Data statistical method, network communication method and apparatus, device, storage medium, and product

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a data statistical method, a network communication method and apparatus, a device, a storage medium, and a product, which are applied to a first network function. The method comprises: receiving a first request sent by a second network function; sending a first report to the second network function.

Description

Data statistics method, network communication method, device, equipment, storage medium and product

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410405636.8 filed in China on April 5, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to the field of core networks, and in particular to a data statistics method, a network communication method, an apparatus, a device, a storage medium, and a product. Background Art

[0004] In core network technology, users of industry networks can access both their industry networks and the operator's main network. In related technologies, only the service support system can provide information on user device access to services. However, this system's feedback efficiency is very low, with access information reported on a daily basis, making it difficult to fully utilize the information provided. Currently, there is no effective solution to this problem. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a data statistics method, network communication method, apparatus, equipment, storage medium and product, aiming to effectively improve the statistical efficiency of the statistical report of the first function access application, and effectively improve the availability of the statistical report of the first function access application.

[0006] The technical solution of the embodiment of the present disclosure is implemented as follows:

[0007] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a data statistics method, which is applied to a first network function. The method includes:

[0008] receiving a first request sent by a second network function;

[0009] A first report is sent to the second network function.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first request is a data statistics request; and the first report is a statistics report.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first request is a request for statistical reporting of traffic, business and / or access of the first function in one or more data network names (DNN), single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI), applications, business, services and / or time dimensions.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first function is one or more of the following: User Equipment (UE), User Equipment Group (UE group).

[0013] In some embodiments, the first network function is one or more of the following: User Plane Function (UPF), Session Management Function (SMF).

[0014] In some embodiments, the second network function is one or more of the following: application function (AF), network data analytics function (NWDAF), network exposure function (NEF), and network repository function (NRF).

[0015] In some embodiments, the first request includes at least one of the following: a first function identifier, a Generic Public Subscription Identifier (GPSI), a GPSI list, a user equipment Internet Protocol address (UE IP address), a user equipment Internet Protocol address list (UE IP address list), a protocol data unit session identity number (PDU session ID), a protocol data unit session identity number list (PDU session ID list), an application identifier, a DNN, a S-NSSAI, a service identifier, a service identifier, a service name, a time period, a start time, an end time, and a reporting period.

[0016] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0017] Based on one or more of the DNN, S-NSSAI and one or more of the first function identifier, GPSI list, UE IP address list, PDU session ID list, and application identifier, determine the statistical report of traffic, business and / or access of the first function in the DNN and / or S-NSSAI in one or more DNN, S-NSSAI, application, business, service and / or time dimensions.

[0018] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0019] Based on the start time and / or the end time and / or the first function identifier, GPSI list, UE IP address list, PDU session ID list and / or the application identifier, statistical reports on traffic, business and / or access of the first function in one or more DNN, S-NSSAI, application, business, service and / or time dimensions are collected.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first report includes one or more of the following:

[0021] First function identifier, GPSI list, UE IP address list, PDU session ID list, DNN, S-NSSAI, application identifier (AF ID), start time, end time, reporting time, business, service, data size, capacity, total traffic volume, access duration, traffic threshold, UE or user list UE list, UE usage habits.

[0022] In some embodiments, sending the first report to the second network function includes:

[0023] The first report is sent directly to the second network function, or the first report is forwarded to the second network function through a third network function.

[0024] In some embodiments, the third network function is one or more of the following: NEF, Local Network Open Function (L-NEF), NWDAF.

[0025] In some embodiments, sending the first report to the second network function includes:

[0026] The first network function sends a first report when traffic meets a threshold, and / or reaches a threshold, and / or triggers a threshold, and / or triggers a warning.

[0027] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a data statistics method, which is applied to a second network function. The method includes:

[0028] Sending a first request to a first network function;

[0029] Receive a first report sent by the first network function.

[0030] In some embodiments, sending the first request to the first network function includes:

[0031] The second network function sends the first request through the service-based interface.

[0032] In some embodiments, the serviced interface is a UPF usage report (Nupf_UsageReport) interface.

[0033] In some embodiments, the service-based interface has at least one of the following operations: notification, subscription, and unsubscription.

[0034] In some embodiments, the second network function is connected to the third network function; and sending the first request to the first network function includes:

[0035] Sending a network element search request to the third network function; the network element search request carries a device identifier of the first function;

[0036] receiving a network element identifier of the first network function corresponding to the device identifier and sent by the third network function;

[0037] The first request is sent to a first network function corresponding to the network element identifier.

[0038] In some embodiments, sending the first request to the first network function includes:

[0039] acquiring, based on the device identifier of the first function, a fourth network function corresponding to the first function;

[0040] Sending a network element search request to the fourth network function; the network element search request carries a device identifier of the first function;

[0041] receiving a network element identifier of the first network function corresponding to the device identifier and sent by the fourth network function;

[0042] The first request is sent to a first network function corresponding to the network element identifier.

[0043] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a network communication method, applied to a first network function, the method comprising:

[0044] The first network function receives first information provided by the second network function, or receives the first information through a third network function, where the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0045] Quality of Service (QoS) parameter information;

[0046] Indications related to the local network, local edge computing, local edge computing server, local edge computing network, local session management function (L-SMF / local-SMF), SMF deployed at the network edge, local user plane function (local UPF), or UPF deployed at the network edge;

[0047] Instructions related to the Anchor SMF or Centralized SMF;

[0048] Data Network Access Identifier (DNAI) related information;

[0049] Edge service deployment information;

[0050] Domain Name System DNS server information.

[0051] In some embodiments, the first network function is a Policy Control Function (PCF).

[0052] In some embodiments, the second network function is an AF.

[0053] In some embodiments, the third network function is a NEF.

[0054] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0055] The first network function generates second information based on the first information, where the second information includes the following types of information:

[0056] Policy information related to edge networks;

[0057] policy information related to the core network;

[0058] Policy information not relevant to the edge network;

[0059] Diversion information;

[0060] Traffic diversion information related to edge networks.

[0061] In some implementation schemes, the diversion information refers to destination IP information, source IP information, or service information that needs to be offloaded to the edge network.

[0062] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0063] The first network function sends the second information to the fourth network function, or sends it to the fourth network function through the fifth network function, the fourth network function is the intermediate session management function (I-SMF) or L-SMF / local-SMF, and the fifth network function is SMF.

[0064] In some embodiments, the fifth network function does not modify or update the policy information related to the edge network, or the policy information related to the edge network is contained in a container and is not visible to the fifth network function.

[0065] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a network communication method, applied to a fourth network function, the method comprising:

[0066] The fourth network function obtains the third information directly from the third network function, or obtains the third information from the third network function through the fifth network function.

[0067] In some embodiments, the fourth network function is one or more of the following: I-SMF, L-SMF / local-SMF.

[0068] In some implementation schemes, the third information is edge deployment information (EDI).

[0069] In some implementation schemes, the third information includes at least one of the following: indication information of local edge service deployment information; indication information of common edge service deployment information.

[0070] In some embodiments, the fourth network function sends the third information to a sixth network function.

[0071] In some embodiments, the sixth network function is one or more of the following:

[0072] Edge Application Server Discovery Function (EASDF);

[0073] ordinary or centralized EASDF;

[0074] EASDF deployed at the network edge.

[0075] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a data statistics device, applied to a first network function, comprising:

[0076] A first receiving module, configured to receive a first request sent by a second network function;

[0077] The first sending module is configured to send the first report to the second network function.

