Information transmission method and device, equipment, storage medium and computer program product

Abstract

The invention discloses an information transmission method and device, equipment, a storage medium and a computer program product. The method comprises the following steps: a first network element sends first information to a server through a second network element, wherein the first information is related to next generation (NG) switching, and the first information is used for the server to monitor a network.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to an information transmission method, apparatus, device, storage medium, and computer program product. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, common Next Generation (NG) handover types mainly include N2 handover, Xn handover, and 4G to 5G handover. By collecting and analyzing handover data, operators can monitor network performance, identify potential problems, and optimize them. Currently, collecting handover data through logs requires logging into core network elements and cooperation from user equipment, making the collection method complex and potentially causing interference to users. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, embodiments of this application aim to provide an information transmission method, apparatus, device, storage medium, and computer program product.

[0004] The technical solution of this application embodiment is implemented as follows:

[0005] This application provides an information transmission method applied to a first network element, the method comprising:

[0006] The first information is sent to the server through the second network element; wherein the first information is related to NG handover and is used by the server to monitor the network.

[0007] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of this application, sending the first information to the server via the second network element includes:

[0008] Send a query request to the Unified Data Management (UDM) function; wherein the query request is used to request whether the user allows the reporting of the first information;

[0009] Receive the second information returned by the UDM;

[0010] If the second information indicates that the user has allowed the reporting of the first information, the first information is sent to the server through the second network element.

[0011] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of this application, sending the first information to the server via the second network element includes:

[0012] The first information is sent to the second network element through the first interface between the first network element and the second network element;

[0013] The first information is sent to the server via the second network element.

[0014] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of this application, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0015] NG switching event types;

[0016] The unique identifier of the user equipment;

[0017] International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI);

[0018] The identifier of the first network element;

[0019] The unique identifier of the source network device;

[0020] The unique identifier of the target network device;

[0021] The timestamp of the reported event;

[0022] The timestamp of the NG handover event;

[0023] Switching states;

[0024] Reasons for switching failure;

[0025] Location information of user equipment.

[0026] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of this application, the NG switching includes at least one of the following:

[0027] Switching based on the Xn interface;

[0028] Switching based on the N2 interface;

[0029] Switching based on the N26 interface.

[0030] At least one embodiment of this application provides an information transmission method applied to a server, the method comprising:

[0031] The server receives first information sent by a first network element through a second network element; wherein the first information is related to NG handover and is used by the server to monitor the network.

[0032] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of this application, receiving the first information sent by the first network element through the second network element includes:

[0033] If the first network element queries the UDM and finds that the user has allowed the first information to be reported, it receives the first information sent by the first network element through the second network element.

[0034] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of this application, receiving the first information sent by the first network element through the second network element includes:

[0035] Receive first information sent by the second network element; wherein the first information is sent by the first network element to the second network element through a first interface between the first network element and the second network element.

[0036] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of this application, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0037] NG switching event types;

[0038] The unique identifier of the user equipment;

[0039] International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI);

[0040] The identifier of the first network element;

[0041] The unique identifier of the source network device;

[0042] The unique identifier of the target network device;

[0043] The timestamp of the reported event;

[0044] The timestamp of the NG handover event;

[0045] Switching states;

[0046] Reasons for switching failure;

[0047] Location information of user equipment.

[0048] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of this application, the NG switching includes at least one of the following:

[0049] Switching based on the Xn interface;

[0050] Switching based on the N2 interface;

[0051] Switching based on the N26 interface.

[0052] At least one embodiment of this application provides an information transmission device, comprising:

[0053] The sending module is used to send first information to the server through the second network element; wherein the first information is related to NG handover and is used by the server to monitor the network.

[0054] At least one embodiment of this application provides an information transmission device, comprising:

[0055] The receiving module is used to receive first information sent by the first network element through the second network element; wherein, the first information is related to NG handover and is used by the server to monitor the network.

[0056] At least one embodiment of this application provides a first network element, including a processor and a memory for storing a computer program capable of running on the processor.

[0057] When the processor runs the computer program, it executes the steps of any one of the methods described above for the first network element.

[0058] At least one embodiment of this application provides a server, including a processor and a memory for storing computer programs capable of running on the processor.

[0059] When the processor runs the computer program, it executes the steps of any of the methods described above on the server side.

[0060] At least one embodiment of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of any of the methods described above.

[0061] At least one embodiment of this application provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the method described in any of the above-described embodiments.

[0062] The information transmission method, apparatus, device, storage medium, and computer program product provided in this application embodiment include: a first network element sending first information to a server through a second network element; wherein the first information is related to NG handover, and the first information is used by the server to monitor the network.

[0063] The technical solution provided in this application embodiment sends the first information to the server through the second network element. Compared with the method of switching data by collecting logs in related technologies, it does not require logging into the core network element or user equipment cooperation. The collection method is simpler and will not interfere with users. At the same time, it does not require handling user privacy and data protection issues. Attached Figure Description

[0064] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the system architecture for the application of the information transmission method in the embodiments of this application;

[0065] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the implementation flow of the information transmission method in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0066] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram illustrating how the first network element sends first information to the server through the second network element in an embodiment of this application.

