Network function selection method, device, communication device and readable storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure proposes a network function selection method, a device, a communication device, and a readable storage medium related to the communication technology field. The network function selection method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a first network function sending a registration request including first information to a second network function, the first information being used to indicate whether the first network function supports or does not support initiating reselection to a target first network function, and / or the first information being used by the first network function to determine whether a service user initiates reselection to a target first network function.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communications technology, and in particular to a method, apparatus, communication device, and readable storage medium for selecting a network function. [Background technology]

[0002] In related technology, a service user such as an Application Function (AF) can send a data service request of a correlated terminal to a Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) and / or a Data Collection Coordination Function (DCCF), where the NWDAF is used to provide data analysis services and the DCCF is used to provide data collection services. When the location of a terminal changes due to mobility, it may move out of the service area of ​​the NWDAF or DCCF, in which case reselection of the NWDAF or DCCF needs to be initiated. However, currently, no method has been proposed for initiating reselection of a network function such as an NWDAF or DCCF. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] An embodiment of the present disclosure aims to provide a network function selection method, device, communication device, and readable storage medium to solve the problem of how to initiate reselection of a network function. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present disclosure is realized as follows.

[0005] In a first aspect, there is provided a method for selecting a network function, comprising: the first network function sending a registration request including the first information to the second network function; The first information is used to indicate whether the first network function supports or does not support initiating reselection to the target first network function, and / or the first information is used by the service user to determine whether the first network function initiates reselection to the target first network function.

[0006] In a second aspect, a method for selecting a network function is provided, comprising: the first network function includes receiving a first request from a service user, the first request including the second information; The second information is used to instruct one of initiating reselection of the target first network function by the first network function and initiating reselection of the target first network function by the service user.

[0007] In a third aspect, there is provided a method for selecting a network function, comprising: The method includes the service user sending a first request including second information to a first network function, the second information being used to instruct one of initiating reselection to a target first network function by the first network function and initiating reselection to a target first network function by the service user.

[0008] In a fourth aspect, there is provided a network function selection device, a first sending module configured to send a registration request including the first information to a second network function; The first information is used to indicate whether the first network function supports or does not support initiating reselection to the target first network function, and / or the first information is used by the service user to determine whether the first network function initiates reselection to the target first network function.

[0009] In a fifth aspect, there is provided a network function selection device, a third receiving module configured to receive a first request from a service user; The first request includes second information, which is used to instruct one of initiating reselection to a target first network function by the first network function and initiating reselection to a target first network function by the service user.

[0010] In a sixth aspect, there is provided a network function selection device, a fifth transmitting module configured to transmit the first request to the first network function; The first request includes second information, which is used to instruct one of initiating reselection to a target first network function by the first network function and initiating reselection to a target first network function by the service user.

[0011] In a seventh aspect, there is provided a communications device comprising a processor, a memory, and a program or instructions stored in the memory and executable on the processor, the program or instructions, when executed by the processor, effecting steps of the method of the first aspect, or steps of the method of the second aspect, or steps of the method of the third aspect.

[0012] In an eighth aspect, there is provided a readable storage medium having stored thereon a program or instructions, which, when executed by a processor, realizes the steps of the method according to the first aspect, or the steps of the method according to the second aspect, or the steps of the method according to the third aspect. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the registration process can be used to indicate the capability of a first network function, such as an NWDAF / DCCF, to support reselection and / or to allow a service user to determine whether the first network function will initiate reselection to a target first network function, and to clarify whether the first network function (e.g., an NWDAF and / or DCCF) will initiate reselection to a target first network function. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a flowchart of a method for selecting a network function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart of another network function selection method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of another network function selection method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a network function selection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of another network function selection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of another network function selection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 7] 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, but not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work belong to the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0016] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this disclosure are intended to distinguish between similar objects, rather than to describe a particular order or priority. It should be understood that terms used in this manner are interchangeable where appropriate, such that embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, objects distinguished by "first," "second," etc., generally represent a single class and do not limit the number of objects. For example, a first object may be one or more. Additionally, the term "and / or" in the specification and claims indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0017] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a network function selection method, device, communication device, and readable storage medium according to the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail using specific examples and application scenarios.