[0078] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a data statistics device, applied to a second network function, the device comprising:

[0079] The second sending module is configured to send a first request to the first network function; the data statistics request is used to obtain a statistical report on accesses to the set application by the device to be counted;

[0080] The second receiving module is used to receive a first report sent by the first network function.

[0081] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a network communication device, applied to a first network function, the device comprising:

[0082] A third receiving module is configured to receive, by the first network function, first information provided by the second network function, or to receive the first information through a third network function, where the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0083] QoS parameter information;

[0084] Instructions related to the local network, local edge computing, local edge computing server, local edge computing network, L-SMF / local-SMF, SMF deployed at the edge of the network, local UPF, or UPF deployed at the edge of the network;

[0085] Instructions related to the centralized network or Anchor SMF or centralized SMF;

[0086] DNAI-related information;

[0087] Edge service deployment information;

[0088] Domain Name System (DNS) server information.

[0089] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a network communication device, applied to a fourth network function, the device including:

[0090] The first acquisition module, the fourth network function directly acquires the third information from the third network function, or acquires the third information from the third network function through the fifth network function.

[0091] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a first network function, including: a first processor and a first memory for storing a computer program that can be run on the first processor,

[0092] Among them, when the first processor is used to run the computer program, it executes the steps of the first network function side data statistics method, or executes the steps of the first network function side network communication method.

[0093] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a second network function, including: a second processor and a second memory for storing a computer program that can be run on the second processor.

[0094] Among them, the second processor is used to execute the steps of the second network function side data statistics method when running the computer program.

[0095] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a fourth network function, including: a third processor and a third memory for storing a computer program that can be run on the third processor,

[0096] Among them, the third processor is used to execute the steps of the fourth network function side network communication method when running the computer program.

[0097] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a storage medium having a computer program stored thereon. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the computer program implements the steps of a first network function side data statistics method, or the steps of a first network function side network communication method, or the steps of a second network function side data statistics method, or the steps of a fourth network function side network communication method.

[0098] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer program product, including a computer program. When executed by a processor, the computer program executes the steps of the first network function side data statistics method, or executes the steps of the first network function side network communication method, executes the steps of the second network function side data statistics method, and executes the steps of the fourth network function side network communication method.

[0099] The disclosed embodiments provide a data statistics method, network communication method, apparatus, device, storage medium, and product, which are applied to a first network function. The method comprises: receiving a first request sent by a second network function; and sending a first report to the second network function. By adopting the technical solution of the disclosed embodiments, the first network function directly receives the first request sent by the second network function, thereby shortening the interaction process and time, and effectively improving the statistical efficiency of statistical reports on the first function's access to applications. The statistical report on the first function's access to applications is compiled based on the first request, and the statistical report is sent to the second network function based on the first request, so that the second network function can obtain the statistical report in real time, effectively improving the availability of the statistical report on the first function's access to applications. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0100] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a flow chart of a method for implementing data statistics on a first network function side according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0101] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a flow chart of a method for implementing data statistics on a second network function side according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0102] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a flow chart of a method for implementing a first network function side network communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0103] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a flow chart of a method for implementing a fourth network function side network communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0104] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a process for implementing a usage report service in which an AF directly subscribes to a UPF in an application example of an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0105] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a process for implementing a usage report service in which NWDAF directly subscribes to UPF in an application example of an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0106] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a process for implementing a subscription of a usage report service by NWDAF to UPF via SMF in an application example of an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0107] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of a first network function side data statistics device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0108] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of a second network function side data statistics device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0109] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of a network communication device on the first network function side according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0110] FIG11 is a schematic structural diagram of a network communication device on the fourth network function side according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0111] FIG12 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first network function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0112] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second network function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0113] FIG14 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fourth network function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0114] In relevant core network technologies, users of industry networks can access both the industry network and the operator's main network. To facilitate time and space management of users within the network, industry networks need to monitor access to different services for each user device, including total traffic, duration, start time, and other information. During discussions within the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), domestic and international participants proposed typical application scenarios for industry networks. First, industry networks need to monitor real-time user activity within the network, including but not limited to the traffic and duration of a specific UE's access to the intranet and the operator's main network at a specific time point and time period. This can be used to calculate work duration and efficiency. Second, the 5th Generation Core Network (5GC) data analysis function can directly request subscriptions from user plane functions for usage reports for specific UEs. For example, the duration, time point, and location of access to a specific application (app) at a specific time point / time period. This allows the NWDAF to use this raw data for user model characterization and big data model training.

[0115] In related technologies, UPF is used to generate statistical reports on access information (specifically, usage information). These reports can be provided to NWDAF, which includes the duration, time, and location of UE(s) accessing an app at a specific point in time or time period. This allows NWDAF to perform user model characterization and big data model training based on this raw data. UPF usage reports can also be provided to third-party applications to facilitate industry networks' need to understand the real-time status of users within the network, including but not limited to the traffic and duration of a specific UE's access to the intranet and the operator's main network at a specific point in time and time period. This can be used to calculate work hours and work efficiency.

[0116] However, currently only the business support system (referred to as the business support system) can provide usage information. However, the feedback efficiency of the business support system is very low, and the daily or monthly statistical feedback cannot meet the real-time needs of the industry. The daily or monthly traffic statistics provided are statistically meaningless to third parties, and cannot be used for further analysis.

[0117] To address the aforementioned issues, the present disclosure provides a data statistics method, network communication method, apparatus, device, storage medium, and product. These methods collect data through the UPF, perform real-time data statistics, and report the data to a third party. These methods are intended to effectively improve the efficiency and usability of the statistical results of device access to a set application.

[0118] The present disclosure provides a data statistics method, which is applied to a first network function. As shown in FIG1 , the method includes:

[0119] Step 101: Receive a first request sent by a second network function.

[0120] It should be noted that the network functions in the embodiments of the present disclosure may also be referred to as functions, functional bodies, functional network elements, network elements, network nodes, or devices, etc., and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to this, as long as the corresponding functions are implemented. For example, in a 5G network, the first network function may be a UPF.

[0121] For example, the data statistics method can be determined according to actual conditions. This is not limited here. As an example, the method can be a method for performing real-time business data statistics on a UPF.

[0122] For example, the first network function may be determined based on actual circumstances. This is not limited herein. As an example, the first network function may be a UPF. The second network function may be determined based on actual circumstances. This is not limited herein. As an example, the second network function may be an NWDAF or an AF.

[0123] In an application example, the first request is a data statistics request.

[0124] In an application example, the first request is a request for statistical reporting of traffic, business and / or access of the first function in one or more data network names DNN, slice selection auxiliary information S-NSSAI, application, business, service and / or time dimensions.

[0125] It can be understood that DNN, S-NSSAI, application, business, service or time are all statistical dimensions for the first statistical function to perform statistical reporting on traffic, business and / or access. Statistical reports on traffic, business and / or access can be performed based on one of the first statistical functions among DNN, S-NSSAI, application, business, service or time. Specifically, statistical reports on traffic, business and / or access can be performed for a certain DNN, a certain S-NSSAI, a certain application, a certain business, a certain service or a certain period of time. Statistical reports on traffic, business and / or access can also be performed based on the first statistical function of a combination of DNN, S-NSSAI, application, business, service and time.

[0126] It should be noted that the first request can be understood as a request for a statistical report on traffic, business or access based on one or more DNN, S-NSSAI, applications, business, service or time statistics first function, and can also be understood as a request for a statistical report on at least one of traffic, business and access based on a combined statistics first function of multiple DNN, S-NSSAI, applications, business, service and time.

[0127] Exemplarily, the first request may be a UPF subscription request, where the UPF subscription request is used for the second network function to subscribe to a usage report (Report) from the first network function, and to instruct the first network function to count the traffic, service, and / or access usage of the first function in the application dimension. The first function may be a UE to be counted, and the application may be an application to be counted.

