Method and apparatus for accessing ipv4 server by ipv6-only user, and related device

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of communications, and relates to a method and apparatus for accessing an IPv4 server by an IPv6-only user, and a related device. The method comprises: in response to a session establishment request, which is sent by a terminal device, acquiring a target network address of a target device from a network repository function (NRF) network element when it is determined that a session type, to which the terminal device is subscribed, is IPv6 only, wherein the target device is a network device that supports a domain name system (DNS) 64 capability; and sending the target network address to the terminal device, wherein the target network address is used by the terminal device to access the IPv4 server by means of the target device. By means of the present application, an Ipv6-only user accessing an IPv4 server can be realized.

Description

Method, device and related equipment for IPv6 single stack user to access IPv4 server

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application number 2023109075676, filed with the Patent Office of China on July 21, 2023, entitled “Method, Apparatus and Related Equipment for IPv6 Single Stack Users to Access IPv4 Servers,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method, apparatus and related equipment for an IPv6 single-stack user to access an IPv4 server. Background Art

[0003] The main underlying network protocols in the world are IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) and IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6).

[0004] With the widespread promotion and trial of IPv6 single-stack services, the number of IPv6 single-stack users is increasing. However, the core network only allocates IPv6 single-stack public network addresses to IPv6 single-stack users, resulting in IPv6 single-stack users being unable to access servers with IPv4 addresses using the allocated IPv6 single-stack public network addresses.

[0005] Based on this, how to enable IPv6 single-stack users to access IPv4 servers has become a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a method, apparatus and related equipment that can enable IPv6 single stack users to access IPv4 servers in response to the above technical problems.

[0008] In a first aspect, the present application provides a method for an IPv6 single-stack user to access an IPv4 server, which is applied to a Session Management Function (SMF) network element. The method comprises:

[0009] In response to a session establishment request sent by a terminal device, if it is determined that the session type subscribed by the terminal device is IPv6 single stack, obtaining a target network address of a target device from a network repository function (NRF) network element; wherein the target device is a network device that supports DNS (Domain Name System) 64 capabilities;

[0010] The target network address is sent to the terminal device; wherein the target network address is used for the terminal device to access the IPv4 server through the target device.

[0011] In one embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0012] Sending a subscription data acquisition request to a unified data management (UDM) network element; wherein the subscription data acquisition request is used to instruct the UDM network element to return the session type subscribed by the terminal device;

[0013] Obtain the session type signed by the terminal device returned by the UDM network element.

[0014] In one embodiment, obtaining the target network address of the target device from the network storage function (NRF) network element includes:

[0015] Send service discovery request to NRF network element;

[0016] Receive the target network address of the target device returned by the NRF network element in response to the service discovery request.

[0017] In a second aspect, the present application provides a method for an IPv6 single-stack user to access an IPv4 server, which is applied to a terminal device. The method comprises:

[0018] Send a session establishment request to the SMF network element;

[0019] Receive the target network address of the target device returned by the SMF network element in response to the session establishment request; wherein the target network address is obtained from the NRF network element by the SMF network element when it is determined that the session type signed by the terminal device is IPv6 single stack, and the target device is a network device that supports DNS64 capability;

[0020] According to the target network address, the IPv4 server is accessed through the target device.

[0021] In one embodiment, accessing the IPv4 server through the target device according to the target network address includes:

[0022] Sending a DNS query request to the target device according to the target network address; wherein the DNS query request includes the IPv4 address of the IPv4 server;

[0023] Receiving a DNS query response returned by the target device in response to the DNS query request; wherein the DNS query response includes an IPv6 address, and the IPv6 address is obtained by the target device converting the IPv4 address of the IPv4 server;

[0024] Access the IPv4 server according to the IPv6 address.

[0025] In a third aspect, the present application provides a method for an IPv6 single-stack user to access an IPv4 server, which is applied to an NRF network element. The method includes:

[0026] Receive a service discovery request sent by an SMF network element; wherein the service discovery request is issued by the SMF network element when it determines that the session type signed by the terminal device is an IPv6 single stack;

[0027] In response to the service discovery request, the target network address of the target device is returned to the SMF network element; wherein, the target network address is used for the terminal device to access the IPv4 server through the target device, and the target device is a network device that supports DNS64 capabilities.

[0028] In one embodiment, before receiving the service discovery request sent by the SMF network element, the method further includes:

[0029] Receive registration information sent by each network device that supports DNS64 capabilities;

[0030] Record the network address of the network device that supports DNS64 capability in each registration information.

