Communication method and device, electronic equipment, storage medium and computer program product

Abstract

The invention provides a communication method and device, electronic equipment, a storage medium and a computer program product. The method comprises the following steps: receiving session request information sent by a core network control chain network element; determining a target core network data plane network element in preset core network data plane network elements based on the session request information; and sending the session request information to the target router through an IP channel between the controller and the target router, so that the target router sends the session request information to the target core network data plane network element. According to the invention, interconnection links between the core network control chain network element and the core network data plane network element can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The core network functions have a variety of network elements, such as core network control chain network elements and core network data plane network elements (also known as core network user plane network elements). The core network control chain network elements select and control the core network data plane network elements, requiring full interconnection between the core network control chain network elements and the core network data plane network elements.

[0003] The user plane network elements of the 5GC (5th Generation Mobile Communication Technology Core) are the core network data plane network elements, which are the user plane function (UPF) network elements, and the core network control chain network elements are the session management network elements. Taking the SMF (Smart Network Function) as an example, during communication, the SMF needs to select and control the UPF (User Network Function). SMFs and UPFs are usually deployed in different geographical areas. The SMFs and UPFs in each area are fully interconnected through N4 links (a type of communication link). When there are too many UPFs, the number of N4 links between SMFs and UPFs in the communication system becomes too large, which leads to the problem of exceeding the SMF management limit. This is reflected in the excessive number of interconnection links between core network control chain network elements and core network data plane network elements, which leads to the problem of exceeding the core network control chain element management limit. In addition, the signaling messages generated by the interaction between core network control chain network elements and core network data plane network elements in each interconnection link will cause huge consumption of communication links in the communication system, increasing the difficulty of network topology management, operation and maintenance and fault location. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, electronic device, storage medium, and computer program product that can reduce the interconnection links between core network control chain elements and core network data plane elements.

[0005] Firstly, a communication method is proposed for use in a controller, the method comprising:

[0006] Receive session request information sent by core network control chain network elements;

[0007] Based on the session request information, the target core network data plane element is determined from the preset core network data plane elements;

[0008] The session request information is sent to the target router through the IP channel between the controller and the target router, so that the target router sends the session request information to the target core network data plane element.

[0009] In one possible implementation, determining the target core network data plane element from a preset core network data plane element based on the session request information includes:

[0010] Determine the transmission delay of the IP channel between the preset router and the preset core network data plane network element;

[0011] The preset router with the minimum transmission latency of the IP channel is determined as the target router, and the preset core network data plane element corresponding to the target router is determined as the target core network data plane element.

[0012] In one possible implementation, before determining the target core network data plane element from the preset core network data plane elements based on the session request information, the method further includes:

[0013] The router receives first information sent by the core network data plane element. The first information is used to indicate that the core network data plane element is in a powered-on state. The core network data plane element in a powered-on state is the preset core network data plane element.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0015] The router receives second information sent by the preset core network data plane element, the second information being used to indicate a change in the state of the preset core network data plane element.

[0016] In one possible implementation, before receiving the session request information sent by the core network control chain element, the method further includes:

[0017] The system receives third information sent by the core network control chain element, the third information being used to instruct the core network control chain element to connect to the controller.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0019] The controller receives a connection release request message sent by the core network control chain element, the connection release request message being used to instruct the controller to release the connection with the core network control chain element.

[0020] In one possible implementation, after sending the session request information to the target router via the IP channel between the controller and the target router, the method further includes:

[0021] The system receives session response information sent by the target core network data plane element through the target router, and sends the session response information to the core network control chain element. The session response information is generated by the target core network data plane element based on the session request information.

[0022] Secondly, a communication method is proposed for use in core network control chain elements; the method includes:

[0023] The session request information is sent to the controller, which instructs the controller to determine the target core network data plane element from the preset core network data plane elements based on the session request information, and to send the session request information to the target core network data plane element.

[0024] In one possible implementation, before sending the session request information to the controller, the method further includes:

[0025] A third message is sent to the controller, the third message being used to instruct the core network control chain element to connect to the controller.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a coupling release request message to the controller, the coupling release request message being used to instruct the controller to release the connection with the core network control chain element.

[0027] Thirdly, a communication method is proposed, applied to the data plane network element of the target core network; the method includes:

[0028] The controller receives a session request message sent by the target router. The session request message is information sent from the core network control chain network element to the controller. The session request message is used to instruct the controller to determine the target core network data plane network element from the preset core network data plane network elements, and to instruct the controller to send the session request message to the router through the IP channel between the controller and the target router.

[0029] In one possible implementation, prior to receiving the session request information sent by the receiving controller via the target router, the method further includes:

[0030] Send first information to the router. The first information is used to indicate that the target core network data plane element is in a powered-on state and to instruct the target router to send the first information to the controller. The target core network data plane element in a powered-on state is the preset core network data plane element.

[0031] Fourthly, a communication method is proposed for use with a target router; the method includes:

[0032] Receive session request information sent by core network control chain elements through the controller;

[0033] The session request information is sent to the target core network data plane element, which is determined by the controller from the preset core network data plane elements based on the session request information.

[0034] In one possible implementation, before receiving session request information sent by the core network control chain element through the controller, the method further includes:

[0035] Receive first information sent by the target core network data plane element, the first information being used to indicate that the target core network data plane element is in a power-on state, and the target core network data plane element in a power-on state is the preset core network data plane element;

[0036] The first information is sent to the controller.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0038] Receive second information sent by the target core network data plane element, the second information being used to indicate a change in the state of the target core network data plane element;

[0039] The second information is sent to the controller.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0041] If no first heartbeat information is received from the target core network data plane element within a preset period, a fourth message is sent to the controller, the fourth message indicating that the target core network data plane element is in a power-off state.