[0128] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first network function can directly receive the first request sent by the second network function, and directly send the first report to the second network function. Through the direct interaction between the first network function and the second network function, a shorter transmission path is used, effectively shortening the process and time.

[0129] In an application example, the method further includes:

[0130] Based on the first request, determine the first function to perform statistical reporting of traffic, business and / or access in one or more DNN, S-NSSAI, application, business, service and / or time dimensions.

[0131] Exemplarily, determining a statistical report on traffic, business and / or access performed by the first function in one or more DNN, S-NSSAI, application, business, service and / or time dimensions can also be expressed as creating, generating or selecting a statistical report on traffic, business and / or access performed by the first function in one or more DNN, S-NSSAI, application, business, service and / or time dimensions.

[0132] In an application example, the first function is one or more of the following: UE, UE group.

[0133] In an application example, the first network function is one or more of the following: UPF, SMF.

[0134] In an application example, the second network function is one or more of the following: AF, NWDAF, NEF, NRF.

[0135] In an application example, the first request includes at least one of the following: a first function identifier, GPSI, GPSI list, UE IP address, UE IP address list, PDU session ID, PDU session ID list, application identifier, DNN, S-NSSAI, service identifier, service identifier, service name, time period, start time, end time, and reporting period.

[0136] For example, the first function identifier, GPSI, GPSI list, UE IP address, UE IP address list, PDU session ID, and PDU session ID list are used to identify which UEs or PDU sessions need to have their traffic counted. DNN and S-NSSAI are used to identify the network on which the UE's traffic is located. The start time is used to identify the time when statistics are started. The end time is used to identify the time when statistics are stopped. The reporting period is used to identify whether a single report or a periodic report is used, and if so, how often the report is reported.

[0137] In an application example, the method further includes:

[0138] Based on one or more of DNN, S-NSSAI and one or more of the first function identifier, GPSI list, UE IP address list, PDU session ID list, and application identifier, determine the statistical report of traffic, business and / or access of the first function in DNN and / or S-NSSAI in one or more DNN, S-NSSAI, application, business, service and / or time dimensions.

[0139] Exemplarily, based on one or more of DNN, S-NSSAI and one or more of the first function identifier, GPSI list, UE IP address list, PDU session ID list, application identifier, business identifier, and service identifier, it is also possible to determine the statistical report of traffic, business and / or access of the first function in DNN and / or S-NSSAI in one or more DNN, S-NSSAI, application, business, service and / or time dimensions.

[0140] Exemplarily, the first function can be determined in a preset database based on at least one of the first function identifier, GPSI, GPSI list, UE IP address, UE IP address list, PDU session ID, and PDU session ID list, and the traffic, service, and accessed application of the first function can be determined in the preset data based on the application identifier information; and the usage of the traffic, service, and access of the first function in the application dimension is counted in the preset database to obtain a statistical report. The statistical report can be the usage of the application of the first function.

[0141] Exemplarily, the preset database may be a database in the first network function, which stores at least one of the first function identifier, GPSI, GPSI list, UE IP address, UE IP address list, PDU session ID, and PDU session ID list, as well as the first function traffic, service, application identifier of the accessed application, the first function traffic, service, service identifier of the service in the accessed application, time information for receiving the data packet information sent by the first function, and the DNN corresponding to the data packet information received through the network, and at least one or more of S-NSSAI.

[0142] Exemplarily, a network can be determined in a preset database based on at least one of DNN and S-NSSAI; and a first function in the network is determined in the preset database to perform statistical reporting on traffic, business, and access in the application dimension.

[0143] In an application example, the method further includes:

[0144] Based on the start time and / or end time and / or the first function identifier, GPSI list, UE IP address list, PDU session ID list and / or application identifier, statistical reporting of traffic, business and / or access of the first function in one or more DNN, S-NSSAI, application, business, service and / or time dimensions.

[0145] Exemplarily, it is also possible to generate statistical reports on traffic, services and / or access of the first function in one or more DNN, S-NSSAI, application, service, service and / or time dimensions based on the start time and / or end time and / or the first function identifier, GPSI list, UE IP address list, PDU session ID list and / or application identifier and / or service identifier.

[0146] Exemplarily, based on the start time and / or end time, the first function identifier, GPSI list, UE IP address list, PDU session ID list and / or application identifier can be screened in a preset database to obtain multiple traffic, service, and access records within the start time and / or end time and / or the time period between the start time and the end time. The traffic, service, and access records can be records of traffic, service, and access for the first function in the application dimension. A statistical report is determined based on the start time and / or end time, and / or the traffic, service, and access records. It is understandable that the statistical report can at least carry the aforementioned start time and / or end time.

[0147] Exemplarily, the service accessed by the first function is determined in preset data based on the service identifier; and a statistical report on traffic, service, and access of the first function in the service dimension is compiled in a preset database.

[0148] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0149] receiving data packet information sent by the first function based on the network;

[0150] Determining a first function identifier of a first function according to first address information in the data packet information;

[0151] Determining an application identifier of the first function access application program according to the second address information in the data packet information;

[0152] Determine, based on the port information in the data packet information, a service identifier of the service in the first function access application program;

[0153] The network information, the time information of receiving the data packet information, the first function identifier, the application identifier and the service identifier are stored in a preset database.

[0154] Exemplarily, the data packet information sent by the first function is received based on the network, and the data packet information sent by the first function can be received based on a transmission channel of the network, the transmission channel can be a tunnel, and the data packet information can be traffic information; then, the network information of the network can be determined according to the transmission channel of the network, and the network information can be the network name information of the data network and / or the slice identification information of the network slice.

[0155] Exemplarily, the first address information may be a source Internet Protocol (IP) address in the data packet information, and the first address information carries a first function identifier of the first function; determining the first function identifier of the first function based on the first address information in the data packet information may be by parsing the first address information to obtain the first function identifier of the first function.

[0156] Exemplarily, the second address information may be the destination IP address in the data packet information, and the second address information carries the application identifier of the application; based on the second address information in the data packet information, the application identifier of the application accessed by the first function is determined, and the second address information may be parsed to obtain the application identifier of the application accessed.

[0157] Exemplarily, the port information may be the destination port number in the data packet information, and there is a correspondence between the port information and the service. Determining the service identifier of the service in the application program accessed by the first function based on the port information in the data packet information may be determining the service identifier of the service corresponding to the port information based on the port information. Step 102: Send the first report to the second network function.

[0158] In the disclosed embodiment, after the first network function completes usage statistics, it can report according to the reporting requirements of the second network function. The first network function can directly generate a first report and immediately send it to the second network function without waiting for a fixed update time, thereby greatly improving efficiency. The statistical results of instant feedback can be used for working hour statistics, efficiency statistics, etc., thereby improving the availability of access information.

[0159] In an application example, the first report is a statistical report.

[0160] In an application example, the first report is a report generated based on the first request.

[0161] In an example application, the first report includes one or more of the following:

[0162] First function identifier, GPSI list, UE IP address list, PDU session ID list, DNN, S-NSSAI, application identifier AF ID, start time, end time, reporting time, business, service, data size, capacity, total traffic volume, access duration, traffic threshold, UE or user list UE list, UE usage habits.

[0163] For example, the usage habit of the UE may be the access frequency of a certain AF (such as Tencent Video) or a service of a certain AF (such as a variety show channel of Tencent Video) within a specified time period.

[0164] In an application example, sending a first report to a second network function includes:

[0165] The first report is sent directly to the second network function, or the first report is forwarded to the second network function via a third network function.

