Method and apparatus for deterministic transfer between network elements, network element, and storage medium

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application relate to a method and apparatus for deterministic transfer between network elements, a network element, and a storage medium. The method includes receiving first transfer parameters reported by a TSN AF, where the first transfer parameters represent transfer parameters of an N19 interface corresponding to the NW-TT of two TSN bridges carrying each TSN session; obtaining a current TSN traffic flow to be transferred, and selecting a target transfer path from preset paths based on the current TSN traffic flow and the first transfer parameters; determining an egress port parameter and a peer port parameter for transferring the current TSN traffic flow based on the first transfer parameters corresponding to the target transfer path, and transmitting preset flow label information, the current TSN traffic flow, and the peer port parameter to a first NW-TT corresponding to the egress port parameter according to a preset transmission path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of communications, and in particular, to a method and apparatus for deterministic transfer between network elements, a network element, and a storage medium.

Background Art

[0002] The 5G network, which is a next-generation mobile communication system, has a wide bandwidth, high reliability, and low latency, and thus has a wide range of application scenarios in the industrial Internet. The 5G network can not only meet the flexible mobility of industrial Internet devices and facilitate flexible production in factories, but also has a differentiated network customization function and can meet various business needs. Time Sensitive Network (TSN) is a series of data link layer protocol specifications developed by the IEEE802.1 task group, aiming to build a more reliable, low-latency, and low-jitter Ethernet (registered trademark). TSN provides services with microsecond-level determinacy and can meet the real-time needs of various industries. In related technologies, relying on the 5G radio access and the deterministic delay provided by TSN, the 5G TSN technology can meet various indicators of deterministic communication in wireless network transmission and will be an important foundation for realizing the wirelessization and flexible manufacturing of the industrial Internet in the future.

[0003] In a conventional TSN network, traffic flow characteristics of end stations, such as burst time, period, identifier, and delay requirements, are registered in a system of Centralized User Configuration (simply referred to as CUC). CUC distributes the characteristics of end stations to Centralized Network Configuration (simply referred to as CNC). CNC distributes scheduling information based on traffic flow identifiers through a Network Configuration Protocol (NetConf) interface according to the forwarding capabilities and resource reservation status of each TSN bridge it controls. Thereby, each traffic flow passes through each node without contention, ensuring delay determinism.

[0004] In the related art, after the introduction of the 5G system, TSN integrates the 5G system as a bridge into the TSN system. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the TSN network and the 5G network are interoperated by a TSN translator function. The TSN translator includes a Device Side TSN Translator (simply referred to as DS-TT) and a Network Side TSN Translator (simply referred to as NW-TT), and corresponding packets can enter the TSN bridge from the DS-TT or the NW-TT.

[0005] In the related art, in a 5G LAN scenario, when a Session Management Function (simply referred to as SMF) entity selects different User Plane Function (simply referred to as UPF) for users within a 5G virtual network group, the SMF generates a group-level N4 session and transfers the user flow or traffic flow between user equipment (UE) within the 5G virtual network group to the specified UPF via the N19 tunnel between UPFs, thereby realizing the interworking of user flows within the 5G virtual network group, and accordingly realizing the interworking from UE to UE between UPFs. In this application scenario, the SMF controls the transfer path between UEs within the 5G virtual network group. However, when the interworking from UE to UE between UPFs is applied to TSN, since the Centralized Network Controller (CNC) needs to centrally control the transfer path and scheduling parameters for deterministic scheduling, the configuration in which the SMF controls the transfer path between UEs within the 5G virtual network group, which is adopted in 5G LAN, is not applicable to TSN. At the same time, since the CNC cannot recognize the characteristics and transfer requirements of TSN traffic flows, it cannot distribute accurate transfer paths and scheduling parameters, and moreover, it cannot guarantee the deterministic transfer of transfer packets between UPFs and UPFs.

[0006] In the related art, in the scenario of TSN interworking from UE to UE between UPFs, no effective countermeasures have been proposed yet for the problem that the deterministic transfer of packets is not guaranteed.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] Embodiments of the present application provide a method and apparatus for deterministic transfer between network elements, a network element, and a storage medium to at least solve the problem that deterministic transfer of messages is not guaranteed in a UE-to-UE TSN interworking scenario between UPFs in related technologies.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0008] An embodiment of the present application is a method for deterministic transfer between network elements applied to a CNC, including the step of receiving first transfer parameters reported by a TSN application entity AF, where the first transfer parameters represent transfer parameters of an N19 interface corresponding to NW-TT of two TSN bridges carrying each TSN session, and the first transfer parameters are obtained by the TSN AF from capability parameters reported by one of the two NW-TTs corresponding to each TSN session; the step of obtaining a current TSN traffic flow to be transferred, and selecting a target transfer path from preset paths based on the current TSN traffic flow and the first transfer parameters, where the current TSN traffic flow is a traffic flow transferred at the N19 interface; the step of determining an exit port parameter and a counter port parameter for transferring the current TSN traffic flow based on the first transfer parameters corresponding to the target transfer path, and transmitting preset flow label information, the current TSN traffic flow, and the counter port parameter to a first NW-TT corresponding to the exit port parameter according to a preset transmission path, where the flow label information represents a unique identifier of the current TSN traffic flow; and the step of controlling the first NW-TT to generate a transfer packet in a preset format based on the flow label information, the current TSN traffic flow, and the counter port parameter, and performing deterministic transfer between network elements on the transfer packet when the N19 interface of the first NW-TT and a second NW-TT corresponding to the counter port parameter interoperates, so as to provide a method for deterministic transfer between network elements.

[0009] An embodiment of the present application is an apparatus for deterministic transfer between network elements applied to a CNC, including A receiving module configured to receive a first transfer parameter reported by a TSN AF, wherein the first transfer parameter represents transfer parameters of an N19 interface corresponding to NW-TTs of two TSN bridges carrying each TSN session, and the first transfer parameter is obtained by the TSN AF from capability parameters reported by one of the two NW-TTs corresponding to each TSN session; a selection module configured to obtain a current TSN traffic flow to be transferred and select a target transfer path from preset paths based on the current TSN traffic flow and the first transfer parameter, wherein the current TSN traffic flow is a traffic flow transferred on the N19 interface; and a determination module configured to determine an egress port parameter and an opposite port parameter for transferring the current TSN traffic flow based on the first transfer parameter corresponding to the target transfer path, and transmit preset flow label information, the current TSN traffic flow, and the opposite port parameter to a first NW-TT corresponding to the egress port parameter according to a preset transmission path, wherein the flow label information represents a unique identifier of the current TSN traffic flow. An apparatus for deterministic transfer between network elements is provided.

[0010] An embodiment of the present application provides a centralized network configuration network element including a processor, a communication interface, a memory, and a communication bus. The processor, the communication interface, and the memory communicate with each other via the communication bus. The memory is configured to store a computer program. When the processor executes the program stored in the memory, it is configured to implement the steps of a method for deterministic transfer between network elements according to any one of the embodiments of the first aspect.

[0011] An embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, where when the computer program is executed by a processor, it realizes the steps of a method for deterministic transfer between network elements described in any one of the embodiments of the first aspect.

[0012] Details of one or more embodiments of the present application are shown in the following drawings and descriptions to more concisely and easily understand other features, objectives, and advantages of the present application.

[0013] The drawings incorporated in the specification and constituting a part of the specification illustrate embodiments conforming to the present invention and are for explaining the principles of the present invention together with the specification.

[0014] In the following, to more clearly explain the embodiments of the present invention or the technical aspects in the prior art, the drawings necessary for use in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly described. It goes without saying that those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative labor.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

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Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, in order to make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, while referring to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described. It goes without saying that the described embodiments are only some, rather than all, of the embodiments of the present application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present application without creative labor are also included in the protection scope of the present application.

