Service-oriented method related to service delivery channel management and service delivery channel control plane network element

Abstract

The invention discloses a service delivery channel management-related servitization method and a service delivery channel control plane network element, and belongs to the technical field of communication. The method comprises the following steps: sending a service registration request message to a network resource database, wherein the registration request message carries configuration information of a service transmission channel control plane network element; receiving a service registration success response message returned by the network resource database; the method further comprises the following steps: the source network function entity sends a service discovery request message to the network resource database, wherein the service discovery request message carries query parameters including the network function type of the source network function entity, the network function type of the target network function entity and the matching parameters; receiving a service discovery request response returned by the network resource database; the source network function entity comprises one of the following: an access and mobility management network element, an access module of a service transmission channel control plane network element, and an anchor module of the service transmission channel control plane network element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a service-oriented method for managing service transmission channels and a service transmission channel control plane network element. Background Technology

[0002] In existing 4G and 5G standards, the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) and the Mobility Management Entity (MME) not only manage the mobility of User Equipment (UE) (called Access Management in 5G and Mobility Management in 4G), but also play a crucial role in establishing service transport channels for the UE (called Session Management in 5G and Connection Management in 4G). Specifically, the AMF and MME are responsible for selecting the Session Management Function (SMF) corresponding to the User Plane Function (UPF) controlling the connection to the external data network, and controlling the Packet Data Network Gateway - User plane (PGW) controlling the connection to the external data network. Packet Data Network Gateway - Control plane (PGW) C) or Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW).

[0003] In the existing 5G standard, the AMF relies on SMF service discovery without being aware of the Data Network Name (DNN) managed by the SMF. This requires selecting not only the Intermediate Session Management Function (I-SMF) but also the SMF itself. On the one hand, this increases the functional requirements and processing overhead of the AMF. On the other hand, it limits the flexibility of the I-SMF in selecting the anchor SMF / PGW-C / PGW. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a service-oriented method, device, system, electronic device, readable storage medium, and computer program product related to service transmission channel management. It can solve the problem in the existing 5G standard that the AMF relies on SMF service discovery without being aware of the DNN managed by the SMF. This not only increases the processing overhead of the AMF, but also limits the flexibility of the I-SMF in selecting anchor points SMF / PGW-C / PGW.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application is implemented as follows: Firstly, a service-oriented method related to service transport channel management is provided, applied to a service transport channel control plane network element, wherein the service transport channel control plane network element includes at least one of the following: an access module and an anchor point module, and the method includes: Send a service registration request message to the network resource database. The registration request message carries the configuration information of the control plane network element of the service transmission channel. The configuration information includes: network function type, service name of network function service and unique attributes. Receive the service registration success response message returned by the network resource database.

[0006] Secondly, a service-oriented method for managing service transmission channels is provided, applied to a network resource database, the method comprising: The system receives a service registration request message sent by a service transport channel control plane network element, wherein the service transport channel control plane network element includes at least one of the following: an access module and an anchor module. The registration request message carries configuration information of the service transport channel control plane network element, wherein the configuration information includes: network function type, service name of network function service, and unique attributes. The service transmission channel control plane network element returns a service registration success response message, including: Thirdly, a service-oriented method related to service transmission channel management is provided, applied to a source network functional entity, the method comprising: Send a service discovery request message to the network resource database. The service discovery request message carries query parameters, which include: the network function type of the source network function entity, the network function type of the target network function entity, the service name of the target network function service, and matching parameters. Receive the service discovery request response returned by the network resource database.

[0007] Fourthly, a service-oriented method related to service transmission channel management is provided, applied to a network resource database, the method comprising: Receive a service discovery request message sent by a source network function entity. The service discovery request message carries query parameters, which include: the network function type of the source network function entity, the network function type of the target network function entity, the service name of the target network function service, and matching parameters. Return a service discovery request response to the source network functional entity.

[0008] Fifthly, a service-oriented method related to service transmission channel management is provided, applied to a source network functional entity, the method comprising: Send a service discovery request message to the network resource database. The service discovery request message carries query parameters, which include: the network function type of the source network function entity, the network function type of the target network function entity, and matching parameters. Receive the service discovery request response returned by the network resource database.

[0009] Sixthly, a service-oriented method related to service transmission channel management is provided, applied to a network resource database, the method comprising: Receive a service discovery request message sent by a source network function entity. The service discovery request message carries query parameters, which include: the network function type of the source network function entity, the network function type of the target network function entity, and matching parameters. Return a service discovery request response to the source network functional entity.

[0010] In a seventh aspect, a service transport channel control plane network element is provided, the service transport channel control plane network element comprising at least one of the following: an access module and an anchor module, wherein the access module or the anchor module comprises: The sending unit is used to send a service registration request message to the network resource database. The registration request message carries the configuration information of the control plane network element of the service transmission channel. The configuration information includes: network function type, service name of network function service and unique attributes. The receiving unit is used to receive the service registration success response message returned by the network resource database.

[0011] Eighthly, a network resource database is provided, including: The receiving unit is configured to receive a service registration request message sent by a service transport channel control plane network element, wherein the service transport channel control plane network element includes at least one of the following: an access module and an anchor module. The registration request message carries configuration information of the service transport channel control plane network element, wherein the configuration information includes: network function type, service name of network function service and unique attributes. The sending unit is used to return a service registration success response message to the service transmission channel control plane network element.

[0012] Ninthly, a service-oriented system for managing service transmission channels is provided, including the source network functional entity as described above and the network resource database as described above.

[0013] In a tenth aspect, a source network functional entity is provided, including: The sending unit is used to send a service discovery request message to the network resource database. The service discovery request message carries query parameters, which include: the network function type of the source network function entity, the network function type of the target network function entity, the service name of the target network function service, and matching parameters. The receiving unit is configured to receive the service discovery request response returned by the network resource database; The source network functional entities include one of the following: access and mobility management network elements and service transport channel control plane network elements.

[0014] Eleventhly, a network resource database is provided, including: The receiving unit is configured to receive a service discovery request message sent by a source network function entity. The service discovery request message carries query parameters, which include: the network function type of the source network function entity, the network function type of the target network function entity, the service name of the target network function service, and matching parameters. The sending unit is used to return a service discovery request response to the source network function entity.

[0015] In the twelfth aspect, a source network functional entity is provided, including: The sending unit is used to send a service discovery request message to the network resource database. The service discovery request message carries query parameters, which include: the network function type of the source network function entity, the network function type of the target network function entity, and matching parameters. The receiving unit is configured to receive the service discovery request response returned by the network resource database; The source network functional entity includes: service transmission channel control plane network element.

[0016] In a thirteenth aspect, a network resource database is provided, including: The receiving unit is configured to receive a service discovery request message sent by a source network function entity. The service discovery request message carries query parameters, which include: the network function type of the source network function entity, the network function type of the target network function entity, and matching parameters. The sending unit is used to return a service discovery request response to the source network function entity.

[0017] In a fourteenth aspect, a service-oriented system for managing service transmission channels is provided, characterized in that it includes the source network functional entity as described above and the network resource database as described above.

[0018] In a fifteenth aspect, an electronic device is provided, the electronic device comprising a processor and a memory, the memory storing at least one computer program, the at least one computer program being loaded and executed by the processor to implement the above-described service-oriented method related to service transmission channel management.

[0019] In a sixteenth aspect, a readable storage medium is provided, wherein at least one computer program is stored in the readable storage medium, the computer program being loaded and executed by a processor to implement the above-described service-oriented method related to service transmission channel management.

[0020] In a seventeenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product comprising at least one computer program, the computer program being loaded and executed by a processor to implement the service-oriented methods related to service transport channel management provided in the various optional implementations described above.

[0021] The service-oriented methods, devices, systems, electronic devices, readable storage media, and computer program products related to service transport channel management provided in this application's embodiments design network function service names for the "access module" and "anchor module" of the service transport channel control plane network element, respectively, for service transport channel management. These include access service transport channel management service and anchor service transport channel management service for the service transport channel control plane network element. During service registration, the "access module" and "anchor module" of the service transport channel control plane network element can be clearly distinguished through different network function service names. When other network elements perform service discovery of the above two types of network function entities, they can efficiently, concisely, and clearly implement network element addressing schemes, reducing the processing overhead of access and mobility management network elements and improving the flexibility of anchor point selection.

[0022] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0024] Figure 1This invention illustrates a schematic diagram of the structure of a service-oriented system for managing service-oriented transmission channels provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figure 2 This application shows a flowchart of a service-oriented method related to service transmission channel management provided in an exemplary embodiment. Figure 3 This application illustrates a flowchart of another service-oriented method related to service transport channel management provided in an exemplary embodiment. Figure 4 This application illustrates a flowchart of another service-oriented method related to service transport channel management provided in an exemplary embodiment. Figure 5 This application illustrates a flowchart of another service-oriented method related to service transport channel management provided in an exemplary embodiment. Figure 6 This application illustrates a flowchart of another service-oriented method related to service transport channel management provided in an exemplary embodiment. Figure 7 This application illustrates a flowchart of another service-oriented method related to service transport channel management provided in an exemplary embodiment. Figure 8 This invention illustrates a flowchart of a service discovery process for an access module of a control plane network element performing a service transport channel, provided by an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figure 9 This invention illustrates a flowchart of the service discovery process of an access module of a control plane network element performing a service transport channel, provided by an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figure 10 This application illustrates a flowchart of a service discovery process performed by an access module of a service transport channel control plane network element, which executes the service discovery process of an anchor module of the service transport channel control plane network element, according to an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figure 11 This application illustrates a flowchart of a process for service discovery performed by an access module of another service transport channel control plane network element, as provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application, on the anchor point module of the service transport channel control plane network element. Figure 12 This invention illustrates a flowchart of a service discovery process performed by an access module of a service transport channel control plane network element, as provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application, for a user data network element. Figure 13 This invention illustrates a flowchart of a process by which an access module of another service transport channel control plane network element performs service discovery for a user data network element, as provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figure 14 This invention illustrates a flowchart of a service discovery process performed by an access module of a service transport channel control plane network element, as provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application, on the execution of a service discovery process by a user policy control network element. Figure 15 This invention illustrates a flowchart of a process by which an access module of another service transport channel control plane network element, provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application, performs service discovery by a user policy control network element. Figure 16 This application illustrates a flowchart of a process by which the anchor module of a service transport channel control plane network element performs service discovery for a user data network element, as provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figure 17 This invention illustrates a flowchart of a process by which an anchor module of another service transport channel control plane network element performs service discovery for a user data network element, as provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figure 18 This invention illustrates a flowchart of a process by which the anchor module of a service transport channel control plane network element performs service discovery for a user policy control network element, as provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figure 19 This invention illustrates a flowchart of a process by which the anchor module of another service transport channel control plane network element performs service discovery for a user policy control network element, as provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figure 20 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of the deployment structure of the service transport channel control plane network element provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application; Figure 21 This invention provides a schematic diagram of the structure of an access module or anchor point module of a service transmission channel control plane network element according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. Figure 22 This invention provides a structural block diagram of a network resource database according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application. Figure 23 This invention illustrates a structural block diagram of a source network function entity under a service-oriented architecture for service transport channel management provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figure 24 A structural block diagram of an electronic device provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0026] The 5G SA core network introduces a Service Based Architecture (SBA), where interactions between control plane network functions (NFs) can utilize service-based interfaces. This architecture allows network functions to be registered, discovered, and invoked like services, enabling flexible network configuration and efficient management. After a 5G network element (5G NF) is instantiated, it registers itself as a service with the Network Repository Function (NRF), saving its NF Profile to the NRF. Addressing between 5G network elements (5G NFs) is performed. A source NF can send a service discovery request to the NRF, carrying the necessary query parameters for target NF service discovery. Upon receiving the service discovery request from the source NF, the NRF filters target NF instances that match the query parameters.

[0027] Taking the registration of SMF with NRF service and the selection of SMF by AMF as an example, the main processes involved are as follows: 1. SMF registers with the NRF service. The NF Profile mainly includes the following attributes: (1) Network Function Type nfType: SMF (2) Service Name: SMF Protocol Data Unit (PDU) Session Service Nsmf_PDUSession (3) Session Management Function Information (SMF Information, SmfInfo), which is a unique attribute of SMF, mainly includes: Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information SMF Information List (sNssaiSmfInfoList), which includes: Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI) and Data Network Name SMF Information List (dnnSmfInfoList), which is a list of DNNs. Specifically: all network slice identifiers (S-NSSAI) responsible for this end, and a responsible DNN configured for each network slice (S-NSSAI); Tracking Area Identity List / Tracking Area Identity Range List taiList / taiRangeList, representing all Tracking Area Identity (TAI) responsible for this SMF instance; Packet Data Network Gateway Fully Qualified Domain Name (pgwFqdn), which must be included when it is an SMF / PGW-C converged network element, representing the hostname of PGW-C (Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) format).