[0031] In a fourth aspect, the present application further provides a device for an IPv6 single stack user to access an IPv4 server, which is applied to the SMF network element side. The device includes:

[0032] An address acquisition module is configured to, in response to a session establishment request sent by a terminal device, acquire a target network address of a target device from a network storage function (NRF) network element when determining that the session type contracted by the terminal device is IPv6 single stack; wherein the target device is a network device that supports Domain Name System DNS64 capability;

[0033] The address sending module is used to send the target network address to the terminal device; wherein the target network address is used for the terminal device to access the IPv4 server through the target device.

[0034] In a fifth aspect, the present application also provides a device for an IPv6 single-stack user to access an IPv4 server, which is applied to a terminal device. The device includes:

[0035] Request sending module, used to send session establishment request to SMF network element;

[0036] An address receiving module is configured to receive a target network address of a target device returned by the SMF network element in response to the session establishment request; wherein the target network address is obtained from the NRF network element by the SMF network element when it is determined that the session type signed with the terminal device is an IPv6 single stack, and the target device is a network device that supports DNS64 capability;

[0037] A service access module is used to access the IPv4 server through the target device according to the target network address.

[0038] In a sixth aspect, the present application further provides a device for an IPv6 single stack user to access an IPv4 server, which is applied to an NRF network element side. The device comprises:

[0039] A discovery request receiving module, configured to receive a service discovery request sent by an SMF network element; wherein the service discovery request is issued by the SMF network element when it determines that the session type signed by the terminal device is an IPv6 single stack;

[0040] An address return module is used to return the target network address of the target device to the SMF network element in response to the service discovery request; wherein, the target network address is used for the terminal device to access the IPv4 server through the target device, and the target device is a network device that supports DNS64 capabilities.

[0041] In a seventh aspect, the present application further provides a communication device. The communication device includes a memory, a processor, and a transceiver, wherein the memory stores a computer program, the transceiver is configured to receive data or send data under the control of the processor, and the processor implements the above-mentioned method for an IPv6 single-stack user to access an IPv4 server when executing the computer program.

[0042] In an eighth aspect, the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the above-mentioned method for an IPv6 single-stack user to access an IPv4 server.

[0043] In a ninth aspect, the present application further provides a computer program product, comprising a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the above-mentioned method for an IPv6 single-stack user to access an IPv4 server.

[0044] The above-mentioned method, apparatus, and related equipment for IPv6 single-stack users to access IPv4 servers include: the SMF network element responding to a session establishment request sent by a terminal device, and upon determining that the session type contracted by the terminal device is IPv6 single-stack, obtaining the target network address of the target device from the network storage function (NRF) network element, and sending the target network address to the terminal device. This allows the terminal device to access the IPv4 server through the target device. This application implements IPv6 single-stack users accessing IPv4 servers. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] FIG1 is an application environment diagram of a method for an IPv6 single stack user to access an IPv4 server in one embodiment;

[0046] FIG2 is a schematic flow diagram of a method for an IPv6 single-stack user to access an IPv4 server in one embodiment;

[0047] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a process for determining a session type subscribed by a terminal device in one embodiment;

[0048] FIG4 is a flow chart of a method for an IPv6 single stack user to access an IPv4 server according to another embodiment;

[0049] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a process of accessing an IPv4 server through a target device in one embodiment;

[0050] 6 is a schematic flow chart of a method for an IPv6 single-stack user to access an IPv4 server in another embodiment;

[0051] 7 is a schematic flow chart of a method for an IPv6 single stack user to access an IPv4 server in another embodiment;

[0052] FIG8 is a block diagram of an apparatus for an IPv6 single-stack user to access an IPv4 server in one embodiment;

[0053] FIG9 is a block diagram of an apparatus for IPv6 single stack users accessing IPv4 servers in another embodiment;

[0054] 10 is a block diagram of an apparatus for IPv6 single stack user accessing an IPv4 server in another embodiment;

[0055] FIG11 is a diagram showing the internal structure of a communication device in one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of this application more clear, the following further describes this application in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain this application and are not intended to limit this application.

[0057] As mentioned in the background technology, in the IPv6 single-stack pilot area, the core network will allocate only IPv6 single-stack public network addresses to users in the area through UDM network element contracts. When users in the pilot area access the IPv4 address server, DNS64 deployed in the pilot area will be used to return a replaced IPv6 address of the server to the user. At the same time, NAT64 will be used to replace the user IP address in the data packet sent by the user with an IPv4 public network address. The user sends and receives IPv6 address data packets to the network side, and the network side replaces the IP address and sends and receives IPv4 address data packets to the public network, enabling IPv6 single-stack users to access IPv4 services.

