Method and apparatus for determining edge application server

Abstract

The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and apparatus for determining an edge application server (EAS). The method comprises: acquiring latency information and / or EAS loads corresponding to candidate EASs; and determining a target EAS from among the candidate EASs on the basis of the latency information and / or the EAS loads.

Description

Method and device for determining edge application server

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application number 202410175072.3, filed on February 7, 2024, entitled “Method and Device for Determining Edge Application Server,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technologies, and in particular to a method and device for determining an edge application server. Background Art

[0004] Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) technology migrates computing, storage, and business service capabilities to the edge of the network, minimizing the need to transmit data back to the cloud and reducing the waiting time and network costs for data traveling to and from the cloud. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and apparatus for determining an edge application server, so as to solve the defect in related technologies that the communication time cannot be too long, thereby determining a more appropriate EAS and avoiding the communication time being too long.

[0006] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for determining an edge application server, which is applied to SMF. The method includes:

[0007] Obtaining delay information and / or EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS;

[0008] Based on the delay information and / or the EAS load, a target EAS is determined from the candidate EASs.

[0009] In some embodiments, according to the method for determining an edge application server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, obtaining delay information corresponding to a candidate EAS includes:

[0010] Instruct one or more candidate PSA UPFs to measure delay information between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs respectively;

[0011] Receive a delay measurement report sent by the candidate PSA UPF, where the delay measurement report includes delay information between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs.

[0012] In some embodiments, according to the method for determining an edge application server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method further includes:

[0013] Determine one or more candidate EASs based on the EAS IP address range information;

[0014] Based on the one or more DNAIs, one or more candidate PSA UPFs are determined.

[0015] In some embodiments, according to the method for determining an edge application server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, obtaining the delay information and / or EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS includes:

[0016] Receive EAS information sent by EASDF;

[0017] Based on the EAS information and UPF selection rules, one or more candidate PSA UPFs are determined.

[0018] In some embodiments, according to the method for determining an edge application server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, obtaining the delay information and / or EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS includes:

[0019] Based on the EAS deployment information and / or EAS related information, obtaining the delay information and / or EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS;

[0020] Wherein, the EAS deployment information is locally configured or obtained from the AF; the EAS related information is obtained from the AF;

[0021] The EAS-related information includes at least one of the following: the EAS capability of the candidate EAS, the delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS, and the EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS.

[0022] In some embodiments, according to the edge application server determination method of an embodiment of the present disclosure, determining the target EAS from the candidate EASs based on the latency information and / or EAS load includes:

[0023] When the EAS deployment information and / or the EAS status information includes a mapping relationship between the FQDN and the EAS capability, and / or when the EAS deployment information includes a mapping relationship between the FQDN and the latency information corresponding to the candidate EAS, determining the target EAS based on the latency information and / or the EAS load;

[0024] The EAS deployment information and / or EAS status information includes at least one of the following: EAS capability of the candidate EAS, delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS, EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS, and EAS related information.

[0025] In some embodiments, according to the method for determining an edge application server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method further includes:

[0026] Update the DNS message processing rule, wherein the DNS message processing rule includes the EAS IP address of the target EAS.

[0027] In some embodiments, according to the method for determining an edge application server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method further includes:

[0028] Based on the delay information and / or the EAS load, a target PSA UPF is determined from the candidate PSA UPFs.

[0029] In some embodiments, according to the method for determining an edge application server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method further includes:

[0030] Determine and select a target EAS based on the delay information and / or the EAS load.

[0031] In some embodiments, according to a method for determining an edge application server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the determining of selecting a target EAS based on the latency information and / or the EAS load includes:

[0032] Based on one or more of the PCC rule, the DNS query related information, and the local policy, a target EAS is determined from the candidate EASs based on the delay information and / or the EAS load.

[0033] In some embodiments, according to the method for determining an edge application server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method further includes:

[0034] receiving the PCC rule, where the PCC rule is generated based on the AF request;

[0035] The AF request is used to request one or more of the following:

[0036] The N6 delay corresponding to the target EAS does not exceed the first preset value;

[0037] The delay between the UE and the target EAS does not exceed a second preset value;

[0038] The EAS load of the target EAS does not exceed a third preset value;

[0039] Select the target EAS based on the delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS;

[0040] Select the target EAS based on the delay between the UE and the candidate EASs;

[0041] The target EAS is selected based on the EAS payload corresponding to the candidate EASs.

[0042] In some embodiments, according to the method for determining an edge application server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method further includes:

[0043] Based on the second preset value, a fourth preset threshold is determined, wherein the fourth preset threshold is used to specify the N6 delay corresponding to the target EAS.

[0044] In some embodiments, according to the method for determining an edge application server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method further includes:

[0045] determining to reselect a target EAS based on the first information;

[0046] The first information includes one or more of the following:

[0047] Delay requirement information;

[0048] EAS load demand information;

[0049] Latency requirement update information;

[0050] EAS load demand update information;

[0051] N6 latency monitoring report.

[0052] In some embodiments, according to the method for determining an edge application server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, obtaining the delay information and / or EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS includes:

[0053] Send a request message to the NWDAF, where the request message is used to request the delay information and / or EAS load between the candidate EAS and one or more candidate PSA UPFs;

[0054] Receive feedback information sent by the NWDAF; wherein the feedback information is used to indicate the delay information and / or EAS load, or the feedback information includes the delay information and / or EAS load.

[0055] In some embodiments, according to the method for determining an edge application server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method further includes:

[0056] Receive relevant information of the DNS query;

[0057] Among them, the relevant message of the DNS query is generated based on the DNS query message and the DNS message processing rules, and the DNS query message includes delay requirement information and / or EAS load requirement information. The delay requirement information is used to indicate the selection of the target EAS based on the delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS, and the EAS load requirement information is used to indicate the selection of the target EAS based on the EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS.

[0058] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a method for determining an edge application server, which is applied to an AF. The method includes:

[0059] Send AF request;

[0060] The AF request is used to request one or more of the following:

[0061] The N6 delay corresponding to the target EAS does not exceed the first preset value;

[0062] The delay between the UE and the target EAS does not exceed a second preset value;

[0063] The EAS load of the target EAS does not exceed a third preset value;

[0064] Select the target EAS based on the delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS;

[0065] Select the target EAS based on the delay between the UE and the candidate EASs;

[0066] The target EAS is selected based on the EAS payload corresponding to the candidate EASs.

[0067] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a method for determining an edge application server, which is applied to a UE or an EASDF, and the method includes:

[0068] Send DNS query message;

[0069] The DNS query message includes delay requirement information and / or EAS load requirement information. The delay requirement information is used to indicate the selection of a target EAS based on the delay information corresponding to the candidate EASs. The EAS load requirement information is used to indicate the selection of a target EAS based on the EAS load corresponding to the candidate EASs.

[0070] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a method for determining an edge application server, which is applied to NWDAF. The method includes:

[0071] Receive a request message sent by the SMF, where the request message is used to request delay information and / or EAS load between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs;

[0072] Based on the request information, feedback information is sent to the SMF; wherein the feedback information is used to indicate the delay information and / or EAS load, or the feedback information includes the delay information and / or EAS load.

[0073] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a method for determining an edge application server, which is applied to a UPF. The method includes:

[0074] Receive delay measurement parameters;

[0075] Based on the delay measurement parameter, measure the delay information between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs respectively;

[0076] Send a delay measurement report to the SMF, where the delay measurement report includes delay information between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs.

[0077] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides an SMF, including a memory, a transceiver, and a processor, wherein:

[0078] A memory for storing a computer program; a transceiver for sending and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer program in the memory and implementing the steps of the method for determining the edge application server as described in the first aspect above.

[0079] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides an AF, comprising a memory, a transceiver, and a processor, wherein:

[0080] A memory for storing computer programs; a transceiver for sending and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer program in the memory and implementing the steps of the method for determining the edge application server as described in the second aspect above.

[0081] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a UE, including a memory, a transceiver, and a processor, wherein:

[0082] A memory for storing a computer program; a transceiver for sending and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer program in the memory and implementing the steps of the method for determining the edge application server as described in the third aspect above.

[0083] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides an EASDF, including a memory, a transceiver, and a processor, wherein:

[0084] A memory for storing computer programs; a transceiver for sending and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer program in the memory and implementing the steps of the method for determining the edge application server as described in the fourth aspect above.

[0085] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides an NWDAF, including a memory, a transceiver, and a processor, wherein:

[0086] A memory for storing computer programs; a transceiver for sending and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer program in the memory and implementing the steps of the method for determining the edge application server as described in the fifth aspect above.

[0087] In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a UPF, including a memory, a transceiver, and a processor, wherein:

[0088] A memory for storing computer programs; a transceiver for sending and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer program in the memory and implementing the steps of the method for determining the edge application server as described in the sixth aspect above.

[0089] In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a device for determining an edge application server, the device comprising:

[0090] A first acquisition module is configured to acquire delay information and / or EAS load corresponding to a candidate EAS;

[0091] The second determining module is configured to determine a target EAS from the candidate EASs based on the delay information and / or the EAS load.

[0092] In a thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a device for determining an edge application server, the device comprising:

[0093] A first sending module, configured to send an AF request;

[0094] The AF request is used to request one or more of the following:

[0095] The N6 delay corresponding to the target EAS does not exceed the first preset value;

[0096] The delay between the UE and the target EAS does not exceed a second preset value;

[0097] The EAS load of the target EAS does not exceed a third preset value;

[0098] Select the target EAS based on the delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS;

[0099] Select the target EAS based on the delay between the UE and the candidate EASs;

[0100] The target EAS is selected based on the EAS payload corresponding to the candidate EASs.

[0101] In a fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a device for determining an edge application server, the device comprising:

[0102] The second sending module is used to send a DNS query message;

[0103] The DNS query message includes delay requirement information and / or EAS load requirement information. The delay requirement information is used to indicate the selection of a target EAS based on the delay information corresponding to the candidate EASs. The EAS load requirement information is used to indicate the selection of a target EAS based on the EAS load corresponding to the candidate EASs.

[0104] In a fifteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a device for determining an edge application server, the device comprising:

[0105] A first receiving module is configured to receive a request message sent by the SMF, wherein the request message is used to request delay information and / or EAS load between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs;

[0106] The third sending module is used to send feedback information to the SMF based on the request information; wherein the feedback information is used to indicate the delay information and / or EAS load, or the feedback information includes the delay information and / or EAS load.

[0107] In a sixteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a device for determining an edge application server, the device comprising:

[0108] A second receiving module, configured to receive a delay measurement parameter;

[0109] A measurement module, configured to measure delay information between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs based on the delay measurement parameter;

[0110] The fourth sending module is configured to send a delay measurement report to the SMF, where the delay measurement report includes delay information between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs.

[0111] In the seventeenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a processor-readable storage medium, wherein the processor-readable storage medium stores a computer program, and the computer program is used to enable the processor to execute the steps of the method for determining the edge application server as described in the first aspect above.

[0112] In the eighteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a processor-readable storage medium, wherein the processor-readable storage medium stores a computer program, and the computer program is used to enable the processor to execute the steps of the method for determining the edge application server as described in the second aspect above.

[0113] In the nineteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a processor-readable storage medium, wherein the processor-readable storage medium stores a computer program, and the computer program is used to enable the processor to execute the steps of the method for determining the edge application server as described in the third aspect above.

[0114] In the twentieth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a processor-readable storage medium, wherein the processor-readable storage medium stores a computer program, and the computer program is used to enable the processor to execute the steps of the method for determining the edge application server as described in the fourth aspect above.

[0115] In the twenty-first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a processor-readable storage medium, wherein the processor-readable storage medium stores a computer program, and the computer program is used to enable the processor to execute the steps of the method for determining the edge application server as described in the fifth aspect above.

[0116] The method and device for determining an edge application server provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure determine the target EAS based on the delay information and / or EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS, fully considering the delay requirements and / or EAS load requirements, thereby determining a more appropriate EAS and avoiding excessively long communication time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0117] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure or related technologies, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments or related technical descriptions. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present disclosure. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0118] FIG1 is a flow chart of a method for determining an edge application server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0119] FIG2 is a second flow chart of a method for determining an edge application server provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0120] FIG3 is a third flow chart of a method for determining an edge application server provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0121] FIG4 is a fourth flow chart of a method for determining an edge application server provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0122] FIG5 is a fifth flow chart of a method for determining an edge application server provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0123] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a method for determining an edge application server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0124] FIG7 is a second schematic diagram of a method for determining an edge application server provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0125] FIG8 is a third schematic diagram of a method for determining an edge application server provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0126] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of an AF request to discover an EAS based on latency and EAS load requirements according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0127] FIG10 is a fourth schematic diagram of a method for determining an edge application server provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0128] 11 is a schematic diagram of an SMF determining the need to rediscover EAS according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0129] FIG12 is a schematic structural diagram of an SMF provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0130] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of a structure of an AF according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0131] FIG14 is a schematic structural diagram of a UE provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0132] FIG15 is a schematic structural diagram of an EASDF provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0133] FIG16 is a schematic structural diagram of an NWDAF provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0134] FIG17 is a schematic structural diagram of a UPF provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0135] FIG18 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a device for determining an edge application server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0136] FIG19 is a second structural diagram of the device for determining an edge application server provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0137] FIG20 is a third structural diagram of the device for determining an edge application server provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0138] FIG21 is a fourth structural diagram of the device for determining an edge application server provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0139] FIG22 is a fifth structural diagram of the device for determining an edge application server provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0140] FIG23 is a schematic diagram of accessing an edge computing server through UL CL / BP in a non-roaming scenario provided by the related art;

[0141] FIG24 is a schematic diagram of accessing an edge computing server without using UL CL / BP in a non-roaming scenario provided by the related art;

[0142] FIG25 is a schematic diagram of accessing an edge computing server without using UL CL / BP in a non-roaming scenario provided by the related art;

[0143] FIG26 is a sixth flow chart of a method for determining an edge application server provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0144] FIG27 is a second structural diagram of the AF provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0145] FIG28 is a sixth structural diagram of the device for determining an edge application server provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0146] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the term "and / or" describes the association relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the associated objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0147] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the term "plurality" refers to two or more than two, and other quantifiers are similar thereto.

[0148] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present disclosure and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0149] The technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure can be applicable to a variety of systems, especially 5G systems. For example, the applicable system can be a global system of mobile communication (GSM) system, a code division multiple access (CDMA) system, a wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) general packet radio service (GPRS) system, a long term evolution (LTE) system, a LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, a LTE time division duplex (TDD) system, an advanced long term evolution (LTE-A) system, a universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), a world-wide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) system, a 5G new air interface (NR) system, etc. These various systems include terminal equipment and network equipment. The system may also include a core network part, such as an evolved packet system (EPS), a 5G system (5GS), etc.

[0150] First, let’s introduce the following contents:

[0151] Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) technology migrates computing, storage, and service capabilities to the edge of the network, minimizing the need to transmit data back to the cloud. This reduces latency and network costs associated with data transmission. Based on 5G's distributed cloud infrastructure, 5G user planes and 5G MEC nodes are built at the edge of the cloud. 5G MEC nodes provide a MEC application platform that enables the deployment and management of third-party applications. Users can access services through MEC applications.

