mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system. It can also be a module or unit that performs some of the functions of a base station, such as a centralized unit (CU) or a distributed unit (DU). The CU performs the functions of the base station's radio resource control protocol and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP), as well as the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP). The DU performs the functions of the base station's radio link control layer and medium access control (MAC) layer, as well as some or all of the physical layer. For detailed descriptions of each of these protocol layers, please refer to the relevant technical specifications of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The access network device can be a macro base station, a micro base station or an indoor station, or a relay node or a donor node, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form adopted by the access network device. The access network device and the terminal device can be fixed or movable. The access network device and the terminal device can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; they can also be deployed on the water surface; they can also be deployed in the air on aircraft, balloons and artificial satellites. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the application scenarios of the access network device and the terminal device.

[0080] In a 5G communication system, the user plane function network element may be a UPF. In future communication systems, the user plane function network element may still be a UPF, or may have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0081] In a 5G communication system, the network data analysis function network element may be an NWDAF. In future communication systems, the network data analysis function network element may still be an NWDAF, or may have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0082] 3. Network open function element 202: In a 5G communication system, the network open function element may be an NEF. In future communication systems, the network open function element may still be an NEF, or may have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0083] 4. Network storage function network element 203: In a 5G communication system, the network storage function network element may be an NRF. In future communication systems, the network storage function network element may still be an NRF, or may have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0084] 5. Application function network element 204: In a 5G communication system, the application function network element may be an AF. In future communication systems, the application function network element may still be an AF, or may have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0085] 6. Network management function element 205: In a 5G communication system, the network management function element may be an OAM. In future communication systems, the network management function element may still be an OAM, or may have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0086] 7. Terminal device 207: A terminal device may refer to user equipment (UE), station, access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user device. The terminal device may also be a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, a computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, a large screen, an in-vehicle device, a wearable device, a terminal device in a 5G network, or a terminal device in a future-evolved public land mobile network (PLMN), etc., and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0087] In some embodiments, signals can be exchanged directly between the service plane control function network element 201 and the access network device 206 without being transferred through other network elements (such as AMF).

[0088] In some embodiments, the service plane control function network element 201 and the service plane execution function network element may exchange signals based on a service-oriented interface, an N4 interface, or other interfaces.

[0089] In some embodiments, the user plane function network element 208 and the network data analysis function network element 209 can exchange signals directly without being transferred through other network elements (such as AMF). For example, the user plane function network element 208 and the network data analysis function network element 209 can exchange signals based on the N9 interface, the service-oriented interface, or other interfaces.

[0090] It should be understood that the communication interface or service interface between the network elements, devices or functions shown in Figure 2 is only an example, and this application does not exclude the use of other interfaces for communication between the network elements, devices or functions.

[0091] It can be understood that the network elements, network elements or functions involved in this application can be network elements in hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, or virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (for example, a cloud platform).

[0092] The method provided in this application is described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is understood that some of the drawings provided in this application primarily use network elements or devices as examples to illustrate the method, but this application does not limit the execution subject. For example, the network element or device in the drawings may also be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network element or device to implement the method, or a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the network element or device.

[0093] Figure 3 is a schematic flow chart of a method for implementing a service provided by the present application. The method 300 may include steps S301 to S303, and each step is described below.

[0094] S301: The service plane control function network element receives a service request.

[0095] The service request originates directly or indirectly from the first network element. That is, the first network element may send the service request directly to the service plane control function network element, or the first network element may first send the service request to an intermediate network element, which then sends the service request to the service plane control function network element. For example, the first network element may be a terminal device, an application function network element, a task anchor point, or an operation, maintenance, and management function network element. For example, the intermediate network element may be a network openness function network element.

[0096] The service request includes data plane functional requirements and / or compute plane functional requirements. In one possible scenario, the service request includes data plane functional requirements. For example, the service request is a request to collect (e.g., aggregate, deduplicate, etc.), anonymize, and / or compress specific data. In another possible scenario, the service request includes compute plane functional requirements. For example, the service request is a request to locally offload a specific service or to extract a specific service flow.

[0097] It should be noted that some services may belong to the data plane or the computing plane, or some services may belong to both the data plane and the user plane. For example, pre-processing of video data streams.

[0098] In addition, it should be understood that different computing plane requirements may have different requirements for the computing plane capabilities of the service plane execution function network element. Similarly, different data plane requirements may have different requirements for the data plane capabilities of the service plane execution function network element.

[0099] S302: The service plane control function network element determines M target service plane execution function network elements, forwarding paths between the M target service plane execution function network elements, and processing rules for each target service plane execution function network element according to the service request.

[0100] In some embodiments, the M target service plane execution function network elements may be determined based on the service request and capability information of each service plane execution function network element among the N service plane execution function network elements. The M target service plane execution function network elements belong to the N service plane execution function network elements, that is, the M target service plane execution function network elements are M service plane execution function network elements among the N service plane execution function network elements, where 2≤M≤N.

[0101] The capability information of any service plane execution function network element includes the data plane capability and / or computing plane capability supported by the service plane execution function network element.