[0058] Because DNS64 and NAT64 are only deployed in pilot areas, when users in IPv6 single-stack pilot areas roam to non-pilot areas, the user's contracted UDM network element will still only allocate IPv6 single-stack addresses to the user. When the user tries to access an IPv4 server, the DNS in the accessed area can only return IPv4 resolution results, resulting in the user being unable to send data packets and unable to access IPv4 servers.

[0059] Based on this, the present application provides a method, apparatus, and related equipment for an IPv6 single-stack user to access an IPv4 server. The SMF network element responds to a session establishment request sent by a terminal device. When determining that the session type contracted by the terminal device is IPv6 single-stack, the SMF network element obtains the target network address of the target device from the network storage function (NRF) network element and sends the target network address to the terminal device. This allows the terminal device to access the IPv4 server through the target device. The present application implements IPv6 single-stack user access to an IPv4 server.

[0060] FIG1 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary system architecture of a method or apparatus for an IPv6 single-stack user accessing an IPv4 server that can be applied to an embodiment of the present application.

[0061] The following introduces some relevant functional entities included in the communication system.

[0062] User terminals (UEs) access data networks (DNs) and other services provided by carriers or third parties on the DNs by accessing the carrier's network. For ease of explanation, in the embodiments of this application, user terminals, user equipment, terminal devices, or terminals may be collectively referred to as UEs. That is, unless otherwise specified, the UEs described in the embodiments of this application may be replaced with user terminals, user equipment, terminal devices, or terminals, and of course, they are also interchangeable.

[0063] (R)AN: (Radio) access network (R)AN) mainly controls UE's wireless access to the mobile communication network.

[0064] The target device is a network device that supports the Domain Name System DNS64 capability. For example, the target device includes a NAT (Network Address Translation) 64 network element and a DNS64 network element.

[0065] An IPv4 server is a server that uses an IPv4 address. An IPv4 server can be a server that provides various services, such as a background management server that provides support for devices operated by users using terminal devices. The background management server can analyze and process data such as received requests, and feed back the processing results to the terminal device. Optionally, the server can be an independent physical server, or a server cluster or distributed system composed of multiple physical servers, or a cloud server that provides basic cloud computing services such as cloud services, cloud databases, cloud computing, cloud functions, cloud storage, network services, cloud communications, middleware services, domain name services, security services, CDN (Content Delivery Network), and big data and artificial intelligence platforms. The terminal and the server can be directly or indirectly connected via wired or wireless communication, and this disclosure is not limited here.

[0066] The Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) is a control plane function in 3GPP networks, primarily responsible for access control and mobility management for UEs accessing operator networks. The Security Anchor Function (SEAF) can be deployed within the AMF, or the SEAF can be deployed in a different device than the AMF. For example, the SEAF is deployed within the AMF. When the SEAF is deployed within the AMF, the two components are collectively referred to as the AMF.

[0067] The Session Management Function (SMF) network element is a control plane function in 3GPP networks. The SMF is primarily responsible for managing UE (User Data Unit) (PDU) sessions. A PDU session is a channel for transmitting PDUs. The UE can exchange PDUs with the DN through a PDU session. The SMF is responsible for establishing, maintaining, and deleting PDU sessions.

[0068] A data network (DN), also known as a packet data network (PDN), is a network located outside the 3GPP network. A 3GPP network can access multiple DNs, on which various services provided by operators or third parties can be deployed. For example, a DN is the private network of a smart factory. Sensors installed in the smart factory workshop act as UEs, and the DN contains a control server for the sensors. The UE communicates with the control server, and after receiving instructions from the control server, the UE transmits the collected data to the control server according to these instructions. For another example, a DN is a company's internal office network. The terminals used by the company's employees act as UEs, allowing the UEs to access information and other resources within the company.

[0069] The Unified Data Management (UDM) is a control plane function in 3GPP networks. UDM is responsible for storing the subscription data, credentials, and Subscriber Permanent Identifier (SUPI) of 3GPP subscribers (UEs). This data is used for authentication and authorization of UEs to access the operator's 3GPP network.

[0070] Among them, the Network Repository Function (NRF) is also a control plane function in the 3GPP network. It is mainly responsible for storing the configuration and service profiles of accessible network functions (NFs) and providing network function discovery services for other functional entities.

[0071] This exemplary implementation is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples.