[0166] In an application example, the third network function is one or more of the following: NEF, L-NEF, NWDAF.

[0167] In an application example, sending a first report to a second network function includes:

[0168] The first network function sends a first report when traffic meets a threshold, and / or reaches a threshold, and / or triggers a threshold, and / or triggers an alarm.

[0169] Exemplarily, the threshold may be a traffic threshold, and the threshold may be a traffic threshold; when the traffic reaches the traffic threshold and / or reaches the traffic threshold, the first report may be sent to the second network element, and the first report may be the first report completed within the traffic threshold and / or the traffic threshold.

[0170] In some embodiments, the first network function sends a first report when a time satisfies a threshold, and / or reaches a threshold, and / or triggers a threshold, and / or triggers a warning. The threshold may be a duration threshold, and the threshold may be a duration threshold. The first report may be sent to the second network element when the duration reaches the duration threshold and / or reaches the duration threshold. The first report may be the first report on statistical completion within the duration threshold and / or the duration threshold.

[0171] In some embodiments, the first request may include a number cycle parameter, which is used to characterize the preset number of times the first report is reported and the time period for each report; the first report can be sent to the second network element in sequence based on the preset number and time period.

[0172] Exemplarily, the preset number of times may be a single time or multiple times. If the preset number of times is a single time, the time period may be empty; the first report may be sent to the second network element in sequence based on the preset number of times and the time period, and the first report may be a single report completed by the first report. If the preset number of times is multiple times, the time period may be the duration of each reporting interval; the first report may be sent to the second network element in sequence based on the preset number of times and the time period, and the first report may be sent to the second network element after each time period until the preset number of times is reached and the first report is stopped from being sent, and the first report may be the first report completed by the statistics in the current time period.

[0173] In some embodiments, the first request may include a time period parameter, where the time period parameter is used to characterize a preset time for reporting the first report; the first report may be sent to the second network element when the current time reaches the preset time.

[0174] For example, the preset time can be determined based on actual circumstances. This is not limited herein. As an example, the preset time can be a specific moment; the first report can be sent to the second network element when the current time reaches the preset time, or when the current time reaches the specific moment; the first report can be the first report completed for the time period between the previous specific moment and the current specific moment.

[0175] In the disclosed embodiment, the first network function performs multi-dimensional statistics on access to the first function and access status, including time and parameter dimensions. The time dimension includes a certain time period and a specific moment; the parameter dimension includes duration reaching a duration threshold and traffic reaching a traffic threshold. This achieves multi-dimensional, fine-grained access statistics, thereby more effectively improving the usability of access status information.

[0176] The present disclosure provides a data statistics method, which is applied to a second network function. As shown in FIG2 , the method includes:

[0177] Step 201: Send a first request to a first network function.

[0178] Step 202: Receive a first report sent by a first network function.

[0179] In an application example, sending a first request to a first network function includes:

[0180] The second network function sends the first request through the serviced interface.

[0181] In an application example, the service-based interface is the Nupf_UsageReport interface.

[0182] In an application example, the service-based interface has at least one of the following operations: notification, subscription, and unsubscription.

[0183] In an application example, a second network function is connected to a third network function; and a first request is sent to a first network function, including:

[0184] Sending a network element search request to the third network function; the network element search request carries the device identifier of the first function;

[0185] receiving a network element identifier of the first network function corresponding to the device identifier and sent by the third network function;

[0186] The first request is sent to the first network function corresponding to the network element identifier.

[0187] Exemplarily, the network element search request may be a first network element discovery request. It is understandable that there is a correspondence between the first function and the first network function; the device identifier may be the first function identifier, or the network function identifier of the first network function; in some embodiments, the device identifier may also be at least one of a GPSI list, a UE IP address list, and a PDU session ID list; the third network function may determine the first network function corresponding to the first function based on the network function identifier. The network element identifier may be the identifier of the first network function.

[0188] In some embodiments, the network element lookup request also carries one or more of the DNN or S-NSSAI of the first function.

[0189] In some embodiments, if the second network function is an AF and is not in a trusted domain, the second network function sends a network element search request to the third network function, the third network function forwards the network element search request to the seventh network function, the third network function receives the network element identifier of the first network function corresponding to the network function identifier sent by the seventh network function, and the third network function forwards the network element identifier to the second network function; the second network function receives the network element identifier of the first network function corresponding to the network function identifier sent by the third network function. Among them, the seventh network function can be an NRF. It can be understood that if it is an AF within the operator, it can interact and access other NFs directly with other network function (NF) network elements in a trusted domain, while the third-party AF is not in the trusted domain and must access other NFs through the NEF.

[0190] In an application example, sending a first request to a first network function includes:

[0191] acquiring a fourth network function corresponding to the first function based on the device identifier of the first function;

[0192] Sending a network element search request to the fourth network function; the network element search request carries the device identifier of the first function;

[0193] receiving a network element identifier of the first network function corresponding to the device identifier and sent by the fourth network function;

[0194] The first request is sent to the first network function corresponding to the network element identifier.

[0195] Exemplarily, obtaining the fourth network function corresponding to the first function based on the device identifier of the first function can be accomplished by sending a fourth network function acquisition request to the eighth network function, where the fourth network function acquisition request carries network information of the first function; the eighth network function can be a unified data management function (UDM) network element, and the network information can be a user permanent identifier (SUPI), DNN, or S-NSSAI; receiving network element information of the fourth network function corresponding to the network information sent by the eighth network function; the network element information can be an identifier of the fourth network function; and determining the fourth network function corresponding to the first function based on the network element information.

[0196] It should be noted that the process of sending a network element search request to the fourth network function; receiving the network element identifier of the first network function corresponding to the network function identifier sent by the fourth network function; and sending the first request to the first network function corresponding to the network function identifier can refer to the description of sending a network element search request to the third network function; receiving the network element identifier of the first network function corresponding to the network function identifier sent by the third network element; and sending the first request to the first network function corresponding to the network element identifier, and will not be repeated here.

[0197] The present disclosure provides a network communication method, which is applied to a first network function. As shown in FIG3 , the method includes:

[0198] Step 301: The first network function receives first information provided by the second network function, or receives the first information through the third network function, where the first information includes at least one of the following: QoS parameter information; indication information related to the local network, or local edge computing, or local edge computing server, or local edge computing network, or L-SMF / local-SMF, or SMF deployed at the edge of the network, or local UPF, or UPF deployed at the edge of the network; indication information related to the centralized network, Anchor SMF, or centralized SMF; DNAI-related information; edge service deployment information; and domain name system DNS server information.

[0199] Exemplarily, the edge service deployment information includes the edge service IP address and the edge service fully qualified domain name (FQDN).

[0200] In an application example, the first network function is a PCF.

[0201] In an application example, the second network function is AF.

[0202] In an application example, the third network function is NEF.

[0203] In an application example, the method further includes:

[0204] The first network function generates second information based on the first information, where the second information includes the following types of information:

[0205] Policy information related to edge networks;

[0206] policy information related to the core network;

[0207] Policy information not relevant to the edge network;

[0208] Diversion information;

[0209] Traffic diversion information related to edge networks.

[0210] In an application example, the offload information refers to the destination IP information, source IP information, or service information that needs to be offloaded to the edge network.

[0211] In an application example, the method further includes:

[0212] The first network function sends the second information to the fourth network function, or sends it to the fourth network function through the fifth network function, the fourth network function is I-SMF or L-SMF / local-SMF, and the fifth network function is SMF.

