Intent management method and device

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of communications, and in particular to an intent management method and device, for use in effectively ensuring the implementation of intent objectives, and improving the operation and maintenance efficiency of communication networks. The method comprises: receiving intent preference information from a second communication device, wherein: the intent preference information is used for determining a preferred intent objective type, and an intent objective associated with the intent objective type is preferentially satisfied; and / or the intent preference information is used for determining a preferred intent object, and an intent objective associated with the intent object is preferentially satisfied; and executing a first intent on the basis of the intent preference information, the first intent comprising a first intent objective, and the first intent objective being preferentially satisfied, wherein the first intent objective is the intent objective associated with the intent objective type, and / or the first intent objective is the intent objective associated with the intent object.

Description

Intent management method and device

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China on January 18, 2024, with application number 202410074882.X and application name "A Method and Device for Intent Management", the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to an intent management method and device. Background Art

[0004] The evolution of fifth-generation (5G) mobile communication technology (5G-advanced, 5G-A) networks has brought increased operational complexity due to the large number of access devices and diverse services. Network automation and intelligence are key issues in 5G-A networks. Automation and intelligence technologies (such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data analytics) can be applied to various scenarios throughout the network lifecycle, including network planning, deployment, optimization, and service operations. They can reduce manual operations, lower operator operating expenses (OPEX), improve O&M efficiency, enhance the service experience, and enable various vertical industries (such as autonomous driving and smart cities).

[0005] Intents can be used to describe user expectations for networks or services, but they do not define specific network or service configuration parameters or specify management tasks for the intent management system. Intents allow users to request networks and services without detailed knowledge of how these services will be provided. Intent management systems can automatically learn network and service behavior and use intelligent and automated mechanisms to meet user needs expressed through intents.

[0006] An intent management system can receive intents from one or more users, each of which can include one or more intent targets (such as network or business requirements). Given the limited resources of communication networks (such as 5G-Advanced networks and their subnetworks), how can an intent management system effectively ensure the achievement of intent targets and improve the efficiency of communication network operations and maintenance? This is a question that deserves attention. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The embodiments of the present application provide an intent management method and device to effectively ensure the realization of intent goals and improve the operation and maintenance efficiency of communication networks.

[0008] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an intent management method, which can be executed by a first communication device. The first communication device here can be a device (or functional unit, or management platform, etc.) with intent management capabilities in a communication network (such as a 5G-A network, a subnetwork of a 5G-A network, etc.), and can also refer to a processor, module, chip, or chip system, etc. that implements the method in a device with intent management capabilities. The method includes: receiving intent preference information from a second communication device; wherein the intent preference information is used to determine a preferred intent target type, and intent targets associated with the intent target type are preferentially satisfied; and / or, the intent preference information is used to determine a preferred intent object, and intent targets associated with the intent object are preferentially satisfied; executing a first intent according to the intent preference information, the first intent includes a first intent target, and the first intent target is preferentially satisfied; wherein the first intent target belongs to an intent target associated with the intent target type, and / or, the first intent target belongs to an intent target associated with the intent object.

[0009] In the embodiments of the present application, the intention goal is satisfied first, which may mean that the intention goal is realized first, or the intention goal is executed first, or the intention goal is allocated resources first, etc. For example: there are intention goals 1 and intention goals 2, and intention goal 1 is the intention goal that is realized first. If the communication network cannot support the simultaneous satisfaction of intention goals 1 and 2, the first communication device can execute intention goal 1, such as using automation and intelligent technology to control the parameters (or configuration) of the equipment in the communication network, so that the communication network satisfies intention goal 1; for intention goal 2, the first communication device can control the communication network to satisfy intention goal 2 as much as possible while satisfying intention goal 1, or it may not execute intention goal 2. For another example: there are intention goals 1 and intention goals 3, and intention goal 1 is the intention goal that is realized first. If the communication network has additional available resources in addition to the resources that can support the realization of intention goals 1 and 3, the first communication device can also control the communication network to allocate more available resources for the realization of intention goal 1 in addition to the resources that can support the realization of intention goal 1, so that the realization effect of intention goal 1 is better.

[0010] Through the above method, the first communication device can identify (or distinguish) the preferred intention target based on the intention preference information, and give priority to satisfying the preferred intention target. It can support the existence of multiple intention targets, and the first communication device can resolve the intention target conflict or allocate resources for multiple intention targets based on the intention preference information, thereby effectively ensuring the realization of the intention target; and can avoid the interruption of intention execution caused by intention conflict, affecting the intention execution process, and can also improve the operation and maintenance efficiency of the communication network.

[0011] In one possible design, before executing the first intention according to the intention preference information, it also includes: determining that there is an intention conflict for the first intention, wherein the intention conflict for the first intention includes a conflict between the first intention target and the second intention target also included in the first intention, and / or a conflict between the first intention target and the third intention target included in the second intention.

[0012] Through the above design, the intention management method provided in the embodiment of the present application can be applied to the scenario of intention conflict, used for intention conflict resolution, and avoid affecting the execution process of the intention due to intention conflict.

[0013] In one possible design, before executing the first intention according to the intention preference information, it also includes: determining that the first intention also includes a second intention target, wherein the second intention target and the first intention target do not conflict; or, determining that there is a second intention, and the second intention also includes a third intention target, and the third intention target and the first intention target do not conflict.

[0014] Through the above design, the intent management method provided in the embodiment of the present application can be applied to scenarios where multiple intent targets need to be executed, and more resources can be allocated to preferred intent targets, effectively ensuring the realization effect of the preferred intent targets.

[0015] In one possible design, the intent preference information includes wireless network intent preference information and / or wireless service intent preference information, and the first intent is a wireless network intent or a wireless service intent.

[0016] Through the above design, intention preference information can be configured for wireless networks and / or wireless services to effectively ensure the realization of wireless network intention goals and / or wireless service intention goals, and improve the operation and maintenance efficiency of communication networks (such as wireless networks).

[0017] In one possible design, the wireless network intention preference information may include one or more of wireless network intention target type (such as coverage target, rate target, capacity target, energy saving target, etc.) preference, wireless network format (such as evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (EUTRAN), new radio (NR), etc.) preference, wireless frequency preference (such as 200 MHz, 300 MHz, 700 MHz, etc.), or user group preference.

[0018] Through the above design, you can set intent preferences based on wireless network target type, wireless network standard, wireless frequency, or user group, and prioritize the realization of one or more aspects of the wireless network's intent targets.

[0019] In one possible design, the wireless service intention preference information may include preferences for wireless service intention target types (such as latency targets, rate targets, capacity targets, etc.), wireless service types (such as enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC), massive machine type of communication (MIoT), vehicle-to-everything (V2X)), etc.), wireless service application types (such as voice, video, etc.), wireless service user types (such as very important person (VIP) users, ordinary users, roaming users, and premium users), or wireless service tenant types (such as power grid users, government and enterprise users, steel plant users, and automobile users).

[0020] Through the above design, intention preferences can be set based on aspects such as wireless service intention target type, wireless service type, wireless service application type, wireless service user type, or wireless service tenant type, to prioritize the realization of intention targets in one or several aspects of wireless services.

[0021] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving condition information from the second communication device, the condition information being used to indicate an applicable condition of the intent preference information, wherein executing the first intent according to the intent preference information satisfies the applicable condition.

[0022] Exemplary: the condition information may include a time range to which the intent preference information is applicable.

[0023] Through the above design, usage conditions can be set for intent preference information, supporting the use of different intent preference information under different conditions, and meeting the application needs of users (such as operators) for communication networks under different conditions.

[0024] In one possible design, the method further includes: receiving an intent execution management function object identifier from a second communication device, the intent execution management function object identifier being used to identify an intent execution management function object; and configuring intent preference information in the intent execution management function object. Optionally, the first intent belongs to an intent managed by the intent execution management function object. The first communication device may include at least one intent execution management function object, and different intent execution management function objects may be responsible for managing different intents, such as intents in different regions, different types of intents, and so on.

[0025] Through the above design, it is possible to support the configuration of intent preference information for specific intent execution management function objects and perform intent preference information configuration at the granularity of intent execution management function objects.

[0026] In one possible design, the above-mentioned intention preference information, condition information and intention execution management function object identifier are included in one message.

[0027] In one possible design, the method also includes: receiving a first intent identifier from a second communication device, the first intent identifier being used to identify the first intent; and configuring intent preference information in an intent management object corresponding to the first intent.

[0028] Through the above design, it is possible to support the configuration of intent preference information for specific intents and perform intent preference information configuration at the intent granularity.

[0029] In one possible design, the above-mentioned intent preference information, condition information and first intent identifier are included in one message.

[0030] In one possible design, the first intention also includes a second intention target, and the second intention target conflicts with the first intention target. The method also includes: sending an intention conflict report to the second communication device, the intention conflict report including modification suggestions for the second intention target.