[0042] Fifthly, this application provides a communication device for use with a controller; the device includes:

[0043] The first session request receiving module is used to receive session request information sent by core network control link network elements;

[0044] The target core network data plane element determination module is used to determine the target core network data plane element from the preset core network data plane elements based on the session request information.

[0045] The first session request sending module is used to send the session request information to the target router through the IP channel between the controller and the target router, so that the target router sends the session request information to the target core network data plane element.

[0046] Sixthly, this application provides a communication device applied to a core network control chain element; the device includes:

[0047] The second session request sending module is used to send session request information to the controller. The session request information is used to instruct the controller to determine the target core network data plane element from the preset core network data plane elements based on the session request information, and to send the session request information to the target core network data plane element.

[0048] In a seventh aspect, this application provides a communication device applied to a target core network data plane element; the device includes:

[0049] The second session request receiving module is used to receive session request information sent by the controller through the target router. The session request information is information sent by the core network control chain network element to the controller. The session request information is used to instruct the controller to determine the target core network data plane network element from the preset core network data plane network elements, and to instruct the controller to send the session request information to the router through the IP channel between the controller and the target router.

[0050] Eighthly, this application provides a communication device applied to a target router; the device includes:

[0051] The third session request receiving module is used to receive session request information sent by core network control chain network elements through the controller;

[0052] The third session request sending module is used to send the session request information to the target core network data plane element, which is determined by the controller from the preset core network data plane elements based on the session request information.

[0053] Ninthly, this application provides an electronic device, the electronic device comprising: a processor, and a memory communicatively connected to the processor;

[0054] The memory stores computer-executed instructions;

[0055] The processor executes computer execution instructions stored in the memory to implement the method as described in the first, second, third, or fourth aspect.

[0056] In a tenth aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, are used to implement the methods described in the first, second, third, or fourth aspects.

[0057] In one aspect, this application provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the method described in the first, second, third, or fourth aspect.

[0058] The communication method, apparatus, electronic device, storage medium, and computer program product provided in this application allow the controller to receive session request information sent by core network control chain elements and select target core network data plane elements. Simultaneously, session request information between core network control chain elements and core network data plane elements can be transmitted through an IP channel between the controller and a router. Furthermore, the router and core network data plane elements can transmit data. Thus, the target router can forward the session request information sent by the controller to the target core network data plane element. This method eliminates the need for full interconnection between core network data plane elements and core network control chain elements, reducing the connection links between them and minimizing the communication link overhead caused by interactions between core network control chain elements and core network data plane elements. Furthermore, core network data plane element management via the controller will not exceed the core network control chain element management limit. Attached Figure Description

[0059] 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.

[0060] Figure 1 This is an exemplary embodiment illustrating the fully interconnected structure of SMF and UPF;

[0061] Figure 2 This is an exemplary embodiment illustrating the structure of a communication system;

[0062] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method in an exemplary embodiment;

[0063] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method in another exemplary embodiment;

[0064] Figure 5This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method in another exemplary embodiment;

[0065] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method in another exemplary embodiment;

[0066] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of a communication device shown in an exemplary embodiment;

[0067] Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of a communication device shown in another exemplary embodiment;

[0068] Figure 9 This is a structural diagram of a communication device shown in another exemplary embodiment;

[0069] Figure 10 This is a structural diagram of a communication device shown in another exemplary embodiment;

[0070] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device shown in this application.

[0071] The accompanying drawings illustrate specific embodiments of this application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of this application to those skilled in the art through reference to particular embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0072] 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.

[0073] In a communication system, core network control chain elements select and control core network data plane elements. Taking 5GC as an example, the control plane SMF element needs to select and control the user plane UPF element. After power-on, the SMF will actively send an association setup request message (PFCP) to the UPF. The association setup request message carries its own Node ID, NF (Network Function), restart timestamp, and control plane function list. After receiving the association setup request message, the UPF replies with an association setup response message (PFCP), carrying its own Node ID, reason value, restart timestamp, and user plane function list.

[0074] SMFs and UPFs are typically deployed in different geographical regions. Within each region, the SMFs and UPFs are fully interconnected. For example, a domain may have fewer than 8 SMFs and fewer than 32 UPFs.

[0075] A fully interconnected relationship needs to be established between the SMF and UPF to enable the SMF to select and control the UPF within the region, such as... Figure 1 As shown, SMFs and UPFs are fully interconnected through N4 links, meaning that an SMF is connected to every UPF in the area. Taking an area with 8 SMFs and 32 UPFs as an example, this would generate 256 N4 links. The signaling messages generated by each N4 link would consume a lot of communication resources and increase the difficulty of network topology management, operation and maintenance, and fault location.

[0076] During the dynamic adjustment of the network, each time a UPF goes online, its IP (Internet Protocol Address) and other information need to be manually added to all SMFs, which will bring huge configuration complexity.

[0077] In satellite communication systems, the need to build a full interconnection between SMF and UPF will lead to greater communication consumption and operational difficulties.

[0078] In satellite communication systems, the core network function (NF) will be deployed on the satellite, including the UPF and a series of control plane function network elements: Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Network Repository Function (NRF), Policy Control Function (PCF), Unified Data Management (UDM), Authentication Server Function (AUSF), etc.