[0152] 5G defines an Application Function, which sends an AF Request to a non-trusted domain (NEF) or a trusted domain (PCF), containing a series of parameters such as the target DNN, application ID, N6 routing requirements, and application location. Based on these information parameters provided by the AF and its own policy control, the PCF generates PCC rules for the target PDU Session service flow and selects a suitable UPF for it through the SMF. MEC provides functions such as application infrastructure resource orchestration, application instantiation, and application rule configuration. Therefore, when MEC is deployed in a 5G system, MEC can also act as an Application Function, interacting with the 5G system control plane on behalf of the applications deployed on the MEC.

[0153] FIG23 is a schematic diagram of accessing an edge computing server through UL CL / BP in a non-roaming scenario provided by the related art. FIG24 is a schematic diagram of accessing an edge computing server without UL CL / BP in a non-roaming scenario provided by the related art. As shown in FIG23 and FIG24, the main network functions in the 5GS architecture are described as follows:

[0154] AMF: Access and Mobility Management Function, access and mobility management functions, registration, connection management, etc.

[0155] UPF: User Plan Function. It is an external PDU session node interconnected with the data network, and is responsible for message routing and forwarding.

[0156] SMF: Session Management Function. This includes session establishment and deletion, user plane selection and control, and UE IP allocation.

[0157] AF: Application Function. Interacts with the 3GPP core network to provide services. Based on operator deployment, trusted AFs can interact directly with relevant NFs, while untrusted AFs cannot interact directly with NFs and must instead interact through the NEF using an open framework.

[0158] PCF: Policy Control Function. Supports a unified policy framework to manage network behavior and provides policy rules for control plane NFs to execute.

[0159] NRF: Network Repository Function, network storage function. Supports service discovery function.

[0160] UDM: Unified Data Management. Stores UE information, such as subscription information and information about established PDU sessions.

[0161] NEF: Network Exposure Function. Provides functions related to securely exposing the services and capabilities provided by the 3GPP network to external networks.

[0162] UDR: Unified Data Repository. Stores contract data and allows the UDM FE to retrieve it. Stores policy information and allows the PCF to retrieve it.

[0163] EASDF: Edge Application Server Discovery Function. Processes DNS messages based on SMF instructions.

[0164] EAS: Edge Application Server. Provides edge services.

[0165] Local part of DN: L-DN for short. It represents a set of network entities deployed in a local data network. The local access DN provides access to the local part of DN.

[0166] To support selective data routing to DN, SMF can control the data path of the PDU session to ensure that the PDU session can correspond to multiple N6 interfaces at the same time. Each anchor point supporting the PDU session provides different access paths to the same DN to achieve local diversion. This can be achieved through the UL CL (Uplink Classifier) ​​function and the IPv6 multi-homing function BP (Branching Point). This architecture is called the session breakout connection model.

[0167] FIG25 is a schematic diagram of accessing an edge computing server without using UL CL / BP in a non-roaming scenario provided by related art. FIG25 shows EAS discovery under the 5GS support session offload connection model. The main steps are described below:

[0168] 1. The UE sends a PDU session establishment request to the SMF. The SMF obtains the UE subscription information through the UDM (which may include an indication that the UE is authorized to discover EAS through the EASDF). The SMF checks whether the UE is authorized to use the EASDF to discover EAS.

[0169] 2.SMF selects EASDF as the DNS server for the PDU session.

[0170] 3-4.SMF notifies EASDF to establish a DNS context and returns the EASDF address to the UE.

[0171] 7. The UE sends a DNS Query message to the EASDF.

[0172] 8-9. If the DNS Query message matches the DNS message processing rule and the action is to report, the EASDF reports the relevant information of the DNS Query (such as the target FQDN) to the SMF.

[0173] 12.EASDF processes DNS Query messages:

[0174] - Option A: Add the ECS option (e.g., including the IP address of the local PSA UPF) to the DNS Query message and send it to the C-DNS (central) server.

[0175] -Option B: EASDF sends the DNS Query message to the local DNS server (according to the local DNS server included in the DNS message processing rules).

[0176] 13.EASDF receives the DNS Response message, which contains the EAS IP determined by the DNS system.

[0177] 14-15. If the DNS Response message matches the DNS message processing rule and the action is to report, the EASDF reports the relevant information of the DNS Response (such as EAS IP(s)) to the SMF and caches the DNS Response.

[0178] 16.SMF performs selection and insertion of UL CL / BP and Local PSA.

[0179] 17-18.SMF notifies EASDF to forward the cached DNS Response to UE.

[0180] 19.EASDF sends the DNS Response to the UE.

[0181] Related technologies use the UE's topological location (i.e., the UE / PSA UPF IP address) to discover the nearest EAS, without considering other information (e.g., latency and load) to select a more appropriate EAS. For example, if the topologically closest EAS is selected, the selected EAS may not be optimal due to long communication times caused by factors such as N6 communication latency, EAS local processing latency, and EAS load.

[0182] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and apparatus for determining an edge application server, so as to determine a more appropriate EAS and avoid excessively long communication time.

[0183] Among them, the method and the device are based on the same application concept. Since the principles of solving problems by the method and the device are similar, the implementation of the device and the method can refer to each other, and the repeated parts will not be repeated.

[0184] FIG1 is a flow chart of a method for determining an edge application server provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG1 , the method for determining an edge application server is applied to SMF, and the method includes:

[0185] Step 100: Obtain delay information and / or EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS;

[0186] Step 110: Determine a target EAS from candidate EASs based on the delay information and / or EAS load.

[0187] In some embodiments, the latency information may include N6 latency and / or end-to-end latency (ie, latency between the UE and the EAS).

[0188] It should be noted that the various embodiments in this disclosure that take N6 delay as an example can also be applied to situations where the delay information includes end-to-end delay. For example, the end-to-end delay can be calculated by adding N6 delay to PDB and then applied to the delay information including end-to-end delay. The embodiments of this disclosure will not be repeated here.

[0189] Specifically, in order to avoid excessively long communication time, the delay requirement and / or EAS load requirement may be fully considered when selecting a target EAS.

[0190] In some embodiments, the EAS and local UPF (re)selection can be enhanced by considering N6 delay measurements per pair of 5GC N6 termination point (ieUPF / L-PSA) and the measurement endpoint at application side.

[0191] In some embodiments, the N6 delay in various embodiments of the present disclosure may include uplink N6 delay and / or downlink N6 delay.

[0192] For example, when SMF determines that it is necessary to consider the latency requirement and / or EAS load requirement for EAS discovery, it can first determine the candidate EAS based on relevant technologies, such as determining one or more suitable candidate EAS based on DNS Query and EAS Deployment Information, and then obtain the latency information and / or EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS, and then determine the target EAS from the candidate EAS based on the latency information and / or EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS.

[0193] The method for determining the edge application server provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure determines the target EAS based on the delay information and / or EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS, fully considering the delay requirements and / or EAS load requirements, and determines a more appropriate EAS to avoid excessively long communication time.

[0194] In some embodiments, obtaining the delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS includes:

[0195] Instruct one or more candidate PSA UPFs to measure delay information between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs respectively;

[0196] Receive a delay measurement report sent by the candidate PSA UPF, where the delay measurement report includes delay information between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs.

[0197] For example, the SMF may request the candidate UPF(s) to perform the N6 delay measurement between the UPF and the measurement endpoint and report the N6 delay measurement result to the SMF (“The SMF requests the candidate UPF(s) to perform the N6 delay measurement between the UPF and measurement endpoint and to report the N6 delay measurement to SMF”).

[0198] In some embodiments, obtaining the delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS includes:

[0199] Sending an SRR to one or more candidate PSA UPFs, where the SRR is used to indicate delay information of measuring a PDU session or QoS flow between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs;

[0200] Receive a delay measurement report sent by the candidate PSA UPF, where the delay measurement report includes delay information of a PDU session or QoS flow between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs.

[0201] Specifically, when the SMF determines that it is necessary to select a suitable EAS based on latency information and / or EAS load (i.e., EAS discovery is performed considering latency requirements and / or EAS load requirements), one or more of the suitable candidate EAS(s), Local DNS servers, and candidate PSA UPF(s) can be determined based on DNS Query and EAS Deployment Information.

[0202] If the SMF has determined the candidate EAS and candidate PSA UPF, but the SMF does not know the delay between the candidate EAS and the candidate PSA UPF, the SMF can send an SRR (Session Reporting Rule) to the candidate PSA UPF. According to the SRR, the UPF sends the measured delay information between one or more candidate EAS and one or more candidate PSA UPFs to the SMF by sending a session report, such as N6 delay, or the delay between the PSA UPF and the EAS, including UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay. For example, the UPF measures the delay by Round Trip Time (RTT), that is, the PSA UPF sends an Echo Request message to the EAS, and the EAS replies to the PSA UPF with an Echo Response message. If the SMF receives a delay information measurement report (such as an N6 delay measurement report), it selects the most appropriate PSA UPF and EAS; and indicates "Respond directly to the DNS request" in the Forwarding Action contained in the DNS message handling rule to instruct the EASDF to directly include the selected EAS IP address in the DNS response and send it to the UE.

[0203] For example, if the delay information includes UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay, the UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay can be included in the N6 Traffic Parameter Measurement Report, or a new parameter N6 delay Measurement Report can be created. If the SMF receives the N6 delay measurement report, it selects the most appropriate PSA UPF and EAS.

[0204] For example, if the latency information includes N6 latency, the SRR may include an N6 delay measurement parameter to indicate that N6 delay (the delay between the PSA UPF and the EAS) is measured for this PDU session or specific QoS flow. For example, the N6 delay measurement may be indicated in the N6 Traffic Parameter Measurement Control Information included in the SRR, or a new N6 delay measurement parameter may be created in the SRR. The UPF may also be instructed to report the N6 delay measurement results periodically or on an event-triggered basis.

[0205] It should be noted that the “N6 delay between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs” in each embodiment of the present disclosure may include the N6 delays corresponding to all possible pairwise permutations and combinations between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs.

[0206] It should be noted that the N6 delay or N6 delay in each embodiment of the present disclosure may include UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay.

[0207] If the SMF has not determined the candidate EAS and / or candidate PSA UPF, the SMF may include the selected PSA UPF IP address in the DNS message handling rule based on relevant technologies, indicating the creation of the EDNS Client Subnet option. Or the SMF may include the Local DNS Server IP address in the DNS message handling rule based on relevant technologies. The SMF calls Neasdf_DNSContext_Update Request to send the DNS message handling rule to the EASDF. Based on the DNS message handling rule, the EASDF executes the DNS query to the DNS Server. When the EASDF receives the DNS response from the DNS Server, it calls the Neasdf_DNSContext_Notify service operation to send the EAS information (i.e., one or more EAS IP addresses) contained in the DNS response to the SMF. The SMF selects one or more candidate PSA UPFs based on the received EAS information and other UPF selection rules. If the SMF does not know the delay between the candidate EAS and the candidate PSA UPF, it sends an SRR (Session Reporting Rule) to each candidate PSA UPF, indicating its measured delay information, such as N6 delay, or the delay between the PSA UPF and the EAS, including UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay. For example, the N6 Traffic Parameter Measurement Control Information contained in the SRR may indicate the reporting of the N6 delay measurement, or a new N6 delay measurement parameter may be created in the SRR. The UPF is also instructed to report the measurement results of the delay information (such as N6 delay or the delay between the PSA UPF and the EAS, including UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay) periodically or event-triggered.According to the SRR, the UPF sends the measured delay information between one or more UPFs and EAS to the SMF by sending a session report, such as N6 delay or the delay between the PSA UPF and EAS, including UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay. For example, the UPF measures the Round Trip Time (RTT), that is, the PSA UPF sends an Echo Request message to the EAS, and the EAS replies with an Echo Response message to the PSA UPF. Based on the delay information measurement report (such as the N6 delay measurement report), the SMF ultimately determines the EAS IP address and target PSA UPF of the target EAS.

[0208] In some embodiments, after determining the target EAS and / or target PSA UPF, the SMF may update the DNS message handling rule, include the EAS IP address of the selected target EAS in the rule, and call Neasdf_DNSContext_Update Request to send the updated DNS message handling rule to the EASDF. Based on the DNS message handling rule, the EASDF sends a DNS response including the EAS IP address to the UE.

[0209] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0210] Determine one or more candidate EASs based on the EAS IP address range information; or,

[0211] Based on the one or more DNAIs, one or more candidate PSA UPFs are determined.

[0212] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0213] In a case where the EAS deployment information includes a mapping relationship between the FQDN and the EAS IP address range information, determining one or more candidate EASs based on the EAS IP address range information corresponding to the target FQDN;

[0214] In the case that the EAS deployment information includes a mapping relationship between an FQDN and one or more DNAIs, one or more candidate PSA UPFs are determined based on the one or more DNAIs corresponding to the target FQDN.

[0215] Specifically, when the SMF determines that it is necessary to select a suitable EAS based on N6 delay and / or EAS load (i.e., EAS discovery is performed considering the delay requirement and / or EAS load requirement), it can determine one or more of the suitable candidate EAS(s), Local DNS server(s), and candidate PSA UPF(s) based on DNS Query and EAS Deployment Information. The SMF determines this as follows:

[0216] (1) If the EAS Deployment Information contains a mapping between the FQDN and the EAS IP address range Information (i.e., the IP address or IPv6 prefix of the EAS in the local DN), the SMF can determine one or more candidate EASs based on the EAS IP address range Information corresponding to the target FQDN.

[0217] (2) If the EAS Deployment Information contains the mapping relationship between the FQDN and the DNS Server Information (i.e., the IP address and port of the Local DNS server), the SMF can determine the Local DNS server address information corresponding to the target FQDN.

[0218] (3) If the EAS Deployment Information contains a mapping relationship between the FQDN and one or more DNAIs, the SMF can determine one or more candidate PSA UPFs based on the one or more DNAIs corresponding to the target FQDN.

[0219] If (1) and (3) are executed, but the SMF does not know the delay between the candidate EAS and the candidate PSA UPF, the SMF sends an SRR (Session Reporting Rule) to the candidate PSA UPF (i.e., each UPF determined in 3)), and the SRR indicates that the N6 delay (the delay between the PSA UPF and the EAS, including UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay) is measured for this PDU session or specific QoS flow. For example, the SRR contains an N6 delay measurement parameter. For example, the N6 delay measurement can be indicated in the N6 Traffic Parameter Measurement Control Information contained in the SRR, or a new N6 delay measurement parameter can be created in the SRR. And the UPF is instructed to report the measurement result of the N6 delay periodically or event-triggered. According to the SRR, the UPF sends the measured N6 delay (including UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay) between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs to the SMF by sending a session report. The N6 delay (including UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay) can be included in the N6 Traffic Parameter Measurement Report, or a new parameter N6 delay Measurement Report can be created. If the SMF receives the N6 delay measurement report, the most appropriate PSA UPF and EAS are selected. If the SMF receives the N6 delay measurement report, the most appropriate PSA UPF and EAS are selected; and "Respond directly to the DNS request" is indicated in the Forwarding Action included in the DNS message handling rule to instruct the EASDF to directly include the selected EAS IP address in the DNS response and send it to the UE.

