Service discovery method and device, computer equipment, storage medium and product

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of wireless communication, in particular to a service discovery method and device, computer equipment, a storage medium and a product. The method comprises the following steps: acquiring a service discovery request sent by a first network element; the service processing request comprises a first target network function type target-nf-type and a first data network name DNN; determining a second network element corresponding to the service discovery request according to the first target-nf-type and the first DNN; sending a service discovery response to the first network element, the service discovery response comprising a network function configuration file NF profile of the second network element; according to the invention, after the local breakout roaming is opened, the SMF at the visited place does not need to configure roaming operator network information, and only needs to carry out related configuration on the intensively deployed special SMF without changing all SMF configurations and carrying out debugging and testing, so that the service opening and operation maintenance are greatly facilitated, and the operation difficulty of the local breakout is reduced.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of wireless communication, and in particular to a service discovery method and device, a computer device, a storage medium and a product. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the 5G SA (5G Standalone Architecture) international roaming networking architecture, a local breakout mode is supported. In order to support this roaming mode, the visited SMF (Session Management Function) needs to be configured with network information such as DNN (Data Network Name) of the home operator.

[0003] However, for large visited operators, the number of SMF network elements / UPF (User Plane Function) network elements is large, and each belongs to different maintenance and management subjects. Each time the local breakout is opened, it is difficult to change all SMF configurations and perform test operations, and the operation efficiency is low. SUMMARY

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a service discovery method and device, a computer device, a storage medium and a product capable of improving the efficiency of the local breakout.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides a service discovery method applied to an interworking network storage function i-NRF network element of a visited public land mobile network VPLMN network, and the method comprises the following steps:

[0006] obtaining a service discovery request sent by a first network element, wherein the service processing request comprises a first target network function type target-nf-type and a first data network name DNN;

[0007] determining a second network element corresponding to the service discovery request according to the first target-nf-type and the first DNN;

[0008] sending a service discovery response to the first network element, wherein the service discovery response comprises a network function configuration file NF profile of the second network element.

[0009] In one embodiment, the step of determining the second network element corresponding to the service discovery request according to the first target-nf-type and the first DNN comprises:

[0010] performing a first consistency check on the first target-nf-type and a reference target-nf-type, and performing a second consistency check on a first DNN and a reference DNN, wherein the reference target-nf-type and the reference DNN are registration information corresponding to the i-NRF network element of the VPLMN network when a home session management function (H-SMF) network element registers on the i-NRF network element of the VPLMN network;

[0011] determining a second network element corresponding to the service discovery request according to the first consistency check result and the second consistency check result.

[0012] In one of the embodiments, the determining a second network element corresponding to the service discovery request according to the first consistency check result and the second consistency check result comprises:

[0013] In a case where the first consistency check result and the second consistency check result are consistent, the second network element corresponding to the service discovery request is determined.

[0014] In one of the embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0015] In a case where the first consistency check result is inconsistent, or the second consistency check result is inconsistent, the service discovery request is forwarded to an i-NRF network element of a home public land mobile network (HPLMN) network, so that the i-NRF network element of the HPLMN network determines a second network element corresponding to the service discovery request.

[0016] receiving a service discovery response sent by the i-NRF network element of the HPLMN network, wherein the service discovery response contains an NF profile of the second network element.

[0017] In one of the embodiments, in a case where the service discovery request is a service discovery request in a user network registration scenario, if the second network element is an authentication server function (AUSF) network element or a unified data management (UDM) network element, the service discovery response is used to instruct the first network element to initiate an authentication and registration process to the AUSF network element or the UDM network element.

[0018] In one of the embodiments, in a case where the service discovery request is a service discovery request in a user network registration scenario, if the second network element is a session management function (SMF) network element, the service discovery response is used to instruct the first network element to select a target H-SMF network element from a first home session management function (H-SMF) network element of the VPLMN network and a second H-SMF network element of the HPLMN network.

[0019] In a second aspect, the present application also provides a service discovery device, configured in an i-NRF network element of a VPLMN network, the device comprising:

[0020] a service discovery request sent by a first network element, wherein the service processing request comprises a first target network function type target-nf-type and a first data network name DNN;

[0021] a determination module configured to determine a second network element corresponding to the service discovery request according to the first target-nf-type and the first DNN;

[0022] a sending module configured to send the service discovery response to the first network element, wherein the service discovery response comprises a network function profile NF profile of the second network element.