[0102] Exemplarily, data plane capabilities may include one or more of the following capabilities: data feature extraction, data analysis, data compression, and data decompression.

[0103] For example, the computing surface capability may include one or more of the following capabilities: CPU / GPU capacity, CPU / GPU margin, and supported computing algorithms.

[0104] It should be understood that this application does not exclude the possibility that data plane capabilities and / or computing plane capabilities also include other capabilities not listed here, nor does it exclude the possibility that data plane capabilities and / or computing plane capabilities are not the capabilities listed here.

[0105] In a first implementation manner, the capability information of the service plane execution function network element may be the capability information of the service plane execution function network element registered with the service plane control function network element.

[0106] Specifically, the service plane execution function NE can send registration information to the service plane control function NE. This registration information may include the service plane execution function NE's capability information. In other words, the service plane execution function NE can register its capability information with the service plane control function NE through this registration information. This approach is applicable to simple or local networking scenarios.

[0107] In a second implementation manner, the capability information of the service plane execution function network element may be the capability information of the service plane execution function network element registered with the network storage function network element, such as NRF.

[0108] Specifically, the service plane execution function network element can send registration information to the network storage function network element. This registration information can include the service plane execution function network element's capability information. In other words, the service plane execution function network element can register its capability information with the network storage function network element through this registration information. This approach is applicable to complex or distributed networking scenarios.

[0109] Exemplarily, when the capability information of any service plane execution function network element is registered with the network storage function network element, after receiving the service request sent by the first network element, the service plane execution function network element may send the data plane function requirements and / or computing plane function requirements contained in the service request to the network storage function network element. The network storage function network element may determine P (M≤P≤N) candidate service plane execution function network elements based on the data plane function requirements and / or computing plane function requirements and the capability information of the service plane execution function network element registered with the network storage function network element, and return the information of the P candidate service plane execution function network elements (for example, the identifiers of the P candidate service plane execution function network elements) to the service plane execution function network element. The service plane execution function network element may determine the M target service plane execution function network elements, the forwarding path between the M target service plane execution function network elements, and the processing rules of each target service plane execution function network element based on the P candidate service plane execution function network elements. The M target service plane execution function network elements are the M candidate service plane execution function network elements among the P candidate service plane execution function network elements.

[0110] In a third implementation, the capability information of the service plane execution function network element may be configured on the service plane control function network element. For example, the management system / operation and maintenance system may configure the capability information of the service plane execution function network element on the service plane control function network element.

[0111] That is, the service plane execution function network element does not need to register the capability information, and the capability information of the service plane execution function network element is directly configured on the service plane control function network element.

[0112] It should be noted that, in some embodiments, all service plane execution function network elements register capability information using the first implementation method described above or the second implementation method described above. Alternatively, the capability information of all service plane execution function network elements is implemented using the third implementation method described above. In other embodiments, the registration or configuration methods for capability information of different service plane execution function network elements may differ. For example, some service plane control function network elements register capability information using the first implementation method described above, while other service plane control function network elements register capability information using the second implementation method described above.

[0113] In addition, the data plane and / or computing plane capabilities supported by each service plane execution function network element may be different or the same, and this application does not limit this. For example, in one scenario, access network device #1 supports data feature extraction, access network device #2 supports data compression and data decompression, and user plane function network element #1 supports data feature extraction, data compression, and data decompression.

[0114] In some embodiments, considering that the service plane control function network element may have a specific service scope, the service plane control function network element may register its service scope and / or supported data plane and / or computing plane capabilities with the network storage function network element. Exemplarily, the data plane and / or computing plane capabilities supported by the service plane control function network element may be identified by the data plane and / or computing plane capabilities supported by the service plane execution function network element managed by the service plane control function network element.

[0115] For this embodiment, if the first network element sends a service request through the intermediate network element, the intermediate network element can request the network storage function network element to select a service plane control function network element that meets the requirements based on the service scope of the service plane control function network element itself, and / or the supported data plane and / or computing plane capabilities, and then send the service request to the selected service plane control function network element.

[0116] The processing rules indicate the service operations performed by the target service plane execution function network element. That is, the processing rules of a target service plane execution function network element indicate what operations the target service plane execution function network element needs to perform, such as data processing / data analysis, data compression / decompression, pre-processing / fusion processing, federated processing (distributed), etc.

[0117] For example, in the first possible scenario, the service request is to collect, anonymize, and compress specific data. The service plane control function network element can determine that compression is performed by access network device #1 and access network device #2, collection is performed by user plane function network element #1, and anonymization is performed by network data analysis function network element. The service plane control function network element determines to establish a connection between access network device #1 and user plane function network element #1, a connection between access network device #2 and user plane function network element #1, and a connection between user plane function network element #1 and network data analysis function network element. The processing rule of access network device #1 is compression, the processing rule of access network device #2 is also compression, the processing rule of user plane function network element #1 is collection and transmission to network data analysis function network element, and the processing rule of network data analysis function network element is anonymization.