[0220] In some embodiments, obtaining delay information and / or EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS includes:

[0221] Sending a request message to the NWDAF, wherein the request message is used to request the delay information and / or EAS load between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs;

[0222] Receive feedback information sent by the NWDAF; wherein the feedback information is used to indicate the delay information and / or EAS load, or the feedback information includes the delay information and / or EAS load.

[0223] Specifically, after the SMF determines that a suitable EAS needs to be selected based on the delay information and / or the EAS load, one or more candidate EASs may be determined.

[0224] If the SMF does not know the delay and / or EAS load between the candidate EAS / local DN and the candidate PSA UPF, the SMF can call the Nnwdaf_AnalyticsInfo_Request or Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe service to request the NWDAF for delay and / or application server load (i.e., EAS load) information. For example, by obtaining the UL / DL Average / Maximum Packet Delay from the NWDAF and subtracting the PDB (i.e., the delay between the UE and the UPF) from the UL / DL Average / Maximum Packet Delay (i.e., the delay between the UE and the application server) to obtain delay information such as N6 delay, including UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay. For example, delay information such as N6 delay is obtained through the NWDAF (the newly added N6 delay data is stored in the NWDAF, and this N6 delay can be provided to the NWDAF by the AF or OAM). For example, the application server load is obtained through the NWDAF (newly added application server load data is stored in the NWDAF, and this application server load can be provided to the NWDAF by the AF or OAM). This application server load can include the EAS load. If the SMF determines the delay information between each UPF and EAS based on the information obtained by the NWDAF, such as the N6 delay (including UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay), and / or the EAS load, it selects the most appropriate PSA UPF and EAS.

[0225] In some embodiments, after the SMF selects the appropriate target PSA UPF and target EAS, it indicates "Respond directly to the DNS request" in the Forwarding Action included in the DNS message handling rule to instruct the EASDF to directly include the selected EAS IP address in the DNS response and send it to the UE.

[0226] If the SMF has not determined the candidate EAS, the SMF may include the selected PSA UPF IP address in the DNS message handling rule based on relevant technologies, indicating the creation of the EDNS Client Subnet option. Alternatively, the SMF may include the Local DNS Server IP address in the DNS message handling rule based on relevant technologies. Based on the DNS message handling rule, the SMF instructs EASDF to send a DNS query to the DNS Server. When EASDF receives the DNS response from the DNS Server, it calls the Neasdf_DNSContext_Notify service operation to send the EAS information (i.e., one or more EAS IP addresses) contained in the DNS response to the SMF. The SMF selects one or more candidate PSA UPFs based on the received EAS information and other UPF selection rules. If the SMF does not know the delay and / or EAS load between the candidate EAS and the candidate PSA UPF, the SMF calls the Nnwdaf_AnalyticsInfo_Request or Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe service to request delay and / or application server load (i.e., EAS load) information from the NWDAF. For example, by obtaining the UL / DL Average / Maximum Packet Delay from the NWDAF and subtracting the PDB (i.e., the delay between the UE and the UPF) from the UL / DL Average / Maximum Packet Delay (i.e., the delay between the UE and the application server), delay information such as N6 delay (including UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay) can be obtained. For example, the N6 delay can be obtained through the NWDAF (newly added N6 delay data is stored in the NWDAF, and this N6 delay can be provided to the NWDAF by the AF or OAM). For example, the application server load can be obtained through the NWDAF (newly added application server load data is stored in the NWDAF, and this application server load can be provided to the NWDAF by the AF or OAM). This application server load can include the EAS load. Based on the information obtained from the NWDAF, the SMF determines the delay information between each UPF and the EAS, such as N6 delay (including UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay), and / or EAS load, and then selects the appropriate target PSA UPF and target EAS.

[0227] In some embodiments, after the SMF selects the appropriate target PSA UPF and target EAS, it can also update the DNS message handling rule to include the EAS IP address of the selected target EAS in the rule and call Neasdf_DNSContext_Update Request to send the updated DNS message handling rule to the EASDF. Based on the DNS message handling rule, the EASDF sends a DNS response including the EAS IP address to the UE.

[0228] In some embodiments, obtaining delay information and / or EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS includes:

[0229] Receive EAS information sent by EASDF;

[0230] Based on the EAS information and UPF selection rules, one or more candidate PSA UPFs are determined.

[0231] In some embodiments, the SMF may include the selected PSA UPF IP address in the DNS message handling rule based on relevant technologies, indicating the creation of the EDNS Client Subnet option. Alternatively, the SMF may include the Local DNS Server IP address in the DNS message handling rule based on relevant technologies. Based on the DNS message handling rule, the SMF instructs the EASDF to send a DNS query to the DNS Server. When the EASDF receives the DNS response from the DNS Server, it calls the Neasdf_DNSContext_Notify service operation to send the EAS information (i.e., one or more EAS IP addresses) contained in the DNS response to the SMF. The SMF selects one or more candidate PSA UPFs based on the received EAS information and other UPF selection rules.

[0232] In some embodiments, obtaining delay information and / or EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS includes:

[0233] Based on the EAS deployment information and / or EAS related information, obtaining the delay information and / or EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS;

[0234] Wherein, the EAS deployment information is locally configured or obtained from the AF; the EAS related information is obtained from the AF;

[0235] The EAS-related information includes at least one of the following: the EAS capability of the candidate EAS, the delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS, and the EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS.

[0236] In some embodiments, the AF may call the Nnef_EASDeployment_Create or Nnef_EASDeployment_Update service operation to send EAS Deployment Information (EDI) to the NEF. The SMF requests the NEF to subscribe to EAS Deployment Information through the Nnef_EASDeployment_Subscribe service operation, and the NEF calls Nnef_EASDeployment_Notify to send EAS Deployment Information to the SMF.

[0237] In some embodiments, the SMF can locally configure EAS Deployment Information. The EAS Deployment Information is shown in the following table, with the EAS capability and N6 delay parameters added. Alternatively, the AF sends an EAS status message to the NEF, including the EAS capability and N6 delay parameters.

[0238] Then, the UE sends a PDU session establishment request to the SMF, and the SMF selects EASDF as the DNS server for the PDU session and returns it to the UE. The UE sends a DNS Query message to the EASDF.

[0239] Based on PCC rules and / or local policies, the SMF determines that an appropriate EAS needs to be selected based on N6 delay and / or EAS load. For example, an EAS needs to be selected whose N6 delay or EAS load meets a specific value. For another example, an EAS needs to be selected from among the available EASs with the smallest N6 delay or EAS load.

[0240] The SMF determines the appropriate EAS (and UPF) based on the DNS query and the EAS Deployment Information sent by the AF or locally configured, as follows:

[0241] If the EAS Deployment Information contains a mapping between the FQDN and the EAS capability, and / or a mapping between the FQDN and delay information such as N6 delay (including UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay), the SMF determines the most suitable EAS (and UPF). For example, the SMF selects the UPF and EAS corresponding to the smallest N6 delay. For another example, the SMF compares each delay information such as N6 delay (including UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay) and the delay corresponding to the EAS in the EAS capability, and selects the EAS corresponding to the smallest sum of the two. For another example, the SMF compares the load corresponding to each EAS and selects the EAS corresponding to the smallest load.

[0242] The SMF updates the DNS message handling rule and indicates "Respond directly to the DNS request" in the Forwarding Action contained in the DNS message handling rule to instruct the EASDF to directly include the selected EAS IP address in the DNS response and send it to the UE.

[0243] Based on the DNS message handling rule, the EASDF sends a DNS response containing the EAS IP address to the UE.

[0244] In one embodiment, EAS Deployment Information may be represented as shown in Table 1 below:

[0245] Table 1

[0246] In some embodiments, the AF may measure the delay between the candidate UPF and the candidate EAS by sending a data packet to obtain the N6 delay information in the EAS Deployment Information.

[0247] In some embodiments, determining a target EAS from candidate EASs based on the delay information and / or the EAS load includes:

[0248] When the EAS deployment information and / or the EAS status information includes a mapping relationship between the FQDN and the EAS capability, and / or when the EAS deployment information includes a mapping relationship between the FQDN and the latency information corresponding to the candidate EAS, determining the target EAS based on the latency information and / or the EAS load;

[0249] The EAS deployment information and / or EAS status information includes at least one of the following: EAS capability of the candidate EAS, delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS, EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS, and EAS related information.

[0250] When obtaining the delay information and / or EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS based on the EAS deployment information and / or EAS related information, if the EAS Deployment Information contains the mapping relationship between FQDN and EAS capability, and / or the mapping relationship between FQDN and N6 delay, the SMF determines the most suitable EAS and / or UPF.

[0251] For example, the SMF selects the candidate UPF and candidate EAS corresponding to the minimum delay information, such as N6 delay (including UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay) as the target UPF and target EAS.

[0252] For example, the SMF compares each delay information such as N6 delay (including UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay) and the delay corresponding to the candidate EAS in the EAS capability, and selects the candidate EAS corresponding to the smallest sum of the two as the target EAS.

[0253] For example, the SMF compares the load corresponding to each candidate EAS and selects the candidate EAS with the smallest load as the target EAS.

[0254] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0255] Update the DNS message processing rule, wherein the DNS message processing rule includes the EAS IP address of the target EAS.

[0256] Specifically, after SMF determines the target EAS, SMF can update the DNS message handling rule and indicate "Respond directly to the DNS request" in the Forwarding Action contained in the DNS message handling rule to instruct EASDF to directly include the EAS IP address of the selected target EAS in the DNS response and send it to the UE.

[0257] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0258] Based on the delay information and / or the EAS load, a target PSA UPF is determined from the candidate PSA UPFs.

[0259] Specifically, in the case where the target EAS is selected based on the delay information and / or the EAS load, the target PSA UPF may also be determined from the candidate PSA UPFs based on the delay information and / or the EAS load.

[0260] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0261] Determine and select a target EAS based on the delay information and / or the EAS load.

[0262] In some embodiments, before selecting a target EAS based on the delay information and / or EAS load, the SMF also needs to determine that a target EAS needs to be selected based on the delay information and / or EAS load.

[0263] In some embodiments, the determining of selecting a target EAS based on the latency information and / or the EAS load includes:

[0264] Based on one or more of the PCC rule, the DNS query related information, and the local policy, a target EAS is determined from the candidate EASs based on the delay information and / or the EAS load.

[0265] In some embodiments, the SMF may determine, based on the PCC rule, the target EAS from the candidate EASs based on the delay information and / or the EAS load.

[0266] In some embodiments, the SMF may determine, based on local policy, the target EAS from the candidate EASs based on the latency information and / or the EAS load.

[0267] In some embodiments, the SMF may determine the target EAS from the candidate EASs based on the latency information and / or the EAS load based on the relevant message of the DNS query.

[0268] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0269] receiving the PCC rule, where the PCC rule is generated based on the AF request;

[0270] The AF request is used to request one or more of the following:

[0271] The N6 delay corresponding to the target EAS does not exceed the first preset value;

[0272] The delay between the UE and the target EAS does not exceed a second preset value;

[0273] The EAS load of the target EAS does not exceed a third preset value;

[0274] Select the target EAS based on the delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS;

[0275] Select the target EAS based on the delay between the UE and the candidate EASs;

[0276] The target EAS is selected based on the EAS payload corresponding to the candidate EASs.

[0277] In some embodiments, the SMF may determine a target EAS from candidate EASs based on the delay information and / or EAS load based on PCC rules, wherein the PCC rules are generated based on the AF request.

[0278] Specifically, the AF may first create a request message. The AF request may include one of the following: N6 delay requirement for EAS discovery, Indication for N6 delay-based EAS discovery, delay requirement for EAS discovery, or Indication for delay-based EAS discovery. It may also include EAS load requirement for EAS discovery or Indication for EAS load-based EAS discovery.

[0279] Table 2 is used as an example to illustrate the newly added parameters included in the AF request.

[0280] Then, based on relevant technologies, the AF request information can be sent to the PCF through the NEF and UDR. The PCF generates a PCC rule, which contains the content requested in the AF request.

[0281] The PCF may call Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify to send the PCC rules containing the information requested in step 1 to the SMF.

[0282] The SMF receives the PCC rule. If the PCC rule specifies the E2E delay requirement for EAS discovery, the SMF subtracts the PDB from the E2E delay requirement for EAS discovery to determine the required N6 delay. This means that the selected target EAS must ensure that the N6 delay does not exceed the required N6 delay.

[0283] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0284] Based on the second preset value, a fourth preset threshold is determined, wherein the fourth preset threshold is used to specify the N6 delay corresponding to the target EAS.

[0285] In some embodiments, if the PCC rule provides an E2E delay requirement for EAS discovery, the SMF needs to subtract the PDB from the value of the E2E delay requirement for EAS discovery to determine the required delay information such as N6 delay (including UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay).

[0286] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0287] Receive relevant information of the DNS query;

[0288] Among them, the relevant message of the DNS query is generated based on the DNS query message and the DNS message processing rules, and the DNS query message includes delay requirement information and / or EAS load requirement information. The delay requirement information is used to indicate the selection of the target EAS based on the delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS, and the EAS load requirement information is used to indicate the selection of the target EAS based on the EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS.

[0289] Specifically, the UE can first send a PDU session establishment request to the SMF, and the SMF selects EASDF as the DNS server for the PDU session and returns it to the UE. The UE sends a DNS Query message to the EASDF.

[0290] In some embodiments, the DNS Query message includes latency requirements and / or EAS load requirements, indicating that the selected target EAS needs to consider latency requirements and / or EAS load requirements. The DNS Query can also include an RR (Resource Record) as an extension to carry information such as latency requirements and / or EAS load requirements via an ECS.

[0291] If the DNS Query message matches the DNS message processing rules, EASDF calls Neasdf_DNSContext_Notify Request to report the relevant information of the DNS Query (such as the target FQDN) to SMF.

[0292] The SMF can determine the need to select a suitable EAS based on the delay information and / or EAS load based on the delay requirement and / or EAS load requirement in the DNS query, or the PCC rule, or the local policy. For example, it is necessary to select an EAS whose delay information such as N6 delay (including UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay) or EAS load meets a specific value. For another example, it is necessary to select an EAS with the smallest delay information such as N6 delay (including UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay) or EAS load among the optional EASs. The SMF updates the DNS message handling rule to indicate that EAS discovery is performed based on the delay requirement and / or EAS load requirement. The SMF calls Neasdf_DNSContext_Update Request to send the DNS message handling rule to the EASDF. Based on the DNS message handling rule, the SMF and the EASDF execute to send a DNS query to the DNS Server.

[0293] In some embodiments, if the UE sends a DNS Query message that does not include a latency requirement and / or an EAS load requirement, the EASDF includes the latency requirement and / or the EAS load requirement in the DNS Query. The DNS server receives the DNS Query message, resolves the appropriate EAS IP address based on the latency requirement and / or the EAS load requirement, and responds to the EASDF via a DNS Response message. The EASDF, based on relevant technologies, responds to the UE with a DNS Response message that includes the EAS IP address.

[0294] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0295] determining to reselect a target EAS based on the first information;

[0296] The first information includes one or more of the following:

[0297] Delay requirement information;

[0298] EAS load demand information;

[0299] Latency requirement update information;

[0300] EAS load demand update information;

[0301] N6 latency monitoring report.

