Lightweight core network based on service-oriented architecture

Abstract

This invention discloses a lightweight core network based on a service-oriented architecture. Addressing the issues of traditional 5G core networks having numerous network elements, complex deployment, and difficulty in adapting to small private network scenarios, this invention optimizes and centralizes the deployment of 5GC and IMS modules. The 5GC unit retains AMF, SMF, PCF, UDM, AUSF, UPF, and NRF, while optimizing NSSF and NEF. Slicing functionality is implemented by SMF through service plane traffic offloading. The IMS unit retains SBC, P / I / S-CSCF, AS, HSS, MRFC, and MRFP, while optimizing SLF, BGCF, MGCF, and MGW. During centralized module deployment, UDM, AUSF, and HSS are integrated into a unified user data management module; P-CSCF, S-CSCF, I-CSCF, and BGCF are integrated into a CSCF module; MRFC is integrated into the AS module; and UPF is deployed on the same board as 5GC and IMS. This invention reduces signaling interaction and resource consumption by cutting and combining network elements, thereby reducing system complexity and equipment costs, improving processing efficiency and integration deployment capabilities, and is suitable for 5G private network scenarios.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a lightweight core network based on a service-oriented architecture. Background Technology

[0002] As the "brain and heart" of the 5G network, the 5G core network not only undertakes basic functions such as user access authentication, session management, and data routing, but also supports diverse scenarios such as ultra-high-definition video, industrial internet, and smart healthcare through architectural innovation. It breaks the "integrated" limitations of the 4G EPC, allowing the user plane (UPF) to be flexibly deployed to the edge through "Control Plane and User Plane Separation (CUPS)," achieving millisecond-level latency; and it uses "Service-Based Architecture (SBA)" to break down network elements into standardized service units, calling resources on demand. However, traditional 5G core networks have many network elements, and deployment requires a large number of servers and professional operation and maintenance, resulting in complex system configuration and long deployment cycles. This hinders the deployment of the 5G core network to some private network scenarios. Therefore, it is necessary to lightweight the core network to meet the needs of small-scale private network scenarios. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a lightweight core network based on a service-oriented architecture to overcome the above-mentioned problems.

[0004] This invention provides a lightweight core network based on a service-oriented architecture, comprising: The 5GC unit is configured to retain only the following functional modules: Access and Mobility Management Function Module (AMF), Session Management Function Module (SMF), Policy Control Function Module (PCF), Unified Data Management Function Module (UDM), Authentication Server Function Module (AUSF), User Plane Function Module (UPF), and Network Repository Function Module (NRF). The 5GC unit does not include the Network Open Function Module (NEF) and the Network Slice Selection Function Module (NSSF), and the network slicing function is implemented through service plane traffic splitting combined with the UPF selection strategy. The IMS unit is configured to retain only the following functional modules: Session Edge Controller (SBC), Proxy Session Control Function Module (P-CSCF), Query Session Control Function Module (I-CSCF), Service Session Control Function Module (S-CSCF), Home Subscriber Server (HSS), Application Server (AS), Media Resource Function Controller (MRFC), and Media Resource Function Processor (MRFP); wherein, the IMS unit does not include the Subscription Data Location Function Module (SLF), Egress Gateway Control Function Module (BGCF), Media Gateway Control Module (MGCF), and Media Gateway Function Module (MGW); The functional modules in the 5GC unit and the IMS unit are integrated through centralized deployment to reduce the number of hardware components and lower system complexity.

[0005] In some embodiments, in the 5GC unit, the network slicing function is implemented by the SMF based on the service plane splitting method combined with the UPF selection strategy to achieve edge slice service splitting, replacing the slice selection processing performed by the NSSF function module.

[0006] In some embodiments, in the IMS unit, the HSS is a Single Home Subscriber Server, eliminating the need for an SLF module to select multiple HSSs; the IMS unit interacts with the CS domain through an external voice gateway device, eliminating the need for BGCF, MGCF, and MGW modules.

[0007] In some embodiments, the centralized deployment integration method includes: The UDM module, AUSF module, and HSS module are integrated and deployed into a unified user data management and authentication module. The original multi-table data of the UDM, AUSF, and HSS modules are optimized in terms of the internal processing logic of the unit, reducing the number of tables and the frequency of reading table data.

[0008] In some embodiments, the centralized deployment integration method further includes: The session routing functions of the P-CSCF module, the S-CSCF module, the I-CSCF module, and the BGCF module are merged into a CSCF module, and the interfaces between P-CSCF, S-CSCF, and I-CSCF are converted into internal interfaces of CSCF.