[0018] As shown in Figure 1, Figure 1 is a flowchart of a network function selection method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method is applied to a first network function, and as shown in Figure 1, the method includes the following steps 11:

[0019] In step 11, the first network function sends a registration request including first information to the second network function, the first information being used to indicate whether the first network function supports or does not support initiating reselection to the target first network function, and / or the first information being used by the service user to determine whether to initiate reselection to the target first network function by the first network function.

[0020] The first network function may include at least one of a Network Data Analysis Function (NWDAF) and a Data Collection and Coordination Function (DCCF). The target first network function may include at least one of a target NWDAF and a target DCCF. The service consumer may be, but is not limited to, a Network Function (NF), a User Equipment (UE), an Application Function (AF), etc. The first information may be "reselection instruction" information.

[0021] In some embodiments, the service user does not need to instruct the first network function whether to initiate reselection, but can handle it locally, i.e., the reselection collision issue is determined by the service user himself.

[0022] In some embodiments, the second network function may be a Network Repository Function (NRF) or a Unified Data Management (UDM). For example, an NWDAF may send a registration request accompanied by first information to the NRF. The first information is used to indicate whether the NWDAF supports or does not support initiating reselection to a target NWDAF, in which case the NWDAF may be understood as an old NWDAF or a source NWDAF, and the target NWDAF may be understood as a new NWDAF or a target NWDAF. For example, a DCCF may send a registration request accompanied by first information to the NRF. The first information is used to indicate whether the DCCF supports or does not support initiating reselection to a target DCCF, in which case the DCCF may be understood as an old DCCF or a source DCCF, and the target DCCF may be understood as a new DCCF or a target DCCF.

[0023] In some embodiments, if the first information is missing or omitted in the registration request, by default the first network function (e.g., NWDAF / DCCF) does not support initiating reselection (e.g., reselection) to the target first network function (e.g., target NWDAF / target DCCF), in which case reselection can be understood as relocation.

[0024] This allows the registration process to indicate the capability of a first network function, such as an NWDAF / DCCF, to support reselection and / or to allow the service user to determine whether the first network function will initiate reselection to a target first network function, thus clarifying whether the first network function (e.g., NWDAF / DCCF) will initiate reselection to a target first network function (e.g., target NWDAF / target DCCF).

[0025] Optionally, the method for selecting a network function according to this embodiment further includes: the first network function includes receiving a first request from a service user, the first request including the second information; The second information is used to instruct one of initiating reselection to the target first network function by the first network function and initiating reselection to the target first network function by the service user.

[0026] In this way, when both the first network function (e.g., NWDAF / DCCF) and the user support initiating reselection, it is possible to clarify who initiates reselection to avoid collisions. For example, in a data analysis flow, if the UE's location changes and it moves out of the service area of ​​the old NWDAF, the user or the old NWDAF can negotiate to switch the correlation service to the new NWDAF to avoid collisions in the reselection flow. Or, in a data collection flow, if the UE's location changes and it moves out of the service area of ​​the old DCCF, the user or the old DCCF can negotiate to switch the correlation service to the new DCCF to avoid collisions in the reselection flow.

[0027] In some embodiments, the second information may be "reselection instruction" information.

[0028] In some embodiments, if the second information is missing or omitted in the first request, a default is to initiate reselection by the service user to the target first network function.

[0029] In some embodiments, the first request is a service subscription request. For example, when a user initiates a service subscription request to an NWDAF or DCCF, second information is included in the service subscription request, and the second information is used to initiate reselection by the NWDAF or DCCF or to indicate that reselection should be initiated by the user. If the second information is missing or omitted from the service subscription request, the target NWDAF or DCCF is selected by default.

[0030] Optionally, if the second information indicates that a reselection to a target first network function is to be initiated by the first network function, the first network function initiates a reselection flow and selects a target first network function that supports the required service, for example, for an NWDAF, it selects a target NWDAF that supports the required service (i.e., a new NWDAF), and for a DCCF, it selects a target DCCF that supports the required service (i.e., a new DCCF).

