Reconstruction configuration method and apparatus for functions of wireless access network and core network

Abstract

Provided in the present disclosure are a reconstruction configuration method and apparatus for functions of a wireless access network and a core network. The method comprises: determining an application scenario of network deployment; and on the basis of the application scenario, performing reconstruction configuration on functions of a wireless access network and a core network, wherein the functions of the networks after the reconstruction configuration comprise a first network function, a second network function, a third network function and a fourth network function, functions of the first network function comprising a PHY layer function, a MAC layer function, an RLC layer function and a PDCP layer function, functions of the second network function comprising a first-portion function of RRC and an access and mobility management function, functions of the third network function comprising a second-portion function of the RRC and a session management function, and functions of the fourth network function comprising a user data packet processing function of an SDAP, a user data packet forwarding function of the SDAP, and a user plane function.

Description

Method and device for reconfiguring wireless access network and core network functions

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application number 202311775400.5, filed on December 21, 2023, entitled “Wireless Access Network and Core Network Function Reconstruction Configuration Method and Device,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method and device for configuring the reconstruction of wireless access network and core network functions. Background Art

[0004] The current mobile communication network system is originally designed for centralized control, and the mobile communication network mainly includes wireless access network and core network.

[0005] A gNB can consist of a gNB central unit (gNB-CU) and at least one gNB distributed unit (gNB-DU). The gNB-CU and gNB-DU are connected via the F1 interface. The core network is based on a service-oriented architecture and includes a set of network functions (NFs). A network function is a processing function in the system that defines its functional behavior and interfaces. NFs can be implemented as network elements on dedicated hardware, as software instances running on dedicated hardware, or as virtualized functions instantiated on a platform.

[0006] However, with the emergence of emerging services and scenarios, the latency of current mobile communication networks cannot meet the needs. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method, device and storage medium for configuring the function reconstruction of a wireless access network and a core network, so as to solve the technical problem of large network delay in related technologies.

[0008] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for configuring radio access network and core network function reconstruction, including:

[0009] Determine the application scenarios for network deployment;

[0010] Reconstructing and configuring the functions of the wireless access network and the core network based on the application scenario, wherein the reconstructed network functions include a first network function, a second network function, a third network function, and a fourth network function;

[0011] Among them, the functions of the first network function include PHY layer functions, MAC layer functions, RLC layer functions and PDCP layer functions; the functions of the second network function include the first part of the RRC functions and the access and mobility management functions; the functions of the third network function include the second part of the RRC functions and the session management function; the functions of the fourth network function include SDAP user data packet processing function, SDAP user data packet forwarding function and user plane function.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first part of the RRC functions includes one or more of the following functions:

[0013] Connection control function;

[0014] Mobility management functions;

[0015] Switch function;

[0016] Paging function.

[0017] In some embodiments, the second part of the RRC functions includes functions other than the first part of the functions.

[0018] In some embodiments, the reconfiguring functions of the radio access network and the core network based on the application scenario includes:

[0019] In a case where the reconfiguration of a single fourth network function based on the application scenario fails to establish a user plane path for the UE, at least two fourth network functions are reconfigured.

[0020] In some embodiments, the at least two fourth network functions include at least one normal fourth network function and at least one anchor fourth network function.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first network function and the second network function interact via a service-based interface; or, the first network function and the second network function interact via a point-to-point interface;

[0022] One or more of the following information is transmitted between the first network function and the second network function:

[0023] Mobility management information;

[0024] Switch information;

[0025] Paging information.

[0026] In some embodiments, the first network function and the third network function interact via a service-based interface; or, the first network function and the third network function interact via a point-to-point interface;

[0027] One or more of the following information is transmitted between the first network function and the third network function:

[0028] Carrying information;

[0029] Session information;

[0030] QoS information.

[0031] In some embodiments, reconfiguring the functions of the radio access network and the core network based on the application scenario includes:

[0032] When the application scenario changes, the functions of the wireless access network and the core network are dynamically reconfigured.

[0033] In some embodiments, all or part of the first network function, the second network function, the third network function, and the fourth network function are reconfigured and configured on the same node, which includes a physical node or a virtual node;

[0034] or,

[0035] The first network function, the second network function, the third network function, and the fourth network function are all reconstructed and configured on different nodes, which include physical nodes or virtual nodes.

[0036] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an electronic device, including a memory, a transceiver, and a processor;

[0037] A memory for storing a computer program; a transceiver for transmitting and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer program in the memory and performing the following operations:

[0038] Determine the application scenarios for network deployment;

[0039] Reconstructing and configuring the functions of the wireless access network and the core network based on the application scenario, wherein the reconstructed network functions include a first network function, a second network function, a third network function, and a fourth network function;

[0040] Among them, the functions of the first network function include PHY layer functions, MAC layer functions, RLC layer functions and PDCP layer functions; the functions of the second network function include the first part of the RRC functions and the access and mobility management functions; the functions of the third network function include the second part of the RRC functions and the session management function; the functions of the fourth network function include SDAP user data packet processing function, SDAP user data packet forwarding function and user plane function.

[0041] In some embodiments, the first part of the RRC functions includes one or more of the following functions:

[0042] Connection control function;

[0043] Mobility management functions;

[0044] Switch function;

[0045] Paging function.

[0046] In some embodiments, the second part of the RRC functions includes functions other than the first part of the functions.

[0047] In some embodiments, the reconfiguring functions of the radio access network and the core network based on the application scenario includes:

[0048] In a case where the reconfiguration of a single fourth network function based on the application scenario fails to establish a user plane path for the UE, at least two fourth network functions are reconfigured.

[0049] In some embodiments, the at least two fourth network functions include at least one normal fourth network function and at least one anchor fourth network function.

[0050] In some embodiments, the first network function and the second network function interact via a service-based interface; or, the first network function and the second network function interact via a point-to-point interface;

[0051] One or more of the following information is transmitted between the first network function and the second network function:

[0052] Mobility management information;

[0053] Switch information;

[0054] Paging information.

[0055] In some embodiments, the first network function and the third network function interact via a service-based interface; or, the first network function and the third network function interact via a point-to-point interface;

[0056] One or more of the following information is transmitted between the first network function and the third network function:

[0057] Carrying information;

[0058] Session information;

[0059] QoS information.

[0060] In some embodiments, reconfiguring the functions of the radio access network and the core network based on the application scenario includes:

[0061] When the application scenario changes, the functions of the wireless access network and the core network are dynamically reconfigured.

[0062] In some embodiments, all or part of the first network function, the second network function, the third network function, and the fourth network function are reconfigured and configured on the same node, which includes a physical node or a virtual node;

[0063] or,

[0064] The first network function, the second network function, the third network function, and the fourth network function are all reconstructed and configured on different nodes, which include physical nodes or virtual nodes.