[0118] For example, in the second possible scenario, the service request is to first offload a specific service flow locally, extract key features, and then upload it to the data center. The service plane control function network element can determine that the user plane function network element #2 will perform data diversion and extract key features, and then the network data analysis function network element will perform further analysis and processing. The service plane control function network element determines to establish a connection between the user plane function network element #2 and the network data analysis function network element. The processing rule of the user plane function network element #2 is data diversion and transmission to the network data analysis function network element, and the processing rule of the network data analysis function network element is to further process and analyze the received data.

[0119] S303: The service plane control function network element establishes a forwarding path between M target service plane execution function network elements, and sends a processing rule to each target service plane execution function network element.

[0120] For example, in the first possible scenario described above, the service plane control function network element establishes a connection between access network device #1 and user plane function network element #1, a connection between access network device #2 and user plane function network element #1, and a connection between user plane function network element #1 and network data analysis function network element. Furthermore, the service plane control function network element sends corresponding processing rules to access network device #1, access network device #2, user plane function network element #1, and network data analysis function network element, respectively.

[0121] According to the method provided in the present application, the data plane and the computing plane are introduced. By determining the business plane execution function network element for executing the business and the forwarding path of the business plane execution function network element for executing the business and the corresponding processing rules based on the business request with data plane functional requirements and / or computing plane functional requirements, it is possible to realize the business with data plane functional requirements and / or computing plane functional requirements.

[0122] In some embodiments, the data plane and computing plane control functions can be enhanced in the SMF to implement the functions of the service plane control function network element. This solution makes minimal changes to the existing network architecture (including user plane functions and session management functions) and is suitable for various future user plane, data plane, and computing plane requirements.

[0123] In some embodiments, the data plane and computing plane functions can be enhanced in the RAN, UPF, or NWDAF to implement the functions of the service plane execution function network element. This solution requires minimal changes to the existing network architecture and is easy to implement.

[0124] The following describes several specific examples of the method provided in this application, taking the implementation of the method provided in this application by enhancing the data plane functions and computing plane functions on the 5G architecture as an example. The SMF, RAN, UE, UPF, AF, NRF, NEF, and NWDAF mentioned below correspond to the service plane control function network element, access network equipment, terminal equipment, user plane function network element, application function network element, network storage function network element, network open function network element, and network data analysis function network element in method 300, respectively.

[0125] Figure 4 shows a schematic flow chart of a method for implementing a service provided by this application. In method 400, the SMF can directly receive a service request, and at the same time, the service plane execution function network element registers its capability information with the NRF. Method 400 may include S401 to S408. Each step is described below.

[0126] S401: The service plane execution function network element registers its capability information with the NRF.

[0127] For example, multiple network elements such as RAN#1, RAN#2, UPF#1, and NWDAF register their capability information with the NRF.

[0128] S402: The first network element sends a service request to the SMF. Correspondingly, the SMF receives the service request.

[0129] For example, when there is a data plane function requirement and / or a computing plane function requirement, the UE or AF sends a service request to the SMF, wherein the service request may include the data plane function requirement and / or the computing plane function requirement.

[0130] S403: The SMF sends a first request to the NRF according to the service request. Correspondingly, the NRF receives the first request from the SMF.

[0131] The first request may include data plane function requirements and / or computing plane function requirements in the service request.

[0132] S404: The NRF determines P candidate service plane execution function network elements according to the first request.

[0133] The P candidate service plane execution function network elements are part or all of the N service plane execution function network elements that have registered their capability information with the NRF, and M≤P≤N.

[0134] S405: The NRF sends a first response to the first request to the SMF. Correspondingly, the SMF receives the first response.

[0135] The first response is used to indicate the P candidate service plane execution function network elements. For example, the first response may include identifiers of the P candidate service plane execution function network elements. For example, the P candidate service plane execution function network elements may be RAN#1, RAN#2, UPF#1, and NWDAF.

[0136] S406, SMF determines M target service plane execution function network elements, the forwarding paths between the M target service plane execution function network elements, and the processing rules of each target service plane execution function network element based on the first response.

[0137] For example, the SMF may determine the M target service plane execution function network elements based on the topological relationship between the P candidate service plane execution function network elements and / or the load information of the P candidate service plane execution function network elements. The M target service plane execution function network elements are the M candidate service plane execution function network elements among the P candidate service plane execution function network elements. Furthermore, the SMF may also determine the forwarding paths between the M target service plane execution function network elements and the processing rules for each target service plane execution function network element.

[0138] It should be understood that if P=M, then the P candidate service plane execution function network elements are the M target service plane execution function network elements.

[0139] For example, the service request is to collect, anonymize, and compress specific data. The SMF can determine that compression is performed by RAN#1 and RAN#2, that collection is performed by UPF#1, and that anonymization is performed by NWDAF. The SMF determines to establish connections between RAN#1 and UPF#1, between RAN#2 and UPF#1, and between UPF#1 and NWDAF. RAN#1's processing rule is compression, RAN#2's processing rule is also compression, UPF#1's processing rule is collection and transmission to NWDAF, and NWDAF's processing rule is anonymization.