[0302] Specifically, if the UE has completed the EAS discovery process, and in the previous EAS discovery process, EAS has stored EAS information locally (i.e., an EAS IP address corresponding to an FQDN), the SMF needs to rediscover EAS if it determines that the current EAS cannot meet the latency information and / or EAS load based on one or more of the following information, for example:

[0303] (1) AF requests update latency or EAS load requirements, and the current EAS cannot meet the new requirements.

[0304] (2) Based on the received N6 delay monitoring report, it is determined that the delay requirement required by the local policy or indicated by the AF request cannot be met.

[0305] (3) Based on the latency and / or load information received from the NWDAF, determine the latency and / or load requirements required by the local policy or indicated by the AF request.

[0306] If the SMF determines that EAS rediscovery is necessary, the SMF performs the PDU Session Modification procedure requested by the network. The SMF sends a PDU Session Modification Command to the UE, which contains an EAS rediscovery indication and an impact field. The EAS rediscovery indication instructs the UE to refresh the saved EAS information. The impact field indicates the old EAS to be refreshed by using the FQDN or IP address range.

[0307] The UE refreshes the EAS information according to the instruction and re-triggers the EAS discovery process.

[0308] In some embodiments, the SMF may (re)select the PSA UPF(s) or trigger EAS(es) (re)discovery by considering N6 delay measurement result.

[0309] FIG2 is a second flow chart of a method for determining an edge application server provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG2 , the method for determining an edge application server is applied to an AF, and the method includes:

[0310] Step 200, sending an AF request;

[0311] The AF request is used to request one or more of the following:

[0312] The N6 delay corresponding to the target EAS does not exceed the first preset value;

[0313] The delay between the UE and the target EAS does not exceed a second preset value;

[0314] The EAS load of the target EAS does not exceed a third preset value;

[0315] Select the target EAS based on the delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS;

[0316] Select the target EAS based on the delay between the UE and the candidate EASs;

[0317] The target EAS is selected based on the EAS payload corresponding to the candidate EASs.

[0318] Specifically, the SMF may determine the target EAS from the candidate EASs based on the delay information and / or the EAS load based on the PCC rule, wherein the PCC rule is generated based on the AF request.

[0319] Specifically, the AF may first create a request message. The AF request may include one of the following: N6 delay requirement for EAS discovery, Indication for N6 delay-based EAS discovery, delay requirement for EAS discovery, or Indication for delay-based EAS discovery. It may also include EAS load requirement for EAS discovery or Indication for EAS load-based EAS discovery.

[0320] Table 2 is used as an example to illustrate the newly added parameters included in the AF request.

[0321] The delay between the UE and the target EAS does not exceed the second preset value, which can be understood as the user plane delay requirement (User Plane Latency Requirement), including the AF's requirement for user plane delay ("This includes AF requirements for User Plane latency").

[0322] Selecting the target EAS based on the delay information corresponding to the candidate EASs can be understood as an indication of considering N6 delay. This is used to trigger the N6 delay measurement and indicate that N6 delay measurement, if available, should be considered by the SMF to (re)select the PSA UPF(s) or trigger EAS(es)(re)discovery.

[0323] Then, based on relevant technologies, the AF request information can be sent to the PCF through the NEF and UDR. The PCF generates a PCC rule, which contains the content requested in the AF request.

[0324] The PCF may call Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify to send the PCC rules containing the information requested in step 1 to the SMF.

[0325] The SMF receives the PCC rule. If the PCC rule provides an E2E delay requirement for EAS discovery, the SMF needs to subtract the PDB from the value of the E2E delay requirement for EAS discovery to determine the required delay information, such as N6 delay (including UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay). That is, the selected target EAS must ensure that the delay information, such as N6 delay (including UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay), does not exceed the required delay information.

[0326] In some embodiments, if the PCC rule provides an E2E delay requirement for EAS discovery, the SMF needs to subtract the PDB from the value of the E2E delay requirement for EAS discovery to determine the required N6 delay.

[0327] FIG3 is a third flow chart of a method for determining an edge application server provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3 , the method for determining an edge application server is applied to a UE or an EASDF, and the method includes:

[0328] Step 300, sending a DNS query message;

[0329] The DNS query message includes delay requirement information and / or EAS load requirement information. The delay requirement information is used to indicate the selection of a target EAS based on the delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS, such as N6 delay (including UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay). The EAS load requirement information is used to indicate the selection of a target EAS based on the EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS.

[0330] Specifically, the UE can first send a PDU session establishment request to the SMF, and the SMF selects EASDF as the DNS server for the PDU session and returns it to the UE. The UE sends a DNS Query message to the EASDF.

[0331] In some embodiments, the DNS Query message includes latency requirements and / or EAS load requirements, indicating that the selected target EAS needs to consider latency requirements and / or EAS load requirements. The DNS Query can also include an RR (Resource Record) as an extension to carry information such as latency requirements and / or EAS load requirements via an ECS.

[0332] If the DNS Query message matches the DNS message processing rules, EASDF calls Neasdf_DNSContext_Notify Request to report the relevant information of the DNS Query (such as the target FQDN) to SMF.

[0333] SMF can determine the need to select a suitable EAS based on N6 delay and / or EAS load based on the delay requirement and / or EAS load requirement in the DNS query, or PCC rules, or local policies. For example, it is necessary to select an EAS whose delay information such as N6 delay (including UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay) or EAS load meets a specific value. For another example, it is necessary to select an EAS with the smallest N6 delay or EAS load among the optional EASs. SMF updates the DNS message handling rule to indicate that EAS discovery is based on the delay requirement and / or EAS load requirement. SMF calls Neasdf_DNSContext_Update Request to send the DNS message handling rule to EASDF. Based on the DNS message handling rule, EASDF executes the sending of a DNS query to the DNS Server.

[0334] In some embodiments, if the UE sends a DNS Query message that does not include a latency requirement and / or an EAS load requirement, the EASDF includes the latency requirement and / or the EAS load requirement in the DNS Query. The DNS server receives the DNS Query message, resolves the appropriate EAS IP address based on the latency requirement and / or the EAS load requirement, and responds to the EASDF via a DNS Response message. The EASDF, based on relevant technologies, responds to the UE with a DNS Response message that includes the EAS IP address.

[0335] FIG4 is a fourth flow chart of a method for determining an edge application server provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4 , the method for determining an edge application server is applied to NWDAF, and the method includes:

[0336] Step 400: Receive a request message sent by the SMF, wherein the request message is used to request the delay information and / or EAS load between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs;

[0337] Step 410: Send feedback information to the SMF based on the request information; wherein the feedback information is used to indicate the delay information and / or EAS load, or the feedback information includes the delay information and / or EAS load.

[0338] Specifically, after the SMF determines that a suitable EAS needs to be selected based on delay information such as N6 delay and / or EAS load, one or more candidate EASs may be determined.

[0339] If the SMF does not know the delay and / or EAS load between the candidate EAS / local DN and the candidate PSA UPF, the SMF can call the Nnwdaf_AnalyticsInfo_Request or Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe service to request the NWDAF for delay and / or application server load (i.e., EAS load). For example, by obtaining the UL / DL Average / Maximum Packet Delay from the NWDAF and subtracting the PDB (i.e., the delay between the UE and the UPF) from the UL / DL Average / Maximum Packet Delay (i.e., the delay between the UE and the application server) to obtain delay information such as N6 delay (including UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay). For example, delay information such as N6 delay (including UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay) is obtained through the NWDAF (the newly added N6 delay data is stored in the NWDAF, and this N6 delay can be provided to the NWDAF by the AF or OAM). For example, the application server load is obtained through the NWDAF (newly added application server load data is stored in the NWDAF, and this application server load can be provided to the NWDAF by the AF or OAM). This application server load can include the EAS load. If the SMF determines the delay information between each UPF and EAS based on the information obtained by the NWDAF, such as N6 delay (including UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay), and / or EAS load, it selects the most appropriate PSA UPF and EAS.

[0340] In some embodiments, after the SMF selects the appropriate target PSA UPF and target EAS, it indicates "Respond directly to the DNS request" in the Forwarding Action included in the DNS message handling rule to instruct the EASDF to directly include the selected EAS IP address in the DNS response and send it to the UE.

[0341] If the SMF has not determined the candidate EAS, the SMF may include the selected PSA UPF IP address in the DNS message handling rule based on relevant technologies, indicating the creation of the EDNS Client Subnet option. Alternatively, the SMF may include the Local DNS Server IP address in the DNS message handling rule based on relevant technologies. Based on the DNS message handling rule, the SMF instructs EASDF to send a DNS query to the DNS Server. When EASDF receives the DNS response from the DNS Server, it calls the Neasdf_DNSContext_Notify service operation to send the EAS information (i.e., one or more EAS IP addresses) contained in the DNS response to the SMF. The SMF selects one or more candidate PSA UPFs based on the received EAS information and other UPF selection rules. If the SMF does not know the delay and / or EAS load between the candidate EAS and the candidate PSA UPF, the SMF calls the Nnwdaf_AnalyticsInfo_Request or Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe service to request delay and / or application server load (i.e., EAS load) information from the NWDAF. For example, by obtaining the UL / DL Average / Maximum Packet Delay from the NWDAF and subtracting the PDB (i.e., the delay between the UE and the UPF) from the UL / DL Average / Maximum Packet Delay (i.e., the delay between the UE and the application server), delay information such as N6 delay (including UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay) can be obtained. For example, N6 delay can be obtained through the NWDAF (newly added N6 delay data is stored in the NWDAF, and this N6 delay can be provided to the NWDAF by the AF or OAM). For example, application server load can be obtained through the NWDAF (newly added application server load data is stored in the NWDAF, and this application server load can be provided to the NWDAF by the AF or OAM). This application server load can include EAS load. Based on the information obtained from the NWDAF, the SMF determines the delay information between each UPF and the EAS, such as N6 delay (including UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay), and / or EAS load, and then selects an appropriate target PSA UPF and target EAS.

[0342] In some embodiments, after the SMF selects the appropriate target PSA UPF and target EAS, it can also update the DNS message handling rule to include the EAS IP address of the selected target EAS in the rule and call Neasdf_DNSContext_Update Request to send the updated DNS message handling rule to the EASDF. Based on the DNS message handling rule, the EASDF sends a DNS response including the EAS IP address to the UE.

[0343] FIG5 is a fifth flow chart of a method for determining an edge application server provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG5 , the method for determining an edge application server is applied to a UPF, and the method includes:

[0344] Step 500: receiving a delay measurement parameter;

[0345] Step 510: Based on the delay measurement parameter, measure the delay information between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs respectively;

[0346] Step 520: Send a delay measurement report to the SMF, where the delay measurement report includes delay information between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs.

[0347] In some embodiments, the method comprises:

[0348] receiving an SRR, wherein the SRR includes a delay measurement parameter;

[0349] Based on the SRR, measure the delay information of the PDU session or QoS flow between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs respectively;

[0350] Send a delay measurement report to the SMF, where the delay measurement report includes delay information of a PDU session or QoS flow between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs.

[0351] Specifically, when the SMF determines that it is necessary to select a suitable EAS based on latency information and / or EAS load (i.e., EAS discovery is performed considering latency requirements and / or EAS load requirements), one or more of the suitable candidate EAS(s), Local DNS servers, and candidate PSA UPF(s) can be determined based on DNS Query and EAS Deployment Information.

[0352] If the SMF has determined the candidate EAS and candidate PSA UPF, but the SMF does not know the delay between the candidate EAS and the candidate PSA UPF, the SMF can send an SRR (Session Reporting Rule) to the candidate PSA UPF. According to the SRR, the UPF sends the measured delay information between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs to the SMF by sending a session report, such as N6 delay or the delay between the PSA UPF and the EAS, including UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay. For example, the UPF measures the delay by Round Trip Time (RTT), that is, the PSA UPF sends an Echo Request message to the EAS, and the EAS replies to the PSA UPF with an Echo Response message. If the SMF receives a delay information measurement report (such as an N6 delay measurement report), it selects the most appropriate PSA UPF and EAS; and indicates "Respond directly to the DNS request" in the Forwarding Action contained in the DNS message handling rule to instruct the EASDF to directly include the selected EAS IP address in the DNS response and send it to the UE.

[0353] For example, if the delay information includes UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay, the UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay can be included in the N6 Traffic Parameter Measurement Report, or a new parameter N6 delay Measurement Report can be created. If the SMF receives the N6 delay measurement report, it selects the most appropriate PSA UPF and EAS.

[0354] For example, if the latency information includes N6 latency, the SRR may include an N6 delay measurement parameter to indicate that N6 delay (the delay between the PSA UPF and the EAS) is measured for this PDU session or specific QoS flow. For example, the N6 delay measurement may be indicated in the N6 Traffic Parameter Measurement Control Information included in the SRR, or a new N6 delay measurement parameter may be created in the SRR. The UPF may also be instructed to report the N6 delay measurement results periodically or on an event-triggered basis.

[0355] It should be noted that the “N6 delay between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs” in each embodiment of the present disclosure may include the N6 delays corresponding to all possible pairwise permutations and combinations between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs.

[0356] It should be noted that the N6 delay or N6 delay in each embodiment of the present disclosure may include UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay.

[0357] If the SMF has not determined the candidate EAS and / or candidate PSA UPF, the SMF may include the selected PSA UPF IP address in the DNS message handling rule based on relevant technologies, indicating the creation of the EDNS Client Subnet option. Or the SMF may include the Local DNS Server IP address in the DNS message handling rule based on relevant technologies. The SMF calls Neasdf_DNSContext_Update Request to send the DNS message handling rule to the EASDF. Based on the DNS message handling rule, the EASDF executes the DNS query to the DNS Server. When the EASDF receives the DNS response from the DNS Server, it calls the Neasdf_DNSContext_Notify service operation to send the EAS information (i.e., one or more EAS IP addresses) contained in the DNS response to the SMF. The SMF selects one or more candidate PSA UPFs based on the received EAS information and other UPF selection rules. If the SMF does not know the delay between the candidate EAS and the candidate PSA UPF, it sends an SRR (Session Reporting Rule) to each candidate PSA UPF, indicating its measured delay information, such as N6 delay or the delay between the PSA UPF and the EAS, including UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay. For example, the N6 Traffic Parameter Measurement Control Information included in the SRR may indicate the reporting of the N6 delay measurement, or a new N6 delay measurement parameter may be created in the SRR. The SMF also instructs the UPF to report the measurement results of the delay information (such as N6 delay or the delay between the PSA UPF and the EAS, including UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay) periodically or event-triggered.According to the SRR, the UPF sends the measured delay information between one or more UPFs and EAS to the SMF by sending a session report, such as N6 delay or the delay between the PSA UPF and EAS, including UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay. For example, the UPF measures the Round Trip Time (RTT), that is, the PSA UPF sends an Echo Request message to the EAS, and the EAS replies with an Echo Response message to the PSA UPF. Based on the delay information measurement report (such as the N6 delay measurement report), the SMF ultimately determines the EAS IP address and target PSA UPF of the target EAS.

[0358] In some embodiments, after determining the target EAS and / or target PSA UPF, the SMF may update the DNS message handling rule, include the EAS IP address of the selected target EAS in the rule, and call Neasdf_DNSContext_Update Request to send the updated DNS message handling rule to the EASDF. Based on the DNS message handling rule, the EASDF sends a DNS response including the EAS IP address to the UE.