[0009] In some embodiments, the centralized deployment integration method further includes: The functions of the MRFC module are integrated into the AS module, and the functions of the MRFP module are implemented by the MRF module. The AS module is interconnected with the MRF module through the Mr interface to transmit service flow data.

[0010] In some embodiments, the UPF module, the 5GC unit, and the IMS unit are deployed on the same functional board to achieve integrated deployment of 5GC / IMS / UPF.

[0011] In some embodiments, the lightweight core network is applied to 5G private network scenarios, and the 5GC unit does not need to expose its capabilities to other network elements through the NEF module.

[0012] In some embodiments, the AMF serves as the endpoint of the wireless base station signaling interface N2 and the NAS signaling N1, and is responsible for the encryption and integrity protection of NAS messages, registration, access, mobility management, and authentication functions. The SMF, as the endpoint of the Session Management SM message in the NAS message, is responsible for the establishment, modification, and release of sessions, the allocation and management of UE IPs, DHCP function, ARP proxy, session selection and control UPF, and determining the SSC mode of the session. The PCF supports a unified policy framework for managing network behavior and provides policy rules for network entities to execute. The UDM is responsible for generating 3GPP authentication certificates / authentication parameters, storing and managing permanent user IDs for the 5G system, managing subscription information, and managing user service network element registration. The AUSF supports authentication compliant with 3GPP terminal access, performs the authentication process for the UE and maintains the security context; The UPF is responsible for packet routing and forwarding, QoS flow mapping, packet detection, user plane policy enforcement, traffic usage reporting, UL-CL function, branch point support for PDU sessions, and downlink data caching.

[0013] In some embodiments, the IMS unit: The SBC performs NAT traversal, access control, and IP interoperability, and completes signaling proxy and media proxy functions. The P-CSCF serves as the terminal aggregation point of the IMS network, undertaking the functions of SIP proxy, security management, SIP message compression and decompression, and SIP message optimization. The I-CSCF is located at the boundary between the visited network and the home network, and selects the appropriate S-CSCF for each call by querying the HSS; The S-CSCF serves as the service switching center and core of the IMS network, and acts as a SIP registration server and SIP session control server. It verifies the identity of registered users and authorizes services by querying user information from the HSS. The HSS stores IMS user identifiers, numbers and address information, IMS user security information, IMS user routing information, and IMS user service subscription information; The AS provides value-added multimedia services, processes SIP sessions sent from IMS, and initiates SIP requests; The MRFC parses SIP signaling from the S-CSCF and AS and controls the MRFP through the H.248 protocol to perform corresponding media resource control actions. The MRFP performs media-related functions under the control of the MRFC, providing media resources to the terminal and completing multimedia information playback and media content parsing processing.

[0014] Lightweight core network technology simplifies and optimizes communication processes, selects the smallest set of network elements, and selectively trims network element functions, removing unnecessary elements or those irrelevant to actual communication needs, and merging network elements with similar functions. This makes the core network structure more compact, ensuring efficient communication services with lightweight resources and equipment. Specific advantages are as follows: (1) Removal of unnecessary network elements. It supports the removal of unnecessary network elements. This removal strategy makes 5GC deployment more flexible and can be adjusted according to needs, reducing unnecessary computing resources and memory usage.

[0015] (2) Co-location of network elements to adjust the core network architecture. By co-locating network elements with similar functions or closely related processes, such as co-locating UDM and AUSF, the external interface interaction of the system is simplified and the complexity of the system is reduced. This innovation makes the use of system memory and computing resources more efficient and improves the overall performance of the system. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings illustrate, by way of example and not limitation, the various embodiments discussed herein.

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the lightweight core network 5GC architecture; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the optimized architecture for the lightweight core network IMS. Detailed Implementation

[0018] In order to gain a more detailed understanding of the features and technical content of the embodiments of this application, the implementation of the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are for reference and illustration only and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this application.

[0019] In the embodiments described in this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise stated and limited, the term "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, it can be an electrical connection, or a connection between two internal components. It can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above term according to the specific circumstances.

[0020] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," and "third" used in the embodiments of this application are merely used to distinguish similar objects and do not represent a specific ordering of objects. It is understood that "first," "second," and "third" can be interchanged in a specific order or sequence where permitted. It should be understood that the objects distinguished by "first," "second," and "third" can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein.