[0079] In some embodiments, the UPF is deployed on a satellite while the SMF is deployed on the ground. The onboard UPF moves at high speed with the satellite and cannot be divided into domains according to geographical location. If a fully interconnected UPF-SMF deployment method is used, it may result in an excessive number of N4 links between the SMF and the UPF. For example, if there are 8 SMFs on the ground and 3,000 UPFs on the satellite, 24,000 N4 links will be generated, which will lead to the problem of exceeding the SMF management limit. In addition, the signaling messages generated by each N4 link will have a huge impact on the satellite-ground communication link and increase the difficulty of network topology management, operation and maintenance and fault location.

[0080] Similarly, in the process of dynamic network adjustment in satellite communication systems, each time a UPF goes online, its IP address and other information need to be manually added to all SMFs, which will bring huge configuration complexity for dynamically changing satellites.

[0081] Based on this, embodiments of this application propose a communication method, apparatus, electronic device, storage medium, and computer program product. The controller connects to core network control chain elements, and the interaction information between core network control chain elements and core network data plane elements can be transmitted through the IP channel (an existing channel in the communication system) between the controller and the router. Furthermore, the router and core network data plane elements in the network device can transmit data. The router can send messages sent by the core network control chain elements to the core network data plane elements, or send messages sent by the core network data plane elements to the controller through the IP service management channel, and then the controller sends them to the core network control chain elements. This method eliminates the need for full interconnection between core network data plane elements and core network control chain elements, enabling the core network control chain elements to select and control core network data plane elements. It reduces the number of links between core network control chain elements and core network data plane elements, and management by the controller does not exceed the management limit of the core network control chain elements, nor does it cause significant consumption of communication links.

[0082] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, firstly, in conjunction with Figure 2 This application describes in detail the communication system applicable to the embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the communication system 200 may include network nodes 210 and terminals 202. The number of network nodes 210 in the communication system may be one or more, such as... Figure 2 The diagram shows three network nodes 210. The number of terminals can be one or more; one terminal 220 is shown in the diagram. Network device 210 is a device that can communicate with terminal 220 via a wireless link, such as a base station or base station controller. Each network device can provide communication coverage for a specific geographical area and can communicate with terminals located within that coverage area (cell).

[0083] It should be noted that the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. For example, Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, 5th Generation (5G) mobile communication systems, 5G New Radio (NR) systems, or other future new mobile communication systems.

[0084] In this embodiment, network node 210 may include non-terrestrial network nodes, such as satellites, which can be regarded as mobile network nodes, without specific limitations.

[0085] The network node 210 in this embodiment is a node on the network side used for transmitting or receiving signals, and it can be a physical entity, such as a network device. For example, the network node 210 can be an evolved NodeB (eNB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in an NR system, a base station in other future mobile communication systems, or an access node in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. The embodiments of this disclosure do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the network device.

[0086] The network device provided in this embodiment can be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU can also be called a control unit. By adopting the CU-DU structure, the protocol layer of the network device, such as a base station, can be separated. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU.

[0087] In this embodiment, terminal 220 is a user-side entity used to receive or transmit signals, such as a mobile phone. A terminal can also be referred to as a terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), user-side equipment, etc. Terminals can be communication-enabled vehicles, smart cars, mobile phones, wearable devices, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminals, augmented reality (AR) terminals, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, etc.

[0088] In some embodiments, the communication system further includes a core network control chain element 230 and a controller 240, and the network node 210 further includes a router 211 and a core network data plane network 212.

[0089] In some embodiments, the number of core network control chain elements is one or more, such as Figure 2 Three are shown.

[0090] The controller 240 can be a network controller (NCF), which is responsible for functions such as network element management, configuration management, service management, traffic scheduling and optimization, and protocol topology acquisition in the communication system.

[0091] Terminal 220 is connected to core network control chain element 230, core network control chain element 230 is connected to controller 240, controller 240 is connected to router 211, and router 211 is connected to core network data plane network 212.

[0092] In some embodiments, the core network data plane network and routers in the same network node are connected; in other embodiments, the core network data plane network and routers in different network nodes can also be connected.

[0093] In some embodiments, the controller 240 and the router 211 have an IP channel. The controller 240 deploys an agent module, and the core network control chain element 230 communicates directly with the agent module in the controller. The IP channel between the controller 240 and the router 211 is reused to realize data interaction between the core network control chain element and the core network data plane network through the IP channel. In this method, the core network control chain element and the core network data plane network do not need to be fully interconnected through connection links, which greatly reduces the number of connection links, reduces network topology complexity, and reduces the difficulty of network operation and maintenance and management.

[0094] In some embodiments, terminal 220 sends session request information to core network control chain element 230. Core network control chain element 230 sends the session request information to controller 240. Controller 240 can send the session request information to router 211. Router 211 sends the session request information to core network data plane network 212. Core network data plane network 212 receives the session request information, processes it, generates session response information, and returns the session response information to router 211. Router 211 sends the session response information to controller 240. Controller 240 then returns the session response information to core network control chain element 230.

[0095] In some embodiments, the core network control chain element 230 may also send session response information to the terminal 220, indicating that the service requested in this session request information was successful.

[0096] The embodiments disclosed herein do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal.

[0097] It is understood that the communication system described in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0098] The communication method provided in this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0099] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method in an exemplary embodiment, the method including:

[0100] S301. The terminal sends a session request message to the core network control chain element.

[0101] In some embodiments, the core network control chain element receives session request information sent by the terminal.

[0102] The core network control chain elements may include SMFs in 5GC, as well as other core network elements responsible for controlling, managing and coordinating various resources and functions in the network; no specific restrictions are imposed here.