[0072] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG2 , a method for an IPv6 single-stack user to access an IPv4 server is provided. The method is described by applying the method to the SMF in FIG1 as an example, including the following steps:

[0073] S202, in response to the session establishment request sent by the terminal device, when it is determined that the session type subscribed by the terminal device is IPv6 single stack, obtaining the target network address of the target device from the network storage function NRF network element;

[0074] The target device is a network device that supports the Domain Name System (DNS64) capability. The session establishment request is used to request the establishment of a protocol data unit (PDU) session with the data network (DN) identified by the data network name (DNN). The data network (DN) may be a network corresponding to an IPv4 address. Session types may include IPv6 single stack, IPv4 single stack, and IPv4 and IPv6 dual stack. The target device is used to convert IPv4 addresses to IPv6 addresses and replace user IP addresses in data packets sent by the terminal device with IPv4 public network addresses.

[0075] In one of the embodiments, there are many ways to determine whether the session type signed by the terminal device is IPv6 single stack. One optional way is that the session establishment request can carry the session type signed by the terminal device. After receiving the session establishment request, the SMF network element can directly determine whether the session type signed by the terminal device is IPv6 single stack based on the session type signed by the terminal device in the session establishment request.

[0076] Another optional method is that after receiving the session establishment request sent by the terminal device, the SMF network element can obtain the contract information of the terminal device from the UDM network element, and then determine whether the session type signed by the terminal device is IPv6 single stack based on the contract information of the terminal device.

[0077] In one embodiment, the NRF network element receives registration information sent by each network device supporting DNS64 capability and records the network address of the network device supporting DNS64 capability in each registration information. When the SMF network element determines that the session type signed by the terminal device is IPv6 single stack, the NRF network element sends the target network address of the target device to the SMF network element.

[0078] S204, sending the target network address to the terminal device; wherein the target network address is used for the terminal device to access the IPv4 server through the target device.

[0079] In one embodiment, after the terminal device receives the target network address, the terminal device sends the IPv4 address of the IPv4 server to the target device based on the target network address; the target device converts the IPv4 address of the IPv4 server to obtain the IPv6 address of the IPv4 server, and sends the IPv6 address of the IPv4 server to the terminal device; the terminal device accesses the IPv4 server based on the IPv6 address of the IPv4 server.

[0080] In this embodiment, the SMF network element responds to the session establishment request sent by the terminal device. If it determines that the session type signed by the terminal device is IPv6 single stack, it obtains the target network address of the target device from the network storage function NRF network element and sends the target network address to the terminal device. This allows the terminal device to access the IPv4 server through the target device. This application implements IPv6 single stack users accessing IPv4 servers.

[0081] Based on the above embodiment, there are many ways to determine whether the session type subscribed by the terminal device is IPv6 single stack. This embodiment provides an optional method for determining the session type subscribed by the terminal device, as shown in FIG3 , which may include the following steps:

[0082] S302: Send a contract data acquisition request to the unified data management (UDM) network element.

[0083] The subscription data acquisition request is used to instruct the UDM network element to return the session type subscribed by the terminal device;

[0084] S304: Obtain the session type subscribed by the terminal device returned by the UDM network element.

[0085] In one of the embodiments, the SMF network element receives the session type signed by the terminal device returned by the UDM network element in response to the subscription data acquisition request.

[0086] In this embodiment, the contract information of the terminal device saved in the UDM network element can be used to determine the session type signed by the terminal device, so that the SMF network element can quickly determine whether the session type signed by the terminal device is IPv6 single stack, thereby improving the implementation efficiency of the terminal device access to the IPv4 server process.

[0087] In one of the embodiments, obtaining the target network address of the target device from the network storage function NRF network element includes: the SMF network element sends a service discovery request to the NRF network element; wherein the service discovery request is used to instruct the NRF network element to search for a network device that supports DNS64 capabilities and return the network address of the network device that supports DNS64 capabilities; the SMF network element receives the target network address of the target device returned by the NRF network element in response to the service discovery request.

[0088] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG4 , a method for an IPv6 single-stack user to access an IPv4 server is provided. The method is described by taking the application of the method to the UE in FIG1 as an example, including the following steps:

[0089] S402, sending a session establishment request to the SMF network element.

[0090] The session establishment request is used to request the establishment of a protocol data unit (PDU) session with the data network DN identified by the data network name (DNN). The data network DN may be a network corresponding to an IPv4 address.

[0091] S404, receiving the target network address of the target device returned by the SMF network element in response to the session establishment request.

[0092] The target network address is obtained from the NRF network element by the SMF network element after determining that the session type signed by the terminal device is IPv6 single stack. The target device is a network device that supports DNS64. Session types can include IPv6 single stack, IPv4 single stack, and IPv4 and IPv6 dual stack.

[0093] S406: Access the IPv4 server through the target device according to the target network address.