[0031] The above design also supports providing modification suggestions for unsatisfied intent targets when there is a conflict in the intent targets, providing a reference for the second communication device side to modify the unsatisfied intent targets.

[0032] In a second aspect, embodiments of the present application provide an intent management method that can be performed by a second communication device. The second communication device here can be a device (or functional unit, or management platform, etc.) with intent management capabilities in a communication network, or can also refer to a processor, module, chip, or chip system that implements the method in a device with intent management capabilities. The method includes: determining intent preference information; wherein the intent preference information is used to determine a preferred intent target type, and intent targets associated with the intent target type are preferentially satisfied; and / or, the intent preference information is used to determine a preferred intent object, and intent targets associated with the intent object are preferentially satisfied; and sending the intent preference information to the first communication device.

[0033] In one possible design, the intent preference information includes wireless network intent preference information and / or wireless service intent preference information.

[0034] In one possible design, the wireless network intention preference information includes one or more of the following: wireless network intention target type preference, wireless network standard preference, wireless frequency preference, or user group preference.

[0035] In one possible design, the wireless service intention preference information includes one or more of the following: wireless service intention target type preference, wireless service type preference, wireless service application type preference, wireless service user type preference, or wireless service tenant type preference.

[0036] In one possible design, the method further includes: sending condition information to the first communication device, where the condition information is used to indicate an applicable condition of the schematic preference information.

[0037] Exemplary: The condition information may include a time range to which the intent preference information is applicable.

[0038] In one possible design, the method further includes: sending an intent execution management function object identifier to the first communication device, where the intent execution management function object identifier is used to identify the intent execution management function object, wherein the intent preference information is configured in the intent execution management function object.

[0039] In one possible design, intent preference information, condition information, and intent execution management function object identifier are included in one message.

[0040] In one possible design, the method also includes: sending a first intent identifier to the first communication device, the first intent identifier being used to identify the first intent; wherein the intent preference information is configured in the intent management object corresponding to the first intent.

[0041] In one possible design, the above-mentioned intent preference information, condition information and first intent identifier are included in one message.

[0042] In one possible design, the method also includes: receiving an intent conflict report from the first communication device, the intent conflict report including a modification suggestion for the second intent target in the first intention, wherein the first intention includes a first intent target and a second intent target, the second intent target conflicts with the first intent target, and the first intent target is preferentially satisfied according to the intent preference information; and modifying the second intent target according to the intent conflict report.

[0043] In a third aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a communication device having the functionality to implement the method of the first or second aspect described above. The functionality may be implemented through hardware or through hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the functionality, such as an interface unit and a processing unit.

[0044] In one possible design, the device may be a chip or an integrated circuit.

[0045] In one possible design, the device includes a memory and a processor, the memory is used to store instructions executed by the processor, and when the instructions are executed by the processor, the device can perform the method of the first aspect or the second aspect.

[0046] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, comprising an interface circuit and a processor, wherein the processor and the interface circuit are coupled to each other. The processor implements the method of the first or second aspect described above through a logic circuit or executing instructions. The interface circuit is configured to receive signals from other communication devices outside the communication device and transmit them to the processor, or to transmit signals from the processor to other communication devices outside the communication device. It will be understood that the interface circuit may be a transceiver, a transceiver, a transceiver, or an input / output interface.

[0047] Optionally, the communication device may further include a memory for storing instructions executed by the processor, or storing input data required by the processor to execute instructions, or storing data generated after the processor executes instructions. The memory may be a physically independent unit, or may be coupled to the processor, or the processor may include the memory (i.e., the processor and memory are integrated together).

[0048] In a possible implementation, the communication device is a chip.

[0049] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, which includes a first communication device and a second communication device. The first communication device can implement the method of the first aspect above, and the second communication device can implement the method of the second aspect above.

[0050] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which a computer program or instruction is stored. When the computer program or instruction is executed by a processor, the method of the first or second aspect mentioned above can be implemented.

[0051] In the seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product, including a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a processor, can implement the method of the first or second aspect above.

[0052] In the eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application also provides a chip system, which includes a processor and an interface, and the processor is used to call and execute instructions from the interface. When the processor executes the instructions, the method of the above-mentioned first aspect or second aspect can be implemented.

[0053] The technical effects that can be achieved in the second to eighth aspects mentioned above can refer to the technical effects that can be achieved in the first aspect mentioned above, and will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of one of the intent management methods provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] FIG4 is a second schematic diagram of the intent management method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] FIG5 is a third schematic diagram of the intent management method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0059] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0060] FIG7 is a second structural diagram of the communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] The technical solutions involved in the embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. The embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication networks, such as: 5G communication network (also referred to as NR network), 5G-A network, long term evolution (LTE) network, advanced long term evolution (LTE-A) network, future communication network (such as 6G communication network), etc., without limitation. For ease of understanding, some of the terms in the embodiments of the present application are explained below.

[0062] 1) Intent: This can be used to describe expectations for a communication network. It can include requirements, goals, conditions, and constraints for the communication network, but does not specify how to achieve these expectations. The communication network determines what solution to use to meet the intent.

[0063] An intent may include one or more intent targets, which are goals that the intent expects to achieve, such as the proportion of high load in area 1 being less than 10%. For example, an intent may include capacity intent (e.g., the capacity intent requires the proportion of high load in area 1 to be less than 10%), coverage intent (e.g., the coverage intent requires the proportion of weak coverage in area 1 to be less than 20%), rate intent (e.g., the rate intent requires the proportion of low-rate users in area 1 to be less than 5%), etc.

[0064] 2) Intent-driven management system: An intent-driven management system can be understood as a system that uses intent for closed-loop automation management and control. The intent-driven management system can translate intent into policies and management tasks, which can then be executed by the intent-driven management system to achieve closed-loop automation. In an intent-driven intent management approach, intent can drive the intent management system to use various closed-loop automations to fulfill the intent. The intent management system can also be called an intent handling function. The intent management system can be an operations management system or supporting function of a communication network.

[0065] 3) A managed object is used to describe information about a managed object or management task in a management system (such as an intent management system). The management object information model can be used as an interaction parameter in a management interface. Creating a management object means creating management information in the management system, enabling the management system to manage the managed object or perform management tasks based on the management information. In the embodiments of the present application, an intent can be considered a management object in the management system. An intent can also be referred to as an intent management object, that is, a management object of an intent.

[0066] 4) Intent report: Intent report is the intention result information fed back to the user, which may include one or more of the following: intention execution result information, intention feasibility evaluation report and intention conflict information.

[0067] In addition, it should be understood that the terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of the present application can be used interchangeably. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments of the present application mention ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" to distinguish multiple objects and are not used to define the order, timing, priority or importance of multiple objects. For example, the first intended target and the second intended target do not indicate a difference in priority or importance between the two intended targets.

[0068] In the embodiments of the present application, the number of nouns, unless otherwise specified, means "singular noun or plural noun", that is, "one or more". "At least one" means one or more, and "plural" means two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there may be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B means: A or B. "At least one of the following items" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single items or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c means: a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c, where a, b, c can be single or multiple.

[0069] In addition, the terms "including" and "having" in the embodiments, claims, and drawings of this application are not exclusive. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or modules is not limited to the listed steps or modules and may also include steps or modules that are not listed.

[0070] Please refer to Figure 1, which is a schematic diagram of an autonomous network system architecture provided by an embodiment of the present application. This system architecture may also be referred to as a network management system architecture, etc. The system architecture includes: a service operation unit, a cross-domain management function unit, a domain management function unit, and multiple network elements.

[0071] A service operation unit can manage one or more cross-domain management function units. A cross-domain management function unit can manage one or more domain management function units. A domain management function unit can manage one or more network elements. The following is a brief introduction to each unit.

[0072] (1) Business operation unit.

[0073] A business operations unit, also known as a communication service management function (CSMF), provides functions and management services such as billing, settlement, accounting, customer service, sales, network monitoring, communications service lifecycle management, and business intent translation. This unit can include a carrier's operational system or a vertical operational technology system.

[0074] (2) Cross-domain management functional unit.

[0075] The cross-domain management functional unit may also be referred to as a network management function unit (NMF). The cross-domain management functional unit may provide one or more of the following functions or management services: network lifecycle management, network deployment, network fault management, network performance management, network configuration management, network assurance, network optimization functions, translation of the network intent of the communication service provider (intent from communication service provider, intent-CSP), translation of the network intent of the communication service user (intent from communication service consumer, intent-CSC), etc. The network here may include one or more network elements, subnetworks or network slices. For example, the cross-domain management functional unit may be a network slice management function (NSMF), a management data analytic function (MDAF), a cross-domain self-organization network function (SON-function), or a cross-domain intent management functional unit.