[0140] S407, SMF establishes a forwarding path between the M target service plane execution function network elements.

[0141] For example, SMF establishes a connection between RAN#1 and UPF#1, a connection between RAN#2 and UPF#1, and a connection between UPF#1 and NWDAF.

[0142] S408: The SMF sends the corresponding processing rules to each target service plane execution function network element. Correspondingly, each target service plane execution function network element receives the processing rules from the SMF.

[0143] For example, the SMF sends processing rule #1 to RAN#1, which compresses data. It sends processing rule #2 to RAN#2, which also compresses data. It sends processing rule #3 to UPF#1, which collects and transmits data to the NWDAF. It then sends processing rule #4 to the NWDAF, which anonymizes data. Accordingly, after receiving a service, RAN#1 and RAN#2 compress it and transmit it to UPF#1. UPF#1 collects the received service and transmits it to the NWDAF. The NWDAF anonymizes the received service.

[0144] The method for implementing a service provided in the present application introduces a data plane and a computing plane. By determining the service request with data plane functional requirements and / or computing plane functional requirements and the capability information of the service plane execution function network element, the forwarding path of the service plane execution function network element that executes the service and the corresponding processing rules can be determined, thereby enabling the implementation of a service with data plane functional requirements and / or computing plane functional requirements.

[0145] Figure 5 shows a schematic flow chart of a method for implementing a service provided by this application. In method 500, the SMF can indirectly receive a service request, and at the same time, the service plane execution function network element registers its capability information with the NRF. Method 500 may include S501 to S512. Each step is described below.

[0146] S501: The service plane execution function network element registers its capability information with the NRF.

[0147] This step is the same as S401, and reference may be made to S401.

[0148] S502: The first network element sends a service request to the NEF. Correspondingly, the NEF receives the service request.

[0149] For example, when there is a data plane function requirement and / or a computing plane function requirement, the UE or AF sends a service request to the NEF, wherein the service request may include the data plane function requirement and / or the computing plane function requirement.

[0150] S503: The NEF sends a second request to the NRF. Correspondingly, the NRF receives the second request.

[0151] The second request may include the data plane function requirement and / or the computing plane function requirement in the service request.

[0152] S504: The NRF determines the SMF according to the second request.

[0153] Considering that SMF may have a specific service scope, SMF may register its own service scope and / or supported data plane and / or computing plane capabilities with NRF. The data plane and / or computing plane capabilities supported by SMF may be identified by the data plane and / or computing plane capabilities supported by the service plane execution function network element of the SMF.

[0154] After the NRF receives the second request, the NRF may determine a suitable SMF based on data plane functional requirements and / or computing plane functional requirements, and / or information of the SMF registered with the NRF.

[0155] S505: The NRF sends a second response to the NEF in response to the second request. Correspondingly, the MEF receives the second response.

[0156] The second response may include information of the SMF determined by the NRF, such as the identifier of the SMF.

[0157] S506: NEF sends the service request to SMF.

[0158] S507-S512, same as S403-S408.

[0159] That is, based on the service request, the SMF requests the NRF to determine candidate service plane execution function network elements. After the NRF determines the candidate service plane execution function network elements, it returns the information to the SMF. The SMF further determines M target service plane execution function network elements, the forwarding paths between these M target service plane execution function network elements, and the processing rules for each target service plane execution function network element. Furthermore, the SMF determines the forwarding paths between these M target service plane execution function network elements and sends the corresponding processing rules to each target service plane execution function network element.

[0160] The method for implementing a service provided in the present application introduces a data plane and a computing plane. By determining the service request with data plane functional requirements and / or computing plane functional requirements and the capability information of the service plane execution function network element, the forwarding path of the service plane execution function network element that executes the service and the corresponding processing rules can be determined, thereby enabling the implementation of a service with data plane functional requirements and / or computing plane functional requirements.

[0161] Figure 6 shows a schematic flow chart of the method for implementing a service provided by this application. In method 600, the SMF can directly receive a service request, and at the same time, the service plane execution function network element registers its capability information with the SMF. Method 600 may include S601 to S605. Each step is described below.

[0162] S601: The service plane execution function network element registers its capability information with the SMF.

[0163] For example, multiple network elements such as RAN#1, RAN#2, UPF#1, and NWDAF register their capability information with the NRF.

[0164] It should be understood that S601 can also be replaced by configuring the capability information of the service plane execution function network element on the SMF.

[0165] S602: The first network element sends a service request to the SMF. Correspondingly, the SMF receives the service request.

[0166] For example, when there is a data plane function requirement and / or a computing plane function requirement, the UE or AF sends a service request to the SMF, wherein the service request may include the data plane function requirement and / or the computing plane function requirement.

[0167] S603, SMF determines M target business plane execution function network elements, the forwarding path between the M target business plane execution function network elements, and the processing rules of each target business plane execution function network element based on the business request and the capability information of the N business plane execution function network elements.

[0168] It should be understood that the N service plane execution function network elements are the service plane execution function network elements whose capability information is registered in S601.