[0359] FIG26 is a sixth flow chart of a method for determining an edge application server provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method for determining an edge application server is applied to an AF, and the method includes:

[0360] Step 2600: Send at least one of the following: EAS capability of the candidate EAS, delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS, and EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS.

[0361] In some embodiments, the sending of at least one of the following: EAS capability of the candidate EAS, delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS, and EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS includes:

[0362] Send one or more of EAS deployment information, EAS related information, and EAS status information, wherein the one or more of the EAS deployment information, EAS related information, and EAS status information includes at least one of the following: EAS capability of the candidate EAS, delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS, and EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS.

[0363] In some embodiments, the AF may call the Nnef_EASDeployment_Create or Nnef_EASDeployment_Update service operation to send EAS Deployment Information (EDI) to the NEF. The SMF requests the NEF to subscribe to EAS Deployment Information through the Nnef_EASDeployment_Subscribe service operation, and the NEF calls Nnef_EASDeployment_Notify to send EAS Deployment Information to the SMF.

[0364] In some embodiments, the SMF can locally configure EAS Deployment Information. The EAS Deployment Information is shown in the following table, with the EAS capability and N6 delay parameters added. Alternatively, the AF sends an EAS status message to the NEF, including the EAS capability and N6 delay parameters.

[0365] Then, the UE sends a PDU session establishment request to the SMF, and the SMF selects EASDF as the DNS server for the PDU session and returns it to the UE. The UE sends a DNS Query message to the EASDF.

[0366] Based on PCC rules and / or local policies, the SMF determines that an appropriate EAS needs to be selected based on N6 delay and / or EAS load. For example, an EAS needs to be selected whose N6 delay or EAS load meets a specific value. For another example, an EAS needs to be selected from among the available EASs with the smallest N6 delay or EAS load.

[0367] The SMF determines the appropriate EAS (and UPF) based on the DNS query and the EAS Deployment Information sent by the AF or locally configured, as follows:

[0368] If the EAS Deployment Information contains a mapping between the FQDN and the EAS capability, and / or a mapping between the FQDN and the N6 delay, the SMF determines the most suitable EAS (and UPF). For example, the SMF selects the UPF and EAS corresponding to the smallest N6 delay. In another example, the SMF compares each N6 delay with the delay corresponding to the EAS in the EAS capability and selects the EAS corresponding to the smallest sum of the two. In another example, the SMF compares the load corresponding to each EAS and selects the EAS corresponding to the smallest load.

[0369] The SMF updates the DNS message handling rule and indicates "Respond directly to the DNS request" in the Forwarding Action contained in the DNS message handling rule to instruct the EASDF to directly include the selected EAS IP address in the DNS response and send it to the UE.

[0370] Based on the DNS message handling rule, the EASDF sends a DNS response containing the EAS IP address to the UE.

[0371] In one embodiment, EAS Deployment Information may be represented as shown in Table 1 below:

[0372] Table 1

[0373] In some embodiments, the AF may measure the delay between the candidate UPF and the candidate EAS by sending a data packet to obtain the N6 delay information in the EAS Deployment Information.

[0374] When obtaining the delay information and / or EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS based on the EAS deployment information and / or EAS related information, if the EAS Deployment Information contains the mapping relationship between FQDN and EAS capability, and / or the mapping relationship between FQDN and N6 delay, the SMF determines the most suitable EAS and / or UPF.

[0375] For example, the SMF selects the candidate UPF and candidate EAS corresponding to the minimum N6 delay as the target UPF and target EAS.

[0376] For example, the SMF compares each N6 delay and the delay corresponding to the candidate EAS in the EAS capability, and selects the candidate EAS corresponding to the smallest sum of the two as the target EAS.

[0377] For example, the SMF compares the load corresponding to each candidate EAS and selects the candidate EAS with the smallest load as the target EAS.

[0378] In some embodiments, information such as the EAS capability of the candidate EAS, the delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS, and the EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS may be included in the EAS deployment information or may not be included in the EAS deployment information.

[0379] When the EAS deployment information does not include the EAS capability of the candidate EAS, the delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS, the EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS, and other information, the AF can send EAS status information, and the EAS status information includes one or more of the EAS capability of the candidate EAS, the delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS, the EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS, and other information. A process similar to the EAS Deployment Information can be used to select EAS, which will not be repeated here.

[0380] In one embodiment, FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a method for determining an edge application server provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG6 , the SMF may instruct the UPF to measure the N6 delay, and based on the measurement results, the SMF determines the appropriate EAS and PSA UPF. Specifically, the steps include:

[0381] 1. The UE sends a PDU session establishment request to the SMF. The SMF selects EASDF as the DNS server for the PDU session and returns it to the UE.

[0382] 2. The UE sends a DNS Query message to the EASDF.

[0383] 3. EASDF responds to Neasdf_DNSContext_Notify Request.

[0384] 4. Based on PCC rules or local policies, the SMF determines that an appropriate EAS needs to be selected based on N6 delay and / or EAS load. For example, an EAS with N6 delay or EAS load that meets a specific value needs to be selected. For another example, an EAS with the smallest N6 delay or EAS load needs to be selected from the available EASs.

[0385] 5a. In some embodiments, the SMF determines one or more of the appropriate candidate EAS(s), local DNS server(s), and candidate PSA UPF(s) based on the DNS Query and EAS Deployment Information. Specifically, the SMF determines the appropriate candidate EAS(s), local DNS server(s), and candidate PSA UPF(s) based on the DNS Query and EAS Deployment Information.

[0386] (1) If the EAS Deployment Information contains a mapping between the FQDN and the EAS IP address range Information (i.e., the IP address or IPv6 prefix of the EAS in the local DN), the SMF can determine one or more candidate EASs based on the EAS IP address range Information corresponding to the target FQDN.

[0387] (2) If the EAS Deployment Information contains the mapping relationship between the FQDN and the DNS Server Information (i.e., the IP address and port of the Local DNS server), the SMF can determine the Local DNS server address information corresponding to the target FQDN.

[0388] (3) If the EAS Deployment Information contains a mapping relationship between the FQDN and one or more DNAIs, the SMF can determine one or more candidate PSA UPFs based on the one or more DNAIs corresponding to the target FQDN.

[0389] If (1) and (3) are executed, but the SMF does not know the delay between the candidate EAS and the candidate PSA UPF, the SMF sends an SRR (Session Reporting Rule) to the candidate PSA UPF (i.e., each UPF determined in 3)). The SRR indicates that the N6 delay (the delay between the PSA UPF and the EAS, including the UL N6 delay and / or the DL N6 delay) is measured for this PDU session or specific QoS flow. For example, the SRR contains an N6 delay measurement parameter. Specifically, the N6 delay measurement can be indicated in the N6 Traffic Parameter Measurement Control Information contained in the SRR, or a new N6 delay measurement parameter can be created in the SRR. The UPF is also instructed to report the measurement result of the N6 delay periodically or event-triggered.

[0390] 5b. In some embodiments, based on the SRR, the UPF sends the measured N6 delay between one or more candidate UPFs and candidate EASs (e.g., measured by the UPF using Round Trip Time (RTT), i.e., the PSA UPF sends an Echo Request message to the EAS, and the EAS replies with an Echo Response message to the PSA UPF) to the SMF by sending a session report. Specifically, the N6 delay may be included in the N6 Traffic Parameter Measurement Report, or a new parameter N6 Delay Measurement Report may be created.

[0391] 6. SMF updates the DNS message handling rule and performs one of the following operations:

[0392] (1) If the SMF receives the N6 delay measurement report, it selects the most appropriate PSA UPF and EAS. Indicate "Respond directly to the DNS request" in the Forwarding Action contained in the DNS message handling rule to instruct the EASDF to directly include the selected EAS IP address in the DNS response and send it to the UE.

[0393] (2) Based on the related technology Option A, SMF includes the selected PSA UPF IP address in the DNS message handling rule, indicating that it is used to create the EDNS Client Subnet option.

[0394] (3) Based on Option B in the related art, SMF includes the Local DNS Server IP address in the DNS message handling rule.

[0395] SMF calls Neasdf_DNSContext_Update Request to send DNS message handling rules to EASDF.

[0396] 7. Based on the DNS message handling rule, the EASDF sends a DNS query to the DNS Server (based on (2) and (3) in step 6). Alternatively, it directly replies to the UE with a DNS response containing the EAS IP address (based on (1) in step 6). If this is done, the subsequent steps do not need to be performed.

[0397] 8. When EASDF receives the DNS response from the DNS Server, it calls the Neasdf_DNSContext_Notify service operation to send the EAS information (i.e., one or more EAS IP addresses) contained in the DNS response to SMF.

[0398] 9. The SMF selects one or more candidate PSA UPFs based on the received EAS information and other UPF selection rules.

[0399] 10. If the SMF does not know the delay between the EAS and the PSA UPF, it sends an SRR (Session Reporting Rule) to each candidate PSA UPF, instructing it to measure the N6 delay (the delay between the candidate PSA UPF and the candidate EAS, including UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay); for example, the UPF measures through Round Trip Time (RTT), that is, the PSA UPF sends an Echo Request message to the EAS, and the EAS replies to the PSA UPF with an Echo Response message. The specific instruction method is the same as step 5a.

[0400] In some embodiments, based on the SRR, the UPF sends the measured N6 delay between one or more UPFs and the EAS to the SMF by sending a session report. The SMF ultimately determines the EAS IP address and PSA UPF based on the N6 delay measurement results.

[0401] 11. SMF updates the DNS message handling rule, includes the EAS IP address selected in step 11 in the rule, and calls Neasdf_DNSContext_Update Request to send the updated DNS message handling rule to EASDF.

[0402] 12. Based on the DNS message handling rule, the EASDF sends the DNS response containing the EAS IP address to the UE.

[0403] In one embodiment, FIG7 is a second schematic diagram of a method for determining an edge application server provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG7 , the SMF can determine suitable EAS and PSA UPFs by requesting latency and EAS load information from the NWDAF. Specifically, the method may include the following steps:

[0404] 1. The UE sends a PDU session establishment request to the SMF. The SMF selects EASDF as the DNS server for the PDU session and returns it to the UE.

[0405] 2. The UE sends a DNS Query message to the EASDF.

[0406] 3. EASDF responds to Neasdf_DNSContext_Notify Request.

[0407] 4. Based on the PCC rules or local policies, the SMF determines that a suitable EAS needs to be selected based on N6 delay (the delay between the candidate PSA UPF and the candidate EAS, including UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay) and / or EAS load. For example, an EAS whose N6 delay or EAS load meets a specific value needs to be selected. For example, an EAS with the smallest N6 delay or EAS load needs to be selected from the optional EASs.

[0408] 5. In some embodiments, the SMF determines one or more of the appropriate candidate EAS(s), local DNS server(s), and candidate PSA UPF(s) based on the DNS Query and EAS Deployment Information. Specifically, the SMF determines ... PSA UPF(s) based on the DNS Query and EAS Deployment Information.

[0409] (1) If the EAS Deployment Information contains a mapping between the FQDN and the EAS IP address range Information (i.e., the IP address or IPv6 prefix of the EAS in the local DN), the SMF can determine one or more candidate EASs based on the EAS IP address range Information corresponding to the target FQDN.

[0410] (2) If the EAS Deployment Information contains the mapping relationship between the FQDN and the DNS Server Information (i.e., the IP address and port of the Local DNS server), the SMF can determine the Local DNS server address information corresponding to the target FQDN.

[0411] (3) If the EAS Deployment Information contains a mapping relationship between the FQDN and one or more DNAIs, the SMF can determine one or more candidate UPFs based on the one or more DNAIs corresponding to the target FQDN.

[0412] If (1) is executed, but the SMF does not know the delay and / or EAS load between the candidate EAS / local DN and the candidate PSA UPF, the SMF calls the Nnwdaf_AnalyticsInfo_Request or Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe service to request the NWDAF for delay and / or application server load (i.e., EAS load) information. For example, by obtaining the UL / DL Average / Maximum Packet Delay from the NWDAF, and subtracting the PDB (i.e., the delay between the UE and the UPF) from the UL / DL Average / Maximum Packet Delay (i.e., the delay between the UE and the application server) to obtain the N6 delay. For another example, the N6 delay is obtained through the NWDAF (the newly added N6 delay data is stored in the NWDAF, and this N6 delay (the delay between the candidate PSA UPF and the candidate EAS, including the UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay) can be provided to the NWDAF by the AF or OAM). For another example, the application server load is obtained through NWDAF (newly added application server load data is stored in NWDAF, and this application server load can be provided to NWDAF by AF or OAM), and this application server load can include EAS load.

[0413] 6. SMF updates the DNS message handling rule by at least one of the following methods:

[0414] (1) If the SMF determines the N6 delay (including UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay) and / or EAS load between each candidate UPF and candidate EAS based on the information obtained by the NWDAF, the SMF selects the most appropriate PSA UPF and EAS. Indicate "Respond directly to the DNS request" in the Forwarding Action included in the DNS message handling rule to instruct the EASDF to directly include the selected EAS IP address in the DNS response and send it to the UE.

[0415] (2) Based on relevant technologies, SMF includes the selected PSA UPF IP address in the DNS message handling rule, indicating that it is used to create the EDNS Client Subnet option.

[0416] (3) Based on related technologies, SMF includes the Local DNS Server IP address in the DNS message handling rule.

[0417] 7. Based on the DNS message handling rule, the EASDF sends a DNS query to the DNS Server (based on (2) and (3) in step 6). Alternatively, it directly replies to the UE with a DNS response containing the EAS IP address (based on (1) in step 6). If this is done, the subsequent steps do not need to be performed.

[0418] 8. When EASDF receives the DNS response from the DNS Server, it calls the Neasdf_DNSContext_Notify service operation to send the EAS information (i.e., one or more EAS IP addresses) contained in the DNS response to SMF.

[0419] 9. The SMF selects one or more candidate PSA UPFs based on the received EAS information and other UPF selection rules.

[0420] 10. If the SMF does not know the delay and / or EAS load between the candidate EAS and the candidate PSA UPF, the SMF calls the Nnwdaf_AnalyticsInfo_Request or Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe service to request the NWDAF for the delay and / or application server load (ie, EAS load) information. The details are the same as step 5.

[0421] Based on the information obtained from the NWDAF, the SMF determines the N6 delay between each candidate UPF and candidate EAS, and / or the EAS load, and then selects the most appropriate PSA UPF and EAS.

[0422] 11. SMF updates the DNS message handling rule, includes the EAS IP address selected in step 11 in the rule, and calls Neasdf_DNSContext_Update Request to send the updated DNS message handling rule to EASDF.

[0423] 12. Based on the DNS message handling rule, the EASDF sends the DNS response containing the EAS IP address to the UE.