[0031] Optionally, the target first network function supports reselection to the target first network function, i.e., the selected target first network function (which in this case can be understood as the old first network function) supports reselection to the new first network function, e.g., the target NWDAF (i.e., old NWDAF) supports reselection to the new NWDAF, and the target DCCF (i.e., old DCCF) supports reselection to the new DCCF.

[0032] Optionally, the first network function can select a target first network function by initiating a request to a second network function. The process of the first network function selecting a target first network function that supports the required service can include the following steps (1) to (3). (1) The first network function sends a second request to the second network function, the second request including third information, the third information being used to search or discover the target first network function, for example, the third information being correlation information such as terminal location (e.g., UE location), which the second network function uses to search or discover the target first network function. (2) The first network function receives fourth information from the second network function, and the fourth information is correlation information of the searched or discovered target first network function, such as an identifier of the target first network function. (3) The first network function determines the target first network function based on the fourth information. In some embodiments, the second network function may be an NRF or a UDM.

[0033] If the first network function selects a target first network function that supports the required service, the network function selection method of this embodiment further includes the following (1) and (2). (1) The first network function sends a third request to the second network function, and the third request is used to search or discover whether the selected target first network function supports or does not support initiating reselection to the target first network function, i.e., to search or discover whether the selected target first network function (which in this case can be understood as the old first network function) supports reselection to the new first network function. (2) The first network function receives fifth information from the second network function, and the fifth information is used to indicate whether the selected target first network function supports or does not support initiating reselection to the target first network function, i.e., indicates whether the selected target first network function (which in this case can be understood as the old first network function) supports or does not support initiating reselection to the new first network function.

[0034] In this way, the first network function can know whether its selected target first network function supports initiating reselection to a new first network function.

[0035] Optionally, when the second information indicates that the service user initiates reselection of the target first network function, the network function selection method according to this embodiment further comprises: The first network function includes sending a first response to the service user, the sixth information being used to indicate the terminals (e.g., UE(s)) that cannot provide the service, so that the service user can easily know. For example, the fifth information includes, but is not limited to, at least one of a terminal identifier (e.g., UE(s) ID) and terminal location information (e.g., UE(s) location information).

[0036] As shown in Figure 2, Figure 2 is a flowchart of a network function selection method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method is applied to a first network function, and as shown in Figure 2, the method includes the following steps 21:

[0037] In step 21, the first network function receives a first request from the service user including second information, the second information being used to instruct one of initiating reselection to the target first network function by the first network function and initiating reselection to the target first network function by the service user.

[0038] The first network function may include at least one of a network data analysis function (NWDAF) and a data collection and coordination function (DCCF). The target first network function may include at least one of a target NWDAF and a target DCCF. The service consumer may be, but is not limited to, an NF, a UE, an AF, etc.

[0039] In this way, when both the first network function (e.g., NWDAF / DCCF) and the user support initiating reselection, it is possible to clarify who initiates reselection to avoid collisions. For example, in a data analysis flow, if the UE's location changes and it moves out of the service area of ​​the old NWDAF, the user or the old NWDAF can negotiate to switch the correlation service to the new NWDAF to avoid collisions in the reselection flow. Or, in a data collection flow, if the UE's location changes and it moves out of the service area of ​​the old DCCF, the user or the old DCCF can negotiate to switch the correlation service to the new DCCF to avoid collisions in the reselection flow.

[0040] In some embodiments, if the second information is missing or omitted in the first request, the default is to initiate a reselection by the service subscriber to the target first network function.

[0041] In some embodiments, the first request is a service subscription request. For example, when a user initiates a service subscription request to an NWDAF or DCCF, second information is included in the service subscription request, and the second information is used to initiate reselection by the NWDAF or DCCF or to indicate that reselection should be initiated by the user. If the second information is missing or omitted from the service subscription request, the target NWDAF or DCCF is selected by default.

[0042] Optionally, if the second information indicates that a reselection to a target first network function is to be initiated by the first network function, the first network function initiates a reselection flow and selects a target first network function that supports the required service, for example, for an NWDAF, it selects a target NWDAF that supports the required service (i.e., a new NWDAF), and for a DCCF, it selects a target DCCF that supports the required service (i.e., a new DCCF).

