Network topology path measurement method and apparatus, and network topology path selection method and apparatus

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a network topology path measurement method and apparatus, and a network topology path selection method and apparatus. The method comprises: sensing a plurality of network topology paths from a wireless side to a network side; and sending a communication link state subscription request to a core network element by means of an interface, and receiving a communication link state subscription response returned by the core network element, wherein the communication link state subscription response carries a communication link state. Communication link states of a plurality of network topology paths are measured by means of an interface, so that the problem in the related art of reachable network topology paths being unable to be accurately measured is solved.

Description

A network topology path measurement and selection method and device

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This disclosure is based on Chinese patent application CN2023118713515, filed on December 29, 2023, entitled “A method and device for measuring and selecting a network topology path”, and claims the priority of the patent application, and all the contents disclosed therein are incorporated into this disclosure by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method and device for measuring and selecting a network topology path. Background Art

[0004] New terminals also place higher demands on network quality and performance, requiring high-quality, high-speed forwarding for every access link. However, current protocols do not specify a method for obtaining the entire 5G network topology, from the wireless access side to the core network side and back to the network side. Therefore, 5G network topology paths and path health cannot be directly obtained. Terminal access link forwarding relies solely on the stability of the link itself. Any abnormality in the access link can impact terminal services.

[0005] 3GPP has newly defined an NRF network element to provide NF service registration and NF service discovery functions. Although other network functions (NFs) of 5GC are registered with the NF Repository Function (NRF), in theory NRF can perceive the topology information of the entire network, but the main function of NRF is SBI automatic discovery and cross-domain / cross-network node discovery. In addition, NRF only focuses on the interconnection discovery within 5GC and has no ability to manage the topological connection between the wireless side and 5GC. Therefore, NRF is not suitable for the role of 5G network topology management and maintenance. It is impossible to accurately measure all reachable paths and cannot select the optimal path for users.

[0006] There is no solution yet to the problem that related technologies cannot accurately measure all reachable paths and cannot select the optimal path for users.

[0007] Summary of the Invention

[0008] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a network topology path measurement and selection method and apparatus to at least solve the problem in the related art that all reachable paths cannot be accurately measured and the optimal path cannot be selected for the user.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a network topology path measurement method is provided, which is applied to a control plane network element. The method includes: sensing multiple network topology paths from the wireless side to the network side; sending a communication link status subscription request to a core network network element through an interface, and receiving a communication link status subscription response returned by the core network network element, wherein the communication link status is carried in the communication link status subscription response.

[0010] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a network topology path selection method is also provided, which is applied to a core network network element. The method includes: receiving the communication link status of multiple network topology paths measured by the control plane network element; and selecting a target network topology path from the multiple network topology paths based on the communication link status of the multiple network topology paths.

[0011] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a network topology path selection method is also provided, which is applied to a core network network element. The method includes: receiving the communication link status of multiple network topology paths perceived by the control plane network element through an interface; and selecting a target network topology path from the multiple network topology paths based on the communication link status of the multiple network topology paths.

[0012] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a network topology path selection device is also provided, which is applied to a control plane network element, and the device includes: a perception module, configured to perceive multiple network topology paths from the wireless side to the network side; a measurement module, configured to send a communication link status subscription request to a core network network element through an interface, and receive a communication link status subscription response returned by the core network network element, wherein the communication link status is carried in the communication link status.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a network topology path selection device is also provided, which is applied to a core network network element. The device includes: a receiving module, configured to receive the communication link status of multiple network topology paths measured by the control plane network element through an interface; and a selection module, configured to select a target network topology path from the multiple network topology paths based on the communication link status of the multiple network topology paths.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, in which a computer program is stored. The computer program is configured to execute the steps of any one of the above method embodiments when running.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided, including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor is configured to run the computer program to perform the steps in any one of the above method embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG1 is a hardware structure block diagram of a computer device for a network topology path measurement and selection method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG2 is a flow chart of a network topology path measurement method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a network topology automatic management and maintenance TPSMF network element;

[0019] FIG4 is an architecture diagram of the networking of TPSMF network elements according to this embodiment;

[0020] FIG5 is a flow chart of a network topology path selection method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG6 is a flow chart of a network topology path selection method according to an optional embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG7 is a flowchart of TPSMF-C N2 port sensing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG8 is a flowchart of TPSMF-C N4 port sensing according to this embodiment;

[0024] FIG9 is a flowchart of TPSMF-C SBI interface perception according to this embodiment;

[0025] FIG10 is a second flowchart of TPSMF-C SBI interface perception according to this embodiment;

[0026] FIG11 is a flowchart of TPSMF-L N3 port sensing according to this embodiment;

[0027] FIG12 is a flowchart of TPSMF-L N6 port sensing according to this embodiment;

[0028] FIG13 is a block diagram of a network topology path measurement device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG14 is a block diagram of a network topology path selection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and in conjunction with embodiments.