[0103] In some embodiments, the session request information may be information indicating whether to establish a session, update a session, or delete a session.

[0104] S302. Core network control chain elements send session request information to the controller.

[0105] In some embodiments, the controller receives session request information sent by the terminal through a core network control chain element.

[0106] In some embodiments, a core network control chain element is coupled to the controller, through which the core network control chain element sends session request information to the controller. In some embodiments, a proxy module is provided in the controller, thereby enabling the controller to support the establishment of a coupling with the core network control chain element.

[0107] In some embodiments, the core network control chain element is an SMF (Software-Defined Function), and an N4PFCP (Network-Defined Programmable Component) association is established between the SMF and the controller. This allows the controller to receive session request information sent by the SMF. In some embodiments, the proxy module is an N4 proxy module, which is configured in the controller to support establishing an association with the SMF.

[0108] S303. The controller determines the target core network data plane element from the preset core network data plane elements based on the session request information.

[0109] In some embodiments, there is an IP channel between the controller and the router, meaning that the controller and the router are connected.

[0110] Core network data plane elements and routers can communicate with each other.

[0111] The default core network data plane element is the UPF in the network device where the router connected to the controller is located.

[0112] In some embodiments, the session request information is used to instruct the controller to determine the target core network data plane element from the preset core network data plane elements based on the session request information.

[0113] In some embodiments, the core network data plane element is a UPF, and the controller determines the target UPF from the preset UPFs based on session request information.

[0114] In some embodiments, an IP channel exists between a router and a controller, which is used for service management.

[0115] In some embodiments, a router corresponds one-to-one with a core network data plane element, that is, one router is connected to one core network data plane element. Alternatively, one router may correspond to multiple core network data plane elements, that is, one router is connected to multiple core network data plane elements.

[0116] The core network data plane element corresponding to the router that has an IP channel with the controller can be a preset core network data plane element or it can be a non-preset core network data plane element.

[0117] In some embodiments, the controller parses and judges the session request information and determines the target core network data plane element.

[0118] In some embodiments, there is an IP channel between the controller and the router, so that the controller can sense the topology and path status in the communication system, and the controller can determine the target topology and path from the preset topology and path by using the topology and path with the router.

[0119] In some embodiments, the method for determining the target core network data plane element can refer to the method for selecting the UPF by the SMF.

[0120] In some embodiments, core network data plane elements correspond one-to-one with routers, and the controller can also determine the target core network data plane element based on the IP channel between the controller and the preset router corresponding to the preset core network data plane element.

[0121] S304. The controller sends session request information to the target router through the IP channel between the controller and the target router corresponding to the target core network data plane element.

[0122] In some embodiments, after determining the target core network data plane element, the controller sends session request information to the target router corresponding to the target core network data plane element.

[0123] In some embodiments, determining the target core network data plane element is sufficient to determine the target router connected to the target core network data plane element.

[0124] In some embodiments, a network node corresponds to a core network data plane element and a router, and the core network data plane element and the router in the network node are connected.

[0125] After identifying the target core network data plane element, the corresponding target network node can be determined. The target network node includes the target core network data plane element and the target router. The controller can send session request information to the target router.

[0126] In some embodiments, there is an IP channel between the target router and the controller. This IP channel is the channel between the native router and the controller. Session request information can reuse this IP channel to be sent to the target router without establishing a new channel between the target network node and the controller to send session request information.

[0127] In some embodiments, the session request information is used to instruct the controller to send the session request information to the target router through the IP channel between the controller and the target router corresponding to the target core network data plane element.

[0128] S305. The target router sends a session request message to the target core network data plane element.

[0129] In some embodiments, the target router and the target core network data plane element in the target network device realize the perception of session request information through IP detection messages, so that the target router sends the session request information to the target core network data plane element.

[0130] Each core network data plane element corresponds one-to-one with a router, and can directly send session request information to the target router. The target router then directly sends the session request information to the target core network data plane element. In some embodiments, one router corresponds to multiple core network data plane elements. The target router can send the session request information to the corresponding target core network data plane element based on the webpage of the target core network data plane element.

[0131] In some embodiments, the session request information instructs the target router to send the session request information to the target core network data plane element.

[0132] In some embodiments, after determining the target core network data plane element, the session request information instructs the target router to send the session request information to the target core network data plane element.

[0133] S306. The target core network data plane elements generate session response information based on the session request information.

[0134] In some embodiments, the target core network data plane element receives session request information sent by the target router.

[0135] In some embodiments, the target core network data plane element receives session request information, processes the session request information, and generates session response information.

[0136] In some embodiments, the session response information may include the identifier of the core network control chain element that issued the session request information.

[0137] Of course, in some embodiments, the target core network data plane element receives the session request information and performs the corresponding processing, but does not generate session response information, that is, does not send session response information to the core network control chain element, and assumes that the session is successful. At this time, the interaction between the core network control chain element and the core network data plane element is completed in step S305, and does not include subsequent operations.

[0138] S307. The target core network data plane element sends the session response information to the target router.

[0139] In some embodiments, the session response information is generated by the target core network data plane element based on the session request information and sent to the target router.

[0140] In some embodiments, the target router receives session response information sent by the target core network data plane element.

[0141] S308, The target router sends the session response information to the controller.

[0142] In some embodiments, the controller receives session response information sent by the target router.

[0143] In some embodiments, the target router sends session response information through the IP channel between the target router and the controller.

[0144] S309. The controller sends the session response information to the core network control chain network element.