[0067] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the first network element sending first information to the second network element in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0068] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the first network element sending first information to the second network element in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 ;

[0069] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the first network element sending first information to the second network element in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 ;

[0070] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the implementation flow of the information transmission method in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 ;

[0071] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the composition of the information transmission device according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0072] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the composition of the information transmission device according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 ;

[0073] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the composition structure of the first network element in an embodiment of this application;

[0074] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the server's composition structure according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0075] Before introducing the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the relevant technologies will be introduced first.

[0076] In related technologies, common NG handover types in the 5G core network (5GC) mainly include N2 handover, Xn handover, and 4G to 5G handover. N2 handover refers to the handover between different gNodeBs (gNBs) within the same 5G core network, and this is the most common handover type. Xn handover refers to the handover performed directly between adjacent gNodeBs (gNBs) via the Xn interface. This type of handover is typically used in high-density deployment areas to reduce the burden and latency of the core network. 4G to 5G handover refers to the process of user equipment switching from a 4G Long-Term Evolution (LTE) network to a 5G network.

[0077] Currently, by collecting and analyzing handover data, operators can monitor network performance, identify potential problems, and optimize the network. There are three main methods for data collection, as follows:

[0078] Network Management System (NMS): Collects and stores logs of network devices centrally on the network element side, and monitors key performance indicators in real time.

[0079] Core network side data collection: This includes network elements such as Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), and User Plane Function (UPF), and handover statistics are extracted from logs periodically.

[0080] User Equipment (UE) Log Collection Tool: The built-in log collection function of smartphones records detailed device operation and network interaction logs.

[0081] However, data collection from the network management system and core network side requires logging into core network elements, and the collected handover data does not include parameter data specific to different vendors and operators, which may vary. Collecting handover data through UE logs requires user equipment cooperation, potentially causing user interference, and also necessitates addressing user privacy and data protection issues.

[0082] Based on this, this application improves the NG handover process by designing an NG handover data acquisition interface and building a server, such as an operation quality monitoring system, outside the first network element and the second network element. The first network element sends NG handover-related data to the server through the second network element so that the server can monitor the reliability of the network and gain a more intuitive understanding of the user experience.

[0083] See Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the system architecture for the application of the information transmission method in this application embodiment, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the system includes:

[0084] The first network element can specifically refer to the AMF;

[0085] The second network element can specifically refer to the Network Exposure Function (NEF).

[0086] The server, specifically, can refer to the 5GC open operation quality monitoring system;

[0087] The first network element is used to send first information to the server through the second network element; the first information is related to NG handover and is used by the server to monitor the network.

[0088] See Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the implementation flow of the information transmission method according to an embodiment of this application, applied to the first network element, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the method includes step 201:

[0089] Step 201: Send first information to the server through the second network element; wherein, the first information is related to NG handover, and the first information is used by the server to monitor the network.

[0090] It is understandable that the first network element may specifically refer to AMF, and the second network element may specifically refer to NEF.

[0091] It is understood that the server can also be described as an operational quality monitoring system.

[0092] It is understood that the server monitoring the network can refer to monitoring network performance, which includes communication reliability and so on.

[0093] It is understandable that the first information can also be described as NG switching information.

[0094] It is understandable that when performing NG handover, the first network element can record the first information locally.

[0095] It should be noted that in related technologies, network monitoring is based on collected logs. These logs can be collected at the network element side or by user equipment such as terminals. On the one hand, considering that the logs collected at the network element side do not contain comprehensive information related to NG handover, it is impossible to monitor certain network performance, such as the communication performance of user equipment from different operators. On the other hand, considering that user equipment needs user cooperation to collect logs, which may interfere with users, in this application, the first information is related to NG handover, and the first network element sends the first information to the server through the second network element so that the server can monitor the network.

[0096] In practical applications, in order to protect user privacy, the first network element may send the first information to the server with the user's permission to report the first information.

[0097] Based on this, in some embodiments, sending the first information to the server via the second network element includes:

[0098] Send a query request to UDM; wherein the query request is used to request whether the user allows the reporting of the first information;

[0099] Receive the second information returned by the UDM;

[0100] If the second information indicates that the user has allowed the reporting of the first information, the first information is sent to the server through the second network element.

[0101] It is understood that the UDM stores user data on whether a user allows the reporting of the first information, where the user refers to the user corresponding to the user equipment related to the NG handover. For example, if the user equipment undergoing the NG handover is user equipment 1, then the user refers to the user corresponding to user equipment 1.

[0102] It is understood that the query request carries the identification information of the user equipment related to NG handover, and the UDM queries whether the user allows the reporting of the first information based on the identification information.

[0103] See Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating how a first network element sends first information to a server via a second network element, as described in this application embodiment. The first network element is an AMF, and the second network element is a NEF. Figure 3 As shown, steps 301 to 303 are included:

[0104] Step 301: Perform NG handover; where NG handover includes handover success or handover failure.

[0105] Step 302: After an NG switch occurs, the AMF sends a query request to the UDM. The query request is used to request whether the user allows the reporting of the first information. The AMF receives the second information returned by the UDM and determines whether the user allows the reporting of the first information, i.e., information related to the NG switch, based on the second information.