[0031] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification and claims of the present disclosure and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0032] The method embodiments provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be executed in a computer device or a similar computing device. Taking operation on a computer device as an example, FIG1 is a hardware structure block diagram of a computer device for the network topology path measurement and selection method of the embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG1 , the computer device may include one or more (only one is shown in FIG1 ) processors 102 (the processor 102 may include but is not limited to a processing device such as a microprocessor MCU or a programmable logic device) and a memory 104 for storing data, wherein the above-mentioned computer device may also include a transmission device 106 and an input and output device 108 for communication functions. It can be understood by those skilled in the art that the structure shown in FIG1 is only for illustration, and it does not limit the structure of the above-mentioned computer device. For example, the computer device may also include more or fewer components than those shown in FIG1 , or have a configuration different from that shown in FIG1 .

[0033] The memory 104 can be used to store computer programs, for example, software programs and modules of application software, such as computer programs corresponding to the network topology path selection measurement and method in the embodiments of the present disclosure. The processor 102 executes various functional applications and single board matching by running the computer programs stored in the memory 104, that is, implementing the above-mentioned methods. The memory 104 may include high-speed random access memory and may also include non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic storage devices, flash memory, or other non-volatile solid-state memory. In some instances, the memory 104 may further include memory remotely located relative to the processor 102, and these remote memories may be connected to the computer device via a network. Examples of the above-mentioned network include, but are not limited to, the Internet, an intranet, a local area network, a mobile communication network, and combinations thereof.

[0034] The transmission device 106 is used to receive or send data via a network. A specific example of the aforementioned network may include a wireless network provided by a communications provider of a computer device. In one embodiment, the transmission device 106 includes a network interface controller (NIC), which can be connected to other network devices via a base station to enable communication with the Internet. In another embodiment, the transmission device 106 may be a radio frequency (RF) module, which is used to communicate with the Internet wirelessly.

[0035] In this embodiment, a network topology path measurement method running on the above-mentioned computer device is provided. FIG2 is a flow chart of the network topology path measurement method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG2 , the method is applied to a control plane network element. The flow includes the following steps:

[0036] Step S202: sensing multiple network topology paths from the wireless side to the network side;

[0037] Step S204: sending a communication link status subscription request to a core network element through an interface, and receiving a communication link status subscription response returned by the core network element, wherein the communication link status subscription response carries the communication link status.

[0038] Through the above steps S202 to S204, the problem in related technologies that it is impossible to accurately measure all reachable network topology paths can be solved, and global measurement of the communication link status of all network topology paths can be achieved, preparing for users to select the optimal network topology path, so as to provide users with better quality network services.

[0039] In an optional embodiment, the above method further includes: providing the communication link status of the multiple network topology paths to the core network element, and further, receiving a request message sent by the core network element to obtain the communication link status of the multiple network topology paths; returning a response message carrying the communication link status of the multiple network topology paths to the core network element, and the communication link status is used by the core network element to select a target network topology path from the multiple network topology paths. This can solve the problem in the related art that it is impossible to accurately measure all reachable paths and select the optimal path for the user. By performing a global measurement of the communication link status of all network topology paths, the optimal network topology path can be selected for the user, thereby providing the user with better quality network services.

[0040] In the disclosed embodiments, interface perception can be used to learn all network topology paths in the 5G network topology, including the network topology path from the access network side to the core network side, the network topology path within the core network, and the network topology path from the core network side to the network side. Specifically, network topology relationships are learned from SCPs, switches connected to NFs, or NFs. After that, the topological relationships between all nodes in the network and the communication paths between each node can be learned, resulting in all network topology paths from the wireless side to the network side.

[0041] The multiple core network elements in the embodiment of the present disclosure include at least an access and mobility management function (AMF), a user plane function (UPF), a session management function (SMF), a signaling control point (SCP), and a network function (NF). When the communication link status subscription request is a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request, the communication link status subscription response is a NON-SBI communication link status subscription response. When the communication link status subscription request is an SBI communication link status subscription request, the communication link status subscription response is a service-based interface (SBI) communication link status subscription response. The above step S204 may specifically include:

[0042] Send a non-service-based interface NON-SBI communication link status subscription request to the AMF to subscribe to the N2 link in the topology path from the wireless side to the core network side, and receive the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response returned by the AMF after creating the subscription context and recording the N2 link status, wherein the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response carries the N2 link status; and / or

[0043] Send a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request to the UPF for subscribing to the N3 port link in the topology path from the wireless side to the core network side, and receive a NON-SBI communication link status subscription response returned by the UPF after creating a subscription context and recording the N3 port link status, wherein the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response carries the N3 port link status, or send a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request to the UPF for subscribing to the N6 port link in the topology path from the core network side to the network side, and receive a NON-SBI communication link status subscription response returned by the UPF after creating a subscription context and recording the N6 port link status, wherein the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response carries the N6 port link status; and / or

[0044] Sending a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request to the SMF to subscribe to the N4 link in the core network internal topology path, and receiving a NON-SBI communication link status subscription response returned by the SMF after creating a subscription context and recording the N4 link status, wherein the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response carries the N4 link status; and / or

[0045] A subscription request for the SBI communication link status of the service-based interface SBI port link in the internal topology path of the core network is sent to the SCP or each NF, and a subscription response for the SBI communication link status is received from the SCP or each NF after the subscription context is created and the SBI communication link status is recorded. The SBI communication link status subscription response carries the SBI communication link status. Furthermore, if the SCP is deployed, a subscription request for obtaining the communication link status of the SBI port link in the internal topology path of the core network is sent to the SCP; if the SCP is not deployed, a subscription request for obtaining the communication link status of the SBI port link in the internal topology path of the core network is sent to each NF.

