Route determination method, apparatus and system, and l-NRF, h-NRF and computer program product

Abstract

A route determination method, apparatus and system, and an L-NRF, an H-NRF and a computer program product. An L-NRF executes the route determination method, specifically comprising: receiving a network element discovery request sent by a first network function (NF), wherein the first NF and the L-NRF belong to a first network domain; determining, on the basis of a request condition in the network element discovery request, whether a second NF satisfying the request condition is present in the first network domain; when there is no second NF in the first network domain, sending the network element discovery request to an H-NRF; receiving a first segment route request sent by the H-NRF, wherein the first segment route request comprises a first inter-domain ingress node in the first network domain and an identifier of a second NF located in a second network domain; and generating a segment route from the first NF to the first inter-domain ingress node on the basis of the first segment route request, wherein a segment route from the first inter-domain ingress node to the second NF is generated by means of the H-NRF and an L-NRF in the second network domain.

Description

Routing determination methods, devices, systems, L-NRF, H-NRF and computer program products

[0001] This disclosure is based on and claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411586263.5, filed on November 7, 2024, entitled "Route Determination Method, Apparatus, System, L-NRF, H-NRF and Computer Program Product", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to the field of integrated air-space-ground network technology, and in particular to a routing determination method, routing determination device, routing determination system, L-NRF, H-NRF, computer-readable storage medium, and computer program product. Background Technology

[0003] In regenerative space-based networks, network elements may be distributed across different satellites. Furthermore, the topology of low-Earth orbit satellite networks changes over time, and the network load on each satellite is also different.

[0004] Satellite networks are divided into different network domains, and different network domains can correspond to different regions, provinces, or operators. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The inventors discovered that because the topology of low-Earth orbit satellite networks changes continuously over time, and the network load on each satellite varies, communication unreachability may occur between network elements on the satellite. Therefore, how to accurately determine routes between network elements on the satellite is a problem that needs to be solved.

[0006] In view of this, the present disclosure proposes a route determination method. According to some embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure, a route determination method is provided, executed by a lower-level network storage function (L-NRF), comprising: receiving a network element discovery request sent by a first network function (NF), wherein the first NF and the L-NRF belong to a first network domain; determining whether a second NF satisfying the request conditions exists in the first network domain according to the request conditions in the network element discovery request; if the second NF does not exist in the first network domain, sending a network element discovery request to a higher-level network storage function (H-NRF); receiving a first segmented routing request sent by the H-NRF, wherein the first segmented routing request includes an identifier of a first inter-domain access node in the first network domain and an identifier of a second NF located in a second network domain; generating a segmented route from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node according to the first segmented routing request, wherein the segmented route from the first inter-domain access node to the second NF is generated by the H-NRF and the L-NRF in the second network domain.

[0007] In some embodiments, the routing determination method further includes: sending first segmented routing information to the first NF, wherein the first segmented routing information includes segmented routes from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node and domain information of each network domain traversed from the first inter-domain access node to the second NF.

[0008] In some embodiments, the route determination method further includes: if there is a route break in the segmented route from the first NF to the first domain inbound node, re-determining the segmented route from the first NF to the first domain inbound node; and updating the first segmented route information.

[0009] In some embodiments, the routing determination method further includes: receiving registration information of a first NF, wherein the registration information of the first NF includes a satellite identifier of the first NF; sending a first response to the first NF; and synchronizing the correspondence between the first NF and the L-NRF to the H-NRF.

[0010] In some embodiments, the routing determination method further includes: receiving a second segmented routing request sent by an H-NRF, wherein the second segmented routing request includes an identifier of a first domain inbound node and a first NF located in a first network domain; and generating a segmented route from the first domain inbound node to the first NF according to the second segmented routing request, wherein the segmented route from the first domain inbound node to the first NF is used for communication from the second NF to the first NF.

[0011] In some embodiments, the routing determination method further includes: receiving domain information of each network domain traversed by the first domain inbound node to the first NF sent by the H-NRF; and sending the domain information of each network domain traversed by the first domain inbound node to the first NF to the first domain inbound node.

[0012] In some embodiments, the route determination method further includes: sending first segmented route modification information to a first domain inbound node, wherein the first segmented route modification information includes first modification notification information and segmented routes from the first domain inbound node to the first NF, wherein the first modification notification information is used to indicate that the domain information of each network domain traversed by the first domain inbound node to the first NF be modified to segmented routes from the first domain inbound node to the first NF.

[0013] In some embodiments, the route determination method further includes: if there is a route break in the segmented route from the first domain inbound node to the first NF, re-determining the segmented route from the first domain inbound node to the first NF; and updating the first segmented route modification information.

[0014] In some embodiments, the routing determination method further includes: if a second NF exists in the first network domain, determining a segmented route from the first NF to the second NF; and sending third segmented routing information to the first NF, wherein the third segmented routing information includes the segmented route from the first NF to the second NF.

[0015] In some embodiments, the route determination method further includes: determining a segmented route from the second NF to the first NF; and sending fourth segmented route information to the second NF, wherein the fourth segmented route information includes a segmented route from the second NF to the first NF.

[0016] In some embodiments, the route determination method further includes: re-determining the segmented route between the first NF and the second NF if the segmented route between the first NF and the second NF is disconnected; and updating the third segmented route information or the fourth segmented route information.

[0017] In some embodiments, the request conditions include at least one of the following: network element type, supported slice, and supported data network name (DNN).

[0018] In some embodiments, the routing determination method further includes: determining whether the time difference between the second data sent by the second NF and the first data sent by the first NF is greater than a preset time difference threshold, wherein the second data is feedback of the first data or the first data is feedback of the second data; if the time difference between the first data and the second data is greater than the time difference threshold, generating a segmented route between the first NF and the first domain inbound node.

[0019] In some embodiments, the routing determination method further includes: sharing segmented routes between the first NF and the first domain inbound node via H-NRF when the time difference between the first data and the second data is less than or equal to a time difference threshold.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the second aspect of this disclosure, a route determination method is provided, executed by an H-NRF, comprising: receiving a network element discovery request sent by an L-NRF, wherein the L-NRF belongs to a first network domain, and the network element discovery request is sent by the L-NRF to the H-NRF when it receives a network element discovery request sent by a first NF and there is no second NF in the first network domain that meets the request conditions in the network element discovery request; determining a second NF that meets the request conditions according to the request conditions in the network element discovery request, wherein the second NF belongs to a second network domain; determining a first inter-domain access node in the first network domain according to the second NF; and sending a first segmented routing request to the L-NRF so that the first NF generates a segmented route from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node according to the first segmented routing request, wherein the first segmented routing request includes the identifier of the first inter-domain access node and the identifier of the second NF located in the second network domain, and the segmented route from the first inter-domain access node to the second NF is generated by the H-NRF and the L-NRF in the second network domain.

[0021] In some embodiments, determining the second NF that meets the request conditions according to the request conditions in the network element discovery request includes: sequentially sending network element discovery requests to the L-NRFs of one or more neighboring domains in ascending order of the inter-domain distance between the first network domain and one or more neighboring domains to determine the second NF; and stopping sending network element discovery requests to the L-NRFs of one or more neighboring domains when the second NF is determined.

[0022] In some embodiments, the routing determination method further includes: receiving a second response sent by the L-NRF of the network domain where the second NF is located, wherein the second response includes identification information of the second NF that meets the request conditions.

[0023] In some embodiments, the routing determination method further includes: determining a second segmented routing request based on a first NF, wherein the second segmented routing request includes an access node in the first domain and an identifier of the first NF to which it belongs in the first network domain; and sending the second segmented routing request to the L-NRF.

[0024] In some embodiments, the route determination method further includes: determining a segmented route from a first domain inbound node to a second domain inbound node in a second network domain, wherein the second domain inbound node is determined according to a second NF.

[0025] In some embodiments, the routing determination method further includes: sending domain information of each network domain traversed by the first domain inbound node to the second domain inbound node.

[0026] In some embodiments, the route determination method further includes: sending second segmented route modification information to a first domain inbound node, wherein the second segmented route modification information includes second modification notification information and segmented routes from the first domain inbound node to the second domain inbound node, wherein the second modification notification information is used to indicate that the domain information of each network domain traversed from the first domain inbound node to the second domain inbound node be modified to segmented routes from the first domain inbound node to the second domain inbound node.

[0027] In some embodiments, the route determination method further includes: determining a segmented route from a second indirect access node in a second network domain to a first indirect access node.

[0028] In some embodiments, the routing determination method further includes: sending domain information of each network domain traversed by the second domain indirect ...

