Edge Configuration Server Information Processing Method, Apparatus, and Communication Device

Abstract

The embodiments of the present application disclose an edge configuration server information processing method, an apparatus, and a communication device. The method includes a session management function (SMF) determining first edge configuration server configuration information according to at least one of location information of a user device, a serving range of the edge configuration server, and a selection priority of the edge configuration server, the first edge configuration server configuration information including at least one of an address of the edge configuration server, a serving range of the edge configuration server, a selection priority of the edge configuration server, and attribute information of the edge configuration server.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - reference to related applications) This application is filed based on a Chinese patent application with an application number of 202110369395.2 and an application date of April 6, 2021, claims the priority of the Chinese patent application, and all the contents of the Chinese patent application are incorporated herein by reference. This application relates to the technical field of communications, and specifically, to an edge configuration server information processing method, apparatus, and communication device.

Background Art

[0002] The edge data network is a local data network. As shown in FIG. 1, an edge application server (EAS) and an edge enabler server (EES) are included in the edge data network (EDN). The edge configuration server (ECS) provides configurations related to the EES, including detailed information about the edge data network hosting the EES. The user equipment (UE) includes an application client and an edge enabler client (EEC). The EAS, EES, and ECS can interact with the 3GPP (registered trademark) core network.

[0003] For a user equipment (UE), the application services it desires may be provided by multiple edge application services (EASs) deployed in different edge data networks (EDNs). These multiple EAS instances that carry the same content or service can use a single IP address (anycast address) or different IP addresses. The EES is responsible for providing information about the EASs to the EEC, thereby enabling data exchange between them and the EASs. On the other hand, the information of the EES is provided by the ECS. The ECS may be deployed by an operator or by a third party, and users can obtain the configuration information of multiple ECSs in various ways. There is still no effective solution regarding how the network supports the user in determining the appropriate ECS.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Embodiments of the present application provide an edge configuration server information processing method, apparatus, and communication device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The technical solution according to the embodiments of the present application is realized as follows.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present application include: A session management function (SMF) determines first edge configuration server configuration information according to at least one piece of information among the location information of the user equipment, the serving range of the edge configuration server, and the selection priority of the edge configuration server. The first edge configuration server configuration information includes at least one piece of information among the address of the edge configuration server, the serving range of the edge configuration server, the selection priority of the edge configuration server, and the attribute information of the edge configuration server. An edge configuration server configuration information processing method is provided.

[0007] In some alternative embodiments of the present application, the method further includes the SMF receiving subscription information of the user equipment from Unified Data Management (UDM), where the subscription information of the user equipment at least includes second edge configuration server configuration information.

[0008] In some alternative embodiments of the present application, when the SMF is provided with locally configured edge configuration server configuration information, the locally configured edge configuration server configuration information has a high priority.

[0009] In some alternative embodiments of the present application, the second edge configuration server configuration information includes at least one of the address of the edge configuration server, the serving range of the edge configuration server, the selection priority of the edge configuration server, and the attribute information of the edge configuration server. The attribute information of the edge configuration server includes at least one of the destination information of the edge configuration server and the application service list.

[0010] In some alternative embodiments of the present application, the attribute information of the edge configuration server includes at least one of the destination information of the edge configuration server and the application service list.

[0011] In some alternative embodiments of the present application, the method further includes the SMF receiving, via the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), a session establishment request message from the user equipment, where the session establishment request message includes indication information for requesting edge configuration server configuration information.

[0012] In some alternative embodiments of the present application, the method further includes the SMF sending the first edge configuration server configuration information to the user equipment via the AMF.

[0013] In the second scenario, in the embodiments of the present application, the UDM receives second edge configuration server configuration information from an application function (AF) via a network exposure function (NEF), Network Exposure Function, and the UDM further provides an edge configuration server information processing method including transmitting the second edge configuration server configuration information to an SMF.

[0014] In some alternative embodiments of the present application, the second edge configuration server configuration information includes at least one of the address of the edge configuration server, the serving range of the edge configuration server, the selection priority of the edge configuration server, and the attribute information of the edge configuration server. The attribute information of the edge configuration server includes at least one of the destination information of the edge configuration server and the application service list.

[0015] In the third scenario, in the embodiments of the present application, a first processing unit configured to determine first edge configuration server configuration information including at least one of the address of the edge configuration server, the serving range of the edge configuration server, the selection priority of the edge configuration server, and the attribute information of the edge configuration server according to at least one of the location information of the user equipment, the serving range of the edge configuration server, and the selection priority of the edge configuration server is further provided in an edge configuration server information processing apparatus.

[0016] In some alternative embodiments of the present application, the apparatus further includes a first communication unit configured to receive contract information of the user equipment from the UDM, where the contract information of the user equipment includes at least the second edge configuration server configuration information.

[0017] In some alternative embodiments of the present application, when the SMF is provided with locally configured edge configuration server configuration information, the locally configured edge configuration server configuration information has the highest priority.