[0023] In a third aspect, the present application also provides a computer device. The computer device comprises a memory and a processor, the memory stores a computer program, and the processor implements the following steps when executing the computer program:

[0024] a service discovery request sent by a first network element, wherein the service processing request comprises a first target network function type target-nf-type and a first data network name DNN;

[0025] determining a second network element corresponding to the service discovery request according to the first target-nf-type and the first DNN;

[0026] sending the service discovery response to the first network element, wherein the service discovery response comprises a network function profile NF profile of the second network element.

[0027] In a fourth aspect, the present application also provides a computer readable storage medium. The computer readable storage medium stores a computer program, and the computer program is executed by a processor to implement the following steps:

[0028] a service discovery request sent by a first network element, wherein the service processing request comprises a first target network function type target-nf-type and a first data network name DNN;

[0029] determining a second network element corresponding to the service discovery request according to the first target-nf-type and the first DNN;

[0030] sending the service discovery response to the first network element, wherein the service discovery response comprises a network function profile NF profile of the second network element.

[0031] In a fifth aspect, the present application also provides a computer program product. The computer program product comprises a computer program which, when executed by a processor, implements the following steps:

[0032] obtaining a service discovery request sent by a first network element; the service processing request comprises a first target network function type target-nf-type and a first data network name DNN;

[0033] determining a second network element corresponding to the service discovery request according to the first target-nf-type and the first DNN;

[0034] sending the service discovery response to the first network element, wherein the service discovery response comprises a network function profile NF profile of the second network element.

[0035] The service discovery method, device, computer device, storage medium and product described above, by obtaining a service discovery request sent by a first network element, determine a second network element corresponding to the service discovery request according to a first target-nf-type and a first DNN in the service discovery request, and then send a service discovery response to the first network element, wherein the service discovery response comprises a network function profile NF profile of the second network element. According to the above content, in the process of service discovery, the first target-nf-type and the first DNN contained in the service discovery request can be obtained, and then in the case that the first target-nf-type is a specified target-nf-type and the first DNN is a specific DNN assigned by local breakout roaming, a service discovery response carrying the NF profile of the second network element is sent to the first network element, so as to establish a communication connection for the second network element, ensure that user traffic can enter an external network from the second network, and achieve the business effect of local breakout. Therefore, through the above content, after opening local breakout, the visiting SMF does not need to configure the roaming operator network information again, but only needs to configure related information on the intensively deployed special SMF, without the need to change all SMF configurations and perform testing, which greatly facilitates business opening and operation and maintenance, and reduces the operation difficulty of local breakout. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 An application environment diagram of a service discovery method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 2A flowchart of a first service discovery method provided by an embodiment of the present application is shown in the following figure.

[0038] Figure 3 A flowchart of a second service discovery method provided by an embodiment of the present application is shown in the following figure.

[0039] Figure 4 A flowchart of a third service discovery method provided by an embodiment of the present application is shown in the following figure.

[0040] Figure 5 A signaling diagram of the first service discovery method provided by an embodiment of the present application is shown in the following figure.

[0041] Figure 6 A structural block diagram of a service discovery apparatus provided by an embodiment of the present application is shown in the following figure.

[0042] Figure 7 An internal structural diagram of a computer device in an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present application and should not be used to limit the present application.

[0044] The service discovery method provided by the embodiments of the present application can be applied to an application environment as shown in the following figure. Figure 1 In the application environment, the i-NRF network element 102 of the VPLMN network communicates with the i-NRF network element 104 of the HPLMN network through a network. By obtaining the service discovery request sent by the first network element, the second network element corresponding to the service discovery request is determined according to the first target-nf-type and the first DNN in the service discovery request, and then a service discovery response is sent to the first network element, wherein the service discovery response includes the network function profile NF profile of the second network element.

[0045] In an embodiment, as shown in the following figure, a service discovery method is provided. Figure 2 The method is taken as an example to illustrate the i-NRF network element 102 of the VPLMN network in the following figure. Figure 1 The method includes the following steps.

[0046] S201, obtaining a service discovery request sent by a first network element.

[0047] The service processing request includes a first target network function type target-nf-type and a first data network name DNN.