[0029] In some embodiments, the route determination method further includes: sending third segmented route modification information to a second inter-domain access node, wherein the third segmented route modification information includes third modification notification information and segmented routes from the second inter-domain access node to the first inter-domain access node, wherein the third modification notification information is used to indicate that the domain information of each network domain traversed from the second inter-domain access node to the first inter-domain access node be modified to segmented routes from the second inter-domain access node to the first inter-domain access node.

[0030] In some embodiments, the route determination method further includes: if there is a route break in the segmented route between the first domain inbound node and the second domain inbound node, re-determining the segmented route between the first domain inbound node and the second domain inbound node; and updating the second segmented route modification information.

[0031] In some embodiments, the route determination method further includes: if there is a route break in the segmented route between the first domain inbound node and the second domain inbound node, re-determining the segmented route between the first domain inbound node and the second domain inbound node; and updating the third segmented route modification information.

[0032] According to some embodiments of the third aspect of this disclosure, an L-NRF is provided, comprising: a first receiving unit configured to receive a network element discovery request sent by a first network function (NF), wherein the first NF and the L-NRF belong to a first network domain; a first determining unit configured to determine whether a second NF satisfying the request conditions exists in the first network domain based on the request conditions in the network element discovery request; a first sending unit configured to send a network element discovery request to a higher-layer network storage function (H-NRF) if the second NF does not exist in the first network domain; a second receiving unit configured to receive a first segmented routing request sent by the H-NRF, wherein the first segmented routing request includes an identifier of a first inter-domain access node in the first network domain and an identifier of a second NF located in a second network domain; and a generating unit configured to generate a segmented route from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node based on the first segmented routing request, wherein the segmented route from the first inter-domain access node to the second NF is generated by the H-NRF and the L-NRF in the second network domain.

[0033] According to some embodiments of the fourth aspect of this disclosure, an H-NRF is provided, comprising: a third receiving unit configured to receive a network element discovery request sent by an L-NRF, wherein the L-NRF belongs to a first network domain; a second determining unit configured to determine a second NF that satisfies the request conditions in the network element discovery request, wherein the second NF belongs to a second network domain; a third determining unit configured to determine a first inter-domain access node in the first network domain based on the second NF; and a second sending unit configured to send a first segmented routing request to the L-NRF, wherein the first segmented routing request includes the identifier of the first inter-domain access node and the identifier of the second NF located in the second network domain.

[0034] According to some embodiments of the fifth aspect of this disclosure, a route determination apparatus is provided, comprising: a memory and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute the route determination method of any of the above embodiments based on instructions stored in the memory.

[0035] According to some embodiments of the sixth aspect of this disclosure, a route determination system is provided, comprising: an L-NRF as described in any of the foregoing embodiments; an H-NRF as described in any of the foregoing embodiments; a first NF configured to send a network element discovery request to the L-NRF and receive first segmented routing information or second segmented routing information, wherein the L-NRF belongs to a first network domain; a second NF configured to receive third segmented routing information; a first domain inbound node configured to receive first segmented routing modification information or second segmented routing modification information; and a second domain inbound node configured to receive third segmented routing modification information.

[0036] According to some embodiments of the seventh aspect of this disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having computer instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a processor, implement the routing determination method of any of the above embodiments.

[0037] According to some embodiments of the eighth aspect of this disclosure, a computer program product is provided, including computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the routing determination method in any of the above embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of this disclosure and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0039] This disclosure can be more clearly understood with reference to the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description.

[0040] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of some embodiments of the routing determination method of this disclosure.

[0041] Figure 2 shows schematic diagrams of some embodiments of the registration method of this disclosure.

[0042] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of some embodiments of the satellite-ground fusion network of this disclosure.

[0043] Figure 4 shows schematic diagrams of some other embodiments of the routing determination method of this disclosure.

[0044] Figure 5 shows schematic diagrams of some further embodiments of the routing determination method of this disclosure.

[0045] Figure 6 shows schematic diagrams of some further embodiments of the routing determination method of this disclosure.

[0046] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of some embodiments of the L-NRF of this disclosure.

[0047] Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of some embodiments of the H-NRF of this disclosure.

[0048] Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of some embodiments of the routing determination apparatus of this disclosure.

[0049] Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram of some embodiments of the routing determination system of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0050] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0051] At the same time, it should be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the accompanying drawings are not drawn according to actual scale.

[0052] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure or its application or use.

[0053] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, they should be considered part of the specification.

[0054] In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0055] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be discussed further in subsequent figures.

[0056] This disclosure proposes a route determination method, which is described below with reference to Figures 1-4.

[0057] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of some embodiments of the routing determination method of this disclosure.

[0058] As shown in Figure 1, the route determination method includes steps 110 to 150, which is executed by the L-NRF (Low-Network Repository Function). Here, the first NF corresponding to the L-NRF acts as the initiator of the network element discovery request.

[0059] In step 110, a network element discovery request sent by the first network function (NF) is received, wherein the first NF and the L-NRF belong to the first network domain.

[0060] In some embodiments, before the L-NRF receives the network element discovery request sent by the first NF, the first NF needs to register with the L-NRF first. The registration information of the first NF includes the satellite identifier of the first NF, as shown in Figure 2.

[0061] Figure 2 shows schematic diagrams of some embodiments of the registration method of this disclosure.

[0062] In step 210, the first NF sends registration information to the L-NRF, wherein the registration information carries the satellite identifier of the first NF.

[0063] In step 220, the L-NRF sends a first response to the first NF.

[0064] In other words, before receiving the network element discovery request from the first NF, the L-NRF first receives the registration information of the first NF, which includes the satellite identifier of the first NF. Then, the L-NRF sends a first response to the first NF. Furthermore, the L-NRF synchronizes the mapping between the first NF and the L-NRF with the H-NRF (High-Network Repository Function) so that the H-NRF can subsequently discover the second NF that meets the request conditions based on the network element discovery request (or request conditions).

[0065] By synchronizing the mapping between NF and L-NRF to H-NRF, it is easier for H-NRF to perform network element discovery in the network domain.

[0066] In step 120, based on the request conditions in the network element discovery request, it is determined whether there is a second NF in the first network domain that meets the request conditions.

[0067] In some embodiments, the request conditions include at least one of the following: network element type, supported slice, and supported DNN (Data Network Name).

[0068] In step 130, if the second NF does not exist in the first network domain, a network element discovery request is sent to the higher-level network storage function H-NRF.

[0069] In some embodiments, the H-NRF receives a network element discovery request sent by the L-NRF, wherein the L-NRF belongs to the first network domain, and the network element discovery request is sent by the L-NRF to the H-NRF when it receives a network element discovery request sent by the first NF and there is no second NF in the first network domain that meets the request conditions in the network element discovery request.

[0070] H-NRF will also determine the second NF that meets the request conditions in the network element discovery request. The second NF belongs to the second network domain, and the first domain indirect access node in the first network domain will be determined based on the second NF.

[0071] H-NRF enables the discovery of second NFs across network domains, providing the possibility for communication between network elements in different network domains.

[0072] In some embodiments, the process of H-NRF determining the second NF that meets the request conditions is as follows: in order of increasing inter-domain distance between the first network domain and one or more neighboring domains, network element discovery requests are sent sequentially to the L-NRFs of one or more neighboring domains to determine the second NF, and when the second NF is determined, the sending of network element discovery requests to the L-NRFs of one or more neighboring domains is stopped.

[0073] By sending network element discovery requests to one or more neighboring L-NRFs in ascending order of inter-domain distance, the network domain that has a second NF that meets the request conditions is the closest at present, which ensures the efficiency of communication between network elements in different network domains and saves communication resources.

[0074] For example, the H-NRF will also receive a second response from the L-NRF of the network domain where the second NF is located, wherein the second response includes the identification information of the second NF that meets the request conditions.

[0075] By receiving the second response sent by the second NF, the H-NRF can determine whether it can stop sending network discovery requests to the L-NRFs of other network domains. This helps the H-NRF to stop sending network discovery requests to the L-NRFs of other network domains in a timely manner, and facilitates resource management in the communication process between network elements in different network domains.

[0076] In step 140, a first segmented routing request sent by H-NRF is received, wherein the first segmented routing request includes the identifier of the first inbound node in the first network domain and the identifier of the second NF located in the second network domain.

[0077] In some embodiments, the H-NRF sends a first segmented routing request to the L-NRF so that the first NF can generate a segmented route from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node based on the first segmented routing request. The first segmented routing request includes the identifiers of the first inter-domain access node and the second NF located in the second network domain. The segmented route from the first inter-domain access node to the second NF is generated by the H-NRF and the L-NRF in the second network domain.