[0018] In some alternative embodiments of the present application, the second edge configuration server configuration information includes at least one of the address of the edge configuration server, the serving area of the edge configuration server, the priority of the edge configuration server, and the attribute information of the edge configuration server. The attribute information of the edge configuration server includes at least one of the destination information of the edge configuration server and the application service list.

[0019] In some alternative embodiments of the present application, the attribute information of the edge configuration server includes at least one of the destination information of the edge configuration server and the application service list.

[0020] In some alternative embodiments of the present application, the apparatus further includes a second communication unit configured to receive, via the AMF, a session establishment request message from a user equipment, the session establishment request message including instruction information for requesting edge configuration server configuration information.

[0021] In some alternative embodiments of the present application, the second communication unit is further configured to transmit the first edge configuration server configuration information to the user equipment via the AMF.

[0022] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application is an edge configuration server information processing apparatus including a third communication unit and a fourth communication unit, the third communication unit is configured to receive, via the NEF, second edge configuration server configuration information from the AF, The fourth communication unit is further provided with an edge configuration server information processing device configured to transmit the second edge configuration server configuration information to a session management function (SMF).

[0023] In some alternative embodiments of the present application, the second edge configuration server configuration information includes at least one of the address of the edge configuration server, the service area of the edge configuration server, the priority of the edge configuration server, and the attribute information of the edge configuration server. The attribute information of the edge configuration server includes at least one of the destination information of the edge configuration server and the application service list.

[0024] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, and when the program is executed by a processor, the steps of the method according to the first aspect or the second aspect of the embodiment of the present application are realized.

[0025] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a communication device including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and operable on the processor, and when the program is executed by the processor, the steps of the method according to the first aspect or the second aspect of the embodiment of the present application are realized.

Advantages of the Invention

[0026] According to the edge configuration server information processing method, apparatus, and communication device according to the embodiments of the present application, the method includes: the SMF determines first edge configuration server configuration information according to at least one piece of information among the location information of the user equipment, the serving range of the edge configuration server, and the selection priority of the edge configuration server, where the first edge configuration server configuration information includes at least one piece of information among the address of the edge configuration server, the serving range of the edge configuration server, the selection priority of the edge configuration server, and the attribute information of the edge configuration server. By using the technical solution according to the embodiments of the present application, it becomes easier for the SMF to subsequently provide the first edge configuration server configuration information to the user equipment. As a result, before using the related application service, the user equipment can select an edge configuration server according to the first edge configuration server configuration information, and can select an appropriate edge configuration server. Further, according to the related configuration information of the edge application server and the edge enabler server provided by the appropriate edge configuration server, a communication connection with the corresponding edge application server and the edge enabler server can be established.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

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Figure 9

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0028] Hereinafter, the present application will be described in more detail in conjunction with the drawings and specific embodiments.

[0029] In the embodiment of the present application, an edge configuration server information processing method applied to the SMF is provided. FIG. 2 is the first flow schematic diagram of the edge configuration server information processing method according to the embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 2, the method includes the following step 101.

[0030] In step 101, the SMF determines first edge configuration server configuration information according to at least one piece of information among the location information of the user equipment, the serving range of the edge configuration server, and the selection priority of the edge configuration server. The first edge configuration server configuration information includes at least one piece of information among the address of the edge configuration server, the serving range of the edge configuration server, the selection priority of the edge configuration server, and the attribute information of the edge configuration server.

[0031] The edge configuration server configuration information (including the first edge configuration server configuration information, the second edge configuration server configuration information, the edge configuration server configuration information configured locally, etc.) in this embodiment includes configuration information related to the edge configuration server. Among them, the edge configuration server (ECS) may be deployed by the service provider or may be deployed by a third party.

[0032] In this embodiment, the SMF may have edge configuration server configuration information configured locally in a manually configured manner. Also, the SMF may obtain edge configuration server configuration information from the UDM. The edge configuration server configuration information from the UDM is denoted as second edge configuration server configuration information, and the edge configuration server configuration information in the UDM is obtained from the AF. Since the SMF can determine first edge configuration server configuration information according to at least one of the location information of the user equipment, the service range of the edge configuration server, and the selection priority of the edge configuration server, where the first edge configuration server configuration information includes at least one of the address of the edge configuration server, the service range of the edge configuration server, the selection priority of the edge configuration server, and the attribute information of the edge configuration server, it becomes easier for the SMF to provide the first edge configuration server configuration information to the user equipment later. As a result, before using the relevant application service, the user equipment can select an appropriate edge configuration server according to the first edge configuration server configuration information (for example, the selection priority of the edge configuration server included in the first edge configuration server configuration information), and further, according to the relevant configuration information of the edge application server and the edge enabler server provided by the appropriate edge configuration server, establish a communication connection with the corresponding edge application server and edge enabler server.

[0033] In some alternative embodiments of the present application, when the SMF is provided with locally configured edge configuration server configuration information, the locally configured edge configuration server configuration information has the highest priority.