[0028] 2. During the process of a user initiating a PDU session establishment request, the AMF sends a service discovery request message to the NRF for service discovery by the SMF. The specific process is as follows: The AMF initiates an SMF service discovery request to the NRF, querying parameters including the target network function type (target-nf-type, value: SMF) and the source network function type (requester-nf-type, value: AMF); and options such as S-NSSAI, DNN, etc. The NRF returns the service discovery results to the AMF, which are the NFProfiles of multiple SMFs within the same SMF POOL that match the same network slice and the same DNN. The AMF obtains the NF Profile of the SMF through the NRF, which includes the SMF's address and the list / range of TAIs it is responsible for. The AMF selects an available SMF based on the user's current location information (i.e., TAI). Since multiple SMFs responsible for the same Tracking Area (TA), the same network slice, and the same DNN use a POOL networking method, the AMF needs to select an SMF within the available SMF POOL based on the priority and static capacity in the NF Profile of each SMF.

[0029] For business processes that require the insertion of I-SMF, AMF needs to perform service discovery for both I-SMF and SMF to facilitate the subsequent selection of appropriate Intermediate User Plane Function (I-UPF) and User Plane Function (UPF). The specific process is as follows: Step 1: The AMF performs SMF service discovery for the first time with the NRF. The query parameters include target-nf-type (value: SMF), requester-nf-type (value: AMF), and the DNN, S-NSSAI, and Preferred Tracking Area Identifier (Preferred-TAI) provided by the UE. The NRF matches an SMF based on the DNN and S-NSSAI, but does not match a Preferred-TAI. It then returns the matched SMF (NF Profile) to the AMF, indicating "No Preferred-TAI match".

[0030] Step 2: The AMF analyzes the SMF service discovery results returned by the NRF and identifies the "Not Matched Preferred-TAI" indication. Since multiple SMFs responsible for the same network slice and the same DNN adopt the POOL networking method, the NRF will return the NF Profiles of all SMFs in the corresponding SMF POOL (DNN / APN POOL) to the AMF. The AMF needs to save all the available SMFs (NF Profiles) returned by the NRF and use them all as available SMFs.

[0031] Step 3: The AMF performs SMF service discovery for the second time with the NRF. The query message includes: target-nf-type, which is SMF; requester-nf-type, which is AMF; S-NSSAI and TAI (the same as Preferred-TAI). The NRF matches the SMF based on S-NSSAI and TAI and returns the matched SMF (NF Profile) to the AMF. Since multiple SMFs responsible for the same TA and the same network slice (S-NSSAI) use a pool networking method, the NRF will return the NF Profiles of all SMFs within the corresponding SMF pool (TAI pool) to the AMF. The AMF saves the NF Profiles of the SMFs. The AMF selects the SMF within the pool as the selected SMF based on the priority and static capacity in the NF Profile of each SMF and designates it as the I-SMF.

[0032] In summary, in the existing standard process, the AMF relies on the SMF service for discovery without being aware of the DNN handled by the SMF. This requires selecting not only the I-SMF but also the SMF itself. On the one hand, this increases the functional requirements and processing overhead of the AMF; on the other hand, it limits the flexibility of the I-SMF in selecting the anchor point SMF / PGW-C / PGW.

[0033] To address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, this application provides a service-oriented method related to service transmission channel management. This method is applied to network elements in a mobile communication user service transmission channel management service-oriented system, and mainly describes the network function type definition, service registration, and service discovery of the "access module" and "anchor module" of the service transmission channel control plane network elements in this service-oriented system.

[0034] To facilitate understanding of the service-oriented methods related to service transmission channel management provided in the embodiments of this application, a brief introduction to the service-oriented system for service transmission channel management provided in the embodiments of this application will be given first.

[0035] Figure 1 This application shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a service-oriented system for managing service-oriented transport channels, as illustrated in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, this service transport channel management service system includes at least: access modules and anchor modules for access and mobility management network elements and service transport channel control plane network elements. Under this service transport channel management service system: (1) The access and mobility management network element is responsible for connecting to the radio access network element (base station), and for interacting with the user (UE) / radio access network ((R)AN) to exchange NAS signaling, and to complete the authentication, mobility management and security management functions for the access user (similar to the related functions of 5G AMF and 4G MME); in the process of establishing a service transmission channel for the user, it is only responsible for the access module of the control plane network element of the service transmission channel; (2) In this system architecture, the service transport channel is a logical data connection from the UE to the data network (such as the Internet or a private enterprise network), used to transmit user plane data packets between the UE and the data network. The service transport channel control plane network element is mainly responsible for the management of the service transport channel and the control of user plane network elements, etc. In the embodiments of this application, the service transport channel control plane network element that includes both the "access module" and the "anchor module" is defined as the same network function entity, namely the service transport channel control plane network element (for example, in a 5G network, the network function entity used for service transport channel management is the SMF).

[0037] In this application embodiment, for the above-mentioned network function entities, the corresponding network function type is defined, namely the network function type of the service transmission channel control plane network element (for example, in a 5G network, nfType is SMF). The network function type refers to the type of various network functions (NFs) or network entities in the network.

[0038] This application embodiment designs network function service names related to service transport channel management for the "access module" and "anchor module" of the service transport channel control plane network elements. The service name of the network function service is used to identify the services provided by various network functions (NFs) or network entities. For example, in a 5G network, the service name of the network function service provided by the SMF includes Nsmf_PDUSession. In some embodiments, the service names of the network function services corresponding to the "access module" and "anchor module" of the service transport channel control plane network elements include: the access service transport channel management service of the service transport channel control plane network element (e.g., serviceName is nsmf-spdusession) and the anchor service transport channel management service of the service transport channel control plane network element (e.g., serviceName is nsmf-ppdusession). The access service transport channel management service of the service transport channel control plane network element refers to the service related to the service transport channel provided by the "access module" of the service transport channel control plane. The anchor service transport channel management service of the service transport channel control plane network element refers to the service related to the service transport channel provided by the "anchor module" of the service transport channel control plane network element. The service names of the two network function services in this application are used to distinguish between the "access module" and "anchor module" of the control plane network element of the service transport channel during service registration, as well as the corresponding modules for service discovery performed by other network elements. This application utilizes the existing service-oriented framework of the control plane network element of the service transport channel (e.g., SMF) (e.g., SMF and I-SMF have the same nfType) and distinguishes them by the service names of the network function services, which requires minimal modification to the existing standard service-oriented framework and minimal upgrades to the existing network.

[0039] The service transport channel control plane network element consists of two modules: an "access module" and an "anchor module." The "access module" controls the access module of the service transport channel user plane network element that connects to the wireless access network. The "anchor module" controls the anchor module of the service transport channel user plane network element that connects to the external data network. The "anchor module" and "access module" of the service transport channel control plane network element responsible for general user services (such as public network services) are usually integrated into the same service transport channel control plane network element. The "anchor module" and "access module" of the service transport channel control plane network element responsible for dedicated user services (such as private network services) can be located in the same service transport channel control plane network element or distributed in different service transport channel control plane network elements.

[0040] (3) After receiving the request to establish a service transport channel for the user from the access and mobility management network element, the "access module" of the service transport channel control plane network element determines whether the network element can handle this DNN / APN (e.g., S-NSSAI+DNN for 5G, APN for 4G) service, that is, whether it is integrated with the "anchor module" of the corresponding service transport channel control plane network element as the same service transport channel control plane network element. If yes, the function of the "anchor module" of the service transport channel control plane network element is executed; if not, the "anchor module" of the corresponding service transport channel control plane network element is further addressed, and the request message to establish a service transport channel for the user is sent to the corresponding service transport channel control plane network element (including the "anchor module" of the corresponding service transport channel control plane network element).

[0041] (4) The “anchor module” of the control plane network element of the service transmission channel executes the subsequent process of establishing a service transmission channel for the user (similar to the anchor SMF of 5G and the PGW-C / PGW of 4G).

[0042] (5) The user plane network element of the service transmission channel consists of two modules: "access" and "anchor". The "access module" is connected to the radio access network (base station). The "access module" of the service transmission channel control plane network element selects the "access module" of the service transmission channel user plane network element based on user location information (TAI), DNN / APN (e.g., S-NSSAI+DNN for 5G, APN for 4G), and controls the "access module" of the service transmission channel user plane network element to establish the service transmission channel user plane for the user. The "anchor module" of the service transmission channel user plane network element is connected to the external data network. The "anchor module" of the service transmission channel control plane network element selects the "access module" of the service transmission channel user plane network element based on DNN / APN (e.g., S-NSSAI+DNN for 5G, APN for 4G) and / or policy, etc. An "anchor module" is used to control the user plane network element of the service transmission channel to establish the user plane of the service transmission channel for the user. The "anchor module" and "access module" of the user plane network element of the service transmission channel responsible for general user services (such as public network services) are usually integrated into the same user plane network element of the service transmission channel. The "anchor module" and "access module" of the user plane network element of the service transmission channel responsible for user-specific services (such as private network services) can be located in the same user plane network element of the service transmission channel or distributed in different user plane network elements of the service transmission channel. The control plane network element of the service transmission channel (including the "access module" and "anchor module") preferably selects the "access module" and "anchor module" within the same user plane network element of the service transmission channel, that is: the same user plane network element of the service transmission channel that integrates the "access module" and "anchor module".

[0043] In the embodiments of this application, the names such as "access and mobility management network element", "service transport channel control plane network element", "access module of service transport channel control plane network element", "anchor module of service transport channel control plane network element", "network function type of service transport channel control plane network element", "access service transport channel management service of service transport channel control plane network element", "anchor service transport channel management service of service transport channel control plane network element", "access module of service transport channel user plane network element", and "anchor module of service transport channel user plane network element" are merely exemplary names in this application. Different descriptive forms may be used to adapt to different contexts. Without causing ambiguity, they can be understood as essentially implementing their corresponding functions. This application does not impose any restrictions on this, and does not exclude other naming methods or descriptive forms that may appear in future communication systems (such as 6G systems).

[0044] The service-oriented architecture for service transport channel management provided in this application provides network function service names for the "access module" and "anchor module" of the service transport channel control plane network element, respectively, for service transport channel management. These include access service transport channel management service and anchor service transport channel management service for the service transport channel control plane network element. During service registration, the "access module" and "anchor module" of the service transport channel control plane network element can be clearly distinguished by different network function service names. When other network elements perform service discovery of the above two types of network function entities, they can efficiently, concisely, and clearly implement the network element addressing scheme, reducing the processing overhead of access and mobility management network elements and improving the flexibility of anchor point selection.

[0045] The following will combine Figures 2 to 19 This application provides a detailed explanation and description of the service-oriented methods related to service transmission channel management. These methods primarily involve the service registration, service discovery, and service discovery processes of the aforementioned network functional entities. These embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute a limitation thereof.

[0046] Figure 2 A flowchart of a service-oriented method related to service transport channel management, as illustrated in an exemplary embodiment of this application, is provided. This method can be executed by a service transport channel control plane network element (including at least one of the following: an access module and an anchor module), and mainly involves the service registration process of the service transport channel control plane network element.

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown, the service-oriented approach related to the management of this service transmission channel mainly includes the following steps (S201-S202): S201. Send a service registration request message to the network resource database. The registration request message carries the configuration information of the network element of the service transmission channel control plane. The configuration information includes: network function type, service name of network function service and unique attributes. In some embodiments, the network resource database is, for example, an NRF. The service registration request message sent by the service transport channel control plane network element to the network resource database should include the configuration information of the network function entity. This configuration information should include all the information required by the network resource database for the discovery of the network function entity.

[0048] S202. Receive the service registration success response message returned by the network resource database.

[0049] In some embodiments, after receiving a service registration request message from the access module of a service transmission channel control plane network element, the network resource database stores the configuration information of the network function entity and returns a registration success response message.

[0050] Figure 3 A flowchart of a service-oriented method related to service transport channel management, as illustrated in an exemplary embodiment of this application, is provided. This method can be executed by a network resource database and mainly involves the service registration process of network elements in the control plane of the service transport channel.

[0051] like Figure 3 As shown, the service-oriented approach related to the management of this service transmission channel mainly includes the following steps (S301-S302): S301. Receive a service registration request message sent by the service transmission channel control plane network element. The registration request message carries the configuration information of the service transmission channel control plane network element. The configuration information includes: network function type, service name of network function service and unique attributes. S302. Return a service registration success response message to the service transmission channel control plane network element.

[0052] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The illustrated embodiment implements the process of service registration in the network resource database by the access module of the control plane network element of the service transport channel under the new service-oriented architecture for service transport channel management.

[0053] In this embodiment, when other network function entities perform service registration, their configuration information can follow existing standards. There are three methods for service transport channel control plane network elements to register with the network resource database. The following detailed explanation of the configuration information of the service transport channel control plane network elements in these three methods is provided in conjunction with specific embodiments.

[0054] Method 1: In Method 1, in some embodiments, the service transport channel control plane network element includes: an access module and an anchor module, whose configuration information should include the following attributes: (1) The network function type (e.g., nfType) is the service transport channel control plane network element (e.g., SMF); (2) The service name (e.g., serviceName) of the network function service (e.g., NFService) is the access service transport channel management service (e.g., nsmf-spdusession) of the service transport channel control plane network element and the anchor service transport channel management service (e.g., nsmf-ppdusession) of the service transport channel control plane network element. In this embodiment, the access service transport channel management service is provided by the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element, and the anchor service transport channel management service is provided by the anchor module of the service transport channel control plane network element.