[0046] In one embodiment, the method also includes: receiving an interface status change message sent by a core network network element, and updating the communication link status of multiple network topology paths according to the interface status change message; and / or receiving a new interface status message sent by a core network network element, and updating the communication contact status of multiple network topology paths according to the new interface status message.

[0047] The above-mentioned control plane network element in the embodiment of the present disclosure can specifically be a topology automatic perception and management function (Topology Sensing and Manage Function, referred to as TPSMF) network element, that is, the global topology management and maintenance of the 5G network is realized through the TPSMF network element, including topology management and maintenance from the wireless side, to the core network side, and then to the network side, to achieve a global measurement of the 5G network topology path and path health, and provide users with better quality network services. The TPSMF network element has the following functions: automatic network topology discovery; network connection health monitoring; providing a capability open interface to query the status of the network connection; it has the ability to accurately measure the link delay / bandwidth / jitter and other indicators of the user's communication on a specified path, and can accurately measure the jitter / delay of special users on all reachable paths based on the user's characteristics, and select the optimal path for the user. The new network topology automatic management and maintenance in this embodiment is not limited to application in 5G networks, but can also be applied in future 6G networks.

[0048] The TPSMF network element in this embodiment implements global topology management and maintenance of the 5G network, including topology management and maintenance from the wireless side to the core network side and then to the network side, and realizes a global measurement of the 5G network topology path and path health, providing users with better quality network services.

[0049] TPSMF belongs to the control plane network element and can be logically divided into two network elements: TPSMF-C and TPSMF-L.

[0050] TPSMF uses the following technical means to obtain 5G network topology paths and topology path health.

[0051] 1. 5G network topology path, TPSMF learns the network topology from SCP or from the switch connected to the NF or from the NF.

[0052] 2. Topology path health. Topology path health includes health status as well as jitter, latency, and throughput indicators.

[0053] Topology path health measurement from the wireless side to the core network side:

[0054] N2 port link perception: TPSMF-C sends a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request message to AMF to subscribe to the N2 port link status event notification.

[0055] N3 port link awareness: TPSMF-L sends a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request message to UPF to subscribe to the N3 port link status event notification.

[0056] Among them, the NON-SBI communication link status subscription is a newly defined subscription message.

[0057] Core network internal topology path health measurement:

[0058] N4 port link status perception: TPSMF-C sends a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request message to SMF to subscribe to the N4 port link status event notification.

[0059] SBI port link status perception: If SCP is deployed on the 5G network, TPSMF-C sends an SBI communication link status subscription request message to SCP to subscribe to SBI port link status event notifications. If SCP is not deployed on the 5G network, TPSMF-C sends an SBI communication link status subscription request message to each NF to subscribe to SBI port link status event notifications.

[0060] Topology path awareness from the core network side to the network side, N6 port link status awareness: TPSMF-L sends a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request message to UPF to subscribe to the N6 port link status event notification.

[0061] 3. Provide a capability exposure interface to query the status of the network connection.

[0062] TPSMF provides a capability exposure interface for third parties to query the status of network connections. Examples of related functions are as follows:

[0063] (1) NF selection: For example, during a PDU session, in addition to selecting a suitable NF according to the specifications defined by 3GPP, a better selection can be made based on the communication link status near the NF provided by the TPSMF.

[0064] (2) Network path optimization: For example, TPSMF can provide network path optimization processing to the computing network controller.

[0065] 4. It can accurately measure the link delay / bandwidth / jitter and other indicators of users' communications on a specified path.

[0066] Figure 3 illustrates the TPSMF network element for automatic network topology management and maintenance. As shown in Figure 3, TPSMF automatically learns network topology paths 1 through 6, which are from the wireless side to the network side. TPSMF can perceive the jitter and latency metrics of paths 1 through 6. Based on user characteristics, TPSMF can accurately measure jitter and latency for specific users along all accessible paths and select the optimal path for them. For example, based on the user's location (Cell / TA) and the DN identifier (ID / IP), TPSMF can accurately measure all accessible paths for the user. TPSMF can perceive and determine the optimal link for a specific user, using a specific service, to a specific edge cloud node. This plays a role in integrated computing and network scheduling.

[0067] Figure 4 is an architectural diagram of the TPSMF network element according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, TPSMF belongs to the control plane network element and can be logically divided into two network elements: TPSMF-C and TPSMF-L. TPSMF-C and TPSMF-L can communicate with devices such as AMF, SMF, UPF, PCF, and UDM in 5GC through the service-based interface provided by 5GC. Devices in 5GC can also communicate with each other through the service-based interface.