[0078] In step 150, a segmented route from the first NF to the first inbound node in the first domain is generated according to the first segmented route request, wherein the segmented route from the first inbound node in the first domain to the second NF is generated through H-NRF and L-NRF in the second network domain.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the L-NRF receives a network element discovery request from a first NF to obtain the request conditions in the network element discovery request, so as to subsequently discover a second NF that meets the request conditions. The first NF and the L-NRF belong to a first network domain. Based on the request conditions in the network element discovery request, it is determined whether a second NF meeting the request conditions exists in the first network domain. Network element discovery is first performed in the first network domain. If no second NF meeting the request conditions exists in the first network domain, a network element discovery request is sent to the H-NRF, so that the H-NRF can discover network elements from other network domains based on the network element discovery request. If the H-NRF successfully discovers a second NF meeting the request conditions, a first segmented routing request is received from the H-NRF to obtain the identifiers of the first inter-domain access node in the first network domain and the second NF located in the second network domain. Finally, a segmented route from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node is generated using the first segmented routing request. Furthermore, the segmented route from the first inter-domain access node to the second NF is generated by the H-NRF and the L-NRF in the second network domain. In the above embodiments, it is possible to find a suitable second NF for the first NF across domains, and to determine the route between network elements in different domains by segmenting the route determination method. This improves the accuracy of the route determination between network elements and enhances the flexibility and reliability of communication between network elements in different network domains.

[0080] In some embodiments, the L-NRF may also send first segmented routing information to the first NF, wherein the first segmented routing information includes segmented routes from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node and domain information of each network domain traversed from the first inter-domain access node to the second NF.

[0081] Upon receiving the first segmented routing information, the L-NRF determines the segmented route from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node and the domain information of each network domain traversed from the first inter-domain access node to the second NF. The first NF can then communicate with the first inter-domain access node based on the segmented route from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node.

[0082] In some embodiments, L-NRF will also re-determine the segmented route from the first NF to the first domain inbound node and update the first segmented route information if the segmented route from the first NF to the first domain inbound node is disconnected.

[0083] In the event of a route break in the segmented route from the first NF to the first domain inbound node, the segmented route from the first NF to the first domain inbound node can be re-determined, and the first segmented route information can be updated. This allows for the timely determination of the currently available segmented route when a route break occurs, ensuring the stability of communication between network elements in different network domains.

[0084] The first NF can encapsulate network layer packets based on the segmented routing information between the first NF and the first domain inbound node, and send data according to the segmented routing.

[0085] If the L-NRF determines the segmented route from the first NF to the inbound node in the first domain, in order to enable communication between the first NF and the second NF, it is also necessary to generate the segmented route from the inbound node in the first domain to the second NF through the H-NRF and the L-NRF in the second network domain, as follows.

[0086] In some embodiments, the L-NRF in the second network domain receives a second segmented routing request sent by the H-NRF, and generates a segmented route from the second domain inbound node to the second NF according to the second segmented routing request, wherein the second segmented routing request includes the second domain inbound node in the second network domain and the identifier of the second NF located in the second network domain.

[0087] In other words, the H-NRF will determine the second segmentation route request based on the second NF and send the second segmentation route request to the L-NRF in the second network domain so that the second NF can generate segmented routes from the second domain inbound node to the second NF based on the second segmentation route request.

[0088] In some embodiments, the L-NRF in the second network domain also receives the domain information of each network domain that the second domain inbound node passes through to the second NF sent by the H-NRF, and sends the domain information of each network domain that the second domain inbound node passes through to the second NF to the second domain inbound node.

[0089] In other words, the H-NRF will send the domain information of each network domain that the second domain inbound node passes through to the second NF to the L-NR in the second network domain.

[0090] In some embodiments, the L-NRF in the second network domain may also send a first segmented route modification message to the second inter-domain access node. The second segmented route modification message includes a first modification notification message and a segmented route from the second inter-domain access node to the second NF. The first modification notification message is used to indicate that the domain information of each network domain traversed by the second inter-domain access node to the second NF be modified to a segmented route from the second inter-domain access node to the second NF.

[0091] Additionally, if there is a route break in the segmented route from the second domain inbound node to the second NF (for example, due to a change in the network topology of the network domain), the L-NRF of the second network domain needs to redetermine the segmented route from the second domain inbound node to the second NF and update the second segmented route modification information sent to the second domain inbound node.

[0092] If the L-NRF in the second network domain determines the segmented route from the inbound node in the second domain to the second NF, then to enable communication between the first NF and the second NF, it is also necessary to generate a segmented route from the inbound node in the first domain to the inbound node in the second domain through the H-NRF, as follows.

[0093] If the data transmission direction is from the first NF to the second NF, H-NRF will determine the segmented route from the first inbound node to the second inbound node and send the domain information of each network domain that the first inbound node passes through to the second inbound node to the first inbound node.

[0094] Next, H-NRF will send second segmented route modification information to the first domain inbound node. The second segmented route modification information includes a second modification notification message and a segmented route from the first domain inbound node to the second domain inbound node. The second modification notification message is used to instruct that the domain information of each network domain traversed from the first domain inbound node to the second domain inbound node be modified to the segmented route from the first domain inbound node to the second domain inbound node.

[0095] If the data transmission direction is from the second NF to the first NF, H-NRF will determine the segmented route from the second indirect access node to the first indirect access node, and send the domain information of each network domain that the second indirect access node passes through to the first indirect access node.

[0096] Next, H-NRF will send third segmented route modification information to the second inter-domain access node. The third segmented route modification information includes a third modification notification message and a segmented route from the second inter-domain access node to the first inter-domain access node. The third modification notification message is used to instruct that the domain information of each network domain traversed from the second inter-domain access node to the first inter-domain access node be modified to a segmented route from the second inter-domain access node to the first inter-domain access node.

[0097] In some embodiments, if there is a route break in the segmented route between the first domain inbound node and the second domain inbound node, H-NRF can also redetermine the segmented route between the first domain inbound node and the second domain inbound node, and update the second segmented route modification information or the third segmented route modification information.

[0098] In some embodiments, when the second NF acts as the initiator of the network element discovery request, the L-NRF receives a second segmented routing request sent by the H-NRF, wherein the second segmented routing request includes the identifier of the first domain inbound node and the first NF located in the first network domain; and generates a segmented route from the first domain inbound node to the first NF according to the second segmented routing request, wherein the segmented route from the first domain inbound node to the first NF is used for communication between the second NF and the first NF.

[0099] In some embodiments, the H-NRF determines a second segmented routing request based on the first NF, wherein the second segmented routing request includes the first domain inbound node and the identifier of the first NF to which it belongs located in the first network domain, and sends the second segmented routing request to the L-NRF.

[0100] In some embodiments, the L-NRF also receives domain information from the H-NRF about each network domain that the first domain inbound node passes through to the first NF; and sends the domain information about each network domain that the first domain inbound node passes through to the first NF to the first domain inbound node.

[0101] Communication between the first inbound node and the first NF cannot be achieved solely based on the domain information of each network domain traversed from the first inbound node to the first NF. Therefore, the L-NRF also needs to send first segmented route modification information to the first inbound node. The first segmented route modification information includes a first modification notification information and a segmented route from the first inbound node to the first NF. The first modification notification information is used to instruct that the domain information of each network domain traversed from the first inbound node to the first NF be modified to a segmented route from the first inbound node to the first NF.

[0102] Additionally, if there is a route break in the segmented route from the first domain inbound node to the first NF (for example, due to a change in the network topology of the network domain), L-NRF needs to redetermine the segmented route from the first domain inbound node to the first NF and update the first segmented route modification information sent to the first domain inbound node.

[0103] In the event of a route break between the segmented access node in the first domain and the segmented access node in the second domain, the segmented route between the two nodes can be re-determined, and the modification information of the first segmented route can be updated. This allows for the timely determination of the available segmented route when a route break occurs, ensuring the stability of communication between network elements in different network domains.

[0104] In some embodiments, the L-NRF can also determine whether the time difference between the second data sent by the second NF and the first data sent by the first NF is greater than a preset time difference threshold, wherein the second data is a feedback of the first data or the first data is a feedback of the second data, and if the time difference between the first data and the second data is greater than the time difference threshold, a segmented route is generated between the first NF and the first domain inbound node.

[0105] When the time difference between the first data and the second data is relatively large, the direction of data transmission is determined by generating segmented routes between the first NF and the access node in the first domain. This reduces the risk of data failure due to the disconnection of segmented routes and ensures the stability of communication between network elements in different network domains.