[0106] Step 303: If the second information returned by UDM indicates that the user allows the first information to be reported, then AMF sends the first information (represented by NG Switch Info) to NEF, and NEF subsequently forwards the first information to the server. The current process does not affect the execution of the NG switchover process.

[0107] Here, when performing an NG switch, the AMF can record the first information locally.

[0108] Here, if the second information returned by UDM indicates that the user does not allow the first information to be reported, the process of reporting the first information is skipped.

[0109] In practical applications, a first interface can be defined between the first network element and the second network element. In this way, the first network element can send the first information to the second network element through the first interface, and then the second network element can send the first information to the server.

[0110] Based on this, in some embodiments, sending the first information to the server via the second network element includes:

[0111] The first information is sent to the second network element through the first interface between the first network element and the second network element;

[0112] The first information is sent to the server via the second network element.

[0113] It is understood that the first interface can also be described as an NG switching information reporting interface.

[0114] It is understandable that, when the first network element is AMF and the second network element is NEF, a first interface, or an interface described as an NG handover information reporting interface, can be used. When an NG handover occurs in the 5GC system, the AMF reports the first information, or an interface described as an NG handover information, to the NEF network element. The NEF then sends the first information to the server for network monitoring. The server can refer to an open-source operations quality monitoring system built by the operator to monitor the reliability of the 5GC network.

[0115] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0116] NG switching event types;

[0117] The unique identifier of the user equipment;

[0118] International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI);

[0119] The identifier of the first network element;

[0120] The unique identifier of the source network device;

[0121] The unique identifier of the target network device;

[0122] The timestamp of the reported event;

[0123] The timestamp of the NG handover event;

[0124] Switching states;

[0125] Reasons for switching failure;

[0126] Location information of user equipment.

[0127] It is understood that the NG handover event types can include handover based on the Xn interface, handover based on the N2 interface, and handover based on the N26 interface. Handover based on the Xn interface refers to handover directly between adjacent base stations (such as gNBs) via the Xn interface. This type of handover is typically used in high-density deployment areas to reduce the burden and latency of the core network. Handover based on the N2 interface refers to handover between different base stations (gNBs) within the same 5G core network; this is the most common type of handover. Handover based on the N26 interface can refer to 4G to 5G handover, that is, the process of user equipment switching from a 4G LTE network to a 5G network.

[0128] It is understood that the unique identifier of the user equipment may be assigned by the manufacturer or supplier and used to identify the user equipment.

[0129] Understandably, the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) can be assigned by operators and used to identify user equipment.

[0130] It is understandable that the identifier of the first network element can refer to the identifier of the AMF.

[0131] It is understood that the unique identifier of the source network device may refer to the unique identifier of the source base station, such as the source gNB, during NG handover.

[0132] It is understood that the unique identifier of the target network device may refer to the unique identifier of the target base station, such as the target gNB, during NG handover.

[0133] It is understood that the timestamp of the reported event may refer to the timestamp when the first network element reports the first information to the server through the second network element.

[0134] It is understood that the timestamp of the NG handover may include at least one of the following: the timestamp of the handover based on the Xn interface, the timestamp of the handover based on the N2 interface, and the timestamp of the handover based on the N26 interface.

[0135] It is understood that the switching state includes two states: switching successful or switching failed.

[0136] It is understood that the reason for the switching failure refers to the reason for the NG switching failure.

[0137] It is understood that the location information of the user equipment may refer to the location of the user equipment, such as the location determined by latitude and longitude.

[0138] Here, the open operation quality monitoring system built by the operator, i.e., the server, can obtain the first information, or described as NG handover information, from the second network element, such as NEF, through the NEF interface.

[0139] Here, after obtaining the first information, the server can monitor the network based on the first information. Specifically, this may include:

[0140] In the first scenario, by combining the location information of user equipment carried in the first information of the report, the NG handover success rate and latency information of users in a specific area are calculated, and the communication reliability is evaluated based on the NG handover success rate and latency information of users in a specific area.

[0141] Here, the NG handover success rate of users in a specific area can be calculated based on the location information and handover status of the user equipment carried by the first information. If the statistical NG handover success rate is greater than or equal to the first preset threshold, the communication reliability is good. If the statistical NG handover success rate is less than the first preset threshold, the communication reliability is poor.

[0142] Here, the latency information of users in a specific area can be calculated based on the location information of the user equipment, the timestamp of the reported event, and the timestamp of the NG handover carried in the first information. The latency information is equal to the difference between the timestamp of the reported event and the timestamp of the NG handover. If the statistical difference is less than or equal to the second preset threshold, the communication reliability is good. If the statistical difference is greater than the second preset threshold, the communication reliability is poor.

[0143] In the second scenario, by combining the location information of the user equipment carried in the first information, it is possible to analyze the reliability of user communication within the areas managed by different manufacturers.

[0144] Here, based on the location information of the user equipment, the unique identifier of the user equipment, and the handover status carried in the first information, the NG handover success rate of users in the area under the responsibility of different manufacturers can be calculated. If the calculated NG handover success rate is greater than or equal to the third preset threshold, the communication reliability is good. If the calculated NG handover success rate is less than the third preset threshold, the communication reliability is poor.