[0055] (3) The unique attributes of the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element include: the service area information of the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element. A unique attribute refers to information about a specific network function (NF) or network entity. For example, in a 5G network, the unique attribute of an SMF is SMFInfo. The service area information of the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element refers to the location where the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element can provide services, including a list of its service area, service location, or service range. For example, in a 5G network, the service area information of an SMF is represented by taiList or taiRangeList.

[0056] In some embodiments, the unique attributes of the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element further include: service transport channel name identification information. The service transport channel name identification information is used to identify the external data network that the UE wants to access. Based on this information, the external data network can select the anchor module of the service transport channel control plane network element and the anchor module of the service transport channel user plane network element, and determine the applicable policies, etc. Examples include the DNN used in 5G networks and the Access Point Name (APN) used in 4G networks. The service transport channel name identification information is only required as a unique attribute of the access module in scenarios where it is necessary to select the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element capable of serving a specific service.

[0057] (4) The unique attributes of the anchor module of the control plane network element of the service transmission channel (e.g., P-SmfInfo) include: service transmission channel name identification information, such as: DNN used in 5G network and Access Point Name (APN) used in 4G network.

[0058] (5) Other attributes: Follow existing standards.

[0059] The attributes included in the configuration information in this application embodiment, such as "network function type", "service name of network function service", "unique attribute", "service area information", "service transmission channel name identification information", "network resource database" and "name of other attributes following existing standards", are merely exemplary names in this application. Different descriptive forms may be adopted to adapt to different contexts. Without causing ambiguity, they can be understood as essentially implementing their corresponding functions. This application does not impose any restrictions on this and does not exclude other naming methods or descriptive forms that may appear in future communication systems (such as 6G systems).

[0060] Furthermore, the description of similar configuration information attributes will also be discussed below. Again, this is merely an exemplary naming convention of this application, and this application does not limit it. Other naming methods or description forms that may appear in future communication systems (such as 6G systems) are not excluded.

[0061] The configuration information of the control plane network element of the aforementioned service transmission channel can identify the identity of the access module and anchor point module of the control plane network element, so as to complete the service registration in the network resource database.

[0062] Method 2: In Method 2, in some embodiments, the service transport channel control plane network element includes: an access module, whose configuration information should include the following attributes: (1) The network function type (e.g., nfType) is the service transport channel control plane network element (e.g., SMF); (2) The service name (e.g., serviceName) of the network function service (e.g., NFService) is the access service transport channel management service (e.g., nsmf-spdusession) of the service transport channel control plane network element. In this embodiment, the access service transport channel management service is provided by the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element.

[0063] (3) The unique attributes of the access module of the service transmission channel control plane network element include: the service area information of the access module of the service transmission channel control plane network element. For example, in a 5G network, the service area information of the SMF is represented by taiList or taiRangeList.

[0064] In some embodiments, the unique attributes of the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element further include: service transport channel name identification information, such as the DNN used in 5G networks and the Access Point Name (APN) used in 4G networks. The service transport channel name identification information must be included in the unique attributes of the access module only for scenarios where it is necessary to select the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element capable of serving a specific service.

[0065] (4) Other attributes: Follow existing standards.

[0066] The configuration information of the control plane network element of the aforementioned service transmission channel can identify the identity of the access module of that control plane network element, thereby completing the service registration in the network resource database.

[0067] Method 3: In Method 3, in some embodiments, the service transport channel control plane network element includes: an anchor module, whose configuration information should include the following attributes: (1) The network function type (e.g., nfType) is the service transport channel control plane network element (e.g., SMF); (2) The service name (e.g., serviceName) of the network function service (e.g., NFService) is the anchor service transport channel management service (e.g., psmf-ppdusession) of the service transport channel control plane network element. In this embodiment, the anchor service transport channel management service is provided by the anchor module of the service transport channel control plane network element.

[0068] (3) The unique attributes of the anchor module of the control plane network element of the service transmission channel (e.g., P-SmfInfo) include: service transmission channel name identification information, such as: DNN used in 5G network and Access Point Name (APN) used in 4G network.

[0069] (4) Other attributes: Follow existing standards.

[0070] The configuration information of the control plane network element of the aforementioned service transmission channel can identify the identity of the anchor module of that control plane network element, thereby completing the service registration in the network resource database.

[0071] Figure 4 A flowchart of a service-oriented method related to service transport channel management is shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application. This method can be executed by a network function entity under the service-oriented architecture of service transport channel management, and mainly involves the service discovery and discovery process of the network function entity.

[0072] like Figure 4As shown, the service-oriented method related to the management of this service transmission channel is applied to the source network functional entity and mainly includes the following steps (S401-S402): S401. Send a service discovery request message to the network resource database. The service discovery request message carries query parameters, which include: the network function type of the source network function entity, the network function type of the target network function entity, the service name of the target network function service, and matching parameters. S402, Receive the service discovery request response returned by the network resource database.

[0073] In the service transport channel management process, the source network function entity (ANF) needs to select the target ANF. Therefore, the source ANF (e.g., AMF) proactively sends a service discovery request message to the network resource database (e.g., NRF), including the required query parameters (i.e., the conditions used by the network resource database to filter suitable target ANFs). After receiving the service discovery request from the source ANF, the network resource database filters target ANFs (e.g., S-SMFs) that meet the query parameters.

[0074] This application embodiment realizes a process in which the source network function entity discovers services for the target network function entity through the network resource database under the new service-oriented architecture for service management of the service-oriented service channel.

[0075] Figure 5 A flowchart of a service-oriented method related to service transport channel management, as illustrated in an exemplary embodiment of this application, is shown. This method can be executed by a network resource database and mainly involves the service discovery and discovery process of network functional entities under the service-oriented architecture of service transport channel management.

[0076] like Figure 5 As shown, the service-oriented approach related to the management of this service transmission channel mainly includes the following steps (S501-S502): S501. Receive a service discovery request message sent by a source network function entity. The service discovery request message carries query parameters, which include: the network function type of the source network function entity, the network function type of the target network function entity, the service name of the target network function service, and matching parameters. S502. Return a service discovery request response to the source network functional entity.

[0077] The specific implementation of the service discovery and discovery process for network functional entities in the above embodiments has been described in [the document / document / etc.]. Figure 4 The service-oriented method embodiment for service transport channel management applied to the source network functional entity is described in detail here and will not be elaborated further.

[0078] This application embodiment realizes a process in which the source network function entity discovers services for the target network function entity through the network resource database under the new service-oriented architecture for service management of the service-oriented service channel.

[0079] Figure 6 A flowchart of a service-oriented method related to service transport channel management is shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application. This method can be executed by a network function entity under the service-oriented architecture of service transport channel management, and mainly involves the service discovery and discovery process of the network function entity.

[0080] like Figure 6 As shown, the service-oriented method related to the management of this service transmission channel is applied to the source network functional entity and mainly includes the following steps (S601-S602): S601. Send a service discovery request message to the network resource database. The service discovery request message carries query parameters, which include: the network function type of the source network function entity, the network function type of the target network function entity, and matching parameters. S602, Receive the service discovery request response returned by the network resource database.

[0081] In the service transport channel management process, the source network function entity needs to select a target network function entity or a target network function entity service module. Therefore, the source network function entity (e.g., AMF) proactively sends a service discovery request message to the network resource database (e.g., NRF), including the required query parameters (i.e., the conditions used by the network resource database to filter suitable target network function entities). After receiving the service discovery request from the source network function entity, the network resource database filters target network function entities or target network function entity service modules (e.g., access modules of control plane network elements in the service transport channel) that meet the query parameters.

[0082] This application embodiment realizes a process in which the source network function entity discovers services for the target network function entity through the network resource database under the new service-oriented architecture for service management of the service-oriented service channel.

[0083] Figure 7 A flowchart of a service-oriented method related to service transport channel management, as illustrated in an exemplary embodiment of this application, is shown. This method can be executed by a network resource database and mainly involves the service discovery and discovery process of network functional entities under the service-oriented architecture of service transport channel management.

[0084] like Figure 7 As shown, the service-oriented approach related to the management of this service transmission channel mainly includes the following steps (S701-S702): S701. Receive a service discovery request message sent by a source network function entity. The service discovery request message carries query parameters, which include: the network function type of the source network function entity, the network function type of the target network function entity, and matching parameters. S702. Return a service discovery request response to the source network functional entity.

[0085] The specific implementation of the service discovery and discovery process for network functional entities in the above embodiments has been described in [the document / document / etc.]. Figure 6 The service-oriented method embodiment for service transport channel management applied to the source network functional entity is described in detail here and will not be elaborated further.

[0086] This application embodiment realizes a process in which the source network function entity discovers services for the target network function entity through the network resource database under the new service-oriented architecture for service management of the service-oriented service channel.

[0087] The following describes, with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, the process of initiating service discovery for different target network functional entities from different source network functional entities to the network resource database. Example 1: Service discovery process of the "access module" of the access and mobility management network element executing the service transport channel control plane network element. Figure 8 This application illustrates a flowchart of a service discovery process in the access module of an access and mobility management network element performing a service transport channel control plane network element, as shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0088] like Figure 8 As shown, the access and mobility management network element executes the service discovery process of the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element. It is applied to the access and mobility management network element and mainly includes the following steps (S801-S802): S801. The access and mobility management network element sends a service discovery request message to the network resource database. The service discovery request message carries query parameters, which include: the network function type of the source network function entity, the network function type of the target network function entity, the service name of the target network function service, and matching parameters. In some embodiments, the network resource database is, for example, an NRF. The service discovery request message sent by the access and mobility management network element to the network resource database should include query parameters. These query parameters should contain all the information required by the network resource database to discover the service module of the target network function entity.

[0089] In some embodiments, the query parameters carried by the service discovery module of the access and mobility management network element performing the service transport channel control plane network element include: (1) The network function type (e.g., requester-nf-type) of the source network function entity is an access and mobility management network element, such as AMF; (2) The network function type (e.g., target-nf-type) of the target network function entity is a service transport channel control plane network element (e.g., SMF). (3) The service name (e.g., serviceName) of the network function service (e.g., NFService) is the access service transport channel management service (e.g., nsmf-ppdusession) of the service transport channel control plane network element. In this embodiment, the access service transport channel management service of the service transport channel control plane network element is used to indicate the access module of the service discovery service transport channel control plane network element.

[0090] (4) The matching parameters include at least one of the following: user location, such as TAI.

[0091] In some embodiments, the matching parameters may further include: service transport channel name identification information, such as the DNN used in 5G networks and the Access Point Name (APN) used in 4G networks. Only for scenarios where it is necessary to select the access module of the control plane network element of the service transport channel that can serve a specific service, the service discovery query parameters need to include information identifying the service transport channel.

[0092] (5) Other attributes: Follow existing standards.

[0093] The attributes included in the query parameters in this application embodiment, such as "network function type of the source network function entity", "network function type of the target network function entity", "matching parameters", "user location", "service name of network function service", "access service transmission channel management service", and "name of other attributes following existing standards", are merely exemplary names in this application. Different descriptive forms may be adopted to adapt to different contexts. Without causing ambiguity, they can be understood as essentially implementing their corresponding functions. This application does not impose any restrictions on this, and does not exclude other naming methods or descriptive forms that may appear in future communication systems (such as 6G systems).

[0094] Furthermore, the following text will also involve descriptions of similar query parameter attributes, such as "anchor point service transmission channel management service," etc. Again, these are merely exemplary names in this application, and this application does not impose any limitations on them. It does not exclude other naming methods or description forms that may appear in future communication systems (such as 6G systems).

[0095] The query parameters carried by the aforementioned access and mobility management network elements can identify the access modules of the service transport channel control plane network elements, thereby enabling the network resource database to discover the service access modules of the service transport channel control plane network elements.

[0096] S802, Receive the service discovery request response returned by the network resource database.

[0097] In some embodiments, the service discovery request response returned by the network resource database includes: after confirming that the network function type of the source network function entity is an access and mobility management network element, the network function type of the target network function entity is a service transport channel control plane network element, and the service name of the target network function service is the access service transport channel management service of the service transport channel control plane network element, the network resource database matches the access module of the target service transport channel control plane network element based on the matching parameters.

[0098] In some embodiments, the access module of the control plane network element of the target service transport channel matched based on the matching parameters includes at least one of the following: (1) Based on the user location included in the matching parameters, the access module of the target service transmission channel control plane network element that can provide services at the user location is matched; (2) Based on the user location and service transmission channel name identification information contained in the matching parameters, the access module that can provide services at the user location and can serve the target service transmission channel control plane network element of the service channel name identification is matched.

[0099] Figure 9 This application illustrates a flowchart of a service discovery process in the access module of an access and mobility management network element performing a service transport channel control plane network element, as shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0100] In some embodiments, such as Figure 9 As shown, the access and mobility management network element executes the service discovery process of the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element, which is applied to the network resource database, and specifically includes the following steps (S901-S904): S901. Receive a service discovery request message sent by the access and mobility management network element. The service discovery request message carries query parameters, including: the network function type of the source network function entity, the network function type of the target network function entity, the service name of the target network function service, and matching parameters.

