Network information disclosure method, apparatus, related device and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a network information disclosure method, an apparatus, a first function, a second function, and a storage medium, where the method includes a step of a first function receiving first information, determining network information based on the first information, and disclosing the network information, where the first information includes related information of a second function, and the second function includes an application function AF or an edge application server EAS.

Description

Cross-Citation of Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority from Chinese Patent Application No. 202210323864.1 filed in China on March 29, 2022, and claims priority from Chinese Patent Application No. 202210956211.7 filed in China on August 10, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Technical Field]

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of wireless communications, and in particular to a network information disclosure method, apparatus, related device and storage medium. [Background technology]

[0003] Network information can be used to guide the construction of an optimized end-to-end network, achieving shorter transmission paths and more convenient management. However, because networks may belong to different operators / manufacturers / providers, applications can usually only consider the communication network as a black box, which is not helpful in building an optimal end-to-end network that meets user needs. For example, when an application function (AF) autonomously reports a Data Network Access Identifier (DNAI), it is usually difficult for the AF to know the network information, making it difficult to configure the optimal DNAI.

[0004] Therefore, in order to provide a better user experience for mobile communication network users, it is necessary to build a network in which everything from the communication network to the application service is optimized, and to this end, a certain degree of network information disclosure is necessary, which helps the application service perform network configuration according to the network information and build an optimal end-to-end network.

[0005] However, the related art does not provide an effective solution for how to disclose network information as needed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To solve the related technical problems, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a network information disclosure method, apparatus, related device and storage medium.

[0007] The technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure is realized as follows.

[0008] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a network information disclosure method applied to a first function, the method comprising: receiving first information and determining network information based on the first information, the first information including information related to a second function, and the second function including an AF or an Edge Application Server (EAS); disclosing the network information.

[0009] In the above solution, the related information of the second function is: Address information, location information, Application information, corresponding user information, network-related information.

[0010] In the above solution, the network-related information includes: Data Network Name (DNN), Single-Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI).

[0011] In the above solution, the application information of the second function is: Secondary function provider / owner information, The application category carried by the second function, an application identifier.

[0012] In the above solution, the address information of the second function is: Internet Protocol (IP) address information, IP address segment, IP domain information, Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) information.

[0013] In the above solution, the network information includes: DNAI, Identifiers corresponding to DNAI, External identifiers corresponding to DNAI, User Plane Function (UPF) address, UPF identifier, IP domain, network configuration information corresponding to the user; The correspondence between IP address information of public and private networks; a private network IP address.

[0014] In the above solution, the method comprises: The method further includes the step of causing the second function to obtain updated network information by receiving a subscription.

[0015] In the above solution, the step of determining network information based on the first information includes: The method includes determining the network information based on the first information and network topology information.

[0016] In the above solution, the first function includes a Network Exposure Function (NEF) and / or a Policy Control Function (PCF), and the method includes: The method further includes obtaining network topology information.

[0017] In the above solution, the step of obtaining network topology information includes: sending second information to a Session Management Function (SMF), the second information being used to request network topology information, the second information including at least one of address information of the second function, location information of the second function, application information of the second function, user information corresponding to the second function, and network-related information of the second function; and receiving the network topology information transmitted from the SMF.

[0018] In the above solution, the step of obtaining network topology information includes: The method includes: configuring network topology information in a NEF / Unified Data Repository (UDR) by an Operation Administration and Maintenance (OAM), the network topology information indicating mapping information between EAS IP addresses / IP address ranges and DNAIs; and configuring the network topology information in a NEF / Unified Data Repository (UDR) by an Operation Administration and Maintenance (OAM), the network topology information indicating mapping information between EAS IP addresses / IP address ranges and DNAIs; DNAI, Identifiers corresponding to DNAI, External identifiers corresponding to DNAI, UPF address, UPF identifier, IP domain, network configuration information corresponding to the user; The correspondence between IP address information of public and private networks; a private network IP address.

[0019] In the above solution, the step of obtaining network topology information includes: sending sixth information to the SMF, the sixth information being used to subscribe to network topology information, the sixth information including at least one of address information of the second function, location information of the second function, application information of the second function, user information corresponding to the second function, and network-related information of the second function; and receiving the network topology information transmitted from the SMF.

[0020] In the above solution, the step of obtaining network topology information includes: sending fourth information to a Unified Data Repository (UDR), the fourth information being used to request or subscribe to network topology information, the fourth information including at least one of address information of the second function, location information of the second function, application information of the second function, user information corresponding to the second function, and network-related information of the second function; receiving the network topology information transmitted from the UDR.

[0021] In the above solution, the step of obtaining network topology information includes: sending sixth information to the OAM for subscribing to network topology information; receiving network topology information sent from the OAM.

[0022] In the above solution, the step of receiving the first information comprises: The method includes receiving first information transmitted from the second function for requesting disclosure of network information related to the second function.

[0023] In the above solution, the method comprises: receiving third information sent from the second function to request updating or deleting the network information; sending third information to the UDR; receiving a response returned by the UDR; and returning a response to the second function.

[0024] In the above solution, the method comprises: receiving fifth information sent from the second function to request a search or query of the network information; sending fifth information to the UDR; receiving a response returned by the UDR; and returning a response to the second function.

[0025] In the above solution, the first function includes an SMF, and the step of receiving the first information includes: The method includes receiving first information sent from the NEF and / or the PCF.

[0026] In the above solution, the network topology information is DNAI, Identifiers corresponding to DNAI, External identifiers corresponding to DNAI, UPF address, UPF identifier, IP domain, network configuration information corresponding to the user; The correspondence between IP address information of public and private networks; a private network IP address.

[0027] In the above solution, the method comprises: storing the network information in a UDR; and / or The method further includes a step of storing the correspondence between the second function related information and the network information in a UDR.

[0028] An embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a network information disclosure method applied to a second function, the method comprising: sending first information to a NEF, the first information including information related to the second function, the second function including an AF or an EAS, the first information being used to request disclosure of network information related to the second function; receiving network information sent from the NEF.

[0029] In the above solution, the related information of the second function is: Address information, location information, Application information, corresponding user information, network-related information.

[0030] In the above solution, the network-related information includes: DNN, S-NSSAI.

[0031] In the above solution, the application information of the second function is: Secondary function provider / owner information, The application category carried by the second function, an application identifier.

[0032] In the above solution, the address information of the second function is: IP address information, IP address segment, IP domain information, FQDN information.

[0033] In the above solution, the network information includes: DNAI, Identifiers corresponding to DNAI, External identifiers corresponding to DNAI, UPF address, UPF identifier, IP domain, network configuration information corresponding to the user; The correspondence between IP address information of public and private networks; a private network IP address.

[0034] In the above solution, the method comprises: The method further includes obtaining updated network information by sending a subscription to the NEF.

[0035] In the above solution, the method comprises: sending third information to the NEF to request updating or deleting the network information; and receiving a response returned by the NEF.

