CN112584396B

CN112584396B - Network function routing method, device and system

Info

Publication number: CN112584396B
Application number: CN201910927192.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 王毓芳; 郝文杰
Original assignee: Huawei Technologies Co Ltd
Current assignee: Huawei Technologies Co Ltd
Priority date: 2019-09-27
Filing date: 2019-09-27
Publication date: 2022-08-26
Anticipated expiration: 2039-09-27
Also published as: WO2021057850A1; CN112584396A

Abstract

The embodiment of the application provides a network function routing method, device and system, relates to the technical field of communication, and is used for providing routing information to cNF by a service discovery entity in a service discovery process so as to avoid the problems of complex configuration and inflexibility caused by local routing policy configuration at cNF. The scheme comprises the following steps: the first service discovery entity determines cNF one or more pnfs requesting access; cNF is located within the domain of the first service discovery entity; under the condition that one or more pNF (public network nodes) are positioned in the domain of the second service discovery entity, the first service discovery entity acquires the information of the one or more pNF from the second service discovery entity; the first service discovery entity sends cNF information of the one or more pnfs and the first routing information. The first routing information is used to instruct cNF to send a service request message for the target pNF to the first proxy network element. The first proxy network element is located in the domain of the first service discovery entity, or the first proxy network element is located in the domain of the second service discovery entity.

Description

Network function routing method, device and system

Technical Field

The embodiment of the application relates to the technical field of communication, in particular to a network function routing method, device and system.

Background

The network function storage function (NRF) supports service discovery of Network Functions (NF)/services (services) in a fifth generation core network (5th generation, 5GC), and direct routing between network function consumers (cNF)/network function providers (pfns). However, for a large-scale operator, a plurality of regions may be divided in a network, and in order to reduce the number of links that need to be supported between NFs and simplify networking, a hyperText transfer protocol proxy (proxy network element) is introduced to perform inter-domain routing convergence.

In the current standard 5GC NRF architecture, each cNF/proxy network element needs to perform local routing policy configuration based on information such as a target Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN)/IP, so cNF can determine whether it needs to perform service interaction with the pNF through the proxy network element based on the local routing policy configuration.

Since cNF needs to perform local routing policy configuration for whether to use the proxy network element to a certain pNF, the proxy network element also needs to perform local routing policy configuration. This results in a complex and inflexible configuration of cNF/proxy network elements, which makes deployment and operation difficult.

Disclosure of Invention

The embodiment of the application provides a network function routing method, device and system, which are used for providing routing information to cNF by a service discovery entity in a service discovery process so as to avoid the problems of complex configuration and inflexibility caused by local routing policy configuration at cNF.

In order to achieve the above purpose, the embodiments of the present application provide the following technical solutions:

in a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a network function routing method, where the method includes: the first service discovery entity determines one or more network function providers pNF to which the network function consumer cNF requests access; cNF are located within the domain of the first service discovery entity. In the case that the one or more pnfs are located within the domain of the second service discovery entity, the first service discovery entity obtains information of the one or more pnfs from the second service discovery entity. The first service discovery entity sends cNF information of the one or more pnfs and the first routing information; wherein the first routing information is used to instruct cNF to send a service request message for a target pNF of the one or more pnfs to the first proxy network element. The first proxy network element is located in the domain of the first service discovery entity, or the first proxy network element is located in the domain of the second service discovery entity.

The embodiment of the present application provides a network function routing method, in which a first service discovery entity determines cNF one or more pnfs requested to be accessed, and when the one or more pnfs are located outside a domain where the first service discovery entity is located, that is, within a domain where a second service discovery entity is located, the first service discovery entity determines cNF that the one or more pnfs need to be accessed through a first proxy network element. Thus, the first service discovery entity may send the first routing information in addition to sending cNF information for one or more pnfs. This facilitates cNF determining that interaction with the target pNF needs to be performed by the first proxy network element according to the first routing information. According to the scheme, the configuration of routing strategy information on cNF and the first proxy network element can be avoided, and compared with the prior art that the routing strategy information is configured for cNF, and whether the first proxy network element needs to access the target pNF is determined according to the self-configured routing strategy information by cNF, the configuration complexity of cNF/proxy network element can be simplified, and the deployment, operation and maintenance difficulties are avoided.

In a possible implementation manner, the first proxy network element is located in a domain where the first service discovery entity is located, the second service discovery entity includes a second proxy network element in the domain, and an inter-domain routing policy indication of the second proxy network element is used to indicate that the second proxy network element is in an enabled state when inter-domain access is performed.

In a possible implementation manner, the method provided in the embodiment of the present application further includes: the first service discovery entity receives second routing information from the second service discovery entity; the second routing information is used for indicating the first proxy network element to send a service request message to the second proxy network element; the first service discovery entity sends information of the one or more pnfs and the second routing information to the first proxy network element. Therefore, when cross-domain access is performed, and the domain in which the first service discovery entity is located and the domain in which the second service discovery entity is located both have the proxy network element, the first proxy network element sends the service request message to the second proxy network element.