[0043] Optionally, the target first network function supports reselection to the target first network function, i.e., the selected target first network function (which in this case can be understood as the old first network function) supports reselection to the new first network function, e.g., the target NWDAF (i.e., old NWDAF) supports reselection to the new NWDAF, and the target DCCF (i.e., old DCCF) supports reselection to the new DCCF.

[0044] Optionally, the first network function can select a target first network function by initiating a request to a second network function, and the process of the first network function selecting a target first network function that supports the required service can include the following steps (1) to (3). (1) The first network function sends a second request to the second network function, the second request including third information, the third information being used to search or discover the target first network function, for example, the third information being correlation information such as terminal location (e.g., UE location), which the second network function uses to search or discover the target first network function. (2) The first network function receives fourth information from the second network function, and the fourth information is correlation information of the searched or discovered target first network function, such as an identifier of the target first network function. (3) The first network function determines the target first network function based on the fourth information.

[0045] In some embodiments, the second network function may be an NRF or a UDM.

[0046] If the first network function selects a target first network function that supports the required service, the network function selection method of this embodiment further includes the following (1) and (2). (1) The first network function sends a third request to the second network function, and the third request is used to search or discover whether the selected target first network function supports or does not support initiating reselection to the target first network function, i.e., to search or discover whether the selected target first network function (which in this case can be understood as the old first network function) supports reselection to the new first network function. (2) The first network function receives fifth information from the second network function, and the fifth information is used to indicate whether the selected target first network function supports or does not support initiating reselection to the target first network function, i.e., indicates whether the selected target first network function (which in this case can be understood as the old first network function) supports or does not support initiating reselection to the new first network function.

[0047] In this way, the first network function can know whether its selected target first network function supports initiating reselection to a new first network function.

[0048] Optionally, when the second information indicates that the service user initiates reselection of the target first network function, the network function selection method according to this embodiment further comprises: The first network function includes sending a first response to the service user, the sixth information being used to indicate the terminals (e.g., UE(s)) that cannot provide the service, so that the service user can easily know. For example, the fifth information includes, but is not limited to, at least one of a terminal identifier (e.g., UE(s) ID) and terminal location information (e.g., UE(s) location information).

[0049] As shown in Figure 3, Figure 3 is a flowchart of a network function selection method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method is applied to a service user, and as shown in Figure 3, the method includes the following steps 31:

[0050] In step 31, the service user sends a first request including second information to the first network function, and the second information is used to instruct one of initiating reselection to the target first network function by the first network function and initiating reselection to the target first network function by the service user.

[0051] The first network function may include at least one of a network data analysis function (NWDAF) and a data collection and coordination function (DCCF). The target first network function may include at least one of a target NWDAF and a target DCCF. The service consumer may be, but is not limited to, an NF, a UE, an AF, etc.

[0052] In this way, when both the first network function (e.g., NWDAF / DCCF) and the user support initiating reselection, it is possible to clarify who initiates reselection to avoid collisions. For example, in a data analysis flow, if the UE's location changes and it moves out of the service area of ​​the old NWDAF, the user or the old NWDAF can negotiate to switch the correlation service to the new NWDAF to avoid collisions in the reselection flow. Or, in a data collection flow, if the UE's location changes and it moves out of the service area of ​​the old DCCF, the user or the old DCCF can negotiate to switch the correlation service to the new DCCF to avoid collisions in the reselection flow.

[0053] In some embodiments, if the second information is missing or omitted in the first request, the default is to initiate a reselection by the service subscriber to the target first network function.

[0054] In some embodiments, the first request is a service subscription request. For example, when a user initiates a service subscription request to an NWDAF or DCCF, second information is included in the service subscription request, and the second information is used to initiate reselection by the NWDAF or DCCF or to indicate that reselection should be initiated by the user. If the second information is missing or omitted from the service subscription request, the target NWDAF or DCCF is selected by default.