[0036] In the above solution, the method comprises: sending fifth information to the NEF to request a search or query of the network information; and receiving a response returned by the NEF.

[0037] An embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a network information disclosure device installed in the first function, the device comprising: a first processing unit for receiving first information and determining network information based on the first information, the first information including information related to a second function, and the second function including an AF or an EAS; and a second processing unit for disclosing the network information.

[0038] An embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a network information disclosure device installed in a second function, the device comprising: a sending unit for sending first information to a NEF, the first information including related information of the second function, the second function including an AF or an EAS, the first information being used to request disclosure of network information related to the second function; and a receiving unit for receiving the network information sent from the NEF.

[0039] An embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a first function including a first communication interface and a first processor; the first processor receives first information through the first communication interface and determines network information based on the first information, the first information including information related to a second function, and the second function including an AF or an EAS; It is used to disclose the network information via the first communication interface.

[0040] An embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a second function including a second communication interface and a second processor; The second communication interface is sending first information to a NEF, the first information including information related to the second function, the second function including an AF or an EAS, and the first information being used to request disclosure of network information related to the second function; It is used to receive network information sent from the NEF.

[0041] An embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a first facility including a first processor and a first memory capable of storing a computer program executable on the processor; The first processor is used to execute any one of the steps of the first function when executing the computer program. An embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a second functionality including a second processor and a second memory capable of storing a computer program executable on the processor; The second processor is used to execute any one of the steps of the second function when executing the computer program. [Effects of the Invention]

[0042] In a network information disclosure method, apparatus, related device, and storage medium provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first function receives first information, determines network information based on the first information, and discloses the network information, the first information including related information of a second function, and the second function includes an AF or an EAS. In a solution provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure, the disclosed network information is determined based on related information of the AF or EAS, and therefore, based on the related information of the AF or EAS, the network information required by the AF or EAS can be determined by the network operator / manufacturer / provider and can be disclosed to the AF or EAS, thereby helping the AF or EAS to perform network configuration based on the network information to build an optimal end-to-end network and at the same time avoiding the leakage of network information that the network operator / manufacturer / provider cannot disclose. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0043] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an edge computing deployment of a non-dedicated data network (Non-dedicated DN) in the related art. [Figure 2] 1 is a flowchart of a network information disclosure method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart of another network information disclosure method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of a DNAI mapping solution of an application embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. [Figure 5]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of another DNAI mapping solution of an application embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart of deleting / updating DNAI mapping in an application embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a structural schematic diagram of a network information disclosure device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a structural schematic diagram of another network information disclosure device in an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a structural schematic diagram of a first function of an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of the second function of the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a network information disclosure system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] The present disclosure will be described in more detail below in combination with drawings and examples.

[0045] First, we will explain the problems that arise when related technologies do not support disclosing network information as needed, in combination with an example application scenario in which an AF voluntarily reports DNAI.

[0046] Specifically, when deploying edge computing in the 5th generation (5G) mobile communication technology system, the optimal deployment solution design for the edge solution must establish an optimal transmission path to meet the strict quality of service requirements of the edge service, and application server (AS) changes must be considered. For example, as shown in Figure 1, for a single data network name (DNN), it is necessary to consider how to determine the optimal mapping relationship between DNAI and EAS to ensure the optimal transmission path. Furthermore, if the EAS providing the service becomes congested or is deactivated, it must be replaced with another EAS to provide the service to the terminal (also known as user equipment (UE) or user). In other words, it is necessary to consider how to handle the replacement of the EAS providing the service to maintain the establishment of the optimal transmission path.

[0047] Based on this, in the related technology, to establish the optimal transmission path, the AF needs to configure the application, and at this time, the AF needs to provide the corresponding DNAI, that is, the AF independently reports the DNAI to the 5G core network (5GC).

[0048] However, DNAI is 5GC information, and in real networks, all DNAI is established by network operators / manufacturers / providers and transmitted to AFs / ASs based on offline configuration. Therefore, in many cases, AFs cannot understand DNAI information, so the AFs do not provide DNAI information (i.e., they do not provide network information, and may only provide the AF ID), resulting in the NEF not being configured with an appropriate DNAI, or the NEF being unable to flexibly update DNAI information when the AF changes its information (e.g., when the AS / AF network address or location changes).

[0049] As can be seen from the above explanation, in the related art, 5GC does not disclose network information to AF according to the demand of AF, so AF cannot effectively perform network configuration, such as configuring the network by providing optimal DNAI in the request.

[0050] In addition, 5GC cannot disclose all network information to AF because the network information contains trade secrets of network operators / manufacturers / providers.

[0051] Based on this, in each embodiment of the present disclosure, a core network function (hereinafter referred to as a first function) determines network information based on relevant information of an AF or EAS (hereinafter referred to as a second function), and discloses the network information. Since the disclosed network information is determined based on the relevant information of the AF or EAS, the first function can determine, based on the relevant information of the AF or EAS, network information required by the AF or EAS that the network operator / manufacturer / provider can disclose to the AF or EAS, thereby helping the AF or EAS to perform network configuration based on the network information, thereby building an optimal end-to-end network, and at the same time, avoiding the leakage of network information that the network operator / manufacturer / provider cannot disclose.

[0052] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a network information disclosure method applied to a first function, and as shown in FIG. 2, the method includes the following steps 201 to 202.

[0053] Step 201: receiving first information; determining network information based on the first information, where the first information includes information related to a second function, and the second function includes an AF or an EAS;

[0054] Step 202: disclosing the network information.

[0055] Here, the related information of the second function refers to information that can be used to determine network information required by the second function that can be disclosed to the second function, and the network information that can be disclosed to the second function refers to network information that a network operator / manufacturer / provider can disclose to the second function.

[0056] In one embodiment, the related information of the second function is: Address information, location information, Application information, corresponding user information, network-related information.

[0057] In one embodiment, the network-related information comprises: DNN, S-NSSAI.

[0058] In practical application, the AF is considered from the perspective of a core network, and from the perspective of application, the AF may be called an AS. Correspondingly, the address information of the second function may include address information of an AS or an EAS, such as an IP address of an EAS, an IP address range (in English, a range), an IP domain (in English, an IP domain, which may be intranet information assigned by a network (which may be understood as address segment information), information as a private network identifier), FQDN information, etc.

[0059] Based on this, in one embodiment, the address information of the second function is: IP address information (which may include public network IP address information, which may include private network IP address information, which may include public network IP address information and private network IP address information, i.e., which includes both); IP address segment (i.e. IP address range), IP domain information, FQDN information.

[0060] When actually applied, the location information of the second function may include location information of the AS or EAS, such as the longitude and latitude where the EAS is located, and the area (e.g., the city, prefecture, tracking area, etc. where the EAS is located), and specifically, can be set according to the needs of the second function, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0061] In actual application, the application information of the second function may include application information of the AS or EAS, such as the provider / owner of the EAS, the type of application service, and the application identifier (e.g., identity document (ID)).