[0048] In an embodiment of the present application, the first network element can be an AMF network element, and thus the i-NRF network element of the VPLMN network can receive the service discovery request sent by the AMF network element.

[0049] S202, determining a second network element corresponding to the service discovery request according to the first target-nf-type and the first DNN.

[0050] It should be noted that after obtaining the first target-nf-type and the first DNN, it can be determined whether the second network element corresponding to the service discovery request belongs to the VPLMN network or the HPLMN network according to the first target-nf-type and the first DNN; different second network element discovery strategies are determined according to the belonging of the second network, and the second network element corresponding to the service discovery request is determined according to the second network element discovery strategy.

[0051] In an embodiment of the present application, when it is necessary to determine the second network element corresponding to the service discovery request according to the first target-nf-type and the first DNN, the first consistency judgment can be performed on the first target-nf-type and the reference target-nf-type, and the second consistency judgment can be performed on the first DNN and the reference DNN; and then, the second network element corresponding to the service discovery request is determined according to the first consistency judgment result and the second consistency judgment result.

[0052] S203, sending a service discovery response to the first network element.

[0053] The service discovery response includes the network function profile NF profile of the second network element.

[0054] In an embodiment of the present application, in the case that the service discovery request is a service discovery request in a user network registration scenario, if the second network element is an authentication server function AUSF network element or a unified data management function UDM network element, the service discovery response is used to instruct the first network element to initiate an authentication and registration process to the AUSF network element or the UDM network element.

[0055] In another embodiment of the present application, in the case that the service discovery request is a service discovery request in a user network registration scenario, if the second network element is a session management function SMF network element, the service discovery response is used to instruct the first network element to select a target H-SMF network element from a first home session management function H-SMF network element of the VPLMN network and a second H-SMF network element of the HPLMN network.

[0056] The service discovery method described above, by obtaining the service discovery request sent by the first network element, determines the second network element corresponding to the service discovery request according to the first target-nf-type and the first DNN in the service discovery request, and then sends a service discovery response to the first network element, wherein the service discovery response includes the network function profile NFprofile of the second network element. According to the above content, it can be known that in the process of service discovery, the first target-nf-type and the first DNN contained in the service discovery request can be obtained, and then in the case that the first target-nf-type is a specified target-nf-type and the first DNN is a specific DNN assigned by local breakout roaming, a service discovery response carrying the NF profile of the second network element is sent to the first network element, so as to realize the establishment of a communication connection for the second network element, ensure that user traffic can enter the external network from the second network, and achieve the business effect of local breakout. Therefore, through the above content, after the opening of local breakout, the visiting SMF does not need to configure the roaming operator network information again, but only needs to configure the related information in the intensive deployment of the special SMF, without the need to change all SMF configurations and perform testing, which greatly facilitates the business opening and operation and maintenance, and reduces the operation difficulty of local breakout.

[0057] In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 3 When it is necessary to determine the second network element corresponding to the service discovery request according to the first target-nf-type and the first DNN, the following content can be included:

[0058] S301, first consistency judgment is performed on the first target-nf-type and the reference target-nf-type, and second consistency judgment is performed on the first DNN and the reference DNN.

[0059] The reference target-nf-type and the reference DNN are the registration information corresponding to the registration of the H-SMF network element on the i-NRF network element in the VPLMN network.

[0060] In an embodiment of the present application, the H-SMF network element is the home network element of the HPLMN network, and registers the service with the i-NRF network element in the VPLMN network; the nftype parameter carried in the registration request message is set to SMF (i.e., the reference target-nf-type), the plmnlist parameter is set to the MCC / MNC of the HPLMN, and the DNN parameter is set to the specific DNN (i.e., the reference DNN) required for local breakout roaming.

[0061] S302, determining the second network element corresponding to the service discovery request according to the first consistency judgment result and the second consistency judgment result.

[0062] It should be noted that when the first consistency judgment result and the second consistency judgment result are required to determine the second network element corresponding to the service discovery request, the following content can be included: in the case that the first consistency judgment result and the second consistency judgment result are consistent, the second network element corresponding to the service discovery request is determined.

[0063] Further, in the case that the first consistency result is inconsistent, or the second consistency result is inconsistent, the service discovery request is forwarded to the i-NRF network element of the home public land mobile network (HPLMN) network, so that the i-NRF network element of the HPLMN network determines the second network element corresponding to the service discovery request; the service discovery response sent by the i-NRF network element of the HPLMN network is received, and the NF profile of the second network element is included in the service discovery response.