[0106] If the time difference between the first data and the second data is less than or equal to the time difference threshold, the segmented route between the first NF and the first domain inbound node is shared through H-NRF.

[0107] When the time difference between the first data and the second data is relatively small, the segmented route between the first NF and the first domain inbound node can be shared, which reduces the risk of the time spent on recalculating the segmented route and affecting the timeliness of data transmission, and ensures the efficiency of communication between network elements in different network domains.

[0108] In some embodiments, the second NF will act as the initiator of the network element discovery request. The segmented route from the first domain inbound node to the first NF has been determined. If communication between the second NF and the first NF is to be realized, the segmented route from the second NF to the first domain inbound node needs to be generated through H-NRF and L-NRF of the second network domain, as follows.

[0109] In some embodiments, the L-NRF of the second network domain receives a network element discovery request sent by the second NF, wherein the second NF belongs to the second network domain.

[0110] In some embodiments, the L-NRF of the second network domain determines whether there is a first NF in the second network domain that meets the request conditions based on the request conditions in the network element discovery request.

[0111] If the first NF does not exist in the second network domain, the L-NRF of the second network domain will send a network element discovery request to the H-NRF.

[0112] In some embodiments, the L-NRF of the second network domain receives a first segmented routing request sent by the H-NRF, wherein the first segmented routing request includes the identifier of the second domain inbound node in the second network domain and the identifier of the first NF located in the first network domain.

[0113] In some embodiments, the L-NRF of the second network domain generates a segmented route from the second NF to the inbound node in the second domain based on the first segmented routing request, wherein the segmented route from the inbound node in the second domain to the first NF is generated by the H-NRF and the L-NRF in the first network domain.

[0114] In some embodiments, the L-NRF of the second network domain may also send first segmented routing information to the second NF, wherein the first segmented routing information includes segmented routes from the second NF to the inbound node between the second domains and domain information of each network domain traversed from the inbound node between the second domains to the first NF.

[0115] In some embodiments, the L-NRF of the second network domain may also re-determine the segmented route from the second NF to the second domain inbound node and update the first segmented route information if there is a route break in the segmented route from the second NF to the second domain inbound node.

[0116] Based on the determined segmented routes between the first NF and the first inter-domain inbound node, and between the second NF and the second inter-domain inbound node, the segmented route between the first inter-domain inbound node and the second inter-domain inbound node is as follows.

[0117] H-NRF can determine segmented routes from inbound nodes in the first domain to inbound nodes in the second domain.

[0118] In some embodiments, H-NRF can also send domain information of each network domain that the first domain inbound node passes through to the second domain inbound node to the first domain inbound node.

[0119] In some embodiments, H-NRF may also send second segmented route modification information to the first domain inbound node, wherein the second segmented route modification information includes second modification notification information and segmented routes from the first domain inbound node to the second domain inbound node, wherein the second modification notification information is used to indicate that the domain information of each network domain traversed from the first domain inbound node to the second domain inbound node be modified to segmented routes from the first domain inbound node to the second domain inbound node.

[0120] H-NRF can determine segmented routes from inbound nodes in the second domain to inbound nodes in the first domain.

[0121] In some embodiments, H-NRF can also send domain information of each network domain that the second domain indirect access node passes through to the first domain indirect access node to the second domain indirect access node.

[0122] In some embodiments, H-NRF may also send third segmented route modification information to the second inter-domain access node, wherein the third segmented route modification information includes third modification notification information and segmented routes from the second inter-domain access node to the first inter-domain access node, wherein the third modification notification information is used to indicate that the domain information of each network domain traversed from the second inter-domain access node to the first inter-domain access node be modified to segmented routes from the second inter-domain access node to the first inter-domain access node.

[0123] If there is a break in the segmented route between the first domain inbound node and the second domain inbound node, H-NRF can redetermine the segmented route between the first domain inbound node and the second domain inbound node, and update the second segmented route modification information or the third segmented route modification information.

[0124] The following details the situation where a second NF exists in the first network domain that meets the request conditions in the network discovery request.

[0125] In some embodiments, the L-NRF determines the segmented route from the first NF to the second NF and sends third segmented route information to the first NF, wherein the third segmented route information includes the segmented route from the first NF to the second NF.

[0126] In some embodiments, the L-NRF will also determine the segmented route from the second NF to the first NF and send fourth segmented route information to the second NF, wherein the fourth segmented route information includes the segmented route from the second NF to the first NF.

[0127] By determining the segmented route from the first NF to the second NF and notifying the first NF of the segmented route, communication between network elements within the same network domain is achieved.

[0128] If there is a break in the segmented route between the first NF and the second NF, the L-NRF will re-determine the segmented route between the first NF and the second NF, and update the third segmented route information sent to the first NF or the fourth segmented route information sent to the second NF.

[0129] By updating the segmented routes between the first NF and the second NF in a timely manner, the stability of communication between network elements within the same network domain is ensured.

[0130] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of some embodiments of the satellite-ground converged network of this disclosure. The following uses Figure 3 as an example to illustrate the network element discovery process between NF-1 (equivalent to the first NF) and NF-3 (equivalent to the second NF), taking NF-1 as the initiator of the network element discovery request as an example, as follows.

[0131] As shown in Figure 3, in a space-ground converged network, there are high-orbit satellites, medium-orbit satellites, and low-orbit satellites. If a network element (NF) on a low-orbit satellite wants to achieve discovery between network elements, it needs to obtain another network element that meets the request requirements of the network element (initiator) through the L-NRF on the medium-orbit satellite or the H-NRF on the high-orbit satellite. The L-NRF or H-NRF will send the segmented routing information of the peer to the network element or another network element in order to obtain the segmented route between the network element (initiator) and another network element.

[0132] As shown in Figure 3, NF-1 is registered to Network Domain-1, and its satellite identifier is SAT-1. Network Domain-1 also includes satellites SAT-2, SAT-3, and SAT-4. NF-2 is registered to both Network Domain-1 and Network Domain-3, and its satellite identifier is SAT-4. Network Domain-3 also includes satellites SAT-8 and SAT-5, with SAT-5 being a shared satellite between Network Domain-3 and Network Domain-2. NF-3 is registered to Network Domain-2, and its satellite identifier is SAT-7. Network Domain-2 also includes satellite SAT-6.

[0133] If the network element that meets the request conditions of NF-1 is NF-2, then intra-domain network element discovery and communication can proceed directly. The L-NRF corresponding to network domain-1 sends segmented routing information (SAT-2 to SAT-4) to NF-1. If NF-2 needs to provide feedback to NF-1 at this time, the L-NRF corresponding to network domain-1 sends segmented routing information (SAT-2 to SAT-1) to NF-2. Based on the above two types of segmented routing information, NF-1 and NF-2 will encapsulate network layer packets based on these two types of segmented routing information and send them to the next-hop satellite according to the segmented routing information, ultimately routing to the peer. Here, the peer of NF-1 is NF-2, and the peer of NF-2 is NF-1.

[0134] In some embodiments, if the satellite topology within network domain-1 changes, it may cause a break in the routing between NF-1 and NF-2. For example, when the direct inter-satellite link between SAT-2 and SAT-4 is broken, it is necessary to update the segmented routing information sent to NF-1 and NF-2. For example, the segmented routing information sent to NF-1 can be modified to SAT-2 to SAT-3 to SAT-4, and the segmented routing information sent to NF-2 can be modified to SAT-3 to SAT-2 to SAT-1.

[0135] If the network element that meets the request conditions of NF-1 is NF-3, then cross-domain network element discovery and interoperability are required. That is, communication between NF-1 and NF-3 needs to be achieved through the L-NRF corresponding to network domain-1, the L-NRF corresponding to network domain-2, and the H-NRF, as detailed below.

[0136] NF-1 will first send a network element discovery request to the L-NRF of network domain-1. The L-NRF of network domain-1 will perform network element discovery within network domain-1. If there is no network element in network domain-1 that meets the request conditions in the network element discovery request, the L-NRF of network domain-1 will then send a network element discovery request to the H-NRF so that the H-NRF can perform network element discovery in network domain-3 and network domain-2. Taking NF-3 as an example of a network element that meets the request conditions, this will be explained.

[0137] The H-NRF will send the indirect access node (SAT-4) in network domain-1 to the L-NRF in network domain-1, and the H-NRF will send the indirect access node (SAT-5) in network domain-2 to the L-NRF in network domain-2.