[0145] Here, based on the user equipment location information, user equipment unique identifier, report event timestamp, and NG handover timestamp carried in the first information, latency information of users in different vendors' responsible areas can be statistically analyzed. The latency information is equal to the difference between the report event timestamp and the NG handover timestamp. If the statistical difference is less than or equal to the fourth preset threshold, the communication reliability is good. If the statistical difference is greater than the fourth preset threshold, the communication reliability is poor.

[0146] In the third scenario, the reliability of user communication can also be assessed by using the location information of the user equipment, the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) information, and other data carried in the first information, such as user equipment terminal equipment from different operators.

[0147] Here, based on the location information, International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI), and handover status of the user equipment carried in the first information, the NG handover success rate of user equipment from different operators can be calculated. If the calculated NG handover success rate is greater than or equal to the fifth preset threshold, the communication reliability is good. If the calculated NG handover success rate is less than the fifth preset threshold, the communication reliability is poor.

[0148] Table 1 illustrates the first information reported by the AMF network element through the NG handover information reporting interface. As shown in Table 1, the first information carries parameters and sub-parameters. The parameters include event_type and event_info. The event_type includes the sub-parameter NA, which represents the event type of NG handover. The event type of NG handover can include handover based on the Xn interface, handover based on the N2 interface, and handover based on the N26 interface. The event_info includes the sub-parameters ue_id, imei_id, amf_id, source_gnb_id, target_gnb_id, handover_start_time, and handover_end. The parameters are: _time, status, reason, and location. _time_id represents the unique identifier of the user equipment, _imei_id represents the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI), _amf_id represents the identifier of the first network element (AMF), _source_gnb_id represents the unique identifier of the source network device in the NG handover, _target_gnb_id represents the unique identifier of the target network device in the NG handover, _handover_start_time represents the timestamp of the reported event, _handover_end_time represents the timestamp of the handover occurrence, _status represents the handover status, _reason represents the reason for the handover failure, and _location represents the location information of the user equipment.

[0149] Table 1

[0150]

[0151] In some embodiments, the NG switching includes at least one of the following:

[0152] Switching based on the Xn interface;

[0153] Switching based on the N2 interface;

[0154] Switching based on the N26 interface.

[0155] It is understandable that Xn-based handover refers to the handover between adjacent base stations (such as gNB) via the Xn interface. This type of handover is typically used in high-density deployment areas to reduce the burden and latency of the core network.

[0156] It is understandable that handover based on the N2 interface refers to handover between different base stations (gNB) within the same 5G core network, which is the most common type of handover.

[0157] It is understandable that the handover based on the N26 interface can refer to the handover from 4G to 5G, that is, the process of user equipment switching from a 4G LTE network to a 5G network.

[0158] See Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the first network element sending first information to the second network element according to an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 4As shown, the first network element is AMF, and the second network element is NEF. In the Xn interface-based handover process, after AMF sends an N2 PATH SWITCH REQUEST ACK message to the target network device (target-NG-RAN), it sends a query request (Query NG_Switch_Reporting_Flag) to UDM to confirm whether the current user allows reporting the first information or describes it as NG handover information. UDM returns the second information (Query NG_Switch_Reporting_FlagResponse), which is used to indicate whether the user allows reporting the first information. After the user allows reporting the first information, AMF sends the first information (NG Switch Report) message to NEF to report the handover information. The first information carries the parameter event_type of XN_Switch_Report, indicating that the event type of NG handover is an Xn interface-based handover. The sub-parameter status of the parameter event_info carried by the first information is "handover successful (complete)". Other sub-parameters can be reported according to the actual situation. If the handover fails, the AMF will send an N2 PATH SWITCH REQUEST FAILURE message. In this case, in the first information (NG Switch Report) message sent, the status field of the sub-parameter event_info carried by the first information will be set to handover failure, and other parameters will be reported to the NEF network element according to the specific situation of the NG handover.

[0159] See Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the first network element sending first information to the second network element according to an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 5As shown, the first network element is the target AMF, and the second network element is the NEF. In the handover process based on the N2 interface, after receiving the handover notification message, the target AMF sends a query request (Query NG_Switch_Reporting_Flag) to the UDM to confirm whether the current user allows reporting the first information, or information described as NG handover information, to the NEF. The UDM returns a second information (Query NG_Switch_Reporting_Flag Response), which indicates whether the user allows reporting the first information. After receiving the confirmation response from the UDM, the target AMF sends the first information (NG SwitchReport) message to the NEF, reporting the handover information. The first information carries the parameter event_type of N2_Switch_Report, indicating that the event type of the NG handover is a handover based on the X2 interface. If the handover fails, the target AMF will receive a handover cancel or handover failure message. In this case, in the first information (NG Switch Report) message sent in this application, the field of the sub-parameter status in the parameter event_info carried by the first information is set to switch failure, and other parameters are reported to the NEF network element according to the specific situation of NG switch.