[0076] In certain deployment scenarios, the cross-domain management functional unit may also provide one or more of the following management functions or services: sub-network lifecycle management, sub-network deployment, sub-network fault management, sub-network performance management, sub-network configuration management, sub-network assurance, sub-network optimization, sub-network intent translation for communications service providers, and sub-network intent translation for communications service users. A sub-network may consist of multiple small sub-networks or multiple network slice sub-networks. For example, an operator's access network sub-network may include the access network sub-network of equipment vendor 1 and the access network sub-network of equipment vendor 2.

[0077] It can be understood that, in terms of implementation, the cross-domain management functional unit can be implemented in the form of a management platform + multiple management applications, where the management application implements the management function of one or more networks or sub-networks above; of course, it can also be that a network element in the network has the function of a cross-domain management functional unit.

[0078] (3) Domain management functional unit.

[0079] The domain management function unit, which may also be referred to as the subnetwork management function (NMF) or the network element / function management function unit, may provide one or more of the following functions or management services: lifecycle management of subnetworks or network elements, deployment of subnetworks or network elements, fault management of subnetworks or network elements, performance management of subnetworks or network elements, assurance of subnetworks or network elements, optimization management of subnetworks or network elements, intent translation of subnetworks or network elements, etc. The subnetwork here may include one or more network elements. Alternatively, the subnetwork here may also include one or more subnetworks, that is, one or more subnetworks form a subnetwork with a larger coverage area. Alternatively, the subnetwork here may also include one or more network slice subnetworks. Among them, the subnetwork may be described in at least one of the following ways:

[0080] Networks in a certain technical domain, such as wireless access networks, core networks, and transport networks;

[0081] A network of a certain standard, such as the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network, LTE network, 5G network, etc.

[0082] A network provided by a certain equipment vendor, such as the network provided by equipment vendor X;

[0083] The network of a certain geographical area, such as the network of factory A, the network of prefecture-level city B, etc.

[0084] It can be understood that, in terms of implementation, the domain management functional unit can be implemented in the form of a management platform + multiple management applications, where the management application implements the management functions of one or more sub-networks or network elements above; of course, it can also be that a network element in the network has the functions of the domain management functional unit.

[0085] (4) Network element.

[0086] A network element is an entity that provides network services, including core network elements, radio access network elements, transport network elements, etc. For example, core network elements may include but are not limited to an access and mobility management function (AMF) entity, a session management function (SMF) entity, a policy control function (PCF) entity, a network data analysis function (NWDAF) entity, a network repository function (NRF) entity, a gateway, etc.

[0087] The radio access network elements may include but are not limited to: various types of base stations (such as next-generation base stations (generation node B, gNB), evolved base stations (evolved Node B, eNB), centralized control units (central unit control panel, CUCP), centralized units (central unit, CU), distributed units (distributed unit, DU), centralized user plane units (central unit user panel, CUUP), etc.

[0088] In addition, under the service-oriented management architecture, the focus is on management service providers (MnS producers) and management service consumers (MnS consumers). It should be understood that: when the management service is provided by the business operation unit mentioned above, the business operation unit is the management service provider, and other business operation units can be management service consumers; when the management service is provided by the cross-domain management function unit mentioned above, the cross-domain management function unit is the management service provider, and the business operation unit can be the management service consumer; when the management service is provided by the domain management function unit mentioned above, the domain management function unit is the management service provider, and the cross-domain management function unit or the business operation unit can be the management service consumer; when the management service is provided by the network element mentioned above, the network element is the management service provider, and the domain management function unit or the cross-domain management function unit or the business operation unit can be the management service consumer.

[0089] The embodiment of the present application can perform autonomous function management on autonomous networks of different ranges as shown in Figure 1. The autonomous network range can include the following three situations:

[0090] Single-domain autonomous network: includes network elements and domain management functional units;

[0091] Cross-domain autonomous network: includes network elements, domain management functional units, and cross-domain management functional units;

[0092] Service autonomous network: includes network elements, domain management functional units, cross-domain management functional units and service operation units.

[0093] In an embodiment of the present application, the autonomous network system architecture shown in Figure 1 can be used as an intent management system architecture, for example: management service consumers can generate intents, management service providers can execute the intents generated by management service consumers, and so on.

[0094] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the intent management logical architecture provided in an embodiment of the present application, including an intent monitoring module and an intent execution module, as well as a logical interface (a logical interface between the intent monitoring module and the intent execution module), wherein the intent monitoring module can be used to generate intents, send intents to the intent execution module, and monitor the execution of intents; the intent execution module can be used to translate, implement and evaluate the received intents.

[0095] In some implementations, the following deployment scenarios may exist for the different autonomous network intent monitoring modules and intent execution modules in Figure 1:

[0096] Scenario 1: For a single-domain autonomous network, the intent execution module can be deployed in the domain management functional unit or network element, and the intent monitoring module can be deployed in the cross-domain management functional unit.

[0097] Scenario 2: For cross-domain autonomous networks, the intent execution module can be deployed in the cross-domain management function unit, and the intent monitoring module can be deployed in the business operation unit.

[0098] Scenario 3: For business autonomous networks, the intent execution module can be deployed in the business operation unit, and the intent monitoring module can be deployed in a third-party system (such as an enterprise system) outside the autonomous network.

[0099] In the service-oriented management architecture, the intent monitoring module is the management service consumer, and the intent execution module is the management service provider. The logical interface is the intent-based autonomous management function control interface.

[0100] The intention execution module can receive one or more intentions from the intention monitoring module, and each intention can include one or more intention targets. Due to the limited resources of the communication network, conflicts may occur when the intention execution module is ensuring multiple intentions. For example, when a certain amount of resources is allocated to intention 1, it will cause insufficient resources for intention 2, etc., that is, multiple intentions are prone to conflicts; another intention may also include multiple intention targets. For example, the wireless network intention may include coverage targets, rate targets, capacity targets and energy saving targets. When the intention execution module ensures a certain intention target, it may cause another intention target to be unable to be met, that is, multiple intention targets within the intention are also prone to conflicts. At present, one solution is that when there is a conflict in intentions (including conflicts between multiple intentions and conflicts between multiple intention targets of a single intention), the intention execution module needs to suspend the execution of the conflicting intention and re-execute it after notifying the intention monitoring module to modify the intention. This will result in the intention not being met in a timely manner, affecting operation and maintenance efficiency.

[0101] Based on this, the embodiment of the present application provides an intent management method and apparatus to effectively ensure the realization of the intent goal and improve the operation and maintenance efficiency of the communication network. The method provided by the embodiment of the present application is described in detail below in conjunction with the introduction of Figures 1 and 2 above.

[0102] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an intent management method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The method can be implemented by a first communication device and a second communication device, wherein the first communication device and the second communication device can be the intent execution module and the intent monitoring module shown in Figure 2. Of course, the first communication device can also be other devices (or functional units, or management platforms, etc.) with the function of the intent execution module, and the second communication device can also be other devices (or functional units, or management platforms, etc.) with the function of the intent monitoring module. For example: the first communication device and the second communication device can also be the domain management functional unit and the cross-domain management functional unit in Figure 1, etc. The method includes:

[0103] S301: The second communication device sends intention preference information to the first communication device, and correspondingly, the first communication device receives the intention preference information.

[0104] In the embodiments of the present application, intent preference information can be used to determine preferred intent target types, with intent targets associated with the intent target types being prioritized for satisfaction; and / or, intent preference information can be used to determine preferred intent objects, with intent targets associated with the intent objects being prioritized for satisfaction. In other words, intent preference information can be used to identify (or distinguish) intent targets that are prioritized for satisfaction from intent targets that are not prioritized for satisfaction.

[0105] Among them, intent preference information can also be called intent priority information, or intent satisfaction information, etc.; intent target can be understood as the target that the intent expects to achieve, and one intent can include one or more intent targets; intent object (also called expected object) can be understood as the object information that the intent target expects to be managed (such as a wireless network corresponding to a certain standard, a wireless network corresponding to a certain frequency, etc.); intent target type can be understood as the type of intent target, such as whether the intent target is a coverage target, a rate target, a capacity target, or an energy-saving target, etc.

[0106] Example 1: Taking the wireless network intent (RadioNetwiorkIntent) and the wireless network intent target as an example, the wireless network intent target can be a wireless network coverage intent target, a wireless network rate intent target, a wireless network capacity intent target, or a wireless network energy conservation intent target. The following describes the concepts of wireless network coverage intent target, wireless network rate intent target, wireless network capacity intent target, and wireless network energy conservation intent target:

[0107] The wireless network coverage intent target can be used to describe the intent target of an operator, etc. for wireless network coverage optimization. The intent object of the wireless network coverage optimization intent target can include, for example, the wireless network standard (such as EUTRAN, NR, etc.), the wireless network frequency (such as 200MHz, 300MHz, etc.), or the user group, etc. Specific targets can be, for example, a weak coverage ratio target (weakRSRPRatioTarget), a strong coverage ratio target (such as the proportion of terminal devices in the network whose reference signal received power is higher than a certain power threshold), etc. For example, the wireless network coverage intent target can be an NR network (intent object) with a weak coverage ratio of 20% (target), etc.