[0101] The detailed description and implementation of the query parameters carried by the service discovery module of the access and mobility management network element's service delivery channel control plane network element have been described in [the relevant documentation / documentation]. Figure 6The service discovery process of the access module of the access and mobility management network element executing the service transmission channel control plane network element is described in detail in the embodiment shown, and will not be elaborated here.

[0102] S902. Confirm that the network function type of the source network function entity is an access and mobility management network element; the network function type of the target network function entity is a service transport channel control plane network element; and confirm that the service name (e.g., serviceName) of the target network function service is the access service transport channel management service (e.g., nsmf-spdusession) of the service transport channel control plane network element.

[0103] S903. Based on the matching parameters, match the access modules of the control plane network elements of the target service transmission channel; Case 1: If the matching parameters only include the user location, then match the access module of the target service transmission channel control plane network element that can provide services at that user location; Case 2: If the matching parameters include user location information and service transmission channel name identification information (e.g., DNN used in 5G networks, APN used in 4G networks), then the matching module is an access module that can provide services at the user location and can serve the target service transmission channel control plane network element identified by the service channel name.

[0104] In some embodiments, the access module of the control plane network element of the target service transport channel matched based on the matching parameters includes at least one of the following: (1) Based on the user location included in the matching parameters, the access module of the target service transmission channel control plane network element that can provide services at the user location is matched; (2) Based on the user location and service transmission channel name identification information contained in the matching parameters, the access module that can provide services at the user location and can serve the target service transmission channel control plane network element of the service channel name identification is matched.

[0105] S904. Return a service discovery request response to the access and mobility management network element. The service discovery request response includes: configuration information of the access module of the target service transport channel control plane network element matched based on the matching parameters.

[0106] Therefore, this application embodiment realizes the process of service discovery of the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element by the access and mobility management network element under the new service-oriented architecture of service transport channel management.

[0107] Example 2: The access module of the service transport channel control plane network element executes the service discovery process of the anchor point module of the service transport channel control plane network element. Figure 10This application illustrates a flowchart of a service discovery process performed by the access module of a service transport channel control plane network element in an exemplary embodiment of the present application, whereby the service discovery process is executed by the anchor module of the service transport channel control plane network element.

[0108] like Figure 10 As shown, the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element executes the service discovery process of the anchor module of the service transport channel control plane network element. This process is applied to the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element and mainly includes the following steps (S1001-S1002): S1001. Send a service discovery request message to the network resource database. The service discovery request message carries query parameters, which include: the network function type of the source network function entity, the network function type of the target network function entity, the service name of the target network function service, and matching parameters. In some embodiments, the network resource database is, for example, an NRF. The service discovery request message sent by the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element to the network resource database should include query parameters. These query parameters should contain all the information required for the network resource database to discover the target network function entity.

[0109] In some embodiments, the query parameters carried by the service discovery function of the anchor module of the service transport channel control plane network element, executed by the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element, include: (1) The network function type (e.g., requester-nf-type) of the source network function entity is a service transport channel control plane network element, such as SMF; (2) The network function type (e.g., target-nf-type) of the target network function entity is a service transport channel control plane network element (e.g., SMF). (3) The service name (e.g., serviceName) of the network function service (e.g., NFService) is the anchor point service transport channel management service (e.g., nsmf-ppdusession) of the service transport channel control plane network element. In this embodiment, the anchor point service transport channel management service of the service transport channel control plane network element is used to indicate the anchor point module of the service transport channel control plane network element that needs service discovery.

[0110] (4) Matching parameters include: service transmission channel name identification information, such as DNN used in 5G network and APN used in 4G network.

[0111] (5) Other attributes: Follow existing standards.

[0112] The query parameters carried by the access module of the aforementioned service transmission channel control plane network element can identify the anchor module of the service transmission channel control plane network element, thereby enabling the network resource database to discover the service of the anchor module of the service transmission channel control plane network element.

[0113] S1002, Receive the service discovery request response returned by the network resource database.

[0114] In some embodiments, the service discovery request response returned by the network resource database includes: after confirming that the network function type of the source network function entity is a service transport channel control plane network element, the network function type of the target network function entity is a service transport channel control plane network element, and the service name of the target network function service is the anchor service transport channel management service of the service transport channel control plane network element, the network resource database matches the configuration information of the anchor module of the target service transport channel control plane network element based on the matching parameters.

[0115] In some embodiments, the anchor point module for the target service transport channel control plane network element matched based on the matching parameters includes: an anchor point module for matching the target service transport channel control plane network element that can serve the service channel name identifier based on the service transport channel name identifier information.

[0116] In some embodiments, the configuration information of the anchor module of the target service transport channel control plane network element includes at least one of the following: priority and static capacity; after step S1002, the method provided in this application embodiment further includes: selecting an anchor module of a service transport channel control plane network element from among multiple anchor modules of the target service transport channel control plane network element as the selected anchor module of the target service transport channel control plane network element according to the configuration information of the anchor module of the target service transport channel control plane network element. Therefore, by performing service discovery of the anchor module of the service transport channel control plane network element through the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element, the processing overhead of the access and mobility management network elements is reduced, and the flexibility of anchor selection is improved.

[0117] In some embodiments, such as Figure 11 As shown, the access module of the control plane network element of the service transmission channel executes the service discovery process of the anchor module of the control plane network element of the service transmission channel, which is applied to the network resource database, and specifically includes the following steps (S1101-S1104): S1101. Receive a service discovery request message sent by the access module of the control plane network element of the service transmission channel. The service discovery request message carries query parameters, including: the network function type of the source network function entity, the network function type of the target network function entity, the service name of the target network function service, and matching parameters.

[0118] The specific description and implementation details of the query parameters carried by the service discovery function of the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element, which executes the anchor module of the service transport channel control plane network element, are already available in [the relevant documentation / documentation]. Figure 8 The service discovery process of the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element executing the anchor module of the service transport channel control plane network element is described in detail in the embodiment shown, and will not be elaborated here.

[0119] S1102. Confirm that the network function type of the source network function entity is a service transport channel control plane element; confirm that the network function type of the target network function entity is a service transport channel control plane element; confirm that the service name (e.g., serviceName) of the target network function service is the anchor service transport channel management service (e.g., nsmf-ppdusession) of the service transport channel control plane element.

[0120] S1103. Based on the matching parameters, match the anchor point modules of the control plane network elements of the target service transmission channel; That is, based on the service transmission channel name identification information (e.g., DNN used in 5G networks, APN used in 4G networks), the anchor module that can serve the target service transmission channel control plane network element that is identified by the service channel name is matched.

[0121] In some embodiments, the anchor point module for the target service transport channel control plane network element matched based on the matching parameters includes: an anchor point module for matching the target service transport channel control plane network element that can serve the service channel name identifier based on the service transport channel name identifier information.

[0122] S1104. Return a service discovery request response to the access module of the control plane network element of the service transport channel. The service discovery request response includes: the configuration information of the anchor module of the target service transport channel control plane network element matched based on the matching parameters.

[0123] This application embodiment implements the service discovery process of the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element executing the anchor point module of the service transport channel control plane network element under the new service-oriented architecture for service management of the service transport channel.

[0124] Example 3: The access module of the control plane network element of the service transmission channel executes the service discovery process of the user data network element. Figure 12 This application illustrates a flowchart of a service discovery process performed by an access module of a service transport channel control plane network element in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0125] like Figure 12As shown, the access module of the control plane network element of the service transmission channel executes the service discovery process of the user data network element. This process is applied to the access module of the control plane network element of the service transmission channel and mainly includes the following steps (S1201-S1202): S1201, The access module of the control plane network element of the service transmission channel sends a service discovery request message to the network resource database. The service discovery request message carries query parameters, including: the network function type of the source network function entity, the network function type of the target network function entity, and matching parameters. In some embodiments, the network resource database is, for example, an NRF. The service discovery request message sent by the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element to the network resource database should include query parameters. These query parameters should contain all the information required for the network resource database to discover the target network function entity.

[0126] In some embodiments, the query parameters carried by the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element when performing service discovery of the user data network element include: (1) The network function type (e.g., requester-nf-type) of the source network function entity is a service transport channel control plane network element, such as SMF; (2) The network function type (e.g., target-nf-type) of the target network function entity is a user data network element, such as Unified Data Management (UDM). (3) Matching parameters include: user identification information, such as SubscriptionPermanent Identifier (SUPI) and Generic Public Subscription Identifier (GPSI).

[0127] (4) In some embodiments, the query parameters also include: the service name of the network function service (e.g., NFService) (e.g., serviceName), and the service name of the network function service includes: the subscription data management service of the user data network element, such as the subscription data management service Nudm_SDM of UDM.

[0128] (5) Other attributes: Follow existing standards.

[0129] The attributes included in the query parameters in this application embodiment, such as “user identification information”, “subscribed data management service of user data network element” and “unique identification information of user data network element”, are merely exemplary names in this application. Different descriptive forms may be adopted to adapt to different contexts. Without causing ambiguity, they can be understood as essentially implementing their corresponding functions. This application does not impose any restrictions on this, and does not exclude other naming methods or descriptive forms that may appear in future communication systems (such as 6G systems).

[0130] Furthermore, the following descriptions of similar query parameter attributes are also included. Again, these are merely exemplary names used in this application, and this application does not impose any limitations on them. Other naming methods or descriptive forms that may appear in future communication systems (such as 6G systems) are not excluded.

[0131] The query parameters carried by the access module of the control plane network element through the aforementioned service transmission channel can identify the user data network element, thereby completing the service discovery of the user data network element by the network resource database.

[0132] S1202, Receive the service discovery request response returned by the network resource database.

[0133] In some embodiments, the service discovery request response returned by the network resource database includes: configuration information of the target user data network element matched based on the matching parameters.

[0134] In some embodiments, the configuration information of the target user data network element includes priority. After step S1202, the method provided in this application embodiment further includes: selecting a target user data network element with higher priority from multiple target user data network elements based on the configuration information of the target user data network element. Under normal circumstances, a high-priority primary user data network element is selected; in the event of a failure of the primary user data network element, a backup user data network element is selected. Thus, by performing service discovery of the target user data network element through the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element, the processing overhead of the access and mobility management network elements is reduced.

[0135] Figure 13 This application illustrates a flowchart of a service discovery process performed by an access module of a service transport channel control plane network element in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0136] In some embodiments, such as Figure 13 As shown, the access module of the control plane network element of this service transmission channel executes the service discovery process of the user data network element, which is applied to the network resource database, and specifically includes the following steps (S1301-S1304): S1301. Receive a service discovery request message sent by the access module of the control plane network element of the service transmission channel. The service discovery request message carries query parameters, including: the network function type of the source network function entity, the network function type of the target network function entity, and matching parameters.

[0137] The specific description and implementation details of the query parameters carried by the access module of the control plane network element in the service discovery process of the user data network element have been provided in [the relevant documentation / documentation]. Figure 12 The service discovery process of the user data network element executed by the access module of the control plane network element of the service transmission channel shown in the embodiment is described in detail and will not be elaborated here.

[0138] S1302. Confirm that the network function type of the source network function entity is a service transmission channel control plane network element; confirm that the network function type of the target network function entity is a user data network element.

[0139] S1303. Based on the matching parameters, match the target user's data network elements; That is, based on user identification information (e.g., SUPI, GPSI), the target user data network element to which the user belongs is matched.

[0140] S1304. Return a service discovery request response to the access module of the control plane network element of the service transmission channel. The service discovery request response includes: configuration information of the target user data network element matched based on the matching parameters.

[0141] This application embodiment implements the process of service discovery of user data network elements by the access module of the control plane network element of the service transport channel under the new service-oriented architecture of service transport channel management.

[0142] Example 4: The access module of the service transmission channel control plane network element executes the service discovery process of the user policy control network element. Figure 14 This application illustrates a flowchart of a service discovery process performed by an access module of a service transport channel control plane network element in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0143] like Figure 14 As shown, the access module of the control plane network element of the service transmission channel executes the service discovery process of the user policy control network element. This process is applied to the access module of the control plane network element of the service transmission channel and mainly includes the following steps (S1401-S1402): S1401, The access module of the control plane network element of the service transmission channel sends a service discovery request message to the network resource database. The service discovery request message carries query parameters, including: the network function type of the source network function entity, the network function type of the target network function entity, and matching parameters. In some embodiments, the network resource database is, for example, an NRF. The service discovery request message sent by the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element to the network resource database should include query parameters. These query parameters should contain all the information required for the network resource database to discover the target network function entity.

[0144] In some embodiments, the query parameters carried by the service discovery function of the service transport channel control plane network element in the access module include: (1) The network function type (e.g., requester-nf-type) of the source network function entity is a service transport channel control plane network element, such as SMF; (2) The network function type (e.g., target-nf-type) of the target network function entity is a user policy control network element, such as a policy control function (PCF). (3) Matching parameters include: service area information, for example, servingScope.

[0145] In some embodiments, the matching parameter further includes: service transport channel name identification information, for example, servingScope+IMS DNN. This matching parameter is only required for the service types corresponding to certain service transport channel name identifiers.

[0146] In some embodiments, the matching parameter further includes: network function entity identification information of the user policy control network element. For example, the nfInstanceid of the target PCF. This matching parameter can be used as needed when the unique identification information of the target user policy control network element is obtained from the access and mobility management network element.