[0068] TPSMF-C is centrally deployed and is responsible for the automatic learning and maintenance of the control plane SBI interface, as well as the N2 and N4 interfaces, and provides the capability exposure SBI interface. TPSMF-L is deployed at the edge and is responsible for the automatic learning and maintenance of the user plane N3 and N6 interfaces, and provides the capability exposure SBI interface.

[0069] TPSMF-C and TPSMF-L can be implemented in a unified product. They can also be deployed separately. For example, TPSMF-C can be deployed centrally in major regions, while TPSMF-L can be deployed distributedly in cities or campuses. Regarding capability registration, TPSMF-C / TPSMF-L can register its capabilities with NRF so that other NFs can perceive the capability scope of TPSMF (control plane links, user plane links).

[0070] The present disclosure also provides a network topology path selection method. FIG5 is a flow chart of the network topology path selection method according to the present disclosure embodiment. As shown in FIG5 , the method is applied to a core network element. The flow chart includes the following steps:

[0071] Step S502: receiving communication link states of multiple network topology paths measured by a control plane network element through an interface;

[0072] Step S504 : selecting a target network topology path from the multiple network topology paths according to the communication link states of the multiple network topology paths.

[0073] Through the above steps S502 to S504, the problem in the related art that it is impossible to accurately measure all reachable paths and select the optimal path for the user can be solved. A global measurement of the communication link status of all network topology paths can be performed to select the optimal network topology path for the user, thereby providing the user with better quality network services.

[0074] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the above-mentioned step S502 may specifically include: sending a request message to the control plane network element to obtain the communication link status of multiple network topology paths; and receiving a response message returned by the control plane network element carrying the communication link status of multiple network topology paths.

[0075] FIG6 is a flow chart of a network topology path selection method according to an optional embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG6 , the method further includes:

[0076] Step S602: Receive a communication link status subscription request sent by the control plane network element, and return a communication link status subscription response to the control plane network element, wherein the communication link status subscription response carries the communication link status.

[0077] The core network element in the embodiment of the present disclosure is at least one of the following: AMF, UPF, SMF, SCP, NF. When the communication link status subscription request is a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request, the communication link status subscription response is a NON-SBI communication link status subscription response; when the communication link status subscription request is an SBI communication link status subscription request, the communication link status subscription response is an SBI communication link status subscription response.

[0078] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the above step S602 may specifically include:

[0079] If it is an AMF, it receives a non-service-based interface NON-SBI communication link status subscription request for subscribing to the N2 port link in the topology path from the wireless side to the core network side sent by the control plane network element, and returns a NON-SBI communication link status subscription response to the control plane network element after creating a subscription context and recording the N2 port link status, wherein the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response carries the N2 port link status;

[0080] If it is a UPF, it receives a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request for subscribing to the N3 port link in the topology path from the wireless side to the core network side sent by the control plane network element, and returns a NON-SBI communication link status subscription response to the control plane network element after creating a subscription context and recording the N3 port link status, wherein the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response carries the N3 port link status; or, it receives a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request for subscribing to the N6 port link in the topology path from the core network side to the network side sent by the control plane network element, and returns a NON-SBI communication link status subscription response to the control plane network element after creating a subscription context and recording the N6 port link status, wherein the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response carries the N6 port link status;

[0081] If it is an SMF, it receives a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request for the N4 port link in the core network internal topology path sent by the control plane network element, and returns a NON-SBI communication link status subscription response to the control plane network element after creating a subscription context and recording the N4 port link status, wherein the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response carries the N4 port link status;

[0082] If it is SCP or NF, it receives the SBI communication link status subscription request for the service-based interface SBI port link in the internal topology path of the core network sent by the control plane network element, and returns the SBI communication link status subscription response to the control plane network element after creating the subscription context and recording the SBI communication link status, wherein the SBI communication link status subscription response carries the SBI communication link status.

[0083] In one embodiment, after the above-mentioned step S602, the method further includes: sending an interface status change message to the control plane network element, wherein the interface status change message is used for the control plane network element to update the communication link status of multiple network topology paths; and / or sending a new interface status message to the control plane network element, wherein the new interface status message is used for the control plane network element to update the communication contact status of multiple network topology paths.

[0084] The technical solutions described in the embodiments of the present disclosure are further described in detail below through specific examples so that those skilled in the art can better understand the present disclosure and implement it, but the examples given are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0085] The control plane network element in the embodiment of the present disclosure may specifically be a TPSMF network element. The embodiment of the present disclosure is described in detail below using the TPSMF network element as an example.

[0086] FIG7 is a flowchart of TPSMF-C N2 port sensing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG7 , including:

[0087] S701, TPSMF-C sends a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request message to AMF to subscribe to the N2 port link status event notification.

[0088] S702, AMF creates a subscription context and records the NON-SBI communication link status.

[0089] NON-SBI communication link status includes: jitter, latency, throughput, and health status.

[0090] S703, AMF sends a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request message to TPSMF-C, carrying the status of the N2 connection.

[0091] S704, the N2 port NON-SBI communication link status changes, and the AMF reports the latest N2 port NON-SBI communication link status to TPSMF-C.