[0108] The wireless network rate intention target can be used to describe the intention target of operators, etc. for wireless network rate optimization. The intention object of the wireless network rate optimization intention target may include, for example, the wireless network standard, wireless network frequency, or user group, and the specific target may be, for example, the average downlink rate target (aveDLRANUEthptTarget), the low downlink rate user ratio target (lowDLRANUEThptRatioTarget), etc. Exemplary: the wireless network rate optimization intention target may be that the proportion of low downlink rate users (e.g., users whose downlink transmission rate is lower than the downlink transmission rate threshold) in the NR network (intent object) is not higher than 5% (target), etc.

[0109] The wireless network capacity intent target can be used to describe the capacity optimization intent of an operator or other organization. The intent object of the wireless network capacity optimization intent target can include, for example, the wireless network standard, wireless network frequency, or user group. Specific targets can include, for example, a high load ratio target (highDlPrbLoadRatioTarget), an uplink load ratio target, and a downlink load ratio target. For example, the wireless network capacity intent target can be an NR network (intent object) with an uplink load ratio of no less than 80% (target).

[0110] The wireless network energy conservation intention target can be used to describe the energy conservation intention target of an operator, etc. for the wireless network. The intention object of the wireless network energy conservation intention target can include, for example, the network standard, wireless network frequency, or user group, and the specific target can be, for example, the average energy consumption target (rANEnergyConsumptionTarget). For example, the wireless network energy conservation intention target can be that the average energy consumption of the NR network (intent object) within a certain energy consumption statistical period does not exceed the energy consumption threshold (target).

[0111] Example 2: Taking the intent as a radio service intent (RadioServiceIntent) and the intent target as a radio service intent target, the radio service intent target can be a radio service delay intent target, a radio service rate intent target, or a radio service capacity intent target. The following specifically describes the concepts of radio service delay intent target, radio service rate intent target, and radio service capacity intent target:

[0112] The wireless service latency intent target can be used to describe the intent target for wireless service latency optimization by operators, etc. The intent objects of the wireless service latency intent target can include, for example, wireless service types (such as eMBB, URLLC, MIoT, V2X, etc.), wireless service application types (such as voice, video, etc.), wireless service users (such as VIP users, ordinary users, roaming users, and high-security users), and wireless service tenants (such as power grid users, government and enterprise users, steel mill users, and automobile users). Specific targets can include, for example, a downlink latency target (dLLatencyTarget) and an uplink latency target (uLLatencyTarget). For example, the wireless service latency intent target can be that the average downlink latency of the eMBB service (intent object) is lower than the latency threshold (target).

[0113] The wireless service rate intent target can be used to describe the intended target for wireless service rate optimization by operators, etc. The intent objects of the wireless service rate intent target can include, for example, wireless service type, wireless service application type, wireless service user, and wireless service tenant. Specific targets can include, for example, a downlink rate target (dLThptPerUETarget) and an uplink rate target (uLThptPerUETarget). For example, the wireless service rate intent target can be that the average downlink transmission rate of the eMBB service (intent object) is not less than the downlink transmission rate threshold (target).

[0114] The wireless service capacity intent target can be used to describe the operator's intent for optimizing wireless service capacity. The intent objects of the wireless service capacity intent target can include, for example, wireless service types, wireless service application types, wireless service users, and wireless service tenants. Specific targets can include, for example, a user number target (UeNumberTarget). For example, the wireless service capacity intent target can include ensuring that the number of users of the eMBB service (intent object) is no less than a user number threshold.

[0115] It will be understood that the aforementioned intents are wireless network intents or wireless service intents, and the wireless network intent targets or wireless service intent targets included in the intents are merely examples of intents and intent targets. For example, the intents may also be other intents, such as vehicle control intent, plant control intent, etc., and the intent targets may also be vehicle control intent targets, plant control intent targets, etc.

[0116] In addition, in an embodiment of the present application, the second communication device may send intention preference information to the first communication device, and the intention preference information may include one or more of the intention preference information such as wireless network intention preference information for preference configuration of wireless networks, or wireless service intention preference information for preference configuration of wireless services. The intention preference information can be used by the first communication device to identify (or area) the intention targets that are preferentially satisfied and the intention targets that are not preferentially satisfied. Among them, the intention target being preferentially satisfied may mean that the intention target is preferentially achieved, or the intention target is preferentially executed, or the intention target is preferentially allocated resources, etc.

[0117] In a possible implementation, the wireless network intention preference information may include one or more of wireless network intention target type preference, wireless network standard preference, wireless frequency preference, or user group preference.

[0118] The wireless network target type preference is a preference set for the wireless network target type, which may be a latency target, a rate target, a capacity target, or an energy saving target. For example, the wireless network target type preference may be a preference for a coverage target, a preference for a rate target, a preference for a capacity target, or a preference for an energy saving target.

[0119] The wireless network standard preference is a preference set for a wireless network standard, which may be EUTRAN or NR, etc. For example, the wireless network standard preference may be a preference for EUTRAN networks, or a preference for NR networks, etc.

[0120] The wireless frequency preference is a preference set for a wireless frequency (such as 200 MHz, 300 MHz, or 700 MHz, etc.) For example, the wireless frequency preference may be a preference for a 200 MHz network, or a preference for a 700 MHz network, etc.

[0121] User group preference is a preference set for a user group (UEGroup). Different user groups can be represented by different 5G service quality identifiers (5G QoS identifier, 5QI) or single network slice selection assistance information (single network slice selection assistance information, S-NSSAI). For example: the user group preference can be a user group that prefers 5QI=3, or a user group that prefers S-NSSAI=10, or a user group that prefers reduced capability (RedCap).

[0122] It is understandable that the wireless network intention preference information may also be a combination of multiple items of wireless network intention target type preference, wireless network standard preference, wireless frequency preference, or user group preference.

[0123] As an example: the wireless network intention preference information can be a preference set for a combination of wireless network intention targets and network standards, such as a preference for NR rate targets, a preference for EUTRAN energy saving targets; or a preference set for a combination of wireless network intention targets and frequencies, such as a preference for 200M rate targets, a preference for 700MHz capacity targets, and so on.

[0124] The wireless service intention preference information may include one or more of wireless service intention target type preference, wireless service type preference, wireless service application type preference, wireless service user type preference, or wireless service tenant type preference.

[0125] The wireless service intent target type preference is a preference set for the wireless service intent target type, which may be a latency target, a rate target, or a capacity target. For example, the wireless service intent target type preference may be a preference for a latency target, a preference for a rate target, or a preference for a capacity target.

[0126] The wireless service type preference is a preference set for the wireless service type, and the wireless service type may be eMBB, URLLC, MIoT, or V2X, etc. For example, the wireless service type preference may be a preference for eMBB service, or a preference for URLLC service, etc.

[0127] The wireless service application type preference is a preference set for the wireless service application type. The wireless service application type can be a service application category (e.g., voice, video), a service application subcategory (e.g., short video, live broadcast, on-demand, etc.), or a specific application name (e.g., Application A, Application B, etc.). For example, the wireless service application type preference can be a preference for video applications, or a preference for live broadcast, etc.

[0128] The wireless service user type preference is a preference set for the wireless service user type, which may be a VIP user, a common user, a roaming user, or a re-insured user, etc. For example, the wireless service user type preference may be a preference for VIP users, etc.

[0129] The wireless service tenant type preference is a preference set for the wireless service tenant type, which may be a power grid user, a government and enterprise user, a steel plant user, or a car user, etc. For example, the wireless service tenant type preference may be a preference for government and enterprise users.

[0130] It is understandable that the wireless service intention preference information may also be a combination of wireless service intention target type preference, wireless service type preference, wireless service application type preference, wireless service user type preference, or wireless service tenant type preference.

[0131] S302: The first communication device executes a first intention according to the intention preference information, where the first intention includes a first intention target, and the first intention target is satisfied first.

[0132] The first intention target belongs to an intention target associated with an intention target type, and / or the first intention target belongs to an intention target associated with an intention object.

[0133] In one possible implementation, intent preference information can be used to resolve intent conflicts. Taking the existence of an intent conflict in the first intent as an example, the existence of an intent conflict in the first intent can include a conflict between the intent targets included in the first intent (such as the first intent target and the second intent target), or a conflict between the intent target included in the first intent (such as the first intent target) and the intent target included in the second intent (such as the third intent target). It should be understood that a conflict between two intent targets may mean that the two intent targets cannot be satisfied or achieved at the same time.