[0169] For example, the service request is to collect, anonymize, and compress specific data. Based on the service request and the capability information of the N service plane execution function network elements, the SMF can determine that RAN#1 and RAN#2 perform compression, that UPF#1 performs collection, and that NWDAF performs anonymization. The SMF determines to establish connections between RAN#1 and UPF#1, between RAN#2 and UPF#1, and between UPF#1 and NWDAF. The processing rules for RAN#1 and RAN#2 are compression, and the processing rules for UPF#1 are collection and transmission to NWDAF. The processing rule for NWDAF is anonymization.

[0170] S604, SMF establishes a forwarding path between the M target service plane execution function network elements.

[0171] S605, SMF executes the processing rules of the functional network element to each target service plane.

[0172] For example, the SMF establishes connections between RAN#1 and UPF#1, between RAN#2 and UPF#1, and between UPF#1 and NWDAF. Furthermore, the SMF sends processing rule #1 (compression) to RAN#1, sends processing rule #2 (compression) to RAN#2, sends processing rule #3 (collection and transmission to NWDAF) to UPF#1, and sends processing rule #4 (anonymization) to NWDAF. Accordingly, after receiving a service, RAN#1 and RAN#2 will compress it and then transmit it to UPF#1. UPF#1 collects the received service and transmits it to NWDAF. NWDAF anonymizes the received service.

[0173] The method for implementing a service provided in the present application introduces a data plane and a computing plane. By determining the service request with data plane functional requirements and / or computing plane functional requirements and the capability information of the service plane execution function network element, the forwarding path of the service plane execution function network element that executes the service and the corresponding processing rules can be determined, thereby enabling the implementation of a service with data plane functional requirements and / or computing plane functional requirements.

[0174] Figure 7 shows a schematic flow chart of the method for implementing a service provided by this application. In method 700, the SMF can indirectly receive a service request, and at the same time, the service plane execution function network element registers its capability information with the SMF. Method 700 may include S701 to S709. Each step is described below.

[0175] S701: The service plane execution function network element registers its capability information with the SMF.

[0176] This step is the same as S601, and reference may be made to S601.

[0177] S702: The first network element sends a service request to the NEF. Correspondingly, the NEF receives the service request.

[0178] For example, when there is a data plane function requirement and / or a computing plane function requirement, the UE or AF sends a service request to the NEF, wherein the service request may include the data plane function requirement and / or the computing plane function requirement.

[0179] S703: The NEF sends a second request to the NRF. Correspondingly, the NRF receives the second request.

[0180] The second request may include the data plane function requirement and / or the computing plane function requirement in the service request.

[0181] S704: The NRF determines the SMF according to the second request.

[0182] S705: The NRF sends a second response to the NEF in response to the second request. Correspondingly, the MEF receives the second response.

[0183] The second response may include information of the SMF determined by the NRF, such as the identifier of the SMF.

[0184] It should be understood that S703-S705 are the same as S503-S505, and specific reference may be made to S503-S505.

[0185] S706, NEF sends the service request to SMF.

[0186] S707-S709, same as S603-S605.

[0187] That is, based on the service request and the capability information of the N service plane execution function network elements, the SMF determines the M target service plane execution function network elements, the forwarding paths between the M target service plane execution function network elements, and the processing rules for each target service plane execution function network element. Furthermore, the SMF establishes the forwarding paths between the M target service plane execution function network elements and sends the processing rules to each target service plane execution function network element.

[0188] The method for implementing a service provided in the present application introduces a data plane and a computing plane. By determining the service request with data plane functional requirements and / or computing plane functional requirements and the capability information of the service plane execution function network element, the forwarding path of the service plane execution function network element that executes the service and the corresponding processing rules can be determined, thereby enabling the implementation of a service with data plane functional requirements and / or computing plane functional requirements.

[0189] It should be noted that in the methods 400 and 500 described above, the NRF determines the candidate service plane execution function network elements, and the SMF determines the forwarding paths between the M target service plane execution function network elements, the forwarding paths between the M target service plane execution function network elements, and the processing rules of each target service plane execution function network element. However, in some embodiments, the NRF may also determine the forwarding paths between the M target service plane execution function network elements, the forwarding paths between the M target service plane execution function network elements, and the processing rules of each target service plane execution function network element. The NRF may then return the above information to the SMF.

[0190] The above describes the method embodiments provided by this application, and the following describes the device embodiments provided by this application. It should be understood that the description of the device embodiments corresponds to the description of the method embodiments. Therefore, for matters not described in detail, reference can be made to the method embodiments above. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here.

[0191] Figure 8 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 8, the communication device 2000 may include a communication unit 2100 and a processing unit 2200. The communication unit 2100 can implement corresponding communication functions, and the communication can be internal communication of the communication device 2000 or communication between the communication device 2000 and other devices; the processing unit 2200 can implement corresponding processing functions. The communication unit 2100 can also be called a communication interface or a transceiver unit. Optionally, the communication device 2000 may also include a storage unit, which can be used to store instructions and / or data, and the processing unit 2200 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit so that the device implements the aforementioned method embodiment.