[0065] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a non-transitory readable storage medium, wherein the non-transitory readable storage medium stores a computer program, and the computer program is used to enable a processor to execute the wireless access network and core network function reconstruction configuration method described in the first aspect above.

[0066] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a communication device, in which a computer program is stored, and the computer program is used to enable the communication device to execute the wireless access network and core network function reconstruction configuration method described in the first aspect above.

[0067] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a chip product, in which a computer program is stored, and the computer program is used to enable the chip product to execute the wireless access network and core network function reconstruction configuration method described in the first aspect above.

[0068] The present disclosure provides a method and device for reconfiguring the functions of a wireless access network and a core network, which reconfigure the functions of the wireless access network and the core network based on the application scenario of network deployment. The network functions after reconfiguration include a first network function, a second network function, a third network function and a fourth network function. The functions of the first network function include a PHY layer function, a MAC layer function, an RLC layer function and a PDCP layer function; the functions of the second network function include the first part of the RRC functions and the access and mobility management functions; the functions of the third network function include the second part of the RRC functions and the session management functions; the functions of the fourth network function include the SDAP user data packet processing function, the SDAP user data packet forwarding function and the user plane function, thereby reducing network latency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0069] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure or related technologies, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments or related technical descriptions. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present disclosure. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0070] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the gNB-CU-CP and gNB-CU-UP separation architecture.

[0071] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a 6G distributed network architecture;

[0072] FIG3 is a flow chart of a method for configuring radio access network and core network function reconstruction according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0073] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of PU functions provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0074] FIG5 is a functional diagram of ACMF provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0075] FIG6 is a functional diagram of SBMF provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0076] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture after reconfiguration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0077] FIG8 is a second schematic diagram of a network architecture after reconfiguration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0078] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of a user plane protocol stack between a UE and a UPS provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0079] FIG10 is a functional diagram of a common UPS provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0080] FIG11 is a functional diagram of an anchor UPS provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0081] FIG12 is a second schematic diagram of a user plane protocol stack between a UE and a UPS provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0082] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of signaling interaction between network functions after reconfiguration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0083] FIG14 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0084] FIG15 is a structural diagram of a radio access network and core network function reconstruction configuration device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0085] In the fifth generation mobile communication (5G), a gNB can consist of a gNB Central Unit (gNB-CU) and at least one gNB Distributed Unit (gNB-DU). The gNB-CU and gNB-DU are connected via the F1 interface. Figure 1 illustrates a separate architecture for the gNB-CU-CP and gNB-CU-UP. As shown in Figure 1, in an architecture with separate gNB-CU control planes (gNB-CU-CP) and gNB-CU user planes (gNB-CU-UP), a gNB can consist of a gNB-CU-CP, multiple gNB-CU-UPs, and multiple gNB-DUs. The gNB-CU-CP connects to the gNB-DU via the F1-C interface, and the gNB-CU-UP connects to the gNB-DU via the F1-U interface. The gNB-CU-UP and gNB-CU-CP are connected via the E1 interface. Under the control of the same gNB-CU-CP, one gNB-DU can be connected to multiple gNB-CU-UPs, and one gNB-CU-UP can be connected to multiple gNB-DUs.

[0086] The gNB-CU hosts the gNB's Radio Resource Control (RRC), Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP), and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP). It supports functions such as terminal / user equipment (UE) radio access control, UE connection control / management, radio bearer control, mobility management, and paging.

[0087] The gNB-DU carries the radio link control (RLC), media access control (MAC), and physical layer of the gNB, and some of its operations are controlled by the gNB-CU.

[0088] The gNB-CU-CP carries the control plane portion of the RRC and PDCP protocols of the gNB-CU. It supports radio resource management functions such as UE radio access control, UE connection control / management, radio bearer control, mobility management, and paging.

[0089] The gNB-CU-UP carries the user plane portion of the PDCP protocol and the SDAP protocol of the gNB-CU.

[0090] The 5G system architecture includes a set of NFs, which are processing functions in the system that define functional behaviors and interfaces. NFs can be implemented as network elements on dedicated hardware, as software instances running on dedicated hardware, or as virtualized functions instantiated on a platform, for example, on a cloud infrastructure. The 5G system architecture is defined as a service-based architecture, that is, a system architecture that implements system functions by providing services to other authorized NFs to access their services through a set of NFs. An NF service is a function that an NF (as an NF service producer) exposes to other authorized NFs (as NF service consumers) through a service-based interface. An NF service can support at least one NF service operation. An NF can provide different NF services.

[0091] A key trend in the development of sixth-generation mobile communication (6G) networks is the shift towards centralized and distributed network architectures. 5G and previous generations of network architectures were originally designed with centralized control. However, as networks evolve, driven by both business and technological advancements, 6G network design must consider a distributed architecture, with control gradually evolving towards a distributed approach.

[0092] 6G networks will address diverse scenarios and network performance requirements across air, space, land, and sea. A centralized network architecture cannot uniformly meet all requirements. To address this challenge, 6G network architecture must evolve beyond centralized control and gradually towards a distributed architecture. This will involve building distributed network nodes with diverse functions. Multiple distributed network nodes will form autonomous, distributed micro-networks across domains based on business needs, providing targeted network services tailored to specific application scenarios, user scale, geographic environment, and other requirements.

[0093] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the 6G distributed network architecture. As shown in Figure 2, the 6G distributed network will customize the core network on demand for specific industries or scenarios, while also sinking the core network to certain industries. For example, in vertical industries such as mines, campuses, industrial parks, and hospitals, the customized core network will be deployed within the park, closer to the base station, ensuring that data does not leave the park and significantly reducing data processing latency. The core network sinking mentioned more now refers to the decentralized sinking of user plane functions (UPF) to the radio access network (RAN), evolving from a centralized core network to a decentralized core network. This allows the previously centrally controlled core network functions to be geographically closer to the terminal, reducing data processing latency. The 6G distributed network will be even more distributed. Core network downscaling is not limited to the UPF (Uniform Functionality Platform) but involves the entire on-demand core network downscaling to the RAN. First, the core network control plane elements are partially downscaled, with exclusive AMF and SMF elements being deployed in the campus. Users subscribe to the operator's B2B public network (UDM and PCF). In principle, the UDM and PCF elements do not need to be downscaled. Second, the core network signaling plane is fully downscaled, with the AMF, SMF, UDM, and PCF elements deployed in the campus. The control plane is fully downscaled, with the core network independently built locally. The UDM and PCF connect to the operator's IoT platform, which handles user management and account opening and closing. Regardless of the downscaling method, the core network is brought closer to the terminal, reducing not only data processing latency but also signaling interaction latency. Generally speaking, downscaling the UPF ensures that data does not leave the campus, preventing terminal data leakage. Downscaling the core network control plane ensures that signaling does not leave the campus, preventing terminal behavior leakage.