[0138] The L-NRF of Network Domain-1 calculates the segmented route from SAT-1 to SAT-4. When the data transmission direction is from NF-1 to NF-3, the L-NRF of Network Domain-1 will also notify NF-1, carrying the segmented route information: SAT-2 to SAT-4 to FILED-3 to FIELD-2. When the data transmission direction is from NF-3 to NF-1, the L-NRF of Network Domain-1 will also notify SAT-4 to change FILED-1 in the segmented route information to SAT-2 to SAT-1. When the data transmission direction is from NF-3 to NF-1, the segmented route information received by SAT-4 is notified to SAT-4 directly or indirectly by the H-NRF. Indirect notification can be achieved, for example, through the L-NRF of Network Domain-3 (if it exists).

[0139] The L-NRF of Network Domain-2 calculates the segmented route from SAT-5 to SAT-7. When the data transmission direction is from NF-3 to NF-1, the L-NRF of Network Domain-2 will also notify NF-3, carrying the segmented route information: SAT-6 to SAT-5 to FILED-3 to FIELD-1. When the data transmission direction is from NF-1 to NF-3, the L-NRF of Network Domain-2 will also notify SAT-5 to change FILED-2 in the segmented route information to SAT-6 to SAT-7. When the data transmission direction is from NF-1 to NF-3, the segmented route information received by SAT-5 is notified to SAT-5 directly or indirectly by the H-NRF. Indirect notification can be achieved, for example, through the L-NRF of Network Domain-3 (if it exists).

[0140] For routing between SAT-4 and SAT-5: When the data transmission direction is from NF-1 to NF-3, H-NRF will directly or indirectly notify SAT-4 to change FIELD-3 to SAT-8 to SAT-5; when the data transmission direction is from NF-3 to NF-1, H-NRF will directly or indirectly notify SAT-5 to change FIELD-3 to SAT-8 to SAT-4.

[0141] In summary, when the data transmission direction is from NF-1 to NF-3, the segmented route is SAT-2 to SAT-4 to FILED-3 to FIELD-2. At SAT-4, SAT-4 will replace FILED-3, and the segmented route at this point is SAT-8 to SAT-5 to FIELD-2. At SAT-5, SAT-5 will replace FIELD-2, and the segmented route at this point is SAT-6 to SAT-7. The situation is similar when the data transmission direction is from NF-3 to NF-1, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0142] In the above embodiments, L-NRF on medium-Earth orbit satellites and H-NRF on high-Earth orbit satellites enable discovery and communication between network elements within the same network domain and between network elements in different network domains. Furthermore, for communication between network elements within the same network domain, in the event of a routing interruption, the segmented routing information between the two network elements can be updated promptly, ensuring the stability of communication between network elements within the same network domain. Moreover, for communication between network elements in different network domains, in the event of a routing interruption, the interrupted route can be identified by determining which part of the route is interrupted (e.g., between NF-1 and the inter-domain access node of network domain-1, between the inter-domain access node of network domain-1 and the inter-domain access node of network domain-2, or between the inter-domain access node of network domain-2 and NF-3). Once the interrupted part is identified, the segmented routing information for that part can be updated directly, without needing to update the segmented routing information for the entire process. This ensures both the stability and efficiency of communication between network elements in different network domains, creating a promising application prospect and value for integrated air-space-ground services.

[0143] Figure 4 shows schematic diagrams of some other embodiments of the routing determination method of this disclosure.

[0144] As shown in Figure 4, the route determination method includes steps 410 to 440, which is performed by H-NRF.

[0145] In step 410, a network element discovery request sent by the L-NRF is received. The L-NRF belongs to the first network domain. The network element discovery request is sent by the L-NRF to the H-NRF when it receives a network element discovery request sent by the first NF and there is no second NF in the first network domain that meets the request conditions in the network element discovery request.

[0146] In step 420, based on the request conditions in the network element discovery request, a second NF that meets the request conditions is determined, wherein the second NF belongs to the second network domain.

[0147] In some embodiments, the H-NRF can sequentially send network element discovery requests to the L-NRFs of one or more neighboring domains in ascending order of the inter-domain distance between the first network domain and one or more neighboring domains, determine the second NF, and stop sending network element discovery requests to the L-NRFs of one or more neighboring domains once the second NF is determined.

[0148] In some embodiments, the H-NRF may also receive a second response from the L-NRF of the network domain where the second NF is located, wherein the second response includes the identification information of the second NF that meets the request conditions.

[0149] In step 430, the first indirect access node in the first network domain is determined according to the second NF.

[0150] In step 440, a first segmented routing request is sent to the L-NRF so that the first NF can generate a segmented route from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node according to the first segmented routing request. The first segmented routing request includes the identifiers of the first inter-domain access node and the second NF located in the second network domain. The segmented route from the first inter-domain access node to the second NF is generated by the H-NRF and the L-NRF in the second network domain.

[0151] In some embodiments, when the second NF is the initiator of the network element discovery request, the H-NRF determines the second segmented routing request based on the first NF. The second segmented routing request includes the identifier of the first domain inbound node and the identifier of the first NF located in the first network domain, and sends the second segmented routing request to the L-NRF.

[0152] In some embodiments, when the first NF is the initiator of the network element discovery request, the H-NRF determines the segmented route from the first indirect access node to the second indirect access node in the second network domain, wherein the second indirect access node is determined according to the second NF.

[0153] In some embodiments, when the first NF is the initiator of the network element discovery request, the H-NRF will send the domain information of each network domain that the first domain indirect access node passes through to the second domain indirect access node to the first domain indirect access node.

[0154] In some embodiments, when the first NF is the initiator of the network element discovery request, the H-NRF sends second segmented route modification information to the first domain inbound node. The second segmented route modification information includes second modification notification information and segmented routes from the first domain inbound node to the second domain inbound node. The second modification notification information is used to indicate that the domain information of each network domain traversed from the first domain inbound node to the second domain inbound node be modified to segmented routes from the first domain inbound node to the second domain inbound node.

[0155] In some embodiments, when the second NF is the initiator of the network element discovery request, the H-NRF will determine the segmented route from the second indirect access node in the second network domain to the first indirect access node.

[0156] In some embodiments, when the second NF is the initiator of the network element discovery request, the H-NRF will send the domain information of each network domain that the second domain indirect access node passes through to the first domain indirect access node to the second domain indirect access node.

[0157] In some embodiments, when the second NF is the initiator of the network element discovery request, the H-NRF will send third segmented route modification information to the second domain inbound node. The third segmented route modification information includes third modification notification information and segmented routes from the second domain inbound node to the first domain inbound node. The third modification notification information is used to indicate that the domain information of each network domain traversed from the second domain inbound node to the first domain inbound node be modified to segmented routes from the second domain inbound node to the first domain inbound node.

[0158] If there is a break in the segmented route between the first domain inbound node and the second domain inbound node, H-NRF will re-determine the segmented route between the first domain inbound node and the second domain inbound node, and update the second segmented route modification information or the third segmented route modification information.

[0159] In the above embodiments, the H-NRF receives a network element discovery request sent by the L-NRF to obtain the request conditions in the network element discovery request, which facilitates the H-NRF to subsequently discover a second NF that meets the request conditions in the second network domain. The second NF that meets the request conditions is discovered in the second network domain. Based on the second NF, a first inter-domain node in the first network domain is determined, so that subsequent communication between the first NF and the second NF can be achieved through the first inter-domain access node. By sending a first segmented routing request to the L-NRF, the L-NRF can subsequently generate segmented routes from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node based on the first segmented routing request. Furthermore, the segmented routes from the first inter-domain access node to the second NF are generated by the H-NRF and the L-NRF in the second network domain. In the above embodiments, it is possible to find a suitable second NF across domains for the first NF, and to achieve route determination between network elements in different domains through a segmented route determination method, thereby improving the accuracy of route determination between network elements and enhancing the flexibility and reliability of communication between network elements in different network domains.

[0160] Figure 5 shows schematic diagrams of some further embodiments of the routing determination method of this disclosure.

[0161] As shown in Figure 5, the route determination method includes steps 510 to 570. This route determination method is applicable when the first NF and the second NF exist in the same network domain and the first NF is the initiator of the network element discovery request, as detailed below.

[0162] In step 510, the first NF sends a network element discovery request to the L-NRF.

[0163] In step 520, the L-NRF determines whether the second NF that meets the request conditions is within the network domain to which the L-NRF belongs, based on the request conditions in the network element discovery request. If the second NF that meets the request conditions is within the network domain to which the L-NRF belongs, the segmented route between the first NF and the second NF is directly calculated.

[0164] In step 530, the L-NRF sends third segment routing information to the first NF, wherein the third segment routing information carries segmented routes from the first NF to the second NF.