[0160] See Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the first network element sending first information to the second network element according to an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 6As shown, the first network element is the target AMF, and the second network element is the NEF. In the handover process based on the N26 interface, after receiving the handover notification message, the target AMF sends a query request (Query NG_Switch_Reporting_Flag) to the UDM to confirm whether the current user allows reporting the first information, or information described as NG handover information, to the NEF. The UDM returns a second message (Query NG_Switch_Reporting_Flag Response), which indicates whether the user allows reporting the first information. After receiving the confirmation response from the UDM, the target AMF sends the first information (NG SwitchReport) message to the NEF, reporting the handover information. The first message carries an event_type of N26_Switch_Report, indicating that the event type of the NG handover is a handover based on the N26 interface. If the handover fails, the target AMF will receive a handover cancel or handover failure message. In this case, in the first information (NG Switch Report) message sent in this application, the field of the sub-parameter status in the parameter event_info carried by the first information is set to switch failure, and other parameters are reported to the NEF network element according to the specific situation of NG switch.

[0161] The embodiments of this application have the following advantages:

[0162] (1) Send first information to the server through the second network element; wherein the first information is related to NG handover and the first information is used by the server to monitor the network.

[0163] In this application, the first information is sent to the server through the second network element. Compared with the method of switching data by collecting logs in related technologies, it does not require logging into the core network element, does not require the cooperation of user equipment, the collection method is simpler, and will not cause interference to users. At the same time, it does not require handling user privacy and data protection issues.

[0164] Here, the server can be an open 5GC operation quality monitoring system built by the operator, which can effectively monitor the reliability of the 5GC network and improve network quality.

[0165] (2) It provides a first interface for collecting NG handover data, which can provide a large amount of real-time data to support the evaluation of 5GC network reliability. NG handover data is transmitted through the first interface between the first and second network elements, eliminating the need to log in to core network elements or extract logs from private interfaces, thus avoiding operational risks. The defined first interface can transmit different parameter data for different vendors and operators, avoiding the problem of different functions and parameter data formats among different vendors.

[0166] (3) The three handover processes in NG handover have been improved. The data acquisition process is synchronized with the 5GC handover process, and the data can be reported in real time.

[0167] See Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the implementation flow of the information transmission method according to an embodiment of this application, applied to a second network element, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the method includes step 701:

[0168] Step 701: Receive first information sent by the first network element through the second network element; wherein, the first information is related to NG handover, and the first information is used by the server to monitor the network.

[0169] It is understandable that the first network element may specifically refer to AMF, and the second network element may specifically refer to NEF.

[0170] It is understood that the server can also be described as an operational quality monitoring system.

[0171] It is understood that the server monitoring the network can refer to monitoring network performance, which includes communication reliability and so on.

[0172] It is understandable that the first information can also be described as NG switching information.

[0173] It is understandable that when performing NG handover, the first network element can record the first information locally.

[0174] It should be noted that in related technologies, network monitoring is based on collected logs. These logs can be collected at the network element side or by user equipment such as terminals. On the one hand, considering that the logs collected at the network element side do not contain comprehensive information related to NG handover, it is impossible to monitor certain network performance, such as the communication performance of user equipment from different operators. On the other hand, considering that user equipment needs user cooperation to collect logs, which may interfere with users, in this application, the first information is related to NG handover, and the first network element sends the first information to the server through the second network element so that the server can monitor the network.

[0175] In practical applications, in order to protect user privacy, the first network element may send the first information to the server with the user's permission to report the first information.

[0176] Based on this, in some embodiments, receiving the first information sent by the first network element through the second network element includes:

[0177] If the first network element queries the UDM and finds that the user has allowed the first information to be reported, it receives the first information sent by the first network element through the second network element.

[0178] It is understood that the UDM stores user data on whether a user allows the reporting of the first information, where the user refers to the user corresponding to the user equipment related to the NG handover. For example, if the user equipment undergoing the NG handover is user equipment 1, then the user refers to the user corresponding to user equipment 1.

[0179] It is understood that the query request carries the identification information of the user equipment related to NG handover, and the UDM queries whether the user allows the reporting of the first information based on the identification information.

[0180] In practical applications, a first interface can be defined between the first network element and the second network element. In this way, the first network element can send the first information to the second network element through the first interface, and then the second network element can send the first information to the server.

[0181] Based on this, in some embodiments, receiving the first information sent by the first network element through the second network element includes:

[0182] Receive first information sent by the second network element; wherein the first information is sent by the first network element to the second network element through a first interface between the first network element and the second network element.

[0183] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0184] NG switching event types;

[0185] The unique identifier of the user equipment;

[0186] International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI);

[0187] The identifier of the first network element;

[0188] The unique identifier of the source network device;

[0189] The unique identifier of the target network device;

[0190] The timestamp of the reported event;

[0191] The timestamp of the NG handover event;

[0192] Switching states;

[0193] Reasons for switching failure;

[0194] Location information of user equipment.

[0195] It is understood that the NG handover event types can include handover based on the Xn interface, handover based on the N2 interface, and handover based on the N26 interface. Handover based on the Xn interface refers to handover directly between adjacent base stations (such as gNBs) via the Xn interface. This type of handover is typically used in high-density deployment areas to reduce the burden and latency of the core network. Handover based on the N2 interface refers to handover between different base stations (gNBs) within the same 5G core network; this is the most common type of handover. Handover based on the N26 interface can refer to 4G to 5G handover, that is, the process of user equipment switching from a 4G LTE network to a 5G network.