[0094] In related technologies, mobile communication networks mainly include radio access networks and core networks. The current 5G mobile communication network system is natively designed for centralized control. With the emergence of emerging services and scenarios, and the development of network and RAN service-oriented development, the trend of 6G networks is a network architecture that combines centralization and distribution. 6G will build distributed network nodes with different functions. Different network nodes will have different capabilities, permissions, and service scopes. Distributed network nodes will be deployed near users, campuses, and factories. The core network will be deployed on demand, and the radio access network and core network will be deployed very close to each other. Reconfiguring the relevant functions of the radio access network and core network can further reduce signaling and data processing latency. Especially for satellite networks, if the existing radio access network and core network design architecture is followed, the completed radio access network and core network functions need to be deployed on the same satellite, which will result in huge on-board resource overhead, deployment costs, and data processing and forwarding latency. Therefore, onboarding the reconfigured radio access network and core network functions is also a good solution. Therefore, in order to solve the architectural design problems of wireless access networks and core networks under 6G networks and satellite networks, and enable different functional reconstruction solutions to solve different problems and adapt to different scenarios, the present disclosure proposes a wireless access network and core network functional reconstruction configuration method, in which different functional reconstructions are used to adapt to different application scenarios, thereby reducing network latency.

[0095] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, not all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field based on the embodiments of the present disclosure without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0096] FIG3 is a flow chart of a method for configuring the function reconstruction of a radio access network and a core network provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3 , an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for configuring the function reconstruction of a radio access network and a core network, the method comprising:

[0097] Step 101: Determine the application scenario of network deployment.

[0098] Specifically, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, network functions (for example, core network functions) will be customized on demand for certain industries or scenarios, and the core network functions will be deployed in certain industries, such as mines, campuses, industrial parks, hospitals, ports, satellite communications and other vertical industries. The customized core network functions will be deployed at the edge of the network (for example, within the park), closer to the base station, so that the data does not leave the park and the data processing delay is greatly reduced.

[0099] Step 102: Reconfigure the functions of the radio access network and the core network based on the application scenario, where the reconfigured network functions include a first network function, a second network function, a third network function, and a fourth network function;

[0100] Among them, the functions of the first network function include PHY layer functions, MAC layer functions, RLC layer functions and PDCP layer functions; the functions of the second network function include the first part of the RRC functions and the access and mobility management functions; the functions of the third network function include the second part of the RRC functions and the session management function; the functions of the fourth network function include SDAP user data packet processing function, SDAP user data packet forwarding function and user plane function.

[0101] Specifically, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, after the application scenario of the network deployment is determined, the functions of the radio access network and the core network are reconfigured based on the application scenario.

[0102] The reconfigured network functions include a first network function, a second network function, a third network function, and a fourth network function.

[0103] Among them, the functions of the first network function include PHY layer functions, MAC layer functions, RLC layer functions and PDCP layer functions, the functions of the second network function include the first part of RRC functions and access and mobility management functions, the functions of the third network function include the second part of RRC functions and session management functions, and the functions of the fourth network function include SDAP user data packet processing functions, SDAP user data packet forwarding functions and user plane functions.

[0104] For example, the first network function can be called a public unit (PU). Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the PU function provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4, the functions of the PU include PHY layer functions, MAC layer functions, RLC layer functions and PDCP layer functions.

[0105] For example, the second network function can be called an access connection management function (ACMF). Figure 5 is a functional diagram of the ACMF provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5, the functions of the ACMF include the first part of the RRC functions and the access and mobility management functions.

[0106] In some embodiments, the first part of the RRC functions includes one or more of the following functions:

[0107] Connection control function;

[0108] Mobility management functions;

[0109] Switch function;

[0110] Paging function.

[0111] For example, the functions of ACMF include connection control function, mobility management function, handover function and paging function.

[0112] For another example, the functions of ACMF include connection control functions and mobility management functions.

[0113] For another example, the functions of ACMF include connection control functions.

[0114] For example, the third network function may be called a session bearer management function (SBMF). FIG6 is a functional diagram of the SBMF provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG6 , the functions of the SBMF include the second part of the RRC functions and the session management function.

[0115] In some embodiments, the second part of RRC functions includes functions other than connection control function, mobility management function, switching function, paging and the like.

[0116] For example, when the first part of RRC functions includes connection control function, mobility management function, handover function and paging function, the second part of RRC functions includes other RRC functions except connection control function, mobility management function, handover function and paging function.

[0117] For another example, when the first part of the RRC functions includes the connection control function and the mobility management function, the second part of the RRC functions includes one or more of the following functions:

[0118] Switch function;

[0119] Paging function;

[0120] Other RRC functions except connection control function, mobility management function, handover function and paging function.

[0121] For another example, when the first part of the RRC function includes only the connection control function, the second part of the RRC function includes one or more of the following functions:

[0122] Mobility management functions;

[0123] Switch function;

[0124] Paging function;

[0125] Other RRC functions except connection control function, mobility management function, handover function and paging function.

[0126] For example, the third network function may be called a user plane service (UPS), and the functions of the UPS include a user data packet processing function of SDAP, a user data packet forwarding function of SDAP, and a user plane function.

[0127] PU, ACMF, SBMF, and UPS functions can be placed on logical functions such as the management platform / Operation Administration and Maintenance (OAM) / management orchestration body. Based on different application scenarios and other related factors, these functions can be reconfigured and dynamically deployed to corresponding physical nodes and / or virtual nodes.

[0128] The present disclosure provides a method for reconfiguring and configuring the functions of a wireless access network and a core network, which reconfigures and configures the functions of a wireless access network and a core network based on an application scenario of network deployment. The network functions after reconfiguration include a first network function, a second network function, a third network function, and a fourth network function. The functions of the first network function include a PHY layer function, a MAC layer function, an RLC layer function, and a PDCP layer function; the functions of the second network function include the first part of the RRC functions and the access and mobility management functions; the functions of the third network function include the second part of the RRC functions and the session management functions; the functions of the fourth network function include the SDAP user data packet processing function, the SDAP user data packet forwarding function, and the user plane function, thereby reducing network latency.

[0129] In some embodiments, the first network function and the second network function interact via a service-based interface; or, the first network function and the second network function interact via a point-to-point interface;

[0130] One or more of the following information is transmitted between the first network function and the second network function:

[0131] Mobility management information;

[0132] Switch information;

[0133] Paging information.

[0134] Specifically, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the control plane function based on the service-based interface is reconfigured.