[0165] In step 540, the L-NRF sends fourth segment routing information to the second NF, wherein the fourth segment routing information carries segmented routes from the second NF to the first NF.

[0166] Through steps 510 to 540, communication between network elements in the same network domain is achieved.

[0167] After the satellite topology within the network domain changes, continue with steps 550 to 570.

[0168] In step 550, after a satellite topology change within the network domain, the L-NRF notifies the first NF and the second NF.

[0169] In step 560, the L-NRF sends a first update message to the first NF, wherein the first update message carries the segmented route from the first NF to the second NF.

[0170] In step 570, the L-NRF recalls the second NF and sends the second update information, wherein the second update information carries the segmented route from the second NF to the first NF.

[0171] When the satellite topology within the network domain changes, communication between the first NF and the second NF is restored by sending update information (i.e., first update information and second update information) to the first NF and the second NF, thus ensuring the stability of communication between network elements within the same network domain.

[0172] Figure 6 illustrates further embodiments of the routing determination method of this disclosure. Figure 6 uses the example of a first NF initiating a network element discovery request.

[0173] As shown in Figure 6, the route determination method includes steps 610 to 624.

[0174] In step 610, the first NF sends a network element discovery request to the first L-NRF, wherein the first NF and the first L-NRF belong to the first network domain.

[0175] In step 611, the first L-NRF determines whether the second NF that meets the request conditions in the network discovery request exists in the first network domain. If the second NF does not exist in the first network domain, a network element discovery request is sent to the H-NRF.

[0176] In step 612, the first L-NRF sends a network element discovery request to the H-NRF.

[0177] In step 613, the H-NRF sends network element discovery requests to the L-NRFs in the neighboring domains of the first network domain in sequence (from nearest to farthest in terms of distance) until the second NF is discovered.

[0178] In step 614, the second L-NRF sends a second response to the H-NRF, wherein the second response includes the identification information of the second NF that meets the request conditions.

[0179] In step 615, H-NRF determines the first indirect access node in the first network domain and the second indirect access node in the second network domain.

[0180] In step 616, the H-NRF sends a second segmented routing request to the second L-NRF, wherein the second segmented routing request carries the second domain inbound node.

[0181] In step 617, the second L-NRF calculates the segmented route from the second domain inbound node to the second NF. Here, we take the data transmission direction as the first NF to the second NF as an example.

[0182] If the data transmission direction is from the second NF to the first NF, then the segmented route calculated here is from the second NF to the inbound node between the second domains.

[0183] In step 618, the second L-NRF sends a first notification message to the second NF. This first notification message carries the segmented route from the second inter-domain access node to the second NF, as well as the domain information of each network domain traversed from the first NF to the second inter-domain access node. Here, we take the data transmission direction as from the first NF to the second NF as an example.

[0184] In step 619, the second L-NRF notifies the second inter-domain inbound node of the segmented route modification information from the second inter-domain inbound node to the second NF. Here, we take the data transmission direction as from the first NF to the second NF as an example.

[0185] In step 620, the H-NRF sends a first segmented routing request to the first L-BRF, wherein the first segmented routing request carries the first domain inbound node.

[0186] In step 621, the first L-NRF calculates the segmented route from the first NF to the first domain inbound node. Here, we take the data transmission direction from the first NF to the second NF as an example.

[0187] If the data transmission direction is from the second NF to the first NF, then the segmented route from the inbound node in the first domain to the first NF is calculated here.

[0188] In step 622, the first L-NRF sends a second notification message to the first NF, wherein the second notification message carries the segmented route from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node and the domain information of each network domain traversed from the first inter-domain access node to the second NF.

[0189] In step 623, the first L-NRF notifies the first inbound node of the segmented route modification information from the first inbound node to the first NF. Here, we take the data transmission direction as from the second NF to the first NF as an example.

[0190] In step 624, H-NRF notifies the first inbound node of the segmented route from the first inbound node to the second inbound node; and notifies the second inbound node of the segmented route from the second inbound node to the first inbound node.

[0191] In the above embodiments, a suitable second NF is found for the first NF across domains, and the routing between network elements in different domains is determined by segmentation. This improves the accuracy of routing between network elements, enhances the flexibility and reliability of communication between network elements in different network domains, and creates good application prospects and value for integrated air-space-ground services.

[0192] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of some embodiments of the L-NRF of this disclosure.

[0193] As shown in Figure 7, the L-NRF70 includes a first receiving unit 71, a first determining unit 72, a first transmitting unit 73, a second receiving unit 74, and a generating unit 75.

[0194] The first receiving unit 71 is configured to receive a network element discovery request sent by a first network function NF, wherein the first NF and L-NRF belong to the first network domain.

[0195] In some embodiments, the first receiving unit 71 is further configured to receive registration information of the first NF, wherein the registration information of the first NF includes the satellite identifier of the first NF; send a first response to the first NF; and synchronize the correspondence between the first NF and the L-NRF to the H-NRF.

[0196] In some embodiments, the first receiving unit 71 is further configured to receive domain information of each network domain traversed by the first domain inbound node to the first NF sent by the H-NRF; and to send the domain information of each network domain traversed by the first domain inbound node to the first NF to the first domain inbound node.

[0197] The first determining unit 72 is configured to determine whether there is a second NF in the first network domain that meets the request conditions based on the request conditions in the network element discovery request.

[0198] In some embodiments, the request conditions include at least one of the following: network element type, supported slice, and supported data network name (DNN).

[0199] In some embodiments, the first determining unit 72 is further configured to, in the event that the segmented route from the first NF to the first domain inbound node is disconnected, re-determine the segmented route from the first NF to the first domain inbound node; and update the first segmented route information.

[0200] In some embodiments, the first determining unit 72 is further configured to, in the event that the segmented route from the first domain inbound node to the first NF is disconnected, re-determine the segmented route from the first domain inbound node to the first NF; and update the first segmented route modification information.

[0201] In some embodiments, the first determining unit 72 is further configured to, in the case that a second NF exists in the first network domain, determine a segmented route from the first NF to the second NF; and send third segmented route information to the first NF, wherein the third segmented route information includes a segmented route from the first NF to the second NF.

[0202] In some embodiments, the first determining unit 72 is further configured to determine a segmented route from the second NF to the first NF; and send fourth segmented route information to the second NF, wherein the fourth segmented route information includes a segmented route from the second NF to the first NF.

[0203] In some embodiments, the first determining unit 72 is further configured to, in the event that a segmented route between the first NF and the second NF is disconnected, re-determine the segmented route between the first NF and the second NF; and update the third segmented route information or the fourth segmented route information.

[0204] The first transmitting unit 73 is configured to send a network element discovery request to the higher-level network storage function H-NRF when there is no second NF in the first network domain.

[0205] In some embodiments, the first sending unit 73 is further configured to send first segmented routing information to the first NF, wherein the first segmented routing information includes segmented routes from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node and domain information of each network domain traversed from the first inter-domain access node to the second NF.

[0206] In some embodiments, the first sending unit 73 is further configured to send first segmented route modification information to the first domain inbound node, wherein the first segmented route modification information includes first modification notification information and segmented routes from the first domain inbound node to the first NF, wherein the first modification notification information is used to indicate that the domain information of each network domain traversed by the first domain inbound node to the first NF be modified to segmented routes from the first domain inbound node to the first NF.

[0207] The second receiving unit 74 is configured to receive a first segmented routing request sent by the H-NRF, wherein the first segmented routing request includes the identifier of a first indirect access node in the first network domain and the identifier of a second NF located in the second network domain.

[0208] The generation unit 75 is configured to generate a segmented route from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node according to the first segmented route request, wherein the segmented route from the first inter-domain access node to the second NF is generated by the H-NRF and the L-NRF in the second network domain.

[0209] In some embodiments, the generation unit 75 is further configured to receive a second segmented routing request sent by the H-NRF, wherein the second segmented routing request includes the identifier of a first domain inbound node and a first NF located in the first network domain; and generate a segmented route from the first domain inbound node to the first NF according to the second segmented routing request, wherein the segmented route from the first domain inbound node to the first NF is used for communication from the second NF to the first NF.

[0210] In some embodiments, the generation unit 75 is further configured to determine whether the time difference between the second data sent by the second NF and the first data sent by the first NF is greater than a preset time difference threshold, wherein the second data is feedback of the first data or the first data is feedback of the second data; if the time difference between the first data and the second data is greater than the time difference threshold, a segmented route is generated between the first NF and the first domain inbound node.

[0211] In some embodiments, the generation unit 75 is further configured to share the segmented route between the first NF and the first domain inbound node via H-NRF when the time difference between the first data and the second data is less than or equal to the time difference threshold.