[0055] In some embodiments, if the location of the UE changes after a service user subscribes to a data analysis or data collection service for the UE, the service user and the service provider can determine which device will initiate the reselection flow based on the reselection instruction information provided during the service subscription process, thereby avoiding potential reselection logic conflicts, realizing continuous data analysis and data collection capabilities without conflicts, and ensuring service continuity between multiple instance NWDAFs and multiple instance DCCFs.

[0056] For example, after a user subscribes to an NWDAF service, the location of the UE is obtained by an NF (e.g., an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), a Location Management Function (LMF), a Gateway Mobile Location Centre (GMLC), etc.) that can report the UE location information subscribed by the source NWDAF. When the UE location changes, the NF (e.g., an AMF, an LMF, an GMLC, etc.) notifies the old NWDAF of the change in the UE location. The old NWDAF determines based on the UE's new location whether it can continue to provide service to the user, and if not, whether to attach indication information according to the user and initiate a reselection flow for the new NWDAF. For example, after a service user subscribes to a DCCF service, the UE location is obtained by an NF (e.g., AMF, LMF, GMLC, etc.) that can report the UE location information subscribed to by the source DCCF. When the UE location changes, the NF (e.g., AMF, LMF, GMLC, etc.) notifies the old DCCF of the UE location change. The old DCCF determines based on the UE's new location whether it can continue to provide service to the service user, and if not, whether to attach instruction information according to the service user and initiate a reselection flow for the new DCCF.

[0057] Optionally, if the second information indicates that the user initiates reselection to a target first network function, the user initiates a reselection flow and selects a target first network function that supports the required service. For example, the user selects a target NWDAF (i.e., a new NWDAF) that supports the required service based on correlation information such as the UE location, and the user selects a target DCCF (i.e., a new DCCF) that supports the required service based on correlation information such as the UE location.

[0058] Optionally, the service user can know whether the NWDAF / DCCF supports reselection through a second network function (e.g., NRF or UDM) or a local static configuration. The network function selection method according to this embodiment may further include the following steps (1), (2), and (3). (1) The service user sends a fourth request to the second network function, which is used to search or discover whether the first network function supports or does not support initiating reselection to the target first network function (e.g., this capability may be indicated during the registration process of the first network function). (2) The second network function receives sixth information, the sixth information indicating that the first network function supports or does not support initiating reselection to the target first network function. (3) The service user determines, based on the pre-configuration information, whether or not the first network function supports initiating reselection to the target first network function. In this way, if the first network function supports initiating reselection for the target first network function, the reselection flow can be initiated by the first network function, and if the first network function does not support initiating reselection for the target first network function, the reselection flow can be initiated by the service user.

[0059] The network function selection method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may be executed by a network function selection device. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the network function selection device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described using an example in which the network function selection device executes the network function selection method.

[0060] 4, which is a structural schematic diagram of a network function selection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The device is adapted for a first network function, which includes, but is not limited to, at least one of a network data analysis function (NWDAF) and a data collection and coordination function (DCCF). As shown in FIG. 4, the network function selection device 40 includes a first sending module 41.

[0061] the first sending module 41 is configured to send a registration request including first information to a second network function; The first information is used to indicate whether the first network function supports or does not support initiating reselection to a target first network function, and / or the first information is used by the service user to determine whether the first network function initiates reselection to a target first network function.

[0062] Optionally, the network function selection device 40 further includes a first receiving module configured to receive a first request from a service user; The first request includes second information, which is used to instruct one of initiating a reselection to a target first network function by the first network function and initiating a reselection to a target first network function by the service user.

[0063] Optionally, if the second information indicates that a reselection to a target first network function is to be initiated by the first network function, the network function selection device 40 further includes a first processing module configured to select a target first network function that supports the required service.

[0064] Optionally, the first processing module specifically: sending a second request to the second network function, the second request including third information, the third information being used to search for or discover a target first network function; receiving fourth information from the second network function, the fourth information being information related to the searched or discovered target first network function; and determining the target first network function based on the fourth information.

[0065] Optionally, the network function selection device 40 further includes a second transmitting module and a second receiving module; the second sending module is configured to send a third request to the second network function, the third request being used to search or discover whether the target first network function supports or does not support initiating reselection to the target first network function; The second receiving module is configured to receive fifth information from the second network function, the fifth information being used to indicate whether the target first network function supports or does not support initiating reselection to the target first network function.