[0017] Hereinafter, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a schematic flowchart of a method for deterministic transfer between network elements provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 3, the embodiment of the present application provides a method for deterministic transfer between network elements applied to a CNC. This method includes the following steps S401 to S404.

[0019] In step S401, a first transfer parameter reported by a time-sensitive network TSN application entity AF is received. Here, the first transfer parameter represents the transfer parameter of the N19 interface corresponding to the network-side TSN translator NW-TT of two TSN bridges carrying each TSN session. The first transfer parameter is obtained by the TSN AF from the capability parameters reported by one of the two NW-TTs corresponding to each TSN session.

[0020] In this embodiment, the CNC in the TSN network system is used as the execution entity. Also, in this embodiment, the so-called deterministic transfer between network elements refers to the deterministic transfer of the TSN traffic flow between UPFs. Specifically, the deterministic transfer when two UPFs interwork via the N19 interface is considered (see Figure 3). In this embodiment, the target for realizing the deterministic transfer of the TSN traffic flow is the NW-TT of the UPFs of two TSN bridges carrying one TSN session. On the other hand, in the TNS network system, since the CNC needs to centrally control the target transfer path and scheduling parameters (for example, the corresponding port parameters) for deterministic transfer, the CNC needs to obtain the transfer parameters corresponding to the N19 interface reported by the corresponding TSN bridge.

[0021] In this embodiment, the first transfer parameter is the transfer parameter corresponding to a pair of NW-TTs that support deterministic transfer based on the N19 interface.

[0022] In this embodiment, the transfer parameters corresponding to the N19 interface reported by the TSN bridge acquired by the CNC are obtained by the TSN AF acquiring the TSN capabilities of the corresponding NW-TT, determining whether to support the deterministic transfer of the N19 interface, subscribing to the transfer parameters for the deterministic transfer of the N19 interface for the corresponding NW-TT, and receiving the corresponding transfer parameters reported by the NW-TT. Since the TSN AF is in the 5G control plane of the TSN network system and the TSN bridge is in the 5G user plane of the TSN network system, the TSN AF acquires the TSN capabilities of the NW-TT according to the transmission path of (TSN AF)-Policy Control function (PCF)-SMF-UPF-(NW-TT), and needs to acquire the TSN capabilities supported by the NW-TT by adopting the instructions corresponding to the Ethernet port management message bearer defined by the 24519 protocol. On the other hand, the NW-TT feeds back the TSN capabilities it supports according to the transmission path of (NW-TT)-UPF-SMF-PCF-(TSN AF), adopts the TSN capabilities corresponding to the Ethernet port management response information bearer defined by the 24519 protocol, and sends the related parameters representing the TSN capabilities to the TSN AF. In this embodiment, the determination of whether the NW-TT supports the deterministic transfer of the N19 interface is determined by determining whether the corresponding capability value among the related parameters is a preset parameter value (for example, 8001H). In this embodiment, when the TSN AF determines that the NW-TT carrying the corresponding TSN session supports the deterministic transfer of the N19 interface, the TSN AF subscribes to the transfer parameters of the N19 interface for the corresponding NW-TT, that is, notifies the NW-TT that this NW-TT is required in the corresponding TSN session. Also, when the NW-TT receives that it is necessary to use this NW-TT to carry the ongoing TSN session, the NW-TT sends the transfer parameters of the N19 interface assigned to the TSN session by the UPF to the TSN AF after completion.In an associated optional embodiment, the transfer parameters of the N19 interface assigned to the TSN session by the UPF include the GTU-U tunnel assigned to the TSN session.

[0023] In step S402, the current TSN traffic flow to be transferred is obtained, and based on the current TSN traffic flow and the first transfer parameters, a target transfer path is selected from the preset paths. Here, the current TSN traffic flow is the traffic flow transferred through the N19 interface.

[0024] In this embodiment, after receiving the first transfer parameters, the CNC refers to the traffic flow burst period, traffic volume, network delay, and TSN bearer network reserved resources of the TSN network to perform network configuration and define the scheduling policy for the TSC flow. In this embodiment, after the CNC determines the delay between the NW-TTs of the two TSN bridges, according to the delays corresponding to the two TSN bridges themselves, in the scenario where the UE interworks via the N19 interface, the delay when the TSN traffic flow passes through each TSN bridge and the end-to-end (from TSN bridge to TSN bridge) delay can be determined. In this embodiment, the CNC transmits the GTP-U tunnel information of the N19 interface corresponding to the first transfer parameters and the determined target transfer path to the NW-TT through the corresponding transmission path, and the NW-TT performs the scheduling of the definite TSN flow.

[0025] In step S403, based on the first transfer parameter corresponding to the target transfer path, the exit port parameter and the peer port parameter for transferring the current TSN traffic flow are determined, and the preset flow label information, the current TSN traffic flow, and the peer port parameter are transmitted to the first NW-TT corresponding to the exit port parameter according to the preset transmission path. Here, the flow label information represents a unique identifier of the current TSN traffic flow.

[0026] In this embodiment, the CNC encapsulates the first transfer parameter, the flow label information, and the current TSN traffic flow corresponding to the target transfer path as TSN configuration information and transmits it to the TSN AF. Next, after processing this TSN configuration information, the TSN AF transmits it to the NW-TT to determine the exit port of the TSN traffic flow, the gate control time slot, the GTP-U tunnel information of the peer NW-TT, and the flow label information that uniquely identifies the current TSN traffic flow.

[0027] In step S404, the first NW-TT is controlled to generate a transfer packet in a preset format based on the flow label information, the current TSN traffic flow, and the peer port parameter, and when the N19 interface of the first NW-TT and the second NW-TT corresponding to the peer port parameter interworks, deterministic transfer between network elements is performed on the transfer packet.

[0028] In this embodiment, the CNC transmits, via the TSN AF, the egress port of the TSN traffic flow, the gate control time slot, the GTP-U tunnel information of the peer NW-TT, and the flow label information that uniquely identifies the current TSN traffic flow to the NW-TT corresponding to the egress port. Thereby, the NW-TT uses the GTP-U tunnel information of the peer NW-TT and the flow label information that uniquely identifies the current TSN traffic flow to treat the current TSN traffic as traffic packets, encapsulate the traffic packets in the outer IPV6 header of GTP-U, input the flow label information and map it to the data identifier inside the TSN bridge, and select two NW-TTs that support deterministic transfer via the N19 interface according to the egress port of the TSN traffic flow, and control the transfer timing of the traffic packets according to the gate control time slot.

[0029] Through the above steps S401 to S404, the first transfer parameter reported by the TSN AF is received. Here, the first transfer parameter represents the transfer parameter of the N19 interface corresponding to the NW-TT of the two TSN bridges carrying each TSN session. The first transfer parameter is obtained by the TSN AF from the capability parameters reported by one of the two NW-TTs corresponding to each TSN session. Also, the current TSN traffic flow to be transferred is obtained, and based on the current TSN traffic flow and the first transfer parameter, a target transfer path is selected from the preset paths. Here, the current TSN traffic flow is the traffic flow transferred at the N19 interface. Then, based on the first transfer parameter corresponding to the target transfer path, the exit port parameter and the opposite port parameter for transferring the current TSN traffic flow are determined. The preset flow label information, the current TSN traffic flow, and the opposite port parameter are transmitted to the first NW-TT corresponding to the exit port parameter according to the preset transmission path. Here, the flow label information represents the unique identifier of the current TSN traffic flow. By adopting such a configuration, in the TSN interworking scenario from UE to UE between UPFs in the related art, the problem that the deterministic transfer of packets is not guaranteed is solved. To distribute the deterministic scheduling parameters of the N19 interface to the NW-TT via the CNC, the TSN traffic flow from the UPF is sent to the exit port supporting the N19 interface, and a deterministic scheduling policy is realized in which the opposite port parameter of the opposite UPF and the preset flow label information are assigned, ensuring the deterministic transmission of the corresponding TSN traffic flow within the 5G TSN bridge.