[0196] It is understood that the unique identifier of the user equipment may be assigned by the manufacturer or supplier and used to identify the user equipment.

[0197] Understandably, the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) can be assigned by operators and used to identify user equipment.

[0198] It is understandable that the identifier of the first network element can refer to the identifier of the AMF.

[0199] It is understood that the unique identifier of the source network device may refer to the unique identifier of the source base station, such as the source gNB, during NG handover.

[0200] It is understood that the unique identifier of the target network device may refer to the unique identifier of the target base station, such as the target gNB, during NG handover.

[0201] It is understood that the timestamp of the reported event may refer to the timestamp when the first network element reports the first information to the server through the second network element.

[0202] It is understood that the timestamp of the NG handover may include at least one of the following: the timestamp of the handover based on the Xn interface, the timestamp of the handover based on the N2 interface, and the timestamp of the handover based on the N26 interface.

[0203] It is understood that the switching state includes two states: switching successful or switching failed.

[0204] It is understood that the reason for the switching failure refers to the reason for the NG switching failure.

[0205] It is understood that the location information of the user equipment may refer to the location of the user equipment, such as the location determined by latitude and longitude.

[0206] Here, the open operation quality monitoring system built by the operator, i.e., the server, can obtain the first information, or described as NG handover information, from the second network element, such as NEF, through the NEF interface.

[0207] Here, after obtaining the first information, the server can monitor the network based on the first information. Specifically, this may include:

[0208] In the first scenario, by combining the location information of user equipment carried in the first information of the report, the NG handover success rate and latency information of users in a specific area are calculated, and the communication reliability is evaluated based on the NG handover success rate and latency information of users in a specific area.

[0209] Here, the NG handover success rate of users in a specific area can be calculated based on the location information and handover status of the user equipment carried by the first information. If the statistical NG handover success rate is greater than or equal to the first preset threshold, the communication reliability is good. If the statistical NG handover success rate is less than the first preset threshold, the communication reliability is poor.

[0210] Here, the latency information of users in a specific area can be calculated based on the location information of the user equipment, the timestamp of the reported event, and the timestamp of the NG handover carried in the first information. The latency information is equal to the difference between the timestamp of the reported event and the timestamp of the NG handover. If the statistical difference is less than or equal to the second preset threshold, the communication reliability is good. If the statistical difference is greater than the second preset threshold, the communication reliability is poor.

[0211] In the second scenario, by combining the location information of the user equipment carried in the first information, it is possible to analyze the reliability of user communication within the areas managed by different manufacturers.

[0212] Here, based on the location information of the user equipment, the unique identifier of the user equipment, and the handover status carried in the first information, the NG handover success rate of users in the area under the responsibility of different manufacturers can be calculated. If the calculated NG handover success rate is greater than or equal to the third preset threshold, the communication reliability is good. If the calculated NG handover success rate is less than the third preset threshold, the communication reliability is poor.

[0213] In the third scenario, the reliability of user communication can also be assessed by using the location information of the user equipment, the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) information, and other data carried in the first information, such as user equipment terminal equipment from different operators.

[0214] Here, based on the location information, International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI), and handover status of the user equipment carried in the first information, the NG handover success rate of user equipment from different operators can be calculated. If the calculated NG handover success rate is greater than or equal to the fourth preset threshold, the communication reliability is good. If the calculated NG handover success rate is less than the fourth preset threshold, the communication reliability is poor.

[0215] In some embodiments, the NG switching includes at least one of the following:

[0216] Switching based on the Xn interface;

[0217] Switching based on the N2 interface;

[0218] Switching based on the N26 interface.

[0219] It is understandable that Xn-based handover refers to the handover between adjacent base stations (such as gNB) via the Xn interface. This type of handover is typically used in high-density deployment areas to reduce the burden and latency of the core network.

[0220] It is understandable that handover based on the N2 interface refers to handover between different base stations (gNB) within the same 5G core network, which is the most common type of handover.

[0221] It is understandable that the handover based on the N26 interface can refer to the handover from 4G to 5G, that is, the process of user equipment switching from a 4G LTE network to a 5G network.

[0222] The embodiments of this application have the following advantages:

[0223] (1) The first network element sends first information to the server through the second network element; wherein, the first information is related to NG handover and the first information is used by the server to monitor the network.

[0224] In this application, the first information is sent to the server through the second network element. Compared with the method of switching data by collecting logs in related technologies, it does not require logging into the core network element, does not require the cooperation of user equipment, the collection method is simpler, and will not cause interference to users. At the same time, it does not require handling user privacy and data protection issues.

[0225] Here, the server can be an open 5GC operation quality monitoring system built by the operator, which can effectively monitor the reliability of the 5GC network and improve network quality.

[0226] To implement the information transmission method of this application embodiment, this application embodiment also provides an information transmission device, which is disposed in the first network element. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the composition structure of the information transmission device according to an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 8 As shown, the device includes:

[0227] The sending module 81 is used to send first information to the server through the second network element; wherein the first information is related to NG handover and is used by the server to monitor the network.