[0134] As an example: the first intention target is that the average downlink transmission rate of the wireless network is not lower than the transmission rate threshold 1, and the second intention target is that the energy consumption value of the wireless network is not higher than the energy consumption threshold 1. The first communication device cannot control (or manage) the wireless network so that the energy consumption value of the wireless network is not higher than the energy consumption threshold 1 when the average downlink transmission rate is not lower than the transmission rate threshold 1. There is a conflict between the first intention target and the second intention target.

[0135] In the event that there is an intent conflict in the first intention, the first communication device can identify (or distinguish) the intent target that should be satisfied first (such as the first intent target) included in the first intention based on the intent preference information when executing the first intention, and give priority to satisfying the intent target.

[0136] Taking the intention preference information as a preferred wireless network rate target, the first intention includes a first intention target and a second intention target. The first intention target is that the average downlink transmission rate of the wireless network is not lower than the transmission rate threshold 1, and the second intention target is that the wireless network energy consumption value is not higher than the energy consumption threshold 1. For example, if there is a conflict between the first intention target and the second intention target, the first intention target is a wireless network rate target, which is associated with the wireless network rate target (i.e., the preferred intention target type). The first intention target is the intention target that is met first. The first communication device can control (or manage) the wireless network to meet the first intention target. For the second intention target (the wireless network energy consumption value is not higher than the energy consumption threshold 1), the first communication device can control (or manage) the wireless network to meet the second intention target as much as possible (for example, controlling the wireless network energy consumption to reduce as much as possible) under the premise of meeting (or achieving) the first intention target, or the first communication device can also not execute the second intention target.

[0137] Taking the intent preference information as a preference for a user group with S-NSSAI=10, the first intent includes a first intent target, the second intent includes a third intent target, the first intent target is that the average downlink transmission rate of the wireless network user group with S-NSSAI=10 is not less than a transmission rate threshold 1, and the third intent target is that the average downlink transmission rate of the wireless network user group with S-NSSAI=20 is not less than a transmission rate threshold A. For example, if there is a conflict between the first intent target and the third intent target, the intent object of the first intent target is the user group with S-NSSAI=10, and is associated with the user group with S-NSSAI=10 (i.e., the preferred intent object). The first intent target is the intent target that is preferentially satisfied, and the first communication device can control (or manage) the wireless network to satisfy the first intent target. With respect to the third intent target, the first communication device can control (or manage) the wireless network to satisfy the third intent target as much as possible while satisfying the first intent target (for example, controlling the wireless network to increase the average downlink transmission rate of the user group with S-NSSAI=20 as much as possible), or the first communication device can also not execute the third intent target.

[0138] In some implementations, the first communication device may also send conditional information to the second communication device. The conditional information may be used to indicate applicable conditions of the intended preference information, such as one or more of an applicable time range and an applicable area of ​​the intended preference information.

[0139] It is understood that the first communication device may send multiple intent preference information to the second communication device. Different intent preference information may have different applicable conditions, and the intent preference information is only applicable under its corresponding applicable conditions. The second communication device may only use the intent preference information that meets the applicable conditions to resolve the intent conflict.

[0140] As an example: the applicable time range of intent preference information 1 (preferring wireless network rate type targets) is 8:00-12:00; the applicable time range of intent preference information 2 (preferring wireless network energy saving type targets) is 15:00-18:00. If the first communication device receives the first intent at 9:00, it is determined that there is an intent conflict in the first intention, and the first communication device executes the first intention according to intent preference information A.

[0141] In addition, the intent preference information may be applicable to all or part of the intents managed by the first communication device, and may also be applicable to a specific intent managed by the first communication device.

[0142] As an example: the first communication device may include at least one intent execution management function object (IntentHandlingFunction), where different intent execution management function objects may be responsible for managing different intents, such as managing intents in different areas, different types of intents, and so on. For the case where the intent preference information applies to all or part of the intents managed by the first communication device, the second communication device may send an intent execution management function object identifier (one or more) to the first communication device, and the first communication device may configure the intent preference information only in the intent execution management function object identified by the intent execution management function object identifier. In other words, the intent preference information is only applicable to the intent managed by the intent execution management function object identified by the intent execution management function object identifier.

[0143] As another example, if the intent preference information applies to a specific intent managed by the first communication device (e.g., the first intent), the second communication device may also send an intent identifier for that intent to the first communication device. The first communication device may then configure the intent preference information in an intent management object created for that intent, which is used to manage that intent. In other words, the intent preference information applies only to that intent.

[0144] In some implementations, if there is an intent conflict with respect to the executed first intent, the first communication device may further send an intent conflict report to the second communication device. The intent conflict report may include a modification suggestion for the unmet intent target. The modification suggestion may include a target value modification type (e.g., increase or decrease), a target recommended value, and the like.

[0145] As an example: the first intention includes a first intention target (such as the average downlink transmission rate of the wireless network is not lower than the transmission rate threshold 1) and a second intention target (the energy consumption value of the wireless network is not higher than the energy consumption threshold 1). There is a conflict between the first intention target and the second intention target. The first intention target is the intention target that is determined to be met first based on the intention preference information. The first communication device can meet the first intention target and send an intention conflict report to the second communication device. The intention conflict report may include the intention identifier of the first intention, the name of the second intention target, the target value modification type of the second intention target (such as enlarge or decrease) or the target recommendation value, etc., which is used to provide the second communication device with modification suggestions for the second intention target.

[0146] It can be understood that in the embodiment of the present application, the use of intent preference information for intent conflict resolution is only one usage scenario of the intent preference information. The intent preference information can also be applied to intent exploration scenarios, intent execution scenarios, and the like.

[0147] As an example: When a second communication device requests a first communication device to explore target values ​​for a wireless network energy-saving intention (including a wireless network energy-saving target and a wireless network rate target), the first communication device may select a target value combination from multiple candidate target value combinations of the wireless network energy-saving intention target and the wireless network rate target based on the set wireless network intention preference information, and send the selected target value combination to the second communication device. For example, if the wireless network intention preference information indicates a preference for a rate-type target, the first communication device may select a target value combination with a larger wireless network rate target value from multiple candidate target value combinations of the wireless network energy-saving intention target and the wireless network rate target.

[0148] Or: In the wireless network intention execution phase, the first communication device can simultaneously meet the wireless network energy saving target and the wireless network rate target when executing the above-mentioned wireless network energy saving intention. When the specified wireless network intention preference information is (preferring energy-saving targets), the first communication device can ensure the wireless network energy saving target as much as possible (for example, reduce the energy consumption value as much as possible).

[0149] Below, taking the first intention as a wireless network intention, the intent preference information as wireless network intention preference information, the wireless network as a RAN network, the first communication device as a RAN domain management functional unit, and the second communication device as a cross-domain management functional unit as an example, combined with the example shown in Figure 4, the intent management method shown in Figure 3 above is described in detail.

[0150] Referring to the example of the intent management method process in FIG4 , the method includes:

[0151] S401: The cross-domain management function unit sends wireless network intention preference information to the RAN domain management function unit. Correspondingly, the RAN domain management function unit receives the wireless network intention preference information.

[0152] As an example, the wireless network intention preference information includes one or more of wireless network intention target type preference, wireless network standard preference, wireless frequency preference, or user group preference.

[0153] In some implementations, the cross-domain management functional unit may also send conditional information to the RAN domain management functional unit, where the conditional information may be used to indicate applicable conditions of the wireless network intent preference information, such as one or more of the applicable time range and applicable area information of the wireless network intent preference information.

[0154] In addition, it can be understood that the above wireless network intent preference information can be applicable to all or part of the wireless network intents managed by the RAN domain management functional unit, and can also be applicable to specific wireless network intents managed by the RAN domain management functional unit.

[0155] Method A1: Taking the example of wireless network intent preference information applicable to all or some wireless network intents managed by the RAN domain management functional unit, the RAN domain management functional unit may include at least one intent execution management function object, where different intent execution management function objects may be responsible for managing different intents, such as intents in different regions or different types of intents. The cross-domain management functional unit may also send an intent execution management function object identifier to the RAN domain management functional unit, indicating the intent execution management function object that is configured with the wireless network intent preference information. In other words, the wireless network intent preference information applies only to the wireless network intent managed by the intent execution management function object identified by the intent execution management function object identifier.

[0156] Method A2: Taking the example of the wireless network intent preference information being applicable to a specific wireless network intent managed by the RAN domain management functional unit, the cross-domain management functional unit may also send a wireless network intent identifier with a specific wireless network intent (such as a first wireless network intent) to the RAN domain management functional unit, indicating that the wireless network intent preference information is only applicable to the wireless network intent.

[0157] It can be understood that the above-mentioned wireless network intention preference information, condition information and intention execution management function object identifier (or wireless network intention identifier) ​​can be included in one message and sent through one message, or can be included in multiple messages and sent through multiple messages. This application does not limit this.