[0034] In this embodiment, if the SMF is provided with locally configured edge configuration server configuration information, the locally configured edge configuration server configuration information will have the highest priority. If the SMF is not provided with locally configured edge configuration server configuration information, the SMF can determine the selection priority of the edge configuration server (which can be denoted as the second selection priority) according to the location information of the user equipment, the service range of the edge configuration server, and the selection priority of the edge configuration server (which can be denoted as the first selection priority here). The second selection priority may be the same as or different from the first selection priority. In one example, the SMF can determine the selection priority (second selection priority) of the edge server according to the location information of the user equipment and the service range of each edge server. For example, if the location information of the user equipment is within the service area range of the edge server, the selection priority of the corresponding edge server is high, while if the location information of the user equipment is not within the service area range of the edge server, the selection priority of the corresponding edge server is low. In another example, when the SMF determines the first edge configuration server configuration information according to the selection priority (first selection priority) of the edge configuration server, and the first edge configuration server configuration information includes the selection priority (second selection priority) of the edge configuration server, the SMF may use the first selection priority as the second selection priority, or re-determine the second selection priority in combination with other information such as the location information of the user equipment and / or the service range of the edge configuration server.

[0035] In some alternative embodiments of the present application, the method further includes the SMF receiving the contract information of the user equipment from the UDM, where the contract information of the user equipment at least includes the second edge configuration server configuration information.

[0036] Exemplarily, the AF sends the second edge configuration server configuration information to the NEF, the NEF sends the second edge configuration server configuration information to the UDM, and further, the UDM sends the second edge configuration server configuration information to the SMF.

[0037] In this embodiment, the second edge configuration server configuration information includes at least one piece of information among the address of the edge configuration server, the serving area of the edge configuration server, the selection priority of the edge configuration server, and the attribute information of the edge configuration server. The attribute information of the edge configuration server in the second edge configuration server configuration information and the first edge configuration server configuration information includes at least one piece of information among the destination information of the edge configuration server and the application service list. Optionally, the content included in the edge configuration server configuration information configured locally may be the same as or different from the content included in the second edge configuration server configuration information.

[0038] Optionally, in some alternative embodiments, the SMF receives, from the UDM, subscription information of the user equipment that includes at least the second edge configuration server configuration information, before determining the first edge configuration server configuration information, according to at least one piece of information among the location information of the user equipment, the serving range of the edge configuration server, and the selection priority of the edge configuration server. Exemplarily, if the second edge configuration server configuration information includes at least one piece of information among the address of the edge configuration server, the serving range of the edge configuration server, the selection priority of the edge configuration server, and the attribute information of the edge configuration server, the SMF can determine the first edge configuration server configuration information according to at least one piece of information among the serving range of the edge configuration server, the selection priority of the edge configuration server, and the location information of the user equipment in the second edge configuration server configuration information obtained in advance from the UDM.

[0039] In this embodiment, if the selection priority of the edge configuration server (referred to as the first selection priority) is included in the second edge configuration server configuration information and the selection priority of the edge configuration server (referred to as the second selection priority) is included in the first edge configuration server configuration information, the first selection priority and the second selection priority may be the same or different. That is, the SMF can determine the first edge configuration server configuration information according to at least one piece of information among the location information of the user equipment, the serving range of the edge configuration server in the second edge configuration server, and the selection priority of the edge configuration server. Optionally, if the SMF is provided with locally configured edge configuration server configuration information, the locally configured edge configuration server configuration information will have a high priority, that is, the SMF can re-determine the selection priority of each edge configuration server.

[0040] Exemplarily, the content included in the second edge configuration server configuration information (or the first edge configuration server configuration information) may include, for example, as shown in Table 1, ECS information that may be a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) / Internet Protocol (IP) address / Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN), an ECS serving range that may be a list of service latitudes and longitudes, and a list of applications provided by the ECS. Optionally, the first edge configuration server configuration information (or the first edge configuration server configuration information) may further include user equipment information corresponding to the ECS, and the user equipment information may be a UE identifier (UE ID) such as a Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI) or a Generic Public Subscription Identifier (GPSI).

[0041]

Table 1

[0042] In some alternative embodiments of the present application, the method further includes the SMF receiving, via the AMF, a session establishment request message from the user equipment, the session establishment request message including indication information for requesting edge configuration server configuration information.

[0043] In this embodiment, the SMF obtains a session establishment request message of the user equipment via the AMF, and the session establishment request message is for session establishment. For example, the session establishment request message may be a protocol data unit (PDU) session establishment request message, while the session establishment request message includes indication information for requesting edge configuration server configuration information. Exemplarily, the indication information for requesting the edge configuration server configuration information is carried by a protocol configuration option (PCO) in the session establishment request message, for example, by an empty field in the session establishment request message, the indication information for requesting the edge configuration server configuration information is carried.

[0044] Optionally, the session establishment request message further includes at least one of SUPI, session management subscription data, data network name (DNN), and network slice selection assistance information.

[0045] In some alternative embodiments of the present application, the method further includes the SMF transmitting the first edge configuration server configuration information to the user equipment via the AMF. Exemplarily, the first edge configuration server configuration information is carried by the PCO in the message.