[0192] In one possible design, the communication device 2000 may be a service plane control function network element, such as an SMF, in the above method embodiments, or may be a module or chip applied to the service plane control function network element. The communication device 2000 may be used to execute the steps or processes executed by the service plane control function network element in each of the above method embodiments.

[0193] Specifically, the communication unit 2100 is used to receive a service request, which includes a data plane functional requirement and / or a computing plane functional requirement; the processing unit 2200 is used to determine M target service plane execution function network elements, the forwarding path between the M target service plane execution function network elements, and the processing rules of each target service plane execution function network element based on the service request, 2≤M; the processing unit 2200 is also used to establish a forwarding path between the M target service plane execution function network elements; the communication unit 2100 is also used to send the processing rule to each target service plane execution function network element, and the processing rule indicates the service operation performed by the target service plane execution function network element.

[0194] Optionally, the processing unit 2200 is specifically used to: determine the M target business plane execution function network elements based on the service request and the capability information of each business plane execution function network element in the N business plane execution function network elements, the capability information includes the data plane capability and / or computing plane capability supported by the business plane execution function network element, and the M target business plane execution function network elements belong to the N business plane execution function network elements.

[0195] Optionally, the M target service plane execution function network elements include one or more of the following: at least one access network device, at least one user plane function network element, or at least one network data analysis function network element.

[0196] Optionally, the M target service plane execution function network elements include a first access network device among the at least one access network device. The communication unit 2100 is specifically configured to: send the processing rule to the first access network device through an interface between the communication device and the first access network device.

[0197] Optionally, the communication unit 2100 is specifically configured to: receive the service request from a first network element; or receive the service request from the first network element via a network open function network element. The first network element is one of the following: a terminal device, an application function network element, a task anchor point, or an operation and maintenance management function network element.

[0198] Optionally, the communication unit 2100 is further configured to: send a first request to the network storage function network element based on the service request, the first request including the data plane function requirement and / or the computing plane function requirement, the first request being used by the network storage function network element to determine P candidate service plane execution function network elements, the M target service plane execution function network elements belonging to the P candidate service plane execution function network elements; and receive a first response from the network storage function network element, the first response indicating the P candidate service plane execution function network elements. The processing unit 2200 is specifically configured to: determine the M target service plane execution function network elements from the P candidate service plane execution function network elements.

[0199] Optionally, the communication unit 2100 is further configured to receive registration information from some or all of the N service plane execution function network elements, where the registration information includes capability information of the service plane execution function network element.

[0200] Optionally, the communication unit 2100 is further configured to: receive configuration information, where the configuration information includes capability information of some or all of the N service plane execution function network elements.

[0201] Regarding the steps or processes executed by each unit in the communication device 2000, please refer to the above method embodiment for details, which will not be described in detail here.

[0202] It should be understood that the communication device 2000 can also be used to execute the steps or processes performed by any other network element (for example, the service plane execution function network element) in the above method embodiment. For details, please refer to the above method embodiment and will not be described in detail here.

[0203] It should be understood that the "unit" in the communication device 2000 can be implemented by hardware, can be implemented by software, and can also be implemented by hardware executing the corresponding software implementation. For example, the "unit" can 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 a memory for executing one or more software or firmware programs, a combined logic circuit and / or other suitable components that support the described functions. For another example, the communication unit 2100 can be replaced by a transceiver transceiver circuit (for example, a receiving circuit and a transmitting circuit), and the processing unit 2200 can be replaced by a processor or a processing circuit.

[0204] Figure 9 shows a schematic block diagram of another communication device 3000 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The device 3000 can be a service plane control function network element, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the service plane control function network element in implementing the above method. The device can be used to implement the method described in the above method embodiment. For details, please refer to the description of the above method embodiment.

[0205] The device 3000 may include one or more processors 3100, which may also be referred to as processing units, and may implement certain control functions. The processor 3100 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor. For example, it may be a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor may be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit may be used to control a communication device (e.g., a base station, a baseband chip, a user chip, a DU or a CU, etc.), execute software programs, and process data from the software programs.

[0206] In an optional design, the processor 3100 may also store instructions and / or data, which can be executed by the processor 3100 so that the device 3000 performs the method described in the above method embodiment.

[0207] In another optional design, the device 3000 may include a communication interface 3200 for implementing receiving and transmitting functions. For example, the communication interface 3200 may be a transceiver circuit, an interface, an interface circuit, or a transceiver. The transceiver circuit, interface, interface circuit, or transceiver for implementing the receiving and transmitting functions may be separate or integrated. The transceiver circuit, interface, interface circuit, or transceiver may be used for reading and writing code / data, or the transceiver circuit, interface, interface circuit, or transceiver may be used for transmitting or delivering signals.

[0208] Optionally, the device 3000 may include one or more memories 3300, which may store instructions. The instructions may be executed on the processor 3100, causing the device 3000 to perform the method described in the above method embodiment. Optionally, the memory 3300 may also store data. Optionally, the processor 3100 may also store instructions and / or data. The processor 3100 and memory 3300 may be provided separately or integrated together.