[0135] The functions of PU, ACMF, and SBMF are reconstructed through interaction with service-oriented interfaces. Currently, network function interaction mainly occurs in point-to-point and service-oriented modes. This is mainly to address scenarios where interaction occurs through service-oriented interfaces. It can also be used to address the downscaling of core network functions in 6G distributed networks and the deployment of satellite network wireless access networks and core network satellites, reducing deployment costs and processing delays for control plane signaling and user plane data.

[0136] Figure 7 is one of the schematic diagrams of the network architecture after reconstruction and configuration provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7, the PHY, MAC, RLC, and PDCP protocols of the base station are divided into PUs. After the RRC function of the base station is integrated with the AMF and SMF of the core network, the PU interacts with the ACMF and SBMF through a service-oriented interface.

[0137] The wireless access network and core network function reconstruction and configuration method provided by the present disclosure performs reconstruction and configuration based on the control plane function of the service-oriented interface, further reducing network latency.

[0138] In some embodiments, the first network function and the third network function interact via a service-based interface; or, the first network function and the third network function interact via a point-to-point interface;

[0139] One or more of the following information is transmitted between the first network function and the third network function:

[0140] Carrying information;

[0141] Session information;

[0142] QoS information.

[0143] Specifically, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the control plane based on the reference point is reconfigured.

[0144] The functions of PU, ACMF, and SBMF are reconstructed in a point-to-point interface interaction mode. Currently, the two main modes of network function interaction are point-to-point and service-based. This is mainly to solve the scenario of interaction with point-to-point interfaces. It can also be used to solve the core network function sinking in 6G distributed networks and the satellite network wireless access network and core network satellite scenarios, which can reduce deployment costs, control plane signaling and user plane data processing delays, etc.

[0145] Figure 8 is a second schematic diagram of the reconfigured network architecture provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 8, the base station's PHY, MAC, RLC, and PDCP protocols are divided into PUs. After the base station's RRC function is integrated with the core network's AMF and SMF, when interacting through a point-to-point interface, the interface between the PU and the ACMF is PU-C1, which is primarily used to transmit signaling messages such as mobility management, handover, and paging. The interface between the PU and the SBMF is PU-C2, which is primarily used to transmit signaling messages such as bearer, session, and QoS.

[0146] The wireless access network and core network function reconstruction configuration method provided by the present disclosure performs reconstruction configuration based on the control plane of the reference point, further reducing network delay.

[0147] In some embodiments, the reconfiguring functions of the radio access network and the core network based on the application scenario includes:

[0148] In a case where reconfiguring a single fourth network function based on the application scenario can establish a user plane path for the UE, reconfigure one fourth network function.

[0149] Specifically, the disclosed embodiments are applicable to single-UPS scenarios, primarily addressing the issue of establishing a user plane path for a UE using a single UPS. For example, when the UE is close to the DN, a single UPS can support data transmission between the UE and the DN. In 6G distributed scenarios, where the core network is deployed deep within the campus and data does not leave the campus, a single UPS can deblock UE data. Furthermore, due to limited satellite resources, only a single UPS can be deployed, reducing UE data processing latency and resource consumption.

[0150] FIG9 is one of the schematic diagrams of the user plane protocol stack between the UE and the UPS provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG9 , in the uplink case: the PU is responsible for converting the data packet sent by the UE from the PHY to the PDCP protocol stack into the GTP-U protocol stack. After the UPS (Anchor) receives the GTP-U data packet, it decapsulates its SDAP and GTP-U and sends the decapsulated IP packet to the DN or server. The UPS directly connected to the DN is called the Anchor, i.e., the UPS Anchor. In the downlink case: the UPS encapsulates the IP data packet sent by the DN into a data packet of the SDAP and GTP-U protocol stack, and then sends the encapsulated data packet to the PU. After receiving the data packet, the PU performs a conversion from the GTP-U protocol to the PHY to the PDCP protocol stack, and then sends the data packet after the protocol conversion to the UE. The UE decapsulates the protocol stack and extracts the IP packet sent by the DN.

[0151] The wireless access network and core network function reconstruction and configuration method provided by the present disclosure reconstructs and configures a fourth network function according to the application scenario, reduces the processing delay and resource consumption of UE data, and further reduces the network delay.

[0152] In some embodiments, the reconfiguring functions of the radio access network and the core network based on the application scenario includes:

[0153] In a case where the reconfiguration of a single fourth network function based on the application scenario fails to establish a user plane path for the UE, at least two fourth network functions are reconfigured.

[0154] In some embodiments, the at least two fourth network functions include at least one normal fourth network function and at least one anchor fourth network function.

[0155] Specifically, different application scenarios may have different requirements for network reconstruction configuration, and the details of the network functions after the reconstruction configuration may be different.

[0156] The functions of the fourth network function mainly include user data packet processing and forwarding functions of SDAP of RAN and UPF of the core network.

[0157] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, when a single fourth network function cannot establish a user plane path for the UE by reconfiguring the function based on an application scenario, at least two fourth network functions are reconfigured.

[0158] At least two fourth network functions are connected via a direct connection.

[0159] The at least two fourth network functions include at least one normal fourth network function and at least one anchor fourth network function.

[0160] The ordinary fourth network function is used for forwarding and transparent transmission of data, and the anchor fourth network function is used for data processing, for example, data encapsulation or data decapsulation.

[0161] When there are multiple anchor fourth network functions, data diversion and load balancing can be achieved through different anchor fourth network functions. For example, one anchor fourth network function diverts part of the data to the central server, and another anchor fourth network function diverts part of the data to the edge server.

[0162] For example, the UPS function can be dynamically and flexibly reconfigured based on the location between the PU and the data network (DN), the capacity of the UPS, 6G distributed networks, satellite networks and other scenarios. These are called ordinary (non-anchor) UPS and anchor (Anchor) UPS. Different reconstruction methods and deployments will be dynamically adjusted according to different application scenarios.

[0163] For example, Figure 10 is a functional diagram of a common UPS provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 11 is a functional diagram of an anchor UPS provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. The GTP-U protocol stack in Figures 10 and 11 is only an example of the user plane GTP-U protocol stack in the 5G network. Potential user plane protocol stacks in future networks may also be SRv6, Quic, NewIP, etc.

[0164] For example, in order to solve the scenario where a single UPS cannot meet the requirements for establishing a UE user plane path, for example, the distance between the PU and the DN is far, and a single UPS cannot establish a user plane path for the UE for forwarding and processing UE data. Or due to the movement of the UE, the distance between the UE and the DN is far, resulting in the path established by the original single UPS being unusable. In order to establish a new user plane path, a new UPS needs to be inserted, resulting in the coexistence of multiple UPSs. The multiple UPSs include at least one ordinary UPS and at least one anchor UPS.