[0021] The English abbreviations used in the embodiments of this application are summarized in Table 1 below:

[0022] Table 1 The technical solutions of this invention include: (1) Pruning and optimization of 5GC Based on the communication scenarios and requirements of lightweight core network, the 5GC is redesigned. 5GC modules that are only used in 5G public networks and have no usage requirements in the lightweight core network application scenarios of 5G private network systems are optimized and customized to meet the 5GC modules that must be available for lightweight core network functions.

[0023] Based on the basic functions of each module in the 5GC, the lightweight core network adopts a service plane offloading approach to implement slicing functions, without using the public network's NSSF module for complex slice selection. In the 5G private network environment, the NEF module is not required to open up the 5GC network functions. Considering the usage of the above functional modules, the lightweight core network 5GC unit optimizes the NSSF and NEF modules, while retaining the AMF, SMF, PCF, UDM, AUSF, UPF, and NRF modules for customized deployment, which can meet the functional requirements of the lightweight core network 5GC unit.

[0024] (2) IMS trimming and optimization Based on the application scenarios and business requirements of the lightweight core network, IMS was redesigned. IMS modules that are not needed in the lightweight core network application scenarios were optimized, and only the IMS functional modules that are necessary for the lightweight core network IMS business applications were retained.

[0025] The lightweight core network IMS uses a unified HSS, eliminating the need for multiple HSS selection via the SLF module. The lightweight core network interacts with the CS domain through a voice gateway device, eliminating the need for the BGCF, MGCF, and MGW modules in the IMS unit to achieve interoperability with the CS domain. Based on the usage of the above functional modules, the lightweight core network IMS unit optimizes the SLF, BGCF, MGCF, and MGW modules and customizes the deployment of SBC, P / I / S-CSCF, AS, HSS, MRFC, and MRFP functional modules to realize the lightweight core network IMS unit.

[0026] (3) Centralized deployment of modules After completing the customized design of the lightweight core network 5GC and IMS unit functional modules, in order to reduce system complexity, the functional modules were further integrated. By integrating the functional modules, the memory capacity and the number of processor cores occupied can be reduced, the integration and deployment capability of the lightweight core network can be improved, the system integration can be further improved, the number of hardware components can be reduced, and the power consumption and overall equipment cost can be reduced.

[0027] Lightweight core network technology simplifies and optimizes communication processes, selects the smallest set of network elements, and selectively trims network element functions, removing unnecessary elements or those irrelevant to actual communication needs, and merging network elements with similar functions. This makes the core network structure more compact, ensuring efficient communication services with lightweight resources and equipment. Specific advantages are as follows: (1) Removal of unnecessary network elements. It supports the removal of unnecessary network elements. This removal strategy makes 5GC deployment more flexible and can be adjusted according to needs, reducing unnecessary computing resources and memory usage.

[0028] (2) Co-location of network elements to adjust the core network architecture. By co-locating network elements with similar functions or closely related processes, such as co-locating UDM and AUSF, the external interface interaction of the system is simplified and the complexity of the system is reduced. This innovation makes the use of system memory and computing resources more efficient and improves the overall performance of the system.

[0029] Lightweight core network 5GC architecture, such as Figure 1 As shown, the lightweight core network 5GC architecture after functional module optimization and deployment retains the following features. Figure 1 The modules marked with black boxes are the ones that have been optimized, while those marked with gray boxes are the ones that have been optimized.

[0030] Lightweight core network IMS optimized architecture, such as Figure 2 As shown, the optimized and deployed lightweight core network IMS architecture retains the following features. Figure 2 The modules marked with black boxes are the functional modules that have been optimized, while those marked with gray boxes are the functional modules that have been optimized.

[0031] The present invention provides a specific implementation method as follows: (1) Pruning and optimization of 5GC The following modules are retained in the lightweight core network after functional module optimization and deployment: AMF: Access and Mobility Management Function; it is the endpoint of the radio base station signaling interface (N2) and the endpoint of NAS (N1) signaling, responsible for the encryption and integrity of NAS messages, and responsible for functions such as registration, access, mobility, and authentication.

[0032] SMF: Session Management Function; its main functions include: 1) SM message endpoint for NAS messages; 2) Session establishment, modification, and release; 3) UE IP allocation and management; 4) DHCP function; 5) ARP proxy; 6) Session selection and control UPF; 7) Determining the SSC (Session and Service Continuity) mode of a session, etc.

[0033] PCF: Policy Control Function; supports a unified policy framework to manage network behavior and provides policy rules for network entities to implement.