[0158] Taking the inclusion of a message as an example, for the above-mentioned approach A1, the cross-domain management function unit may send a request message to the RAN domain management function unit. The request message may include wireless network intent preference information, condition information (such as applicable time range and / or applicable area information), and an intent execution management function object identifier. It may also include one or more of the following information: the applicable intent type (such as wireless network intent), a wireless network intent preference identifier (which can be used to identify the intent preference information carried by the message as wireless network intent preference information), etc., for requesting the RAN domain management function unit to configure the wireless network intent preference information in the intent execution management function object. Optionally, the request message may be a configuration modification request message for the intent execution management function object, etc.

[0159] For the above-mentioned method A2, the cross-domain management function unit can send a request message to the RAN domain management function unit. The request message may include one or more of the following information: wireless network intent preference information, condition information (such as applicable time range), wireless network intent identifier, etc., for requesting the RAN domain management function unit to configure the wireless network intent preference information in a specific wireless network intent management object. Optionally, the request message may be a request message for creating or modifying a wireless network intent management object.

[0160] S402: The RAN domain management function unit configures wireless network intention preference information.

[0161] As an example: for the above-mentioned approach A1, the RAN domain management function unit can configure the wireless network intent preference information in the intent execution management function object identified by the intent execution management function object identifier. Optionally, the intent type to which the wireless network intent preference applies (e.g., wireless network intent) and the conditional information to which the wireless network intent preference applies (e.g., applicable time range and / or applicable area information, etc.) can also be configured.

[0162] For the aforementioned approach A2, the RAN domain management functional unit may configure the wireless network intent preference information in the wireless network intent management object corresponding to a specific wireless network intent (e.g., the wireless network intent identified by the aforementioned wireless network intent identifier). Optionally, conditional information (e.g., applicable time range, etc.) for the wireless network intent preference may also be configured.

[0163] In a possible implementation, the RAN domain management functional unit may also generate policy configuration information of the wireless base station according to the wireless network intention preference information, such as resource usage policy, handover policy, load balancing policy, etc.

[0164] As an example: when the wireless network intention preference information is a preference for a certain wireless network standard or wireless frequency, the switching strategy generated by the RAN domain management function unit can be that the user (such as a terminal device) preferentially switches to the cell corresponding to the preferred wireless network standard or wireless frequency; or when the wireless network intention preference information is a preference for a specific user group, the resource utilization strategy generated by the RAN domain management function unit can be to allocate as many resources as possible to the user group, that is, the user group has a relatively large proportion of wireless resources used.

[0165] In a possible implementation, after completing the configuration of the wireless network intention preference information, the RAN domain management function unit may further send a wireless network intention preference information configuration completion message to the cross-domain management function unit to inform the cross-domain management function unit that the wireless network intention preference information configuration is completed.

[0166] S403: The RAN domain management function unit executes the first wireless network intention according to the wireless network intention preference information.

[0167] In a possible implementation, if the RAN domain management functional unit detects that a conflict exists in the first wireless network intention, the intention conflict may be resolved according to the wireless network intention preference information, and the conflicting intention may continue to be executed.

[0168] Taking the intent preference information as a preferred wireless network rate target, the first wireless network intent includes a first wireless network intent target and a second wireless network intent target. The first wireless network intent target is that the average downlink transmission rate of the wireless network is not less than a transmission rate threshold 1, and the second wireless network intent target is that the wireless network energy consumption is not greater than an energy consumption threshold 1. For example, if there is a conflict between the first and second wireless network intent targets, the first wireless network intent target is a wireless network rate target, associated with the wireless network rate target (i.e., the preferred intent target type). The first wireless network intent target is the priority target to be met. The RAN domain management function unit can control (or manage) the wireless network to meet the first wireless network intent target. For the second wireless network intent target (wireless network energy consumption is not greater than energy consumption threshold 1), the RAN domain management function unit can control (or manage) the wireless network to meet the second wireless network intent target as much as possible (for example, to minimize wireless network energy consumption) while meeting the first wireless network intent target. Alternatively, the RAN domain management function unit may not implement the second wireless network intent target.

[0169] S404: The RAN domain management function unit sends an intention conflict report to the inter-domain management function unit. Correspondingly, the inter-domain management function unit receives the intention conflict report.

[0170] In the event of a conflict of intent, the RAN domain management functional unit may also send a conflict of intent report to the cross-domain management functional unit. The conflict of intent report may include a modification suggestion for the unmet radio network intent objective. The modification suggestion may include a target value modification type (e.g., enlarge or decrease) for the radio network intent objective, a target recommended value, and the like.

[0171] It is understandable that step S404 may be performed only when there is an intent conflict. If there is no intent conflict, the RAN domain management function unit may not send an intent conflict report to the cross-domain management function unit, that is, step S404 may not be performed.

[0172] It can be understood that in the embodiment of the present application, the use of wireless network intent preference information for intent conflict resolution is only one usage scenario of the wireless network intent preference information. The wireless network intent preference information can also be applied to wireless network intent exploration scenarios, wireless network intent execution scenarios, etc.

[0173] As an example: In a wireless network intent exploration scenario, for example, when the cross-domain management function unit requests the RAN domain management function unit to explore the target value of the wireless network energy-saving intent (including the wireless network energy-saving intent target and the wireless network rate intent target), the RAN domain management function unit can select a target value combination from multiple candidate target value combinations of the wireless network energy-saving intent target and the wireless network rate intent target based on the set wireless network intent preference information, and send it to the cross-domain management function unit. For example, if the wireless network intent preference information is a preference rate target, the RAN domain management function unit can select a target value combination with a larger wireless network rate intent target value from multiple candidate target value combinations of the wireless network energy-saving intent target and the wireless network rate intent target.

[0174] In the wireless network intent execution scenario (or stage), assuming that the RAN domain management functional unit can meet the specified wireless energy-saving intent target and wireless network rate intent target when executing the above-mentioned wireless energy-saving intent, when the specified wireless network intent preference information is (preferring energy-saving targets), the RAN domain management functional unit can ensure the wireless network energy-saving intent target as much as possible (for example, reducing energy consumption values ​​as much as possible).

[0175] Below, taking the first intention as a wireless service intention, the intent preference information as wireless service intention preference information, the wireless network as a RAN network, the first communication device as a RAN domain management functional unit, and the second communication device as a cross-domain management functional unit as an example, combined with the example shown in Figure 5, the intent management method shown in Figure 3 above is described in detail.

[0176] Referring to the example of the intent management method process in FIG5 , the method includes:

[0177] S501: The cross-domain management function unit sends wireless service intention preference information to the RAN domain management function unit. Correspondingly, the RAN domain management function unit receives the wireless service intention preference information.

[0178] As an example, the wireless service intention preference information includes one or more of wireless service intention target type preference, wireless service type preference, wireless service user type preference, or wireless service tenant type preference.

[0179] In some implementations, the cross-domain management functional unit may also send conditional information to the RAN domain management functional unit, where the conditional information may be used to indicate applicable conditions of the wireless service intention preference information, such as one or more of the applicable time range and applicable area information of the wireless service intention preference information.

[0180] In addition, it can be understood that the above wireless service intent preference information can be applicable to all or part of the wireless service intents managed by the RAN domain management functional unit, and can also be applicable to specific wireless service intents managed by the RAN domain management functional unit.

[0181] Method B1: Taking the example of wireless service intent preference information applicable to all or some wireless service intents managed by the RAN domain management function unit, the RAN domain management function unit may include at least one intent execution management function object, where different intent execution management function objects may be responsible for managing different intents, such as intents in different regions or different types of intents. The cross-domain management function unit may also send an intent execution management function object identifier to the RAN domain management function unit, indicating the intent execution management function object that is configured with the wireless service intent preference information. In other words, the wireless service intent preference information applies only to the wireless service intent managed by the intent execution management function object identified by the intent execution management function object identifier.

[0182] Method B2: Taking the example of wireless service intent preference information applicable to a specific wireless service intent managed by the RAN domain management functional unit, the cross-domain management functional unit can also send a wireless service intent identifier with a specific wireless service intent (such as the first wireless service intent) to the RAN domain management functional unit, indicating that the wireless service intent preference information is only applicable to this wireless service intent.

[0183] It can be understood that the above-mentioned wireless service intention preference information, condition information and intention execution management function object identifier (or wireless service intention identifier) ​​can be included in one message and sent through one message, or can be included in multiple messages and sent through multiple messages. This application does not limit this.

[0184] Taking the inclusion of a message as an example, for the above-mentioned method B1, the cross-domain management function unit can send a request message to the RAN domain management function unit. The request message can include wireless service intent preference information, condition information (such as applicable time range and / or applicable area information), and an intent execution management function object identifier. It can also include one or more of the following information: the applicable intent type (such as wireless service intent), a wireless service intent preference identifier (which can be used to identify the intent preference information carried by the message as wireless service intent preference information), etc., for requesting the RAN domain management function unit to configure the wireless service intent preference information in the intent execution management function object. Optionally, the request message can be a configuration modification request message for the intent execution management function object, etc.