In a possible implementation manner, the method provided in the embodiment of the present application further includes: the first service discovery entity receives a subscription notification message from the first proxy network element, the subscription notification message being for subscribing to the second routing information. Thus, once the first service discovery entity receives the second routing information, the second routing information may be forwarded to the first proxy network element.

In a possible implementation manner, the method provided in the embodiment of the present application further includes: the first service discovery entity receives a request message from the first proxy network element, the request message requesting the second routing information.

In a possible implementation manner, in a case that the first proxy network element is located in a domain where the first service discovery entity is located, if the domain where the second service discovery entity is located includes the second proxy network element, and an inter-domain routing policy indication of the second proxy network element is used to indicate inter-domain access, the second proxy network element is in an disabled state, or if the second proxy network element does not exist in the domain where the second service discovery entity is located, the method provided in this embodiment of the present application further includes: the first service discovery entity sends information of one or more pNF and third routing information to the first proxy network element; wherein the third routing information is used to instruct the first proxy network element to send a service request message to the target pNF. Therefore, when the inter-domain access is performed, if the second proxy network element does not exist in the domain where the second service discovery entity is located or the inter-domain access is performed, and the second proxy network element is in the non-enabled state, the first proxy network element can determine to directly send the service request message from cNF to the target pNF according to the third routing information.

In one possible implementation, the one or more pnfs and the first proxy network element are located in a domain where the first service discovery entity is located, and an intra-domain routing indication of the first proxy network element is used to indicate intra-domain access, where the first proxy network element is in an disabled state, the method further includes: the first service discovery entity sends cNF information of one or more pnfs. This facilitates access within the domain by sending cNF information on one or more pnfs so that cNF determines that a service request message can be sent directly to the target pNF without going through the first proxy network element.

In a possible implementation manner, when the first proxy network element is located in the domain of the second service discovery entity, the proxy network element does not exist in the domain of the first service discovery entity. That is, in the case that the first proxy network element is located in the domain where the second service discovery entity is located and the proxy network element does not exist in the domain where the first service discovery entity is located, cNF may directly send the service request message for the target pNF to the first proxy network element without passing through the proxy network element, so as to be forwarded to the target pNF by the first proxy network element.

In a possible implementation manner, the first proxy network element is located in a domain where the first service discovery entity is located, and the method provided in this embodiment of the present application further includes: the first service discovery entity determines a routing strategy of the first proxy network element according to the address information of the first proxy network element; the routing strategy comprises the following steps: any one or more of an intra-domain routing indication, an inter-domain routing indication: wherein, the intra-domain route indication is used for indicating that the first proxy network element is in a non-enabled state when accessing in the domain; the inter-domain routing indication is used to indicate that the first proxy network element is in an enabled state when accessing between domains. This facilitates subsequent provision cNF of routing information by determining a routing policy for the first proxy network element based on the address information for the first proxy network element.

In one possible implementation, the routing policy further includes: a service routing indication; when the service routing indication is used for indicating cNF to access the target service, the first proxy network element is in an enabling state; the target service is any one of a plurality of services provided by a pNF in a domain where the first service discovery entity is located, or the target service is any one of a plurality of services provided by a pNF in a domain where the second service discovery entity is located.

In a possible implementation manner, the method provided in the embodiment of the present application further includes: a first service discovery entity receives a first request message from a first proxy network element; the first request message includes first information for determining address information of the first proxy network element.

In a possible implementation manner, the method provided in the embodiment of the present application further includes: the first service discovery entity updates a routing strategy of the first proxy network element; wherein the updated routing policy includes any one or more of: the intra-domain routing indication is used for indicating that the first proxy network element is in an enabling state when the intra-domain access is performed; the inter-domain routing indication is used for indicating that the first proxy network element is in a non-enabled state when the inter-domain access is indicated; the traffic routing indication indicates cNF that the first proxy network element is in an disabled state when accessing the target traffic.

In one possible implementation manner, the updating, by the first service discovery entity, the routing policy of the first proxy network element includes: the first service discovery entity receives first indication information from the first proxy network element, the first indication information indicating any one or more of the following information: the intra-domain routing indication is used for indicating that the first proxy network element is in an enabling state when the intra-domain access is performed; the inter-domain routing indication is used for indicating that the first proxy network element is in a non-enabled state when the inter-domain access is indicated; the service routing indication is used for indicating cNF that the first proxy network element is in a non-enabled state when accessing the target service; and the first service discovery entity updates the routing strategy of the first proxy network element according to the first indication information.

In one possible implementation manner, the updating, by the first service discovery entity, the routing policy of the first proxy network element includes: the first service discovery entity adjusts the intra-domain routing indication to an enabled state, adjusts the inter-domain routing indication to a disabled state, or adjusts the service routing indication to a disabled state.

In one possible implementation, the first service discovery entity determining cNF one or more pnfs requesting access, including: the first service discovery entity receives a second request message from cNF, wherein the second request message carries requirement information; the first service discovery entity determines cNF one or more pnfs requested for access based on the demand information.