[0034] UDM: Unified Data Management; its main functions include: 1) generating 3GPP authentication certificates / authentication parameters; 2) storing and managing the permanent user ID (SUPI) of the 5G system; 3) managing subscription information; and 4) managing the registration of user service network elements (such as AMF, SMF, etc., which currently provide services to terminals).

[0035] AUSF: Authentication Server Function; supports authentication for 3GPP compliant terminal access, performs authentication procedures for UE, and maintains security context.

[0036] UPF: User Plane Functions; its main functions are responsible for packet routing and forwarding, QoS flow mapping, implementing packet routing and forwarding, packet detection, user plane policy enforcement, traffic usage reporting, UL-CL (uplink classifier) ​​function, branch point support for PDU sessions, downlink data caching, etc.

[0037] The optimized modules of the lightweight core network after functional module optimization deployment are as follows: NEF (Network Open Function); 3GPP protocols stipulate that network elements expose their capabilities to other network elements through NEF; NEF stores relevant information in NDR (Network Data Repository) and can also retrieve relevant information from NDR. NEF can only access NDRs within the same PLMN; NEF provides corresponding security guarantees to ensure the security of external applications accessing the 3GPP network and the conversion of relevant information between 3GPP internal and external networks; NEF can obtain relevant information from other network elements by accessing NDR. As a communication network device in the JunD mobile communication system's 5G private network equipment architecture, the lightweight core network does not need to expose its 5G network functions. Therefore, this function module is optimized in the lightweight core network 5GC unit.

[0038] NSSF: Network Slice Selection Function, supports selecting a set of network slice instances serving the UE, determining the allowed NSSAI (Network Slice Selection Assist Information), determining the configured NSSAI, and determining the list of candidate AMFs. The lightweight core network's requirement for 5G network slicing is to support edge slicing services, completing the selection of edge computing devices and data service access. Its slicing capabilities are weaker compared to those in the public network environment, and its use cases are relatively simple and fixed. To reduce the complexity of the service process, the lightweight core network design uses a service plane offloading method combined with a UPF selection strategy. It implements the edge slice service offloading function through SMF for UPF selection, rather than through the more complex configuration and process of the NSSF module. Therefore, this function module is optimized in the lightweight core network 5GC unit.

[0039] (2) IMS trimming and optimization The optimized and deployed lightweight core network IMS retains the following functional modules: SBC: Session Border Controller: Provides NAT traversal, access control, and IP communication. It performs signaling proxy functions; from the UE's perspective, the SBC is the same as the P-CSCF; from the P-CSCF's perspective, the SBC is the same as the UE. It also performs media proxy functions; all media streams are transmitted through the SBC. P-CSCF: Proxy-Call Session Control Function: All signaling from and to IMS terminals must pass through a designated P-CSCF after access via the SBC. The P-CSCF corresponding to an IMS terminal is assigned during network access through negotiation using non-SIP mechanisms (e.g., DHCP negotiation) or configuration. IMS can only initiate SIP registration after obtaining the P-CSCF address, and once registered, the P-CSCF is fixed. As the terminal convergence point of the IMS network, it acts as a SIP proxy. All SIP signaling entering and leaving the IMS terminal must be processed and transmitted through the designated P-CSCF; this includes registration signaling and other session signaling. The P-CSCF also undertakes security management functions, providing IPSec security associations and ensuring the reliability of IMS terminal user identities to the IMS network. Furthermore, the P-CSCF provides SIP message compression and decompression functions and SIP message optimization to improve the efficiency of signaling processing between the IMS terminal and the network. I-CSCF (Interrogating-Call Session Control Function): Also a SIP proxy, it resides at the boundary between the visited and home networks, acting as a gateway. In most applications, the I-CSC is located in the home domain of the IMS network. It queries the HSS to select the appropriate S-CSCF for each call and forwards the request information to the S-CSCF. S-CSCF (Serving-Call Session Control Function): This is the service switching center and core of the IMS network, always located within the home network. The S-CSCF acts as both a SIP registration server and a SIP session control server. When an IMS terminal accesses the network, it registers with the S-CSCF to obtain network and service access permissions. The S-CSCF authenticates and authorizes registered users by querying user information from the HSS (Hospital Server). Once an IMS terminal user successfully registers, they can use IMS services within the authorized scope. Control of IMS services is also achieved through the S-CSCF. The S-CSCF determines how to process user requests and whether to contact the application server based on the user's service authorization. HSS: Home Subscriber Server: The HSS is a server used to store all information related to user identity, including user identity and IMS service information. The information stored in the HSS includes: (1) IMS user identifier (including public and private identifiers), number and address information; (2) IMS user security information (including authentication and key information, roaming restriction information, etc.); (3) IMS user routing information (assigned S-CSCF information, registration information, etc.); (4) IMS user service subscription information.