[0066] Optionally, the target first network function supports reselection to the target first network function.

[0067] Optionally, when the second information indicates that the service user initiates a reselection of the target first network function, the network function selection device 40 further comprises: and a third sending module configured to send a first response including sixth information to the service user, the sixth information being used to indicate terminals that cannot provide the service.

[0068] Optionally, the sixth information includes at least one of a terminal identifier and terminal location information. Optionally, the first network function comprises at least one of a Network Data Analysis Function NWDAF and a Data Collection and Coordination Function DCCF; The target first network function includes at least one of a target NWDAF and a target DCCF.

[0069] As can be understood, the network function selection device 40 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can achieve the same technical effect by implementing each step of the method embodiment shown in FIG. 1 above, and the description will be omitted here to avoid duplication.

[0070] 5, which is a structural schematic diagram of a network function selection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The device is adapted for a first network function, which includes, but is not limited to, at least one of a network data analysis function (NWDAF) and a data collection and coordination function (DCCF). As shown in FIG. 5, the network function selection device 50 includes a third receiving module 51.

[0071] the third receiving module 51 is configured to receive a first request including second information from a service user; The second information is used to instruct one of initiating reselection of the target first network function by the first network function and initiating reselection of the target first network function by the service user.

[0072] Optionally, if the second information indicates to initiate a reselection by the first network function to a target first network function, the network function selection device 50 further comprises: A second processing module configured to select a target first network function that supports the required service is included.

[0073] Optionally, the second processing module specifically: sending a second request to a second network function, the second request including third information, the third information being used to search for or discover a target first network function; receiving fourth information from the second network function, the fourth information being information related to the searched or discovered target first network function; and determining the target first network function based on the fourth information.

[0074] Optionally, the network function selection device 50 further includes a fourth transmitting module and a fourth receiving module; the fourth sending module is configured to send a third request to the second network function, the third request being used to search or discover whether the target first network function supports or does not support initiating reselection to the target first network function; The fourth receiving module is configured to receive fifth information from the second network function, the fifth information being used to indicate whether the target first network function supports or does not support initiating reselection to the target first network function.

[0075] Optionally, the target first network function supports reselection to the target first network function.

[0076] Optionally, the first network function includes at least one of a Network Weather Forecasting Agency (NWDAF) and a Data Center Configuration Facility (DCCF); The target first network function includes at least one of a target NWDAF and a target DCCF.

[0077] As can be understood, the network function selection device 50 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can achieve the same technical effect by implementing each step of the method embodiment shown in FIG. 2 above, and the description will be omitted here to avoid duplication.

[0078] As shown in Figure 6, Figure 6 is a structural schematic diagram of a network function selection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The device is applied to a service user, and the service user includes, but is not limited to, at least one of an NF, an AF, a UE, etc. As shown in Figure 6, the network function selection device 60 includes a fifth sending module 61.

[0079] the fifth sending module 61 is configured to send a first request including the second information to the first network function; The second information is used to instruct one of initiating reselection of the target first network function by the first network function and initiating reselection of the target first network function by the service user.

[0080] Optionally, when the second information indicates that the service user initiates a reselection of the target first network function, the network function selection device 60 further comprises: A third processing module configured to select a target first network function that supports the required service is included.

[0081] Optionally, the network function selection device 60 further includes an execution module; The execution module: sending a fourth request to a second network function, the fourth request being used to search or discover whether the first network function supports or does not support initiating reselection to a target first network function; receiving sixth information from the second network function by the service user, the sixth information being used to indicate whether the first network function supports or does not support initiating reselection to the target first network function; and determining, based on pre-configuration information, whether the first network function supports or does not support initiating reselection to the target first network function.

[0082] Optionally, the first network function includes at least one of a Network Weather Forecasting Agency (NWDAF) and a Data Center Configuration Facility (DCCF); The target first network function includes at least one of a target NWDAF and a target DCCF.