[0064] In an embodiment of the present application, in the process of determining the second network element by the i-NRF network element of the VPLMN network according to different parameters carried in the service discovery request, the following content can be included: when the target-nf-type is AUSF or UDM, or the target-nf-type is SMF but the DNN is not a specific DNN assigned for local breakout roaming, the i-NRF network element of the VPLMN network forwards the request to the i-NRF network element of the HPLMN, and obtains the service discovery response fed back by the i-NRF network element of the VPLMN network; the i-NRF network element of the VPLMN network forwards the service discovery response to the first network element, and the service discovery response carries the NF profile of the AUSF, UDM or H-SMF network element of the HPLMN. When the target-nf-type is SMF, and the DNN is a specific DNN assigned for local breakout roaming, the i-NRF network element of the VPLMN network determines the second network element corresponding to the service discovery request; the service discovery response is sent to the first network element, wherein the service discovery response includes the NF profile of the second network element.

[0065] Further, multiple levels of i-NRF network elements can be deployed in the VPLMN network and the HPLMN network to meet the needs of large networks.

[0066] The service discovery method determines the second network element corresponding to the service discovery request according to the first target-nf-type and the first DNN, realizes the establishment of the communication connection for the second network element, ensures that the user traffic can enter the external network from the second network, and achieves the service effect of local breakout.

[0067] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, when a service discovery operation is needed, the following contents can be included: Figure 4

[0068] S401, obtaining a service discovery request sent by a first network element; the service processing request includes a first target network function type target-nf-type and a first data network name DNN.

[0069] S402, performing a first consistency judgment on the first target-nf-type and a reference target-nf-type, and performing a second consistency judgment on the first DNN and a reference DNN; wherein the reference target-nf-type and the reference DNN are registration information corresponding to the registration of a home session management function H-SMF network element on an i-NRF network element in a VPLMN network.

[0070] S403, in the case that the first consistency judgment result and the second consistency judgment result are both consistent, determining a second network element corresponding to the service discovery request.

[0071] S404, sending a service discovery response to the first network element, wherein the service discovery response includes a network function profile NF profile of the second network element.

[0072] S405, in the case that the first consistency result is inconsistent, or the second consistency result is inconsistent, forwarding the service discovery request to an i-NRF network element of a home public land mobile network HPLMN network, so that the i-NRF network element of the HPLMN network determines the second network element corresponding to the service discovery request.

[0073] S406, receiving a service discovery response sent by the i-NRF network element of the HPLMN network, wherein the service discovery response includes the NF profile of the second network element.

[0074] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, when a service discovery operation is needed, the following contents can be included: Figure 5 ​As shown, the H-SMF network element registers as a home network element of the HPLMN network to the i-NRF network element of the VPLMN network; in the registration request message, the nftype parameter is set to SMF, the plmnlist parameter is set to the MCC / MNC of the HPLMN, and the dnn parameter is set to a specific DNN for which local breakout roaming is required. In the user network access registration scenario, the i-NRF network element of the VPLMN network obtains a service discovery request sent by the AMF network element; when the target-nf-type is AUSF or UDM, or the target-nf-type is SMF but the DNN is not the specific DNN assigned for local breakout roaming, the i-NRF network element of the VPLMN network forwards the request to the i-NRF network element of the HPLMN, and obtains a service discovery response fed back by the i-NRF network element of the VPLMN network; the i-NRF network element of the VPLMN network forwards the service discovery response to the first network element, and the service discovery response carries the NF profile of the AUSF, UDM, or H-SMF network element of the HPLMN. When the target-nf-type is SMF and the DNN is the specific DNN assigned for local breakout roaming, the i-NRF network element of the VPLMN network determines a second network element corresponding to the service discovery request; the i-NRF network element of the VPLMN network sends a service discovery response to the first network element, and the service discovery response includes the NF profile of the second network element. If the second network element is an authentication server function (AUSF) network element or a unified data management (UDM) network element, the service discovery response is used to instruct the first network element to initiate an authentication and registration process with the AUSF network element or the UDM network element. If the second network element is a session management function (SMF) network element, the service discovery response is used to instruct the first network element to select a target H-SMF network element from the first home session management function (H-SMF) network element of the VPLMN network and the second H-SMF network element of the HPLMN network.