[0046] Then, by using the technical solution according to the embodiment of the present application, the SMF can determine the first edge configuration server configuration information according to at least one piece of information among the location information of the user equipment, the serving range of the edge configuration server, and the selection priority of the edge configuration server. The first edge configuration server configuration information includes at least one piece of information among the address of the edge configuration server, the serving range of the edge configuration server, the selection priority of the edge configuration server, and the attribute information of the edge configuration server. As a result, it becomes easier for the SMF to provide the first edge configuration server configuration information to the user equipment. Consequently, before using the related application service, the user equipment can select the edge configuration server according to the first edge configuration server configuration information (for example, the selection priority of the edge configuration server in the first edge configuration server configuration information), and can select an appropriate edge configuration server. Furthermore, according to the related configuration information of the edge application server and the edge enabler server provided by the appropriate edge configuration server, the user equipment can establish a communication connection with the corresponding edge application server and edge enabler server.

[0047] Based on the above embodiment, the embodiment of the present application further provides an edge configuration server information processing method applied to the UDM. FIG. 3 is a second flow schematic diagram of the edge configuration server information processing method according to the embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 3, the method includes the following steps 201 to 202.

[0048] Step 201 is that the UDM receives the second edge configuration server configuration information from the AF via the NEF.

[0049] Step 202 is that the UDM transmits the second edge configuration server configuration information to the SMF.

[0050] In this embodiment, the second edge configuration server configuration information includes at least one of the address of the edge configuration server, the serving area of the edge configuration server, the priority of the edge configuration server, and the attribute information of the edge configuration server. The attribute information of the edge configuration server includes at least one of the destination information of the edge configuration server and the application service list.

[0051] In some alternative embodiments, the UDM sending the second edge configuration server configuration information to the SMF as described above includes the UDM sending the subscription information of the user equipment that at least includes the second edge configuration server configuration information to the SMF.

[0052] Regarding the first edge configuration server configuration information in this embodiment, specifically, reference can be made to the first edge configuration server configuration information and the description in Table 1 in the foregoing embodiment, and details will not be repeated here.

[0053] Hereinafter, the edge configuration server information processing method according to the embodiments of the present application will be described in conjunction with specific examples.

[0054] (Example 1) This example is a scheme for updating the ECS configuration information to the SMF through capability disclosure. Specifically, it is a realization method in which the SMF obtains the second edge configuration server configuration information from the AF. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the interaction flow of the edge configuration server information processing method according to the embodiments of the present application. As shown in FIG. 4, the method includes the following steps 300 to 305.

[0055] Step 300 is that the SMF sends a subscription request message (Nudm_SDM_subscribe request) for requesting the ECS configuration information (i.e., the second edge configuration server configuration information) to the UDM.

[0056] Step 301 is that the AF sends an information creation / update request including the ECS configuration information (i.e., the second edge configuration server configuration information) to the NEF.

[0057] Exemplarily, the AF may send a message, which is the Nnef_ParameterProvision_Create / Nnef_ParameterProvision_Update message and carries the above ECS configuration information (i.e., the second edge configuration server configuration information), to the NEF.

[0058] Here, the above message may include GPSI, Expected UE Behaviour parameters, Network Configuration parameters, ECS Info Data, External Group Id and 5G VN group data, 5G VN group membership management parameters, etc.

[0059] In step 302, if the AF is permitted by the NEF to be able to execute the operation provided by the parameter, the NEF sends an information creation / update / delete request including the ECS configuration information (i.e., the second edge configuration server configuration information) to the UDM.

[0060] Exemplarily, the NEF may send a message, which is the Nudm_ParameterProvision_Update / Nudm_ParameterProvision_Create / Nudm_ParameterProvision_Delete message and carries the above ECS configuration information (i.e., the second edge configuration server configuration information), to the UDM.

[0061] Here, the above update request message, creation request message, and deletion request message may include GPSI, AF ID, Transaction Reference ID(s), ECS Info Data, NEF reference ID, etc. for creating, updating, or deleting the subscription user data pre-configuration parameters (including ECS information) provided by the UDM.

[0062] Step 303 is that the UDM sends a response message to the NEF.

[0063] Exemplarily, the UDM sends a Nudm_ParameterProvision_Create Response / Nudm_ParameterProvision_Update Response / Nudm_ParameterProvision_Delete Response message to the NEF. If the procedure in Step 302 fails, the response message may further include a cause value indicating the cause of the failure.

[0064] Step 304 is that the NEF sends a response message to the AF.

[0065] Exemplarily, the NEF sends a Nnef_ParameterProvision_Create Response / Nnef_ParameterProvision_Update Response message to the AF. If this procedure fails, the response message may further include a cause value indicating the cause of the failure.

[0066] Step 305 is that the UDM sends a notification message including the UE's contract information to the SMF, where the ECS configuration information (i.e., the second edge configuration server configuration information) is included in the UE's contract information.