[0185] For the above-mentioned method B2, the cross-domain management function unit may send a request message to the RAN domain management function unit. The request message may include one or more of wireless service intent preference information, condition information (such as an applicable time range), and a wireless service intent identifier, requesting the RAN domain management function unit to configure the wireless service intent preference information in a specific wireless service intent management object. Optionally, the request message may be a request message for creating or modifying a wireless service intent management object.

[0186] S502: The RAN domain management function unit configures wireless service preference information.

[0187] As an example: for the above-mentioned method B1, the RAN domain management function unit can configure the wireless service intent preference information in the intent execution management function object identified by the intent execution management function object identifier. Optionally, the intent type to which the wireless service intent preference applies (such as wireless service intent) and the conditional information to which the wireless service intent preference applies (such as applicable time range and / or applicable area information, etc.) can also be configured.

[0188] For the aforementioned approach B2, the RAN domain management functional unit may configure wireless service intent preference information in the wireless service intent management object corresponding to a specific wireless service intent (e.g., the wireless service intent identified by the aforementioned wireless service intent identifier). Optionally, conditional information (e.g., applicable time range, etc.) for the wireless service intent preference may also be configured.

[0189] In a possible implementation, the RAN domain management functional unit further generates policy configuration information of the wireless base station, such as resource usage policy, resource scheduling policy, etc., according to the wireless service intention preference information.

[0190] As an example: when the wireless service intention preference information is a preference for a certain wireless service type or wireless service application type, the resource utilization strategy generated by the RAN domain management functional unit can be to allocate as many resources as possible to users of the preferred wireless service type or wireless service application type (such as terminal devices), or to give priority to ensuring the resource needs of users of the preferred wireless service type or wireless service application type.

[0191] In a possible implementation, after completing the configuration of the wireless service intention preference information, the RAN domain management function unit may also send a wireless service intention preference information configuration completion message to the cross-domain management function unit to inform the cross-domain management function unit that the wireless service intention preference information configuration is completed.

[0192] S503: The RAN domain management function unit executes the first wireless service intention according to the wireless service intention preference information.

[0193] In a possible implementation, if the RAN domain management functional unit detects that a conflict exists in the first intent, the intent conflict may be resolved according to the wireless service intent preference information, and the conflicting intent may continue to be executed.

[0194] Taking the example of wireless service intent preference information that prefers VIP users, the first wireless service intent includes a first wireless service intent target and a second wireless service intent target, where the first wireless service intent target is the VIP user rate target and the second wireless service intent target is the rate target for ordinary users, the first wireless service intent target is associated with the VIP user (i.e., the preferred intent object), the first wireless service intent target is the intent target that is preferentially satisfied, and the RAN domain management function unit can control (or manage) the wireless network to satisfy the first wireless service intent target. With respect to the second wireless service intent target, the RAN domain management function unit can control (or manage) the wireless network to satisfy the second wireless service intent target as much as possible while satisfying the first wireless service intent target, or the RAN domain management function unit can also not execute the second wireless service intent target.

[0195] Taking the wireless service intention preference information as the preferred live broadcast service application type, the first wireless service intention includes a first wireless service intention target and a second wireless service intention target, where the first wireless service intention target is the rate target for live broadcast service applications and the second wireless service intention target is the rate target for short video service applications as an example, the first wireless service intention target is associated with the live broadcast service application type (i.e., the preferred intention object), and the first wireless service intention target is the intention target that is met first. The RAN domain management function unit can control (or manage) the wireless network to meet the first wireless service intention target. For the second wireless service intention target, the RAN domain management function unit can control (or manage) the wireless network to meet the second wireless service intention target as much as possible while meeting the first wireless service intention target, or the RAN domain management function unit can also not execute the second wireless service intention target.

[0196] S504: The RAN domain management function unit sends an intention conflict report to the inter-domain management function unit. Correspondingly, the inter-domain management function unit receives the intention conflict report.

[0197] In the event of an intent conflict, the RAN domain management functional unit may also send an intent conflict report to the cross-domain management functional unit. The intent conflict report may include modification suggestions for unmet wireless service intent targets. The modification suggestions may include the target value modification type (e.g., enlarge or decrease) of the wireless service intent target, the target recommended value, and so on.

[0198] It is understandable that step S504 may be performed only when there is an intent conflict. If there is no intent conflict, the RAN domain management function unit may not send an intent conflict report to the cross-domain management function unit, that is, step S504 may not be performed.

[0199] It can be understood that in the embodiment of the present application, the use of wireless service intent preference information for intent conflict resolution is only one usage scenario of the wireless service intent preference information. The wireless service intent preference information can also be applied to wireless service intent evaluation scenarios, wireless service intent execution scenarios, etc.

[0200] As an example: in a wireless service intent evaluation scenario (or stage), for example, when the cross-domain management function unit requests the RAN domain management function unit to pre-evaluate the wireless service intent (including the wireless service delay target and the wireless service rate target), the RAN domain management function unit can return modification suggestions when one or more wireless service intent targets in the wireless service intent are not met based on the set wireless service intent preference information.

[0201] In the wireless service intent execution scenario (or stage), assuming that the RAN domain management functional unit can meet the wireless service VIP user rate intent target and the wireless service ordinary user rate intent target when executing the wireless service intent, when the specified wireless service intent preference information is (prefer VIP users), the RAN domain management functional unit can guarantee the VIP user rate intent target as much as possible (that is, increase the VIP user rate as much as possible).

[0202] It is understood that in order to implement the functions in the above embodiments, the first communication device or the second communication device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily appreciate that, in combination with the units and method steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed in this application, the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or in a manner driven by computer software depends on the specific application scenario and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0203] Figures 6 and 7 are schematic diagrams of possible communication devices provided in embodiments of the present application. These communication devices can be used to implement the functions of the first communication device or the second communication device in the above method embodiments, thereby also achieving the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments.

[0204] As shown in Figure 6, communication device 600 includes a processing unit 610 and an interface unit 620. The processing unit 610 can be a processor or processing circuit, and the interface unit 620 can also be a transceiver unit or an input / output interface. Communication device 600 can be used to implement the steps performed by the first communication device or the second communication device in the above embodiments.

[0205] When the communication device 600 is used to implement the steps performed by the first communication device (or RAN domain management functional unit) in the above embodiment:

[0206] Interface unit 620 is configured to receive intent preference information from a second communication device; wherein the intent preference information is used to determine a preferred intent target type, wherein intent targets associated with the intent target type are preferentially satisfied; and / or the intent preference information is used to determine a preferred intent object, wherein intent targets associated with the intent object are preferentially satisfied;

[0207] Processing unit 610 is used to execute the first intention according to the intention preference information, the first intention includes a first intention target, and the first intention target is satisfied first; wherein, the first intention target belongs to an intention target associated with the intention target type, and / or, the first intention target belongs to an intention target associated with the intention object.

[0208] In one possible design, the processing unit 610 is further used to determine whether there is an intention conflict for the first intention before executing the first intention according to the intention preference information, wherein the intention conflict for the first intention includes a conflict between the first intention target and the second intention target also included in the first intention, and / or a conflict between the first intention target and the third intention target included in the second intention.

[0209] In one possible design, the intent preference information includes wireless network intent preference information and / or wireless service intent preference information, and the first intent is a wireless network intent or a wireless service intent.

[0210] In one possible design, the wireless network intention preference information includes one or more of the following: wireless network intention target type preference, wireless network standard preference, wireless frequency preference, or user group preference.

[0211] In one possible design, the wireless service intention preference information includes one or more of the following: wireless service intention target type preference, wireless service type preference, wireless service application type preference, wireless service user type preference, or wireless service tenant type preference.

[0212] In one possible design, the interface unit 620 is further used to receive condition information from the second communication device, where the condition information is used to indicate the applicable conditions of the intention preference information, wherein the processing unit 610 executes the first intention according to the intention preference information to meet the applicable conditions.

[0213] In one possible design, the condition information includes a time range to which the intent preference information applies.

[0214] In one possible design, the interface unit 620 is also used to receive an intent execution management function object identifier from the second communication device, and the intent execution management function object identifier is used to identify the intent execution management function object; the processing unit 610 is also used to configure intent preference information in the intent execution management function object.

[0215] In one possible design, the first intention belongs to the intention to manage the object of the intention execution management function.

[0216] In one possible design, the above-mentioned intention preference information, condition information and intention execution management function object identifier are included in one message.