[0062] Based on this, in one embodiment, the application information of the second function is: Secondary function provider / owner information, the application category (i.e., type of application service, which may also be called application type) carried by the second function; an application identifier.

[0063] In actual application, the application categories carried by the second function can be classified according to the type of service, for example, video, high-definition interaction, vehicular network, cloud gaming, etc., and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0064] In actual application, the user information corresponding to the second function may include a Generic Public Subscription Identifier (GPSI), a terminal identifier (also referred to as a user identifier or UE ID), etc., and may be specifically set according to the needs of the second function, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0065] In actual application, the first function may include one or more core network functions such as NEF, SMF, PCF, etc., and may be specifically configured according to needs (e.g., network deployment conditions). The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and it is sufficient to realize the network information disclosure method of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0066] Here, if the first function includes an NEF and / or a PCF, the first function may receive the first information in the process in which the second function requests disclosure of network information related to the second function; in other words, the first information may request disclosure of network information related to the second function.

[0067] Based on this, in one embodiment, when the first function includes an NEF and / or a PCF, the step of receiving first information includes: The method may include receiving first information transmitted from the second function for requesting disclosure of network information related to the second function.

[0068] Here, in various embodiments of the present disclosure, the receipt and transmission of information by the NEF and / or PCF refers to the NEF communicating directly with other network functions or communicating with other network functions via the PCF.

[0069] In actual application, if the first function includes an SMF, the second function may transmit the first information to the NEF and / or PCF in the process of requesting the NEF and / or PCF to disclose network information related to the second function, and then transmit the first information to the first function via the NEF and / or PCF.

[0070] Based on this, in one embodiment, when the first function includes an SMF, the step of receiving first information includes: The method may include receiving the first information sent from the NEF and / or the PCF.

[0071] In actual application, in step 201, after receiving first information sent from the second function or NEF and / or PCF, the first function can determine network information based at least on the first information, in other words, the network information can be determined based on the first information and other information related to the network other than the first information.

[0072] Here, in one embodiment, the network information is: DNAI, Identifiers corresponding to DNAI, External identifiers corresponding to DNAI, UPF address, UPF identifier (e.g. ID), IP domain, network configuration information corresponding to the user; The correspondence between the IP address information of the public network and the private network (i.e., the correspondence between the IP address information of the public network and the IP address information of the private network), private network IP address.

[0073] Here, the identifier corresponding to the DNAI may refer to identifying the DNAI with one identifier in the network, or may refer to the correspondence between the DNAI and the AF identifier (which may be understood as a mapping table). Correspondingly, the external identifier corresponding to the DNAI may not identify the DNAI with an identifier in the network, but may identify the DNAI with one disclosed identifier used outside the network, for example, the DNAI may be identified with one disclosed ID, or may refer to the correspondence between the DNAI and the AF external identifier (which may be understood as a mapping table).

[0074] In practice, the network setting information corresponding to the user may include content such as an IP index, which can be specifically set according to the needs of the second function, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. In addition, the IP index can indicate whether the address allocation method is Unified Data Management (UDM) static allocation, SMF dynamic allocation, or Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) dynamic allocation.

[0075] In practical application, the other information related to the network other than the first information may include at least network topology information.

[0076] Based on this, in one embodiment, the step of determining network information based on the first information comprises: The method may include determining the network information based on the first information and network topology information.

[0077] When actually applied, the network topology information may include information such as selectable network information corresponding to the second function (e.g., DNAI (e.g., all DNAIs in at least one area corresponding to the second function)) and corresponding network topology (e.g., IP address segment, coverage area, transmission path, etc.), and specifically can be set according to the needs of the second function, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0078] In practical application, the network topology information is also called a network topology record, and the embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit the name of the network topology information as long as it can achieve its function.

[0079] In one embodiment, the network topology information comprises: DNAI, Identifiers corresponding to DNAI, External identifiers corresponding to DNAI, UPF address, UPF identifier, IP domain, network configuration information corresponding to the user; The correspondence between the IP address information of the public network and the private network (i.e., the correspondence between the public network IP address and the private network IP address information), private network IP address.

[0080] In practical application, different types of network information can be determined based on different contents and network topology information included in the first information. For example, network topology information can be used to help determine optimal network information for a transmission path, such as one or a set of DNAIs. The location information of the second function can help determine network information with the closest physical location, such as one or a set of DNAIs. The application information can further determine optimal network information based on application policies, such as DNAIs. The specific type of network information and the specific method of determining the network information can be configured according to the needs of the second function, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0081] In addition, in an actual network, close location information does not necessarily mean close topology, so there is a very high possibility that the DNAI closest in location will appear, and in reality, routing may detour. Therefore, based on the address information, location information, application information, corresponding user information, and network-related information of the second function, and in combination with network topology information, it is possible to assist the second function in determining optimal network information, for example, not only ensuring service continuity but also assisting the second function in setting optimal DNAI, for example, by setting optimal transmission paths, it is possible to assist the second function in optimizing user plane paths for current and future Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions.

[0082] In practical application, if the first function includes an SMF, the network topology information may be understood as information that the first function already knows, i.e., the SMF has the function of generating network topology information.

[0083] In actual application, if the first function includes an NEF and / or a PCF, the first function needs to obtain network topology information before determining the network information, and then determine the network information based on the first information and the network topology information.

[0084] In this group, in one embodiment, when the first function comprises NEF and / or PCF, the method further comprises: The method may further include obtaining network topology information.

[0085] In actual application, the NEF and / or PCF can obtain network topology information from the SMF; in other words, the NEF may obtain network topology information directly from the SMF, or may obtain network topology information from the SMF via the PCF.

[0086] Based on this, in one embodiment, the step of obtaining the network topology information comprises: sending second information to an SMF, wherein the second information is used to request network topology information, and the second information may include at least one of address information of the second function, location information of the second function, application information of the second function, user information corresponding to the second function, and network-related information of the second function; and receiving the network topology information transmitted from the SMF.

[0087] The specific contents that may be included in the address information, location information, application information, corresponding user information, and network-related information of the second function have been described in detail above, and will not be described in detail here.

[0088] In one embodiment, the step of obtaining the network topology information comprises: The OA may include setting network topology information in the NEF / UDR, the network topology information indicating mapping information between the EAS IP address / IP address range and the DNAI, and the network topology information includes: DNAI, Identifiers corresponding to DNAI, External identifiers corresponding to DNAI, UPF address, UPF identifier, IP domain, network configuration information corresponding to the user; The correspondence between IP address information of public and private networks; a private network IP address.

[0089] In practice, the NEF can send the second information to the SMF via the PCF, and receive the network topology information sent from the SMF via the PCF.

[0090] In practical application, the NEF and / or PCF may also subscribe to network topology information from the SMF.

[0091] Based on this, in one embodiment, the step of obtaining the network topology information comprises: sending sixth information to an SMF, the sixth information being used to subscribe to network topology information, the sixth information including at least one of address information of the second function, location information of the second function, application information of the second function, user information corresponding to the second function, and network-related information of the second function; and receiving network topology information transmitted from the SMF.