In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a network function routing method, including: the network function consumer cNF sends a second request message to the first service discovery entity, the second request message carrying requirement information, the requirement information being used to determine cNF one or more network function providers pNF requesting access; cNF receiving information of the one or more pnfs from the first service discovery entity and the first routing information in case the one or more pnfs are located within the domain of the second service discovery entity; wherein the first routing information is used to instruct cNF to send a service request message for a target pNF to the first proxy network element, the target pNF belonging to one or more pnfs; the first proxy network element is located in the domain of the first service discovery entity, or the first proxy network element is located in the domain of the second service discovery entity; cNF, sending the service request message to the first proxy network element according to the first routing information.

In a possible implementation manner, the one or more pnfs and the first proxy network element are located in a domain where the first service discovery entity is located, and an intra-domain routing indication of the first proxy network element is used to indicate that the first proxy network element is in an disabled state when intra-domain access is performed, the method provided in this embodiment of the present application further includes: cNF receiving information of one or more pnfs from a first service discovery entity; cNF sends a service request message to the target pNF.

In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a network function routing method, including: the first proxy network element receives the service request message for target cNF from cNF, the first proxy network element being located within the domain of the first service discovery entity, or the first proxy network element being located within the domain of the second service discovery entity. The first proxy network element receives cNF information from the one or more of the first service discovery entity along with routing information. The target cNF belongs to one or more cNF messages. And the first proxy network element sends a service request message to the target pNF according to the routing information.

In one possible implementation manner, the first proxy network element is located in a domain where the first service discovery entity is located, the second service discovery entity includes the second proxy network element in the domain where the second service discovery entity is located, an inter-domain routing policy indication of the second proxy network element is used for indicating that the second proxy network element is in an enabled state when the inter-domain access is indicated, the first proxy network element receives information of one or more cNF from the first service discovery entity, and the routing information includes: the first proxy network element receives information of one or more pnfs from a first service discovery entity and second routing information, where the second routing information is used to instruct the first proxy network element to send a service request message to a second proxy network element, and correspondingly, the sending of the service request message by the first proxy network element to a target pNF includes: and the first proxy network element sends a service request message to the second proxy network element according to the second routing information, and the second proxy network element is used for sending the service request message to the target pNF.

In a possible implementation manner, the method provided in the embodiment of the present application further includes: the first proxy network element sends a subscription notification message to the first service discovery entity, wherein the subscription notification message is used for subscribing the second routing information.

In one possible implementation, in a case where the first proxy network element is located within a domain of the first service discovery entity, if the second proxy network element is included in the domain of the second service discovery entity, an inter-domain routing policy indication of the second proxy network element is used for indicating inter-domain access, the second proxy network element is in a non-enabled state, or if the second proxy network element does not exist in the domain of the one or more pnfs, the first proxy network element receives the one or more cNF information from the first service discovery entity, and the routing information, including: the first proxy network element receives information of one or more pNF (p/n) from the first service discovery entity and third routing information; and the third routing information is used for indicating the first proxy network element to send a service request message to the target pNF. Correspondingly, the sending, by the first proxy network element, the service request message to the target pNF includes: and the first proxy network element sends a service request message to the target pNF according to the third routing information.

In a possible implementation manner, when the first proxy network element is located in the domain of the second service discovery entity, the proxy network element does not exist in the domain of the first service discovery entity.

In a possible implementation manner, in a case that the first proxy network element is located in a domain where the first service discovery entity is located, the method provided in the embodiment of the present application further includes: a first proxy network element sends a first request message to a first service discovery entity; the first request message includes first information for determining address information of the first proxy network element.

In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a network function routing apparatus, where the network function routing apparatus may implement the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation manner of the first aspect, and therefore may also implement the beneficial effects in the first aspect or any possible implementation manner of the first aspect. The network function routing apparatus may be the first service discovery entity, or may also be an apparatus that can support the first service discovery entity to implement the first aspect or the method in any possible implementation manner of the first aspect, for example, a chip applied to the first service discovery entity. The apparatus may implement the above method through software, hardware, or through hardware to execute corresponding software.

An example, an embodiment of the present application provides a network function routing apparatus, including: a processing unit for determining one or more network function providers pNF to which the network function consumer cNF requests access. cNF are located within the domain of the device; a communication unit, configured to obtain information of the one or more pnfs from a second service discovery entity when the one or more pnfs are located in a domain where the second service discovery entity is located; the communication unit is further configured to send, to the cNF, information of the one or more pnfs and first routing information; wherein the first routing information is used to instruct cNF to send a service request message for a target pNF of the one or more pnfs to a first proxy network element; wherein the first proxy network element is located in a domain where the apparatus is located, or the first proxy network element is located in a domain where the second service discovery entity is located.