[0145] In some embodiments, the controller's agent module parses and processes the session response information and sends the session response information to the corresponding core network control chain element.

[0146] In some embodiments, core network control chain elements receive session response information sent by the controller.

[0147] In some embodiments, the core network control chain element receives session response information sent by the agent module in the controller.

[0148] In some embodiments, the SMF receives session response information sent by the N4 proxy module in the receiver controller.

[0149] This application discloses a communication method in which a controller is coupled to a core network control chain element. The controller can receive session request information sent by the core network control chain element and select a target core network data plane element. Simultaneously, the interaction information between the core network control chain element and the core network data plane element, such as session request information and session response information, can be transmitted through the IP service management channel between the controller and the router. Furthermore, the router and the core network data plane element in the network device can transmit data. Thus, the target router can send the session request information sent by the core network control chain element through the controller to the target core network data plane element, or send the session response information sent by the target core network data plane element to the controller through the IP channel, and then the controller sends it to the core network control chain element. This method eliminates the need for full interconnection between the core network data plane element and the core network control chain element, enabling the core network control chain element to select and control the core network data plane element. This reduces the number of links between core network control chain elements and core network data plane elements, and management by the controller does not exceed the management limit of the core network control chain element, nor does it cause significant overhead on the communication links.

[0150] In satellite communication, this communication method reuses the IP channel between the ground controller and the router on the satellite, saving satellite-to-ground power supply resources, converging the number of fully interconnected links between core network data plane network elements and core network control chain network elements, reducing the problems of areas that cannot be set in the satellite communication system, excessive connection links causing difficulties in the management of core network control chain network elements, and huge consumption of satellite-to-ground communication links.

[0151] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method in another exemplary embodiment. Figure 4 China proposed Figure 3 The method by which the S303 controller determines the target core network data plane element from the preset core network data plane elements. Figure 4 The method described is implemented by the controller, or by an agent module within the controller, and may include:

[0152] S401. Determine the transmission delay of the IP channel between the preset router and the preset core network data plane element.

[0153] Routers and preset core network data plane elements are matched one-to-one. The target core network data plane element is determined by the transmission delay of the IP channel between the router and the controller corresponding to each core network data plane element.

[0154] In some embodiments, a preset core network data plane element corresponds to a preset router, and the preset router has an IP channel with the controller.

[0155] In this embodiment, the transmission delay of the IP channel between the preset router and the controller is determined.

[0156] S402. The preset router with the smallest transmission delay value of the IP channel is determined as the target router, and the preset core network data plane element corresponding to the target router is determined as the target core network data plane element.

[0157] In some embodiments, the target core network data plane element is selected based on transmission delay.

[0158] In this embodiment, the preset router with the minimum transmission latency is determined as the target router, and the preset core network data plane network element in the target network device corresponding to the target router is determined as the target UPF.

[0159] In this embodiment, the controller and the router have an IP channel, meaning the controller can sense the topology and path between the controller and the router, and can select the target core network data plane network element by the transmission delay of the IP channel, thereby improving the transmission efficiency of session request information and enhancing the efficiency of the communication system.

[0160] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method in another exemplary embodiment. Figure 5 The paper proposes a method for determining the core network data plane elements, which is also the method by which the controller maintains and manages the core network data plane elements. Figure 5 Can be implemented Figure 3 Before step S303, the method may include:

[0161] S501, the core network data plane element sends the first information to the router.

[0162] In some embodiments, when a core network data plane element is powered on, it sends the first information to the router.

[0163] In some embodiments, core network data plane elements send first information to connected routers.

[0164] The first message is used to indicate that the core network data plane elements are powered on.

[0165] In some embodiments, the first information may include information that the core network data plane element is in a powered-on state, and may also include one or more of the following: the identifier of the core network data plane element, the network function information of the core network data plane element, and the load information of the core network data plane element.

[0166] In some embodiments, the first information does not include information that the core network data plane element is powered on, but the controller can determine that the core network data plane element is powered on based on the first information.

[0167] In some embodiments, the core network data plane element changes from a power-off state to a power-on state and sends first information to the router.

[0168] S502, the router sends the first information to the controller.

[0169] In some embodiments, the router sends the first information to the controller via an IP channel.

[0170] S503, the controller determines the core network data plane network element as the preset core network data plane network element.

[0171] In some embodiments, the controller receives first information and determines the core network data plane element as a preset UPF.

[0172] The core network data plane elements are assumed to be in a powered-on state.

[0173] In some embodiments, the controller stores first information, and subsequently determines the target core network data plane network element based on data such as network function and load in the first information.

[0174] S504. The core network data plane element sends the first heartbeat information to the router.

[0175] In some embodiments, after determining that the core network data plane element is a preset core network data plane element, the preset core network data plane element sends a first heartbeat message to the router.

[0176] In some embodiments, if a preset core network data plane element is identified as the target core network data plane element, the target core network data plane element will also send the first heartbeat information to the router.

[0177] In some embodiments, if there is a one-to-one correspondence between the router and the core network data plane element, the target core network data plane element sends a first heartbeat message to the target router, and the preset core network data plane element sends a first heartbeat message to the preset router.

[0178] In some embodiments, the first heartbeat information is information sent by a preset core network data plane element or a target core network data plane element to a connected router at preset intervals, and the first heartbeat information is used to indicate that the preset core network data plane element is in a power-on state.

[0179] S505. The router determines that it has received the first heartbeat information sent by the target core network data plane element within a preset period.