[0030] In some embodiments, the fact that the first transfer parameter is obtained by the TSN AF from the capability parameters reported by one of the two NW-TTs corresponding to each TSN session is realized by the following steps.

[0031] In step 21, the TSN AF receives the Ethernet port management response information transmitted after the third NW-TT responds to the Ethernet port management message. Here, the third NW-TT is one of the two corresponding NW-TTs that carry the corresponding TSN session.

[0032] In step 22, the TSN AF detects the first parameter in the Ethernet port management response information. Here, the first parameter indicates whether the fourth NW-TT, which is the opposite side of the third NW-TT, and the third NW-TT support the deterministic transfer of the N19 interface.

[0033] In step 23, when the TSN AF detects the first parameter, it sends a subscription transfer parameter request to the third NW-TT and receives the first transfer parameter reported by the third NW-TT. Here, the first transfer parameter includes at least the user plane GTP-U tunnel information of the N19 interface assigned by the corresponding user plane management network element UPF entity to the third NW-TT and the fourth NW-TT that carry the corresponding TSN session.

[0034] In this embodiment, the third NW-TT and the fourth NW-TT do not mean that there are four NW-TTs that carry one TSN session. Instead, the two NW-TTs corresponding to one TSN session are only indicated by the third and fourth NW-TTs. In this embodiment, the third NW-TT is the NW-TT on the egress port side of the TSN traffic flow, and the fourth NW-TT is the NW-TT on the opposite side corresponding to the egress port.

[0035] In this embodiment, the capability parameters reported by NW-TT and the transfer parameters of its N19 interface are completed through the interaction with TSN AF. On the other hand, in the TSN network system, TSN AF interacts through PCF to send an Ethernet port management notification message carrying the TSN capability of NW-TT, and this message contains an opcode for obtaining the TSN capability of NW-TT. Next, PCF interacts with SMF to continue sending the above Ethernet port management notification message. After that, SMF interacts with UPF to send the above Ethernet port management notification message to UPF. Then, UPF interacts with NW-TT to obtain the TSN capability of NW-TT.

[0036] In this embodiment, regarding the TSN capability of NW-TT, after feeding back the supported TSN capability according to the transmission path of (NW-TT)-UPF-SMF-PCF-(TSN AF), TSN AF determines whether the corresponding NW-TT supports the deterministic transfer of the N19 interface. After determining that the corresponding NW-TT supports the deterministic transfer of the N19 interface, by subscribing to the transfer parameters for the deterministic transfer of the N19 interface for the corresponding NW-TT, when receiving the corresponding TSN session through NW-TT, perform deterministic transfer through this NW-TT.

[0037] In this embodiment, after the NW-TT receives the corresponding subscription signaling, a GTP-U tunnel is constructed based on the corresponding transfer parameters (e.g., GTP-U tunnel information of the N19 interface) assigned to the corresponding TSN session by the UPF, that is, the transfer parameters for the corresponding deterministic transfer assigned to the NW-TT. After that, after the construction of the GTP-U tunnel is completed, the transfer parameters of the N19 interfaces of two NW-TTs carrying one TSN session, that is, the first transfer parameters, are reported to the TSN AF according to the transmission path of (NW-TT)-UPF-SMF-PCF-(TSN AF). After that, by the TSN AF reporting to the CNC, the acquisition of the transfer parameters of the NW-TT is completed.

[0038] Note that in this embodiment, the transfer parameters corresponding to the NW-TT are assigned by the corresponding UPF. In some alternative embodiments, the first transfer parameters reported by the NW-TT include the GTP-U tunnel information of the N19 interface assigned to the NW-TT and the delay between the NW-TTs of two TSN bridges.

[0039] In the above steps, the TSN AF receives the Ethernet port management response information transmitted after the third NW-TT responds to the Ethernet port management message, where the third NW-TT is one of the two corresponding NW-TTs that carry the corresponding TSN session. Also, the TSN AF detects the first parameter in the Ethernet port management response information, where the first parameter indicates whether the fourth NW-TT, which is the opposite side of the third NW-TT, and the third NW-TT support the deterministic transfer of the N19 interface. Further, when the TSN AF detects the first parameter, it sends a subscription transfer parameter request to the third NW-TT and receives the first transfer parameter reported by the third NW-TT. Here, the first transfer parameter includes at least the user plane GTP-U tunnel information of the N19 interface assigned to the third NW-TT and the fourth NW-TT that carry the corresponding TSN session by the corresponding user plane management network element UPF entity, thereby realizing that the TSN bridge reports the transfer parameters of the N19 interface. As a result, the CNC can perform network configuration to generate a scheduling policy for the TSN flow. Thereafter, the NW-TT performs the scheduling of the deterministic TSN traffic flow, that is, the NW-TT performs deterministic transfer.

[0040] In some embodiments, after the step where the TSN AF sends a subscription transfer parameter request to the third NW-TT, the third NW-TT further performs the step of sending the first transfer parameter to the TSN AF after completing the construction of the GTP-U tunnel assigned by the corresponding UPF entity.

[0041] In this embodiment, before the NW-TT on the TSN egress port side (i.e., the third NW-TT) reports its corresponding first transfer parameter to the TSN AF, it constructs a GTP-U tunnel based on the transfer parameter assigned by the corresponding UPF (e.g., the GTP-U tunnel information of the N19 interface), that is, after establishing the interworking of the N19 interface with the opposite NW-TT, it is necessary to report the corresponding first transfer parameter.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the timing for the TSN bridge to report transfer parameters in a preferred embodiment of the present application. Referring to FIG. 5, in some optional embodiments, the reporting of the transfer parameters of the NW-TT is performed in the following steps.

[0043] In step 1, obtain the TSN capabilities of the NW-TT. In this embodiment, the TSN AF needs to obtain the TSN capabilities of the NW-TT in order to determine whether to support deterministic transfer on the N19 interface. Specifically, the TSN AF sends a MANAGE ETHERNET (registered trademark) PORT COMMAND message (corresponding to the Ethernet port management message) defined by the 24519 protocol to the NW-TT through the transmission path of (TSN AF)-PCF-SMF-UPF-(NW-TT) (existing protocol flow). This MANAGE ETHERNET PORT COMMAND message contains an operation code of Get capabilities. The NW-TT returns the capabilities it supports to the TSN AF and sends a MANAGE ETHERNET PORT COMPLETE message (corresponding to the Ethernet port management response message) defined by the 24519 protocol to the TSN AF through the transmission path of (NW-TT)-UPF-SMF-PCF-(TSN AF). In this embodiment, for deterministic transfer on the N19 interface, a parameter with a recorded value IE of 8001H is extended. When the NW-TT supports deterministic transfer on the N19 interface, this IE is carried in the MANAGE ETHERNET PORT COMPLETE message.

[0044] Note that since the NW-TT of the TSN bridge (see Figure 3) in the TSN network system is coupled to the UPF, the NW-TT is not shown in Timing Diagram 5.

[0045] In step 2, subscribe to the TSN capabilities of the NW-TT. In this embodiment, when the TSN AF determines that the NW-TT carrying the TSN session supports deterministic transfer on the N19 interface, the TSN AF subscribes to the transfer parameters for deterministic transfer on the N19 interface from the NW-TT. In this embodiment, the TSN AF transmits a MANAGE ETHERNET PORT COMMAND message defined by the 24519 protocol to the NW-TT through the transmission path of (TSN AF)-PCF-SMF-UPF-(NW-TT). This message includes an operation code of Subscribe-notify for parameter and a parameter of 8001H.

[0046] In step 3, the NW-TT reports port parameters. In this embodiment, after the establishment of the GTP-U tunnel assigned to the UPF by the NW-TT is completed, the NW-TT reports the transfer parameters for deterministic transfer on the N19 interface to the TSN AF. In this embodiment, the UPF assigns a GTP-U tunnel on the N19 interface to the TSN session, and the NW-TT transmits an ETHERNET PORT MANAGEMENT NOTIFY message defined by 24519 to the TSN AF through the transmission path of (NW-TT)-UPF-SMF-PCF-(TSN AF). This message includes the state of the transfer parameters (8001H) of the N19 interface, specifically including the GTP-U tunnel assigned by the NW-TT and the delay between the two TSN bridges of the NW-TT.