[0228] In some embodiments, the sending module 81 is specifically used for:

[0229] Send a query request to UDM; wherein the query request is used to request whether the user allows the reporting of the first information;

[0230] Receive the second information returned by the UDM;

[0231] If the second information indicates that the user has allowed the reporting of the first information, the first information is sent to the server through the second network element.

[0232] In some embodiments, the sending module 81 is specifically used for:

[0233] The first information is sent to the second network element through the first interface between the first network element and the second network element;

[0234] The first information is sent to the server via the second network element.

[0235] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0236] NG switching event types;

[0237] The unique identifier of the user equipment;

[0238] International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI);

[0239] The identifier of the first network element;

[0240] The unique identifier of the source network device;

[0241] The unique identifier of the target network device;

[0242] The timestamp of the reported event;

[0243] The timestamp of the NG handover event;

[0244] Switching states;

[0245] Reasons for switching failure;

[0246] Location information of user equipment.

[0247] In some embodiments, the NG switching includes at least one of the following:

[0248] Switching based on the Xn interface;

[0249] Switching based on the N2 interface;

[0250] Switching based on the N26 interface.

[0251] In practical applications, the sending module 81 can be implemented by the communication interface in the information transmission device.

[0252] It should be noted that the information transmission device provided in the above embodiments is only illustrated by the division of the above program modules. In practical applications, the above processing can be assigned to different program modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different program modules to complete all or part of the processing described above. In addition, the information transmission device and the information transmission method embodiments provided in the above embodiments belong to the same concept, and their specific implementation process can be found in the method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0253] To implement the information transmission method of this application embodiment, this application embodiment also provides an information transmission device, which is set on a server. Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the composition structure of the information transmission device according to an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 9 As shown, the device includes:

[0254] The receiving module 91 is used to receive first information sent by the first network element through the second network element; wherein, the first information is related to NG handover, and the first information is used by the server to monitor the network.

[0255] In some embodiments, the receiving module 91 is specifically used for:

[0256] If the first network element queries the UDM and finds that the user has allowed the first information to be reported, it receives the first information sent by the first network element through the second network element.

[0257] In some embodiments, the receiving module 91 is specifically used for:

[0258] Receive first information sent by the second network element; wherein the first information is sent by the first network element to the second network element through a first interface between the first network element and the second network element.

[0259] In some embodiments, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0260] NG switching event types;

[0261] The unique identifier of the user equipment;

[0262] International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI);

[0263] The identifier of the first network element;

[0264] The unique identifier of the source network device;

[0265] The unique identifier of the target network device;

[0266] The timestamp of the reported event;

[0267] The timestamp of the NG handover event;

[0268] Switching states;

[0269] Reasons for switching failure;

[0270] Location information of user equipment.

[0271] In some embodiments, the NG switching includes at least one of the following:

[0272] Switching based on the Xn interface;

[0273] Switching based on the N2 interface;

[0274] Switching based on the N26 interface.

[0275] In practical applications, the receiving module 91 can be implemented by the communication interface in the information transmission device.

[0276] It should be noted that the information transmission device provided in the above embodiments is only illustrated by the division of the above program modules. In practical applications, the above processing can be assigned to different program modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different program modules to complete all or part of the processing described above. In addition, the information transmission device and the information transmission method embodiments provided in the above embodiments belong to the same concept, and their specific implementation process can be found in the method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0277] This application embodiment also provides a first network element, such as Figure 10 As shown, it includes:

[0278] The first communication interface 101 is capable of exchanging information with other devices;

[0279] The first processor 102, connected to the first communication interface 101, is used to execute the methods provided by one or more technical solutions on the first network element side when running a computer program. The computer program is stored in the first memory 103.

[0280] It should be noted that the specific processing procedures of the first processor 102 and the first communication interface 101 are detailed in the method embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0281] Of course, in practical applications, the various components in the first network element 100 are coupled together through the bus system 104. It can be understood that the bus system 104 is used to realize the connection and communication between these components. In addition to the data bus, the bus system 104 also includes a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus. However, for the sake of clarity, in... Figure 10 The general labeled all buses as Bus System 104.

[0282] In this embodiment, the first memory 103 is used to store various types of data to support the operation of the first network element 100. Examples of such data include any computer program used to operate on the first network element 100.

[0283] The methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be applied to the first processor 102, or implemented by the first processor 102. The first processor 102 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above method can be completed by the integrated logic circuit of the hardware or by instructions in the form of software in the first processor 102. The first processor 102 may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The first processor 102 can implement or execute the methods, steps and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly reflected as being executed by a hardware decoding processor, or being executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules may be located in a storage medium, which is located in the first memory 103. The first processor 102 reads the information in the first memory 103 and completes the steps of the aforementioned method in combination with its hardware.

[0284] This application also provides a server, such as... Figure 11 As shown, it includes:

[0285] The second communication interface 111 is capable of exchanging information with other devices;

[0286] The second processor 112, connected to the second communication interface 111, is used to execute the methods provided by one or more of the aforementioned server-side technical solutions when running a computer program. The computer program is stored in the second memory 113.

[0287] It should be noted that the specific processing procedures of the second processor 112 and the second communication interface 111 are detailed in the method embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0288] Of course, in practical applications, the various components in server 110 are coupled together through bus system 114. It can be understood that bus system 114 is used to implement communication between these components. In addition to a data bus, bus system 114 also includes a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus. However, for clarity, in... Figure 11 The general labeled all buses as Bus System 114.