[0180] In some embodiments, if no first heartbeat information is received from the target core network data plane element within a preset period, or if no first heartbeat information is received from the preset core network data plane element within a preset period, it indicates that the target core network data plane element or the preset core network data plane element is in a power-off state.

[0181] S506, the router sends the fourth message to the controller.

[0182] In some embodiments, if the target core network data plane element is in a power-down state, the router sends a fourth message to the controller, which indicates that the target core network data plane element is in a power-down state.

[0183] In some embodiments, if the preset core network data plane element is in a power-down state, the router sends a fourth message to the controller, which is used to indicate that the preset core network data plane element is in a power-down state.

[0184] In some embodiments, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the router and the core network data plane element. When the target core network data plane element is in a power-down state, the target router sends the fourth information to the controller. Alternatively, when the preset core network data plane element is in a power-down state, the preset router sends the fourth information to the controller.

[0185] In some embodiments, the router sends fourth information to the controller via an IP channel.

[0186] S507: The controller manages core network data plane network elements based on the fourth information.

[0187] In some embodiments, the controller receives the fourth information and determines the core network data plane element corresponding to the fourth information as a non-preset core network data plane element. Subsequently, when determining the target core network data plane element, it does not select from the non-core network data plane elements.

[0188] In some embodiments, if the state of a preset core network data plane element changes, a second message is sent to the router. The second message indicates that the state of the preset core network data plane element has changed, and the change in state indicates that the network function or load of the preset core network data plane element has changed.

[0189] In some embodiments, the second information can be carried by the first heartbeat information. The router receives the first heartbeat information, and if the first heartbeat information carries the second information, it sends the second information to the controller so that the controller updates the network function or load of the corresponding core network data plane element.

[0190] In some embodiments, the second information may be generated and sent directly to the router without being carried by the first heartbeat information.

[0191] In some embodiments, the target core network data plane element is a preset core network data plane element. When its state changes, it also sends the second information to the target router. At this time, the second information is used to indicate the state change of the target core network data plane element, and the target router sends the second information to the controller.

[0192] In this embodiment, the router and the core network data plane element can transmit first information to the controller via IP detection messages. The controller can sense the power-on status of the core network data plane element to determine the target core network data plane element. At the same time, the router senses the first heartbeat information. If it does not receive the first heartbeat information, it can sense that the core network data plane element is powered down and promptly notify the controller. Thus, the controller can dynamically and accurately determine the core network data plane element that is powered on, i.e., the preset core network data plane element, and select the target core network data plane element from the preset core network data plane element.

[0193] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method in another exemplary embodiment. Figure 6 The paper proposes a coupling method between the network elements and controllers of the first core network control chain. Figure 6 Can be implemented Figure 3 Before step S302, the method may include:

[0194] S601, the core network control chain network element sends third information to the controller.

[0195] After the core network control chain network element is powered on, it sends third information to the controller.

[0196] The third information carries node information of the core network control chain elements, including the status information of the core network control chain elements. This third information is used to indicate the connection between the core network control chain elements and the controller. The third information can be a connection establishment request, which the controller can then process to establish a connection.

[0197] The third information is used to indicate the connection between the core network control chain element and the controller. The third information can be the coupling establishment update information. The coupling establishment update information is used to indicate the status change of the core network control chain element connected to the controller, such as the change of network function. Thus, the controller can process the coupling update request information to update the information of the core network control chain element connected to the controller.

[0198] The third piece of information is used to indicate the coupling between core network control chain elements and controllers.

[0199] In some embodiments, if the third information is a coupling establishment request, the controller generates a coupling establishment response based on the coupling establishment request.

[0200] The controller receives the connection establishment request information and records the status information of the core network control chain elements.

[0201] The controller's agent module receives connection establishment request information and records the status information of core network control chain elements.

[0202] The status information of the core network control chain element indicates that the core network control chain element is in a powered-on state and requests to associate with the controller. The controller generates an association establishment response message.

[0203] The controller's agent module generates coupling establishment response information.

[0204] The coupling establishes a connection between the response information indicator controller and the core network control chain elements.

[0205] The controller sends a coupling establishment response message to the core network control chain element, and the core network control chain element receives the coupling establishment response message, thus establishing a coupling between the controller and the core network control chain element.

[0206] The controller's agent module sends coupling establishment response information to the core network control chain elements.

[0207] In some embodiments, if the third information is a coupling establishment update information, the core network control chain element connects to the controller before sending the third information.

[0208] S602, The core network control chain element sends the second heartbeat information to the controller.

[0209] The core network control chain elements continuously send second heartbeat information according to a preset cycle. The second heartbeat information indicates that the core network control chain elements are in the power-on state.

[0210] S603, the controller manages the core network control chain elements based on the second heartbeat information.

[0211] The controller's agent module manages the SMF based on the second heartbeat information.

[0212] If no second heartbeat information is received from the core network control chain element within the preset period, it indicates that the core network control chain element is in a power-down state, the connection between the core network control chain element and the controller is disconnected, and the controller communicates relevant information of the core network control chain element managed by it.

[0213] In some embodiments, if the core network control chain element is in a power-down state, the core network control chain element cannot send session request information to the controller, and the controller cannot send session response information to the core network control chain element.

[0214] In some embodiments, the core network control chain element sends third information to the controller. If the third information is a connection establishment request, the core network control chain element connects with the controller after the controller sends a connection response. The core network control chain element can send a session request to the controller, and the controller can send a session response to the core network control chain element. If the third information is a connection establishment update, it indicates that the core network control chain element has already connected with the controller before sending the third information. The core network control chain element can send a session request to the controller, and the controller can send a session response to the core network control chain element.