[0075] The above service discovery method obtains the service discovery request sent by the first network element, determines the second network element corresponding to the service discovery request based on the first target-nf-type and the first DNN in the service discovery request, and then sends a service discovery response to the first network element. The service discovery response includes the network function profile (NFprofile) of the second network element. As described above, during the service discovery process, this application can obtain the first target-nf-type and the first DNN contained in the service discovery request. Then, when the first target-nf-type is the specified target-nf-type and the first DNN is a specific DNN assigned for local breakout roaming, a service discovery response carrying the NF profile of the second network element is sent to the first network element. This establishes a communication connection for the second network element, ensuring that user traffic can enter the external network from the second network, achieving the service effect of local breakout. Therefore, through the above, after enabling local breakout roaming, the visited SMF no longer needs to configure the roaming operator network information; only the relevant configuration needs to be performed in the centrally deployed dedicated SMF. There is no need to change all SMF configurations and perform debugging, greatly facilitating service activation and operation maintenance, and reducing the operational difficulty of local breakout.

[0076] It should be understood that although the steps in the flowcharts of the above embodiments are shown sequentially according to the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless explicitly stated herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and they can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least some steps in the flowcharts of the above embodiments may include multiple steps or multiple stages. These steps or stages are not necessarily completed at the same time, but can be executed at different times. The execution order of these steps or stages is not necessarily sequential, but can be performed alternately or in turn with other steps or at least some of the steps or stages of other steps.

[0077] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides a service discovery apparatus for implementing the service discovery method described above. The solution provided by this apparatus is similar to the implementation described in the above method; therefore, the specific limitations in one or more service discovery apparatus embodiments provided below can be found in the limitations of the service discovery method described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0078] In one embodiment, such as Figure 6As shown, a service discovery device is provided, comprising: an acquisition module 10, a determination module 20, and a sending module 30, wherein:

[0079] The acquisition module 10 is used to acquire the service discovery request sent by the first network element; the service processing request includes the first target network function type target-nf-type and the first data network name DNN.

[0080] The determination module 20 is used to determine the second network element corresponding to the service discovery request based on the first target-nf-type and the first DNN.

[0081] The sending module 30 is used to send a service discovery response to the first network element, wherein the service discovery response includes the network function profile (NF profile) of the second network element.

[0082] In one embodiment, a first consistency judgment is made between the first target-nf-type and the reference target-nf-type, and a second consistency judgment is made between the first DNN and the reference DNN; wherein, the reference target-nf-type and the reference DNN are the registration information corresponding to the Home Session Management Function (H-SMF) network element when it registers on the i-NRF network element of the VPLMN network;

[0083] Based on the results of the first and second consistency judgments, the second network element corresponding to the service discovery request is determined.

[0084] In one embodiment, if both the first consistency judgment result and the second consistency judgment result are consistent, the second network element corresponding to the service discovery request is determined.

[0085] In one embodiment, if the first consistency result is inconsistent, or if the second consistency result is inconsistent, the service discovery request is forwarded to the i-NRF network element of the home public land mobile network (HPLMN) so that the i-NRF network element of the HPLMMN network can determine the second network element corresponding to the service discovery request.

[0086] Receive the service discovery response sent by the i-NRF network element of the HPLMMN network. The service discovery response contains the NF profile of the second network element.

[0087] In one embodiment, when the service discovery request is a service discovery request in a user login and registration scenario, if the second network element is an authentication server function (AUSF) network element or a unified data management function (UDM) network element, the service discovery response is used to instruct the first network element to initiate an authentication and registration process to the AUSF network element or the UDM network element.

[0088] In one embodiment, when the service discovery request is a service discovery request in a user login and registration scenario, if the second network element is a Session Management Function (SMF) network element, the service discovery response is used to instruct the first network element to select a target H-SMF network element from the first home site session management function (H-SMF) network element of the VPLMN network and the second H-SMF network element of the HPLMN network.