[0212] In the above embodiments, a suitable second NF is found for the first NF across domains, and the routing between network elements in different domains is determined by segmentation, which improves the accuracy of routing between network elements and enhances the flexibility and reliability of communication between network elements in different network domains.

[0213] Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of some embodiments of the H-NRF of this disclosure.

[0214] As shown in Figure 8, the H-NRF80 includes a third receiving unit 81, a second determining unit 82, a third determining unit 83, and a second transmitting unit 84.

[0215] The third receiving unit 81 is configured to receive network element discovery requests sent by the L-NRF, wherein the L-NRF belongs to the first network domain.

[0216] In some embodiments, the third receiving unit 81 is further configured to receive a second response sent by the L-NRF of the network domain where the second NF is located, wherein the second response includes identification information of the second NF that meets the request conditions.

[0217] The second determining unit 82 is configured to determine the second NF that meets the request conditions based on the request conditions in the network element discovery request, wherein the second NF belongs to the second network domain.

[0218] In some embodiments, the second determining unit 82 is further configured to send network element discovery requests to the L-NRFs of one or more neighboring domains in ascending order of the inter-domain distance between the first network domain and one or more neighboring domains to determine the second NF; and to stop sending network element discovery requests to the L-NRFs of one or more neighboring domains when the second NF is determined.

[0219] The third determining unit 83 is configured to determine the first indirect access node in the first network domain based on the second NF.

[0220] In some embodiments, the third determining unit 83 is further configured to determine a second segmented routing request based on the first NF, wherein the second segmented routing request includes the first domain inbound node and the identifier of the first NF to which it belongs in the first network domain; and send the second segmented routing request to the L-NRF.

[0221] In some embodiments, the third determining unit 83 is further configured to determine a segmented route from the first indirect access node to the second indirect access node in the second network domain, wherein the second indirect access node is determined according to the second NF.

[0222] In some embodiments, the third determining unit 83 is further configured to determine a segmented route from the second indirect access node in the second network domain to the first indirect access node.

[0223] In some embodiments, the third determining unit 83 is further configured to, in the event that the segmented route between the first domain inbound node and the second domain inbound node is disconnected, re-determine the segmented route between the first domain inbound node and the second domain inbound node; and update the second segmented route modification information or the third segmented route modification information.

[0224] The second sending unit 84 is configured to send a first segmented routing request to the L-NRF, wherein the first segmented routing request includes the identifier of the first domain inbound node and the identifier of the second NF located in the second network domain.

[0225] In some embodiments, the second sending unit 84 is further configured to send domain information of each network domain traversed by the first domain indirect access node to the second domain indirect access node.

[0226] In some embodiments, the second sending unit 84 is further configured to send second segmented routing modification information to the first inter-domain access node, wherein the second segmented routing modification information includes second modification notification information and segmented routes from the first inter-domain access node to the second inter-domain access node, wherein the second modification notification information is used to indicate that the domain information of each network domain traversed from the first inter-domain access node to the second inter-domain access node be modified to segmented routes from the first inter-domain access node to the second inter-domain access node.

[0227] In some embodiments, the second sending unit 84 is further configured to send domain information of each network domain traversed by the second domain indirect access node to the first domain indirect access node.

[0228] In some embodiments, the second sending unit 84 is further configured to send third segmented route modification information to the second inter-domain access node, wherein the third segmented route modification information includes third modification notification information and segmented routes from the second inter-domain access node to the first inter-domain access node, wherein the third modification notification information is used to indicate that the domain information of each network domain traversed from the second inter-domain access node to the first inter-domain access node be modified to segmented routes from the second inter-domain access node to the first inter-domain access node.

[0229] In the above embodiments, a suitable second NF is found for the first NF across domains, and the routing between network elements in different domains is determined by segmentation, which improves the accuracy of routing between network elements and enhances the flexibility and reliability of communication between network elements in different network domains.

[0230] Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of some embodiments of the routing determination apparatus of this disclosure.

[0231] As shown in FIG9, the routing determination device 90 of this embodiment includes: a memory 91 and a processor 92 coupled to the memory 91. The processor 92 is configured to execute the routing determination method in any of the foregoing embodiments based on instructions stored in the memory 91.

[0232] The memory 91 may include, for example, system memory, fixed non-volatile storage media, etc. The system memory stores, for example, the operating system, application programs, the boot loader, and other programs.

[0233] The routing determination device 90 may also include an input / output interface 93, a network interface 94, and a storage interface 95. These interfaces 93, 94, and 95, as well as the memory 91 and processor 92, can be connected via, for example, a bus 96. The input / output interface 93 provides a connection interface for input / output devices such as monitors, mice, keyboards, touchscreens, microphones, and speakers. The network interface 94 provides a connection interface for various networked devices. The storage interface 95 provides a connection interface for external storage devices such as SD cards and USB flash drives.

[0234] In the above embodiments, a suitable second NF is found for the first NF across domains, and the routing between network elements in different domains is determined by segmentation. This improves the accuracy of routing between network elements, enhances the flexibility and reliability of communication between network elements in different network domains, and creates good application prospects and value for integrated air-space-ground services.

[0235] Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram of some embodiments of the routing determination system of this disclosure.

[0236] As shown in Figure 10, the routing determination system 100 includes L-NRF 101, H-NRF 102, first NF 103, second NF 104, first inter-domain inbound node 105, and second inter-domain inbound node 106 in any of the above embodiments.

[0237] The first NF103 is configured to send a network element discovery request to L-NRF101 and receive first segment routing information or second segment routing information, wherein L-NRF101 belongs to the first network domain.

[0238] The second NF104 is configured to receive the third segment routing information.

[0239] The first domain inbound node 105 is configured to receive route modification information for the first segment or the second segment.

[0240] The second domain inbound node 106 is configured to receive route modification information for the third segment.

[0241] In the above embodiments, a suitable second NF is found for the first NF across domains, and the routing between network elements in different domains is determined by segmentation. This improves the accuracy of routing between network elements, enhances the flexibility and reliability of communication between network elements in different network domains, and creates good application prospects and value for integrated air-space-ground services.

[0242] In some embodiments, a computer program product is protected, comprising a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the routing determination method described above. The computer program product includes a computer program carried on a computer-readable medium, containing program code for performing the methods shown in the flowchart. In such embodiments, the computer program can be downloaded and installed from a network via a communication device, or installed from a storage device, or installed from ROM. When the computer program is executed by a CPU, it performs the functions defined in the methods of embodiments of this disclosure.

[0243] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this disclosure can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this disclosure can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this disclosure can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable non-transitory storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0244] The routing determination method, apparatus, system, L-NRF, H-NRF, and computer program products of this disclosure have been described in detail above. To avoid obscuring the concept of this disclosure, some details known in the art have not been described. Those skilled in the art will fully understand how to implement the technical solutions disclosed herein based on the above description.

[0245] The methods and systems of this disclosure may be implemented in many ways. For example, they may be implemented by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination of software, hardware, and firmware. The above-described order of steps for the methods is for illustrative purposes only, and the steps of the methods of this disclosure are not limited to the order specifically described above unless otherwise specifically stated. Furthermore, in some embodiments, this disclosure may also be implemented as a program recorded on a recording medium, the program including machine-readable instructions for implementing the methods according to this disclosure. Thus, this disclosure also covers recording media storing programs for performing the methods according to this disclosure.

[0246] While specific embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail by way of example, those skilled in the art should understand that the examples are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. The scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A route determination method, performed by a lower-level network storage function (L-NRF), comprising: Receive a network element discovery request sent by a first network function (NF), wherein the first NF and the L-NRF belong to a first network domain; Based on the request conditions in the network element discovery request, determine whether there is a second NF in the first network domain that satisfies the request conditions; If the second NF does not exist in the first network domain, the network element discovery request is sent to the higher-level network storage function H-NRF; Receive the first segmented routing request sent by the H-NRF, wherein the first segmented routing request includes the identifier of the first inbound node in the first network domain and the identifier of the second NF located in the second network domain; Based on the first segmented routing request, a segmented route is generated from the first NF to the first domain inbound node, wherein the segmented route from the first domain inbound node to the second NF is generated through the H-NRF and the L-NRF in the second network domain.

2. The route determination method according to claim 1 further includes: Send first segmented routing information to the first NF, wherein the first segmented routing information includes segmented routes from the first NF to the first inter-domain access node and domain information of each network domain traversed from the first inter-domain access node to the second NF.

3. The route determination method according to claim 2 further includes: If there is a route break in the segmented route from the first NF to the first domain inbound node, the segmented route from the first NF to the first domain inbound node is re-determined; Update the routing information for the first segment.