[0209] It should be understood that the device 3000 may also be any other network element involved in the above method embodiment (such as a service plane execution function network element), or may be a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the implementation of the above method. The device can be used to implement the method described in the above method embodiment. For details, please refer to the description of the above method embodiment.

[0210] It should be understood that, in one possible design, each step in the method embodiment provided in the present application can be completed by an integrated logic circuit of the hardware in the processor or by instructions in the form of software. The steps of the method disclosed in conjunction with the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware processor, or can be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software module can be located in a storage medium mature in the art, such as a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory or an electrically erasable programmable memory, a register, etc. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and completes the steps of the above method in combination with its hardware. To avoid repetition, it will not be described in detail here.

[0211] It should be noted that the processor in the embodiments of the present application can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method embodiment can be completed by an integrated logic circuit of the hardware in the processor or by instructions in the form of software. The above processor can 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, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, or a discrete hardware component. The various methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented or executed. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or the processor can also be any conventional processor. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware decoding processor, or can be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module can be located in a storage medium mature in the art, such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, or electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, etc. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and completes the steps of the above method in combination with its hardware.

[0212] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of the present application may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct RAM bus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory of the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0213] The present application also provides a computer program product, which includes: computer program code, which, when running on a computer, enables the computer to execute each step or process executed by any network element in any of the above method embodiments.

[0214] The present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores program code. When the program code runs on a computer, the computer executes the steps or processes executed by any network element in any of the above method embodiments.

[0215] The present application also provides a communication device, including a processor and an interface, wherein the interface is used to send and / or receive signals, so that the processor executes the steps or processes executed by any network element in any of the above method embodiments.

[0216] The present application also provides a communication system, which includes at least one of a service plane execution function network element and a service plane control function network element.

[0217] The above-mentioned device embodiments and method embodiments are completely corresponding, and the corresponding steps are performed by the corresponding modules or units. For example, the communication unit or communication interface performs the receiving or sending steps in the method embodiment. Other steps except sending and receiving can be performed by the processing unit or processor.

[0218] In the embodiments of this application, each term and English abbreviation is provided for convenience of description and shall not constitute any limitation to this application. This application does not exclude the possibility of defining other terms that can achieve the same or similar functions in existing or future agreements.

[0219] As used in this specification, the terms "component," "module," "system," and the like are used to represent computer-related entities, hardware, firmware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component can be, but is not limited to, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable file, an execution thread, a program, and / or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a computing device and a computing device can be a component. One or more components can reside in a process and / or an execution thread, and a component can be located on one computer and / or distributed between two or more computers. In addition, these components can be executed from various computer-readable storage media having various data structures stored thereon. Components can communicate, for example, via local and / or remote processes based on signals having one or more data packets (e.g., data from two components interacting with another component between a local system, a distributed system, and / or a network, such as the Internet interacting with other systems via signals).

[0220] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented using electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professionals and technicians may use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0221] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can be based on the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0222] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of the units is merely 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. Another point is that 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.

[0223] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0224] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0225] In the above embodiments, the functions of each functional unit can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When software is used for implementation, 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 (programs). When the computer program instructions (programs) 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 devices. 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 a website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center by wired (such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.). 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 (eg, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (eg, a DVD), or a semiconductor medium (eg, a solid state disk (SSD)).

[0226] If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media that can store program codes, 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.

[0227] 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 method for implementing a service, characterized in that: Applied to a service plane control function network element, the method comprises: Receiving a service request, wherein the service request includes a data plane function requirement and / or a computing plane function requirement; Determine, according to the service request, M target service plane execution function network elements, forwarding paths between the M target service plane execution function network elements, and processing rules of each of the target service plane execution function network elements, 2≤M; A forwarding path is established between the M target service plane execution function network elements, and the processing rule is sent to each of the target service plane execution function network elements, where the processing rule indicates the service operation performed by the target service plane execution function network element.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The determining, according to the service request, M target service plane execution function network elements includes: The M target service plane execution function network elements are determined based on the service request and the capability information of each service plane execution function network element in the N service plane execution function network elements, the capability information includes the data plane capability and / or computing plane capability supported by the service plane execution function network element, and the M target service plane execution function network elements belong to the N service plane execution function network elements.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The M target service plane execution function network elements include one or more of the following: at least one access network device, at least one user plane function network element, or at least one network data analysis function network element.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The M target service plane execution function network elements include a first access network device in the at least one access network device; The sending of the processing rule to each target service plane execution function network element includes: The processing rule is sent to the first access network device through an interface between the service plane control function network element and the first access network device.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The receiving of the service request comprises: receiving the service request from the first network element; or, Receiving the service request from the first network element via a network open function network element; Among them, the first network element is one of the following: terminal equipment, application function network element, task anchor point, or operation and maintenance management function network element.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The determining, according to the service request, M target service plane execution function network elements includes: According to the service request, a first request is sent to a network storage function network element, where the first request includes the data plane function requirement and / or the computing plane function requirement, and the first request is used by the network storage function network element to determine P candidate service plane execution function network elements, and the M target service plane execution function network elements belong to the P candidate service plane execution function network elements; receiving a first response from the network storage function network element, where the first response indicates the P candidate service plane execution function network elements; The M target service plane execution function network elements are determined from the P candidate service plane execution function network elements.

7. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that Before determining, according to the service request, M target service plane execution function network elements, forwarding paths between the M target service plane execution function network elements, and processing rules for each of the target network elements, the method further includes: Receive registration information from some or all of the N service plane execution function network elements, where the registration information includes capability information of the service plane execution function network elements.

8. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that Before determining, according to the service request, M target service plane execution function network elements, forwarding paths between the M target service plane execution function network elements, and processing rules for each of the target network elements, the method further includes: Configuration information is received, where the configuration information includes capability information of some or all of the N service plane execution function network elements.

9. A communication system, characterized in that: include: A service plane control function network element and M target service plane execution function network elements; The service plane control function network element is used for: Receiving a service request, wherein the service request includes a data plane function requirement and / or a computing plane function requirement; Determine, according to the service request, the M target service plane execution function network elements, a forwarding path between the M target service plane execution function network elements, and a processing rule for each of the target service plane execution function network elements, 2≤M≤N; Establishing a forwarding path between the M target service plane execution function network elements, and sending the processing rule to each of the target service plane execution function network elements, wherein the processing rule indicates a service operation performed by the target service plane execution function network element; The target service plane execution function network element is used for: The processing rule is received from the service plane control function network element.

10. The communication system according to claim 9, characterized in that The target service plane execution function network element is further used for: Send registration information to the network storage function network element or the service plane control function network element, where the registration information includes data plane capabilities and / or computing plane capabilities supported by the target service plane execution function network element.

11. The communication system according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: The target service plane execution function network element is a network device, and the target service plane execution function network element is specifically used for: The processing rule is received through an interface between the network device and the service plane control function network element.

12. A communication device, characterized in that: include: A communication unit, configured to receive a service request, wherein the service request includes a data plane function requirement and / or a computing plane function requirement; a processing unit, configured to determine, according to the service request, M target service plane execution function network elements, a forwarding path between the M target service plane execution function network elements, and a processing rule for each of the target service plane execution function network elements, 2≤M; The processing unit is further configured to establish a forwarding path between the M target service plane execution function network elements; The communication unit is further configured to send the processing rule to each of the target service plane execution function network elements, where the processing rule indicates the service operation performed by the target service plane execution function network element.

13. The communication device according to claim 12, characterized in that The processing unit is specifically used for: Determine the M target service plane execution function network elements according to the service request and the capability information of each service plane execution function network element in the N service plane execution function network elements, wherein the capability information includes the service plane execution function The data plane capabilities and / or computing plane capabilities supported by the network element, the M target service plane execution function network elements belong to the N service plane execution function network elements.

14. The communication device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that: The M target service plane execution function network elements include one or more of the following: at least one access network device, at least one user plane function network element, or at least one network data analysis function network element.

15. The communication device according to claim 14, characterized in that The M target service plane execution function network elements include a first access network device in the at least one access network device; Wherein, the communication unit is specifically used for: The processing rule is sent to the first access network device through an interface between the communication device and the first access network device.

16. The communication device according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that: The communication unit is specifically used for: receiving the service request from the first network element; or, Receiving the service request from the first network element via a network open function network element; Among them, the first network element is one of the following: terminal equipment, application function network element, task anchor point, or operation and maintenance management function network element.

17. The communication device according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that: The communication unit is also used for: According to the service request, a first request is sent to a network storage function network element, where the first request includes the data plane function requirement and / or the computing plane function requirement, and the first request is used by the network storage function network element to determine P candidate service plane execution function network elements, and the M target service plane execution function network elements belong to the P candidate service plane execution function network elements; receiving a first response from the network storage function network element, where the first response indicates the P candidate service plane execution function network elements; The processing unit is specifically used for: The M target service plane execution function network elements are determined from the P candidate service plane execution function network elements.

18. The communication device according to claim 13, characterized in that: The communication unit is also used for: Receive registration information from some or all of the N service plane execution function network elements, where the registration information includes capability information of the service plane execution function network elements.

19. The communication device according to claim 13, wherein: The communication unit is also used for: Configuration information is received, where the configuration information includes capability information of some or all of the N service plane execution function network elements.

20. A communication device, characterized in that: The device comprises a processor, wherein the processor is coupled to a memory, wherein the memory is used to store programs or instructions, and when the programs or instructions are executed by the processor, the device executes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

21. A communication device, characterized in that: The method comprises a processor and an interface, wherein the interface is used to send and / or receive signals, so that the processor executes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

22. A readable storage medium having a computer program or instruction stored thereon, characterized in that: When the computer program or instruction is executed, the computer is caused to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

23. A computer program product, characterized in that The method comprises computer program instructions, wherein the computer program instructions enable the computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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