[0092] It should be noted that the specific contents that may be included in the address information, location information, application information, corresponding user information, and network-related information of the second function have already been described in detail above, and therefore will not be described in detail here.

[0093] In one embodiment, the step of obtaining network topology information comprises: sending sixth information to the OAM subscribing to network topology information; receiving network topology information sent from the OAM.

[0094] In actual application, the NEF may send the sixth information to the SMF via the PCF, and receive the network topology information sent from the SMF via the PCF.

[0095] In practical application, the NEF and / or PCF may obtain network topology information from the UDR.

[0096] Based on this, in one embodiment, the step of obtaining the network topology information comprises: sending fourth information to a UDR, the fourth information being used to request or subscribe to network topology information, the fourth information including at least one of address information of the second function, location information of the second function, application information of the second function, user information corresponding to the second function, and network-related information of the second function; receiving the network topology information transmitted from the UDR.

[0097] It should be noted that the specific contents that may be included in the address information, location information, application information, corresponding user information, and network-related information of the second function have already been described in detail above, and therefore will not be described in detail here.

[0098] In step 202, in actual application, disclosing the network information may be understood as the second function being able to obtain the network information from the first function. Specifically, if the first function includes an NEF and / or PCF, the second function can directly obtain the network information from the first function. In other words, after determining the network information, the first function can directly send the network information to the second function.

[0099] Based on this, in one embodiment, the specific implementation of step 202 is as follows: The method may include transmitting the network information to the second function.

[0100] In actual application, if the first function includes an SMF, the second function can obtain the network information from the first function via an NEF and / or PCF; in other words, after determining the network information, the first function can send the network information to an NEF and / or PCF, and then send the network information to the second function via the NEF and / or PCF.

[0101] Based on this, in one embodiment, the specific implementation of step 202 is as follows: The method may include sending the network information to the second function via the NEF and / or PCF.

[0102] Specifically, the first function may send the network information to the NEF and / or PCF, and the NEF and / or PCF may receive the network information and then send the network information to the second function.

[0103] In one embodiment, the method comprises: The method may further include causing the second function to obtain updated network information by receiving a subscription.

[0104] In practice, if the first function includes a NEF and / or PCF, the second function may directly send a subscription to the NEF and / or PCF to obtain updated network information; in other words, if updated network information exists, the NEF and / or PCF may directly send the updated network information to the second function. If the first function includes an SMF, the second function may send a subscription to the NEF and / or PCF and forward the subscription to the SMF via the NEF and / or PCF; if updated network information exists, the SMF may send the updated network information to the NEF and / or PCF, and then forward the updated network information to the second function via the NEF and / or PCF.

[0105] The sending of the subscription refers to the sending of a subscription message, and correspondingly, the receiving of the subscription refers to the receiving of a subscription message. Here, the subscription message is also called a subscription request, subscription information, etc., and the embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit the name as long as the function is realized.

[0106] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, for the subscription to the network information or network topology information, the subscription information may be a change or update of the network information or network topology information.

[0107] In practical application, after determining the network information, the first function can synchronously store the network information in the UDR.

[0108] To this end, in one embodiment, the method comprises: storing the network information in a UDR; and / or The method may further include storing a correspondence between the second function related information (ie, the first information) and the network information in a UDR.

[0109] Here, if the first function includes a NEF and / or PCF, the first function can directly transmit the network information and / or the correspondence between the second function's related information and the network information to the UDR. If the first function includes an SMF, the first function can store the correspondence between the network information and / or the second function's related information and the network information in the UDR via the NEF and / or PCF. In other words, the first function can transmit the correspondence between the network information and / or the second function's related information and the network information to the NEF and / or PCF, and store the correspondence between the network information and / or the second function's related information and the network information in the UDR via the NEF and / or PCF.

[0110] In practice, the first function may also transmit the first information to the UDR when transmitting the network information to the UDR. Specifically, the first function may transmit the correspondence between the related information of the second function and the network information to the UDR. Correspondingly, the UDR may store the correspondence between the related information of the second function and the network information.

[0111] In practical application, after the network information is stored in the UDR, the second function may need to update or delete the network information.

[0112] In this group, in one embodiment, when the first function comprises NEF and / or PCF, the method further comprises: receiving third information sent from the second function to request updating or deleting the network information; sending third information to the UDR; receiving a response returned by the UDR; and returning a response to the second function.

[0113] In practice, when the second function updates its settings, it can send third information to the first function requesting an update of the network information. For example, when an IP address is updated, the second function can send the third information to the first function, and the third information can include the original IP address, the new IP address, and the network information. If the third information is used to request an update of the network information, the response returned by the first function to the second function can include the update result of the network information, i.e., the response can characterize whether the network information has been successfully updated.

[0114] In actual application, the second function may send third information to the first function for deleting the network information as needed. For example, when an IP address is updated, the second function may send third information to the first function for deleting the network information, and the third information may include the original IP address and the network information. Correspondingly, the response returned by the first function to the second function may include the deletion result of the network information, that is, the response may characterize whether the network information has been successfully deleted.

[0115] In actual application, after the second function receives a response returned from the first function, and the response characterizes that the network information has been successfully deleted, it can send the first information to the first function again, i.e., send new first information to the first function, and the first function can disclose new network information for the second function based on the new first information.

[0116] In actual application, if the UDR stores a correspondence between the related information of the second function and the network information, the third information may be used to request updating or deleting the correspondence between the related information of the second function and the network information.

[0117] In practical application, after the network information and / or correspondence relationship is stored in the UDR, the second function may need to search or inquire about the network information.

[0118] In this group, in one embodiment, when the first function comprises NEF and / or PCF, the method further comprises: receiving fifth information sent from the second function to request a search or query of the network information; sending fifth information to the UDR; receiving a response returned by the UDR; and returning a response to the second function.

[0119] In actual application, the specific scenario in which the second function sends the fifth information requesting a search or query of the network information to the first function can be set as needed, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0120] In practical application, the response returned by the first function to the second function may include the network information search or query result.

[0121] Correspondingly, the embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a network information disclosure method applied to the second function, and as shown in FIG. 3, the method includes the following steps 301 to 302.

[0122] Step 301: Send first information to NEF, the first information including related information of the second function, the second function including AF or EAS, the first information being used to request disclosure of network information related to the second function.

[0123] Step 302: receiving network information sent from the NEF;

[0124] In one embodiment, the method comprises: The method may further include obtaining updated network information by sending a subscription to the NEF.

[0125] In one embodiment, the method comprises: sending third information to the NEF to request updating or deleting the network information; and receiving a response returned by the NEF.

[0126] In one embodiment, the method comprises: sending fifth information to the NEF to request a search or query of the network information; and receiving a response returned by the NEF.

[0127] The specific processing process of the second function has been described in detail above, so a detailed description will be omitted here.