[0213] In an application example, the fifth network function does not modify or update the policy information related to the edge network, or the policy information related to the edge network is contained in a container and is not visible to the fifth network function.

[0214] The present disclosure provides a network communication method, which is applied to the fourth network function. As shown in FIG4 , the method includes:

[0215] Step 401: The fourth network function directly obtains third information from the third network function, or obtains the third information from the third network function through the fifth network function.

[0216] In an application example, the fourth network function is one or more of the following: I-SMF, L-SMF / local-SMF.

[0217] In an application example, the third information is EDI.

[0218] In an application example, the third information includes at least one of the following: indication information of local edge service deployment information; indication information of common edge service deployment information.

[0219] In an application example, the fourth network function sends the third information to the sixth network function.

[0220] In an application example, the sixth network function is one or more of the following:

[0221] EASDF;

[0222] ordinary or centralized EASDF;

[0223] EASDF deployed at the network edge.

[0224] The data statistics method of the embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated below with reference to an application example, which can be specifically a method for performing real-time business data statistics on a UPF.

[0225] As shown in Figure 5, the implementation process of AF subscribing to the usage report service directly from UPF includes:

[0226] Step 501: The AF sends a UPF discovery request to the NEF.

[0227] Exemplarily, the UPF discovery request is in the form of Nnef_UPF Discovery request. The UPF discovery request is used to subscribe to the traffic usage of UE(s), including but not limited to traffic usage in a specific time period, specific app, specific service, and specific location. The UPF discovery request is used to indicate that the AF requests the core network to find a suitable UPF. The discovery request carries the GPSI list, DNN, and S-NSSAI.

[0228] Step 502: The NEF forwards the UPF discovery request to the NRF.

[0229] For example, the forwarded UPF discovery request is in the form of UPF discovery. After receiving the UPF discovery request from the AF, the NEF converts the GPSI into the UE IP address and forwards it to the NRF to search for appropriate UPF(s). The NRF finds the appropriate UPF list based on the DNN, S-NSSAI, and UE IP address and returns it to the NEF.

[0230] Step 503: The NEF returns the UPF discovery result to the AF.

[0231] Exemplarily, the UPF discovery result is in the form of Nnef_UPF Discovery response.

[0232] Step 504: The AF sends a UPF subscription request to the UPF.

[0233] Exemplarily, the UPF subscription request is expressed as Nupf_Usage Report subscribe. Based on the discovery results, the AF subscribes to the service directly from the UPF(s). The subscription service can call the Usage Report, which carries the GPSI list / UE IP address list / PDU session ID list to determine the UE to be counted or the PDU session to be counted; it also carries the DNN and S-NSSAI to determine the UE to be counted in a specific network; it also carries the usage report start time (time to start counting) and stop time (time to stop counting); it also carries the reporting period to determine whether it is a single report or a periodic report and how long it takes to report once.

[0234] Step 505: UPF data statistics.

[0235] For example, after receiving the subscription request, UPF performs usage statistics according to the requirements of AF. Since traffic is transmitted between the Radio Access Network (RAN) and UPF through a tunnel, there is information exchange when RAN and UPF establish this tunnel, so UPF can determine the DN (identified by DNN) and slice (identified by S-NSSAI) to which the data packet transmitted through the tunnel belongs. For each data packet received by UPF, taking the uplink data packet as an example (the downlink is just the opposite), it is possible to determine the IP five-tuple of the data packet (source IP address, source port number, destination IP address, destination port number and 4-layer communication protocol), as well as the time when UPF receives the data packet (which can be recorded according to the UPF's own timestamp). The UE from which it comes can be determined based on the source address, the app to be accessed can be determined based on the destination address, and the service of the app to be accessed can also be determined based on the destination port number.

[0236] After receiving the subscription request from AF, the device filters the local records based on the GPSI list / UE IP address list / PDU session ID list, DNN, S-NSSAI, AF ID, and the report start and end time to find the corresponding UE, the corresponding APP, and the two records within the corresponding time period. It then performs duration / traffic statistics according to AF's requirements and generates a report.

[0237] 506: UPF submits a usage report to AF.

[0238] For example, the usage report is in the form of Nupf_UsageReport Notify. Specifically, the UPF reports according to the requirements of the AF (single report / periodic report, report at a specific time, report after reaching a duration / flow threshold).

[0239] The content of the report includes but is not limited to usage time (start time, end time, usage duration), statistical target (specific UE or UE group, UE can be represented by GPSI / IP address / PDU session ID), DNN to which the statistical target belongs, S-NSSAI to which the statistical target belongs, AF to which the statistical traffic belongs, total traffic used, and UE usage habits. Usage habits include, for example, the frequency of access to a certain AF (such as a video application) or a service of a certain AF (such as a variety show channel of a video application) within a specified time period.

[0240] As shown in Figure 6, the implementation process of NWDAF subscribing to the usage report service directly from UPF includes:

[0241] Step 601: NWDAF sends a UPF discovery request to NEF.

[0242] Exemplarily, the UPF discovery request is in the form of Nnrf_NFDiscovery request. NWDAF invokes the UPF discovery request to request NRF to find a suitable UPF, carrying the GPSI list / UE IP address list / PDU session ID list, DNN and S-NSSAI.

[0243] Step 602: The NRF sends the UPF discovery result to the NWDAF.

[0244] For example, the UPF discovery result is in the form of Nnrf_NFDiscovery response. The NRF finds the appropriate UPF list based on GPSI / UE IP address / PDU Session ID, DNN and S-NSSAI, and returns it to the NWDAF.

[0245] Step 603: NWDAF sends a UPF subscription request to UPF.

[0246] For example, the UPF subscription request is expressed as Nupf_Usage Report subscribe. It should be noted that the process of step 603 can refer to the description of step 504 and will not be repeated here.

[0247] Step 604: UPF data statistics.

[0248] It should be noted that the process of step 604 can refer to the description of step 505 and will not be repeated here.

[0249] Step 605: The UPF reports the usage report to the NWDAF.

[0250] It should be noted that the process of step 605 can refer to the description of step 506 and will not be repeated here.

[0251] As shown in Figure 7, the NWDAF subscribes to the UPF usage report service through the SMF. The implementation process includes:

[0252] Step 701: NWDAF sends a UDM acquisition request to UDM.

[0253] Exemplarily, the UDM acquisition request is in the form of Nudm_SubscriberData_Get. The NWDAF calls the Nudm_SubscribeData_Get request to obtain the SMF serving the target UE from the UDM based on SUPI, DNN, and S-NSSAI.

[0254] Step 702: NWDAF sends a UPF discovery request to SMF.

[0255] Exemplarily, the UPF discovery request is in the form of Nsmf_EventExposure Subscribe, and the NWDAF requests the SMF to find a suitable UPF, carrying the GPSI list / UE IP address list / PDU session ID list, DNN and S-NSSAI.

[0256] Step 703: NWDAF sends a UPF subscription request to UPF.

[0257] It should be noted that the process of step 703 can refer to the description of step 504 and will not be repeated here.

[0258] Step 704: UPF data statistics.

[0259] It should be noted that the process of step 704 can refer to the description of step 505 and will not be repeated here.

[0260] Step 705: The UPF reports the usage report to the NWDAF.

[0261] It should be noted that the process of step 705 can refer to the description of step 506 and will not be repeated here.

[0262] UPF services include UPF event exposure (Nupf_EventExposure), obtaining private user addresses (Nupf_GetPrivateUEIPaddr), and a newly added UPF usage report (Nupf_UsageReport).