[0083] As can be understood, the network function selection device 60 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can achieve the same technical effect by implementing each step of the method embodiment shown in FIG. 3 above, and the description will be omitted here to avoid duplication.

[0084] Optionally, as shown in Fig. 7, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a communication device 70, which includes a processor 71, a memory 72, and a program or instruction stored in the memory 72 and executable on the processor 71. For example, when the communication device 70 is a first network function, the program or instruction executed by the processor 71 can realize each step of the network function selection method embodiment shown in Fig. 1 or 2 to achieve the same technical effect. When the communication device 70 is a service user, the program or instruction executed by the processor 71 can realize each step of the network function selection method embodiment shown in Fig. 3 to achieve the same technical effect, and the description thereof will be omitted here to avoid duplication.

[0085] An embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a readable storage medium on which a program or instruction is stored, and when the program or instruction is executed by a processor, each process of the above-mentioned network function selection method embodiment can be realized to achieve the same technical effect, and in order to avoid duplication, the description will be omitted here.

[0086] Computer-readable media include persistent, non-persistent, removable, and non-removable media, and any method or technology for implementing storage of information may be used. Information may be computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Examples of computer storage media include Phase-change memory (PRAM), Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), other types of Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM), high-speed flash memory or other memory technologies, Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM), Digital Video Disc (DVD) or other optical storage devices, magnetic cassette tape, magnetic tape storage devices, other magnetic storage devices, and other non-transmission media that can be used to store information accessible by a computing device. As defined herein, computer-readable media does not include transitory media such as modulated data signals or carrier waves.

[0087] It should be noted that, as used herein, the terms "comprise," "have," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive "inclusion," such that a process, method, article, or apparatus comprising a set of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed or elements inherent in such process, method, article, or apparatus. In the absence of further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprises a ..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises that element.

[0088] The numbers of the embodiments of the present disclosure above are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the superiority or inferiority of the embodiments.

[0089] From the description of the above embodiments, it may be clear to those skilled in the art that the methods of the above embodiments can be realized by adding the necessary general-purpose hardware platform to software, and of course, they can also be realized by hardware, and in many cases, the former is a better embodiment. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present disclosure, its essential part or its contribution to the prior art, can be embodied as a software product, and this computer software product is stored in a storage medium such as a ROM, RAM, magnetic disk, or optical disk, which contains several instructions for a service classification device (which may be a mobile phone, a computer, a server, an air conditioner, or a network device) to execute the methods described in each embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0090] It should be pointed out that the above are only preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, and some improvements and refinements can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the principle of the present disclosure, which should be regarded as within the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0091] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This disclosure claims priority from Chinese Patent Application No. 202310026462.X, filed in China on January 9, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A method for selecting a network function, comprising: the first network function sending a registration request to a second network function, the registration request including the first information; A method for selecting a network function, wherein the first information is used to indicate whether the first network function supports or does not support initiating reselection to a target first network function, and / or the first information is used by a service user to determine whether to initiate reselection to a target first network function by the first network function.

2. The method further comprises: the first network function includes receiving a first request from a service user, the first request including second information; 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the second information is used to instruct one of initiating a reselection to a target first network function by the first network function and initiating a reselection to a target first network function by the service user.

3. If the second information indicates initiating a reselection by the first network function to a target first network function, the method further comprises: The method of claim 2 , wherein the first network function comprises selecting a target first network function that supports a required service.

4. The first network function selecting a target first network function that supports the required service comprises: the first network function sending a second request to the second network function, the second request including third information, the third information being used to search for or discover a target first network function; the first network function receiving fourth information from the second network function, the fourth information being information related to a searched or discovered target first network function; The method of claim 3 , further comprising: the first network function determining the target first network function based on the fourth information.

5. The method further comprises: the first network function sending a third request to the second network function, the third request being used to search or discover whether the target first network function supports or does not support initiating reselection to the target first network function; 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising: the first network function receiving fifth information from the second network function, the fifth information being used to indicate whether the target first network function supports or does not support initiating reselection to the target first network function.

6. The method of claim 3 , wherein the target first network function supports reselection to the target first network function.