[0047] The corresponding instructions in FIG. 5 of this embodiment will be described as follows. Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Updata(tsnPortManContNwtt(command.get capacity)) / / The TSN-AF sends an Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Updata request message to the PCF, and this request message contains a MANAGE ETHERNET PORT COMMAND message with the operation code of Get capabilities. Here, Npcf_PolicyAuthorization represents a service-based interface, and Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Updata represents a service-based interface download.

[0048] Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Updata Response / / The PCF sends an Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Updata response message to the TSN-AF.

[0049] Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify Request(tsnPortManContNwtt(command.get capacity)) / / The PCF sends an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify request message to the SMF, and this request message contains a MANAGE ETHERNET PORT COMMAND message with the operation code of Get capabilities. Here, Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify represents an SMP policy control update notification.

[0050] Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify Response / / The SMF sends an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify response message to the PCF.

[0051] PFCP Session Modification Request(PMIC(command.get capacity)) / / The SMF sends a PFCP Session Modification request message to the UPF, and this message contains a MANAGE ETHERNET PORT COMMAND message with an opcode of Get capabilities. Here, PFCP Session Modification represents the modification of the PFCP session.

[0052] PFCP Session Modification Response(PMIC(complete)) / / The UPF sends a PFCP Session Modification response message to the SMF, and this message contains a MANAGE ETHERNET PORT COMPLETE (Ethernet port management completed) message.

[0053] Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update Request(tsnPortManContNwtt(complete),trigger=TSN_BRIDGE_INFO) / / The SMF sends an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update request message to the PCF, and this request message contains a MANAGE ETHERNET PORT COMPLETE message. Here, Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update represents the download of the SM policy control.

[0054] Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update Response / / The PCF sends an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update response message to the SMF.

[0055] Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Notify(tsnPortManContNwtt(complete), evSubsc=TSN_BRIDGE_INFO) / / The PCF sends an Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Notify request message to the TSN-AF, and this request message contains the MANAGE ETHERNET PORT COMPLETE message. Here, Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Notify represents a service-based interface notification.

[0056] Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Notify Response / / The TSN-AF sends an Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Notify response message to the PCF.

[0057] Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Updata(tsnPortManContNwtt(command.subscribe parameter)) / / The TSN-AF sends an Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Updata request message to the PCF. This request message contains the MANAGE ETHERNET PORT COMMAND message and the opcode for Subscribe-notify for parameter (subscription notification for the parameter).

[0058] Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Updata Response / / The PCF sends an Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Updata response message to the TSN-AF.

[0059] Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify Request(tsnPortManContNwtt(command.subscribe parameter)) / / The PCF sends an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify request message to the SMF. This request message includes the MANAGE ETHERNET PORT COMMAND message and the Subscribe - notify for parameter opcode.

[0060] Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify Response / / The SMF sends an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify response message to the PCF.

[0061] PFCP Session Modification Request(PMIC(command.subscribe parameter)) / / The SMF sends a PFCP Session Modification request message to the UPF. This request message includes the MANAGE ETHERNET PORT COMMAND message and the Subscribe - notify for parameter opcode.

[0062] PFCP Session Modification Response(PMIC(complete)) / / The UPF sends a PFCP Session Modification response message to the SMF. This message includes the MANAGE ETHERNET PORT COMPLETE message.

[0063] Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update Request(tsnPortManContNwtt(complete), trigger=TSN_BRIDGE_INFO) / / The SMF sends an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update request message to the PCF, and this request message contains MANAGE ETHERNET PORT COMPLETE information.

[0064] Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update Response / / The PCF sends an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update response message to the SMF.

[0065] Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Notify(tsnPortManContNwtt(complete), evSubsc=TSN_BRIDGE_INFO) / / The PCF sends an Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Notify request message to the TSN-AF, and this message contains MANAGE ETHERNET PORT COMPLETE information.

[0066] Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Notify Response / / The TSN-AF sends an Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Notify response message to the PCF.

[0067] PFCP Session Report Request(PMIC(notify)) / / The UPF sends a PFCP Session Report request message to the SMF, and this request message contains an ETHERNET PORT MANAGEMENT NOTIFY message. Here, PFCP Session Report represents a PFCP session report.

[0068] PFCP Session Report Response / / The SMF sends a PFCP Session Report response message to the UPF.

[0069] Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update Request(tsnPortManContNwtt(notify), trigger = TSN_BRIDGE_INFO) / / The SMF sends an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update request message to the PCF, and this request message contains an ETHERNET PORT MANAGEMENT NOTIFY message.

[0070] Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update Response / / The PCF sends an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update response message to the SMF.

[0071] Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Notify(tsnPortManContNwtt(notify), evSubsc = TSN_BRIDGE_INFO) / / The PCF sends an Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Notify request message to the TSN - AF, and this message contains an ETHERNET PORT MANAGEMENT NOTIFY (Ethernet port management notification) message.

[0072] Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Notify Response / / The TSN - AF sends an Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Notify response message to the PCF.

[0073] Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Updata(tsnPortManContNwtt(notify ack)) / / The TSN-AF sends an Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Updata request message to the PCF, and this message contains an ETHERNET PORT MANAGEMENT NOTIFY ACK (Ethernet port management notification response) message.

[0074] Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Updata Response / / The PCF sends an Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Updata response message to the TSN-AF.

[0075] Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify Request(tsnPortManContNwtt(notify ack), trigger=TSN_BRIDGE_INFO) / / The PCF sends an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify request message to the SMF, and this request message contains an ETHERNET PORT MANAGEMENT NOTIFY ACK message.

[0076] Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify Response / / The SMF sends an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify response message to the PCF.

[0077] PFCP Session Modification Request(PMIC(notify ack)) / / The SMF sends a PFCP Session Modification request message to the UPF, and this request message contains an ETHERNET PORT MANAGEMENT NOTIFY ACK message.

[0078] PFCP Session Modification Response / / The UPF sends a PFCP Session Modification response message to the SMF.

[0079] In some embodiments, the step of controlling the first NW-TT to generate a transfer packet in a preset format based on flow label information, the current TSN traffic flow, and the peer port parameters is realized by the following steps.

[0080] In step 31, the first NW-TT obtains the first GTP-U tunnel information corresponding to the N19 interface of the second NW-TT.

[0081] In step 32, the first NW-TT generates a first data identifier in a preset format based on the flow label information.

[0082] In step 33, the first NW-TT converts the current TSN traffic flow into a traffic packet, encapsulates the first GTP-U tunnel information and the first data identifier into the Internet Protocol IPV6 header of the traffic packet to obtain a transfer packet.

[0083] In this embodiment, the first NW-TT is the NW-TT on the egress port side of the corresponding TSN traffic flow. After encapsulating the corresponding TSN configuration information, the CNC sends it to the TSN AF. The TSN AF decomposes the corresponding TSN configuration information to obtain two parts of data and sends it to the first NW-TT. Specifically, the TSN AF encapsulates a part of the information into the Set parameter operation of the message defined by the 24519 protocol and sends it to the NW-TT, thereby controlling the egress port of the TSN flow and the gate control time slot (corresponding to the egress port and the corresponding gate control time slot assigned to the TSN traffic flow by the CNC). In addition, the TSN AF encapsulates the other part of the information into the Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Notify message and passes it to the PCF, and controls the NW-TT to assign the first GTP-U tunnel information and the first data identifier of the peer UPF to the transfer packet that needs to be transferred via the N19 interface.

[0084] Note that in order for the generated transfer packet to correspond to the flow label information outside GTP-U and uniquely identify the current TSN traffic flow, the CNC controls the NW-TT to assign flow label information to the TSN traffic flow. At the same time, the NW-TT maps the flow label information to the first data identifier that can be identified by the NW-TT.