[0092] The jitter, latency, and throughput of the NON-SBI communication link can be reported based on the actual sensitivity range. Changes in the health status of the NON-SBI communication link must be reported.

[0093] S705: After the new N2 connection is established, AMF reports the status of the newly created N2 port NON-SBI communication link to TPSMF-C.

[0094] FIG8 is a flowchart of TPSMF-C N4 port sensing according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG8 , including:

[0095] S801, TPSMF-C sends an SMF reported UPF description information subscription request to SMF to subscribe to the physical and status information of the UPF connected to the SMF.

[0096] S802: The SMF creates a subscription context and records the UPF description, which includes the UPF's physical and status information. Physical information includes UPF port and link information. Status information includes UPF load information, congestion status, and N3 / N6 connectivity.

[0097] After TPSMF-C obtains the UPF description information, it can use this information as additional information for SMF to select UPF, helping SMF to select a UPF that better meets the needs of special users.

[0098] S803, SMF sends a UPF description information subscription request to TPSMF-C, carrying UPF description information, including UPF physical information events and UPF status information events.

[0099] S804, the physical or status information of the UPF connected to the SMF changes, and the SMF reports the latest physical and status information of the UPF connected to the SMF to TPSMF-C.

[0100] S805: After the new UPF connection is established, SMF reports the physical and status information of the new UPF to TPSMF-C.

[0101] FIG9 is a flowchart of TPSMF-C SBI interface perception according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG9 , SCP is deployed in the network, and TPSMF-C SBI interface perception includes:

[0102] S901, TPSMF-C sends an SBI communication link status subscription request message to SCP to subscribe to SBI interface link status event notification.

[0103] S902, SCP automatically senses SBI interface status link information.

[0104] SBI communication link status includes: jitter, delay, throughput, and health status.

[0105] S903, SCP sends an SBI communication link status subscription request message to TPSMF-C, carrying the status of each NF connection.

[0106] S904: The SBI communication link status changes, and the SCP reports the latest SBI communication link status to the TPSMF-C.

[0107] The jitter, latency, and throughput of the SBI communication link can be reported based on the actual sensitivity range. Any change in the health status of the SBI communication link needs to be reported.

[0108] S905: After the new NF is established, the SCP reports the SBI communication link status of the new NF to the TPSMF-C.

[0109] FIG10 is a second flowchart of TPSMF-C SBI interface perception according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG10 , SCP is not deployed in the network, and TPSMF-C SBI interface perception includes:

[0110] S1001, TPSMF-C sends an SBI communication link status subscription request message to each NF to subscribe to the SBI port link status event notification.

[0111] S1002: Each NF creates a subscription context and reports the SBI communication link status, where the SBI communication link status includes jitter, latency, throughput, and health status.

[0112] S1003, NF sends an SBI communication link status subscription request message to TPSMF-C, carrying the SBI communication link status.

[0113] S1004: The SBI communication link status changes, and the NF reports the latest SBI communication link status to the TPSMF-C.

[0114] The jitter, latency, and throughput of the SBI communication link can be reported based on the actual sensitivity range. Any change in the health status of the SBI communication link needs to be reported.

[0115] S1005: After the new NF connection is established, the NF reports the status of the newly created SBI communication link to the TPSMF-C.

[0116] FIG11 is a flowchart of TPSMF-L N3 port sensing according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG11 , TPSMF-L N3 port sensing includes:

[0117] S1101, TPSMF-L sends a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request message to UPF to subscribe to the N3 interface link status event notification.

[0118] S1102, UPF creates a subscription context and records the NON-SBI communication link status, which includes: jitter, latency, throughput, and health status.

[0119] N3 port perception is divided into "including Uu port" and "excluding Uu port"

[0120] (1) Including Uu port: N3 port NON-SBI communication link status, UPF can measure and obtain it through QoS Monitor at QoS flow level.

[0121] (2) Excluding Uu port: The N3 port NON-SBI communication link status can be measured and obtained by UPF through the Node-level QoS Monitor.

[0122] S1103, UPF sends a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request message to TPSMF-L, carrying the status of the N3 connection.

[0123] S1104, the N3 port NON-SBI communication link status changes, and the UPF reports the latest N3 port NON-SBI communication link status to TPSMF-L.

[0124] The jitter, latency, and throughput of the NON-SBI communication link can be reported based on the actual sensitivity range. Any change in the health status of the NON-SBI communication link needs to be reported.

[0125] S1105, after the new N3 connection is established, the UPF reports the status of the newly created N3 port NON-SBI communication link to TPSMF-L.

[0126] FIG12 is a flowchart of TPSMF-L N6 port sensing according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG12 , TPSMF-L N6 port sensing includes:

[0127] S1201, TPSMF-L sends a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request message to UPF to subscribe to the N6 port link status event notification.

[0128] S1202, UPF creates a subscription context and records the NON-SBI communication link status, which includes: jitter, latency, throughput, and health status.

[0129] UPF can be measured using TWAMP or simple ICMP echo probes.

[0130] S1203, UPF sends a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request message to TPSMF-L, carrying the status of the N6 connection.