[0263] Among them, the service operations (Service Operations) exposed by UPF events include notification (Notify), subscription (Subscribe) and unsubscribe (Unsubscribe); operation semantics (Operation Semantics) include subscription / notification (Subscribe / Notify); usage examples (Example Consumer) include NEF, AF, NWDAF, time-sensitive network (TSNAF) / data collection coordination function (DCCF) / messaging framework adapter function (MFAF) / time-sensitive communication and time synchronization function (TSCTSF).

[0264] The service operation for obtaining a private user address includes Get; its operational semantics include Request / Response; and its usage examples include NEF. New service operations for reporting UPF usage include Notify, Subscribe, and Unsubscribe; their operational semantics include Subscribe / Notify; and their usage examples include NEF, AF, and NWDAF. Table 1 shows a schematic diagram of the NF services provided by the UPF.

[0265] Table 1 is a schematic diagram of the NF services provided by UPF

[0266] The present disclosure provides a data statistics device, which is applied to a first network function. As shown in FIG8 , the data statistics device 800 includes:

[0267] A first receiving module 801 is configured to receive a first request sent by a second network function;

[0268] The first sending module 802 is configured to send the first report to the second network function.

[0269] In some embodiments, the first request is a data statistics request.

[0270] In some embodiments, the first report is a statistical report.

[0271] In some embodiments, the first request is a request for statistical reporting of traffic, business, and / or access to the first function in one or more DNN, S-NSSAI, application, business, service, and / or time dimensions.

[0272] In some embodiments, the data statistics device 800 further includes:

[0273] The first determination module is used to determine, based on the first request, the statistical reporting of traffic, business and / or access by the first function in one or more DNN, S-NSSAI, application, business, service and / or time dimensions.

[0274] In some embodiments, the first function is one or more of: UE, UE group.

[0275] In some embodiments, the first network function is one or more of: UPF, SMF.

[0276] In some embodiments, the second network function is one or more of the following: AF, NWDAF, NEF, NRF.

[0277] In some embodiments, the first request includes at least one of the following: a first function identifier, a GPSI list, a UE IP address list, a PDU session ID list, an application identifier, a DNN, an S-NSSAI, a business identifier, a service identifier, a service name, a time period, a start time, an end time, and a reporting period.

[0278] In some embodiments, the data statistics device 800 further includes:

[0279] The second determination module is used to determine the statistical report of traffic, business and / or access of the first function in DNN and / or S-NSSAI in one or more DNN, S-NSSAI, application, business, service and / or time dimensions based on one or more of DNN, S-NSSAI and one or more of the first function identifier, GPSI list, UE IP address list, PDU session ID list, and application identifier.

[0280] In some embodiments, the data statistics device 800 further includes:

[0281] The third determination module is used to collect statistics on traffic, business and / or access of the first function in one or more DNNs, S-NSSAIs, applications, businesses, services and / or time dimensions based on the start time and / or end time and / or the first function identifier, GPSI list, UE IP address list, PDU session ID list and / or application identifier.

[0282] In some embodiments, the first report is a report generated based on the first request.

[0283] In some embodiments, the first report includes one or more of the following:

[0284] First function identifier, GPSI list, UE IP address list, PDU session ID list, DNN, S-NSSAI, application identifier AF ID, start time, end time, reporting time, business, service, data size, capacity, total traffic volume, access duration, traffic threshold, UE or user list UE list, UE usage habits.

[0285] In some embodiments, the first sending module 802 is configured to send the first report directly to the second network function, or forward the first report to the second network function via a third network function.

[0286] In some embodiments, the third network function is one or more of the following: NEF, L-NEF, NWDAF.

[0287] In some embodiments, the first sending module 802 is configured for the first network function to send a first report when traffic meets a threshold, and / or reaches a threshold, and / or triggers a threshold, and / or triggers a warning.

[0288] The present disclosure provides a data statistics device, which is applied to the second network function. As shown in FIG9 , the data statistics device 900 includes:

[0289] The second sending module 901 is used to send a first request to the first network function; the data statistics request is used to obtain a statistical report on the access of the device to be counted to the set application;

[0290] The second receiving module 902 is configured to receive a first report sent by a first network function.

[0291] In some implementation schemes, the second sending module 901 is configured for the second network function to send the first request through a service-based interface.

[0292] In some embodiments, the serviced interface is the Nupf_UsageReport interface.

[0293] In some embodiments, the service-based interface has at least one of the following operations: notification, subscription, and unsubscription.

[0294] In some implementation schemes, the second network function is connected to the third network function; the second sending module 901 is used to send a network element search request to the third network function; the network element search request carries a first function identifier; the network element identifier of the first network function corresponding to the device identifier sent by the third network function is received; and the first request is sent to the first network function corresponding to the network element identifier.

[0295] In some implementation schemes, the second sending module 901 is used to obtain the fourth network function corresponding to the first function based on the device identifier of the first function; send a network element search request to the fourth network function; the network element search request carries the device identifier of the first function; receive the network element identifier of the first network function corresponding to the device identifier sent by the fourth network function; and send the first request to the first network function corresponding to the network element identifier.

[0296] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a network communication device, which is applied to a first network function. As shown in FIG10 , the network communication device 1000 includes:

[0297] The third receiving module 1001 is configured to receive, by the first network function, first information provided by the second network function, or to receive the first information through the third network function, where the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0298] QoS parameter information;

[0299] Instructions related to the local network, local edge computing, local edge computing server, local edge computing network, L-SMF / local-SMF, SMF deployed at the edge of the network, local UPF, or UPF deployed at the edge of the network;

[0300] Instructions related to the centralized network or Anchor SMF or centralized SMF;

[0301] DNAI-related information;

[0302] Edge service deployment information;

[0303] Domain Name System DNS server information.

[0304] In some embodiments, the first network function is a PCF.

[0305] In some embodiments, the second network function is AF.

[0306] In some embodiments, the third network function is a NEF.

[0307] In some embodiments, the network communication device 1000 further includes:

[0308] The first generating module is configured to generate second information based on the first information by the first network function, where the second information includes the following types of information:

[0309] Policy information related to edge networks;

[0310] policy information related to the core network;

[0311] Policy information not relevant to the edge network;

[0312] Diversion information;

[0313] Traffic diversion information related to edge networks.

[0314] In some embodiments, the offload information refers to the destination IP information that needs to be offloaded to the edge network. In some embodiments, the network communication device 1000 further includes:

[0315] The third method module is used for the first network function to send the second information to the fourth network function, or to send it to the fourth network function through the fifth network function, the fourth network function is I-SMF or L-SMF / local-SMF, and the fifth network function is SMF.

[0316] In some embodiments, the fifth network function does not modify or update the policy information related to the edge network, or the policy information related to the edge network is contained in a container and is not visible to the fifth network function.

[0317] The present disclosure provides a network communication device for use with the fourth network function. As shown in FIG11 , the network communication device 1100 includes:

[0318] In the first acquisition module 1101, the fourth network function directly acquires the third information from the third network function, or acquires the third information from the third network function through the fifth network function.

[0319] In some embodiments, the fourth network function is one or more of: I-SMF, L-SMF / local-SMF.

[0320] In some embodiments, the third information is edge service deployment information EDI.

[0321] In some implementation schemes, the third information includes at least one of the following: indication information of local edge service deployment information; indication information of common edge service deployment information.

[0322] In some embodiments, the fourth network function sends the third information to the sixth network function.

[0323] In some embodiments, the sixth network function is one or more of the following:

[0324] EASDF;

[0325] ordinary or centralized EASDF;

[0326] EASDF deployed at the network edge.