7. If the second information indicates initiating a reselection to a target first network function by the service user, the method further comprises: the first network function sending a first response to the service user, the first response including sixth information; The method of claim 2 , wherein the sixth information is used to indicate terminals that cannot provide service.

8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the sixth information includes at least one of a terminal identifier and terminal location information.

9. The first network function includes at least one of a network data analysis function NWDAF and a data collection and coordination function DCCF; The method of claim 1 , wherein the target first network function comprises at least one of a target NWDAF and a target DCCF.

10. A method for selecting a network function, comprising: The first network function includes receiving a first request from a service subscriber, the first request including second information; A network function selection method, wherein the second information is used to instruct one of initiating reselection of a target first network function by the first network function and initiating reselection of a target first network function by the service user.

11. if the second information indicates initiating a reselection by the first network function to a target first network function; The method further comprises: The method of claim 10 , wherein the first network function comprises selecting a target first network function that supports a required service.

12. The first network function selecting a target first network function that supports the required service comprises: the first network function sending a second request to a second network function, the second request including third information, the third information being used to search for or discover a target first network function; the first network function receiving fourth information from the second network function, the fourth information being information related to a searched or discovered target first network function; and the first network function determining the target first network function based on the fourth information.

13. The method further comprises: the first network function sending a third request to a second network function, the third request being used to search or discover whether the target first network function supports or does not support initiating reselection to the target first network function; 11. The method of claim 10, comprising: the first network function receiving fifth information from the second network function, the fifth information being used to indicate that the target first network function supports or does not support initiating reselection to the target first network function.

14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the target first network function supports reselection to the target first network function.

15. the first network function includes at least one of a NWDAF and a DCCF; The method of claim 10 , wherein the target first network function includes at least one of a target NWDAF and a target DCCF.

16. A method for selecting a network function, comprising: The method includes the service user sending a first request including second information to a first network function; A network function selection method, wherein the second information is used to instruct one of initiating reselection of a target first network function by the first network function and initiating reselection of a target first network function by the service user.

17. If the second information indicates initiating a reselection to a target first network function by the service user, the method further comprises:

17. The method of claim 16, including the service subscriber selecting a target first network function that supports a required service.

18. The method further comprises: the service user sending a fourth request to a second network function, the fourth request being used to search or discover whether the first network function supports or does not support initiating reselection to a target first network function; receiving sixth information from the second network function by the service user, the sixth information being used to indicate whether the first network function supports or does not support initiating reselection to the target first network function; and the service user determining, based on pre-configuration information, whether or not the first network function supports initiating reselection to the target first network function.

19. the first network function includes at least one of a NWDAF and a DCCF; 19. The method of claim 16, wherein the target first network function comprises at least one of a target NWDAF and a target DCCF.

20. A network function selection device, a first transmitting module configured to transmit a registration request including the first information to a second network function; A network function selection device, wherein the first information is used to indicate whether the first network function supports or does not support initiating reselection to the target first network function, and / or the first information is used to determine whether the service user will initiate reselection to the target first network function by the first network function.

21. A network function selection device, a third receiving module configured to receive a first request from a service user; A network function selection device, wherein the first request includes second information, and the second information is used to instruct one of initiating reselection to a target first network function by the first network function and initiating reselection to a target first network function by the service user.

22. A network function selection device, a fifth transmitting module configured to transmit the first request to the first network function; A network function selection device, wherein the first request includes second information, and the second information is used to instruct one of initiating reselection to a target first network function by the first network function and initiating reselection to a target first network function by the service user.

23. 1. A communications device including a processor, a memory, and programs or instructions stored in the memory and executable on the processor, A communication device that, when the program or instructions are executed by the processor, realizes the steps of the network function selection method described in any one of claims 1 to 9, or the steps of the network function selection method described in any one of claims 10 to 15, or the steps of the network function selection method described in any one of claims 16 to 19.

24. A readable storage medium having a program or instruction stored thereon, A readable storage medium that, when the program or instructions are executed by a processor, realizes the steps of the network function selection method described in any one of claims 1 to 9, or the steps of the network function selection method described in any one of claims 10 to 15, or the steps of the network function selection method described in any one of claims 16 to 19.

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