[0131] S1204: The N6 port NON-SBI communication link status changes, and the UPF reports the latest N6 port NON-SBI communication link status to the TPSMF-L.

[0132] The jitter, latency, and throughput of the NON-SBI communication link can be reported based on the actual sensitivity range. Any change in the health status of the NON-SBI communication link needs to be reported.

[0133] S1205, after the new N6 connection is established, the UPF reports the status of the newly established N6 port NON-SBI communication link to TPSMF-L.

[0134] The following describes the embodiment of the present disclosure by taking the PDU session establishment process as an example.

[0135] The process of selecting an NF includes but is not limited to registration, service request, and session management. Combined with the communication link status near the NF provided by the TPSMF, the PDU session for selecting an NF includes:

[0136] 1. The UE sends a PDU Session Establishment Request message to the AMF.

[0137] 2. AMF performs the slice selection process to select the appropriate SMF.

[0138] When the AMF receives a PDU Session Establishment Request message from the UE and detects that a new PDU session is being created, it executes the SMF selection process to select an SMF for the PDU session. During the SMF selection process, the AMF interacts with the NSSF to obtain network slice information and then discovers the SMF through the NRF. The AMF interacts with the TPSMF to obtain the communication link status near the SMF as auxiliary information for selecting the appropriate SMF.

[0139] 3. AMF sends Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Request message to SMF to request to establish a PDU session.

[0140] 4. SMF initiates session registration to UDM and obtains contract information.

[0141] 5. SMF responds with Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Response to AMF.

[0142] 6. SMF executes the PCF selection function to select a suitable PCF.

[0143] SMF discovery is the process of discovering and selecting a suitable PCF through NRF when creating a new PDU session. SMF interacts with TPSMF to obtain the communication link status near the PCF as auxiliary information for selecting the appropriate PCF.

[0144] 7. SMF sends the PDU-CAN session establishment process to PCF.

[0145] 8. SMF executes the UPF selection function to select a suitable UPF.

[0146] SMF selects UPF based on DNN, DNAI, user location information, etc. SMF interacts with TPSMF to obtain the communication link status near the UPF as auxiliary information for selecting the appropriate UPF.

[0147] The present disclosure also provides a network topology path measurement device. FIG13 is a block diagram of the network topology path measurement device according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG13 , the device is applied to a control plane network element. The device includes:

[0148] A sensing module 132 is configured to sense multiple network topology paths from the wireless side to the network side;

[0149] The measurement module 134 is configured to send a communication link status subscription request to a core network element through an interface, and receive a communication link status subscription response returned by the core network element, wherein the communication link status subscription response carries the communication link status.

[0150] In one embodiment, the device also includes: a providing module, configured to send a communication link status subscription request to a core network network element, and receive a communication link status subscription response returned by the core network network element, wherein the communication link status subscription response carries the communication link status.

[0151] The above-mentioned providing module is also configured to receive a request message sent by the core network network element to obtain the communication link status of the multiple network topology paths; and return a response message carrying the communication link status of the multiple network topology paths to the core network network element.

[0152] In one embodiment, the core network network element is at least one of the following: access and mobility management function AMF, user plane function UPF, session management function SMF, service control point SCP, network function NF; when the communication link status subscription request is a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request, the communication link status subscription response is the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response; when the communication link status subscription request is an SBI communication link status subscription request, the communication link status subscription response is an SBI communication link status subscription response.

[0153] In one embodiment, the measuring module 134 is further configured to

[0154] Send a non-service-based interface NON-SBI communication link status subscription request to the AMF to subscribe to the N2 link in the topology path from the wireless side to the core network side, and receive the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response returned by the AMF after creating a subscription context and recording the N2 link status, wherein the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response carries the N2 link status; and / or

[0155] Sending a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request to the UPF to subscribe to the N3 link in the topology path from the wireless side to the core network side, and receiving a NON-SBI communication link status subscription response returned by the UPF after creating a subscription context and recording the N3 link status, wherein the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response carries the N3 link status; and / or

[0156] Sending a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request to the UPF to subscribe to the N6 port link in the core network side to network side topology path, and receiving a NON-SBI communication link status subscription response returned by the UPF after creating a subscription context and recording the N6 port link status, wherein the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response carries the N6 port link status; and / or

[0157] Sending a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request to the SMF to subscribe to the N4 link in the core network internal topology path, and receiving a NON-SBI communication link status subscription response returned by the SMF after creating a subscription context and recording the N4 link status, wherein the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response carries the N4 link status; and / or

[0158] Send an SBI communication link status subscription request to the SCP or each NF to subscribe to the service-based interface SBI port link in the internal topology path of the core network, and receive the SBI communication link status subscription response returned by the SCP or each NF after creating the subscription context and recording the SBI communication link status, wherein the SBI communication link status subscription response carries the SBI communication link status.

[0159] In one embodiment, the measurement module 134 is further configured to, if the SCP is deployed, send a subscription request to the SCP to obtain the communication link status of the SBI port link in the internal topology path of the core network; if the SCP is not deployed, send a subscription request to each NF to obtain the communication link status of the SBI port link in the internal topology path of the core network.