[0215] In some embodiments, after receiving third information sent by a core network control chain element, the core network control chain element may send a connection release request to the controller. The connection release request is used to instruct the controller to release the connection with the core network control chain element.

[0216] When the controller receives the coupling release request information, it can send a response information to the core network control chain element, indicating that the core network control chain element is disconnected from the controller. Alternatively, it can choose not to send a response information to the core network control chain element, which defaults to the disconnection of the core network control chain element from the controller. In this case, the core network control chain element cannot send a session request information to the controller, and the controller cannot send a session response information to the core network control chain element until the core network control chain element sends a coupling establishment request information to the controller.

[0217] In this embodiment, the core network control chain network element and the third information establish or update the connection between the core network control chain network element and the controller, and through the second heartbeat information, the controller can perform maintenance and management of the core network control chain network element.

[0218] Figure 7 This is an exemplary embodiment of a communication device applied to a controller. The controller has an IP service management channel with a router of at least one network device. The controller is coupled to core network control chain elements. Each network device also includes a User Plane Function (UPF) element. The device includes:

[0219] The first session request receiving module 710 is used to receive session request information sent by core network control link network elements;

[0220] The target core network data plane element determination module 730 is used to determine the target core network data plane element from the preset core network data plane elements based on session request information.

[0221] The first session request sending module 750 is used to send session request information to the target router through the IP channel between the controller and the target router, so that the target router can send the session request information to the target core network data plane element.

[0222] In one possible implementation, the target core network data plane element determination module includes:

[0223] This unit is used to determine the transmission delay of the IP channel between the preset router and the preset core network data plane network element;

[0224] The unit is used to determine the preset router with the minimum transmission delay of the IP channel as the target router, and to determine the preset core network data plane network element corresponding to the target router as the target core network data plane network element.

[0225] In one possible implementation, before determining the target core network data plane element from the preset core network data plane elements based on session request information, the apparatus further includes:

[0226] The first information receiving module is used to receive first information sent by the core network data plane element through the router. The first information is used to indicate that the core network data plane element is in a powered-on state. The core network data plane element in a powered-on state is a preset core network data plane element.

[0227] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes:

[0228] The second information receiving module is used to receive second information sent by a preset core network data plane element through a router. The second information is used to indicate a change in the state of the preset core network data plane element.

[0229] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes:

[0230] The third information receiving module is used to receive third information sent by the core network control chain network element. The third information is used to instruct the core network control chain network element to connect with the controller.

[0231] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes:

[0232] The release information receiving module is used to receive the coupling release request information sent by the core network control chain network element. The coupling release request information is used to instruct the controller to release the connection with the core network control chain network element.

[0233] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes:

[0234] The response information receiving module is used to receive session response information sent by the target core network data plane element through the target router, and send the session response information to the core network control chain element. The session response information is generated by the target core network data plane element based on the session request information.

[0235] Figure 8This is another exemplary embodiment of a communication device applied to a core network control chain element; the device includes:

[0236] The second session request sending module 810 is used to send session request information to the controller. The session request information is used to instruct the controller to determine the target core network data plane element from the preset core network data plane elements based on the session request information, and to send the session request information to the target core network data plane element.

[0237] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes:

[0238] The third information sending module is used to send third information to the controller. The third information is used to instruct the core network control chain network elements to connect with the controller.

[0239] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes:

[0240] The release information sending module is used to send coupling release request information to the controller. The coupling release request information is used to instruct the controller to release the connection with the core network control chain network element.

[0241] Figure 9 This is another exemplary embodiment of a communication device applied to a target core network data plane element; the device includes:

[0242] The second session request receiving module 910 is used to receive session request information sent by the controller through the target router. The session request information is information sent by the core network control chain network element to the controller. The session request information is used to instruct the controller to determine the target core network data plane network element from the preset core network data plane network elements, and to instruct the controller to send the session request information to the router through the IP channel between the controller and the target router.

[0243] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes:

[0244] The power-on information sending module is used to send first information to the router. The first information is used to indicate that the target core network data plane element is in a power-on state and to instruct the target router to send the first information to the controller. The target core network data plane element in a power-on state is a preset core network data plane element.

[0245] Figure 10 This is another exemplary embodiment of a communication device applied to a target router; the device includes:

[0246] The third session request receiving module 1010 is used to receive session request information sent by core network control chain network elements through the controller;

[0247] The third session request sending module 1030 is used to send session request information to the target core network data plane element, which is determined by the controller from the preset core network data plane elements based on the session request information.

[0248] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes:

[0249] The power-on information receiving module is used to receive the first information sent by the target core network data plane network element. The first information is used to indicate that the target core network data plane network element is in a power-on state. The target core network data plane network element in a power-on state is a preset core network data plane network element.

[0250] The power-on information forwarding module is used to send the first information to the controller.

[0251] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes:

[0252] The information receiving module is modified to receive second information sent by the target core network data plane network element. The second information is used to indicate the state change of the target core network data plane network element.

[0253] The second information sending module is used to send the second information to the controller.

[0254] In one possible implementation, the communication device further includes:

[0255] The fourth information sending module is used to send a fourth message to the controller if it does not receive the first heartbeat message from the target core network data plane element within a preset period. The fourth message is used to indicate that the target core network data plane element is in a power-off state.

[0256] The communication device provided in this embodiment can be used to execute the above communication method. Its implementation principle and technical effect are similar, and will not be described again in this embodiment.