[0085] In the above steps, the first NW-TT obtains the first GTP-U tunnel information corresponding to the N19 interface of the second NW-TT, generates a first data identifier in a preset format based on the flow label information, further converts the current TSN traffic flow into traffic packets, and encapsulates the first GTP-U tunnel information and the first data identifier into the Internet Protocol IPV6 header of the traffic packets to obtain transfer packets, thereby realizing the decomposition of the TSN configuration information so that the corresponding NW-TT realizes the encapsulation of the traffic packets. At the same time, by encapsulating the first GTP-U tunnel information and the first data identifier into the IPV6 header of the transfer packets, the CNC can quickly determine the transfer path and scheduling parameters when performing deterministic transfer, ensuring deterministic transfer within the 5G TSN bridge of the corresponding TSN traffic flow.

[0086] In some embodiments, the step of determining the egress port parameters and the peer port parameters for transferring the current TSN traffic flow based on the first transfer parameters corresponding to the target transfer path is realized by the following steps.

[0087] In step 41, the GTP-U tunnel information respectively assigned to the third NW-TT and the fourth NW-TT by the corresponding UPF entity is obtained from the first transfer parameters.

[0088] In this embodiment, based on the first transfer parameters, the egress port of the TSN traffic flow, that is, the GTP-U tunnel information of the third NW-TT, is determined. At the same time, when the UPF assigns the transfer parameters of the corresponding N19 interface to the NW-TT, a pair of NW-TT is used as the assignment target to assign the corresponding transfer parameters. Therefore, when the egress port of the TSN traffic flow is determined, the corresponding peer port, that is, the GTP-U tunnel information of the fourth NW-TT, is correspondingly confirmed.

[0089] In step 42, for the N19 interface of the third NW-TT, an appropriate gate control time slot is allocated, and it is determined that the egress port parameters include the GTP-U tunnel information and the gate control time slot allocated to the third NW-TT, and it is determined that the peer port parameters include the GTP-U tunnel information allocated to the fourth NW-TT.

[0090] In the steps described above, by obtaining the GTP-U tunnel information respectively allocated to the third NW-TT and the fourth NW-TT by the corresponding UPF entity from the first transfer parameter, and by allocating an appropriate gate control time slot for the N19 interface of the third NW-TT, and determining that the egress port parameters include the GTP-U tunnel information and the gate control time slot allocated to the third NW-TT, and determining that the peer port parameters include the GTP-U tunnel information allocated to the fourth NW-TT, after the CNC obtains the N19 interface parameters of the NW-TT, the TSN configuration information is set, and in order to define the scheduling policy of the TSN traffic flow, the corresponding NW-TT is made to perform deterministic transfer of the TSN traffic flow.

[0091] In some embodiments, the step of obtaining the current TSN traffic flow to be transferred and selecting a target transfer path from a preset path based on the current TSN traffic flow and the first transfer parameter is realized by the following steps.

[0092] In step 51, a first preset parameter table is obtained. Here, the first preset parameter table includes at least the correspondence information between the TSN traffic flow and the time parameter for the TSN traffic flow to reach each TSN network node on the preset path. The TSN network nodes corresponding to each preset path include at least two NW-TTs that carry the corresponding TSN session.

[0093] In this embodiment, the CNC maintains a delay table for the TSN traffic flow to reach each node of the TSN network and a traffic scheduling time slot occupancy table, and by querying the tables, selects a path that meets the requirements in terms of delay / vacant scheduling time slot, that is, a target transfer path, from the preset paths in the tables.

[0094] In step 52, in the first preset parameter table, query the preset path corresponding to the current TSN traffic flow to obtain candidate paths, and select an alternative path from the candidate paths where the time parameter for the TSN traffic flow to reach each TSN network node on the preset path meets the preset time parameter threshold.

[0095] In this embodiment, the TSN network node is a node that can distinguish TSN traffic flows such as a Radio Access Network (simply referred to as RAN), DS-TT, and NW-TT. By distributing deterministic scheduling parameters in these nodes, deterministic transfer of the TSN traffic flow can be completed. In this embodiment, the time parameter for the TSN traffic flow to reach each TSN network node on the preset path includes the delay / idle scheduling time slot between two adjacent TSN network nodes and the delay (end-to-end delay) / idle scheduling time slot between the NW-TTs of two TSN bridges corresponding to the TSN session. In this embodiment, the delay is used as the corresponding time parameter.

[0096] In this embodiment, according to the set time parameter threshold, that is, the delay threshold, a path that meets the set requirements for delay is selected from the preset paths, and this is used as the alternative path.

[0097] In step 53, based on the first transfer parameter, a target transfer path is selected from the alternative paths. Here, the transfer parameter of the N19 interface corresponding to the NW-TT to which the target transfer path corresponds includes the first transfer parameter.

[0098] In this embodiment, by selecting, from the alternative paths, a path whose transfer parameter of the N19 interface corresponding to the corresponding NW-TT is the corresponding parameter among the first transfer parameters (that is, it matches the corresponding GTP-U tunnel information), this target transfer path is obtained.

[0099] In the above steps, obtain the first preset parameter table, where the first preset parameter table includes at least the correspondence information between the TSN traffic flow and the time parameter for each TSN network node on the preset path that the TSN traffic flow reaches. Each TSN network node corresponding to each preset path includes at least two NW-TTs that carry the corresponding TSN session. Also, in the first preset parameter table, query the preset path corresponding to the current TSN traffic flow to obtain candidate paths, and from the candidate paths, select an alternative path where the time parameter for the TSN traffic flow to reach each TSN network node on the preset path meets the preset time parameter threshold. Further, based on the first transfer parameter, select a target transfer path from the alternative paths. Here, the transfer parameter of the N19 interface corresponding to the NW-TT corresponding to the target transfer path includes the first transfer parameter, thereby realizing the determination of the transfer path, so that the NW-TT can perform the scheduling of the definite TSN traffic flow.

[0100] In this embodiment, after the CNC receives the transfer parameters of the N19 interface of NW-TT (i.e., the first transfer parameters), it refers to information such as the traffic flow burst period, traffic volume, network delay, and reserved resources of the TSN bearer network of the TSN network, and configures the network to define the scheduling policy of the TSN traffic flow. Further, after the CNC knows the delay between the NW-TTs of the two TSN bridges, when it combines the delays independently reported by the two TSN bridges, it can know the respective delays of the two TSN bridges carrying one TSN session and the end-to-end delay in the scenario where the UE interworks via the N19 interface. At the same time, when the transfer packets between the two UEs need to pass through the N19 interface, the CNC needs to distribute the GTP-U tunnel information of the N19 interface, the traffic and network layer parameter mapping table, the transmission scheduling list, etc. to the NW-TT, and the NW-TT implements the scheduling of the deterministic TSN traffic flow.

[0101] In some embodiments, the time parameter includes a first delay that is the delay between two adjacent TSN network nodes and a second delay that is the delay between the NW-TTs of the two TSN bridges corresponding to one TSN session. From among the candidate paths, the step of selecting an alternative path in which the time parameter for the TSN traffic flow to reach each TSN network node on the preset path satisfies the preset time parameter threshold is realized by the following steps.

[0102] In step 61, based on the first delay and the number of TSN nodes each TSN bridge has, each TSN bridge corresponding to each preset path determines the corresponding third delay respectively.

[0103] In step 62, for each preset path, two TSN bridges corresponding to the path accumulate the corresponding third delay and the second delay to obtain the corresponding total delay for the TSN traffic flow to reach each TSN network node on the preset path.

[0104] In step 63, it is determined whether the total delay corresponding to each preset path is less than the delay threshold corresponding to the preset time parameter threshold, and it is determined that the alternative path includes a preset path whose total delay is less than the delay threshold.