[0424] In one embodiment, FIG8 is a third schematic diagram of a method for determining an edge application server provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG8 , it can be based on the EAS Deployment Information (including EAS capability and / or N6 delay) provided by the AF or locally configured by the SMF. The EAS capability and / or N6 delay (the delay between the candidate PSA UPF and the candidate EAS, including UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay) may also be provided by the AF, but not included in the EAS Deployment Information. A similar process to the EAS Deployment Information is used. The SMF determines a suitable EAS. Specifically, the following steps may be included:

[0425] 1. In some embodiments, the AF calls the Nnef_EASDeployment_Create or Nnef_EASDeployment_Update service operation to send EAS Deployment Information (EDI) to the NEF. The SMF requests to subscribe to the EAS Deployment Information from the NEF through the Nnef_EASDeployment_Subscribe service operation, and the NEF calls Nnef_EASDeployment_Notify to send the EAS Deployment Information to the SMF. Alternatively, the SMF can locally configure the EAS Deployment Information. The EAS Deployment Information is shown in the following table, with the addition of the EAS capability and N6 delay parameters. Alternatively, the AF sends an EAS status message to the NEF, which includes the EAS capability and N6 delay parameters.

[0426] 2.1. The UE sends a PDU session establishment request to the SMF. The SMF selects EASDF as the DNS server for the PDU session and returns it to the UE.

[0427] 2.2. UE sends a DNS Query message to EASDF.

[0428] 2.3. EASDF responds to Neasdf_DNSContext_Notify Request.

[0429] 2.4. Based on PCC rules or local policies, the SMF determines that an appropriate EAS needs to be selected based on N6 delay and / or EAS load. For example, an EAS with N6 delay or EAS load that meets a specific value needs to be selected. For another example, an EAS with the smallest N6 delay or EAS load needs to be selected from the available EASs.

[0430] 3. If step 1 is not performed, SMF locally configures EAS Deployment Information (the same parameters as those in the table in step 1).

[0431] The SMF determines the appropriate EAS (and UPF) based on the DNS query and the EAS Deployment Information received in step 1 or configured locally, as follows:

[0432] If the EAS Deployment Information contains a mapping between the FQDN and the EAS capability, and / or a mapping between the FQDN and the N6 delay (including the UL N6 delay and / or the DL N6 delay), the SMF determines the most suitable EAS (and UPF). For example, the SMF selects the UPF and EAS corresponding to the smallest N6 delay. For another example, the SMF compares each N6 delay and the delay corresponding to the EAS in the EAS capability, and selects the EAS corresponding to the smallest sum of the two. For another example, the SMF compares the load corresponding to each EAS and selects the EAS corresponding to the smallest load.

[0433] 4. SMF updates the DNS message handling rule and indicates "Respond directly to the DNS request" in the Forwarding Action contained in the DNS message handling rule to instruct EASDF to directly include the selected EAS IP address in the DNS response and send it to the UE.

[0434] 5. Based on the DNS message handling rule, EASDF sends the DNS response containing the EAS IP address to the UE.

[0435] In one embodiment, FIG9 is a schematic diagram of an AF request to discover an EAS based on latency and EAS load requirements according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG9 , the following steps may be included:

[0436] 1. AF creation request information. The AF request can include one of the following: N6 delay requirement for EAS discovery, Indication for N6 delay-based EAS discovery, delay requirement for EAS discovery, Indication for delay-based EAS discovery. It can also include EAS load requirement for EAS discovery or Indication for EAS load-based EAS discovery.

[0437] The following table contains all newly added parameters.

[0438] 2-4. Based on relevant technologies, the information requested by the AF is sent to the PCF via the NEF and UDR. The PCF generates a PCC rule containing the information requested in step 1.

[0439] 5. PCF calls Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify to send the PCC rules containing the information requested in step 1 to SMF.

[0440] 6. The SMF receives the PCC rule. If the PCC rule provides the E2E delay requirement for EAS discovery, the SMF needs to subtract the PDB from the value of the E2E delay requirement for EAS discovery to determine the required N6 delay (including UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay).

[0441] In one embodiment, FIG10 is a fourth schematic diagram of a method for determining an edge application server provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG10 , the edge application server can be determined by including a latency requirement and / or an EAS load requirement in a DNS Query message. Specifically, the following steps may be included:

[0442] 1. The UE sends a PDU session establishment request to the SMF. The SMF selects EASDF as the DNS server for the PDU session and returns it to the UE.

[0443] 2. The UE sends a DNS Query message to the EASDF. In some embodiments, the DNS Query message includes latency requirements and / or EAS load requirements, indicating that the selected EAS needs to consider latency requirements and / or EAS load requirements. The DNS Query message can carry an RR (Resource Record) as an extension to carry some information, such as latency requirements and / or EAS load requirements carried by the ECS.

[0444] 3. If the DNS Query message matches the DNS message processing rules, EASDF calls Neasdf_DNSContext_Notify Request to report the relevant information of the DNS Query (such as the target FQDN) to SMF.

[0445] 4. Based on the delay requirement and / or EAS load requirement in the DNS query, or the PCC rule (see Example 4), or the local policy, the SMF determines that it is necessary to select a suitable EAS based on N6 delay (including UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay) and / or EAS load. For example, it is necessary to select an EAS whose N6 delay (including UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay) or EAS load meets a specific value. For example, it is necessary to select an EAS with the smallest N6 delay (including UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay) or EAS load among the optional EASs.

[0446] 5. SMF updates the DNS message handling rule to indicate that EAS discovery is performed based on latency requirements and / or EAS load requirements.

[0447] SMF calls Neasdf_DNSContext_Update Request to send DNS message handling rules to EASDF.

[0448] 6. Based on the DNS message handling rule, EASDF sends a DNS query to the DNS server. If the DNS query in step 2 does not include the latency requirement and / or EAS load requirement, EASDF includes the latency requirement and / or EAS load requirement in the DNS query.

[0449] 7. The DNS server receives the DNS query message, resolves the appropriate EAS IP address based on latency requirements and / or EAS load requirements, and sends a DNS response message to the EASDF.

[0450] 8. Based on relevant technologies, EASDF replies the DNS response message containing the EAS IP address to the UE.

[0451] In one embodiment, FIG11 is a schematic diagram of an SMF according to an embodiment of the present disclosure determining that an EAS needs to be rediscovered. As shown in FIG11 , the steps include:

[0452] 0. The UE has completed the EAS discovery process, and in the previous EAS discovery process, the EAS has stored the EAS information (ie, the EAS IP address corresponding to an FQDN) locally.

[0453] 1. If the SMF determines that the current EAS cannot meet the latency information and / or EAS load based on one or more of the following information, it needs to rediscover the EAS, for example:

[0454] 1) AF requests update latency or EAS load requirements, and the current EAS cannot meet the new requirements.

[0455] 2) Based on the received N6 delay (including UL N6 delay and / or DL ​​N6 delay) monitoring report, it is determined that the delay requirement required by the local policy or indicated by the AF request cannot be met.

[0456] 3) Based on the latency and / or load information received from the NWDAF, determine the latency and / or load requirements required by the local policy or indicated by the AF request.

[0457] 2. If the SMF determines that EAS rediscovery is required, the SMF performs the PDU Session Modification procedure requested by the network. The SMF sends a PDU Session Modification Command to the UE, which contains an EAS rediscovery indication and an impact field. The EAS rediscovery indication instructs the UE to refresh the saved EAS information. The impact field indicates the old EAS to be refreshed by using the FQDN or IP address range.

[0458] 3. The UE refreshes the EAS information according to the instruction and re-triggers the EAS discovery process (for example, executing the process shown in FIG. 6 , FIG. 7 , FIG. 8 , or FIG. 10 ).

[0459] The embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to the current EAS (Edge Application Server) discovery, which is based on the UE topological location (i.e., UE / PSA UPF IP address) to discover the nearest EAS, without considering selecting a more suitable EAS based on other information (e.g., based on latency, load). For example, when selecting the EAS with the closest topological location, the communication time is long due to factors such as communication delay, EAS local processing delay, EAS load, and communication link congestion, and the selected EAS is not optimal. The solution of the present invention proposes to implement EAS discovery and UPF selection based on N6 delay and EAS load based on the N6 delay measured by UPF, the delay and load information provided by NWDAF, and EAS Deployment Information, and supports AF request triggering of EAS discovery based on N6 delay and EAS load to select the optimal EAS.

[0460] The terminal device involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user, a handheld device with wireless connection function, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem. In different systems, the name of the terminal device may also be different. For example, in a 5G system, the terminal device may be called User Equipment (UE). A wireless terminal device can communicate with one or more core networks (CN) via a radio access network (RAN). The wireless terminal device may be a mobile terminal device, such as a mobile phone (or "cellular" phone) and a computer with a mobile terminal device. For example, it may be a portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-built-in or vehicle-mounted mobile device that exchanges voice and / or data with a radio access network. For example, personal communication service (PCS) phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and other devices. The wireless terminal device may also be referred to as a system, a subscriber unit, a subscriber station, a mobile station, a mobile station, a remote station, an access point, a remote terminal device, an access terminal device, a user terminal device, a user agent, or a user device, but is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0461] The network device involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be a base station, which may include multiple cells providing services to terminals. Depending on the specific application scenario, the base station may also be called an access point, or may be a device in an access network that communicates with a wireless terminal device through one or more sectors on an air interface, or may be called another name. The network device may be used to interchange received air frames with Internet Protocol (IP) packets, acting as a router between the wireless terminal device and the rest of the access network, wherein the rest of the access network may include an Internet Protocol (IP) communication network. The network device may also coordinate the attribute management of the air interface. For example, the network device involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be a base transceiver station (BTS) in the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) or code division multiple access (CDMA), a network device (NodeB) in wide-band code division multiple access (WCDMA), an evolutionary Node B (eNB or e-NodeB) in the long term evolution (LTE) system, a 5G base station (gNB) in the 5G network architecture (next generation system), a home evolved Node B (HeNB), a relay node, a femto, a pico, etc., and is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure. In some network structures, the network device may include a centralized unit (CU) node and a distributed unit (DU) node, and the centralized unit and the distributed unit may also be geographically separated.

[0462] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an SMF provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG12 , the SMF includes a memory 1220, a transceiver 1200, and a processor 1210, wherein:

[0463] The memory 1220 is used to store computer programs; the transceiver 1200 is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor 1210; the processor 1210 is used to read the computer program in the memory 1220 and perform the following operations:

[0464] Obtaining delay information and / or EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS;

[0465] Based on the delay information and / or the EAS load, a target EAS is determined from the candidate EASs.

[0466] Specifically, the transceiver 1200 is configured to receive and send data under the control of the processor 1210 .

[0467] In FIG12 , the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically various circuits linked together by one or more processors represented by processor 1210 and memory represented by memory 1220. The bus architecture may also link together various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and are therefore not further described herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 1200 may be a plurality of components, namely, a transmitter and a receiver, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices on a transmission medium, such as a wireless channel, a wired channel, an optical cable, and the like. The processor 1210 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 1220 may store data used by the processor 1210 when performing operations.

[0468] The processor 1210 may be a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). The processor may also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0469] In some embodiments, the processor 1210 is specifically configured to:

[0470] Instruct one or more candidate PSA UPFs to measure delay information between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs respectively;

[0471] Receive a delay measurement report sent by the candidate PSA UPF, where the delay measurement report includes delay information between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs. In some embodiments, the processor 1210 is further configured to:

[0472] Determine one or more candidate EASs based on the EAS IP address range information;

[0473] Based on the one or more DNAIs, one or more candidate PSA UPFs are determined.

[0474] In some embodiments, the processor 1210 is specifically configured to:

[0475] Sending a request message to the NWDAF, wherein the request message is used to request the delay information and / or EAS load between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs;

[0476] Receive feedback information sent by the NWDAF; wherein the feedback information is used to indicate the delay information and / or EAS load, or the feedback information includes the delay information and / or EAS load.

[0477] In some embodiments, the processor 1210 is specifically configured to:

[0478] Receive EAS information sent by EASDF;

[0479] Based on the EAS information and UPF selection rules, one or more candidate PSA UPFs are determined.

[0480] In some embodiments, the processor 1210 is specifically configured to:

[0481] Based on the EAS deployment information and / or EAS related information, obtaining the delay information and / or EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS;

[0482] Wherein, the EAS deployment information is locally configured or obtained from the AF; the EAS related information is obtained from the AF;

[0483] The EAS-related information includes at least one of the following: the EAS capability of the candidate EAS, the delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS, and the EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS.

[0484] In some embodiments, the processor 1210 is specifically configured to:

[0485] When the EAS deployment information and / or the EAS status information includes a mapping relationship between the FQDN and the EAS capability, and / or when the EAS deployment information includes a mapping relationship between the FQDN and the latency information corresponding to the candidate EAS, determining the target EAS based on the latency information and / or the EAS load;

[0486] The EAS deployment information and / or EAS status information includes at least one of the following: EAS capability of the candidate EAS, delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS, EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS, and EAS related information.

[0487] In some embodiments, the processor 1210 is further configured to:

[0488] Update the DNS message processing rule, wherein the DNS message processing rule includes the EAS IP address of the target EAS.

[0489] In some embodiments, the processor 1210 is further configured to:

[0490] Based on the delay information and / or the EAS load, a target PSA UPF is determined from the candidate PSA UPFs.

[0491] In some embodiments, the processor 1210 is further configured to:

[0492] Determine and select a target EAS based on the delay information and / or the EAS load.

[0493] In some embodiments, the processor 1210 is specifically configured to:

[0494] Based on one or more of the PCC rule, the DNS query related information, and the local policy, a target EAS is determined from the candidate EASs based on the delay information and / or the EAS load.

[0495] In some embodiments, the processor 1210 is further configured to:

[0496] receiving the PCC rule, where the PCC rule is generated based on the AF request;

[0497] The AF request is used to request one or more of the following:

[0498] The N6 delay corresponding to the target EAS does not exceed the first preset value;

[0499] The delay between the UE and the target EAS does not exceed a second preset value;

[0500] The EAS load of the target EAS does not exceed a third preset value;

[0501] Select the target EAS based on the delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS;

[0502] Select the target EAS based on the delay between the UE and the candidate EASs;

[0503] The target EAS is selected based on the EAS payload corresponding to the candidate EASs.

[0504] In some embodiments, the processor 1210 is further configured to:

[0505] Based on the second preset value, a fourth preset threshold is determined, wherein the fourth preset threshold is used to specify the N6 delay corresponding to the target EAS.

[0506] In some embodiments, the processor 1210 is further configured to:

[0507] Receive relevant information of the DNS query;

[0508] Among them, the relevant message of the DNS query is generated based on the DNS query message and the DNS message processing rules, and the DNS query message includes delay requirement information and / or EAS load requirement information. The delay requirement information is used to indicate the selection of the target EAS based on the delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS, and the EAS load requirement information is used to indicate the selection of the target EAS based on the EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS.

[0509] In some embodiments, the processor 1210 is further configured to:

[0510] determining to reselect a target EAS based on the first information;

[0511] The first information includes one or more of the following:

[0512] Delay requirement information;

[0513] EAS load demand information;

[0514] Latency requirement update information;

[0515] EAS load demand update information;

[0516] N6 latency monitoring report.

[0517] It should be noted here that the above-mentioned SMF provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure can implement all the method steps implemented by the method embodiment in which the execution subject is SMF, and can achieve the same technical effect. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as those of the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0518] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of a structure of an AF provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG13 , the AF includes a memory 1320, a transceiver 1300, and a processor 1310, wherein:

[0519] The memory 1320 is used to store computer programs; the transceiver 1300 is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor 1310; the processor 1310 is used to read the computer program in the memory 1320 and perform the following operations:

[0520] Send AF request;

[0521] The AF request is used to request one or more of the following:

[0522] The N6 delay corresponding to the target EAS does not exceed the first preset value;

[0523] The delay between the UE and the target EAS does not exceed a second preset value;

[0524] The EAS load of the target EAS does not exceed a third preset value;

[0525] Select the target EAS based on the delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS;

[0526] Select the target EAS based on the delay between the UE and the candidate EASs;

[0527] The target EAS is selected based on the EAS payload corresponding to the candidate EASs.