[0094] In one embodiment, after the terminal device receives the target network address, the terminal device sends the IPv4 address of the IPv4 server to the target device based on the target network address; the target device converts the IPv4 address of the IPv4 server to obtain the IPv6 address of the IPv4 server, and sends the IPv6 address of the IPv4 server to the terminal device; the terminal device accesses the IPv4 server based on the IPv6 address of the IPv4 server.

[0095] In this embodiment, the SMF network element responds to the session establishment request sent by the terminal device. If it determines that the session type signed by the terminal device is IPv6 single stack, it obtains the target network address of the target device from the network storage function NRF network element and sends the target network address to the terminal device. This allows the terminal device to access the IPv4 server through the target device. This application implements IPv6 single stack users accessing IPv4 servers.

[0096] Based on the above embodiment, this embodiment provides a method for accessing an IPv4 server through a target device, as shown in FIG5 . Accessing an IPv4 server through a target device according to a target network address includes:

[0097] S502: Send a DNS query request to the target device according to the target network address.

[0098] The DNS query request includes the IPv4 address of the IPv4 server;

[0099] S504: Receive a DNS query response returned by the target device in response to the DNS query request.

[0100] The DNS query response contains an IPv6 address, which is obtained by the target device converting the IPv4 address of the IPv4 server. The target device can include DNS64 and NAT64. DNS64 mainly works in conjunction with NAT64 to convert the A record (IPv4 address) in the DNS query information into an AAAA record (IPv6 address), and then returns the AAAA record to the IPv6 user.

[0101] S506: Access the IPv4 server according to the IPv6 address.

[0102] In this embodiment, the terminal device converts the IPv4 address of the IPv4 server into an IPv6 address through the target device, and then accesses the IPv4 server based on the IPv6 address, so that an IPv6 single-stack user can access the IPv4 server.

[0103] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG6 , a method for an IPv6 single-stack user to access an IPv4 server is provided. The method is described by applying the method to the NRF in FIG1 as an example, including the following steps:

[0104] S602, receive the service discovery request sent by the SMF network element.

[0105] Among them, the service discovery request is issued by the SMF network element when it determines that the session type signed by the terminal device is IPv6 single stack.

[0106] S604: In response to the service discovery request, the target network address of the target device is returned to the SMF network element.

[0107] The target network address is used for the terminal device to access the IPv4 server through the target device, and the target device is a network device that supports DNS64 capabilities.

[0108] In this embodiment, the SMF network element responds to the session establishment request sent by the terminal device. If it determines that the session type signed by the terminal device is IPv6 single stack, it obtains the target network address of the target device from the network storage function NRF network element and sends the target network address to the terminal device. This allows the terminal device to access the IPv4 server through the target device. This application implements IPv6 single stack users accessing IPv4 servers.

[0109] In one embodiment, before receiving the service discovery request sent by the SMF network element, the method further includes: receiving registration information sent by each network device supporting DNS64 capability; and recording the network address of the network device supporting DNS64 capability in each registration information. The network device supporting DNS64 capability can be registered with the NRF network element, and the network device supporting DNS64 capability can be treated as a network function service and uniformly managed by the NRF network element to realize the discovery and selection of DNS64 function.

[0110] Exemplarily, this embodiment provides an implementation process based on the above embodiment. Referring to the flowchart of another method for an IPv6 single stack user to access an IPv4 server shown in FIG7 , the process specifically includes the following steps:

[0111] S702, the terminal device sends a session establishment request to the SMF network element.

[0112] S704, the SMF network element sends a contract data acquisition request to the UDM network element.

[0113] The subscription data acquisition request is used to instruct the UDM network element to return the session type that the terminal device is subscribed to. Optionally, the SMF network element sends a subscription data acquisition request to the UDM network element in response to the session establishment request.

[0114] S706, the UDM network element sends the session type signed by the terminal device to the SMF network element.

[0115] In one of the embodiments, the UDM network element sends the session type signed by the terminal device to the SMF network element in response to the subscription data acquisition request.

[0116] S708, when the SMF network element determines that the session type signed by the terminal device is IPv6 single stack, it sends a service discovery request to the NRF network element.

[0117] The service discovery request is used to instruct the NRF network element to search for a network device that supports the DNS64 capability and return the network address of the network device that supports the DNS64 capability.

[0118] S710, the NRF network element sends the target network address of the target device to the SMF network element.

[0119] The target device is a network device that supports the Domain Name System DNS64 capability.

[0120] S712, the SMF network element sends the target network address to the terminal device.

[0121] S714, the terminal device sends a DNS query request to the target device according to the target network address.

[0122] The DNS query request includes the IPv4 address of the IPv4 server.