[0067] Exemplarily, the UDM sends an Nudm_SubscriberDataManagement (SDM)_Notification message to the SMF to notify the SMF of the updated subscription user data (UE contract data). Here, the message may further include the SUPI, a parameter set related to the SMF, the DNN, the single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI), etc. The SMF stores the received related parameters and can associate the parameters with the PDU session according to the DNN and S-NSSAI included in the message from the UDM.

[0068] Optionally, the SMF may return an acknowledgment (ACK) to the UDM.

[0069] (Example 2) Based on the above Example 1, this example shows the case where the SMF updates the ECS information to the UE. FIG. 5 is a second schematic diagram of the interaction flow of the edge configuration server information processing method according to the embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 5, the method includes the following steps 401 to 404.

[0070] Step 401 is the same as the flow in the above Example 1, that is, the AF configures the updated ECS configuration information to the UDM via capability disclosure and synchronizes it to the SMF.

[0071] Step 402 is for the SMF to make a policy decision. The SMF can determine whether it is necessary to send the updated ECS configuration information to the AMF. In this example, the SMF sends the updated ECS configuration information to the AMF.

[0072] Exemplarily, the SMF sends the updated ECS configuration information to the AMF via the Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message in the PDU session modification procedure.

[0073] Step 403 is that the AMF sends the updated ECS configuration information to a (radio) access network ((R)AN) device.

[0074] Exemplarily, the AMF may send the updated ECS configuration information to the (R)AN device via an N2 PDU session request message.

[0075] Step 404 is that the (R)AN device sends the updated ECS configuration information to the UE (transparent transmission).

[0076] Exemplarily, the (R)AN device sends the updated ECS configuration information to the UE via a non-access stratum (NAS) message, such as an AN specific signalling exchange message. Here, the message may further include a PDU session identifier (PDU Session ID), an N1 SM container (which may include PDU Session Establishment Accept), etc.

[0077] Steps 402 to 404 above are procedures for sending the updated ECS configuration information to the UE via a PDU session change procedure. According to this method, there is a possibility of causing a signalling storm. In view of this, in order to avoid the occurrence of a signalling storm, the request of the UE may be transferred to a new ECS in the form of a Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP) redirect.

[0078] Optionally, transferring the UE's request to a new ECS in a redirection manner involves the first edge configuration server receiving a first request message from the user equipment and sending second edge configuration server configuration information for redirecting the first request message to a second edge configuration server by the user equipment to the user equipment.

[0079] (Example 3) This example shows a complete scheme for the UE to obtain ECS information via NAS signaling. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the interaction flow of the edge configuration server information processing method according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 6, the method includes the following steps 501 to 508.

[0080] Step 501 is that the UE sends a PDU session establishment request (PDU Session Establishment Request) message, which includes indication information for requesting edge configuration server configuration information, to the AMF via the (R)AN device.

[0081] Exemplarily, the UE starts a PDU establishment request via an NAS message. The request message may include S-NSSAI(s), DNN, PDU Session ID, Request type, Old PDU Session ID, PCO, N1 SM container (PDU Session Establishment Request), etc. Among them, DNN may be used for the SMF to select the corresponding ECS.

[0082] In this example, in the additional parameters list of the PCO, one container identifier (0040H (0040H can indicate an idle field, ECS Info Request)) is added to indicate the indication information for requesting edge configuration server configuration information.

[0083] Step 502 is for the AMF to select the SMF.

[0084] Step 503 is for the AMF to send a session establishment request message containing indication information for requesting edge configuration server configuration information to the SMF. The implementation method of the indication information is the same as the implementation method of carrying the indication information via the PCO in Step 501, and will not be repeated here.

[0085] Exemplarily, the session establishment request message may be an Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Request message, and the message may further include SUPI, DNN, S-NSSAI(s), PDU Session ID, N1 SM container (including PDU Session Establishment Request), user location information (which may also be referred to as user equipment location information), access type, PEI, GPSI, etc.

[0086] Step 504 is for the SMF to search for user data from the UDM, determine whether the edge computing service is purchased by the user, and obtain the ECS configuration information.

[0087] Exemplarily, the SMF may use the Nudm_SDM_Get message to search for user data, determine whether the edge computing service is purchased by the user, and obtain the ECS configuration information. Here, the message may also include SUPI, session management subscription data, DNN, S-NSSAI (the S-NSSAI may be the destination S-NSSAI).

[0088] In this step, if the session management subscription data of the corresponding SUPI, DNN, and S-NSSAI of the destination is unavailable, the SMF performs a search from the UDM using the Nudm_SDM_Get message (SUPI carried by the destination, session management subscription data, DNN, S-NSSAI), and subscribes using the session management subscription data. The UDM can obtain such related information (including, for example, SUPI, user subscription data, session management subscription data, destination DNN, and S-NSSAI, etc.) from the UDR via the Nudr_DM_Query message, and can subscribe to notifications of the same data from the UDR via the Nudr_DM_subscribe message.

[0089] This step is an optional step.

[0090] Step 505 is for the SMF to execute the normal PDU session establishment procedure. It should be noted that the network devices involved in the execution of the normal PDU session establishment procedure are not limited to those shown in Figure 6.