[0165] FIG12 is a second schematic diagram of the user plane protocol stack between the UE and the UPS provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG12 , in the uplink case: the PU is responsible for converting the data packet PHY sent by the UE to the PDCP protocol stack into the GTP-U protocol stack, and the UPS (non-Anchor) is responsible for converting the SDAP protocol stack of the data packet sent by the UE into the GTP-U protocol stack, and then sending the data packet of the GTP-U protocol stack to the UPS (Anchor). After receiving the GTP-U data packet, the UPS (Anchor) decapsulates it and sends the decapsulated IP packet to the DN or server. The UPS directly connected to the DN is called the Anchor, i.e., the UPS Anchor.

[0166] In the downlink case: UPS (Anchor) encapsulates the IP data packet sent by DN into a data packet of the GTP-U protocol stack, and then sends it to UPS (non-Anchor). After receiving it, UPS (non-Anchor) performs protocol conversion and re-encapsulates the GTP-U data packet into a data packet of SDAP and GTP-U protocol stack, and then sends the data packet to PU. After receiving it, PU performs protocol conversion and converts the GTP-U protocol stack into the protocol stack of PHY, MAC, RLC, and PDCP, and then sends the data packet after protocol conversion to UE. After receiving the data packet, UE decapsulates the protocol stack and extracts the IP packet sent by DN.

[0167] The wireless access network and core network function reconstruction and configuration method provided by the present disclosure reconstructs and configures at least two fourth network functions according to the application scenario, ensures that the UE user plane path can be successfully established, and improves reliability.

[0168] In some embodiments, reconfiguring the functions of the radio access network and the core network based on the application scenario includes:

[0169] When the application scenario changes, the functions of the wireless access network and the core network are dynamically reconfigured.

[0170] Specifically, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, functions such as PU, ACMF, SBMF, and UPS are placed on a logical functional entity, such as a management platform / Management and Orchestration (MANO) / slice manager / OAM and other orchestration management hardware or software devices. Users can interact with these orchestration management bodies and input their intentions. The user's intentions include updating application scenarios, such as the required application scenarios. After obtaining the user's intentions, the orchestration management body can determine whether the application scenarios have changed, as well as the updated application scenarios. This orchestration management body dynamically reconfigures the functions of PU, ACMF, SBMF, and UPS and deploys them on the network based on the user's intentions. The functions are reconfigured and dynamically deployed to the corresponding physical nodes or virtual nodes according to different scenarios and related factors. In the event of changes in the application scenarios, the functions of the wireless access network and the core network are dynamically reconfigured.

[0171] For example, when users find that the central server cannot carry a large amount of data, they can achieve data diversion and load balancing by adding an anchor UPS. One anchor UPS diverts part of the data to the central server, and the other anchor UPS diverts part of the data to the edge server.

[0172] It should be noted that the dynamic reconstruction configuration in the embodiment of the present disclosure means that the functions of the wireless access network and the core network can be reconfigured after the reconstruction configuration. After determining that the application scenario has changed, the reconstruction configuration can be performed again based on the new application scenario.

[0173] The wireless access network and core network function reconstruction and configuration method provided by the present disclosure dynamically reconstructs and configures the functions of the wireless access network and the core network when the application scenario changes, further reducing network latency.

[0174] In some embodiments, the first network function is reconfigured and configured on a physical node or a virtual node;

[0175] The second network function is reconfigured and configured on a physical node or a virtual node;

[0176] The third network function is reconfigured and configured on a physical node or a virtual node;

[0177] The fourth network function is reconfigured and configured on a physical node or a virtual node.

[0178] Specifically, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first network function is reconstructed and configured on a physical node or a virtual node, the second network function is reconstructed and configured on a physical node or a virtual node, the third network function is reconstructed and configured on a physical node or a virtual node, and the fourth network function is reconstructed and configured on a physical node or a virtual node.

[0179] For example, in the case of distributed node collaboration in a 6G network, the OAM / orchestration manager can configure the PU on the physical node, deploy the ACMF and SBMF on the virtual node, and deploy the standard UPS and anchor UPS on the physical node. Interactions between network functions can be based on service-oriented interfaces or point-to-point interfaces.

[0180] The present disclosure provides a method for reconfiguring wireless access network and core network functions, in which network functions are reconfigured and configured on physical nodes or virtual nodes, thereby improving the flexibility of the reconfiguration and expanding the scope of application.

[0181] In some embodiments, all or part of the first network function, the second network function, the third network function, and the fourth network function are reconfigured and configured on the same node, which includes a physical node or a virtual node.

[0182] Specifically, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, all or part of the first network function, the second network function, the third network function, and the fourth network function are reconstructed and configured on the same node, which includes a physical node or a virtual node.

[0183] For example, the OAM / orchestration manager can reconfigure the PU, ACMF, SBMF, and common and anchor UPSs onto different physical and / or virtual nodes. For example, in a satellite network scenario, the PU, ACMF, SBMF, and anchor UPS can be reconfigured onto the satellite. Interactions between network functions can be based on service-oriented or point-to-point interfaces.

[0184] The present disclosure provides a method for reconfiguring wireless access network and core network functions, in which network functions are reconfigured and configured on physical nodes or virtual nodes, thereby improving the flexibility of the reconfiguration and expanding the scope of application.

[0185] In some embodiments, the first network function, the second network function, the third network function, and the fourth network function are all reconfigured and configured on different nodes, which include physical nodes or virtual nodes.

[0186] Specifically, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first network function, the second network function, the third network function, and the fourth network function are all reconstructed and configured on different nodes, which include physical nodes or virtual nodes.

[0187] For example, the OAM / orchestration management body can reconfigure the PU, ACMF, SBMF, common UPS, and anchor UPS to different nodes, including physical nodes or virtual nodes.

[0188] The present disclosure provides a method for reconfiguring wireless access network and core network functions, in which network functions are reconfigured and configured on physical nodes or virtual nodes, thereby improving the flexibility of the reconfiguration and expanding the scope of application.

[0189] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of signaling interaction between network functions after reconfiguration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG13 , the signaling interaction between network functions after reconfiguration may include the following steps:

[0190] Step 1: The UE initiates a connection establishment / modification / release request to the PD, including requests for mobility-related services and / or session-related services. These two services can be sent in parallel, i.e., one connection request includes both services; or sent serially, with one message initiating only one service request, i.e., one request for mobility-related services and one request for session-related services. If the UE is initially accessing, no connection modification or release request occurs.