[0123] S716: The target device sends the IPv6 address of the IPv4 server to the terminal device.

[0124] The IPv6 address is obtained by converting the IPv4 address of the IPv4 server by the target device.

[0125] S718: The terminal device accesses the IPv4 server according to the IPv6 address.

[0126] The specific process of the above S702-S718 can be found in the description of the above method embodiment. The implementation principle and technical effects are similar and will not be repeated here.

[0127] It should be understood that, although the steps in the flowcharts of the above embodiments are shown in sequence as indicated by the arrows, these steps are not necessarily performed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless otherwise specified herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and these steps can be performed in other orders. Moreover, at least a portion of the steps in the flowcharts of the above embodiments may include multiple steps or multiple stages, and these steps or stages are not necessarily performed at the same time, but can be performed at different times. The execution order of these steps or stages is not necessarily to be performed in sequence, but can be performed in turn or alternately with other steps or at least a portion of steps or stages in other steps.

[0128] Based on the same inventive concept, an embodiment of the present application further provides a device for an IPv6 single-stack user to access an IPv4 server, which is used to implement the aforementioned method for an IPv6 single-stack user to access an IPv4 server. The implementation solution provided by the device is similar to the implementation solution described in the aforementioned method. Therefore, the specific limitations in the embodiments of the device for one or more IPv6 single-stack users to access an IPv4 server provided below can be found in the limitations of the method for an IPv6 single-stack user to access an IPv4 server described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0129] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG8 , a device for an IPv6 single-stack user to access an IPv4 server is provided, which is applied to an SMF network element side and includes:

[0130] The address acquisition module 810 is configured to, in response to a session establishment request sent by a terminal device, acquire a target network address of a target device from a network storage function (NRF) network element when determining that the session type subscribed by the terminal device is IPv6 single stack; wherein the target device is a network device supporting the Domain Name System (DNS)64 capability;

[0131] The address sending module 820 is used to send the target network address to the terminal device; wherein the target network address is used for the terminal device to access the IPv4 server through the target device.

[0132] In one of the embodiments, the above-mentioned device also includes a session type determination module, which is used to send a contract data acquisition request to the unified data management (UDM) network element; wherein the contract data acquisition request is used to instruct the UDM network element to return the session type signed by the terminal device; and obtain the session type signed by the terminal device returned by the UDM network element.

[0133] In one embodiment, the address acquisition module 810 is specifically configured to send a service discovery request to an NRF network element; and receive a target network address of a target device returned by the NRF network element in response to the service discovery request.

[0134] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG9 , another apparatus for an IPv6 single-stack user to access an IPv4 server is provided, which is applied to a terminal device and includes:

[0135] A request sending module 910 is configured to send a session establishment request to an SMF network element;

[0136] The address receiving module 920 is used to receive the target network address of the target device returned by the SMF network element in response to the session establishment request; wherein the target network address is obtained from the NRF network element when the SMF network element determines that the session type signed with the terminal device is IPv6 single stack, and the target device is a network device that supports DNS64 capability;

[0137] The service access module 930 is configured to access the IPv4 server through the target device according to the target network address.

[0138] In one embodiment, the service access module 930 is specifically used to send a DNS query request to a target device based on a target network address; wherein the DNS query request includes the IPv4 address of the IPv4 server; receive a DNS query response returned by the target device in response to the DNS query request; wherein the DNS query response includes an IPv6 address, which is obtained by the target device converting the IPv4 address of the IPv4 server; and access the IPv4 server based on the IPv6 address.

[0139] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG10 , another device for an IPv6 single-stack user to access an IPv4 server is provided, which is applied to an NRF network element side and includes:

[0140] A discovery request receiving module 1010 is configured to receive a service discovery request sent by an SMF network element; wherein the service discovery request is sent by the SMF network element when it determines that the session type contracted by the terminal device is an IPv6 single stack;

[0141] The address return module 1020 is used to return the target network address of the target device to the SMF network element in response to the service discovery request; wherein, the target network address is used for the terminal device to access the IPv4 server through the target device, and the target device is a network device that supports DNS64 capabilities.

[0142] In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a registration module configured to receive registration information sent by each network device supporting DNS64 capability and record the network address of the network device supporting DNS64 capability in each registration information.

[0143] Each module in the apparatus for allowing an IPv6 single-stack user to access an IPv4 server can be implemented in whole or in part through software, hardware, or a combination thereof. Each module can be embedded in or independent of a processor in a communication device in hardware form, or can be stored in a memory in the communication device in software form, so that the processor can call and execute the corresponding operations of each module.