[0091] Step 506 is for the SMF to determine the first edge configuration server configuration information (first ECS configuration information) according to at least one of the location information of the user equipment, the serving range of the edge configuration server, and the selection priority of the edge configuration server, and send the first ECS configuration information to the AMF.

[0092] In this step, the SMF may obtain the second ECS configuration information through the embodiments described in the foregoing Example 1 or Example 2. The second ECS configuration information includes at least one of the address of the edge configuration server, the serving range of the edge configuration server, the selection priority of the edge configuration server, and the attribute information of the edge configuration server. The SMF can determine the first ECS configuration information based on at least one of the location information of the user equipment, the serving range of the edge configuration server in the second ECS configuration information, and the selection priority of the edge configuration server (the selection priority of the edge configuration server in the second ECS configuration information or the selection priority of the locally configured edge configuration server). The first ECS configuration information includes at least one of the address of the edge configuration server, the serving range of the edge configuration server, the selection priority of the edge configuration server, and the attribute information of the edge configuration server.

[0093] Exemplarily, if the selection priority of the edge configuration server is included in the first ECS configuration information, the selection priority of the edge configuration server may be referred to as an ECS rule, ECS rule information, ECS priority order, etc. For example, the selection priority of the edge configuration server may be the priority corresponding to the edge configuration server or the order of the edge configuration servers according to the high or low priority.

[0094] Exemplarily, the SMF sends the first ECS configuration information to the AMF via the Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message. Here, the message may include a PDU Session ID, N2 session management information (N2 SM information (which may include a PDU Session ID, QFI(s), etc.)), an N1 SM container (PDU Session Establishment Accept (which may include QoS rules and QoS flow level QoS parameters, a selected session and service continuity mode (selected SSC mode), S-NSSAI(s), DNN, an allocated IPv4 address, an interface identifier, a session aggregation maximum bit rate (Session-AMBR), a selected PDU Session Type, ECS Info information, etc.)), and optionally, in the additional parameters list of the PCO of the message, one container identifier (0041H (ECS Info Response)) may be added to indicate the first ECS configuration information.

[0095] Step 507 is for the AMF to send the first ECS configuration information to the (R)AN device.

[0096] Exemplarily, the AMF may send the first ECS configuration information to the (R)AN device via an N2 PDU Session Request message. Here, the request message may further include N2 session management information, NAS messages, etc. The NAS message may include a PDU Session ID, an N1 SM container (which may include a PDU Session Establishment Accept), etc.

[0097] Step 508 is for the (R)AN device to send the first ECS configuration information to the UE.

[0098] Exemplarily, the (R)AN device sends the first ECS configuration information to the UE via a NAS message, such as an AN specific signalling exchange message. Here, the message may further include a PDU Session ID, an N1 SM container (which may include a PDU Session Establishment Accept), etc.

[0099] Based on the foregoing embodiments, an edge configuration server information processing apparatus is further provided in the embodiments of the present application. FIG. 7 is a schematic structural diagram of an edge configuration server information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 7, the apparatus includes a first processing unit 11 configured to determine first edge configuration server configuration information including at least one piece of information from among the location information of the user equipment, the serving range of the edge configuration server, and the selection priority of the edge configuration server, the first edge configuration server configuration information including at least one piece of information from among the address of the edge configuration server, the serving range of the edge configuration server, the selection priority of the edge configuration server, and the attribute information of the edge configuration server.

[0100] In some alternative embodiments of the present application, the apparatus further includes a first communication unit 12 configured to receive contract information of a user equipment from a UDM, where the contract information of the user equipment at least includes second edge configuration server configuration information.

[0101] In some alternative embodiments of the present application, when the SMF is provided with locally configured edge configuration server configuration information, the locally configured edge configuration server configuration information has the highest priority.

[0102] In some alternative embodiments of the present application, the second edge configuration server configuration information at least includes at least one piece of information among the address of the edge configuration server, the service area of the edge configuration server, the priority of the edge configuration server, and the attribute information of the edge configuration server, and the attribute information of the edge configuration server includes at least one piece of information among the destination information of the edge configuration server and the application service list.

[0103] In some alternative embodiments of the present application, the attribute information of the edge configuration server includes at least one piece of information among the destination information of the edge configuration server and the application service list.

[0104] In some alternative embodiments of the present application, the apparatus further includes a second communication unit 13 configured to receive, via the AMF, a session establishment request message from the user equipment, where the session establishment request message includes instruction information for requesting edge configuration server configuration information.

[0105] In some alternative embodiments of the present application, the second communication unit 13 is further configured to transmit the first edge configuration server configuration information to the user equipment via the AMF.

[0106] In an embodiment of the present application, the device is applicable to the SMF. The first processing unit 11 in the device can be implemented by a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller unit (MCU), or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) in actual applications. The first communication unit 12 and the second communication unit 13 in the device can be implemented by a communication block (including a basic communication kit, an operating system, a communication module, a standardized interface, a protocol, etc.) and a transceiver antenna in actual applications.