[0128] In a network information disclosure method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first function receives first information, determines network information based on the first information, and discloses the network information, where the first information includes related information of a second function, and the second function includes an AF or an EAS. In a solution provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure, since the disclosed network information is determined based on related information of the AF or EAS, the AF or EAS can determine, based on the related information of the AF or EAS, network information required by the AF or EAS that the network operator / manufacturer / provider can disclose to the AF or EAS, thereby helping the AF or EAS to perform network configuration based on the network information to build an optimal end-to-end network and at the same time avoiding the leakage of network information that the network operator / manufacturer / provider cannot disclose.

[0129] The present disclosure will be described in more detail below in conjunction with application examples.

[0130] In this application example, to solve the problem of mapping between AF and DNAI in a scenario where the AF (which may be an EAS) does not provide DNAI information, and therefore the NEF is not configured with an appropriate DNAI, or when the AF changes its own information, the NEF has difficulty in flexibly updating the DNAI information, the network side performs flexible mapping between DNAI and AF based on the information provided by the AF (i.e., the above-mentioned first information), thereby helping the AF to perform UE-unaware user plane reconfiguration.

[0131] Note that the mapping of the DNAI and the AF refers to setting the DNAI (i.e., the above network information) for the AF. Setting the DNAI for the AF may be understood as allocating or selecting the DNAI for the AF. In other words, mapping, selecting, setting and allocating the DNAI refer to the same operation.

[0132] In this application example, mapping between DNAI and AF can be performed by SMF (i.e., the first function described above).

[0133] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the process in which the SMF performs mapping between DNAI and AF may include the following steps 401 to 406.

[0134] Step 401, the AF initiates a DNAI mapping (which may also be understood as allocation, setting or selection) request (in English: DNAI mapping / allocation request), and then executes step 402, Here, the DNAI mapping carries the first information.

[0135] Step 402, after receiving the request, the NEF / PCF initiates a DNAI information request to the SMF, and then executes step 403; Here, the DNAI information request also carries the first information.

[0136] Step 403, after receiving the request, SMF performs DNAI mapping / allocation, and then executes step 404; Here, the DNAI mapping refers to mapping (also called allocation, setting or selection) a DNAI for the AF (ie, the above network information).

[0137] In step 404, the SMF sends a DNAI information response to the NEF, after which step 405 or step 406 can be performed.

[0138] In step 405, the NEF informs the UDR of the mapping between the assigned AF IP and DNAI, and then executes step 406.

[0139] In step 406, the NEF informs the AF of the assigned DNAI.

[0140] When actually applied, in step 401, the DNAI mapping request may be used to request DNAI mapping based on an AS, and the request may include at least one of information such as the IP address of the AF (which may be one IP address or an IP address range), FQDN, location information of the AF (which may include longitude and latitude, block information, etc.), application information (information such as application ID, application category (i.e., the application category carried by the above AF), application provider, etc.).

[0141] In step 402, the DNAI information request may be used to request DNAI mapping based on an AS, and the request may carry at least one of information such as the IP address of the AF, the FQDN, the location information of the AF, application information, etc. Also, the discovery of the SMF can be obtained by sending a search request to a Binding Support Function (BSF).

[0142] In step 403, the SMF can determine a target DNAI (i.e., the above-mentioned network information) by combining the AF's related information (i.e., the above-mentioned first information, which may include at least one of the following information: the AF's IP address, FQDN, AF's location information, application information, etc.) and the network topology information.

[0143] In step 404, the DNAI information response enables the SMF to send the recommended DNAI information to the NEF.

[0144] In step 405, the NEF can synchronize and store the mapping relationship between the AF IP and the DNAI in the UDR.

[0145] In step 406, the NEF can send the DNAI directly to the AF, or the NEF can convert the DNAI information into DNAI external information (i.e., an external identifier corresponding to the above DNAI) and send it to the AF, where the DNAI external information may be a disclosable identifier (e.g., an ID) that can characterize the DNAI mapping.

[0146] In this embodiment of the present application, the mapping between DNAI and AF can be performed by the NEF (i.e., the first function above), in other words, the NEF determines the DNAI after obtaining the network topology information from the SMF.

[0147] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the process in which the NEF performs mapping between DNAI and AF may include the following steps 501 to 506.

[0148] Step 501, the AF initiates a DNAI mapping request, then executes step 502, Here, the DNAI mapping request carries the first information.

[0149] Step 502, after receiving the request, the NEF / PCF initiates a DNAI retrieve request to the SMF, and then executes step 503; Here, the DNAI search request carries the second information.

[0150] Step 503: After receiving the request, the SMF performs a DNAI search and sends a DNAI retrieve response to the NEF, and then executes step 504; Here, the DNAI search response carries the network topology information.

[0151] In step 504, the NEF performs DNAI mapping, and then can perform step 505 or step 506.

[0152] In step 505, the NEF informs the UDR of the mapping between the assigned AF IP and DNAI, and then executes step 506.

[0153] In step 506, the NEF informs the AF of the assigned DNAI.

[0154] In practical application, in step 501, the DNAI mapping request may include at least one of the following information: the IP address of the AF, the FQDN, the location information of the AF, and application information.

[0155] In step 502, the DNAI search request may include information such as the location of the AF.

[0156] In step 503, the SMF can send the DNAI of the target area and corresponding network topology information (such as information on IP address segments, coverage areas, etc.) in combination with information such as the location of the AF to the NEF.

[0157] In step 504, the NEF can determine one or a set of DNAIs in combination with the received network topology information (e.g., information such as IP address segment, coverage area, etc.) and at least one of information such as the AF's IP address, FQDN, AF's location information, and application information.

[0158] In step 505, the NEF can synchronize and store the mapping relationship between the AF IP and the DNAI in the UDR.

[0159] In step 506, the NEF can send the DNAI directly to the AF, or the NEF can convert the information in the DNAI into DNAI external information and send it to the AF.

[0160] In this application embodiment, the DNAI mapping based on the AS can be deleted or updated based on the request of the AF, in other words, the mapping relationship between the AF IP and the DNAI can be deleted or updated according to the needs of the AF.

[0161] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the process of deleting / updating a DNAI mapping may include the following steps 601-603.

[0162] Step 601, the AF initiates a DNAI mapping / allocation update / delete request, then executes step 602, Here, the update / delete request carries the third information.

[0163] Step 602: When the NEF / PCF receives the request, it interacts with the UDR to update / delete the mapping between the AF IP and the DNAI, and then executes step 603.

[0164] In step 603, the NEF / PCF returns the update / delete result to the AF (i.e., the response that the first function returns to the AF, in English, the Update / delete result).

[0165] In practical application, in step 601, for the case of IP address update, the update request can carry the AF's original IP address, new IP address, and assigned DNAI, and the delete request can carry the AF's original IP address and assigned DNAI.

[0166] In step 602, after receiving the request, the NEF / PCF may send an update / delete request for the DNAI mapping to the UDR, and the UDR updates / deletes the corresponding storage contents and returns the update / delete result (i.e., the response that the UDR returns to the first function) to the NEF / PCF.