[0191] Step 2: After receiving the connection request sent by the UE, the PU parses the connection request type in the message. If it is a connection establishment request, the PU selects the ACMF and / or SBMF according to the service type. The specific selection method is local configuration or query from the NRF or other network functions. If it is a connection modification / release request, the PU initiates a service establishment / release request to the ACMF and / or SBMF that originally served the UE.

[0192] Step 3: The PU initiates a mobility service establishment / modification / release request to the ACMF.

[0193] Step 4: The PU initiates a session service establishment / modification / release request to the SBMF. (Note: Step 3 comes first, followed by Step 4. This is for illustrative purposes only. These two steps can be performed simultaneously or sequentially. There is no particular order in which they should be performed.)

[0194] Step 5: If the SBMF receives a session service establishment request from the PU, it selects a UPS; if the SBMF receives a session service modification / release request, it skips step 5.

[0195] Step 6: If the SBMF receives a session service establishment request from the PU, it sends a session resource establishment request to the selected UPS, requesting the UPS to allocate user plane related resources, QoS, ID, etc.; if the received request is a session service modification / release request, it sends a session resource modification / release request to the UPF that originally served the UE, modifying / releasing the originally allocated user plane related resources and ID.

[0196] Step 7: If the UPS receives a session resource establishment request from the SBMF, it sends a session resource establishment response to the SBMF and returns the allocated user plane related resources, QoS, ID, etc. to the SBMF. If the UPS receives a session resource modification / release request, it sends a session resource modification / release response to the SBMF to modify / release the originally allocated user plane related resources, QoS, ID, etc.

[0197] Step 8: The SBMF sends a session service setup / modification / release response to the PU, and sends the allocated / modified / released user plane related resource information, QoS, and ID to the PU.

[0198] Step 9: The ACMF sends a mobility service setup / modification / release response to the PU, including the relevant mobility service information. (Note: Step 8 comes first, followed by Step 9, for illustrative purposes only. These two steps can be performed simultaneously or sequentially, and there is no particular order in which they should be performed.)

[0199] Step 10: The PU sends a connection establishment / modification / release response to the UE, and sends relevant messages about the establishment / modification / release of mobility services and session services to the UE, such as the success, failure, and cancellation of handover; and information such as the UE's assigned QoS, IP address, or prefix.

[0200] Step 11: After receiving the session service establishment / modification response from the SBMF, the PU sends a session service update request to the SBMF to update the user plane resources, QoS, ID, and other information allocated or modified for this session establishment. If the PU receives a session service release response from the SBMF, steps 11-14 are omitted.

[0201] Step 12: The SBMF sends a session resource update request to the UPS to update the user plane related resources and IDs allocated or modified by the PU.

[0202] Step 13: UPS sends a session resource update response to SBMF.

[0203] Step 14: The SBMF sends a conversational service update response to the PU.

[0204] The present disclosure proposes a method for reconfiguring the functions of a wireless access network and a core network. Based on the requirements of application scenarios, the method reconfigures the functions of the wireless access network and the core network, and designs a new function after the reconfiguration of the functions of the wireless access network and the core network. The method solves the problems of high deployment cost, functional redundancy, and large control plane and data plane processing delay caused by deploying the complete functions of the RAN and the core network together in 6G networks and satellite networks, thereby increasing the flexibility of deployment; at the same time, the delay of signaling interaction and data processing is reduced, especially for satellite networks, which greatly reduces the overhead of on-board resources and deployment complexity.

[0205] FIG14 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG14 , the electronic device includes a memory 1420, a transceiver 1400, and a processor 1410, wherein:

[0206] The memory 1420 is used to store computer programs; the transceiver 1400 is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor 1410; the processor 1410 is used to read the computer program in the memory 1420 and perform the following operations:

[0207] Determine the application scenarios for network deployment;

[0208] Reconstructing and configuring the functions of the wireless access network and the core network based on the application scenario, wherein the reconstructed network functions include a first network function, a second network function, a third network function, and a fourth network function;

[0209] Among them, the functions of the first network function include PHY layer functions, MAC layer functions, RLC layer functions and PDCP layer functions; the functions of the second network function include the first part of the RRC functions and the access and mobility management functions; the functions of the third network function include the second part of the RRC functions and the session management function; the functions of the fourth network function include SDAP user data packet processing function, SDAP user data packet forwarding function and user plane function.

[0210] In FIG14 , the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically various circuits linked together by at least one processor represented by processor 1410 and memory represented by memory 1420. The bus architecture may also link together various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and are therefore not further described herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 1400 may be a plurality of components, namely, a transmitter and a receiver, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium, such as a wireless channel, a wired channel, an optical cable, or the like. The processor 1410 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 1420 may store data used by the processor 1410 when performing operations.

[0211] The processor 1410 may be a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). The processor may also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0212] In some embodiments, the first part of the RRC functions includes one or more of the following functions:

[0213] Connection control function;

[0214] Mobility management functions;

[0215] Switch function;

[0216] Paging function.

[0217] In some embodiments, the second part of the RRC functions includes functions other than the first part of the functions.

[0218] In some embodiments, the reconfiguring functions of the radio access network and the core network based on the application scenario includes:

[0219] In a case where the reconfiguration of a single fourth network function based on the application scenario fails to establish a user plane path for the UE, at least two fourth network functions are reconfigured.

[0220] In some embodiments, the at least two fourth network functions include at least one normal fourth network function and at least one anchor fourth network function.

[0221] In some embodiments, the first network function and the second network function interact via a service-based interface; or, the first network function and the second network function interact via a point-to-point interface;

[0222] One or more of the following information is transmitted between the first network function and the second network function:

[0223] Mobility management information;

[0224] Switch information;

[0225] Paging information.

[0226] In some embodiments, the first network function and the third network function interact via a service-based interface; or, the first network function and the third network function interact via a point-to-point interface;

[0227] One or more of the following information is transmitted between the first network function and the third network function:

[0228] Carrying information;

[0229] Session information;

[0230] QoS information.

[0231] In some embodiments, reconfiguring the functions of the radio access network and the core network based on the application scenario includes:

[0232] When the application scenario changes, the functions of the wireless access network and the core network are dynamically reconfigured.

[0233] In some embodiments, all or part of the first network function, the second network function, the third network function, and the fourth network function are reconfigured and configured on the same node, which includes a physical node or a virtual node;

[0234] or,

[0235] The first network function, the second network function, the third network function, and the fourth network function are all reconstructed and configured on different nodes, which include physical nodes or virtual nodes.