[0040] AS: Application Server: Its main function is to provide value-added multimedia services, process SIP sessions from IMS, and initiate SIP requests. The AS interacts with the S-CSCF via the SIP protocol. There are three types of AS: SIP application server, open service access server, and service capability server.

[0041] MRFC: Media Resource Function Controller: Parses SIP signaling from other S-CSCFs and ASs and controls the MRFP to perform corresponding media resource control actions through the H.248 protocol; MRFP: Media Resource Function Processor: Under the control of MRFC, MRFP performs all media-related functions, provides media resources to the terminal, and completes multimedia information playback (prompt sounds, streaming media) and media content parsing and processing (encoding, decoding, transformation, etc.). The optimized lightweight core network IMS features the following functional modules: SLF: Subscription Locator Function; In the home network of IMS in a public network environment, multiple HSSs are usually required, which necessitates the SLF to provide addressing and location services for finding the user's corresponding HSS. The SLF is only necessary when multiple HSSs exist. For the lightweight core network IMS unit in a 5G private network, only one HSS needs to be deployed; therefore, this function module is optimized in the lightweight core network IMS unit.

[0042] MGCF (Media Gateway Control Function) is responsible for converting between the ISUP, BICC, and SI control protocols. It enables signaling interaction with the CS domain via the SGW (SIP GW) and controls the IMS-MG to perform real-time conversion between CS domain TDM signals and IM domain RTP signals via the H.248 protocol. The lightweight core network interacts with the CS domain through voice gateway devices; therefore, this functional module is optimized within the lightweight core network IMS unit.

[0043] BGCF (Breakout Gateway Control Function): Responsible for selecting the exit point to the CS domain. The selected exit point can be in the same network or in another network. If it is in another network, the BGCF will forward the session to the BGCF of the corresponding network. If it is in the same network, the BGCF will select the MGCF for further processing. Since the lightweight core network is deployed based on the communication network equipment in the 5G private network equipment system, and the interaction with the CS domain is completed through the voice gateway equipment, the MGCF module function has been optimized in IMS. The function of BGCF is weakened, and the corresponding functions of the BGCF module are integrated into the CSCF module. Therefore, this function module is optimized in the lightweight core network IMS unit.

[0044] MGW: Media Gateway Function: Responsible for the conversion between CS domain TDM signals and IMS domain media streams, completing the interoperability between IMS and PSTN and CS domain user plane broadband and narrowband bearers, and performing necessary codec encoding and decoding conversions, as well as code conversion and signal processing when needed. The lightweight core network, based on the communication network equipment deployment in the 5G private network equipment system, completes the interaction with the CS domain through voice relay equipment; therefore, this functional module is optimized in the lightweight core network IMS unit.

[0045] (3) Centralized deployment of modules The specific module integration and deployment plan is as follows: (1) In order to realize unified management of user data of 5GC and IMS functional network elements, the HSS module of IMS unit for user information management and the UDM module of 5GC unit for user data management are integrated. In order to reduce signaling interaction processing, the UDM and AUSF modules of 5GC unit are integrated. Finally, in the lightweight core network, the UDM, AUSF and HSS modules are integrated and deployed. In terms of the internal processing logic of the unit, the original multi-table data of UDM, AUSF and HSS modules are optimized, the number of tables is reduced, and the frequency of reading table data is reduced, thereby realizing unified user data management and authentication services in the lightweight core network, improving processing efficiency and enhancing resource utilization.

[0046] (2) In the lightweight core network IMS unit, the P-CSCF, S-CSCF, and I-CSCF functional modules of the public network IMS equipment are independently deployed and then integrated. The functions of the three modules are implemented in the integrated CSCF (Call Session Control) module. At the same time, the session routing function of the optimized BGCF module is also integrated into the CSCF module. The interfaces between P-CSCF, S-CSCF, and I-CSCF are converted into internal interfaces of CSCF to improve interface forwarding efficiency and reduce message latency.

[0047] (3) In the lightweight core network IMS unit, the functions of the MRFC (Media Resource Function Controller) module are integrated into the AS module, and the functions of the MRFP (Media Resource Function Processor) are implemented by the MRF (Media Resource Function) module to improve media processing capabilities. The AS module is interconnected with the MRF module through the Mr interface for transmitting service flow data.