[0144] In one embodiment, a communication device is provided, which may be a server, and its internal structure diagram may be as shown in Figure 11. The communication device includes a processor, a memory, a network interface, and a transceiver (not shown in the figure) connected via a system bus. The processor of the communication device is used to provide computing and control capabilities. The memory of the communication device includes a non-volatile storage medium and an internal memory. The non-volatile storage medium stores an operating system, a computer program, and a database. The internal memory provides an environment for the operation of the operating system and computer program in the non-volatile storage medium. The database of the communication device is used to store data such as the session type signed by the terminal device and the target network address of the target device, as well as the network address of the network device that supports DNS64 capabilities. The network interface of the communication device is used to communicate with an external terminal via a network connection. The transceiver of the communication device is used to perform operations of receiving or sending data under the control of the processor. When the computer program is executed by the processor, a method for an IPv6 single stack user to access an IPv4 server is implemented.

[0145] Those skilled in the art will understand that the structure shown in Figure 11 is merely a block diagram of a partial structure related to the scheme of the present application, and does not constitute a limitation on the communication device to which the scheme of the present application is applied. The specific communication device may include more or fewer components than shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or have a different component arrangement.

[0146] In one embodiment, a communication device is provided, including a memory and a processor, wherein a computer program is stored in the memory, and when the processor executes the processing logic in the computer program, the steps described in the "Exemplary Method" section of the present specification according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application can be implemented. For example, when the processor executes the processing logic in the computer program, the following steps are also implemented: in response to a session establishment request sent by a terminal device, when it is determined that the session type contracted by the terminal device is an IPv6 single stack, obtaining a target network address of a target device from a network storage function (NRF) network element; wherein the target device is a network device that supports the Domain Name System (DNS64) capability; and sending the target network address to the terminal device; wherein the target network address is used for the terminal device to access an IPv4 server through the target device.

[0147] In one embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which a computer program is stored. When the processing logic in the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps described in the "Exemplary Method" section of the present specification according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application can be implemented. For example, in one embodiment, when the processing logic in the computer program is executed by the processor, the following steps are implemented: sending a session establishment request to an SMF network element; receiving a target network address of a target device returned by the SMF network element in response to the session establishment request; wherein the target network address is obtained from the NRF network element by the SMF network element when it is determined that the session type contracted to the terminal device is an IPv6 single stack, and the target device is a network device that supports DNS64 capabilities; according to the target network address, accessing the IPv4 server through the target device.

[0148] In one embodiment, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, can implement the steps described in the "Exemplary Method" section of the present specification according to various exemplary embodiments of the present application. For example, in one embodiment, when the processing logic in the computer program is executed by the processor, the following steps are implemented: receiving a service discovery request sent by an SMF network element; wherein the service discovery request is issued by the SMF network element when it is determined that the session type contracted by the terminal device is an IPv6 single stack; in response to the service discovery request, returning a target network address of a target device to the SMF network element; wherein the target network address is used for the terminal device to access an IPv4 server through the target device, and the target device is a network device that supports DNS64 capabilities.

[0149] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that all or part of the processes in the above-mentioned embodiments can be implemented by instructing the relevant hardware through a computer program, and the computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. When the computer program is executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the above-mentioned methods. Among them, any reference to memory, database or other media used in the embodiments provided in this application may include at least one of non-volatile and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory may include read-only memory (ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash memory, optical memory, high-density embedded non-volatile memory, resistive random access memory (ReRAM), magnetic random access memory (MRAM), ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), phase change memory (PCM), graphene memory, etc. Volatile memory may include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory, etc. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM can be in various forms, such as static random access memory (SRAM) or dynamic random access memory (DRAM). The database involved in the various embodiments provided herein may include at least one of a relational database and a non-relational database. Non-relational databases may include, but are not limited to, distributed databases based on blockchains. The processor involved in the various embodiments provided herein may be, but are not limited to, a general-purpose processor, a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit, a digital signal processor, a programmable logic unit, a data processing logic unit based on quantum computing, and the like.