[0147] (4) In some embodiments, the query parameters further include: the service name of the network function service (e.g., NFService) (e.g., serviceName), the service name of the network function service includes: the policy control service of the user policy control network element, for example, the policy control service related to session management of PCF npcf-smpolicycontrol.

[0148] (5) Other attributes: Follow existing standards.

[0149] The attributes included in the query parameters in this application embodiment, such as “user policy control network element”, “network function entity identification information of user policy control network element”, and “policy control service of user policy control network element”, are merely exemplary names in this application. Different descriptive forms may be adopted to adapt to different contexts. Without causing ambiguity, they can be understood as essentially implementing their corresponding functions. This application does not impose any restrictions on this, and does not exclude other naming methods or descriptive forms that may appear in future communication systems (such as 6G systems).

[0150] Furthermore, the following descriptions of similar query parameter attributes are also included. Again, these are merely exemplary names used in this application, and this application does not impose any limitations on them. Other naming methods or descriptive forms that may appear in future communication systems (such as 6G systems) are not excluded.

[0151] The query parameters carried by the access module of the control plane network element through the above-mentioned service transmission channel can identify the user policy control network element, so as to complete the service discovery of the user policy control network element by the network resource database.

[0152] S1402, Receive the service discovery request response returned by the network resource database.

[0153] In some embodiments, the service discovery request response returned by the network resource database includes: configuration information of the target user policy control network element matched based on the matching parameters.

[0154] In some embodiments, the target user policy control network element matched based on the matching parameters includes at least one of the following: (1) Match the target user policy control network element that can provide services based on the service area information contained in the matching parameters; (2) Based on the service area information and service transmission channel name identification information contained in the matching parameters, the target user policy control network element that can provide services in the service area information and can serve the service channel name identification is matched; (3) The target user policy control network element matched based on the network function entity identification information of the user policy control network element contained in the matching parameters, wherein the network function entity identification information of the user policy control network element is the unique identification information of the target user policy control network element obtained from the access and mobility management network element.

[0155] In some embodiments, the configuration information of the target user policy control network element includes at least one of the following: priority and static capacity; after step S1402, the method provided in this application embodiment further includes: (1) In response to the target user policy control network element matched based on the network function entity identification information of the user policy control network element, use the target user policy control network element, or, (2) In response to a target user policy control network element matched based on service area information or service area information and service transport channel name identification information, a target user policy control network element is selected from multiple target user policy control network elements according to its configuration information, and / or, the same target user policy control network element obtained from the access and mobility management network element is selected from multiple target user policy control network elements. Thus, service discovery of the target user policy control network element is performed by the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element, reducing the processing overhead of the access and mobility management network element.

[0156] Figure 15 This application illustrates a flowchart of a service discovery process performed by an access module of a service transport channel control plane network element in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0157] like Figure 15 As shown, the access module of the control plane network element of this service transmission channel executes the service discovery process of the user policy control network element, which is applied to the network resource database, and specifically includes the following steps (S1501-S1504): S1501. Receive a service discovery request message sent by the access module of the control plane network element of the service transmission channel. The service discovery request message carries query parameters, including: the network function type of the source network function entity, the network function type of the target network function entity, and matching parameters.

[0158] The specific description and implementation details of the query parameters carried by the service discovery function of the service transport channel control plane network element's access module, which executes user policy control network element services, are already available in [the relevant documentation / implementation details]. Figure 14 The service discovery process of the access module of the service transmission channel control plane network element, which executes the user policy control network element, is described in detail in the embodiment shown, and will not be elaborated here.

[0159] S1502. Confirm that the network function type of the source network function entity is a service transmission channel control plane network element; confirm that the network function type of the target network function entity is a user policy control network element.

[0160] S1503. Based on the matching parameters, match the target user policy control network elements; Scenario 1: Match the target user policy control network element based on service area information (e.g., servingScope).

[0161] Scenario 2: Match the target user policy control network element based on service area information and service transmission channel name identifier information (e.g., servingScope + IMSDNN). Only for certain service channel name identifiers (e.g., IMS DNN) corresponding to specific service types (e.g., voice services), the target user policy control network element needs to be selected based on the above matching parameters.

[0162] Scenario 3: The target user policy control network element is matched based on its unique identifier (e.g., the nfInstanceid of the target PCF). The network function entity identifier of the target user policy control network element can be obtained from the access and mobility management network element.

[0163] In some embodiments, the target user policy control network element matched based on the matching parameters includes at least one of the following: (1) Match the target user policy control network element that can provide services based on the service area information contained in the matching parameters; (2) Based on the service area information and service transmission channel name identification information contained in the matching parameters, the target user policy control network element that can provide services in the service area information and can serve the service channel name identification is matched; (3) The target user policy control network element matched based on the network function entity identification information of the user policy control network element contained in the matching parameters, wherein the network function entity identification information of the user policy control network element is the unique identification information of the target user policy control network element obtained from the access and mobility management network element.

[0164] S1504. Return a service discovery request response to the access module of the control plane network element of the service transmission channel. The service discovery request response includes: configuration information of the target user policy control network element matched based on the matching parameters.

[0165] This application embodiment implements the process of service discovery by the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element in the new service-oriented architecture for service transport channel management, where the user policy control network element performs the service discovery process.

[0166] Example 5: The anchor point module of the service transmission channel control plane network element executes the service discovery process of the user data network element. Figure 16 This application illustrates a flowchart of a service discovery process performed by an anchor module of a service transport channel control plane network element in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0167] like Figure 16As shown, the anchor module of the control plane network element of the service transmission channel executes the service discovery process of the user data network element. It is applied to the anchor module of the control plane network element of the service transmission channel and mainly includes the following steps (S1601-S1602): S1601, The anchor module of the control plane network element of the service transmission channel sends a service discovery request message to the network resource database. The service discovery request message carries query parameters, which include: the network function type of the source network function entity, the network function type of the target network function entity, and matching parameters. In some embodiments, the network resource database is, for example, an NRF. The service discovery request message sent by the anchor module of the service transport channel control plane network element to the network resource database should include query parameters. These query parameters should contain all the information required for the network resource database to discover the target network function entity.

[0168] In some embodiments, the query parameters carried by the anchor module of the service transport channel control plane network element in performing service discovery of the user data network element include: (1) The network function type (e.g., requester-nf-type) of the source network function entity is a service transport channel control plane network element, such as SMF; (2) The network function type (e.g., target-nf-type) of the target network function entity is a user data network element, such as UDM; (3) Matching parameters include: user identification information, such as SUPI and GPSI.

[0169] In some embodiments, the matching parameters further include: a unique identifier of the user data network element, such as the FQDN of the UDM or the instance ID of the UDM. If the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element does not provide the unique identifier information of the user data network element to the anchor module of the service transport channel control plane network element, the matching parameters should include user identifier information; if the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element provides the unique identifier information of the user data network element to the anchor module of the service transport channel control plane network element, then the unique identifier can be used as a query parameter.

[0170] (4) In some embodiments, the query parameters also include: the service name of the network function service (e.g., NFService) (e.g., serviceName), and the service name of the network function service includes: the subscription data management service of the user data network element.

[0171] (5) Other attributes: Follow existing standards.

[0172] The query parameters carried by the anchor module of the control plane network element through the aforementioned service transmission channel can identify user data network elements, thereby completing the service discovery of user data network elements by the network resource database.

[0173] S1602. Receive the service discovery request response returned by the network resource database.

[0174] In some embodiments, the service discovery request response returned by the network resource database includes: configuration information of the target user data network element matched based on the matching parameters.

[0175] In some embodiments, the target user data network element matched based on the matching parameters includes at least one of the following: The target user's data network element is matched based on the user identification information contained in the matching parameters; The target user data network element is matched based on the unique identifier of the user data network element contained in the matching parameters.

[0176] In some embodiments, the configuration information of the target user data network element includes at least one of the following: priority; after step S1602, the method provided in this application embodiment further includes: selecting a target user data network element with higher priority from multiple target user data network elements as the selected target user data network element according to the configuration information of the target user data network element. Under normal circumstances, a high-priority primary user data network element is selected; in the event of a failure of the primary user data network element, a backup user data network element is selected. Thus, by performing service discovery of the target user data network element through the anchor module of the service transport channel control plane network element, the processing overhead of the access and mobility management network elements is reduced.

[0177] Figure 17 This application illustrates a flowchart of a service discovery process performed by an anchor module of a service transport channel control plane network element in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0178] like Figure 17 As shown, the anchor module of the control plane network element of this service transmission channel executes the service discovery process of the user data network element, which is applied to the network resource database, and specifically includes the following steps (S1701-S1704): S1701. Receive a service discovery request message sent by the anchor module of the control plane network element of the service transmission channel. The service discovery request message carries query parameters, including: the network function type of the source network function entity, the network function type of the target network function entity, and matching parameters.

[0179] The anchor module of the service transport channel control plane network element executes the service discovery of the user data network element. Specific descriptions and implementation methods of the query parameters carried by these parameters are already available in [the relevant documentation / documentation]. Figure 16The anchor point module of the service transmission channel control plane network element shown in the embodiment executes the service discovery process of the user data network element in detail, and will not be elaborated here.

[0180] S1702. Confirm that the network function type of the source network function entity is a service transmission channel control plane network element; confirm that the network function type of the target network function entity is a user data network element.

[0181] S1703. Based on the matching parameters, match the target user's data network elements; That is, based on user identification information (e.g., SUPI, GPSI) or unique identification information of user data network element (e.g., UDM's FQDN, UDM's instance ID), the target user data network element to which the user belongs is matched.

[0182] In some embodiments, the target user data network element matched based on the matching parameters includes at least one of the following: The target user's data network element is matched based on the user identification information contained in the matching parameters; The target user data network element is matched based on the unique identifier of the user data network element contained in the matching parameters.

[0183] S1704. Return a service discovery request response to the access module of the control plane network element of the service transmission channel. The service discovery request response includes: configuration information of the target user data network element matched based on the matching parameters.

[0184] This application embodiment implements the process of service discovery of user data network elements by the anchor module of the control plane network element of the service transport channel under the new service-oriented architecture for service transport channel management.

[0185] Example 6: The anchor point module of the service transport channel control plane network element executes the service discovery process of the user policy control network element. Figure 18 This application illustrates a flowchart of a service discovery process performed by an anchor module of a service transport channel control plane network element in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0186] like Figure 18 As shown, the anchor module of the control plane network element of the service transmission channel executes the service discovery process of the user policy control network element. It is applied to the anchor module of the control plane network element of the service transmission channel and mainly includes the following steps (S1801-S1802): S1801, The anchor module of the control plane network element of the service transmission channel sends a service discovery request message to the network resource database. The service discovery request message carries query parameters, which include: the network function type of the source network function entity, the network function type of the target network function entity, and matching parameters. In some embodiments, the network resource database is, for example, an NRF. The service discovery request message sent by the anchor module of the service transport channel control plane network element to the network resource database should include query parameters. These query parameters should contain all the information required for the network resource database to discover the target network function entity.

[0187] In some embodiments, the query parameters carried by the anchor module of the service transport channel control plane network element in performing service discovery by the user policy control network element include: (1) The network function type (e.g., requester-nf-type) of the source network function entity is a service transport channel control plane network element, such as SMF; (2) The network function type (e.g., target-nf-type) of the target network function entity is a user policy control network element, such as PCF; (3) Matching parameters include: user identification information, such as SUPI and GPSI.

[0188] In some embodiments, the matching parameters further include: service area information and service transport channel name identifier information, such as servingScope+IMS DNN. This matching parameter is only required for service types corresponding to certain service transport channel name identifiers.

[0189] In some embodiments, the matching parameter further includes: network function entity identification information of the user policy control network element. For example, the nfInstanceid of the target PCF. This matching parameter can be used as needed when the unique identification information of the target user policy control network element is obtained from the access and mobility management network element.

[0190] (4) In some embodiments, the query parameters further include: the service name of the network function service (e.g., NFService) (e.g., serviceName), and the service name of the network function service includes: the policy control service of the user policy control network element.

[0191] (5) Other attributes: Follow existing standards.

[0192] The query parameters carried by the anchor module of the aforementioned service transmission channel control plane network element can identify the user policy control network element, thereby completing the service discovery of the user policy control network element by the network resource database.

[0193] S1802. Receive the service discovery request response returned by the network resource database.

[0194] In some embodiments, the service discovery request response returned by the network resource database includes: configuration information of the target user policy control network element matched based on the matching parameters.

[0195] In some embodiments, the target user policy control network element matched based on the matching parameters includes at least one of the following: The target user policy control network element matched based on the matching parameters includes at least one of the following: The target user's policy control network element is matched based on the user identification information contained in the matching parameters; Based on the service area information and service transmission channel name identifier information included in the matching parameters, target user policy control network elements that can provide services in the service area information and can serve the service channel name identifier are matched. The target user policy control network element is matched based on the network function entity identification information of the user policy control network element contained in the matching parameters. The network function entity identification information of the user policy control network element is the unique identification information of the target user policy control network element obtained from the access and mobility management network element.