[0105] In the steps described above, based on the first delay and the number of TSN nodes of each TSN bridge, the third delay corresponding to each TSN bridge corresponding to each preset path is determined respectively. Also, for each preset path, the third delay corresponding to the two TSN bridges corresponding to the path and the second delay are accumulated to obtain the corresponding total delay for the TSN traffic flow to reach each TSN network node on the preset path. Further, it is determined whether the total delay corresponding to each preset path is less than the delay threshold corresponding to the preset time parameter threshold, and it is determined that the alternative path includes a preset path whose total delay is less than the delay threshold. By doing so, it is realized to select the target transfer path based on the delay, so that NW-TT can perform the scheduling of the definite TSN traffic flow.

[0106] FIG. 6 is a schematic timing diagram of the CNC distributing the target transfer path and the scheduling list in a preferred embodiment of the present application. Referring to FIG. 6, in some optional embodiments, the transfer parameters and the scheduling list of the N19 interface are distributed in the following steps.

[0107] In step 1, the CNC determines the first transfer parameters and the scheduling list of the N19 interface.

[0108] In this embodiment, after receiving the first transfer parameter of the N19 interface, the CNC refers to information such as the traffic flow burst period, traffic volume, network delay, and reserved resources of the TSN bearer network of the TSN network, configures the network, and defines the scheduling policy of the TSC flow. In addition, after the CNC knows the delay between the NW-TTs of the two TSN bridges, when combining the delays independently reported by the two TSN bridges, it can know the respective delays of the two TSN bridges carrying one TSN session and the end-to-end delay in the scenario where the UE interworks via the N19 interface. At the same time, when the transfer packets between the two UEs need to pass through the N19 interface, the CNC needs to distribute the GTP-U tunnel information, traffic and network layer parameter mapping table, transmission scheduling list, etc. of the N19 interface to the NW-TT, and the NW-TT implements the scheduling of the deterministic TSN traffic flow. In this embodiment, the CNC maintains a delay table for the TSN traffic flow to reach each node of the TSN network and a traffic scheduling time slot occupancy table, thereby selecting, from the alternative paths, a path whose delay / free scheduling time slot meets the requirements. In this embodiment, the CNC controls the NW-TT to assign the pre-set flow label information to the TSN flow, so that the flow label information outside the GTP-U can uniquely identify the current TSN traffic flow. The NW-TT maps the flow label information to the first data identifier, and the CNC assigns the gate control time slot corresponding to the egress port and the first data identifier to the TSN traffic flow.

[0109] In step 2, the CNC distributes the first transfer parameter and the scheduling list of the N19 interface.

[0110] In this embodiment, the CNC encapsulates the scheduling policy of the above TSC flow and sends it to the TSN AF. The TSN AF decomposes the scheduling policy of the above TSC flow into two parts. The TSN AF encapsulates a part of the information into the Set parameter operation of the message defined by the 24519 protocol and sends it to the NW-TT, thereby controlling the egress port and gate control time slot of the TSN flow. In addition, the TSN AF encapsulates the other part of the information into the Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Notify message and passes it to the PCF, controlling the NW-TT to attach the GTP-U tunnel information of the peer UPF and the preset flow label information to the transfer packet that needs to be transferred via the N19 interface. The PCF loads the MANAGE ETHERNET PORT COMMAND and MANAGE BRIDGE COMMAND messages defined by the 24519 protocol into the Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify Request message to be delivered to the SMF, and also needs to load the flow label information into the filter of the bridge information and port information. At the same time, it distributes the PCC rule to the transfer packet that needs to pass through the N19 interface, and loads the GTP-U tunnel information of the peer side of the N19 interface and the assigned flow label information into the TrafficControlData. The PFCP Session Modification Request message delivered by the SMF to the UPF includes N4 rules such as PDR and FAR. The PDR includes the traffic characteristics of the transfer packet via the N19 interface, and the FAR includes the GTP-U tunnel information of the peer side of the N19 interface and the assigned flow label information. The NW-TT encapsulates the traffic packet into the outer IPV6 header of GTP-U based on the GTP-U tunnel information of the peer side of the N19 interface and the assigned flow label information in the FAR, and inputs the flow label information. In addition, it selects the port that supports the N19 tunnel according to the delivered egress port. It controls the transmission timing based on the delivered gate control list.

[0111] The corresponding instructions in FIG. 6 of this embodiment will be described as follows. Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Updata(MANAGE ETHERNET PORT COMMAND, MANAGE BRIDGE COMMAND) / / TSN-AF sends an Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Updata request message to the PCF, and this message contains a MANAGE ETHERNET PORT COMMAND message and a MANAGE BRIDGE COMMAND (bridge management command) message.

[0112] Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Updata Response / / The PCF sends an Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Updata response message to the TSN-AF.

[0113] Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify Request(MANAGE ETHERNET PORT COMMAND, MANAGE BRIDGE COMMAND) / / The PCF sends an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify request message to the SMF, and this request message contains a MANAGE ETHERNET PORT COMMAND message and a MANAGE BRIDGE COMMAND message.

[0114] Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify Response / / The SMF sends an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify response message to the PCF.

[0115] PFCP Session Modification Request (MANAGE ETHERNET PORT COMMAND, MANAGE BRIDGE COMMAND) / / The SMF sends a PFCP Session Modification request message to the UPF, and this message contains the MANAGE ETHERNET PORT COMMAND message and the MANAGE BRIDGE COMMAND message.

[0116] PFCP Session Modification Response (MANAGE ETHERNET PORT COMPLETE, MANAGE BRIDGE COMPLETE) / / The UPF sends a PFCP Session Modification response message to the SMF, and this message contains the MANAGE ETHERNET PORT COMPLETE message and the MANAGE BRIDGE COMPLETE (bridge management complete) message.

[0117] Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update Request (MANAGE ETHERNET PORT COMPLETE, MANAGE BRIDGE COMPLETE) / / The SMF sends an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update request message to the PCF, and this request message contains the MANAGE ETHERNET PORT COMPLETE message and the MANAGE BRIDGE COMPLETE message.

[0118] Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update Response / / The PCF sends an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update response message to the SMF.

[0119] Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Notify (MANAGE ETHERNET PORT COMPLETE, MANAGE BRIDGE COMPLETE) / / The PCF sends an Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Notify request message to the TSN-AF, and this message contains the MANAGE ETHERNET PORT COMPLETE message and the MANAGE BRIDGE COMPLETE message.

[0120] Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Notify Response / / The TSN-AF sends an Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Notify response message to the PCF.

[0121] In this embodiment, an apparatus for deterministic transfer between network elements for realizing the above-described embodiments and preferred embodiments is further provided, and those already described are omitted. Terms such as "module", "unit", "sub-unit", etc. used hereinafter refer to a combination of software and / or hardware capable of realizing a predetermined function. Although it is preferable to realize the apparatus described in the following embodiments by software, it is also possible and contemplated to be realized by hardware or a combination of software and hardware.

[0122] FIG. 7 is a structural block diagram of an apparatus for deterministic transfer between network elements provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 7, this apparatus A receiving module 71 configured to receive a first transfer parameter reported by a time-sensitive network TSN application entity AF, where the first transfer parameter represents the transfer parameters of an N19 interface corresponding to a network-side TSN translator NW-TT of two TSN bridges carrying each TSN session, and the first transfer parameter is obtained by the TSN AF from the capability parameters reported by one of the two NW-TTs corresponding to each TSN session, the receiving module 71; A selection module 72 coupled to the receiving module 71, configured to obtain the current TSN traffic flow to be transferred, and select a target transfer path from a preset set of paths based on the current TSN traffic flow and the first transfer parameter, where the current TSN traffic flow is the traffic flow transferred through the N19 interface, the selection module 72; A determination module 73 coupled to the selection module 72, configured to determine an egress port parameter and a peer port parameter for transferring the current TSN traffic flow based on the first transfer parameter corresponding to the target transfer path, and transmit the preset flow label information, the current TSN traffic flow, and the peer port parameter to the first NW-TT corresponding to the egress port parameter according to a preset transmission path, where the flow label information represents a unique identifier of the current TSN traffic flow, the determination module 73; A processing module 74 coupled to the determination module 73, configured to control the first NW-TT to generate a transfer packet in a preset format based on the flow label information, the current TSN traffic flow, and the peer port parameter, and perform deterministic transfer between network elements on the transfer packet when the N19 interface of the first NW-TT and the second NW-TT corresponding to the peer port parameter interwork, including the processing module 74.