[0048] (4) The UPF module undertakes the user plane functions of 5GC. Its core functions are internal and external mobility anchors and packet routing and forwarding, and data traffic routing and distribution. In order to realize the control and management of user data, UPF also supports external PDU session points interconnected with the data network, packet inspection, user plane part policy execution, traffic usage reporting, UL-CL (uplink classifier) ​​function, branch point support for multi-homed PDU sessions, downlink data caching, user plane QoS processing, and downlink data notification triggering. In the case of lightweight core network standard configuration, the UPF module is deployed on the same functional board as 5GC and IMS to realize the integrated deployment of 5GC / IMS / UPF.

[0049] This invention provides a lightweight core network based on a service-oriented architecture, comprising: The 5GC unit is configured to retain only the following functional modules: Access and Mobility Management (AMF), Session Management (SMF), Policy Control (PCF), Unified Data Management (UDM), Authentication Server (AUSF), User Plane Function (UPF), and Network Repository (NRF). The 5GC unit does not include the Network Opening Function (NEF) or the Network Slicing Selection Function (NSSF), and the network slicing function is implemented through service plane traffic splitting combined with the UPF selection policy.

[0050] The IMS unit is configured to retain only the following functional modules: Session Edge Controller (SBC), Proxy Session Control Function Module (P-CSCF), Query Session Control Function Module (I-CSCF), Service Session Control Module (S-CSCF), Home Subscriber Server (HSS), Application Server (AS), Media Resource Function Controller (MRFC), and Media Resource Function Processor (MRFP). The IMS unit does not include the Subscription Data Location Function Module (SLF), Egress Gateway Control Function Module (BGCF), Media Gateway Control Module (MGCF), and Media Gateway Function Module (MGW).

[0051] The functional modules in the 5GC unit and IMS unit are integrated through centralized deployment to reduce the number of hardware components and lower system complexity.

[0052] In some embodiments, in the 5GC unit, the network slicing function is implemented by SMF based on the service plane offloading method combined with the UPF selection strategy to offload edge slice services, replacing the slice selection processing performed by the NSSF function module.

[0053] In some embodiments, the HSS in the IMS unit is a Single Home Subscriber Server, eliminating the need for an SLF module to select multiple HSSs. The IMS unit interacts with the CS domain through an external voice gateway device, eliminating the need for BGCF, MGCF, and MGW modules.

[0054] In some embodiments, the centralized deployment integration method includes: The UDM, AUSF, and HSS modules are integrated and deployed as a unified user data management and authentication module. The internal processing logic of the unit optimizes the original multi-table data of the UDM, AUSF, and HSS modules, reducing the number of tables and the frequency of reading table data.

[0055] In some embodiments, the centralized deployment integration method further includes: The session routing functions of the P-CSCF, S-CSCF, I-CSCF and BGCF modules are merged into the CSCF module, and the interfaces between P-CSCF, S-CSCF and I-CSCF are converted into internal interfaces of CSCF.

[0056] In some embodiments, the centralized deployment integration method further includes: The functionality of the MRFC module is integrated into the AS module, while the MRF module implements the functionality of the MRFP module. The AS module interconnects with the MRF module through the Mr interface to transmit service flow data.

[0057] In some embodiments, the UPF module, 5GC unit, and IMS unit are deployed on the same functional board to achieve integrated deployment of 5GC / IMS / UPF.

[0058] In some embodiments, the lightweight core network is applied to 5G private network scenarios, and the 5GC unit does not need to expose its capabilities to other network elements through the NEF module.

[0059] In some embodiments, the AMF serves as the endpoint of the wireless base station signaling interface N2 and the NAS signaling N1, and is responsible for the encryption and integrity protection of NAS messages, registration, access, mobility management, and authentication functions.

[0060] As the endpoint of the Session Management (SM) message in the NAS message, the SMF is responsible for the establishment, modification, and release of sessions, the allocation and management of UE IP addresses, DHCP functions, ARP proxy, session selection and control (UPF), and determining the SSC mode of the session.

[0061] PCF supports a unified policy framework for managing network behavior and provides policy rules for network entities to execute.

[0062] UDM is responsible for generating 3GPP authentication certificates / authentication parameters, storing and managing permanent user IDs for the 5G system, managing subscription information, and managing user service element registration.

[0063] AUSF supports authentication for 3GPP-compliant terminal access, performing authentication procedures for the UE and maintaining a security context.

[0064] UPF is responsible for packet routing and forwarding, QoS flow mapping, packet inspection, user plane policy enforcement, traffic usage reporting, UL-CL functionality, branch point support for PDU sessions, and downlink data caching.