[0257] Figure 11 This is a structural diagram of an electronic device illustrated in an exemplary embodiment. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 11 The electronic device 1100 may include a processor 111 and a memory 112, wherein the processor 111 and the memory 112 can communicate; for example, the processor 111 and the memory 112 communicate via a communication bus 113, the memory 112 is used to store computer execution instructions, and the processor 111 is used to call the computer execution instructions in the memory to execute the communication method shown in any of the above method embodiments.

[0258] The aforementioned processor can be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the method disclosed in this application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor.

[0259] This application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions; when executed by a processor, the computer-executable instructions are used to implement the communication method as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0260] This application provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program that, when executed, causes the computer to perform the aforementioned communication method.

[0261] 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 following claims.

[0262] 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 communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a controller; the method includes: Receive session request information sent by core network control chain network elements; Based on the session request information, the target core network data plane element is determined from the preset core network data plane elements; The session request information is sent to the target router through the IP channel between the controller and the target router, so that the target router sends the session request information to the target core network data plane element.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of determining the target core network data plane element from the preset core network data plane elements based on the session request information includes: Determine the transmission delay of the IP channel between the preset router and the preset core network data plane network element; The preset router with the minimum transmission latency of the IP channel is determined as the target router, and the preset core network data plane element corresponding to the target router is determined as the target core network data plane element.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Before determining the target core network data plane element from the preset core network data plane elements based on the session request information, the method further includes: The router receives first information sent by the core network data plane element. The first information is used to indicate that the core network data plane element is in a powered-on state. The core network data plane element in a powered-on state is the preset core network data plane element.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: The router receives second information sent by the preset core network data plane element, the second information being used to indicate a change in the state of the preset core network data plane element.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Before receiving session request information sent by the core network control chain element, the method further includes: The system receives third information sent by the core network control chain element, the third information being used to instruct the core network control chain element to connect to the controller.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: The controller receives a connection release request message sent by the core network control chain element, the connection release request message being used to instruct the controller to release the connection with the core network control chain element.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, After sending the session request information to the target router via the IP channel between the controller and the target router, the method further includes: The system receives session response information sent by the target core network data plane element through the target router, and sends the session response information to the core network control chain element. The session response information is generated by the target core network data plane element based on the session request information.

8. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to core network control chain elements; the method includes: The session request information is sent to the controller, which instructs the controller to determine the target core network data plane element from the preset core network data plane elements based on the session request information, and to send the session request information to the target core network data plane element.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, Before sending the session request information to the controller, the method further includes: A third message is sent to the controller, the third message being used to instruct the core network control chain element to connect to the controller.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a coupling release request message to the controller, the coupling release request message being used to instruct the controller to release the connection with the core network control chain element.

11. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to the target core network data plane network element; the method includes: The controller receives a session request message sent by the target router. The session request message is information sent from the core network control chain network element to the controller. The session request message is used to instruct the controller to determine the target core network data plane network element from the preset core network data plane network elements, and to instruct the controller to send the session request message to the router through the IP channel between the controller and the target router.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, Before the receiving controller sends the session request information through the target router, the method further includes: Send first information to the router. The first information is used to indicate that the target core network data plane element is in a powered-on state and to instruct the target router to send the first information to the controller. The target core network data plane element in a powered-on state is the preset core network data plane element.

13. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to the target router; the method includes: Receive session request information sent by core network control chain elements through the controller; The session request information is sent to the target core network data plane element, which is determined by the controller from the preset core network data plane elements based on the session request information.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, Before receiving session request information sent by the core network control chain element through the controller, the method further includes: Receive first information sent by the target core network data plane element, the first information being used to indicate that the target core network data plane element is in a power-on state, and the target core network data plane element in a power-on state is the preset core network data plane element; The first information is sent to the controller.

15. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive second information sent by the target core network data plane element, the second information being used to indicate a change in the state of the target core network data plane element; The second information is sent to the controller.

16. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: If no first heartbeat information is received from the target core network data plane element within a preset period, a fourth message is sent to the controller, the fourth message indicating that the target core network data plane element is in a power-off state.

17. A communication device, characterized in that, Applied to a controller; the device includes: The first session request receiving module is used to receive session request information sent by core network control link network elements; The target core network data plane element determination module is used to determine the target core network data plane element from the preset core network data plane elements based on the session request information. The first session request sending module is used to send the session request information to the target router through the IP channel between the controller and the target router, so that the target router sends the session request information to the target core network data plane element.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, Applied to core network control chain network elements; the device includes: The second session request sending module is used to send session request information to the controller. The session request information is used to instruct the controller to determine the target core network data plane element from the preset core network data plane elements based on the session request information, and to send the session request information to the target core network data plane element.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, Applied to the data plane network element of the target core network; the device includes: The second session request receiving module is used to receive session request information sent by the controller through the target router. The session request information is information sent by the core network control chain network element to the controller. The session request information is used to instruct the controller to determine the target core network data plane network element from the preset core network data plane network elements, and to instruct the controller to send the session request information to the router through the IP channel between the controller and the target router.

20. A communication device, characterized in that, Applied to a target router; the device includes: The third session request receiving module is used to receive session request information sent by core network control chain network elements through the controller; The third session request sending module is used to send the session request information to the target core network data plane element, which is determined by the controller from the preset core network data plane elements based on the session request information.

21. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: A processor, and a memory communicatively connected to the processor; The memory stores computer-executed instructions; The processor executes computer execution instructions stored in the memory to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-16.

22. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, are used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-16.

23. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the method of any one of claims 1-16.

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