[0327] It should be noted that the data statistics and / or network communication device provided in the above embodiment is only illustrated by the division of the above program modules when performing control. In actual applications, the above processing can be assigned to different program modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different program modules to complete all or part of the processing described above. In addition, the data statistics and / or network communication method device provided in the above embodiment and the aforementioned data statistics and / or network communication method determination method embodiment are of the same concept. The specific implementation process is detailed in the method embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0328] Exemplarily, in order to implement the data statistics and / or network communication method on the first network function side of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the embodiment of the present disclosure provides a first network function. Figure 12 only shows an exemplary structure of the first network function rather than the entire structure. Part or all of the structure shown in Figure 12 can be implemented as needed.

[0329] As shown in Figure 12 , the first network function 1200 provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: at least one processor 1201, a memory 1202, and a user interface 1203. The various components in the first network function 1200 are coupled together via a bus system 1204. It will be appreciated that bus system 1204 is used to enable connectivity and communication between these components. In addition to a data bus, bus system 1204 also includes a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus. However, for clarity, in Figure 12 , all of these buses are labeled as bus system 1204.

[0330] The user interface 1203 may include a display, a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a click wheel, keys, buttons, a touch pad or a touch screen.

[0331] The memory 1202 in the embodiment of the present disclosure is used to store various types of data to support the operation of the first network function. Examples of such data include: any computer program used to operate on the first network function.

[0332] The data statistics and / or network communication methods for the first network function disclosed in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to or implemented by processor 1201. Processor 1201 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the data statistics and / or network communication methods for the first network function can be performed by hardware integrated logic circuits or software instructions in processor 1201. The aforementioned processor 1201 can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. Processor 1201 can implement or execute the various methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present disclosure. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in conjunction with the embodiments of the present disclosure can be directly implemented and executed by a hardware decoding processor, or by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module may be located in a storage medium located in the memory 1202 . The processor 1201 reads the information in the memory 1202 and, in combination with its hardware, completes the steps of the data statistics and / or network communication method of the first network function provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0333] In an exemplary embodiment, the first network function 1200 can be implemented by one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), DSPs, programmable logic devices (PLDs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), general-purpose processors, controllers, microcontrollers (MCUs), microprocessors, or other electronic components to perform the aforementioned method.

[0334] Exemplarily, in order to implement the data statistics method on the second network function side of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the embodiment of the present disclosure provides a second network function. Figure 13 only shows an exemplary structure of the second network function rather than the entire structure. Part or all of the structure shown in Figure 13 can be implemented as needed.

[0335] As shown in Figure 13 , the second network function 1300 provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure includes at least one processor 1301, a memory 1302, and a user interface 1303. The various components in the second network function 1300 are coupled together via a bus system 1304. It will be appreciated that bus system 1304 is used to enable connectivity and communication between these components. In addition to a data bus, bus system 1304 also includes a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus. However, for clarity, in Figure 13 , all of these buses are labeled as bus system 1304.

[0336] The user interface 1303 may include a display, a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a click wheel, keys, buttons, a touch pad or a touch screen.

[0337] The memory 1302 in the embodiment of the present disclosure is used to store various types of data to support the operation of the second network function. Examples of such data include: any computer program used to operate on the second network function.

[0338] The data statistics method for the second network function disclosed in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to or implemented by processor 1301. Processor 1301 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the data statistics method for the second network function can be completed by hardware integrated logic circuits or software instructions in processor 1301. The aforementioned processor 1301 may be a general-purpose processor, a DSP, or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, a discrete hardware component, etc. Processor 1301 can implement or execute the various methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present disclosure. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be directly implemented and executed by a hardware decoding processor, or by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module may be located in a storage medium located in memory 1302. Processor 1301 reads information from memory 1302 and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the data statistics method for the second network function provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0339] In an exemplary embodiment, the second network function 1300 may be implemented by one or more ASICs, DSPs, PLDs, CPLDs, FPGAs, general-purpose processors, controllers, MCUs, Microprocessors, or other electronic components to perform the aforementioned method.

[0340] Exemplarily, in order to implement the network communication method on the fourth network function side of the embodiment of the present disclosure, the embodiment of the present disclosure provides a fourth network function. Figure 14 only shows an exemplary structure of the fourth network function rather than the entire structure. Part or all of the structure shown in Figure 14 can be implemented as needed.

[0341] As shown in Figure 14 , the fourth network function 1400 provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: at least one processor 1401, a memory 1402, and a user interface 1403. The various components in the fourth network function 1400 are coupled together via a bus system 1404. It will be appreciated that bus system 1404 is used to enable connectivity and communication between these components. In addition to a data bus, bus system 1404 also includes a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus. However, for clarity, in Figure 14 , all of these buses are labeled as bus system 1404.

[0342] The user interface 1403 may include a display, a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a click wheel, keys, buttons, a touch pad or a touch screen.

[0343] The memory 1402 in the embodiment of the present disclosure is used to store various types of data to support the operation of the fourth network function. Examples of such data include: any computer program used to operate on the fourth network function.

[0344] The network communication method for the fourth network function disclosed in the embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to or implemented by processor 1401. Processor 1401 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the network communication method for the fourth network function can be completed by hardware integrated logic circuits or software instructions in processor 1401. The processor 1401 may be a general-purpose processor, a DSP, or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, a discrete hardware component, etc. Processor 1401 can implement or execute the various methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this disclosure. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this disclosure can be directly implemented and executed by a hardware decoding processor, or by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module may be located in a storage medium located in memory 1402. Processor 1401 reads information from memory 1402 and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the network communication method for the fourth network function provided in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0345] In an exemplary embodiment, the fourth network function 1400 may be implemented by one or more ASICs, DSPs, PLDs, CPLDs, FPGAs, general-purpose processors, controllers, MCUs, Microprocessors, or other electronic components to perform the aforementioned methods.

[0346] It is understood that the memory (memory 1202, memory 1302, memory 1402) can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or can include both volatile and non-volatile memory. Among them, non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic random access memory (FRAM), flash memory, magnetic surface memory, optical disk, or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM); magnetic surface memory can be magnetic disk memory or magnetic tape memory. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Synchronous Static Random Access Memory (SSRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM), Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (DDRSDRAM), Enhanced Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (ESDRAM), SyncLink Dynamic Random Access Memory (SLDRAM), and Direct Rambus Random Access Memory (DRRAM).The memories described in the embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to include, but are not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memories.

[0347] In an exemplary embodiment, the embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a computer storage medium, which may specifically be a computer-readable storage medium, for example, including a memory 1202 for storing a computer program, and the above-mentioned computer program can be executed by the processor 1201 of the first network function 1200, and further, for example, including a memory 1302 for storing a computer program, and the above-mentioned computer program can be executed by the processor 1301 of the second network function 1300, and further, for example, including a memory 1402 for storing a computer program, and the above-mentioned computer program can be executed by the processor 1401 of the fourth network function 1400.

[0348] Exemplarily, an embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a computer program product, including a computer program, which can be executed by the processor 1201 of the first network function 1200, or by the processor 1301 of the second network function 1300, or by the processor 1401 of the fourth network function 1400, to complete the steps described in any of the aforementioned methods.

[0349] It should be noted that: "first", "second", etc. are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0350] In addition, the technical solutions described in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be arbitrarily combined without conflict.