[0065] In some embodiments, in the IMS unit: SBC performs NAT traversal, access control, and IP interoperability, and completes signaling proxy and media proxy functions.

[0066] As the terminal aggregation point of the IMS network, the P-CSCF undertakes the functions of SIP proxy, security management, SIP message compression and decompression, and SIP message optimization.

[0067] The I-CSCF is located at the boundary between the visited network and the home network, and selects the appropriate S-CSCF for each call by querying the HSS.

[0068] As the service switching center and core of the IMS network, the S-CSCF acts as a SIP registration server and SIP session control server, verifying the identity of registered users and authorizing services by querying user information from the HSS.

[0069] HSS stores IMS user identifiers, numbers and addresses, IMS user security information, IMS user routing information, and IMS user service subscription information.

[0070] AS provides value-added multimedia services, processes SIP sessions from IMS, and initiates SIP requests.

[0071] The MRFC parses SIP signaling from the S-CSCF and AS and controls the MRFP via the H.248 protocol to perform corresponding media resource control actions.

[0072] Under the control of MRFC, MRFP performs media-related functions, provides media resources to the terminal, and completes multimedia information playback and media content parsing and processing.

[0073] This invention provides a method for deploying a lightweight core network based on a service-oriented architecture, comprising the following steps: S1: 5GC trimming and optimization steps: Based on the lightweight core network communication scenarios and requirements, 5GC is redesigned, retaining AMF, SMF, PCF, UDM, AUSF, UPF, and NRF modules, and optimizing NSSF and NEF modules; Among them, the network slicing function adopts a service plane traffic splitting method combined with the UPF selection strategy, and the edge slice service splitting function is implemented by selecting UPF through SMF. S2: IMS trimming and optimization steps. Based on the application scenarios and service requirements of the lightweight core network, the IMS is redesigned, retaining the SBC, P-CSCF, I-CSCF, S-CSCF, AS, HSS, MRFC, and MRFP modules, and optimizing the SLF, BGCF, MGCF, and MGW modules; among them, a unified HSS is adopted, eliminating the need for multiple HSS selection by the SLF module, and completing the interaction with the CS domain through the voice gateway device; S3: Centralized Module Deployment Steps. After completing the customized design of the 5GC and IMS unit functional modules, the functional modules are integrated and deployed. The UDM, AUSF, and HSS modules are integrated and deployed. The P-CSCF, S-CSCF, I-CSCF, and BGCF are integrated into the CSCF module. The MRFC is integrated into the AS module. The UPF, 5GC, and IMS are deployed on the same functional board to reduce the amount of memory and processor cores required and improve integration and deployment capabilities.

[0074] In some embodiments, step S3, specifically the integrated deployment of the UDM, AUSF, and HSS modules, includes: In terms of the internal processing logic of the unit, the original multi-table data of the UDM, AUSF, and HSS modules are optimized to reduce the number of tables and the frequency of reading table data, thereby realizing a lightweight core network with unified user data management and authentication services.

[0075] In some embodiments, step S3, merging P-CSCF, S-CSCF, I-CSCF, and BGCF into a CSCF module, specifically includes: Convert the interfaces between P-CSCF, S-CSCF, and I-CSCF into internal CSCF interfaces to improve interface forwarding efficiency and reduce message latency.

[0076] In some embodiments, step S3, integrating MRFC into the AS module, specifically includes: The MRF module implements the MRFP function, and the AS module is interconnected with the MRF module through the Mr interface to transmit service flow data.

[0077] In some embodiments, the lightweight core network is applied to communication network equipment in a 5G private network equipment system.

[0078] The technical solutions described in the embodiments of this application can be combined arbitrarily without conflict.

[0079] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A lightweight core network based on a service-oriented architecture, characterized in that, include: The 5GC unit is configured to retain only the following functional modules: Access and Mobility Management Function Module (AMF), Session Management Function Module (SMF), Policy Control Function Module (PCF), Unified Data Management Function Module (UDM), Authentication Server Function Module (AUSF), User Plane Function Module (UPF), and Network Repository Function Module (NRF). The 5GC unit does not include the Network Open Function Module (NEF) and the Network Slice Selection Function Module (NSSF), and the network slicing function is implemented through service plane traffic splitting combined with the UPF selection strategy. The IMS unit is configured to retain only the following functional modules: Session Edge Controller (SBC), Proxy Session Control Function Module (P-CSCF), Query Session Control Function Module (I-CSCF), Service Session Control Function Module (S-CSCF), Home Subscriber Server (HSS), Application Server (AS), Media Resource Function Controller (MRFC), and Media Resource Function Processor (MRFP); wherein, the IMS unit does not include the Subscription Data Location Function Module (SLF), Egress Gateway Control Function Module (BGCF), Media Gateway Control Module (MGCF), and Media Gateway Function Module (MGW); The functional modules in the 5GC unit and the IMS unit are integrated through centralized deployment to reduce the number of hardware components and lower system complexity.