In a possible implementation manner, a first proxy network element is located in a domain where the apparatus is located, where the second service discovery entity is located, and the domain where the second service discovery entity is located includes a second proxy network element, where an inter-domain routing policy indication of the second proxy network element is used to indicate that the second proxy network element is in an enabled state when inter-domain access is indicated, and the communication unit is further configured to receive second routing information from the second service discovery entity; wherein the second routing information is used to instruct the first proxy network element to send the service request message to the second proxy network element; the communication unit is further configured to send the information of the one or more pnfs and the second routing information to the first proxy network element.

In a possible implementation manner, the communication unit is further configured to: and receiving a subscription notification message from the first proxy network element, wherein the subscription notification message is used for subscribing the second routing information.

In a possible implementation manner, in a case that the first proxy network element is located within a domain of the apparatus, if the second service discovery entity includes a second proxy network element within the domain, an inter-domain routing policy of the second proxy network element indicating inter-domain access, the second proxy network element being in an disable state, or if the second proxy network element does not exist within the domain where the one or more pnfs are located, the communication unit is further configured to: sending the information of the one or more pnfs and third routing information to the first proxy network element; wherein the third routing information is used to instruct the first proxy network element to send the service request message to the target pNF.

In a possible implementation manner, the one or more pnfs and the first proxy network element are located in a domain where the apparatus is located, and an intra-domain routing indication of the first proxy network element is used to indicate that the first proxy network element is in an disabled state when intra-domain access is performed, and the communication unit is further configured to: sending information of the one or more pNFs to the cNF.

In a possible implementation manner, when the first proxy network element is located in the domain of the second service discovery entity, the proxy network element does not exist in the domain of the apparatus.

In a possible implementation manner, the first proxy network element is located in a domain where the apparatus is located, and the processing unit is further configured to: determining a routing strategy of the first proxy network element according to the address information of the first proxy network element; the routing policy comprises: any one or more of an intra-domain routing indication, an inter-domain routing indication: wherein, the intra-domain route indication is used for indicating that the first proxy network element is in a non-enabled state when accessing in the domain; and the inter-domain routing indication is used for indicating that the first proxy network element is in an enabling state when accessing between domains.

In one possible implementation, the routing policy further includes: a service routing indication; wherein, the service routing indication is used to indicate that the first proxy network element is in an enabled state when the cNF accesses a target service; the target service is any one of a plurality of services provided by the pNF in the domain where the first service discovery entity is located, or the target service is any one of a plurality of services provided by the pNF in the domain where the second service discovery entity is located.

In a possible implementation manner, the communication unit is further configured to: receiving a first request message from the first proxy network element; the first request message includes first information, and the first information is used for determining address information of the first proxy network element.

In one possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to: updating the routing strategy of the first proxy network element; wherein the updated routing policy includes any one or more of: the intra-domain routing indication is used for indicating that the first proxy network element is in an enabling state when intra-domain access is performed; the inter-domain routing indication is used for indicating that the first proxy network element is in a non-enabled state when the inter-domain access is indicated; and the service routing indication is used for indicating cNF that the first proxy network element is in a non-enabled state when accessing the target service.

In one possible implementation, the communication unit is further configured to: receiving first indication information from the first proxy network element, the first indication information indicating any one or more of the following information: the intra-domain routing indication is used for indicating that the first proxy network element is in an enabling state when intra-domain access is performed; the inter-domain routing indication is used for indicating that the first proxy network element is in a non-enabled state when the inter-domain access is indicated; the service routing indication is used for indicating that the first proxy network element is in a non-enabled state when the cNF accesses a target service; a processing unit further to: and updating the routing strategy of the first proxy network element according to the first indication information.

In a possible implementation manner, the processing unit is specifically configured to: adjusting the intra-domain routing indication to an enabled state, adjusting the inter-domain routing indication to a disabled state, or adjusting the service routing indication to a disabled state.

Another example, an embodiment of the present application provides a network function routing apparatus, where the network function routing apparatus may include: a communication unit and a processing unit. When the network function routing means is the first service discovery entity, the communication unit may be a communication interface or an interface circuit. The processing unit may be a processor. The processing unit executes the instructions stored by the storage unit to cause the network function routing apparatus to implement the method described in the first aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the first aspect. When the network function routing apparatus is a chip in the first service delivery entity, the processing unit may be a processor, and the communication units may be collectively referred to as: a communication interface.

Optionally, the processor, the communication interface and the memory are coupled to each other.

In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a network function routing apparatus, where the network function routing apparatus may implement the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation manner of the second aspect, so that beneficial effects in the second aspect or any possible implementation manner of the second aspect may also be achieved. The network function routing device may be cNF, or may support cNF to implement the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation manner of the second aspect, for example, a chip applied to cNF. The apparatus may implement the above method through software, hardware, or through hardware to execute corresponding software.