[0150] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. To make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0151] The above embodiments merely illustrate several implementation methods of the present application. While the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that a person skilled in the art may make various modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit of the present invention, all of which fall within the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for an IPv6 single stack user to access an IPv4 server, applied to a session management function SMF network element, the method comprising: In response to a session establishment request sent by a terminal device, when it is determined that the session type signed by the terminal device is an IPv6 single stack, obtaining a target network address of a target device from a network storage function NRF network element; wherein the target device is a network device that supports a domain name system DNS64 capability; The target network address is sent to the terminal device; wherein the target network address is used for the terminal device to access the IPv4 server through the target device.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Sending a subscription data acquisition request to a unified data management (UDM) network element; wherein the subscription data acquisition request is used to instruct the UDM network element to return the session type signed by the terminal device; Obtain the session type signed by the terminal device returned by the UDM network element.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The step of obtaining the target network address of the target device from the network storage function NRF network element includes: Send a service discovery request to the NRF network element; Receive the target network address of the target device returned by the NRF network element in response to the service discovery request.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The sending the target network address to the terminal device includes: After the terminal device receives the target network address, the IPv4 address of the IPv4 server is sent to the target device according to the target network address; Converting the IPv4 address to the IPv6 address of the IPv4 server through the target device, and sending the IPv6 address to the terminal device; Access the IPv4 server according to the IPv6 address.

5. A method for an IPv6 single stack user to access an IPv4 server, applied to a terminal device, the method comprising: Send a session establishment request to the SMF network element; Receive the target network address of the target device returned by the SMF network element in response to the session establishment request; wherein the target network address is the target network address of the target device returned by the SMF network element after determining that the session type signed by the terminal device is IPv6 single stack In the case of , the target device is a network device that supports DNS64 capability; According to the target network address, the IPv4 server is accessed through the target device.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The step of accessing the IPv4 server through the target device according to the target network address includes: Sending a DNS query request to the target device according to the target network address; wherein the DNS query request includes the IPv4 address of the IPv4 server; Receiving a DNS query response returned by the target device in response to the DNS query request; wherein the DNS query response includes an IPv6 address, and the IPv6 address is obtained by the target device converting the IPv4 address of the IPv4 server; Access the IPv4 server according to the IPv6 address.

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The step of accessing the IPv4 server through the target device according to the target network address includes: According to the target network address, converting the IPv4 address of the IPv4 server into the IPv6 address of the IPv4 server by the target device; Receiving the IPv6 address returned by the target device; Access the IPv4 server according to the IPv6 address.

8. A method for an IPv6 single stack user to access an IPv4 server, applied to an NRF network element, the method comprising: Receive a service discovery request sent by an SMF network element; wherein the service discovery request is issued by the SMF network element when it is determined that the session type signed by the terminal device is an IPv6 single stack; In response to the service discovery request, the target network address of the target device is returned to the SMF network element; wherein the target network address is used for the terminal device to access the IPv4 server through the target device, and the target device is a network device that supports DNS64 capabilities.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: Before receiving the service discovery request sent by the SMF network element, Receive registration information sent by each network device that supports DNS64 capabilities; Record the network address of the network device that supports DNS64 capability in each registration information.

10. A device for an IPv6 single stack user to access an IPv4 server, applied to an SMF network element side, the device comprising: An address acquisition module is used to respond to a session establishment request sent by a terminal device, and when it is determined that the session type signed by the terminal device is an IPv6 single stack, obtain a target network address of a target device from a network storage function NRF network element; wherein the target device is a network device that supports a domain name system DNS64 capability; The address sending module is used to send the target network address to the terminal device; wherein the target network address is used for the terminal device to access the IPv4 server through the target device.

11. A device for an IPv6 single stack user to access an IPv4 server, applied to a terminal device side, the device comprising: A request sending module is used to send a session establishment request to the SMF network element; An address receiving module is used to receive the target network address of the target device returned by the SMF network element in response to the session establishment request; wherein the target network address is obtained from the NRF network element by the SMF network element when it is determined that the session type signed by the terminal device is an IPv6 single stack, and the target device is a network device that supports DNS64 capability; A service access module is used to access the IPv4 server through the target device according to the target network address.

12. A device for an IPv6 single stack user to access an IPv4 server, applied to an NRF network element side, the device comprising: A discovery request receiving module, used to receive a service discovery request sent by an SMF network element; wherein the service discovery request is issued by the SMF network element when it is determined that the session type signed by the terminal device is an IPv6 single stack; An address return module is used to return the target network address of the target device to the SMF network element in response to the service discovery request; wherein the target network address is used for the terminal device to access the IPv4 server through the target device, and the target device is a network device that supports DNS64 capabilities.

13. A communication device comprising a memory, a transceiver and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, wherein: The processor implements the steps of the method described in any one of claims 1 to 4 when executing the computer program, or implements the steps of the method described in any one of claims 5 to 7 when executing the computer program, or implements the steps of the method described in any one of claims 8 to 9 when executing the computer program, and the transceiver is used to perform the operation of receiving data or sending data under the control of the processor.

14. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, wherein: When the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 are implemented.

15. A computer program product comprising a computer program, wherein: When the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 are implemented.

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