[0196] In some embodiments, the configuration information of the target user policy control network element includes at least one of the following: priority and static capacity; after step S1802, the method provided in this application embodiment further includes: (1) In response to the target user policy control network element matched based on the network function entity identification information of the user policy control network element, use the target user policy control network element, or, (2) In response to a target user policy control network element matched based on user identification information or service area information and service transport channel name identification information, a target user policy control network element is selected from multiple target user policy control network elements according to the configuration information of the target user policy control network element, and / or, the same target user policy control network element obtained from the access and mobility management network element is selected from multiple target user policy control network elements. Thus, service discovery of the target user policy control network element is performed through the anchor module of the service transport channel control plane network element, reducing the processing overhead of the access and mobility management network element.

[0197] Figure 19 This application illustrates a flowchart of a service discovery process performed by an anchor module of a service transport channel control plane network element in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0198] like Figure 19 As shown, the anchor module of the control plane network element of this service transmission channel executes the service discovery process of the user policy control network element, which is applied to the network resource database, and specifically includes the following steps (S1901-S1904): S1901. Receive a service discovery request message sent by the anchor module of the control plane network element of the service transmission channel. The service discovery request message carries query parameters, including: the network function type of the source network function entity, the network function type of the target network function entity, and matching parameters.

[0199] The anchor module of the service transport channel control plane network element executes the user policy control network element's service discovery query parameters. Specific implementation details are already available in [the relevant documentation / documentation]. Figure 18 The service discovery process of the anchor module of the service transmission channel control plane network element is described in detail in the embodiment of the user policy control network element, and will not be elaborated here.

[0200] S1902. Confirm that the network function type of the source network function entity is a service transmission channel control plane network element; confirm that the network function type of the target network function entity is a user policy control network element.

[0201] S1903. Based on the matching parameters, match the target user policy control network elements; Scenario 1: Match the target user policy control network element based on user identification information (e.g., SUPI, GPSI).

[0202] Scenario 2: Match the target user policy control network element based on service area information and service transmission channel name identifier information (e.g., servingScope + IMSDNN). Only for certain service channel name identifiers (e.g., IMS DNN) corresponding to specific service types (e.g., voice services), the target user policy control network element needs to be selected based on the above matching parameters.

[0203] Scenario 3: The target user policy control network element is matched based on its unique identifier (e.g., the nfInstanceid of the target PCF). The network function entity identifier of the target user policy control network element can be obtained from the access and mobility management network element.

[0204] In some embodiments, the target user policy control network element matched based on the matching parameters includes at least one of the following: The target user policy control network element matched based on the matching parameters includes at least one of the following: The target user's policy control network element is matched based on the user identification information contained in the matching parameters; Based on the service area information and service transmission channel name identifier information included in the matching parameters, target user policy control network elements that can provide services in the service area information and can serve the service channel name identifier are matched. The target user policy control network element is matched based on the network function entity identification information of the user policy control network element contained in the matching parameters. The network function entity identification information of the user policy control network element is the unique identification information of the target user policy control network element obtained from the access and mobility management network element.

[0205] S1904. Return a service discovery request response to the anchor module of the control plane network element of the service transmission channel. The service discovery request response includes: configuration information of the target user policy control network element matched based on the matching parameters.

[0206] This application embodiment implements the process of service discovery by the anchor module of the control plane network element of the service transport channel executing the user policy control network element under the new service-oriented architecture of service transport channel management.

[0207] In summary, the service-oriented method for service transport channel management provided in this application provides network function service names for the "access module" and "anchor module" of the service transport channel control plane network element, respectively. These include access service transport channel management service and anchor service transport channel management service for the service transport channel control plane network element. During service registration, the "access module" and "anchor module" of the service transport channel control plane network element can be clearly distinguished through different network function service names. When other network elements perform service discovery of the above two types of network function entities, they can efficiently, concisely, and clearly implement the network element addressing scheme, reduce the processing overhead of access and mobility management network elements, and improve the flexibility of anchor point selection.

[0208] The following will combine Figures 20 to 23 Examples of this application Figure 1 The network function entities in the service-oriented system for managing service-oriented business transmission channels are explained and described.

[0209] An exemplary embodiment of this application provides a service transmission channel control plane 100 and a network resource database 200. Figure 20 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of the deployment structure of a service transport channel control plane network element 100 provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figure 21A structural block diagram of a network resource database provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown. The following is only a brief description of the structure and function of the service transport channel control plane network element and the network resource database. For other matters not covered herein, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the above-described service-oriented methods related to service transport channel management. The embodiment of this service transport channel control plane network element and network resource database corresponds to the embodiment of the above-described service-oriented methods related to service transport channel management. All implementation processes and methods of the above method embodiments can be applied to the embodiment of this service transport channel control plane network element and network resource database, and can achieve the same technical effects.

[0210] In some embodiments, such as Figure 20 As shown, the control plane network element 100 of this service transmission channel includes three deployment architectures. For example... Figure 20 As shown, in Method 1, the control plane network element 100 of the service transmission channel includes an access module 300 and an anchor module 400; in Method 2, it only includes the access module 300; and in Method 3, it only includes the anchor module 400. In the embodiments of this application, as... Figure 21 As shown, both the access module 300 and the anchor module 400 include a sending unit 101 and a receiving unit 102. In this embodiment, the sending unit 101 is used to send a service registration request message to the network resource database. The registration request message carries configuration information of the service transmission channel control plane network element, including: network function type, service name of the network function service, and unique attributes. The receiving unit 102 is used to receive a service registration success response message returned by the network resource database.

[0211] like Figure 22 As shown, the network resource database 200 includes a sending module 201 and a receiving module 202. In this embodiment, the receiving module 201 is used to receive a service registration request message sent by a service transport channel control plane network element. The registration request message carries the configuration information of the service transport channel control plane network element, including: network function type, service name of the network function service, and unique attributes. The sending module 202 is used to return a service registration success response message to the service transport channel control plane network element.

[0212] In this embodiment, when other network function entities perform service registration, their configuration information can follow existing standards. There are three methods for service transport channel control plane network elements to register with the network resource database. The following detailed explanation of the configuration information of the service transport channel control plane network elements in these three methods is provided in conjunction with specific embodiments.

[0213] For the service transmission channel control plane network element 100 in the above method one: In some embodiments, the service transport channel control plane network element 100 includes: an access module 300 and an anchor module 400, and its configuration information should include the following attributes: (1) The network function type (e.g., nfType) is the service transport channel control plane network element (e.g., S-SMF). (2) The service name (e.g., serviceName) of the network function service (e.g., NFService) is the access service transport channel management service (e.g., nsmf-spdusession) of the service transport channel control plane network element and the anchor service transport channel management service (e.g., nsmf-ppdusession) of the service transport channel control plane network element. In this embodiment, the access service transport channel management service is provided by the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element, and the anchor service transport channel management service is provided by the anchor module of the service transport channel control plane network element.

[0214] (3) The unique attributes of the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element (e.g., S-SmfInfo) include: the service area information of the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element. For example, in a 5G network, the service area information of SMF is represented by taiList or taiRangeList.

[0215] In some embodiments, the unique attributes of the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element further include: service transport channel name identification information, such as the DNN used in 5G networks and the Access Point Name (APN) used in 4G networks. The service transport channel name identification information must be included in the unique attributes of the access module only for scenarios where it is necessary to select the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element capable of serving a specific service.

[0216] (4) The unique attributes of the anchor module of the control plane network element of the service transmission channel (e.g., P-SmfInfo) include: service transmission channel name identification information, such as: DNN used in 5G network and Access Point Name (APN) used in 4G network.

[0217] (5) Other attributes: Follow existing standards.

[0218] The configuration information of the control plane network element of the aforementioned service transmission channel can identify the identity of the access module and anchor point module of the control plane network element, so as to complete the service registration in the network resource database.

[0219] For the service transmission channel control plane network element 100 in the above method two: In some embodiments, the service transport channel control plane network element 100 includes only: access module 300, whose configuration information should include the following attributes: (1) The network function type (e.g., nfType) is the service transport channel control plane network element (e.g., S-SMF). (2) The service name (e.g., serviceName) of the network function service (e.g., NFService) is the access service transport channel management service (e.g., nsmf-spdusession) of the service transport channel control plane network element. In this embodiment, the access service transport channel management service is provided by the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element.

[0220] (3) The unique attributes of the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element (e.g., S-SmfInfo) include: the service area information of the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element. For example, in a 5G network, the service area information of SMF is represented by taiList or taiRangeList.

[0221] In some embodiments, the unique attributes of the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element further include: service transport channel name identification information, such as the DNN used in 5G networks and the Access Point Name (APN) used in 4G networks. The service transport channel name identification information must be included in the unique attributes of the access module only for scenarios where it is necessary to select the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element capable of serving a specific service.

[0222] (4) Other attributes: Follow existing standards.

[0223] The configuration information of the control plane network element of the aforementioned service transmission channel can identify the identity of the access module of that control plane network element, thereby completing the service registration in the network resource database.

[0224] For the service transmission channel control plane network element 100 in the above method three: In some embodiments, the service transport channel control plane network element 100 includes only: anchor module 400, whose configuration information should include the following attributes: (1) The network function type (e.g., nfType) is the service transport channel control plane network element (e.g., S-SMF). (2) The service name (e.g., serviceName) of the network function service (e.g., NFService) is the anchor service transport channel management service (e.g., psmf-ppdusession) of the service transport channel control plane network element. In this embodiment, the anchor service transport channel management service is provided by the anchor module of the service transport channel control plane network element.

[0225] (3) The unique attributes of the anchor module of the control plane network element of the service transmission channel (e.g., P-SmfInfo) include: service transmission channel name identification information, such as: DNN used in 5G network and Access Point Name (APN) used in 4G network.

[0226] (4) Other attributes: Follow existing standards.

[0227] The configuration information of the control plane network element of the aforementioned service transmission channel can identify the identity of the anchor module of that control plane network element, thereby completing the service registration in the network resource database.

[0228] An exemplary embodiment of this application provides a network function entity 500 and a network resource database 200 under a service-oriented architecture for managing service-oriented transmission channels. Figure 23 This illustration shows a structural block diagram of a source network function entity 500 under a service-oriented architecture for service transport channel management provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application. The source network function entity 500 under this service transport channel management architecture includes one of the following: an access and mobility management network element, an access module 300 of a service transport channel control plane network element, and an anchor module 400 of a service transport channel control plane network element.

[0229] The following is a brief description of the structure and function of the source network function entity 500 and the network resource database 200 under the service-oriented architecture for service-oriented management of the service transmission channel. For other matters not covered herein, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the service-oriented methods related to service transmission channel management described above. The embodiments of the network function entity 500 and the network resource database 200 correspond to the embodiments of the service-oriented methods related to service transmission channel management described above. All implementation processes and methods of the above method embodiments can be applied to the embodiments of the network function entity 500 and the network resource database 200, and can achieve the same technical effects.

[0230] like Figure 23As shown, the source network function entity 500 under the service-oriented architecture for the service transport channel management includes a sending unit 501 and a receiving unit 502. In this embodiment, the sending unit 501 is used to send a service discovery request message to the network resource database. The service discovery request message carries query parameters, which include: the network function type of the source network function entity, the network function type of the target network function entity, the service name of the target network function service, and matching parameters. The receiving unit 502 is used to receive the service discovery request response returned by the network resource database.

[0231] like Figure 22 As shown, in the network resource database 200 provided in this embodiment, the receiving module 201 is further used to receive a service discovery request message sent by a source network function entity. The service discovery request message carries query parameters, which include: the network function type of the source network function entity, the network function type of the target network function entity, the service name of the target network function service, and matching parameters. The sending module 202 is further used to return a service discovery request response to the source network function entity.

[0232] In some embodiments, the service discovery request message carries query parameters including: the network function type of the source network function entity, the network function type of the target network function entity, and matching parameters. The network resource database 200 returns a service discovery request response to the source network function entity based on the query parameters.

[0233] The following describes, with specific examples, the process of initiating service discovery for different target network functional entities from different source network functional entities to the network resource database.

[0234] In some embodiments, the source network function entity 500 is an access and mobility management network element; in some embodiments, the query parameters carried by the service discovery function of the access module 300 of the service transport channel control plane network element performed by the access and mobility management network element include: (1) The network function type (e.g., requester-nf-type) of the source network function entity is an access and mobility management network element, such as AMF; (2) The network function type (e.g., target-nf-type) of the target network function entity is a service transport channel control plane network element (e.g., SMF). (3) The service name (e.g., serviceName) of the network function service (e.g., NFService) is the access service transport channel management service (e.g., nsmf-ppdusession) of the service transport channel control plane network element. In this embodiment, the access service transport channel management service of the service transport channel control plane network element is used to indicate the access module of the service discovery service transport channel control plane network element.

[0235] (4) The matching parameters include at least one of the following: user location, such as TAI.

[0236] In some embodiments, the matching parameters may further include: service transport channel name identification information, such as the DNN used in 5G networks and the Access Point Name (APN) used in 4G networks. Only for scenarios where it is necessary to select the access module of the control plane network element of the service transport channel that can serve a specific service, the service discovery query parameters need to include information identifying the service transport channel.

[0237] (5) Other attributes: Follow existing standards.