An example, an embodiment of the present application provides a network function routing apparatus, including: a communication unit, configured to send a second request message to a first service discovery entity, where the second request message carries requirement information, and the requirement information is used to determine cNF one or more network function providers pNF requesting access; the communication unit is further configured to, in a case that the one or more pnfs are located within a domain of a second service discovery entity, the cNF receive information of the one or more pnfs from the first service discovery entity and first routing information; wherein the first routing information is used to instruct the cNF to send a service request message for a target pNF to a first proxy network element, the target pNF belonging to the one or more pnfs; wherein the first proxy network element is located in a domain where the first service discovery entity is located, or the first proxy network element is located in a domain where the second service discovery entity is located; a communication unit, further configured to send the service request message to the first proxy network element according to the first routing information.

In a possible implementation manner, the one or more pnfs and the first proxy network element are located in a domain where the first service discovery entity is located, and an intra-domain routing indication of the first proxy network element is used to indicate that the first proxy network element is in an disabled state when intra-domain access is performed, and the communication unit is further configured to: receiving information of the one or more pnfs from the first service discovery entity; and sending the service request message to the target pNF.

Another example, an embodiment of the present application provides a network function routing apparatus, where the network function routing apparatus may include: a communication unit and a processing unit. When the network function routing device is cNF, the communication unit may be a communication interface or interface circuit. The processing unit may be a processor. The processing unit executes the instructions stored by the storage unit to cause the network function routing apparatus to implement the method described in the second aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the second aspect. When the network function routing device is a chip within cNF, the processing unit may be a processor and the communication units may be collectively referred to as: a communication interface.

In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a network function routing apparatus, where the network function routing apparatus may implement the method in the third aspect or any possible implementation manner of the third aspect, and therefore may also implement the beneficial effects in any possible implementation manner of the third aspect or the third aspect. The network function routing apparatus may be a first proxy network element, or may also be an apparatus that can support the first proxy network element to implement the third aspect or the method in any possible implementation manner of the third aspect, for example, a chip applied to the first proxy network element. The device can realize the method through software, hardware or corresponding software executed by hardware.

An example, an embodiment of the present application provides a network function routing apparatus, including: a communication unit for receiving the service request message from cNF, the apparatus being located in the domain of the first service discovery entity or in the domain of the second service discovery entity. The communication unit is further configured to receive cNF information from the one or more of the first service discovery entity and the routing information is based on the routing information, and the communication unit is further configured to send a service request message to the target pNF based on the routing information.

In a possible implementation manner, the apparatus is located in a domain where a first service discovery entity is located, where a second service discovery entity is located, where an inter-domain routing policy of the second service discovery entity indicates that the second proxy network element is in an enabled state when inter-domain access is indicated, the communication unit is further configured to receive information of one or more pnfs from the first service discovery entity and second routing information (i.e., routing information), where the second routing information is used to indicate the communication unit to send a service request message to the second proxy network element, and correspondingly, the communication unit is specifically configured to send the service request message to the second proxy network element according to the second routing information, and the second proxy network element is configured to send the service request message to a target pNF.

In a possible implementation manner, the communication unit is further configured to send a subscription notification message to the first service discovery entity, where the subscription notification message is used to subscribe to the second routing information.

In a possible implementation manner, in a case that the apparatus is located within a domain in which the first service discovery entity is located, if the second service discovery entity includes a second proxy network element within the domain, an inter-domain routing policy indication of the second proxy network element is used to indicate inter-domain access, the second proxy network element is in an disabled state, or if the second proxy network element does not exist within the domain in which the one or more pnfs are located, the communication unit is further configured to receive information of the one or more pnfs from the first service discovery entity and third routing information (i.e., routing information); wherein the third routing information is used to instruct the communication unit to send a service request message to the target pNF. Correspondingly, the communication unit is specifically configured to send the service request message to the target pNF according to the third routing information.

In a possible implementation manner, when the apparatus is located in the domain of the second service discovery entity, and there is no proxy network element in the domain of the first service discovery entity.

In a possible implementation manner, in a case that the apparatus is located in a domain in which the first service discovery entity is located, the communication unit is further configured to send a first request message to the first service discovery entity; the first request message includes first information for determining address information of the apparatus.

Another example, an embodiment of the present application provides a network function routing apparatus, where the network function routing apparatus may include: a communication unit. When the network function routing apparatus is a first proxy network element, the communication unit may be a communication interface or an interface circuit. Such that the network function routing apparatus implements the method described in the third aspect or any one of its possible implementations of the third aspect. When the network function routing apparatus is a chip in the first proxy network element, the communication units may be collectively referred to as: a communication interface.

Optionally, the communication interface and the memory are coupled to each other.

In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, where a computer program or an instruction is stored in the computer-readable storage medium, and when the computer program or the instruction runs on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the network function routing method described in any one of the possible implementation manners of the first aspect to the first aspect.

In an eighth aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a computer-readable storage medium, in which a computer program or instructions are stored, and when the computer program or instructions are run on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the network function routing method described in any one of the possible implementation manners of the second aspect to the second aspect.

In a ninth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which a computer program or an instruction is stored, and when the computer program or the instruction runs on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the network function routing method described in any one of the possible implementation manners of the third aspect to the third aspect.