[0123] An apparatus for deterministic transfer between network elements according to an embodiment of the present application receives first transfer parameters reported by a TSN AF, where the first transfer parameters represent transfer parameters of an N19 interface corresponding to the NW-TT of two TSN bridges carrying each TSN session, and the first transfer parameters are obtained by the TSN AF from capability parameters reported by one of two NW-TTs corresponding to each TSN session. Also, obtain the current TSN traffic flow to be transferred, select a target transfer path from a preset path based on the current TSN traffic flow and the first transfer parameters, where the current TSN traffic flow is a traffic flow transferred at the N19 interface, and based on the first transfer parameters corresponding to the target transfer path, determine an exit port parameter and a peer port parameter for transferring the current TSN traffic flow, and transmit preset flow label information, the current TSN traffic flow, and the peer port parameter to the first NW-TT corresponding to the exit port parameter according to a preset transmission path. Here, the flow label information represents a unique identifier of the current TSN traffic flow. By adopting such a configuration, in the TSN interworking scenario from UE to UE between UPFs in the related art, the problem that deterministic transfer of packets is not guaranteed is solved. To distribute the deterministic scheduling parameters of the N19 interface to the NW-TT via the CNC, the TSN traffic flow from the UPF is sent to the exit port supporting the N19 interface, and a deterministic scheduling policy is realized in which the peer port parameter of the peer UPF and the preset flow label information are assigned, and the beneficial effect of guaranteeing deterministic transmission within the 5G TSN bridge of the corresponding TSN traffic flow is realized.

[0124] In some embodiments, this receiving module 71 further receives, via the TSN AF, Ethernet port management response information transmitted after a third NW-TT responds to an Ethernet port management message, where the third NW-TT is one of two corresponding NW-TTs carrying a corresponding TSN session, and further detects a first parameter in the Ethernet port management response information, where the first parameter indicates whether a fourth NW-TT, which is on the opposite side of the third NW-TT, and the third NW-TT support deterministic transfer of the N19 interface. Further, when the first parameter is detected, a subscription transfer parameter request is sent to the third NW-TT, and a first transfer parameter reported by the third NW-TT is received, where the first transfer parameter at least includes user plane GTP-U tunnel information of the N19 interface assigned by a corresponding user plane management network element UPF entity to the third NW-TT and the fourth NW-TT carrying a corresponding TSN session, and is configured as such.

[0125] In some embodiments, this receiving module 71 is further configured to, after the TSN AF sends a subscription transfer parameter request to the third NW-TT, and after the construction of the GTP-U tunnel assigned by the corresponding UPF entity is completed via the third NW-TT, send the first transfer parameter to the TSN AF.

[0126] In some embodiments, this processing module 74 is further configured to control a first NW-TT to obtain first GTP-U tunnel information corresponding to the N19 interface of a second NW-TT, generate a first data identifier in a preset format based on flow label information, further convert the current TSN traffic flow into traffic packets, and encapsulate the first GTP-U tunnel information and the first data identifier into the Internet Protocol IPV6 header of the traffic packets to obtain transfer packets.

[0127] In some embodiments, this determination module 73 further a first acquisition unit configured to acquire, from the first transfer parameter, GTP-U tunnel information respectively assigned to the third NW-TT and the fourth NW-TT by the corresponding UPF entity a first allocation unit coupled to the first acquisition unit, configured to allocate a corresponding gate control time slot for the N19 interface of the third NW-TT, determine that the egress port parameter includes the GTP-U tunnel information and the gate control time slot assigned to the third NW-TT, and determine that the opposite port parameter includes the GTP-U tunnel information assigned to the fourth NW-TT

[0128] In some embodiments, this selection module 72 further a second acquisition unit configured to acquire a first preset parameter table, where the first preset parameter table includes at least correspondence relationship information between a TSN traffic flow and a time parameter for the TSN traffic flow to reach each TSN network node on a preset path, and the TSN network nodes corresponding to each preset path include at least two NW-TTs carrying the corresponding TSN session a first query unit coupled to the second acquisition unit, configured to query the preset path corresponding to the current TSN traffic flow in the first preset parameter table to obtain candidate paths, and select an alternative path from the candidate paths where the time parameter for the TSN traffic flow to reach each TSN network node on the preset path meets a preset time parameter threshold A first selection unit coupled to the first inquiry unit and configured to select a target transfer path from alternative paths based on a first transfer parameter, wherein a transfer parameter of an N19 interface corresponding to an NW-TT corresponding to the target transfer path includes the first transfer parameter, the first selection unit;

[0129] In some embodiments, the time parameter includes a first delay that is a delay between two adjacent TSN network nodes and a second delay that is a delay between NW-TTs of two TSN bridges corresponding to one TSN session. The first inquiry unit further determines a third delay corresponding to each TSN bridge corresponding to each preset path based on the first delay and the number of TSN nodes each TSN bridge has, and accumulates the third delay corresponding to the two TSN bridges corresponding to each preset path and the second delay to obtain a corresponding total delay for the TSN traffic flow to reach each TSN network node on the preset path. Further, it is determined whether the total delay corresponding to each preset path is less than a delay threshold corresponding to a preset time parameter threshold, and the alternative paths are configured to include preset paths with a total delay less than the delay threshold.

[0130] FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of a CNC according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 8, the embodiment of the present application provides a centralized network configuration network element including a processor 81, a communication interface 82, a memory 83, and a communication bus 84. The processor 81, the communication interface 82, and the memory 83 communicate with each other via the communication bus 84.

[0131] The memory 83 is configured to store a computer program. The processor 81 is configured to implement the steps of the method in FIG. 4 when executing the program stored in the memory 83.

[0132] The processing in this centralized network configuration network element realizes the steps of the method in FIG. 4, and its technical effect is consistent with the technical effect when executing the method for deterministic transfer between the network elements in FIG. 4 in the above-described embodiments, and the description thereof will not be repeated here.

[0133] The communication bus mentioned for the above centralized network configuration network element may be a Peripheral Component Interconnect (simply referred to as PCI) bus or an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (simply referred to as EISA) bus, etc. This communication bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For the sake of easy illustration, in FIG. 8, it is shown by only one thick line, but it does not mean that there is only one bus or only one type of bus.

[0134] The communication interface is used for communication between the above terminal and other devices. The memory may include a Random Access Memory (simply referred to as RAM), or may include a non-volatile memory such as at least one magnetic disk memory, for example. Optionally, the memory may be at least one storage device far from the above processor.

[0135] The above-mentioned processor may be a general-purpose processor including a central processing unit (simply referred to as CPU), a network processor (simply referred to as NP), etc. Further, it may be a digital signal processor (simply referred to as DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (simply referred to as ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (simply referred to as FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc.

[0136] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, where when the computer program is executed by a processor, it realizes the steps of a method for deterministic transfer between network elements provided in any of the above-described method embodiments.

[0137] In yet another embodiment of the present application, a computer program product including instructions for causing a computer to execute the steps of a method for deterministic transfer between network elements described in any of the above embodiments when operating on the computer is further provided.

[0138] Note that in this specification, relational terms such as first and second are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply the existence of such an actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. And the term "comprising", "having" or any other variation thereof is intended to cover the included elements without exclusivity, so a process, method, article or device comprising a series of elements includes not only these elements but also other elements not explicitly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article or device. Without further limitation, an element limited by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the existence of further identical elements in the process, method, article or device comprising this element.