[0160] In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises:

[0161] The update module is configured to receive an interface status change message sent by a core network network element, and update the communication link status of the multiple network topology paths according to the interface status change message; and / or receive a new interface status message sent by the core network network element, and update the communication contact status of the multiple network topology paths according to the new interface status message.

[0162] The present disclosure also provides a network topology path selection device. FIG14 is a block diagram of the network topology path selection device according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG14 , the device is applied to a core network element. The device includes:

[0163] The first receiving module 142 is configured to receive communication link states of multiple network topology paths measured by a control plane network element through an interface;

[0164] The selection module 144 is configured to select a target network topology path from the multiple network topology paths according to the communication link states of the multiple network topology paths.

[0165] In one embodiment, the first receiving module 142 is further configured to send a request message to the control plane network element to obtain the communication link status of the multiple network topology paths; and receive a response message returned by the control plane network element carrying the communication link status of the multiple network topology paths.

[0166] In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises:

[0167] The second receiving module is configured to receive a communication link status subscription request sent by the control plane network element, and return a communication link status subscription response to the control plane network element, wherein the communication link status is carried in the communication link status subscription response.

[0168] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication link status subscription request includes a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request and / or an SBI communication link status subscription request, and the communication link status subscription response includes a NON-SBI communication link status subscription response and / or an SBI communication link status subscription response. In a case where the communication link status subscription request is a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request, the communication link status subscription response is a NON-SBI communication link status subscription response; in a case where the communication link status subscription request is an SBI communication link status subscription request, the communication link status subscription response is an SBI communication link status subscription response.

[0169] In one embodiment, the second receiving module is further configured to

[0170] If it is an AMF, it receives a non-service-based interface NON-SBI communication link status subscription request for subscribing to the N2 link in the topology path from the wireless side to the core network side sent by the control plane network element, and returns a NON-SBI communication link status subscription response to the control plane network element after creating a subscription context and recording the N2 link status, wherein the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response carries the N2 link status;

[0171] If it is a UPF, it receives the NON-SBI communication link status subscription request for subscribing to the N3 port link in the topology path from the wireless side to the core network side sent by the control plane network element, and returns a NON-SBI communication link status subscription response to the control plane network element after creating a subscription context and recording the N3 port link status, wherein the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response carries the N3 port link status; or, it receives the NON-SBI communication link status subscription request for subscribing to the N6 port link in the topology path from the core network side to the network side sent by the control plane network element, and returns a NON-SBI communication link status subscription response to the control plane network element after creating a subscription context and recording the N6 port link status, wherein the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response carries the N6 port link status;

[0172] If it is an SMF, it receives the NON-SBI communication link status subscription request for the N4 port link in the core network internal topology path sent by the control plane network element, and returns a NON-SBI communication link status subscription response to the control plane network element after creating a subscription context and recording the N4 port link status, wherein the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response carries the N4 port link status;

[0173] If it is SCP or each NF, it receives the SBI communication link status subscription request for the service-based interface SBI port link in the internal topology path of the core network sent by the control plane network element, and returns the SBI communication link status subscription response to the control plane network element after creating the subscription context and recording the SBI communication link status, wherein the SBI communication link status subscription response carries the SBI communication link status.

[0174] In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises:

[0175] A sending module is configured to send an interface status change message to the control plane network element, wherein the interface status change message is used by the control plane network element to update the communication link status of the multiple network topology paths; and / or send a new interface status message to the control plane network element, wherein the new interface status message is used by the control plane network element to update the communication contact status of the multiple network topology paths.

[0176] An embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which a computer program is stored. The computer program is configured to execute the steps of any one of the above method embodiments when run.

[0177] In an exemplary embodiment, the computer-readable storage medium may include, but is not limited to, various media that can store computer programs, such as a USB flash drive, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a mobile hard disk, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0178] An embodiment of the present disclosure further provides an electronic device, including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor is configured to run the computer program to perform the steps in any of the above method embodiments.

[0179] In an exemplary embodiment, the electronic device may further include a transmission device and an input / output device, wherein the transmission device is connected to the processor, and the input / output device is connected to the processor.

[0180] For specific examples in this embodiment, reference may be made to the examples described in the above embodiments and exemplary implementation modes, and this embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0181] Obviously, those skilled in the art should understand that the modules or steps of the present disclosure described above can be implemented using a general-purpose computing device, they can be concentrated on a single computing device, or distributed across a network composed of multiple computing devices, they can be implemented using program code executable by the computing device, and thus, they can be stored in a storage device and executed by the computing device, and in some cases, the steps shown or described can be performed in a different order than herein, or they can be fabricated into separate integrated circuit modules, or multiple modules or steps can be fabricated into a single integrated circuit module for implementation. Thus, the present disclosure is not limited to any particular combination of hardware and software.