In a tenth aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform a network function routing method described in the first aspect or in various possible implementations of the first aspect.

In an eleventh aspect, the present application provides a computer program product comprising instructions which, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform a network function routing method as described in the second aspect or in various possible implementations of the second aspect.

In a twelfth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product comprising instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform a network function routing method as described in the third aspect or in various possible implementations of the third aspect.

In a thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a network function routing apparatus, including a processor, a processor coupled with a memory, where the memory stores instructions, and the instructions, when executed by the processor, implement the network function routing method as described in the first aspect or various possible implementations of the first aspect.

In a fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a network function routing apparatus, including a processor, a processor coupled with a memory, where the memory stores instructions, and the instructions, when executed by the processor, implement the network function routing method as described in the second aspect or various possible implementations of the second aspect.

In a fifteenth aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a network function routing apparatus, including a processor, a processor coupled with a memory, where the memory stores instructions, and the instructions, when executed by the processor, implement the network function routing method as described in the third aspect or various possible implementations of the third aspect.

It should be understood that, the memory in the network function routing apparatus described in the thirteenth aspect, the fourteenth aspect, or the fifteenth aspect may be a memory inside the network function routing apparatus, or may also be a memory outside the network function routing apparatus, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

In a sixteenth aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a chip, where the chip includes a processor and a communication interface, where the communication interface is coupled to the processor, and the processor is configured to execute a computer program or instructions to implement the first aspect or one of the network function routing methods described in the various possible implementations of the first aspect. The communication interface is used for communicating with other modules outside the chip.

In a seventeenth aspect, the present application provides a chip, where the chip includes a processor and a communication interface, where the communication interface is coupled to the processor, and the processor is configured to execute a computer program or instructions to implement the network function routing method described in the second aspect or various possible implementations of the second aspect. The communication interface is used for communicating with other modules outside the chip.

In an eighteenth aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a chip, where the chip includes a processor and a communication interface, where the communication interface is coupled to the processor, and the processor is configured to execute a computer program or instructions to implement the network function routing method described in the third aspect or in various possible implementations of the third aspect. The communication interface is used for communicating with other modules outside the chip.

In particular, the chip provided in the embodiments of the present application further includes a memory for storing a computer program or instructions.

In a nineteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, where the communication system includes any one or more of the following: the network function routing apparatus described in the fourth aspect and various possible implementations of the fourth aspect, the network function routing apparatus described in the fifth aspect and various possible implementations of the fifth aspect, and the network function routing apparatus described in the sixth aspect and various possible implementations of the sixth aspect.

Any one of the above-provided apparatuses, computer storage media, computer program products, or communication systems is configured to execute the above-provided corresponding methods, and therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved by the apparatuses, the computer storage media, the computer program products, or the communication systems can refer to the beneficial effects of the corresponding schemes in the above-provided corresponding methods, and are not described herein again.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a network function routing communication system according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 2a is a schematic diagram of the domains pNF11 to pNF1m requested to be accessed by cNF11 and cNF11 provided in the embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 2b is a diagram of cNF11 in domain 1 requesting access to pNF 21-pNF 2q in domain 2 according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 2c is a first diagram illustrating that cNF11 in domain 1 requests access to pNF 31-pNF 3q in domain 3 according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 2d is a diagram II illustrating cNF11 in domain 1 requesting access to pNF 31-pNF 3q in domain 3 according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 4 is a first flowchart illustrating a network function routing method according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 5 is a second flowchart illustrating a network function routing method according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 6 is a third schematic flowchart of a network function routing method according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 7 is a fourth flowchart illustrating a network function routing method according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 8 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a network function routing method according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 9 is a first schematic structural diagram of a network function routing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 10 is a schematic structural diagram of a network function routing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 11 is a schematic structural diagram of a chip according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

In the present application, "of", corresponding "(compatible)" and "corresponding" (compatible) "may be sometimes used in combination, and it should be noted that the intended meanings are consistent when the differences are not emphasized.

In the embodiments of the present application, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish the same or similar items having substantially the same function and action. For example, the first service discovery entity and the second service discovery entity are only used for distinguishing different service discovery entities, and the order of the service discovery entities is not limited. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the terms "first," "second," etc. do not denote any order or quantity, nor do the terms "first," "second," etc. denote any order or importance.

It is noted that, in the present application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to mean exemplary, illustrative, or descriptive. Any embodiment or design described herein as "exemplary" or "such as" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, use of the word "exemplary" or "such as" is intended to present concepts related in a concrete fashion.

The network architecture and the service scenario described in the embodiment of the present application are for more clearly illustrating the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, and do not form a limitation on the technical solution provided in the embodiment of the present application, and it can be known by a person of ordinary skill in the art that the technical solution provided in the embodiment of the present application is also applicable to similar technical problems with the evolution of the network architecture and the occurrence of a new service scenario.