[0238] The query parameters carried by the aforementioned access and mobility management network elements can identify the access modules of the service transport channel control plane network elements, thereby enabling the network resource database to discover the service access modules of the service transport channel control plane network elements.

[0239] In some embodiments, the service discovery request response returned by the network resource database includes: after confirming that the network function type of the source network function entity is an access and mobility management network element, the network function type of the target network function entity is a service transport channel control plane network element, and the service name of the target network function service is the access service transport channel management service of the service transport channel control plane network element, the network resource database matches the configuration information of the target service transport channel control plane network element based on the matching parameters.

[0240] In some embodiments, the target service transport channel control plane network element matched based on the matching parameters includes at least one of the following: (1) Based on the user location included in the matching parameters, match the target service transmission channel control plane network element that can provide services at the user location; (2) Based on the user location and service transmission channel name identification information contained in the matching parameters, a target service transmission channel control plane network element that can provide services at the user location and can serve the service channel name identification is matched.

[0241] This application embodiment realizes service discovery of access modules of service transport channel control plane network elements by access and mobility management network elements under the new service-oriented architecture for service transport channel management.

[0242] In some embodiments, the source network function entity 500 is the access module 300 of the service transport channel control plane network element; in some embodiments, the query parameters carried by the service discovery function of the anchor module of the service transport channel control plane network element executed by the access module 300 of the service transport channel control plane network element include: (1) The network function type (e.g., requester-nf-type) of the source network function entity is a service transport channel control plane network element, such as SMF; (2) The network function type (e.g., target-nf-type) of the target network function entity is a service transport channel control plane network element (e.g., SMF). (3) The service name (e.g., serviceName) of the network function service (e.g., NFService) is the anchor point service transport channel management service (e.g., nsmf-ppdusession) of the service transport channel control plane network element. In this embodiment, the anchor point service transport channel management service of the service transport channel control plane network element is used to indicate the anchor point module of the service transport channel control plane network element that needs service discovery.

[0243] (4) Matching parameters include: service transmission channel name identification information, such as DNN used in 5G network and APN used in 4G network.

[0244] (5) Other attributes: Follow existing standards.

[0245] The query parameters carried by the access module of the aforementioned service transmission channel control plane network element can identify the anchor module of the service transmission channel control plane network element, thereby enabling the network resource database to discover the service of the anchor module of the service transmission channel control plane network element.

[0246] In some embodiments, the service discovery request response returned by the network resource database includes: after confirming that the network function type of the source network function entity is a service transport channel control plane network element, the network function type of the target network function entity is a service transport channel control plane network element, and the service name of the target network function service is the anchor service transport channel management service of the service transport channel control plane network element, the network resource database matches the configuration information of the target service transport channel control plane network element based on the matching parameters.

[0247] In some embodiments, the target service transport channel control plane network element matched based on the matching parameters includes: matching the target service transport channel control plane network element that can serve the service channel name identifier based on the service transport channel name identifier information.

[0248] In some embodiments, the configuration information of the target service transport channel control plane network element includes at least one of the following: priority and static capacity. In some embodiments, when the source network function entity is the access module 300 of the service transport channel control plane network element, the access module 300 further includes a processing unit. This processing unit is configured to select one service transport channel control plane network element from a plurality of target service transport channel control plane network elements as the selected target service transport channel control plane network element based on the configuration information of the target service transport channel control plane network element. Therefore, by performing service discovery of the anchor module of the service transport channel control plane network element through the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element, the processing overhead of the access and mobility management network elements is reduced, and the flexibility of anchor selection is improved.

[0249] This application embodiment realizes the service discovery of the anchor point module of the service transport channel control plane network element by the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element under the new service-oriented architecture of service transport channel management.

[0250] In some embodiments, the source network function entity 500 is the access module 300 of the service transport channel control plane network element; in some embodiments, the query parameters carried by the access module 300 of the service transport channel control plane network element in performing service discovery of the user data network element include: (1) The network function type (e.g., requester-nf-type) of the source network function entity is a service transport channel control plane network element, such as SMF; (2) The network function type (e.g., target-nf-type) of the target network function entity is a user data network element, such as Unified Data Management (UDM). (3) Matching parameters include: user identification information, such as SubscriptionPermanent Identifier (SUPI) and Generic Public Subscription Identifier (GPSI).

[0251] (4) In some embodiments, the query parameters also include: the service name of the network function service (e.g., NFService) (e.g., serviceName), and the service name of the network function service includes: the subscription data management service of the user data network element.

[0252] (5) Other attributes: Follow existing standards.

[0253] The query parameters carried by the access module of the control plane network element through the aforementioned service transmission channel can identify the user data network element, thereby completing the service discovery of the user data network element by the network resource database.

[0254] In some embodiments, the service discovery request response returned by the network resource database includes: configuration information of the target user data network element matched based on the matching parameters.

[0255] In some embodiments, the configuration information of the target user data network element includes priority. In some embodiments, when the source network function entity is the access module 300 of the service transport channel control plane network element, the access module 300 further includes a processing unit. This processing unit is configured to select a target user data network element with higher priority from multiple target user data network elements based on the configuration information of the target user data network element. Normally, a high-priority primary user data network element is selected; in the event of a failure of the primary user data network element, a backup user data network element is selected. Therefore, by performing service discovery of the target user data network element through the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element, the processing overhead of the access and mobility management network elements is reduced.

[0256] This application embodiment realizes the service discovery of user data network elements by the access module of the control plane network element of the service transport channel under the new service-oriented architecture of service transport channel management.

[0257] In some embodiments, the source network function entity 500 is the access module 300 of the service transport channel control plane network element; in some embodiments, the access module 300 of the service transport channel control plane network element executes the query parameters carried by the service discovery of the user policy control network element, which include: (1) The network function type (e.g., requester-nf-type) of the source network function entity is a service transport channel control plane network element, such as SMF; (2) The network function type (e.g., target-nf-type) of the target network function entity is a user policy control network element, such as a policy control function (PCF). (3) Matching parameters include: service area information, for example, servingScope.

[0258] In some embodiments, the matching parameter further includes: service transport channel name identification information, for example, servingScope+IMS DNN. This matching parameter is only required for the service types corresponding to certain service transport channel name identifiers.

[0259] In some embodiments, the matching parameter further includes: network function entity identification information of the user policy control network element. For example, the nfInstanceid of the target PCF. This matching parameter can be used as needed when the unique identification information of the target user policy control network element is obtained from the access and mobility management network element.

[0260] (4) In some embodiments, the query parameters further include: the service name of the network function service (e.g., NFService) (e.g., serviceName), and the service name of the network function service includes: the policy control service of the user policy control network element.

[0261] (5) Other attributes: Follow existing standards.

[0262] The query parameters carried by the access module of the control plane network element through the above-mentioned service transmission channel can identify the user policy control network element, so as to complete the service discovery of the user policy control network element by the network resource database.

[0263] In some embodiments, the service discovery request response returned by the network resource database includes: configuration information of the target user policy control network element matched based on the matching parameters.

[0264] In some embodiments, the target user policy control network element matched based on the matching parameters includes at least one of the following: (1) Match the target user policy control network element that can provide services based on the service area information contained in the matching parameters; (2) Based on the service area information and service transmission channel name identification information contained in the matching parameters, the target user policy control network element that can provide services in the service area information and can serve the service channel name identification is matched; (3) The target user policy control network element matched based on the network function entity identification information of the user policy control network element contained in the matching parameters, wherein the network function entity identification information of the user policy control network element is the unique identification information of the target user policy control network element obtained from the access and mobility management network element.

[0265] In some embodiments, the configuration information of the target user policy control network element includes at least one of the following: priority and static capacity; when the access module 300, whose source network function entity is a service transport channel control plane network element, is provided in this application embodiment, the access module 300 further includes: a processing unit. This processing unit is configured to: (1) use the target user policy control network element in response to a target user policy control network element matched based on the network function entity identification information of the user policy control network element; or, (2) select one target user policy control network element from multiple target user policy control network elements as the selected target user policy control network element in response to a target user policy control network element matched based on service area information or service area information and service transport channel name identification information, according to the configuration information of the target user policy control network element; and / or select the same target user policy control network element as the user policy control network element obtained from the access and mobility management network element from multiple target user policy control network elements as the selected target user policy control network element. Thus, by performing service discovery of the target user policy control network element through the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element, the processing overhead of the access and mobility management network element is reduced.

[0266] This application embodiment realizes the service discovery of user policy control network elements by the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element under the new service-oriented architecture for service transport channel management.

[0267] In some embodiments, the source network function entity 500 is the anchor module 400 of the service transport channel control plane network element; in some embodiments, the query parameters carried by the anchor module 400 of the service transport channel control plane network element in performing service discovery of the user data network element include: (1) The network function type (e.g., requester-nf-type) of the source network function entity is a service transport channel control plane network element, such as SMF; (2) The network function type (e.g., target-nf-type) of the target network function entity is a user data network element, such as UDM; (3) Matching parameters include: user identification information, such as SUPI and GPSI.

[0268] In some embodiments, the matching parameters further include: a unique identifier of the user data network element, such as the FQDN of the UDM or the instance ID of the UDM. If the access module of the service transport channel control plane network element does not provide the unique identifier information of the user data network element to the anchor module of the service transport channel control plane network element, the matching parameters should include the user identifier information; if the access network element of the service transport channel control plane network element provides the unique identifier information of the user data network element to the anchor module of the service transport channel control plane network element, then the unique identifier can be used as a query parameter.

[0269] (4) In some embodiments, the query parameters also include: the service name of the network function service (e.g., NFService) (e.g., serviceName), and the service name of the network function service includes: the subscription data management service of the user data network element.

[0270] (5) Other attributes: Follow existing standards.

[0271] The query parameters carried by the anchor module of the control plane network element through the aforementioned service transmission channel can identify user data network elements, thereby completing the service discovery of user data network elements by the network resource database.

[0272] In some embodiments, the service discovery request response returned by the network resource database includes: configuration information of the target user data network element matched based on the matching parameters.

[0273] In some embodiments, the target user data network element matched based on the matching parameters includes at least one of the following: The target user's data network element is matched based on the user identification information contained in the matching parameters; The target user data network element is matched based on the unique identifier of the user data network element contained in the matching parameters.

[0274] In some embodiments, the configuration information of the target user data network element includes at least one of the following: priority; in some embodiments, when the source network function entity is the anchor module 400 of the service transport channel control plane network element, the anchor module 400 provided in this application embodiment further includes: a processing unit. This processing unit is used to select a target user data network element with higher priority from multiple target user data network elements based on the configuration information of the target user data network element. Normally, a high-priority primary user data network element is selected; in the event of a failure of the primary user data network element, a backup user data network element is selected. Thus, by performing service discovery of the target user data network element through the anchor module of the service transport channel control plane network element, the processing overhead of the access and mobility management network elements is reduced.

[0275] This application embodiment realizes the service discovery of user data network elements by the anchor point module of the control plane network element of the service transport channel under the new service-oriented architecture for service management of the service transport channel.

[0276] In some embodiments, the source network function entity 500 is the anchor module 400 of the service transport channel control plane network element; in some embodiments, the anchor module 400 of the service transport channel control plane network element executes the query parameters carried by the service discovery of the user policy control network element, which include: (1) The network function type (e.g., requester-nf-type) of the source network function entity is a service transport channel control plane network element, such as SMF; (2) The network function type (e.g., target-nf-type) of the target network function entity is a user policy control network element, such as PCF; (3) Matching parameters include: user identification information, such as SUPI and GPSI.

[0277] In some embodiments, the matching parameters further include: service area information and service transport channel name identifier information, such as servingScope+IMS DNN. This matching parameter is only required for service types corresponding to certain service transport channel name identifiers.

[0278] In some embodiments, the matching parameter further includes: network function entity identification information of the user policy control network element. For example, the nfInstanceid of the target PCF. This matching parameter can be used as needed when the unique identification information of the target user policy control network element is obtained from the access and mobility management network element.

[0279] (4) In some embodiments, the query parameters further include: the service name of the network function service (e.g., NFService) (e.g., serviceName), and the service name of the network function service includes: the policy control service of the user policy control network element.

[0280] (5) Other attributes: Follow existing standards.

[0281] The query parameters carried by the anchor module of the aforementioned service transmission channel control plane network element can identify the user policy control network element, thereby completing the service discovery of the user policy control network element by the network resource database.

[0282] In some embodiments, the service discovery request response returned by the network resource database includes: configuration information of the target user policy control network element matched based on the matching parameters.

[0283] In some embodiments, the target user policy control network element matched based on the matching parameters includes at least one of the following: The target user policy control network element matched based on the matching parameters includes at least one of the following: The target user's policy control network element is matched based on the user identification information contained in the matching parameters; Based on the service area information and service transmission channel name identifier information included in the matching parameters, target user policy control network elements that can provide services in the service area information and can serve the service channel name identifier are matched. The target user policy control network element is matched based on the network function entity identification information of the user policy control network element contained in the matching parameters. The network function entity identification information of the user policy control network element is the unique identification information of the target user policy control network element obtained from the access and mobility management network element.