[0089] The aforementioned service discovery device, by acquiring the service discovery request sent by the first network element, determines the second network element corresponding to the service discovery request based on the first target-nf-type and the first DNN in the service discovery request, and then sends a service discovery response to the first network element, wherein the service discovery response includes the network function profile (NFprofile) of the second network element. As described above, during the service discovery process, this application can obtain the first target-nf-type and the first DNN contained in the service discovery request. Then, when the first target-nf-type is the specified target-nf-type and the first DNN is a specific DNN assigned for local breakout roaming, a service discovery response carrying the NF profile of the second network element is sent to the first network element. This establishes a communication connection for the second network element, ensuring that user traffic can enter the external network from the second network, achieving the service effect of local breakout. Therefore, through the above, after enabling local breakout roaming, the visited SMF no longer needs to configure the roaming operator network information; only the relevant configuration needs to be performed in the centrally deployed dedicated SMF. There is no need to change all SMF configurations and perform debugging, greatly facilitating service activation and operation maintenance, and reducing the operational difficulty of local breakout.

[0090] The modules in the aforementioned service discovery device can be implemented entirely or partially through software, hardware, or a combination thereof. These modules can be embedded in or independent of the processor in a computer device, or stored in the memory of a computer device as software, so that the processor can invoke and execute the operations corresponding to each module.

[0091] In one embodiment, a computer device is provided, which may be a terminal, and its internal structure diagram may be as follows: Figure 7As shown, the computer device includes a processor, memory, input / output interfaces, a communication interface, a display unit, and an input device. The processor, memory, and input / output interfaces are connected via a system bus, and the communication interface, display unit, and input device are also connected to the system bus via the input / output interfaces. The processor provides computing and control capabilities. The memory includes non-volatile storage media and internal memory. The non-volatile storage media stores the operating system and computer programs. The internal memory provides an environment for the operation of the operating system and computer programs stored in the non-volatile storage media. The input / output interfaces are used for exchanging information between the processor and external devices. The communication interface is used for wired or wireless communication with external terminals; wireless communication can be achieved through Wi-Fi, mobile cellular networks, NFC (Near Field Communication), or other technologies. When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements a service discovery method. The display unit is used to form a visually visible image and can be a display screen, a projection device, or a virtual reality imaging device. The display screen can be an LCD screen or an e-ink screen. The input device of the computer device can be a touch layer covering the display screen, or buttons, trackballs, or touchpads set on the casing of the computer device, or external keyboards, touchpads, or mice, etc.

[0092] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 7 The structure shown is merely a block diagram of a portion of the structure related to the present application and does not constitute a limitation on the computer device to which the present application is applied. Specific computer devices may include more or fewer components than those shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0093] In one embodiment, a computer device is provided, including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program to perform the following steps:

[0094] Obtain the service discovery request sent by the first network element; the service processing request includes the first target network function type target-nf-type and the first data network name DNN;

[0095] Based on the first target-nf-type and the first DNN, determine the second network element corresponding to the service discovery request;

[0096] Send a service discovery response to the first network element, wherein the service discovery response includes the network function profile (NF profile) of the second network element.

[0097] In one embodiment, the processor, when executing a computer program, also performs the following steps:

[0098] A first consistency judgment is made between the first target-nf-type and the reference target-nf-type, and a second consistency judgment is made between the first DNN and the reference DNN; wherein, the reference target-nf-type and the reference DNN are the registration information corresponding to the Home Session Management Function (H-SMF) network element when it registers on the i-NRF network element of the VPLMN network;

[0099] Based on the results of the first and second consistency judgments, the second network element corresponding to the service discovery request is determined.

[0100] In one embodiment, the processor, when executing a computer program, also performs the following steps:

[0101] If both the first consistency judgment result and the second consistency judgment result are consistent, the second network element corresponding to the service discovery request is determined.

[0102] In one embodiment, the processor, when executing a computer program, also performs the following steps:

[0103] If the first consistency result is inconsistent, or if the second consistency result is inconsistent, the service discovery request is forwarded to the i-NRF network element of the home public land mobile network (HPLMN) so that the i-NRF network element of the HPLMMN network can determine the second network element corresponding to the service discovery request.

[0104] Receive the service discovery response sent by the i-NRF network element of the HPLMMN network. The service discovery response contains the NF profile of the second network element.

[0105] In one embodiment, the processor, when executing a computer program, also performs the following steps:

[0106] In the case of a service discovery request in a user login and registration scenario, if the second network element is an authentication server (AUSF) network element or a unified data management (UDM) network element, the service discovery response is used to instruct the first network element to initiate an authentication and registration process to the AUSF network element or the UDM network element.