[0217] In one possible design, the first intention also includes a second intention target, and the second intention target conflicts with the first intention target. The interface unit 620 is also used to send an intention conflict report to the second communication device, and the intention conflict report includes modification suggestions for the second intention target.

[0218] When the communication device 600 is used to implement the steps performed by the second communication device (or the cross-domain management function unit) in the above embodiment:

[0219] Processing unit 610 is configured to determine intent preference information; wherein the intent preference information is used to determine a preferred intent target type, where the intent target associated with the intent target type is preferentially satisfied; and / or, the intent preference information is used to determine a preferred intent object, where the intent target associated with the intent object is preferentially satisfied;

[0220] The interface unit 620 is configured to send the intention preference information to the first communication device.

[0221] In one possible design, the intent preference information includes wireless network intent preference information and / or wireless service intent preference information.

[0222] In one possible design, the wireless network intention preference information includes one or more of the following: wireless network intention target type preference, wireless network standard preference, wireless frequency preference, or user group preference.

[0223] In one possible design, the wireless service intention preference information includes one or more of the following: wireless service intention target type preference, wireless service type preference, wireless service application type preference, wireless service user type preference, or wireless service tenant type preference.

[0224] In one possible design, the interface unit 620 is further configured to send condition information to the first communication device, where the condition information is used to indicate applicable conditions of the schematic preference information.

[0225] In one possible design, the condition information includes a time range to which the intent preference information applies.

[0226] In one possible design, the interface unit 620 is further used to send an intent execution management function object identifier to the first communication device, where the intent execution management function object identifier is used to identify the intent execution management function object, wherein the intent preference information is configured in the intent execution management function object.

[0227] In one possible design, the above-mentioned intention preference information, condition information and intention execution management function object identifier are included in one message.

[0228] In one possible design, the interface unit 620 is also used to receive an intent conflict report from the first communication device, the intent conflict report including a modification suggestion for the second intent target in the first intention, wherein the first intention includes a first intent target and a second intent target, the second intent target conflicts with the first intent target, and the first intent target is preferentially satisfied according to the intent preference information; the processing unit 610 is also used to modify the second intent target according to the intent conflict report.

[0229] As shown in Figure 7, the present application also provides a communication device 700, which includes a processor 710 and may also include a communication interface 720. The processor 710 and the communication interface 720 are coupled to each other. It is understandable that the communication interface 720 can be a transceiver, an input / output interface, an input interface, an output interface, an interface circuit, etc. Optionally, the communication device 700 may also include a memory 730 for storing instructions executed by the processor 710 or storing input data required by the processor 710 to run instructions or storing data generated after the processor 710 runs instructions. The memory 730 may be a physically independent unit coupled to the processor 710, or the processor 710 and the memory 730 may be integrated together.

[0230] When the communication device 700 is used to implement the steps performed by the first communication device and the second communication device in the above embodiments, the processor 710 can be used to implement the functions of the above processing unit 610, and the communication interface 720 can be used to implement the functions of the above interface unit 620.

[0231] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of the present application may be a central processing unit (CPU), or may be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), logic circuits, field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0232] The method steps in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented by hardware or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions can be composed of corresponding software modules, and the software modules can be stored in a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory, an erasable programmable read-only memory, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, a register, a hard disk, a mobile hard disk, a CD-ROM or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be an integral part of the processor. The processor and the storage medium can be located in an ASIC. In addition, the ASIC can be located in a network device or a terminal device. Of course, the processor and the storage medium can also be present in a network device or a terminal device as discrete components.

[0233] In the above embodiments, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented using software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are performed in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user device, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions can be transmitted from one network device, terminal, computer, server, or data center to another network device, terminal, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; it can also be an optical medium, such as a digital video disk; or it can be a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or nonvolatile storage medium, or may include both volatile and nonvolatile types of storage media.

[0234] In the various embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0235] Furthermore, it should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, the word "exemplary" is used to indicate an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design described in this application as "exemplary" should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of the word "exemplary" is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner.

[0236] It is understood that the various numbers used in the embodiments of this application are merely for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the sequence numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not necessarily imply a specific order of execution; the order of execution of the processes should be determined by their functions and inherent logic.

Claims

1. An intention management method, characterized in that, Including: Receiving intention preference information from a second communication device; wherein the intention preference information is used to determine a preferred intention target type, and the intention target associated with the intention target type is preferentially satisfied; and / or, the intention preference information is used to determine a preferred intention object, and the intention target associated with the intention object is preferentially satisfied; Performing a first intention according to the intention preference information, the first intention including a first intention target, and the first intention target being preferentially satisfied; Wherein the first intention target belongs to the intention target associated with the intention target type, and / or the first intention target belongs to the intention target associated with the intention object.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein Before performing the first intention according to the intention preference information, the method further includes: Determining that there is an intention conflict in the first intention, where the existence of an intention conflict in the first intention includes a conflict between the first intention target and a second intention target further included in the first intention, and / or a conflict between the first intention target and a third intention target included in a second intention.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The intention preference information includes wireless network intention preference information and / or wireless service intention preference information, and the first intention is a wireless network intention or a wireless service intention.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The wireless network intention preference information includes one or more of the following: Wireless network intention target type preference, wireless network mode preference, wireless frequency point preference, or user group preference.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The wireless service intention preference information includes one or more of the following: Wireless service intention target type preference, wireless service type preference, wireless service application type preference, wireless service user type preference, or wireless service tenant type preference.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receiving condition information from the second communication device, the condition information being used to indicate an applicable condition of the intention preference information, wherein performing the first intention according to the intention preference information satisfies the applicable condition.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein The condition information includes a time range for which the intention preference information is applicable.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receiving an intention execution management function object identifier from the second communication device, the intention execution management function object identifier being used to identify an intention execution management function object; Configuring the intention preference information in the intention execution management function object.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein The first intention belongs to the intentions managed by the intention execution management function object.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The intention preference information, the condition information, and the intention execution management function object identifier are included in one message.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The first intention further includes a second intention target, and the second intention target conflicts with the first intention target. The method further includes: Sending an intention conflict report to the second communication device, the intention conflict report including a modification suggestion for the second intention target.

12. An intention management method, characterized in that, Including: Determining intention preference information; wherein the intention preference information is used to determine a preferred intention target type, and the intention target associated with the intention target type is preferentially satisfied; and / or, the intention preference information is used to determine a preferred intention object, and the intention target associated with the intention object is preferentially satisfied; Sending the intention preference information to a first communication device.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein The intention preference information includes wireless network intention preference information and / or wireless service intention preference information.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein The wireless network intention preference information includes one or more of the following: Wireless network intention target type preference, wireless network mode preference, wireless frequency point preference, or user group preference.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that The wireless service intention preference information includes one or more of the following: Wireless service intention target type preference, wireless service type preference, wireless service application type preference, wireless service user type preference, or wireless service tenant type preference.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12-15, characterized in that The method further includes: Sending condition information to the first communication device, where the condition information is used to indicate the applicable conditions of the intention preference information.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein The condition information includes the time range to which the intention preference information applies.

18. The method according to any one of claims 12-17, characterized in that, The method further includes: Sending an intention execution management function object identifier to the first communication device, where the intention execution management function object identifier is used to identify an intention execution management function object, and the intention preference information is configured in the intention execution management function object.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein The intention preference information, the condition information, and the intention execution management function object identifier are included in one message.

20. The method according to any one of claims 12-19, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receiving an intention conflict report from the first communication device, where the intention conflict report includes a modification suggestion for a second intention target in a first intention, where the first intention includes a first intention target and the second intention target, the second intention target conflicts with the first intention target, and the first intention target is preferentially satisfied according to the intention preference information; Modifying the second intention target according to the intention conflict report.

21. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes units for performing the method according to any one of claims 1-11, or the method according to any one of claims 12-20.

22. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes a processor and an interface circuit, where the interface circuit is used to receive signals from other communication devices outside the communication device and transmit them to the processor, or send signals from the processor to other communication devices outside the communication device, and the processor is used to implement the method according to any one of claims 1-11, or the method according to any one of claims 12-20 through logic circuits or execution of instructions.

23. A computer program product, characterized in that, Contains a computer program or instructions, and when the computer program or instructions are executed by a processor, the method according to any one of claims 1-11, or the method according to any one of claims 12-20 is implemented.

24. A chip system, characterized in that, The chip system includes: A processor and an interface, where the processor is used to call and execute instructions from the interface, and when the processor executes the instructions, the method according to any one of claims 1-11, or the method according to any one of claims 12-20 is implemented.

25. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program or instructions, and when the computer program or instructions are executed by a processor, the method according to any one of claims 1-11, or the method according to any one of claims 12-20 is implemented.

26. A communication system, characterized in that, Includes a first communication device and a second communication device; The first communication device is used to implement the method described in any one of claims 1-11; The second communication device is used to implement the method described in any one of claims 12-20.

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