In the present application, "at least one" means one or more, "a plurality" means two or more. "and/or" describes the association relationship of the associated objects, meaning that there may be three relationships, e.g., a and/or B, which may mean: a exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone, wherein A and B can be singular or plural. The character "/" generally indicates that the former and latter associated objects are in an "or" relationship. "at least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of the singular or plural items. For example, at least one (one) of a, b, or c, may represent: a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, or a-b-c, wherein a, b, c may be single or multiple.

The system architecture and the service scenario described in the embodiment of the present application are for more clearly illustrating the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, and do not form a limitation on the technical solution provided in the embodiment of the present application, and as a person of ordinary skill in the art knows that along with the evolution of the network architecture and the appearance of a new service scenario, the technical solution provided in the embodiment of the present application is also applicable to similar technical problems. In the embodiment of the present application, the method provided is applied to an NR system or a 5G network as an example.

Fig. 1 shows a communication system to which a network function routing method according to an embodiment of the present application is applied, where the communication system includes: one or more service discovery entities. Wherein each of the one or more service discovery entities is located in a domain. For example, as shown in fig. 1, the one or more service discovery entities include a service discovery entity 1, a service discovery entity 2, …, and a service discovery entity n, where the domain in which the service discovery entity 1 is located is domain 1, the domain in which the service discovery entity 2 is located is domain 2, …, and the domain in which the service discovery entity n is located is domain n. n is an integer greater than or equal to 1. Each service discovery entity includes one or more cNF and one or more pnfs within the domain. For example, domain 1 includes cNF11, pNF11, pNF12, …, pNF1 m. Domain 2 includes cNF21, pNF22, pNF23, …, pNF2q, and domain n includes cNFn1, pNFn2, pNFn3, pNFnx. Wherein m, p and x are integers greater than or equal to 1. m, p and x may be equal or unequal, and this is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

As a possible implementation manner, as shown in fig. 1, there may also be one or more proxy network elements in any domain from domain 1 to domain n. Of course, there may be some domains without proxy network elements. As shown in fig. 1, there is a proxy network element 1 in domain 1 and no proxy network element in domain 3. For example, the proxy network element in the embodiment of the present application may be a HyperText Transfer Protocol (HyperText Transfer Protocol, HTTP) proxy (proxy).

It should be noted that, in the embodiments of the present application, not every domain from domain 1 to domain n has one or more cNF and one or more pNF, and there may be a case where there are one or more cNF in a domain, but not pNF. Of course, there may be cases where one or more pnfs are present in a domain, but not cNF. FIG. 1 illustrates one or more cNF and one or more pNF in each domain.

Wherein, the service discovery entity supports a network function or a discovery and authentication function of a network service, and in 5GC, the service discovery entity may be an NRF network element. In 5GC, the service discovery entity is used to manage cNF within its domain, and proxy network elements. For example, the service discovery entity is used to configure the cNF and proxy network elements within its domain with routing information. The routing information configured for cNF is used to indicate whether cNF is in servicing interaction with the pNF that cNF requested access through proxy network elements.

It should be noted that, in the embodiment of the present application, the service discovery entity is taken as an NRF network element as an example, in a future network, the service discovery entity may be an NRF network element or have another name, and the present application is not limited thereto.

The network function routing method provided by the embodiment of the application can be applied to the following scenes:

scenario 1, cNF accesses the domain pNF, and at this time, cNF and pNF do not have a proxy network element in the domain where they are co-located, or have a proxy network element in a non-enabled state for intra-domain access. For example, as shown in FIG. 2a, pNF11 to pNF1m that cNF11 and cNF11 request access are located in the same domain. At this time, when the cNF11 accesses any one of the pNF11 to pNF1m, a proxy network element is not necessary.

Scenario 2, cNF accesses the inter-domain pNF, if there are proxy network elements in both domain 1 and domain 2. As shown in fig. 2b, cNF11 in domain 1 requests access to pNF 21-pNF 2q in domain 2, at which time, if proxy network element 1 is in domain 1, proxy network element 2 is in domain 2. Scene 3, cNF accesses inter-domain pNF, at this time, if cNF has a proxy network element in the domain where the pNF is located, but the pNF does not have a proxy network element in the domain where the pNF is located, or the proxy network element in the domain where the pNF is located is in an disabled state with respect to inter-domain access. For example, as shown in fig. 2c, cNF11 in domain 1 requests access to pNF 31-pNF 3q in domain 3, proxy network element 1 in domain 1 and proxy network element 3 in domain 3 are not available, or proxy network elements in domain 3 are in an disabled state for inter-domain access.

Scene 4, cNF accesses the inter-domain pNF, if cNF does not have a proxy network element in the domain, or cNF has a proxy network element in the domain that is in an disabled state for inter-domain access, but the pNF has a proxy network element in the domain and the proxy network element in the domain that the pNF has is in an enabled state for inter-domain access. For example, as shown in fig. 2d, cNF11 in domain 1 requests access to pNF 31-pNF 3q in domain 3, proxy network element 1 is not in domain 1, and proxy network element 3 is in domain 3, or proxy network element in domain 3 is in enabled state for inter-domain access.