[0236] Specifically, the above-mentioned electronic device provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure can implement all the method steps implemented in the above-mentioned wireless access network and core network function reconstruction configuration method embodiment, and can achieve the same technical effect. The parts and beneficial effects that are the same as the method embodiment in this embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0237] FIG15 is a schematic structural diagram of a radio access network and core network function reconfiguration configuration apparatus provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG15 , an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a radio access network and core network function reconfiguration configuration apparatus, including a determination module 1501 and a reconfiguration configuration module 1502, wherein:

[0238] The determination module 1501 is used to determine the application scenario of the network deployment;

[0239] The reconstruction configuration module 1502 is used to reconstruct and configure the functions of the wireless access network and the core network based on the application scenario. The network functions after reconstruction and configuration include a first network function, a second network function, a third network function and a fourth network function.

[0240] Specifically, the above-mentioned wireless access network and core network function reconstruction configuration device provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure can implement all the method steps implemented by the above-mentioned wireless access network and core network function reconstruction configuration method embodiment, and can achieve the same technical effect. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as those of the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0241] It should be noted that the division of units / modules in the above-mentioned embodiments of the present disclosure is schematic and is merely a logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used. Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be integrated into a single processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into a single unit. The above-mentioned integrated units may be implemented in the form of hardware or software functional units.

[0242] If the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a processor-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present disclosure is essentially or the part that contributes to the relevant technology or all or part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product, and the computer software product is stored in a storage medium, including a number of instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) or a processor to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present disclosure. The aforementioned storage medium includes: various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk.

[0243] In some embodiments, a non-transitory readable storage medium is also provided, which stores a computer program, and the computer program is used to enable the processor to execute the wireless access network and core network function reconstruction configuration method provided by the above-mentioned method embodiments.

[0244] Specifically, the above-mentioned non-transitory readable storage medium provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure can implement all the method steps implemented by the above-mentioned method embodiments, and can achieve the same technical effects. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0245] It should be noted that the non-transitory readable storage medium can be any available medium or data storage device that can be accessed by the processor, including but not limited to magnetic storage (such as floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, magneto-optical disks (MO), etc.), optical storage (such as CDs, DVDs, BDs, HVDs, etc.), and semiconductor storage (such as ROMs, EPROMs, EEPROMs, non-volatile memories (NAND FLASH), solid-state drives (SSDs)), etc.

[0246] In some embodiments, a processor-readable storage medium is also provided, wherein the processor-readable storage medium stores a computer program, and the computer program is used to enable the processor to execute the wireless access network and core network function reconstruction configuration method provided by the above-mentioned method embodiments.

[0247] Specifically, the processor-readable storage medium provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure can implement all the method steps implemented in the above-mentioned method embodiments and can achieve the same technical effects. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as those of the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0248] In some embodiments, a computer-readable storage medium is further provided, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, and the computer program is used to enable a computer to execute the wireless access network and core network function reconstruction configuration method provided by the above-mentioned method embodiments.

[0249] Specifically, the above-mentioned computer-readable storage medium provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure can implement all the method steps implemented by the above-mentioned method embodiments, and can achieve the same technical effects. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0250] In some embodiments, a communication device is further provided, in which a computer program is stored, and the computer program is used to enable the communication device to execute the wireless access network and core network function reconstruction configuration method provided by the above-mentioned method embodiments.

[0251] Specifically, the above-mentioned communication device provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure can implement all the method steps implemented by the above-mentioned method embodiments, and can achieve the same technical effects. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0252] In some embodiments, a chip product is further provided, in which a computer program is stored, and the computer program is used to enable the chip product to execute the wireless access network and core network function reconstruction configuration method provided by the above-mentioned method embodiments.

[0253] Specifically, the above-mentioned chip product provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure can implement all the method steps implemented by the above-mentioned method embodiments, and can achieve the same technical effects. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0254] It should also be noted that the terms "first," "second," and the like in the embodiments of the present disclosure are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not used to describe a specific order or precedence. It should be understood that the terms used in this manner are interchangeable where appropriate, such that the embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented in an order other than that illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" generally distinguish objects of the same type, and do not limit the number of objects. For example, the first object can be one or more.

[0255] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the term "and / or" describes the association relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the associated objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0256] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, "determine B based on A" means that the factor A must be considered when determining B. It is not limited to "B can be determined based on A alone", and should also include: "determine B based on A and C", "determine B based on A, C and E", "determine C based on A, and further determine B based on C", etc. It can also include taking A as a condition for determining B, for example, "when A meets the first condition, use the first method to determine B"; for example, "when A meets the second condition, determine B", etc.; for example, "when A meets the third condition, determine B based on the first parameter", etc. Of course, it can also be a condition that takes A as a factor in determining B, for example, "when A meets the first condition, use the first method to determine C, and further determine B based on C", etc.

[0257] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the term "plurality" refers to two or more than two, and other quantifiers are similar thereto.

[0258] The technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can be applicable to a variety of systems, especially 5G systems. For example, applicable systems may be global system of mobile communication (GSM) systems, code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) general packet radio service (GPRS) systems, long term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, LTE time division duplex (TDD) systems, long term evolution advanced (LTE-A) systems, universal mobile telecommunication systems (UMTS), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) systems, 5G new air interface (NR) systems, etc. These various systems include terminal devices and network devices. The system may also include a core network part, such as an evolved packet system (EPS), a 5G system (5GS), etc.

[0259] The terminal device involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user, a handheld device with wireless connection function, or other processing device connected to a wireless modem. In different systems, the name of the terminal device may also be different. For example, in a 5G system, the terminal device may be called User Equipment (UE). A wireless terminal device can communicate with at least one core network (CN) via a radio access network (RAN). The wireless terminal device can be a mobile terminal device, such as a mobile phone (or "cellular" phone) and a computer with a mobile terminal device. For example, it can be a portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-built-in or vehicle-mounted mobile device that exchanges voice and / or data with a radio access network. For example, Personal Communication Service (PCS) phones, cordless phones, Session Initiated Protocol (SIP) phones, Wireless Local Loop (WLL) stations, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), and other devices. The wireless terminal device may also be referred to as a system, a subscriber unit, a subscriber station, a mobile station, a mobile station, a remote station, an access point, a remote terminal device, an access terminal device, a user terminal device, a user agent, or a user device, but is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0260] The network device involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be a base station, which may include multiple cells providing services to terminals. Depending on the specific application scenario, the base station may also be called an access point, or may be a device in an access network that communicates with a wireless terminal device via at least one sector on an air interface, or may be called another name. The network device may be used to interchange received air frames with Internet Protocol (IP) packets, acting as a router between the wireless terminal device and the rest of the access network, wherein the rest of the access network may include an Internet Protocol (IP) communication network. The network device may also coordinate attribute management of the air interface. For example, the network device involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be a base transceiver station (BTS) in the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) or code division multiple access (CDMA), a network device (NodeB) in wide-band code division multiple access (WCDMA), an evolutionary Node B (eNB or e-NodeB) in the long term evolution (LTE) system, a 5G base station (gNB) in the 5G network architecture (next generation system), a home evolved Node B (HeNB), a relay node, a femto, a pico, etc., and is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure. In some network structures, the network device may include a centralized unit (CU) node and a distributed unit (DU) node, and the centralized unit and the distributed unit may also be geographically separated.