2. The lightweight core network based on a service-oriented architecture according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the 5GC unit, the network slicing function is implemented by the SMF based on the service plane splitting method combined with the UPF selection strategy to achieve edge slice service splitting, replacing the slice selection processing performed by the NSSF function module.

3. The lightweight core network based on a service-oriented architecture according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the IMS unit, the HSS is a Single Home Subscriber Server, eliminating the need for an SLF module to select multiple HSSs; the IMS unit interacts with the CS domain through an external voice gateway device, eliminating the need for BGCF, MGCF, and MGW modules.

4. The lightweight core network based on a service-oriented architecture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The centralized deployment integration methods include: The UDM module, AUSF module, and HSS module are integrated and deployed into a unified user data management and authentication module. The original multi-table data of the UDM, AUSF, and HSS modules are optimized in terms of the internal processing logic of the unit, reducing the number of tables and the frequency of reading table data.

5. The lightweight core network based on a service-oriented architecture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The centralized deployment integration method also includes: The session routing functions of the P-CSCF module, the S-CSCF module, the I-CSCF module, and the BGCF module are merged into a CSCF module, and the interfaces between P-CSCF, S-CSCF, and I-CSCF are converted into internal interfaces of CSCF.

6. The lightweight core network based on a service-oriented architecture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The centralized deployment integration method also includes: The functions of the MRFC module are integrated into the AS module, and the functions of the MRFP module are implemented by the MRF module. The AS module is interconnected with the MRF module through the Mr interface to transmit service flow data.

7. The lightweight core network based on service-oriented architecture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The UPF module, the 5GC unit, and the IMS unit are deployed on the same functional board to achieve integrated deployment of 5GC / IMS / UPF.

8. The lightweight core network based on a service-oriented architecture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lightweight core network is applied to 5G private network scenarios, and the 5GC unit does not need to expose its capabilities to other network elements through the NEF module.

9. The lightweight core network based on a service-oriented architecture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The AMF serves as the endpoint of the wireless base station signaling interface N2 and the NAS signaling N1, and is responsible for the encryption and integrity protection of NAS messages, registration, access, mobility management, and authentication functions. The SMF, as the endpoint of the Session Management SM message in the NAS message, is responsible for the establishment, modification, and release of sessions, the allocation and management of UE IPs, DHCP function, ARP proxy, session selection and control UPF, and determining the SSC mode of the session. The PCF supports a unified policy framework for managing network behavior and provides policy rules for network entities to execute. The UDM is responsible for generating 3GPP authentication certificates / authentication parameters, storing and managing permanent user IDs for the 5G system, managing subscription information, and managing user service network element registration. The AUSF supports authentication compliant with 3GPP terminal access, performs the authentication process for the UE and maintains the security context; The UPF is responsible for packet routing and forwarding, QoS flow mapping, packet detection, user plane policy enforcement, traffic usage reporting, UL-CL function, branch point support for PDU sessions, and downlink data caching.

10. The lightweight core network based on a service-oriented architecture according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the IMS unit: The SBC performs NAT traversal, access control, and IP interoperability, and completes signaling proxy and media proxy functions. The P-CSCF serves as the terminal aggregation point of the IMS network, undertaking the functions of SIP proxy, security management, SIP message compression and decompression, and SIP message optimization. The I-CSCF is located at the boundary between the visited network and the home network, and selects the appropriate S-CSCF for each call by querying the HSS; The S-CSCF serves as the service switching center and core of the IMS network, and acts as a SIP registration server and SIP session control server. It verifies the identity of registered users and authorizes services by querying user information from the HSS. The HSS stores IMS user identifiers, numbers and address information, IMS user security information, IMS user routing information, and IMS user service subscription information; The AS provides value-added multimedia services, processes SIP sessions sent from IMS, and initiates SIP requests; The MRFC parses SIP signaling from the S-CSCF and AS and controls the MRFP through the H.248 protocol to perform corresponding media resource control actions. The MRFP performs media-related functions under the control of the MRFC, providing media resources to the terminal and completing multimedia information playback and media content parsing processing.

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