[0167] The solution provided by this application example, on the one hand, exposes the "AS-based DNAI mapping" service via the NEF / PCF, realizing the ability to combine 5GC and AF-related information and network topology information to perform optimal DNAI configuration. On the other hand, the SMF can provide the "DNAI mapping" service, thereby providing configuration suggestions for optimal DNAI. Thirdly, the SMF can provide the "DNAI information query" service, thereby providing network topology information related to DNAI.

[0168] As a result, in this application embodiment, the network side can perform flexible mapping between DNAI and AF based on the information provided by the AF, and provide the AF with DNAI information that ensures the optimal transmission path, which can be used to establish subsequent PDU sessions, thereby further assisting the AF in performing UE-invisible user plane reconfiguration. Alternatively, in terms of ensuring service continuity, the DNAI information can ensure the establishment of the optimal transmission path, thereby ensuring the quality of business services.

[0169] To realize the method on the first function side of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a network information disclosure device installed in the first function, as shown in FIG. 7 , the device: a first processing unit 701 for receiving first information and determining network information based on the first information, the first information including related information of a second function, and the second function including an AF or an EAS; and a second processing unit 702 for disclosing the network information.

[0170] Here, in one embodiment, the second processing unit 702 further receives a subscribe to allow the second function to obtain updated network information.

[0171] In one embodiment, the first processing unit 701 specifically determines the network information based on the first information and network topology information.

[0172] In one embodiment, the first function includes a NEF and / or a PCF, and the first processing unit 701 further obtains network topology information.

[0173] In one embodiment, the first processing unit 701 further comprises: Send second information to the SMF, the second information being used to request network topology information, and including at least one of address information of the second function, location information of the second function, application information of the second function, user information corresponding to the second function, and network-related information of the second function; Receives network topology information sent from the SMF.

[0174] In one embodiment, the first processing unit 701 further comprises: Send sixth information to the SMF, the sixth information being used to subscribe to network topology information, and including at least one of address information of the second function, location information of the second function, application information of the second function, user information corresponding to the second function, and network-related information of the second function; Receives network topology information sent from the SMF.

[0175] In one embodiment, the first processing unit 701 is Send fourth information to the UDR, the fourth information being used to request or subscribe to network topology information, and including at least one of address information of the second function, location information of the second function, application information of the second function, user information corresponding to the second function, and network-related information of the second function; The network topology information transmitted from the UDR is received.

[0176] In one embodiment, the first processing unit 701 is further used to receive first information sent from the second function to request disclosure of network information related to the second function.

[0177] In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a third processing unit, the third processing unit comprising: receiving third information for requesting update or deletion of the network information, the third information being sent from the second function; Send the third information to the UDR, receiving a response returned by the UDR; A response is returned to the second function.

[0178] In one embodiment, the third processing unit further comprises: receiving fifth information sent from the second function to request a search or query of the network information; Send the fifth information to UDR, receiving a response returned by the UDR; A response is returned to the second function.

[0179] In one embodiment, the first function includes an SMF, and the first processing unit 701 further receives first information sent from an NEF and / or a PCF.

[0180] In one embodiment, the third processing unit further stores the network information in a UDR, and / or stores a correspondence between the related information of the second function and the network information in a UDR.

[0181] In practical application, the first processing unit 701, the second processing unit 702, and the third processing unit can be realized by a combination of a processor and a communication interface in a network information disclosure device.

[0182] To realize the method on the second function side of the disclosed embodiment, the disclosed embodiment further provides a network information disclosure device installed in the second function, as shown in FIG. 8 , the device: a sending unit 801 for sending first information to a NEF, the first information including related information of the second function, the second function including an AF or an EAS, and the first information being used to request the disclosure of network information related to the second function; a receiving unit 802 for receiving network information sent from the NEF.

[0183] Here, in one embodiment, the sending unit 801 further obtains updated network information by sending a subscription to the NEF.

[0184] In one embodiment, the sending unit 801 further sends third information to the NEF to request updating or deleting the network information; The receiving unit 802 further receives a response returned by the NEF.

[0185] In one embodiment, the sending unit 801 further sends fifth information to the NEF to request searching or querying the network information; The receiving unit 802 further receives a response returned by the NEF.

[0186] In practical application, the sending unit 801 and the receiving unit 802 can be realized by a communication interface in the network information disclosure device.

[0187] It should be noted that the network information disclosure device provided in the above embodiments is described by taking the division of the above program modules as an example when disclosing network information, but in actual application, the above processing allocation can be completed by different program modules as needed, that is, all or part of the above-described processing can be completed by dividing the internal structure of the device into different program modules. In addition, the network information disclosure device provided in the above embodiments and the embodiments of the network information disclosure method belong to the same concept, and their specific implementation processes should be referred to the method embodiments, and detailed descriptions will be omitted here.

[0188] In order to realize the method of the first function side of the embodiment of the present disclosure based on the hardware implementation of the above program modules, the embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a first function, as shown in FIG. 9, the first function 900 includes: a first communication interface 901 capable of exchanging information with the second function and / or other core network functions; and a first processor 902 connected to the first communication interface 901 to realize information exchange with the second function and / or other core network functions, the first processor 902 for executing a computer program to perform the methods provided by one or more technical solutions on the first function side. The computer program is stored in a first memory 903.

[0189] Specifically, the first processor 902: receiving first information through the first communication interface 901, and determining network information based on the first information, the first information including information related to a second function, and the second function including an AF or an EAS; The network information is disclosed via the first communication interface 901 .

[0190] Here, in one embodiment, the first processor 902 receives a subscription via the first communication interface 901 to cause the second function to obtain updated network information.

[0191] In one embodiment, the first processor 902 specifically determines the network information based on the first information and network topology information.

[0192] In one embodiment, the first function 900 includes an NEF and / or a PCF, and the first processor 902 further obtains network topology information via the first communication interface 901 .

[0193] In one embodiment, the first processor 902 further comprises: Send second information to an SMF via the first communication interface 901, the second information requesting network topology information, and the second information including at least one of address information of the second function, location information of the second function, application information of the second function, user information corresponding to the second function, and network-related information of the second function; The network topology information transmitted from the SMF is received via the first communication interface 901.

[0194] In one embodiment, the first processor 902 further comprises: Send sixth information to an SMF via the first communication interface 901, the sixth information being used to subscribe to network topology information, and the sixth information including at least one of address information of the second function, location information of the second function, application information of the second function, user information corresponding to the second function, and network-related information of the second function; The network topology information transmitted from the SMF is received via the first communication interface 901.

[0195] In one embodiment, the first processor 902 further comprises: Sending fourth information to the UDR via the first communication interface 901, the fourth information being used to request or subscribe to network topology information, the fourth information including at least one of address information of the second function, location information of the second function, application information of the second function, user information corresponding to the second function, and network-related information of the second function; The network topology information transmitted from the UDR is received via the first communication interface 901 .

[0196] In one embodiment, the first processor 902 further receives, via the first communication interface 901, first information sent from the second function to request disclosure of network information related to the second function.