[0261] Network devices and terminal devices can each use one or more antennas for Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) transmission. MIMO transmission can be single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO) or multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO). Depending on the form and number of antenna combinations, MIMO transmission can be 2D-MIMO, 3D-MIMO, FD-MIMO, or massive-MIMO. It can also use diversity transmission, precoding transmission, or beamforming transmission.

[0262] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present disclosure may be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the present disclosure may take the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware. Furthermore, the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product implemented on at least one computer-usable storage medium (including but not limited to magnetic disk storage and optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0263] The present disclosure is described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of the methods, devices (systems), and computer program products according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood that each process and / or box in the flowchart and / or block diagram, as well as the combination of the processes and / or boxes in the flowchart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer-executable instructions. These computer-executable instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device produce a device for implementing the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0264] These processor-executable instructions may also be stored in a processor-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the processor-readable memory produce a product including an instruction device that implements the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0265] These processor-executable instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device so that a series of operational steps are executed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, whereby the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0266] Obviously, those skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications to the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present disclosure fall within the scope of the claims of the present disclosure and their equivalents, the present disclosure is intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A method for reconfiguring functions of a wireless access network and a core network, comprising: Determine the application scenarios for network deployment; Reconstructing and configuring the functions of the wireless access network and the core network based on the application scenario, wherein the network functions after the reconstruction and configuration include a first network function, a second network function, a third network function, and a fourth network function; Among them, the functions of the first network function include PHY layer functions, MAC layer functions, RLC layer functions and PDCP layer functions; the functions of the second network function include the first part of the functions of RRC and the access and mobility management functions; the functions of the third network function include the second part of the functions of RRC and the session management function; the functions of the fourth network function include the user data packet processing function of SDAP, the user data packet forwarding function of SDAP and the user plane function.

2. The method for configuring the function reconstruction of the wireless access network and the core network according to claim 1, wherein: The first part of the RRC functions includes one or more of the following functions: Connection control function; Mobility management functions; Switching function; Paging function.

3. The method for configuring the reconfiguration of the radio access network and core network functions according to claim 2, wherein: The second part of functions of the RRC includes functions other than the first part of functions.

4. The method for configuring the wireless access network and core network function reconstruction according to claim 1, wherein: The reconfiguring and configuring the functions of the wireless access network and the core network based on the application scenario includes: In a case where the reconfiguration of a single fourth network function based on the application scenario fails to establish a user plane path for the UE, at least two fourth network functions are reconfigured.

5. The method for configuring the reconfiguration of the radio access network and core network functions according to claim 4, wherein: The at least two fourth network functions include at least one common fourth network function and at least one anchor fourth network function.

6. The method for configuring the reconfiguration of the radio access network and core network functions according to claim 1, wherein: The first network function and the second network function interact through a service-based interface; or, the first network function and the second network function interact through a point-to-point interface; One or more of the following information is transmitted between the first network function and the second network function: Mobility management information; Switching information; Paging information.

7. The method for configuring the reconfiguration of the radio access network and core network functions according to claim 1, wherein: The first network function and the third network function interact through a service-based interface; or, the first network function and the third network function interact through a point-to-point interface; One or more of the following information is transmitted between the first network function and the third network function: Carrying information; Session information; QoS information.

8. The method for configuring the reconfiguration of the radio access network and core network functions according to claim 1, wherein: Reconstructing and configuring the functions of the wireless access network and the core network based on the application scenario includes: When the application scenario changes, the functions of the wireless access network and the core network are dynamically reconfigured.

9. The method for reconfiguring functions of a wireless access network and a core network according to claim 1, wherein: All or part of the first network function, the second network function, the third network function and the fourth network function are reconfigured and configured on the same node, and the node includes a physical node or a virtual node; or, The first network function, the second network function, the third network function and the fourth network function are all reconstructed and configured on different nodes, and the nodes include physical nodes or virtual nodes.

10. An electronic device comprising a memory, a transceiver, and a processor; Memory for storing computer programs; a transceiver, for transmitting and receiving data under the control of the processor; A processor is configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: Determine the application scenarios for network deployment; Reconstructing and configuring the functions of the wireless access network and the core network based on the application scenario, wherein the network functions after the reconstruction and configuration include a first network function, a second network function, a third network function, and a fourth network function; Among them, the functions of the first network function include PHY layer functions, MAC layer functions, RLC layer functions and PDCP layer functions; the functions of the second network function include the first part of the functions of RRC and the access and mobility management functions; the functions of the third network function include the second part of the functions of RRC and the session management function; the functions of the fourth network function include the user data packet processing function of SDAP, the user data packet forwarding function of SDAP and the user plane function.

11. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein: The first part of the RRC functions includes one or more of the following functions: Connection control function; Mobility management functions; Switching function; Paging function.

12. The electronic device according to claim 11, wherein: The second part of functions of the RRC includes functions other than the first part of functions.

13. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein: The reconfiguring and configuring the functions of the wireless access network and the core network based on the application scenario includes: In a case where the reconfiguration of a single fourth network function based on the application scenario fails to establish a user plane path for the UE, at least two fourth network functions are reconfigured.

14. The electronic device according to claim 13, wherein: The at least two fourth network functions include at least one normal fourth network function and at least one anchor fourth network function.

15. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein: The first network function and the second network function interact through a service-based interface; or, the first network function and the second network function interact through a point-to-point interface; One or more of the following information is transmitted between the first network function and the second network function: Mobility management information; Switching information; Paging information.

16. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein: The first network function and the third network function interact through a service-based interface; or, the first network function and the third network function interact through a point-to-point interface; One or more of the following information is transmitted between the first network function and the third network function: Carrying information; Session information; QoS information.

17. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein: Reconstructing and configuring the functions of the wireless access network and the core network based on the application scenario includes: When the application scenario changes, the functions of the wireless access network and the core network are dynamically reconfigured.

18. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein: All or part of the first network function, the second network function, the third network function and the fourth network function are reconfigured and configured on the same node, and the node includes a physical node or a virtual node; or, The first network function, the second network function, the third network function and the fourth network function are all reconstructed and configured on different nodes, and the nodes include physical nodes or virtual nodes.

19. A non-transitory readable storage medium storing a computer program, wherein the computer program is used to enable a processor to execute the method for reconfiguring the functions of a wireless access network and a core network as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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