[0107] In one embodiment, the processor, when executing a computer program, also performs the following steps:

[0108] In the case of a service discovery request in the scenario of user login and registration, if the second network element is a Session Management Function (SMF) network element, the service discovery response is used to instruct the first network element to select a target H-SMF network element from the first home site H-SMF network element of the VPLMN network and the second H-SMF network element of the HPLMN network.

[0109] In one embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon, the computer program performing the following steps when executed by a processor:

[0110] Obtain the service discovery request sent by the first network element; the service processing request includes the first target network function type target-nf-type and the first data network name DNN;

[0111] Based on the first target-nf-type and the first DNN, determine the second network element corresponding to the service discovery request;

[0112] Send a service discovery response to the first network element, wherein the service discovery response includes the network function profile (NF profile) of the second network element.

[0113] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it also performs the following steps:

[0114] A first consistency judgment is made between the first target-nf-type and the reference target-nf-type, and a second consistency judgment is made between the first DNN and the reference DNN; wherein, the reference target-nf-type and the reference DNN are the registration information corresponding to the Home Session Management Function (H-SMF) network element when it registers on the i-NRF network element of the VPLMN network;

[0115] Based on the results of the first and second consistency judgments, the second network element corresponding to the service discovery request is determined.

[0116] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it also performs the following steps:

[0117] If both the first consistency judgment result and the second consistency judgment result are consistent, the second network element corresponding to the service discovery request is determined.

[0118] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it also performs the following steps:

[0119] If the first consistency result is inconsistent, or if the second consistency result is inconsistent, the service discovery request is forwarded to the i-NRF network element of the home public land mobile network (HPLMN) so that the i-NRF network element of the HPLMMN network can determine the second network element corresponding to the service discovery request.

[0120] Receive the service discovery response sent by the i-NRF network element of the HPLMMN network. The service discovery response contains the NF profile of the second network element.

[0121] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it also performs the following steps:

[0122] In the case of a service discovery request in a user login and registration scenario, if the second network element is an authentication server (AUSF) network element or a unified data management (UDM) network element, the service discovery response is used to instruct the first network element to initiate an authentication and registration process to the AUSF network element or the UDM network element.

[0123] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it also performs the following steps:

[0124] In the case of a service discovery request in the scenario of user login and registration, if the second network element is a Session Management Function (SMF) network element, the service discovery response is used to instruct the first network element to select a target H-SMF network element from the first home site H-SMF network element of the VPLMN network and the second H-SMF network element of the HPLMN network.

[0125] In one embodiment, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, performs the following steps:

[0126] Obtain the service discovery request sent by the first network element; the service processing request includes the first target network function type target-nf-type and the first data network name DNN;

[0127] Based on the first target-nf-type and the first DNN, determine the second network element corresponding to the service discovery request;

[0128] Send a service discovery response to the first network element, wherein the service discovery response includes the network function profile (NF profile) of the second network element.

[0129] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it also performs the following steps:

[0130] A first consistency judgment is made between the first target-nf-type and the reference target-nf-type, and a second consistency judgment is made between the first DNN and the reference DNN; wherein, the reference target-nf-type and the reference DNN are the registration information corresponding to the Home Session Management Function (H-SMF) network element when it registers on the i-NRF network element of the VPLMN network;

[0131] Based on the results of the first and second consistency judgments, the second network element corresponding to the service discovery request is determined.

[0132] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it also performs the following steps:

[0133] If both the first consistency judgment result and the second consistency judgment result are consistent, the second network element corresponding to the service discovery request is determined.

[0134] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it also performs the following steps:

[0135] If the first consistency result is inconsistent, or if the second consistency result is inconsistent, the service discovery request is forwarded to the i-NRF network element of the home public land mobile network (HPLMN) so that the i-NRF network element of the HPLMMN network can determine the second network element corresponding to the service discovery request.

[0136] Receive the service discovery response sent by the i-NRF network element of the HPLMMN network. The service discovery response contains the NF profile of the second network element.

[0137] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it also performs the following steps:

[0138] In the case of a service discovery request in a user login and registration scenario, if the second network element is an authentication server (AUSF) network element or a unified data management (UDM) network element, the service discovery response is used to instruct the first network element to initiate an authentication and registration process to the AUSF network element or the UDM network element.