[0197] In one embodiment, the first processor 902 further comprises: receiving third information for requesting update or deletion of the network information, which is transmitted from the second function via the first communication interface 901; Sending third information to the UDR via the first communication interface 901; receiving a response returned by the UDR via the first communication interface 901; A response is returned to the second function via the first communication interface 901.

[0198] In one embodiment, the first processor 902 further comprises: receiving fifth information for requesting a search or inquiry of the network information, transmitted from the second function via the first communication interface 901; Sending fifth information to the UDR via the first communication interface 901; receiving a response returned by the UDR via the first communication interface 901; A response is returned to the second function via the first communication interface 901.

[0199] In one embodiment, the first function 900 includes an SMF, and the first processor 902 further receives first information sent from an NEF and / or a PCF via the first communication interface 901.

[0200] In one embodiment, the first processor 902 further stores the network information in a UDR via the first communication interface 901, and / or stores the correspondence between the related information of the second function and the network information in a UDR.

[0201] It should be noted that the specific processing steps of the first processor 902 and the first communication interface 901 may be understood with reference to the above method.

[0202] Of course, in actual application, the components in the first function 900 are coupled together via a bus system 904. The bus system 904 is used to realize communication between these components. In addition to a data bus, the bus system 904 also includes a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus. However, for clarity, each bus is described as the bus system 904 in FIG. 9.

[0203] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first memory 903 stores various types of data to support the operation of the first function 900. Examples of this data include any computer programs that may be operated by the first function 900.

[0204] The methods disclosed in the above embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to or implemented by the first processor 902. The first processor 902 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing functions. In the implementation process, each step of the above method can be completed by an integrated logic circuit in hardware or instructions in software form in the first processor 902. The first processor 902 may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, a discrete hardware component, etc. The first processor 902 can implement or execute each method, step, and logic block diagram disclosed in the embodiments of the present disclosure. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or a conventional processor, etc. The steps of the methods and combinations disclosed in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be directly implemented as a hardware decode processor or may be implemented by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decode processor. The software module may be located in a storage medium, which is located in the first memory 903, and the first processor 902 reads the information in the first memory 903 and completes the steps of the above-mentioned method in combination with its hardware.

[0205] In an exemplary embodiment, the first function 900 may 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 used to perform the methods described above.

[0206] Based on the hardware implementation of the above program modules, and to implement the method of the second function side of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a second function, and as shown in FIG. 10, the second function 1000 includes: a second communication interface 1001 capable of exchanging information with the NEF; and a second processor 1002 connected to the second communication interface 1001 to realize information exchange with the NEF, the second processor 1002 executing a computer program to implement methods that may be provided by one or more technical solutions on the second function side. The computer program is stored in a second memory 1003.

[0207] Specifically, the second communication interface 1001 includes: Sending first information to the NEF, the first information including information related to the second function 1000, the second function 1000 including an AF or an EAS, and the first information requesting disclosure of network information related to the second function 1000; The network information transmitted from the NEF is received.

[0208] Here, in one embodiment, the second communication interface 1001 further obtains updated network information by sending a subscription to the NEF.

[0209] In one embodiment, the second communication interface 1001 further comprises: sending third information to the NEF to request updating or deleting the network information; Receive the response returned by the NEF.

[0210] In one embodiment, the second communication interface 1001 further comprises: sending fifth information to the NEF to request a search or query of the network information; Receive the response returned by the NEF.

[0211] The specific processing steps of the second communication interface 1001 can be understood with reference to the above method.

[0212] Of course, in actual application, the components in the second function 1000 are coupled together via a bus system 1004. The bus system 1004 is used to realize communication between these components. In addition to a data bus, the bus system 1004 also includes a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus. However, for clarity, each bus is described as the bus system 1004 in FIG. 10.

[0213] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second memory 1003 stores various types of data to support the operation of the second function 1000. Examples of this data include any computer programs that may be operated on the second function 1000.

[0214] The methods disclosed in the above embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to or implemented by the second processor 1002. The second processor 1002 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above method can be completed by an integrated logic circuit in hardware or instructions in software form in the second processor 1002. The second processor 1002 may be a general-purpose processor, a DSP, or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, a discrete hardware component, etc. The second processor 1002 can implement or execute each method, step, and logic block diagram disclosed in the embodiments of the present disclosure. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be directly implemented as a hardware decode processor or may be implemented by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decode processor. The software module may be located in a storage medium, which is located in the second memory 1003, and the second processor 1002 reads the information in the second memory 1003 and completes the steps of the above-mentioned method in combination with its hardware.

[0215] In an exemplary embodiment, the second function 1000 may be implemented by one or more ASICs, DSPs, PLDs, CPLDs, FPGAs, controllers, MCUs, microprocessors, or other electronic components, and may be used to perform the methods described above.

[0216] Note that the memories (first memory 903, second memory 1003) in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be volatile or nonvolatile memory, or may include both volatile and nonvolatile memory. Here, the nonvolatile memory may be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic random access memory (FRAM), flash memory, magnetic surface memory, optical disk, or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), and the magnetic surface memory may be magnetic disk memory or magnetic tape memory. The volatile memory may be random access memory (RAM) and used as an external cache.By way of example and not limitation, various types of RAM may be used, such as, but not limited to, 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), synclink dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus random access memory (DRRAM). Memory embodiments of the present disclosure may include, but are not limited to, these and other suitable types.

[0217] To realize the method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure, the embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a network information discovery system, which includes a first function 1101 and a second function 1102, as shown in FIG.

[0218] The specific processing processes of the first function 1101 and the second function 1102 have been described in detail above, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0219] In an exemplary embodiment, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a storage medium, i.e., a computer storage medium, specifically a computer-readable storage medium, such as a first memory 903 storing a computer program, the computer program being executable by the first processor 902 of the first function 900 to complete the steps of the first function method described above. Also included is a second memory 1003 storing a computer program, the computer program being executable by the second processor 1002 of the second function 1000 to complete the steps of the second function method described above. 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.

[0220] Note that terms such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish between similar objects and may be used to describe a particular order or chronological order.

[0221] Furthermore, the technical solutions described in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be arbitrarily combined as long as they are not contradictory.

[0222] What has been described above is merely a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, and is not intended to limit the protection scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A network information disclosure method applied to a first function, comprising: obtaining network topology information; receiving first information and determining network information based on the first information and the network topology information, wherein the first information includes related information of a second function, and the second function includes an application function (AF) or an edge application server (EAS); disclosing the network information; Including, The step of obtaining network topology information includes: A network information disclosure method, comprising the step of an Operation, Maintenance and Administration (OAM) configuring the network topology information indicating mapping information between EAS IP addresses / IP address ranges and DNAIs in a NEF / Unified Data Repository (UDR).