[0139] The above content is only a specific embodiment of the present invention and is for those skilled in the art to understand or implement the present invention. Multiple modifications of these examples can be easily realized by those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined in this specification can be realized in other examples without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited to these examples shown in this specification, but should be adapted to the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed in this specification.

Claims

1. A method for deterministic transfer between network elements applied to a centralized network configuration CNC, comprising: Receiving a first transfer parameter reported by a time-sensitive network TSN application entity AF, wherein the first transfer parameter represents transfer parameters of an N19 interface corresponding to a network-side TSN translator NW-TT of two TSN bridges carrying each TSN session, and the first transfer parameter is obtained by the TSN AF from capability parameters reported by one of the two NW-TTs corresponding to each TSN session; Obtaining a current TSN traffic flow to be transferred, and selecting a target transfer path from preset paths based on the current TSN traffic flow and the first transfer parameter, wherein the current TSN traffic flow is a traffic flow transferred through the N19 interface; Determining an exit port parameter and a counter port parameter for transferring the current TSN traffic flow based on the first transfer parameter corresponding to the target transfer path, and transmitting preset flow label information, the current TSN traffic flow, and the counter port parameter to a first NW-TT corresponding to the exit port parameter according to a preset transmission path, wherein the flow label information represents a unique identifier of the current TSN traffic flow; Controlling the first NW-TT to generate a transfer packet in a preset format based on the flow label information, the current TSN traffic flow, and the counter port parameter, and performing deterministic transfer between network elements on the transfer packet when the N19 interfaces of the first NW-TT and a second NW-TT corresponding to the counter port parameter interoperate; A method for deterministic transfer between network elements, comprising the above steps.

2. The first transfer parameter is obtained by the TSN AF from the capability parameters reported by one of the two NW-TTs corresponding to each TSN session. It is The step in which the TSN AF receives Ethernet port management response information transmitted after a third NW-TT responds to an Ethernet port management message, where the third NW-TT is one of the two NW-TTs carrying the corresponding TSN session. The step in which the TSN AF detects a first parameter in the Ethernet port management response information, where the first parameter indicates whether a fourth NW-TT, which is on the opposite side of the third NW-TT, and the third NW-TT support deterministic transfer of the N19 interface. When the TSN AF detects the first parameter, the step of sending a subscription transfer parameter request to the third NW-TT and receiving the first transfer parameter reported by the third NW-TT, where the first transfer parameter includes at least user plane GTP-U tunnel information of the N19 interface assigned to the third NW-TT and the fourth NW-TT carrying the corresponding TSN session by the corresponding user plane management network element UPF entity. The method according to claim 1 includes the above steps.

3. After the step in which the TSN AF sends a subscription transfer parameter request to the third NW-TT, The method according to claim 2 further includes the step in which the third NW-TT sends the first transfer parameter to the TSN AF after completing the construction of the GTP-U tunnel assigned by the corresponding UPF entity.

4. The step of controlling the first NW-TT to generate a transfer packet in a preset format based on the flow label information, the current TSN traffic flow, and the opposite port parameters is The step in which the first NW-TT obtains first GTP-U tunnel information corresponding to the N19 interface of the second NW-TT. The first NW-TT generates a first data identifier in a preset format based on the flow label information; The method according to claim 2, wherein the first NW-TT includes: converting the current TSN traffic flow into traffic packets, and encapsulating the first GTP-U tunnel information and the first data identifier into an Internet Protocol IPv6 header of the traffic packets to obtain the transfer packet.

5. The step of determining an egress port parameter and an opposing port parameter for transferring the current TSN traffic flow based on the first transfer parameter corresponding to the target transfer path includes: obtaining, from the first transfer parameter, the GTP-U tunnel information respectively assigned to the third NW-TT and the fourth NW-TT by the corresponding UPF entity; The method according to claim 2, further comprising: allocating a corresponding gate control time slot to the N19 interface of the third NW-TT, determining that the egress port parameter includes the GTP-U tunnel information and the gate control time slot assigned to the third NW-TT, and determining that the opposing port parameter includes the GTP-U tunnel information assigned to the fourth NW-TT.

6. The step of obtaining a current TSN traffic flow to be transferred and selecting a target transfer path from preset paths based on the current TSN traffic flow and the first transfer parameter includes: obtaining a first preset parameter table, where the first preset parameter table includes at least correspondence relationship information between a TSN traffic flow and a time parameter for the TSN traffic flow to reach each TSN network node on a preset path, and each TSN network node corresponding to each preset path includes at least two NW-TTs that carry the corresponding TSN session. In the first preset parameter table, query a preset route corresponding to the current TSN traffic flow to obtain candidate routes, and select, from among the candidate routes, an alternative route in which a time parameter for the TSN traffic flow to reach each TSN network node on the preset route satisfies a preset time parameter threshold value; selecting a target transfer route from among the alternative routes based on the first transfer parameter, wherein a transfer parameter of an N19 interface corresponding to an NW-TT corresponding to the target transfer route includes the first transfer parameter; the method according to claim 1, comprising the step of

7. The time parameter includes a first delay that is a delay between two adjacent TSN network nodes and a second delay that is a delay between NW-TTs of two TSN bridges corresponding to one TSN session. The step of selecting, from among the candidate routes, an alternative route in which a time parameter for the TSN traffic flow to reach each TSN network node on the preset route satisfies a preset time parameter threshold value includes: determining, respectively, a third delay corresponding to each TSN bridge corresponding to each preset route based on the first delay and the number of TSN nodes each TSN bridge has; accumulating the third delay corresponding to two TSN bridges corresponding to each preset route and the second delay to obtain a corresponding total delay for the TSN traffic flow to reach each TSN network node on the preset route; judging whether the total delay corresponding to each preset route is smaller than a delay threshold corresponding to the preset time parameter threshold value, and determining that the alternative route includes the preset route in which the total delay is smaller than the delay threshold; the method according to claim 6, comprising the step of

8. An apparatus for deterministic transfer between network elements applied to a CNC, A receiving module configured to receive a first transfer parameter reported by a time-sensitive network TSN application entity AF, wherein the first transfer parameter represents transfer parameters of an N19 interface corresponding to a network-side TSN translator NW-TT of two TSN bridges carrying each TSN session, and the first transfer parameter is obtained by the TSN AF from capability parameters reported by one of the two NW-TTs corresponding to each TSN session, and the receiving module; A selection module configured to obtain a current TSN traffic flow to be transferred and select a target transfer path from preset paths based on the current TSN traffic flow and the first transfer parameter, wherein the current TSN traffic flow is a traffic flow transferred through the N19 interface, and the selection module; A determination module configured to determine an exit port parameter and an opposing port parameter for transferring the current TSN traffic flow based on the first transfer parameter corresponding to the target transfer path, and transmit preset flow label information, the current TSN traffic flow, and the opposing port parameter to a first NW-TT corresponding to the exit port parameter according to a preset transmission path, wherein the flow label information represents a unique identifier of the current TSN traffic flow, and the determination module; A processing module configured to control the first NW-TT to generate a transfer packet in a preset format based on the flow label information, the current TSN traffic flow, and the opposing port parameter, and perform deterministic transfer between network elements on the transfer packet when the N19 interfaces of the first NW-TT and a second NW-TT corresponding to the opposing port parameter interoperate; An apparatus for deterministic transfer between network elements, including the above;

9. A centralized network configuration network element including a processor, a communication interface, a memory, and a communication bus, wherein the processor, the communication interface, and the memory communicate with each other via the communication bus, the memory is configured to store a computer program, the processor is configured to implement steps of a method for deterministic transfer between network elements according to any one of claims 1 to 7 when executing the program stored in the memory, the centralized network configuration network element.

10. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, wherein the computer program, when executed by a processor, implements steps of a method for deterministic transfer between network elements according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the computer-readable storage medium.

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