4. The route determination method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: Receive the registration information of the first NF, wherein the registration information of the first NF includes the satellite identifier of the first NF; Send a first response to the first NF; Synchronize the correspondence between the first NF and the L-NRF to the H-NRF.

5. The route determination method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: Receive a second segmented routing request sent by the H-NRF, wherein the second segmented routing request includes the identifier of the first domain inbound node and the identifier of the first NF located in the first network domain; Based on the second segmented routing request, a segmented route from the first domain inbound node to the first NF is generated, wherein the segmented route from the first domain inbound node to the first NF is used for communication from the second NF to the first NF.

6. The route determination method according to claim 5 further includes: Receive the domain information of each network domain that the first domain inbound node passes through to the first NF, sent by the H-NRF; Send the domain information of each network domain that the first domain indirect indirect node passes through to the first NF to the first domain indirect indirect node.

7. The route determination method according to claim 6 further includes: Send first segmented route modification information to the first domain inbound node, wherein the first segmented route modification information includes first modification notification information and segmented routes from the first domain inbound node to the first NF, wherein the first modification notification information is used to indicate that the domain information of each network domain traversed from the first domain inbound node to the first NF be modified to segmented routes from the first domain inbound node to the first NF.

8. The route determination method according to claim 7 further includes: If there is a route break in the segmented route from the first domain inbound node to the first NF, the segmented route from the first domain inbound node to the first NF shall be re-determined; Update the routing modification information for the first segment.

9. The route determination method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: If the second NF exists in the first network domain, determine the segmented route from the first NF to the second NF; Send third segment routing information to the first NF, wherein the third segment routing information includes segmented routes from the first NF to the second NF.

10. The route determination method according to claim 9, further comprising: Determine the segmented route from the second NF to the first NF; Send fourth segment routing information to the second NF, wherein the fourth segment routing information includes segmented routes from the second NF to the first NF.

11. The route determination method according to claim 10, further comprising: If a segmented route between the first NF and the second NF is broken, the segmented route between the first NF and the second NF should be re-determined; Update the routing information of the third segment or the routing information of the fourth segment.

12. The route determination method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The request conditions include at least one of the following: network element type, supported slices, and supported data network names (DNNs).

13. The route determination method according to claim 1 or 5, further comprising: Determine whether the time difference between the second data sent by the second NF and the first data sent by the first NF is greater than a preset time difference threshold, wherein the second data is feedback of the first data or the first data is feedback of the second data; If the time difference between the first data and the second data is greater than the time difference threshold, a segmented route is generated between the first NF and the first domain inbound node.

14. The route determination method according to claim 13, further comprising: When the time difference between the first data and the second data is less than or equal to the time difference threshold, the segmented route between the first NF and the first domain inbound node is shared through the H-NRF.

15. A route determination method, performed by a higher-level network storage function (H-NRF), comprising: Receive network element discovery request sent by L-NRF, wherein L-NRF belongs to a first network domain, and the network element discovery request is sent by L-NRF to H-NRF when L-NRF receives the network element discovery request sent by a first NF and there is no second NF in the first network domain that meets the request conditions in the network element discovery request; Based on the request conditions in the network element discovery request, a second NF that meets the request conditions is determined, wherein the second NF belongs to the second network domain; Based on the second NF, determine the first indirect access node in the first network domain; A first segmented routing request is sent to the L-NRF so that the first NF generates a segmented route from the first NF to the first inter-domain inbound node based on the first segmented routing request. The first segmented routing request includes the identifiers of the first inter-domain inbound node and the second NF located in the second network domain. The segmented route from the first inter-domain inbound node to the second NF is generated by the H-NRF and the L-NRF in the second network domain.

16. The route determination method according to claim 15, wherein, The step of determining the second NF that satisfies the request conditions in the network element discovery request includes: In order of increasing inter-domain distance between the first network domain and one or more neighboring domains, the network element discovery request is sent sequentially to the L-NRF of the one or more neighboring domains to determine the second NF; If the second NF is determined, stop sending the network element discovery request to the L-NRF of the one or more neighboring domains.

17. The route determination method according to claim 16, further comprising: Receive a second response from the L-NRF of the network domain where the second NF is located, wherein the second response includes the identification information of the second NF that satisfies the request conditions.

18. The route determination method according to claim 15, further comprising: A second segmented routing request is determined based on the first NF, wherein the second segmented routing request includes the first domain inbound node and the identifier of the first NF to which it belongs, located in the first network domain; Send a second segmentation routing request to the L-NRF.

19. The route determination method according to claim 17, further comprising: Determine the segmented route from the first indirect access node to the second indirect access node in the second network domain, wherein the second indirect access node is determined according to the second NF.

20. The route determination method according to claim 19, further comprising: Send the domain information of each network domain that the first domain indirect access node passes through to the second domain indirect access node to the first domain indirect access node.

21. The route determination method according to claim 20, further comprising: Send a second segmented route modification message to the first inter-domain inbound node, wherein the second segmented route modification message includes a second modification notification message and a segmented route from the first inter-domain inbound node to the second inter-domain inbound node, wherein the second modification notification message is used to indicate that the domain information of each network domain traversed from the first inter-domain inbound node to the second inter-domain inbound node be modified to the segmented route from the first inter-domain inbound node to the second inter-domain inbound node.

22. The route determination method according to claim 18, further comprising: Determine the segmented route from the second indirect access node in the second network domain to the first indirect access node.

23. The route determination method according to claim 22, further comprising: Send the domain information of each network domain that the second domain indirect access node passes through to the first domain indirect access node to the second domain indirect access node.

24. The route determination method according to claim 23, further comprising: Send a third segmented route modification message to the second domain inbound node, wherein the third segmented route modification message includes a third modification notification message and a segmented route from the second domain inbound node to the first domain inbound node, wherein the third modification notification message is used to indicate that the domain information of each network domain traversed from the second domain inbound node to the first domain inbound node be modified to a segmented route from the second domain inbound node to the first domain inbound node.

25. The route determination method according to claim 21, further comprising: If there is a route break in the segmented route between the first domain inbound node and the second domain inbound node, the segmented route between the first domain inbound node and the second domain inbound node shall be re-determined; Update the routing modification information for the second segment.

26. The route determination method according to claim 24, further comprising: If there is a route break in the segmented route between the first domain inbound node and the second domain inbound node, the segmented route between the first domain inbound node and the second domain inbound node shall be re-determined; Update the routing modification information for the third segment.

27. A low-level network storage function (L-NRF), comprising: The first receiving unit is configured to receive a network element discovery request sent by a first network function (NF), wherein the first NF and the L-NRF belong to a first network domain. The first determining unit is configured to determine whether there is a second NF in the first network domain that satisfies the request conditions based on the request conditions in the network element discovery request; The first sending unit is configured to send the network element discovery request to the higher-layer network storage function H-NRF when the second NF does not exist in the first network domain. The second receiving unit is configured to receive a first segmented routing request sent by the H-NRF, wherein the first segmented routing request includes a first inbound node in the first network domain and an identifier of the second NF located in the second network domain. The generation unit is configured to generate a segmented route from the first NF to the first domain inbound node according to the first segmented routing request, wherein the segmented route from the first domain inbound node to the second NF is generated through the H-NRF and the L-NRF in the second network domain.

28. A high-level network storage function (H-NRF), comprising: The third receiving unit is configured to receive a network element discovery request sent by the L-NRF, wherein the L-NRF belongs to the first network domain; The second determining unit is configured to determine a second NF that satisfies the request conditions in the network element discovery request, wherein the second NF belongs to a second network domain; The third determining unit is configured to determine the first indirect access node in the first network domain based on the second NF; The second sending unit is configured to send a first segmented routing request to the L-NRF, wherein the first segmented routing request includes the identifier of the first domain inbound node and the identifier of the second NF located in the second network domain.

29. A route determination device, comprising: Memory; and A processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute the routing determination method of any one of claims 1 to 26 based on instructions stored in the memory.

30. A route determination system, comprising: L-NRF as described in claim 27; H-NRF as described in claim 28; The first NF is configured to send a network element discovery request to the L-NRF and receive first segment routing information or second segment routing information, wherein the L-NRF belongs to the first network domain; The second NF is configured to receive routing information for the third segment. The first domain inbound node is configured to receive the first segment route modification information or the second segment route modification information; The second domain inbound node is configured to receive the third segment routing modification information.

31. A computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the routing determination method according to any one of claims 1 to 26.

32. A computer program product comprising computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the routing determination method according to any one of claims 1 to 26.

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