2. The related information of the second function is Address information, location information, Application information, corresponding user information, Network-related information, The method of claim 1 , comprising at least one of:

3. The network-related information includes: Data Network Name (DNN), Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI), The method of claim 2 , comprising at least one of:

4. The application information of the second function is Secondary function provider / owner information; the application category carried by the second function; the application identifier, The method of claim 2 , comprising at least one of:

5. The address information of the second function is Internet Protocol (IP) address information; IP address segments, IP domain information, Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) information, The method of claim 2 , comprising at least one of:

6. The network information includes: Data Network Access Identifier (DNAI), an identifier corresponding to DNAI, an external identifier corresponding to DNAI, User Plane Function (UPF) address, UPF identifier, IP domain, network configuration information corresponding to the user; Correspondence between IP address information of public networks and private networks; Private network IP address, The method of claim 1 , comprising at least one of:

7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of causing the second function to obtain updated network information by receiving a subscription.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first function comprises a Network Explained Function (NEF) and / or a Policy Control Function (PCF).

9. The step of obtaining network topology information includes: sending second information to a Session Management Function (SMF), the second information being used to request the network topology information, the second information including at least one of address information of the second function, location information of the second function, application information of the second function, user information corresponding to the second function, and network-related information of the second function; receiving network topology information sent from the SMF; The method of claim 1 further comprising:

10. The step of obtaining network topology information includes: sending sixth information to the SMF / OAM, the sixth information being used to subscribe to the network topology information, the sixth information including at least one of address information of the second function, location information of the second function, application information of the second function, user information corresponding to the second function, and network-related information of the second function; receiving network topology information sent from the SMF / OAM; 9. The method of claim 8, comprising:

11. The step of obtaining network topology information includes: sending fourth information to a Unified Data Repository (UDR), the fourth information being used to request or subscribe to the network topology information, the fourth information including at least one of address information of the second function, location information of the second function, application information of the second function, user information corresponding to the second function, and network-related information of the second function; receiving network topology information transmitted from the UDR; 9. The method of claim 8, comprising:

12. The step of receiving the first information includes: The method of claim 8 , comprising receiving first information transmitted from the second function to request disclosure of network information related to the second function.

13. receiving third information sent from the second function to request updating or deleting the network information; sending third information to the UDR; receiving a response returned by the UDR; returning a response to the second function; The method of claim 8 further comprising:

14. receiving fifth information sent from the second function to request a search or query of the network information; sending fifth information to the UDR; receiving a response returned by the UDR; returning a response to the second function; The method of claim 8 further comprising:

15. The first function includes an SMF, and the step of receiving the first information includes: The method of claim 1 , comprising receiving first information sent from a NEF and / or a PCF.

16. The network topology information includes: DNAI, an identifier corresponding to DNAI, an external identifier corresponding to DNAI, UPF address, UPF identifier, IP domain, network configuration information corresponding to the user; Correspondence between IP address information of public networks and private networks; Private network IP address, The method of claim 1 , comprising at least one of:

17. storing the network information in a UDR; and / or storing a correspondence between the second function related information and the network information in a UDR; The method of claim 1 further comprising:

18. A network information disclosure method applied to a second function, sending first information to a NEF, the first information including related information of the second function, the second function including an AF or an EAS, the first information being used to request the disclosure of network information related to the second function, the network information being determined by the NEF based on the first information and network topology information, the network topology information being configured by an Operation, Maintenance and Administration (OAM) / Unified Data Repository (UDR), and the network topology information indicating mapping information between an EAS IP address / IP address range and a DNAI; receiving network information sent from the NEF; A network information disclosure method comprising:

19. The related information of the second function is Address information, location information, Application information, corresponding user information, Network-related information, 20. The method of claim 18, comprising at least one of:

20. The network-related information includes: DNN, S-NSSAI, 20. The method of claim 19, comprising at least one of:

21. The application information of the second function is Secondary function provider / owner information; the application category carried by the second function; the application identifier, 20. The method of claim 19, comprising at least one of:

22. The address information of the second function is IP address information, IP address segments, IP domain information, FQDN information, 20. The method of claim 19, comprising at least one of:

23. The network information includes: DNAI, an identifier corresponding to DNAI, an external identifier corresponding to DNAI, UPF address, UPF identifier, IP domain, network configuration information corresponding to the user; Correspondence between IP address information of public networks and private networks; Private network IP address, 20. The method of claim 19, comprising at least one of:

24. 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising obtaining updated network information by sending a subscription to the NEF.

25. sending third information to the NEF to request updating or deleting the network information; receiving a response returned by the NEF; 20. The method of claim 18 further comprising:

26. sending fifth information to the NEF for requesting a search or query of the network information; receiving a response returned by the NEF; 20. The method of claim 18 further comprising:

27. A network information disclosure device installed in a first function, a first processing unit for receiving first information, obtaining network topology information, and determining network information based on the first information and the network topology information, wherein the first information includes information related to a second function, and the second function includes AF or EAS; a second processing unit for disclosing the network information; Including, The first processing unit further comprises: A network information disclosure device used by an Operation, Maintenance and Administration (OAM) to configure the network topology information indicating mapping information between EAS IP addresses / IP address ranges and DNAI to a NEF / Unified Data Repository (UDR).

28. A network information disclosure device installed in a second function, a sending unit for sending first information to a NEF, the first information including related information of the second function, the second function including an AF or an EAS, the first information being used to request disclosure of network information related to the second function, the network information being determined by the NEF based on the first information and network topology information, the network topology information being set by an Operation, Maintenance and Administration (OAM) / Unified Data Repository (UDR), and the network topology information indicating mapping information between an EAS IP address / IP address range and DNAI; a receiving unit for receiving network information sent from the NEF; A network information disclosure device comprising:

29. A first function, a first communication interface and a first processor; the first processor receives first information through the first communication interface, obtains network topology information, and determines network information based on the first information and the network topology information, the first information including information related to a second function, and the second function including an AF or an EAS; used to disclose the network information via the first communication interface; obtaining the network topology information A first function includes an Operation, Maintenance and Administration (OAM) configuring the network topology information indicating mapping information between EAS IP addresses / IP address ranges and DNAIs to a NEF / Unified Data Repository (UDR).

30. A second function, a second communication interface and a second processor; The second communication interface is sending first information to a NEF, the first information including information related to the second function, the second function including an AF or an EAS, the first information being used to request disclosure of network information related to the second function; Used to receive network information sent from the NEF; A second function, wherein the network information is determined by the NEF based on the first information and network topology information, the network topology information is configured by an Operations, Maintenance and Administration (OAM) / Unified Data Repository (UDR), and the network topology information indicates mapping information between EAS IP addresses / IP address ranges and DNAI.

31. A first function, a first processor and a first memory for storing a computer program executable on the processor; The first processor is a first function used to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 17 when executing the computer program.

32. A second function, a second processor and a second memory for storing a computer program executable on the processor; A second function, wherein the second processor is used to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims 18 to 26 when executing the computer program.

33. A storage medium on which a computer program is stored, A storage medium for implementing the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, or the steps of the method according to any one of claims 18 to 26, when the computer program is executed by a processor.

Images