[0528] In FIG13 , the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically various circuits linked together by one or more processors represented by processor 1310 and memory represented by memory 1320. The bus architecture may also link together various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and are therefore not further described herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 1300 may be a plurality of components, namely, a transmitter and a receiver, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium, such as a wireless channel, a wired channel, an optical cable, and the like. The processor 1310 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 1320 may store data used by the processor 1310 when performing operations.

[0529] The processor 1310 may be a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). The processor may also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0530] It should be noted here that the above-mentioned AF provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure can implement all the method steps implemented by the method embodiment in which the execution subject is AF, and can achieve the same technical effect. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as those of the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0531] FIG14 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a UE provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG14 , the UE includes a memory 1420, a transceiver 1400, and a processor 1410, wherein:

[0532] The memory 1420 is used to store computer programs; the transceiver 1400 is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor 1410; the processor 1410 is used to read the computer program in the memory 1420 and perform the following operations:

[0533] Send DNS query message;

[0534] The DNS query message includes delay requirement information and / or EAS load requirement information. The delay requirement information is used to indicate the selection of a target EAS based on the delay information corresponding to the candidate EASs. The EAS load requirement information is used to indicate the selection of a target EAS based on the EAS load corresponding to the candidate EASs.

[0535] In FIG14 , the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically various circuits linked together by one or more processors represented by processor 1410 and memory represented by memory 1420. The bus architecture may also link together various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and are therefore not further described herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 1400 may be a plurality of components, i.e., a transmitter and a receiver, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium, such as a wireless channel, a wired channel, an optical cable, or the like. The processor 1410 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 1420 may store data used by the processor 1410 when performing operations.

[0536] The processor 1410 may be a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). The processor may also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0537] It should be noted here that the above-mentioned UE provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure can implement all the method steps implemented by the method embodiment in which the execution subject is the UE, and can achieve the same technical effect. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0538] FIG15 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an EASDF provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG15 , the EASDF includes a memory 1520, a transceiver 1500, and a processor 1510, wherein:

[0539] The memory 1520 is used to store computer programs; the transceiver 1500 is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor 1510; the processor 1510 is used to read the computer program in the memory 1520 and perform the following operations:

[0540] Send DNS query message;

[0541] The DNS query message includes delay requirement information and / or EAS load requirement information. The delay requirement information is used to indicate the selection of a target EAS based on the delay information corresponding to the candidate EASs. The EAS load requirement information is used to indicate the selection of a target EAS based on the EAS load corresponding to the candidate EASs.

[0542] In FIG15 , the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically various circuits linked together by one or more processors represented by processor 1510 and memory represented by memory 1520. The bus architecture may also link together various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and are therefore not further described herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 1500 may be a plurality of components, namely, a transmitter and a receiver, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium, such as a wireless channel, a wired channel, an optical cable, or the like. The processor 1510 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 1520 may store data used by the processor 1510 when performing operations.

[0543] The processor 1510 may be a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). The processor may also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0544] It should be noted here that the above-mentioned EASDF provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure can implement all the method steps implemented by the method embodiment in which the execution subject is EASDF, and can achieve the same technical effect. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as those of the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0545] FIG16 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an NWDAF provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG16 , the NWDAF includes a memory 1620, a transceiver 1600, and a processor 1610, wherein:

[0546] The memory 1620 is used to store computer programs; the transceiver 1600 is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor 1610; the processor 1610 is used to read the computer program in the memory 1620 and perform the following operations:

[0547] Receive a request message sent by the SMF, where the request message is used to request delay information and / or EAS load between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs;

[0548] Based on the request information, feedback information is sent to the SMF; wherein the feedback information is used to indicate the delay information and / or EAS load, or the feedback information includes the delay information and / or EAS load.

[0549] In FIG16 , the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically various circuits linked together by one or more processors represented by processor 1610 and memory represented by memory 1620. The bus architecture may also link together various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and are therefore not further described herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 1600 may be a plurality of components, namely, a transmitter and a receiver, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium, such as a wireless channel, a wired channel, an optical cable, or the like. The processor 1610 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 1620 may store data used by the processor 1610 when performing operations.

[0550] The processor 1610 may be a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). The processor may also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0551] It should be noted here that the above-mentioned NWDAF provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure can implement all the method steps implemented by the method embodiment in which the execution subject is NWDAF, and can achieve the same technical effect. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as those of the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0552] FIG17 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a UPF provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG17 , the UPF includes a memory 1720, a transceiver 1700, and a processor 1710, wherein:

[0553] The memory 1720 is used to store computer programs; the transceiver 1700 is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor 1710; the processor 1710 is used to read the computer program in the memory 1720 and perform the following operations:

[0554] Receive delay measurement parameters;

[0555] Based on the delay measurement parameter, measure the delay information between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs respectively;

[0556] Send a delay measurement report to the SMF, where the delay measurement report includes delay information between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs.

[0557] In FIG17 , the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically various circuits linked together by one or more processors represented by processor 1710 and memory represented by memory 1720. The bus architecture may also link together various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and are therefore not further described herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 1700 may be a plurality of components, namely, a transmitter and a receiver, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium, such as a wireless channel, a wired channel, an optical cable, or the like. The processor 1710 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 1720 may store data used by the processor 1710 when performing operations.

[0558] The processor 1710 may be a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). The processor may also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0559] It should be noted here that the above-mentioned UPF provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure can implement all the method steps implemented by the method embodiment in which the execution subject is UPF, and can achieve the same technical effect. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as those of the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0560] FIG27 is a second schematic diagram of the structure of the AF provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG27 , the UPF includes a memory 2720, a transceiver 2700, and a processor 2710, wherein:

[0561] The memory 2720 is used to store computer programs; the transceiver 2700 is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor 2710; the processor 2710 is used to read the computer program in the memory 2720 and perform the following operations:

[0562] Send at least one of the following: the EAS capability of the candidate EAS, the delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS, and the EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS.

[0563] In FIG27 , the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically various circuits linked together by one or more processors represented by processor 2710 and memory represented by memory 2720. The bus architecture may also link together various other circuits such as peripherals, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and are therefore not further described herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 2700 may be a plurality of components, namely, a transmitter and a receiver, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium, such as a wireless channel, a wired channel, an optical cable, or the like. The processor 2710 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 2720 may store data used by the processor 2710 when performing operations.

[0564] The processor 2710 may be a central processing unit (CPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). The processor may also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0565] In some embodiments, the processor 2710 is specifically configured to:

[0566] Send one or more of EAS deployment information, EAS related information, and EAS status information, wherein the one or more of the EAS deployment information, EAS related information, and EAS status information includes at least one of the following: EAS capability of the candidate EAS, delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS, and EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS.

[0567] It should be noted here that the above-mentioned AF provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure can implement all the method steps implemented by the method embodiment in which the execution subject is AF, and can achieve the same technical effect. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as those of the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0568] FIG18 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a device for determining an edge application server provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG18 , the device for determining an edge application server is applied to SMF. The device for determining an edge application server 1800 includes:

[0569] A first acquisition module 1810 is configured to acquire delay information and / or EAS load corresponding to a candidate EAS;

[0570] The second determining module 1820 is configured to determine a target EAS from the candidate EASs based on the delay information and / or the EAS load.

[0571] It should be noted that the edge application server determination device 1800 can implement the various embodiments of the aforementioned edge application server determination method and achieve the same technical effects, which will not be described again.

[0572] In some embodiments, the first acquisition module 1810 is specifically configured to:

[0573] Instruct one or more candidate PSA UPFs to measure delay information between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs respectively;

[0574] Receive a delay measurement report sent by the candidate PSA UPF, wherein the delay measurement report includes delay information between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs. In some embodiments, the edge application server determining device 1800 further includes:

[0575] A third determination module is configured to determine one or more candidate EASs based on the EAS IP address range information;

[0576] The fourth determination module is configured to determine one or more candidate PSA UPFs based on the one or more DNAIs.

[0577] In some embodiments, the first acquisition module 1810 is specifically configured to:

[0578] Send a request message to the NWDAF, where the request message is used to request the delay information and / or EAS load between the candidate EAS and one or more candidate PSA UPFs;

[0579] Receive feedback information sent by the NWDAF; wherein the feedback information is used to indicate the delay information and / or EAS load, or the feedback information includes the delay information and / or EAS load.

[0580] In some embodiments, the first acquisition module 1810 is specifically configured to:

[0581] Receive EAS information sent by EASDF;

[0582] Based on the EAS information and UPF selection rules, one or more candidate PSA UPFs are determined.

[0583] In some embodiments, the first acquisition module 1810 is specifically configured to:

[0584] Based on the EAS deployment information and / or EAS related information, obtaining the delay information and / or EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS;

[0585] Wherein, the EAS deployment information is locally configured or obtained from the AF; the EAS related information is obtained from the AF;

[0586] The EAS-related information includes at least one of the following: the EAS capability of the candidate EAS, the delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS, and the EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS.

[0587] In some embodiments, the second determining module 1820 is specifically configured to:

[0588] When the EAS deployment information and / or the EAS status information includes a mapping relationship between the FQDN and the EAS capability, and / or when the EAS deployment information includes a mapping relationship between the FQDN and the latency information corresponding to the candidate EAS, determining the target EAS based on the latency information and / or the EAS load;

[0589] The EAS deployment information and / or EAS status information includes at least one of the following: EAS capability of the candidate EAS, delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS, EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS, and EAS related information.

[0590] In some embodiments, the edge application server determining device 1800 further includes:

[0591] The first updating module is configured to update a DNS message processing rule, wherein the DNS message processing rule includes an EAS IP address of a target EAS.

[0592] In some embodiments, the edge application server determining device 1800 further includes:

[0593] The fifth determining module is configured to determine a target PSA UPF from candidate PSA UPFs based on the delay information and / or the EAS load.

[0594] In some embodiments, the edge application server determining device 1800 further includes:

[0595] A sixth determining module is configured to determine and select a target EAS based on the delay information and / or the EAS load.

[0596] In some embodiments, the first acquisition module 1810 is specifically configured to:

[0597] Based on one or more of the PCC rule, the DNS Query related message, and the local policy, a target EAS is determined from the candidate EASs based on the delay information and / or the EAS load.

[0598] In some embodiments, the edge application server determining device 1800 further includes:

[0599] a third receiving module, configured to receive the PCC rule, where the PCC rule is generated based on the AF request;

[0600] The AF request is used to request one or more of the following:

[0601] The N6 delay corresponding to the target EAS does not exceed the first preset value;

[0602] The delay between the UE and the target EAS does not exceed a second preset value;

[0603] The EAS load of the target EAS does not exceed a third preset value;

[0604] Select the target EAS based on the delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS;

[0605] Select the target EAS based on the delay between the UE and the candidate EASs;

[0606] The target EAS is selected based on the EAS payload corresponding to the candidate EASs.

[0607] In some embodiments, the edge application server determining device 1800 further includes:

[0608] The seventh determining module is configured to determine a fourth preset threshold based on the second preset value, wherein the fourth preset threshold is used to specify the N6 delay corresponding to the target EAS.

[0609] In some embodiments, the edge application server determining device 1800 further includes:

[0610] A fourth receiving module, configured to receive information related to the DNS query;

[0611] Among them, the relevant message of the DNS query is generated based on the DNS query message and the DNS message processing rules, and the DNS query message includes delay requirement information and / or EAS load requirement information. The delay requirement information is used to indicate the selection of the target EAS based on the delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS, and the EAS load requirement information is used to indicate the selection of the target EAS based on the EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS.

[0612] In some embodiments, the edge application server determining device 1800 further includes:

[0613] A first determining module, configured to determine a reselected target EAS based on the first information;

[0614] The first information includes one or more of the following:

[0615] Delay requirement information;

[0616] EAS load demand information;

[0617] Latency requirement update information;

[0618] EAS load demand update information;

[0619] N6 latency monitoring report.

[0620] FIG19 is a second structural diagram of a determination device of an edge application server provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG19 , the determination device of the edge application server is applied to AF. The determination device 1900 of the edge application server includes:

[0621] A first sending module 1910 is configured to send an AF request;

[0622] The AF request is used to request one or more of the following:

[0623] The N6 delay corresponding to the target EAS does not exceed the first preset value;

[0624] The delay between the UE and the target EAS does not exceed a second preset value;

[0625] The EAS load of the target EAS does not exceed a third preset value;

[0626] Select the target EAS based on the delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS;

[0627] Select the target EAS based on the delay between the UE and the candidate EASs;

[0628] The target EAS is selected based on the EAS payload corresponding to the candidate EASs.

[0629] It should be noted that the edge application server determination device 1900 can implement the various embodiments of the aforementioned edge application server determination method and achieve the same technical effects, which will not be described again.

[0630] FIG20 is a third structural diagram of a determination device of an edge application server provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG20 , the determination device of the edge application server is applied to a UE or an EASDF. The determination device 2000 of the edge application server includes:

[0631] The second sending module 2010 is used to send a DNS query message;

[0632] The DNS query message includes delay requirement information and / or EAS load requirement information. The delay requirement information is used to indicate the selection of a target EAS based on the delay information corresponding to the candidate EASs. The EAS load requirement information is used to indicate the selection of a target EAS based on the EAS load corresponding to the candidate EASs.

[0633] It should be noted that the edge application server determination device 2000 can implement the various embodiments of the aforementioned edge application server determination method and achieve the same technical effects, which will not be described again.

[0634] FIG21 is a fourth structural diagram of the edge application server determination device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG21 , the edge application server determination device is applied to NWDAF. The edge application server determination device 2100 includes:

[0635] The first receiving module 2110 is configured to receive a request message sent by the SMF, wherein the request message is used to request the delay information and / or EAS load between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs;

[0636] The third sending module 2120 is used to send feedback information to the SMF based on the request information; wherein the feedback information is used to indicate the delay information and / or EAS load, or the feedback information includes the delay information and / or EAS load.

[0637] It should be noted that the edge application server determination device 2100 can implement the various embodiments of the aforementioned edge application server determination method and achieve the same technical effects, which will not be described again.

[0638] FIG22 is a fifth structural diagram of the edge application server determination device provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG22 , the edge application server determination device is applied to the UPF. The edge application server determination device 2200 includes:

[0639] A second receiving module 2210 is configured to receive a delay measurement parameter;

[0640] The measurement module 2220 is configured to measure the delay information between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs based on the delay measurement parameter;

[0641] The fourth sending module 2230 is configured to send a delay measurement report to the SMF, where the delay measurement report includes delay information between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs.

[0642] It should be noted that the edge application server determination device 2100 can implement the various embodiments of the aforementioned edge application server determination method and achieve the same technical effects, which will not be described again.

[0643] FIG28 is a sixth structural diagram of a determination device of an edge application server provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG28 , the determination device 2800 of the edge application server is applied to AF, and the determination device 2800 of the edge application server includes:

[0644] The fifth sending module 2810 is configured to send at least one of the following: the EAS capability of the candidate EAS, the delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS, and the EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS.