[0139] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, it also performs the following steps:

[0140] In the case of a service discovery request in the scenario of user login and registration, if the second network element is a Session Management Function (SMF) network element, the service discovery response is used to instruct the first network element to select a target H-SMF network element from the first home site H-SMF network element of the VPLMN network and the second H-SMF network element of the HPLMN network.

[0141] It should be noted that the user information (including but not limited to user device information, user personal information, etc.) and data (including but not limited to data used for analysis, data stored, data displayed, etc.) involved in this application are all information and data authorized by the user or fully authorized by all parties, and the collection, use and processing of related data must comply with the relevant laws, regulations and standards of the relevant countries and regions.

[0142] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. When executed, the computer program can include the processes of the embodiments of the above methods. Any references to memory, databases, or other media used in the embodiments provided in this application can include at least one of non-volatile and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can include read-only memory (ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash memory, optical memory, high-density embedded non-volatile memory, resistive random access memory (ReRAM), magnetic random access memory (MRAM), ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), phase change memory (PCM), graphene memory, etc. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory, etc. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM can take many forms, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) or Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM). The databases involved in the embodiments provided in this application may include at least one type of relational database and non-relational database. Non-relational databases may include, but are not limited to, blockchain-based distributed databases. The processors involved in the embodiments provided in this application may be general-purpose processors, central processing units, graphics processing units, digital signal processors, programmable logic devices, quantum computing-based data processing logic devices, etc., and are not limited to these.

[0143] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0144] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed. However, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A service discovery method, characterized in that, The method for using an i-NRF network element with interconnection network storage function for accessing a Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN) network includes: Obtain the service discovery request sent by the first network element; the service processing request includes the first target network function type target-nf-type and the first data network name DNN; Based on the first target-nf-type and the first DNN, determine the second network element corresponding to the service discovery request; Send the service discovery response to the first network element, wherein the service discovery response includes the network function profile (NF profile) of the second network element.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of determining the second network element corresponding to the service discovery request based on the first target-nf-type and the first DNN includes: A first consistency judgment is made between the first target-nf-type and the reference target-nf-type, and a second consistency judgment is made between the first DNN and the reference DNN; wherein, the reference target-nf-type and the reference DNN are the registration information corresponding to the Home Session Management Function (H-SMF) network element when it registers on the i-NRF network element of the VPLMN network; Based on the first consistency judgment result and the second consistency judgment result, the second network element corresponding to the service discovery request is determined.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of determining the second network element corresponding to the service discovery request based on the first consistency judgment result and the second consistency judgment result includes: If both the first consistency judgment result and the second consistency judgment result are consistent, the second network element corresponding to the service discovery request is determined.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the first consistency result is inconsistent, or if the second consistency result is inconsistent, the service discovery request is forwarded to the i-NRF network element of the home public land mobile network (HPLMN) so that the i-NRF network element of the HPLMMN network can determine the second network element corresponding to the service discovery request. Receive a service discovery response sent by the i-NRF network element of the HPLMN network, wherein the service discovery response contains the NF profile of the second network element.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the case where the service discovery request is a service discovery request in the scenario of user login and registration, if the second network element is an authentication server function (AUSF) network element or a unified data management function (UDM) network element, the service discovery response is used to instruct the first network element to initiate an authentication and registration process to the AUSF network element or the UDM network element.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the case where the service discovery request is a service discovery request in the scenario of user login and registration, if the second network element is a Session Management Function (SMF) network element, the service discovery response is used to instruct the first network element to select a target H-SMF network element from the first home site session management function (H-SMF) network element of the VPLMN network and the second H-SMF network element of the HPLMN network.

7. A service discovery device, characterized in that, An i-NRF network element configured in a VPLMN network, the device comprising: The acquisition module is used to acquire the service discovery request sent by the first network element; the service processing request includes the first target network function type target-nf-type and the first data network name DNN; The determination module is used to determine the second network element corresponding to the service discovery request based on the first target-nf-type and the first DNN; The sending module is used to send the service discovery response to the first network element, wherein the service discovery response includes the network function profile (NF profile) of the second network element.

8. A computer device comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, characterized in that, When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. 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 6.

10. A computer program product, comprising a computer program, 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 6.

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