[0182] The foregoing description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the principles of the present disclosure shall be included within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A network topology path measurement method, applied to a control plane network element, the method comprising: Perceiving multiple network topology paths from the radio side to the network side; Sending a communication link status subscription request to a core network element through an interface, and receiving a communication link status subscription response returned by the core network element, wherein the communication link status subscription response carries the communication link status.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, After measuring the communication link status of the multiple network topology paths through the interface, the method further comprises: Providing the communication link status of the multiple network topology paths to the core network element, wherein the communication link status is used by the core network element to select a target network topology path from the multiple network topology paths.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein The providing the communication link status of the multiple network topology paths to the core network element includes: Receiving a request message sent by the core network element to obtain the communication link status of the multiple network topology paths; Returning a response message carrying the communication link status of the multiple network topology paths to the core network element.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein The core network element is at least one of the following: Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), User Plane Function (UPF), Session Management Function (SMF), Service Control Point (SCP), Network Function (NF); The communication link status subscription request includes a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request and / or an SBI communication link status subscription request, and the communication link status subscription response includes a NON-SBI communication link status subscription response and / or an SBI communication link status subscription response, wherein the NON-SBI communication link status subscription request corresponds to the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response; the SBI communication link status subscription request corresponds to the SBI communication link status subscription response.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, Sending a communication link status subscription request to the core network element and receiving a communication link status subscription response returned by the core network element includes: Sending a Non-Service Based Interface (NON-SBI) communication link status subscription request for subscribing to the N2 interface link in the topology path from the radio side to the core network side to the AMF, and receiving a NON-SBI communication link status subscription response returned by the AMF after creating a subscription context and recording the N2 interface link status, wherein the N2 interface link status is carried in the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response; and / or Sending a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request for subscribing to the N3 interface link in the topology path from the radio side to the core network side to the UPF, and receiving a NON-SBI communication link status subscription response returned by the UPF after creating a subscription context and recording the N3 interface link status, wherein the N3 interface link status is carried in the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response; and / or Send a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request for subscribing to the N6 interface link in the core network side to network side topology path to the UPF, and receive the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response returned by the UPF after creating a subscription context and recording the N6 interface link status, where the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response carries the N6 interface link status; and / or Send a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request for subscribing to the N4 interface link in the core network internal topology path to the SMF, and receive the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response returned by the SMF after creating a subscription context and recording the N4 interface link status, where the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response carries the N4 interface link status; and / or Send a SBI communication link status subscription request for subscribing to the SBI interface link of the service-based interface in the core network internal topology path to the SCP or each NF, and receive the SBI communication link status subscription response returned by the SCP or each NF after creating a subscription context and recording the SBI communication link status, where the SBI communication link status subscription response carries the SBI communication link status.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein The sending a SBI communication link status subscription request for subscribing to the SBI interface link of the service-based interface in the core network internal topology path to the SCP includes:[[]] In the case of deploying the SCP, send a communication link status subscription request for obtaining the SBI interface link in the core network internal topology path to the SCP.

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein, The sending a SBI communication link status subscription request for subscribing to the SBI interface link of the service-based interface in the core network internal topology path to each NF includes:[[]] In the case of not deploying the SCP, send a communication link status subscription request for obtaining the SBI interface link in the core network internal topology path to each NF.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein After receiving the communication link status subscription response returned by the core network element, the method further includes:[[]] Receive the interface status change message sent by the core network element, and update the communication link status of the multiple network topology paths according to the interface status change message; and / or Receive the new interface status message sent by the core network element, and update the communication connection status of the multiple network topology paths according to the new interface status message.

9. A network topology path selection method, applied to a core network element, the method includes:[[]] Receive the communication link status of multiple network topology paths measured by the control plane element through the interface; Select a target network topology path from the multiple network topology paths according to the communication link status of the multiple network topology paths.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The method further includes:[[]] Receive the communication link status subscription request sent by the control plane element, and return a communication link status subscription response to the control plane element, where the communication link status subscription response carries the communication link status.

11. According to the method of claim 9 or 10, where The communication link status subscription request includes a NON-SBI communication link status subscription request and / or an SBI communication link status subscription request, and the communication link status subscription response includes a NON-SBI communication link status subscription response and / or an SBI communication link status subscription response. Among them, the NON-SBI communication link status subscription request corresponds to the NON-SBI communication link status subscription response; the SBI communication link status subscription request corresponds to the SBI communication link status subscription response.

12. A network topology path measurement device, applied to a control plane network element, the device comprising: A sensing module, configured to sense a plurality of network topology paths from the radio side to the network side; A measurement module, configured to send a communication link status subscription request to a core network element through an interface and receive a communication link status subscription response returned by the core network element, wherein the communication link status is carried in the communication link status subscription response.

13. A network topology path selection device, applied to a core network element, the device comprising: A receiving module, configured to receive the communication link status of a plurality of network topology paths measured by a control plane network element through an interface; A selection module, configured to select a target network topology path from the plurality of network topology paths according to the communication link status of the plurality of network topology paths.

14. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, wherein, The computer program is configured to execute the method described in any one of claims 1 to 8 and 9 to 11 when running.

15. An electronic device, comprising a memory and a processor, wherein a computer program is stored in the memory, and the processor is configured to run the computer program to execute the method described in any one of claims 1 to 8 and 9 to 11.

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