[0645] It should be noted that the edge application server determination device 2800 can implement the various embodiments of the aforementioned edge application server determination method and achieve the same technical effect, which will not be repeated again.

[0646] In some embodiments, the fifth sending module 2810 is configured to:

[0647] Send one or more of EAS deployment information, EAS related information, and EAS status information, wherein the one or more of the EAS deployment information, EAS related information, and EAS status information includes at least one of the following: EAS capability of the candidate EAS, delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS, and EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS.

[0648] It should be noted that the division of units in the embodiments of the present disclosure is schematic and is merely a logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used. Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of the present disclosure may be integrated into a single processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into a single unit. The aforementioned integrated units may be implemented in the form of hardware or software functional units.

[0649] If the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a processor-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present disclosure is essentially or the part that contributes to the prior art or all or part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product, and the computer software product is stored in a storage medium, including a number of instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) or a processor to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present disclosure. The aforementioned storage medium includes: various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk.

[0650] It should be noted here that the above-mentioned device provided by the embodiment of the present invention can implement all the method steps implemented by the above-mentioned method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. The parts and beneficial effects that are the same as the method embodiment in this embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0651] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a processor-readable storage medium, wherein the processor-readable storage medium stores a computer program, and the computer program is used to enable the processor to execute the methods provided in the above embodiments.

[0652] The processor-readable storage medium can be any available medium or data storage device that can be accessed by the processor, including but not limited to magnetic storage (such as floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, magneto-optical disks (MO)), optical storage (such as CDs, DVDs, BDs, HVDs, etc.), and semiconductor storage (such as ROMs, EPROMs, EEPROMs, non-volatile memories (NAND FLASH), solid-state drives (SSDs)), etc.

[0653] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of the present disclosure may be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the present disclosure may take the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware. Furthermore, the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to magnetic disk storage and optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0654] The present disclosure is described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of the methods, devices (systems), and computer program products according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood that each process and / or box in the flowchart and / or block diagram, as well as the combination of the processes and / or boxes in the flowchart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer-executable instructions. These computer-executable instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device produce a device for implementing the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0655] These processor-executable instructions may also be stored in a processor-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the processor-readable memory produce a product including an instruction device that implements the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0656] These processor-executable instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device so that a series of operational steps are executed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, whereby the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0657] Obviously, those skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications to the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present disclosure fall within the scope of the claims of the present disclosure and their equivalents, the present disclosure is intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A method for determining an edge application server, applied to SMF, comprising: Obtaining delay information and / or EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS; Based on the delay information and / or the EAS load, a target EAS is determined from the candidate EASs.

2. The method for determining an edge application server according to claim 1, wherein: The obtaining of the delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS includes: Instruct one or more candidate PSA UPFs to measure delay information between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs respectively; Receive a delay measurement report sent by the candidate PSA UPF, where the delay measurement report includes delay information between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs.

3. The method for determining an edge application server according to claim 2, wherein: The method further comprises: Determine one or more candidate EASs based on the EAS IP address range information; or, Based on the one or more DNAIs, one or more candidate PSA UPFs are determined.

4. The method for determining an edge application server according to claim 2, wherein: The obtaining of delay information and / or EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS includes: Receive EAS information sent by EASDF; Based on the EAS information and UPF selection rules, one or more candidate PSA UPFs are determined.

5. The method for determining an edge application server according to claim 1, wherein: The obtaining of delay information and / or EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS includes: Based on the EAS deployment information and / or EAS related information, obtaining the delay information and / or EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS; Wherein, the EAS deployment information is locally configured or obtained from the AF; the EAS related information is obtained from the AF; The EAS-related information includes at least one of the following: the EAS capability of the candidate EAS, the delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS, and the EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS.

6. The method for determining an edge application server according to claim 5, wherein: The determining a target EAS from candidate EASs based on the delay information and / or the EAS load includes: When the EAS deployment information and / or the EAS status information includes a mapping relationship between the FQDN and the EAS capability, and / or when the EAS deployment information includes a mapping relationship between the FQDN and the latency information corresponding to the candidate EAS, determining the target EAS based on the latency information and / or the EAS load; The EAS deployment information and / or EAS status information includes at least one of the following: EAS capability of the candidate EAS, delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS, EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS, and EAS related information.

7. The method for determining an edge application server according to claim 2, 3, 5 or 6, wherein: The method further comprises: Update the DNS message processing rule, wherein the DNS message processing rule includes the EAS IP address of the target EAS.

8. The method for determining an edge application server according to any one of claims 1 to 3 or 5 or 6, wherein: The method further comprises: Based on the delay information and / or the EAS load, a target PSA UPF is determined from the candidate PSA UPFs.

9. The method for determining an edge application server according to claim 1, wherein: The method further comprises: Determine and select a target EAS based on the delay information and / or the EAS load.

10. The method for determining an edge application server according to claim 9, wherein: The determining of selecting a target EAS based on the latency information and / or the EAS load includes: Based on one or more of the PCC rule, the DNS query related information, and the local policy, a target EAS is determined from the candidate EASs based on the delay information and / or the EAS load.

11. The method for determining an edge application server according to claim 10, wherein: The method further comprises: receiving the PCC rule, where the PCC rule is generated based on the AF request; The AF request is used to request one or more of the following: The N6 delay corresponding to the target EAS does not exceed the first preset value; The delay between the UE and the target EAS does not exceed a second preset value; The EAS load of the target EAS does not exceed a third preset value; Select the target EAS based on the delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS; Select the target EAS based on the delay between the UE and the candidate EASs; The target EAS is selected based on the EAS payload corresponding to the candidate EASs.

12. The method for determining an edge application server according to claim 11, wherein: The method further comprises: Based on the second preset value, a fourth preset threshold is determined, wherein the fourth preset threshold is used to specify the N6 delay corresponding to the target EAS.

13. The method for determining an edge application server according to claim 1, wherein: The method further comprises: determining to reselect a target EAS based on the first information; The first information includes one or more of the following: Delay requirement information; EAS load demand information; Delay demand update information; EAS load demand update information; N6 latency monitoring report.

14. The method for determining an edge application server according to claim 1, wherein: The obtaining of delay information and / or EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS includes: Send a request message to the NWDAF, where the request message is used to request the delay information and / or EAS load between the candidate EAS and one or more candidate PSA UPFs; Receive feedback information sent by the NWDAF; wherein the feedback information is used to indicate the delay information and / or EAS load, or the feedback information includes the delay information and / or EAS load.

15. The method for determining an edge application server according to claim 10, wherein: The method further comprises: Receive relevant information of the DNS query; Among them, the relevant message of the DNS query is generated based on the DNS query message and the DNS message processing rules, and the DNS query message includes delay requirement information and / or EAS load requirement information. The delay requirement information is used to indicate the selection of the target EAS based on the delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS, and the EAS load requirement information is used to indicate the selection of the target EAS based on the EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS.

16. A method for determining an edge application server, applied to an AF, the method comprising: Send AF request; The AF request is used to request one or more of the following: The N6 delay corresponding to the target EAS does not exceed the first preset value; The delay between the UE and the target EAS does not exceed a second preset value; The EAS load of the target EAS does not exceed a third preset value; Select the target EAS based on the delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS; Select the target EAS based on the delay between the UE and the candidate EASs; The target EAS is selected based on the EAS payload corresponding to the candidate EASs.

17. A method for determining an edge application server, applied to a UPF, the method comprising: Receive delay measurement parameters; Measuring delay information between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs based on the delay measurement parameter; Send a delay measurement report to the SMF, where the delay measurement report includes delay information between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs.

18. A method for determining an edge application server, applied to an AF, the method comprising: Send at least one of the following: the EAS capability of the candidate EAS, the delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS, and the EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS.

19. The method for determining an edge application server according to claim 18, wherein: The sending of at least one of the following: the EAS capability of the candidate EAS, the delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS, and the EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS includes: Send one or more of EAS deployment information, EAS related information, and EAS status information, wherein the one or more of the EAS deployment information, EAS related information, and EAS status information includes at least one of the following: EAS capability of the candidate EAS, delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS, and EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS.

20. A SMF comprising a memory, a transceiver, and a processor: A memory for storing a computer program; a transceiver for transmitting and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer program in the memory and performing the following operations: Obtaining delay information and / or EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS; Based on the delay information and / or the EAS load, a target EAS is determined from the candidate EASs.

21. The SMF according to claim 20, wherein The obtaining of the delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS includes: Instruct one or more candidate PSA UPFs to measure delay information between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs respectively; Receive a delay measurement report sent by the candidate PSA UPF, where the delay measurement report includes delay information between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs.

22. The SMF according to claim 21, wherein The operations further include: Determine one or more candidate EASs based on the EAS IP address range information; or, Based on the one or more DNAIs, one or more candidate PSA UPFs are determined.

23. The SMF of claim 21, wherein The obtaining of delay information and / or EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS includes: Receive EAS information sent by EASDF; Based on the EAS information and UPF selection rules, one or more candidate PSA UPFs are determined.

24. The SMF of claim 20, wherein: The obtaining of delay information and / or EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS includes: Based on the EAS deployment information and / or EAS related information, obtaining the delay information and / or EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS; Wherein, the EAS deployment information is locally configured or obtained from the AF; the EAS related information is obtained from the AF; The EAS-related information includes at least one of the following: the EAS capability of the candidate EAS, the delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS, and the EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS.

25. The SMF of claim 24, wherein: The determining a target EAS from candidate EASs based on the delay information and / or the EAS load includes: When the EAS deployment information and / or the EAS status information includes a mapping relationship between the FQDN and the EAS capability, and / or when the EAS deployment information includes a mapping relationship between the FQDN and the latency information corresponding to the candidate EAS, determining the target EAS based on the latency information and / or the EAS load; The EAS deployment information and / or EAS status information includes at least one of the following: EAS capability of the candidate EAS, delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS, EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS, and EAS related information.

26. The SMF of claim 21 or 22 or 24 or 25, wherein: The operations further include: Update the DNS message processing rule, wherein the DNS message processing rule includes the EAS IP address of the target EAS.

27. The SMF according to any one of claims 20-22 or 24 or 25, wherein The operations further include: Based on the delay information and / or the EAS load, a target PSA UPF is determined from the candidate PSA UPFs.

28. The SMF of claim 20, wherein: The operations further include: Determine and select a target EAS based on the delay information and / or the EAS load.

29. The SMF according to claim 28, wherein The determining of selecting a target EAS based on the latency information and / or the EAS load includes: Based on one or more of the PCC rule, the DNS query related information, and the local policy, a target EAS is determined from the candidate EASs based on the delay information and / or the EAS load.

30. The SMF of claim 29, wherein: The operations further include: receiving the PCC rule, where the PCC rule is generated based on the AF request; The AF request is used to request one or more of the following: The N6 delay corresponding to the target EAS does not exceed the first preset value; The delay between the UE and the target EAS does not exceed a second preset value; The EAS load of the target EAS does not exceed a third preset value; Select the target EAS based on the delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS; Select the target EAS based on the delay between the UE and the candidate EASs; The target EAS is selected based on the EAS payload corresponding to the candidate EASs.

31. The SMF of claim 30, wherein: The operations further include: Based on the second preset value, a fourth preset threshold is determined, wherein the fourth preset threshold is used to specify the N6 delay corresponding to the target EAS.

32. The SMF of claim 20, wherein: The operations further include: determining to reselect a target EAS based on the first information; The first information includes one or more of the following: Delay requirement information; EAS load demand information; Delay demand update information; EAS load demand update information; N6 latency monitoring report.

33. The SMF of claim 20, wherein: The obtaining of delay information and / or EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS includes: Send a request message to the NWDAF, where the request message is used to request the delay information and / or EAS load between the candidate EAS and one or more candidate PSA UPFs; Receive feedback information sent by the NWDAF; wherein the feedback information is used to indicate the delay information and / or EAS load, or the feedback information includes the delay information and / or EAS load.

34. The SMF of claim 29, wherein The operations further include: Receive relevant information of the DNS query; Among them, the relevant message of the DNS query is generated based on the DNS query message and the DNS message processing rules, and the DNS query message includes delay requirement information and / or EAS load requirement information. The delay requirement information is used to indicate the selection of the target EAS based on the delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS, and the EAS load requirement information is used to indicate the selection of the target EAS based on the EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS.

35. An AF, comprising a memory, a transceiver, and a processor: A memory for storing a computer program; a transceiver for transmitting and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer program in the memory and performing the following operations: Send AF request; The AF request is used to request one or more of the following: The N6 delay corresponding to the target EAS does not exceed the first preset value; The delay between the UE and the target EAS does not exceed a second preset value; The EAS load of the target EAS does not exceed a third preset value; Select the target EAS based on the delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS; Select the target EAS based on the delay between the UE and the candidate EASs; The target EAS is selected based on the EAS payload corresponding to the candidate EASs.

36. A UPF, comprising a memory, a transceiver, and a processor: a memory for storing computer programs; a transceiver for transmitting and receiving data under the control of the processor; A processor is configured to read the computer program in the memory and perform the following operations: Receive delay measurement parameters; Based on the delay measurement parameter, measure the delay information between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs respectively; Send a delay measurement report to the SMF, where the delay measurement report includes delay information between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs.

37. An AF, comprising a memory, a transceiver, and a processor: A memory for storing a computer program; a transceiver for transmitting and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer program in the memory and performing the following operations: Send at least one of the following: the EAS capability of the candidate EAS, the delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS, and the EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS.

38. The AF of claim 37, wherein: The sending of at least one of the following: the EAS capability of the candidate EAS, the delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS, and the EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS includes: Send one or more of EAS deployment information, EAS related information, and EAS status information, wherein the one or more of the EAS deployment information, EAS related information, and EAS status information includes at least one of the following: EAS capability of the candidate EAS, delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS, and EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS.

39. A device for determining an edge application server, the device comprising: A first acquisition module is configured to acquire delay information and / or EAS load corresponding to a candidate EAS; The second determining module is configured to determine a target EAS from the candidate EASs based on the delay information and / or the EAS load.

40. A device for determining an edge application server, the device comprising: A first sending module, configured to send an AF request; The AF request is used to request one or more of the following: The N6 delay corresponding to the target EAS does not exceed the first preset value; The delay between the UE and the target EAS does not exceed a second preset value; The EAS load of the target EAS does not exceed a third preset value; Select the target EAS based on the delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS; Select the target EAS based on the delay between the UE and the candidate EASs; The target EAS is selected based on the EAS payload corresponding to the candidate EASs.

41. A device for determining an edge application server, the device comprising: A second receiving module, configured to receive a delay measurement parameter; A measurement module, configured to measure delay information between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs based on the delay measurement parameter; The fourth sending module is configured to send a delay measurement report to the SMF, where the delay measurement report includes delay information between one or more candidate EASs and one or more candidate PSA UPFs.

42. A device for determining an edge application server, the device comprising: The fifth sending module is configured to send at least one of the following: the EAS capability of the candidate EAS, the delay information corresponding to the candidate EAS, and the EAS load corresponding to the candidate EAS.

43. A processor-readable storage medium storing a computer program, wherein the computer program is configured to cause the processor to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 19.

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