[0289] The second memory 113 in this embodiment is used to store various types of data to support the operation of the server 110. Examples of such data include any computer programs used to operate on the server 110.

[0290] The methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be applied to the second processor 112, or implemented by the second processor 112. The second processor 112 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above method can be completed by the integrated logic circuit of the hardware or by instructions in the form of software in the second processor 112. The second processor 112 may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The second processor 112 can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware decoding processor, or being executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules may be located in a storage medium, which is located in the second memory 113. The second processor 112 reads the information in the second memory 113 and completes the steps of the aforementioned method in conjunction with its hardware.

[0291] In an exemplary embodiment, the first network element 100 and the server 110 may be implemented by one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), DSPs, programmable logic devices (PLDs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), general-purpose processors, controllers, microcontrollers (MCUs), microprocessors, or other electronic components to perform the aforementioned method.

[0292] It is understood that the memories (first memory 103, second memory 113) in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or both. Non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), ferromagnetic random access memory (FRAM), flash memory, magnetic surface memory, optical disc, or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM); magnetic surface memory can be disk storage or magnetic tape storage. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Synchronous Static Random Access Memory (SSRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM), Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (DDRSDRAM), Enhanced Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (ESDRAM), SyncLink Dynamic Random Access Memory (SLDRAM), and Direct Rambus Random Access Memory (DRRAM).The memories described in the embodiments of this application are intended to include, but are not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memories.

[0293] In an exemplary embodiment, this application also provides a storage medium, namely a computer storage medium, specifically a computer-readable storage medium, such as a memory that stores a computer program. The computer program can be executed by the first processor 102 of the first network element 100 to complete the steps described in the aforementioned first network element-side method. The computer-readable storage medium may be a memory such as FRAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash Memory, magnetic surface memory, optical disc, or CD-ROM.

[0294] For example, this application embodiment also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that can be executed by a first processor 102 of a first network element 100 to complete the steps of any of the methods described above on the first network element side, and the computer program can be executed by a second processor 112 of a server 110 to complete the steps of any of the methods described above on the server side.

[0295] It should be noted that terms such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0296] Furthermore, the technical solutions described in the embodiments of this application can be combined arbitrarily without conflict.

[0297] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An information transmission method, characterized in that, Applied to the first network element, the method includes: The first information is sent to the server through the second network element; wherein the first information is related to the next-generation (NG) handover and is used by the server to monitor the network.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of sending the first information to the server through the second network element includes: Send a query request to the Unified Data Management Function (UDM); wherein the query request is used to request whether the user allows the reporting of the first information; Receive the second information returned by the UDM; If the second information indicates that the user has allowed the reporting of the first information, the first information is sent to the server through the second network element.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of sending the first information to the server through the second network element includes: The first information is sent to the second network element through the first interface between the first network element and the second network element; The first information is sent to the server via the second network element.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first information includes at least one of the following: NG switching event types; The unique identifier of the user equipment; International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI); The identifier of the first network element; The unique identifier of the source network device; The unique identifier of the target network device; The timestamp of the reported event; The timestamp of the NG handover event; Switching states; Reasons for switching failure; Location information of user equipment.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The NG switching includes at least one of the following: Switching based on the Xn interface; Switching based on the N2 interface; Switching based on the N26 interface.

6. An information transmission method, characterized in that, Applied to a server, the method includes: The server receives first information sent by a first network element through a second network element; wherein the first information is related to NG handover and is used by the server to monitor the network.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The receipt of the first information sent by the first network element through the second network element includes: If the first network element queries the UDM and finds that the user has allowed the first information to be reported, it receives the first information sent by the first network element through the second network element.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The receipt of the first information sent by the first network element through the second network element includes: Receive first information sent by the second network element; wherein the first information is sent by the first network element to the second network element through a first interface between the first network element and the second network element.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that, The first information includes at least one of the following: NG switching event types; The unique identifier of the user equipment; International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI); The identifier of the first network element; The unique identifier of the source network device; The unique identifier of the target network device; The timestamp of the reported event; The timestamp of the NG handover event; Switching states; Reasons for switching failure; Location information of user equipment.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The NG switching includes at least one of the following: Switching based on the Xn interface; Switching based on the N2 interface; Switching based on the N26 interface.

11. An information transmission device, characterized in that, include: The sending module is used to send first information to the server through the second network element; wherein the first information is related to NG handover and is used by the server to monitor the network.

12. An information transmission device, characterized in that, include: The receiving module is used to receive first information sent by the first network element through the second network element; wherein, the first information is related to NG handover and is used by the server to monitor the network.

13. A first network element, characterized in that, This includes a processor and memory for storing computer programs that can run on the processor. When the processor is used to run the computer program, it performs the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

14. A server, characterized in that, This includes a processor and memory for storing computer programs that can run on the processor. When the processor is used to run the computer program, it performs the steps of the method according to any one of claims 6 to 10.

15. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, or implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 6 to 10.

16. A computer program product, comprising a computer program, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, or implements the method according to any one of claims 6 to 10.

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