[0107] In an embodiment of the present application, another edge configuration server information processing device is further provided. FIG. 8 is a second structural schematic diagram of the edge configuration server information processing device according to the embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 8, the device includes a third communication unit 21 and a fourth communication unit 22. The third communication unit 21 is configured to receive second edge configuration server configuration information from the AF via the NEF. The fourth communication unit 22 is configured to send the second edge configuration server configuration information to a session management function (SMF).

[0108] In some alternative embodiments of the present application, the second edge configuration server configuration information includes at least one of the address of the edge configuration server, the serving area of the edge configuration server, the priority of the edge configuration server, and the attribute information of the edge configuration server. The attribute information of the edge configuration server includes at least one of the destination information of the edge configuration server and the application service list.

[0109] In the embodiments of the present application, the device is applicable to the UDM. The third communication unit 21 and the fourth communication unit 22 in the device can be realized by a communication block (including a basic communication kit, an operating system, a communication module, a standardized interface and protocol, etc.) and a transceiver antenna in actual application.

[0110] It should be noted that the edge configuration server information processing device according to the above embodiments only takes the division of the above program modules as an example when performing edge configuration server information processing. In actual application, the above processing can be distributed to different program modules as needed to be completed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different program modules to complete all or part of the processing described above. In addition, the edge configuration server information processing device according to the above embodiments belongs to the same concept as the embodiments of the edge configuration server information processing method. For the details of its specific implementation procedure, reference may be made to the embodiments of the method, and it will not be repeated here.

[0111] Embodiments of the present application further provide a communication device, and the communication device may be an SMF or a UDM. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of the communication device according to the embodiments of the present application. As shown in FIG. 9, the communication device includes a memory 32, a processor 31, and a computer program stored in the memory 32 and operable on the processor 31. When the program is executed by the processor 31, the steps of the method applicable to the SMF described in the embodiments of the present application are realized, or when the program is executed by the processor 31, the steps of the method applicable to the UDM described in the embodiments of the present application are realized.

[0112] Optionally, the communication device may further include one or more network interfaces 33. Understandably, each component in the communication device can be coupled via a bus system 34. The bus system 34 is for realizing connection communication between these components. The bus system 34 includes a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus in addition to a data bus. For the sake of clarity in the description, in FIG. 9, all various buses are shown as the bus system 34.

[0113] It should be understood that the memory 32 may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a ferromagnetic random access memory (FRAM (registered trademark)), a flash memory, a magnetic surface memory, an optical disk, or a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM). The magnetic surface memory may be a magnetic disk memory or a magnetic tape memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM) and is used as an external high-speed cache.By way of example, various types of RAM such as static random access memory (SRAM), synchronous static random access memory (SSRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDRSDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), sync link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), direct rambus random access memory (DRRAM) are available, but not limited thereto. The memory 32 described in the embodiments of the present application includes these and any other suitable types of memory, but is not limited.

[0114] The above method disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to the processor 31 or can be implemented by the processor 31. The processor 31 can be an integrated circuit chip having signal processing capabilities. When implemented, each step of the above method can be completed by an integrated logic circuit that is hardware within the processor 31 or by instructions in the form of software. The above-mentioned processor 31 may be a general-purpose processor, a DSP, or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The processor 31 can implement or execute each method, step, and logic block diagram disclosed in the embodiments of the present application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any common processor, etc. The cooperation with the steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of the present application may be completed directly as an implementation by the execution of a hardware decoder processor, or may also be completed by the execution of a combination of hardware and software modules within the decoder processor. The software module may be located in a storage medium, and the storage medium is in the memory 32. The processor 31 reads the information within the processor 31 and combines it with its hardware to complete the steps of the method described above.

[0115] In an exemplary embodiment, the communication device can be implemented by one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), DSPs, programmable logic devices (PLDs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), FPGAs, general-purpose processors, controllers, MCUs, microprocessors, or other electronic components, and may be configured to execute the above-described method.

[0116] In an exemplary embodiment, the embodiments of the present application further provide a computer-readable storage medium, such as a memory 32 including a computer program, and the computer program can be executed by a processor 31 of a communication device so that the steps described in the foregoing method are completed. The computer-readable storage medium may be a memory such as FRAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash Memory, magnetic surface memory, optical disk, or CD-ROM, or various devices including any one or any combination of the foregoing memories.

[0117] The embodiments of the present application further provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, and when the program is executed by a processor, the steps of the method applicable to the SMF described in the embodiments of the present application are realized, or when the program is executed by a processor, the steps of the method applicable to the UDM described in the embodiments of the present application are realized.

[0118] The methods disclosed in some method embodiments according to the present application can be arbitrarily combined to obtain new method embodiments as long as there is no conflict.

[0119] The features disclosed in some product embodiments according to the present application can be arbitrarily combined to obtain new product embodiments as long as there is no conflict.

[0120] The features disclosed in some method or device embodiments according to the present application can be arbitrarily combined to obtain new method embodiments or device embodiments as long as there is no conflict.