[0284] In some embodiments, the configuration information of the target user policy control network element includes at least one of the following: priority and static capacity; in some embodiments, when the source network function entity is the anchor module 400 of the service transport channel control plane network element, the anchor module 400 provided in this application embodiment further includes: a processing unit. The processing unit is used to: (1) use the target user policy control network element in response to the target user policy control network element matched based on the network function entity identification information of the user policy control network element, or (2) in response to the target user policy control network element matched based on the user identification information or service area information and service transport channel name identification information, select one target user policy control network element from multiple target user policy control network elements as the selected target user policy control network element according to the configuration information of the target user policy control network element, and / or select the same target user policy control network element as the user policy control network element obtained from the access and mobility management network element from multiple target user policy control network elements as the selected target user policy control network element. Therefore, by executing service discovery of target user policy control network elements through the anchor module of the service transmission channel control plane network element, the processing overhead of access and mobility management network elements is reduced.

[0285] This application embodiment realizes the service discovery of user policy control network elements by the anchor point module of the service transport channel control plane network element under the new service-oriented architecture for service transport channel management.

[0286] In summary, the network function entities in the service-oriented architecture for service transport channel management provided in this application have designed network function service names related to service transport channel management for the "access module" and "anchor module" of the service transport channel control plane network element, respectively. These include the access service transport channel management service for the service transport channel control plane network element and the anchor service transport channel management service for the service transport channel control plane network element. During service registration, the "access module" and "anchor module" of the service transport channel control plane network element can be clearly distinguished through different network function service names. When other network elements perform service discovery of the above two types of network function entities, they can efficiently, concisely, and clearly implement the network element addressing scheme, reduce the processing overhead of access and mobility management network elements, and improve the flexibility of anchor point selection.

[0287] Figure 24The diagram illustrates a structural block diagram of an electronic device 1000 according to an exemplary embodiment of this application. The electronic device 1000 can be implemented as an access module for a service transport channel control plane network element, an anchor module for a service transport channel control plane network element, a network resource database, a source network function entity, etc., as described above.

[0288] Typically, electronic device 1000 includes a processor 1001 and a memory 1002.

[0289] Processor 1001 may include one or more processing cores, such as a quad-core processor, a deca-core processor, etc. Processor 1001 may be implemented using at least one hardware form selected from DSP (Digital Signal Processing), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and PLA (Programmable Logic Array). Processor 1001 may also include a main processor and a coprocessor. The main processor, also known as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), is used to process data in the wake-up state; the coprocessor is a low-power processor used to process data in the standby state. In some embodiments, processor 1001 may integrate a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), which is responsible for rendering and drawing the content to be displayed on the screen. In some embodiments, processor 1001 may also include an AI (Artificial Intelligence) processor, which is used to handle computational operations related to machine learning.

[0290] The memory 1002 may include one or more computer-readable storage media, which may be non-transitory. The memory 1002 may also include high-speed random access memory and non-volatile memory, such as one or more disk storage devices or flash memory devices. In some embodiments, the non-transitory computer-readable storage media in the memory 1002 is used to store at least one instruction, which is executed by the processor 1001 to implement the above-described embodiments of this application. Figures 2 to 19 All or part of the steps in the service-oriented method related to service transport channel management shown in any embodiment.

[0291] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 24 The structure shown does not constitute a limitation on the electronic device 1000, and may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or use different component arrangements.

[0292] In one exemplary embodiment, a readable storage medium is also provided, which stores a program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the above-described... Figures 2 to 19 All or part of the steps in the service-oriented method related to service transport channel management shown in any embodiment. For example, the computer-readable storage medium may be a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, and optical data storage device, etc.

[0293] In one exemplary embodiment, a computer program product is also provided, comprising a computer program stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, the computer program including program instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the aforementioned... Figures 2 to 19 All or part of the steps of the service-oriented method related to service delivery channel management shown in any embodiment.

[0294] Other embodiments of this application will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this application that follow the general principles of this application and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this application are indicated by the claims.

[0295] It should be understood that this application is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this application is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A service-oriented method for managing service transmission channels, characterized in that, The method is applied to a network element in the control plane of a service transport channel, wherein the network element includes at least one of the following: an access module and an anchor point module, and the method includes: Send a service registration request message to the network resource database. The registration request message carries the configuration information of the control plane network element of the service transmission channel. The configuration information includes: network function type, service name of network function service and unique attributes. Receive the service registration success response message returned by the network resource database.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The network function type is the control plane network element of the service transmission channel; The service names of the network function services include: access service transmission channel management service of the service transmission channel control plane network element and anchor service transmission channel management service of the service transmission channel control plane network element, wherein the access service transmission channel management service is provided by the access module and the anchor service transmission channel management service is provided by the anchor module. The unique attributes include: the unique attributes of the access module and the unique attributes of the anchor module.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The unique attributes of the access module include: the service area information of the access module; The unique attributes of the anchor point module include: service transmission channel name identification information.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The unique attributes of the access module also include: the service transmission channel name identification information.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The network function type is the control plane network element of the service transmission channel; The service name of the network function service includes: access service transmission channel management service of the service transmission channel control plane network element, wherein the access service transmission channel management service is provided by the access module; The unique attributes include: the unique attributes of the access module, and the unique attributes of the access module include: the service area information of the access module.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The unique attributes of the access module also include: service transmission channel name identification information.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The network function type is the control plane network element of the service transmission channel; The service name of the network function service includes: anchor point service transmission channel management service of the service transmission channel control plane network element, wherein the anchor point service transmission channel management service is provided by the anchor point module; The unique attributes include: the unique attributes of the anchor module, wherein the unique attributes of the anchor module include: service transmission channel name identification information.

8. A service-oriented method related to service transmission channel management, characterized in that, Applied to source network functional entities, the method includes: Send a service discovery request message to the network resource database. The service discovery request message carries query parameters, which include: the network function type of the source network function entity, the network function type of the target network function entity, the service name of the target network function service, and matching parameters. Receive the service discovery request response returned by the network resource database.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The network function type of the source network function entity is the access and mobility management network element; The network function type of the target network function entity is a service transmission channel control plane network element. The service name of the target network function service is the access service transmission channel management service of the service transmission channel control plane network element, wherein the access service transmission channel management service is provided by the access module of the service transmission channel control plane network element. The matching parameters include: user location.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The matching parameters also include: service transmission channel name identification information; And / or, The service discovery request response includes: after the network resource database confirms that the network function type of the source network function entity is the access and mobility management network element, the network function type of the target network function entity is the service transport channel control plane network element, and the service name of the target network function service is the access service transport channel management service of the service transport channel control plane network element, the configuration information of the access module of the target service transport channel control plane network element matched based on the matching parameters.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The access module of the target service transmission channel control plane network element matched based on the matching parameters includes at least one of the following: Based on the user location included in the matching parameters, an access module of the target service transmission channel control plane network element that can provide services at the user location is matched; Based on the user location and the service transmission channel name identifier information included in the matching parameters, an access module is matched that can provide services at the user location and can serve the target service transmission channel control plane network element identified by the service channel name.

12. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The source network functional entity is the service transmission channel control plane network element; The network function type of the source network function entity is the service transmission channel control plane network element. The network function type of the target network function entity is the service transmission channel control plane network element. The service name of the target network function service is the anchor point service transmission channel management service of the service transmission channel control plane network element, wherein the anchor point service transmission channel management service is provided by the anchor point module of the service transmission channel control plane network element. The matching parameters include: service transmission channel name identification information.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The service discovery request response includes: after the network resource database confirms that the network function type of the source network function entity is the service transport channel control plane network element, the network function type of the target network function entity is the service transport channel control plane network element, and the service name of the target network function service is the anchor service transport channel management service of the service transport channel control plane network element, the configuration information of the anchor module of the target service transport channel control plane network element matched based on the matching parameters.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The anchor point module for the control plane network element of the target service transmission channel matched based on the matching parameters includes: An anchor module is matched to the target service transmission channel control plane network element that can serve the service channel name identifier based on the service transmission channel name identifier.

15. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The configuration information of the anchor module of the target service transmission channel control plane network element includes at least one of the following: priority and static capacity; After receiving the service discovery request response returned by the network resource database, the method further includes: Based on the configuration information of the anchor module of the target service transmission channel control plane network element, select one anchor module of the target service transmission channel control plane network element from among multiple anchor modules of the target service transmission channel control plane network element as the selected anchor module of the target service transmission channel control plane network element.

16. A service-oriented method related to service transmission channel management, characterized in that, Applied to source network functional entities, the method includes: Send a service discovery request message to the network resource database. The service discovery request message carries query parameters, which include: the network function type of the source network function entity, the network function type of the target network function entity, and matching parameters. Receive the service discovery request response returned by the network resource database.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The source network functional entity is the service transmission channel control plane network element; The network function type of the source network function entity is the service transmission channel control plane network element. The network function type of the target network function entity is a user data network element; The matching parameters include: user identification information.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The query parameters also include: the service name of the network function service, which includes: the subscription data management service of the user data network element; And / or, The service discovery request response includes: configuration information of the target user data network element matched based on the user identification information; And / or, The matching parameters also include: the unique identifier of the user data network element; And / or, The service discovery request response includes: configuration information of the target user data network element that is uniquely matched based on the user data network element.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The configuration information of the target user data network element includes: priority; After receiving the service discovery request response returned by the network resource database, the method further includes: The access module or anchor point module of the control plane network element of the service transmission channel selects the target user data network element with higher priority from multiple target user data network elements based on the configuration information of the target user data network element.

20. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The source network functional entity is the service transmission channel control plane network element; The network function type of the source network function entity is the service transmission channel control plane network element. The network function type of the target network function entity is a user policy control network element; The matching parameters include: service area information.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The query parameters also include: the service name of the network function service, which includes: the policy control service of the user policy control network element; And / or, The matching parameters also include at least one of the following: service transmission channel name identification information and network function entity identification information of the user policy control network element; And / or, The service discovery request response includes: configuration information of the target user policy control network element matched based on the matching parameters.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The target user policy control network element matched based on the matching parameters includes at least one of the following: Based on the service area information included in the matching parameters, the target user policy control network element that can provide services in the service area information is matched; Based on the service area information and the service transmission channel name identifier information included in the matching parameters, the target user policy control network element that can provide services in the service area information and can serve the service channel name identifier is matched; The target user policy control network element is matched based on the network function entity identification information of the user policy control network element included in the matching parameters, wherein the network function entity identification information of the user policy control network element is the unique identification information of the target user policy control network element obtained from the access and mobility management network element.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The configuration information of the target user policy control network element includes at least one of the following: priority and static capacity; After receiving the service discovery request response returned by the network resource database, the method further includes: The service transmission channel control plane network element responds to the target user policy control network element matched based on the network function entity identification information of the user policy control network element, and uses the target user policy control network element, or... The service transport channel control plane network element responds to the target user policy control network element matched based on the service area information or the service area information and the service transport channel name identification information, by selecting one target user policy control network element from multiple target user policy control network elements as the selected target user policy control network element according to the configuration information of the target user policy control network element, and / or, selecting the same target user policy control network element as the user policy control network element obtained from the access and mobility management network element from multiple target user policy control network elements as the selected target user policy control network element.

24. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The source network functional entity is the service transmission channel control plane network element; The network function type of the source network function entity is the service transmission channel control plane network element. The network function type of the target network function entity is a user policy control network element; The matching parameters include: user identification information.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that, The query parameters also include: the service name of the network function service, which includes: the policy control service of the user policy control network element; And / or, The matching parameters also include at least one of the following: service area information, service transmission channel name identification information, and network function entity identification information of the user policy control network element; And / or, The service discovery request response includes: configuration information of the target user policy control network element matched based on the matching parameters.

26. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that, The target user policy control network element matched based on the matching parameters includes at least one of the following: The target user policy control network element is matched based on the user identification information included in the matching parameters; Based on the service area information and the service transmission channel name identifier information included in the matching parameters, the target user policy control network element that can provide services in the service area information and can serve the service channel name identifier is matched; The target user policy control network element is matched based on the network function entity identification information of the user policy control network element included in the matching parameters, wherein the network function entity identification information of the user policy control network element is the unique identification information of the target user policy control network element obtained from the access and mobility management network element.

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that, The configuration information of the target user policy control network element includes at least one of the following: priority and static capacity; After receiving the service discovery request response returned by the network resource database, the method further includes: The service transmission channel control plane network element responds to the target user policy control network element matched based on the network function entity identification information of the user policy control network element, and uses the target user policy control network element, or... The service transport channel control plane network element responds to the target user policy control network element matched based on the user identification information or the service area information and the service transport channel name identification information, by selecting one target user policy control network element from multiple target user policy control network elements as the selected target user policy control network element according to the configuration information of the target user policy control network element, and / or, by selecting the same target user policy control network element as the user policy control network element obtained from the access and mobility management network element from multiple target user policy control network elements as the selected target user policy control network element.

28. A service transmission channel control plane network element, characterized in that, The service transmission channel control plane network element includes at least one of the following: an access module and an anchor module, wherein the access module or the anchor module includes: The sending unit is used to send a service registration request message to the network resource database. The registration request message carries the configuration information of the control plane network element of the service transmission channel. The configuration information includes: network function type, service name of network function service and unique attributes. The receiving unit is used to receive the service registration success response message returned by the network resource database.

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