[0351] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, but the scope of protection of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present disclosure should be included in the scope of protection of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present disclosure should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A data statistics method, applied to a first network function, comprising: receiving a first request sent by a second network function; A first report is sent to the second network function.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first request is a data statistics request; the first report is a statistics report.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first request is a request for statistical reporting of traffic, business and / or access of the first function in one or more data network names DNN, slice selection auxiliary information S-NSSAI, application, business, service and / or time dimensions.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein: The first function is one or more of the following: user equipment UE, user equipment group UE group.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first network function is one or more of the following: user plane function UPF, session management function SMF.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein The second network function is one or more of the following: application function AF, data analysis function NWDAF, network open function NEF, and network storage function NRF.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first request includes at least one of the following: a first function identifier, a general public user identifier GPSI, a general public user identifier list GPSI list, a user equipment Internet Protocol address UE IP address, a user equipment Internet Protocol address list UE IP address list, a protocol data unit session identity number PDU session ID, a protocol data unit session identity number list PDU session ID list, an application identifier, a DNN, a S-NSSAI, a service identifier, a service identifier, a service name, a time period, a start time, an end time, and a reporting period.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: Based on one or more of the DNN, S-NSSAI and one or more of the first function identifier, GPSI list, UE IP address list, PDU session ID list, and application identifier, determine the statistical report of traffic, business and / or access of the first function in the DNN and / or S-NSSAI in one or more DNN, S-NSSAI, application, business, service and / or time dimensions.

9. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: Based on the start time and / or the end time and / or the first function identifier, GPSI list, UE IP address list, PDU session ID list and / or the application identifier, statistical reports on traffic, business and / or access of the first function in one or more DNN, S-NSSAI, application, business, service and / or time dimensions are collected.

10. The method according to claim 7, wherein: The first report contains one or more of the following: First function identifier, GPSI list, UE IP address list, PDU session ID list, DNN, S-NSSAI, application identifier AF ID, start time, end time, reporting time, business, service, data size, capacity, total traffic volume, access duration, traffic threshold, UE or user list UE list, UE usage habits.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein The sending the first report to the second network function includes: The first report is sent directly to the second network function, or the first report is forwarded to the second network function through a third network function.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein The third network function is one or more of the following: NEF, local network exposure function L-NEF, NWDAF.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein The sending the first report to the second network function includes: The first network function sends a first report when traffic meets a threshold, and / or reaches a threshold, and / or triggers a threshold, and / or triggers a warning.

14. A data statistics method, applied to a second network function, comprising: Sending a first request to a first network function; Receive a first report sent by the first network function.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein The sending the first request to the first network function includes: The second network function sends the first request through the service-based interface.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein The service interface is the UPF usage report Nupf_UsageReport interface.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The service-oriented interface has at least one of the following operations: notification, subscription, and unsubscription.

18. The method according to claim 14, wherein The second network function is connected to the third network function; and the sending the first request to the first network function includes: Sending a network element search request to the third network function; the network element search request carries a device identifier of the first function; receiving a network element identifier of the first network function corresponding to the device identifier and sent by the third network function; The first request is sent to a first network function corresponding to the network element identifier.

19. The method according to claim 14, wherein The sending the first request to the first network function includes: acquiring, based on the device identifier of the first function, a fourth network function corresponding to the first function; Sending a network element search request to the fourth network function; the network element search request carries a device identifier of the first function; receiving a network element identifier of the first network function corresponding to the device identifier and sent by the fourth network function; The first request is sent to a first network function corresponding to the network element identifier.

20. A network communication method, applied to a first network function, the method comprising: The first network function receives first information provided by the second network function, or receives the first information through a third network function, where the first information includes at least one of the following: Quality of service QoS parameter information; Indication information related to the local network, or local edge computing, or local edge computing server, or local edge computing network, or local session management function L-SMF / local-SMF, or SMF deployed at the network edge, or local user plane function local UPF, or UPF deployed at the network edge; Instructions related to the centralized network or supporting session management function Anchor SMF or centralized SMF; Information related to the Data Network Access Identifier (DNAI); Edge service deployment information; Domain Name System DNS server information.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein The first network function is a policy control network function PCF.

22. The method according to claim 20, wherein The second network function is AF.

23. The method according to claim 20, wherein The third network function is NEF.

24. The method according to claim 20, further comprising: The first network function generates second information based on the first information, where the second information includes the following types of information: Policy information related to edge networks; policy information related to the core network; Policy information not relevant to the edge network; Diversion information; Traffic diversion information related to edge networks.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein The offload information refers to the destination IP information, source IP information, or service information that needs to be offloaded to the edge network.

26. The method according to claim 24, further comprising: The first network function sends the second information to the fourth network function, or sends it to the fourth network function through the fifth network function, the fourth network function is the intermediate session management function I-SMF or L-SMF / local-SMF, and the fifth network function is SMF.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein The fifth network function does not modify or update the policy information related to the edge network, or the policy information related to the edge network is contained in a container and is not visible to the fifth network function.

28. A network communication method, applied to a fourth network function, the method comprising: The fourth network function obtains the third information directly from the third network function, or obtains the third information from the third network function through the fifth network function.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein The fourth network function is one or more of the following: I-SMF, L-SMF / local-SMF.

30. The method of claim 28, wherein The third information is edge service deployment information EDI.

31. The method of claim 28, wherein The third information includes at least one of the following: indication information of local edge service deployment information; indication information of common edge service deployment information.

32. The method of claim 28, wherein: The fourth network function sends the third information to a sixth network function.

33. The method according to claim 32, wherein The sixth network function is one or more of the following: Edge Application Server Discovery Function EASDF; ordinary or centralized EASDF; EASDF deployed at the network edge.

34. A data statistics device, applied to a first network function, comprising: A first receiving module, configured to receive a first request sent by a second network function; The first sending module is configured to send the first report to the second network function.

35. A data statistics device, applied to a second network function, comprising: A second sending module, configured to send a first request to the first network function; The data statistics request is used to obtain a statistical report on access to a set application by the device to be counted; The second receiving module is used to receive a first report sent by the first network function.

36. A network communication device, applied to a first network function, the device comprising: A third receiving module is configured to receive, by the first network function, first information provided by the second network function, or to receive the first information through a third network function, where the first information includes at least one of the following: QoS parameter information; Instructions related to the local network, local edge computing, local edge computing server, local edge computing network, L-SMF / local-SMF, SMF deployed at the network edge, local UPF, or UPF deployed at the network edge; Instructions related to the centralized network or Anchor SMF or centralized SMF; DNAI-related information; Edge service deployment information; Domain Name System DNS server information.

37. A network communication device, applied to a fourth network function, comprising: The first acquisition module, the fourth network function directly acquires the third information from the third network function, or acquires the third information from the third network function through the fifth network function.

38. A first network function, comprising: a first processor and a first memory for storing a computer program capable of running on said first processor, Wherein, when the first processor is used to run the computer program, it executes the steps of the method described in any one of claims 1 to 13, or executes the steps of the method described in any one of claims 20 to 27.

39. A second network function comprising: a second processor and a second memory for storing a computer program capable of running on said second processor, Wherein, when the second processor is used to run the computer program, it executes the steps of the method according to any one of claims 14 to 19.

40. A fourth network function, comprising: a third processor and a third memory for storing a computer program capable of running on said third processor, Wherein, the third processor is configured to execute the steps of the method according to any one of claims 28 to 33 when running the computer program.

41. A storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, wherein when the computer program is executed by a processor, the computer program implements the steps of the method described in any one of claims 1 to 13, or implements the steps of the method described in any one of claims 14 to 19, or performs the steps of the method described in any one of claims 20 to 27, or performs the steps of the method described in any one of claims 28 to 33.

42. A computer program product comprising a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method described in any one of claims 1 to 13, or implements the steps of the method described in any one of claims 14 to 19, or performs the steps of the method described in any one of claims 20 to 27, or performs the steps of the method described in any one of claims 28 to 33.

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