[0121] In some embodiments according to the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of the above units is only a division in terms of logical functions, and there may be other division methods in actual implementation. For example, a plurality of units or components may be incorporated into or integrated with another system, some features may be ignored, or may not be implemented. Furthermore, the mutual coupling, direct coupling or communication connection of each component disclosed or described may be through some interfaces. The indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be in an electrical form, a mechanical form, or other forms.

[0122] The above units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components disclosed as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in the same place or may be distributed in a plurality of network units. To achieve the object of the technical solution according to this embodiment, some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs.

[0123] Also, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may be regarded as an individual unit respectively, and two or more units may be integrated into one unit. The above integrated unit may be implemented in the form of hardware, or may be implemented in the form of adding a software functional unit to the hardware.

[0124] As can be understood by those skilled in the art, all or some of the steps of the above method embodiments may be realized by a program instructing the relevant hardware. The above program may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. When the program is executed, the steps of the above method embodiments are executed. The above storage medium includes various media that can store program codes, such as removable storage devices, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, optical disks, etc.

[0125] Alternatively, the integrated unit in the present application may be implemented in the form of a software functional module and stored in a computer-readable storage medium if it is sold or used as an independent product. Based on such understanding, the essential part of the technical solution according to the embodiments of the present application, or the part that contributes to the related art, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for causing all or part of the methods described in the embodiments of the present application to be executed by a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device). The above storage medium includes various media that can store program codes, such as removable storage devices, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, and optical disks.

[0126] What is described above is only a specific embodiment of the present application, and the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. A person skilled in the art can easily conceive of modifications and substitutions within the technical scope described in the present application, and all of these modifications and substitutions should be within the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should follow the appended claims.

Claims

1. An edge configuration server configuration information processing method, comprising: A session management function (SMF) determines first edge configuration server configuration information according to the location information of a user equipment and / or the serving range of an edge configuration server, where the first edge configuration server configuration information includes at least one of the address of the edge configuration server, the serving range of the edge configuration server, and the attribute information of the edge configuration server. The method further includes: The SMF receives contract information of the user equipment from an integrated data management (UDM), where the contract information of the user equipment includes at least second edge configuration server configuration information. The second edge configuration server configuration information includes: At least one of the serving range of the edge configuration server, the selection priority of the edge configuration server, and the attribute information of the edge configuration server. The attribute information of the edge configuration server includes at least one of the destination information of the edge configuration server and the application service list. Edge configuration server configuration information processing method.

2. The method further includes: when determining the first edge configuration server configuration information, the SMF further determines the first edge configuration server configuration information according to the selection priority of the edge configuration server, and the first edge configuration server configuration information further includes the selection priority of the edge configuration server. The method according to claim 1.

3. When the SMF is provided with locally configured edge configuration server configuration information, the locally configured edge configuration server configuration information has the highest priority. The method further includes: The SMF re-determines the selection priority of each edge configuration server. The method according to claim 2.

4. The second edge configuration server configuration information further includes: The address of the edge configuration server. The method according to claim 2.

5. The attribute information of the edge configuration server includes at least one of the destination information of the edge configuration server and the application service list. The method according to claim 1.

6. The method includes: The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising receiving, by the SMF via an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), a session establishment request message from a user equipment, the session establishment request message including instruction information for requesting edge configuration server configuration information.

7. The method The method according to claim 6, further comprising transmitting, by the SMF via the AMF, the first edge configuration server configuration information to the user equipment.

8. Unified Data Management (UDM) receives second edge configuration server configuration information from an Application Function (AF) via a Network Exposure Function (NEF); and the UDM transmits the second edge configuration server configuration information to a Session Management Function (SMF), wherein the second edge configuration server configuration information includes at least one of information on a serving range of an edge configuration server, a selection priority of the edge configuration server, and attribute information of the edge configuration server, wherein the attribute information of the edge configuration server includes at least one of information on a destination of the edge configuration server and an application service list, an edge configuration server information processing method.

9. The second edge configuration server configuration information further includes an address of the edge configuration server, the method according to claim 8.

10. A Session Management Function (SMF), a communication device including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and operable on the processor, wherein when the program is executed by the processor, the steps of the edge configuration server configuration information processing method according to claim 1 are realized, SMF.

11. A Unified Data Management (UDM), a communication device including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and operable on the processor, wherein when the program is executed by the processor, the steps of the edge configuration server information processing method according to claim 8 or 9 are realized, UDM.

12. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, wherein when the computer program is executed by a processor of an SMF, the steps of the edge configuration server configuration information processing method according to claim 1 are realized, the computer-readable storage medium.

13. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, wherein when the computer program is executed by a processor of a UDM, the steps of the edge configuration server information processing method according to claim 8 or 9 are realized.

14. A computer program, wherein when the computer program is executed by a processor of an SMF, the steps of the edge configuration server configuration information processing method according to claim 1 are realized.

15. A computer program, wherein when the computer program is executed by a processor of a UDM, the steps of the edge configuration server information processing method according to claim 8 or 9 are realized.

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