It should be noted that, in this embodiment, if the coverage area of a domain is large, even intra-domain access may set intra-domain routing of a proxy network element in the domain to be in an enabled state. I.e., for intra-domain access, cNF requires a service request message sent by the proxy network element to the pNF cNF requesting access.

As shown in fig. 3, fig. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a hardware structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. The hardware structure of the service discovery entity, cNF and the proxy network element in the embodiment of the present application may refer to the structure shown in fig. 3. The communication device comprises a processor 31, a communication line 34 and at least one communication interface 33.

The processor 31 may be a general-purpose Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more ics for controlling the execution of programs in accordance with the present disclosure.

The communication link 34 may include a path for transmitting information between the aforementioned components.

The communication interface 33 may be any device, such as a transceiver, for communicating with other devices or communication networks, such as an ethernet, a Radio Access Network (RAN), a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), etc.

Optionally, the communication device may also include a memory 32.

The memory 32 may be, but is not limited to, a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device that can store static information and instructions, a Random Access Memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device that can store information and instructions, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disk storage, optical disk storage (including compact disc, laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc, blu-ray disc, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. The memory may be separate and coupled to the processor via a communication link 34. The memory may also be integrated with the processor.

The memory 32 is used for storing computer-executable instructions for executing the present application, and is controlled by the processor 32. The processor 31 is used for executing computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 32, thereby implementing the communication method provided by the following embodiments of the present application.

Optionally, the computer-executable instructions in this embodiment may also be referred to as application program codes, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment.

In particular implementations, processor 31 may include one or more CPUs such as CPU0 and CPU1 in fig. 3, for example, as one embodiment.

In particular implementations, the communication device may include multiple processors, such as processor 31 and processor 35 in fig. 3, as one embodiment. Each of these processors may be a single-core (single-CPU) processor or a multi-core (multi-CPU) processor. A processor herein may refer to one or more devices, circuits, and/or processing cores for processing data (e.g., computer program instructions).

Currently, cNF and proxy network elements within each domain may be configured with local route configuration policies to enable network functions to route. For example, the local routing configuration policy configured for cNF is used to indicate that: for scenario 1, cNF sends the service request message directly to the pNF within the domain. For scenario 2, cNF sends the service request message to the proxy network element in domain 1, and then the proxy network element in domain 1 determines to send the service request message to the proxy network element in domain 2 according to the local routing configuration policy of the proxy network element in domain 1. For scenario 3, cNF sends the service request message to the proxy network element in domain 1, and then the proxy network element in domain 1 determines to send the service request message to pNF according to the local routing configuration policy of the proxy network element in domain 1. For scenario 4, cNF sends the service request message to the proxy network element in domain 3, and then the proxy network element in domain 3 determines to send the service request message to pNF according to the local routing configuration policy of the proxy network element in domain 3.

Therefore, in the prior art, all cNF in each domain need to configure the routing policy locally for whether to use proxy network elements to a certain pNF. All HTTP Proxy configures local routing policy according to networking plan. Therefore, the configuration of each NF/HTTP Proxy is complex and inflexible. Which in turn leads to deployment and operational difficulties. For example, if the local routing configuration policy of a certain cNF or proxy network element needs to be changed at a later stage, the adjusted cNF or proxy network element needs to be manually adjusted.

Based on this, the embodiment of the present application provides a network function routing method, which determines cNF one or more pnfs requested to be accessed by a first service discovery entity, and when the one or more pnfs are located outside a domain where the first service discovery entity is located, that is, within a domain where a second service discovery entity is located, the first service discovery entity determines cNF that the one or more pnfs need to be accessed through a first proxy network element. Thus, the first service discovery entity may send the first routing information in addition to sending cNF information for one or more pnfs. This facilitates cNF determining that interaction with the target pNF needs to be performed by the first proxy network element according to the first routing information. According to the scheme, the configuration of routing strategy information on cNF and the first proxy network element can be avoided, and compared with the prior art that the routing strategy information is configured for cNF, and whether the first proxy network element needs to access the target pNF is determined according to the self-configured routing strategy information by cNF, the configuration complexity of cNF/proxy network element can be simplified, and the deployment, operation and maintenance difficulties are avoided.

A network function routing method provided in the embodiment of the present application will be specifically described below with reference to fig. 4 to 8.

It should be noted that, in the following embodiments of the present application, names of messages between network elements or names of parameters in messages are only an example, and other names may also be used in a specific implementation, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application.

It should be noted that the embodiments of the present application may refer to or refer to each other, for example, the same or similar steps, and the method embodiment, the communication system embodiment and the apparatus embodiment may refer to each other without limitation.

It should be noted that, in the network function routing method in the embodiment of the present application, the steps performed by the first service discovery entity may also be performed by a chip applied to the first service discovery entity. The steps performed by cNF may also be performed by the chip applied in cNF. The steps performed by the first proxy network element may also be performed by a chip applied in the first proxy network element. The following embodiments exemplify a network function routing method performed by the first service discovery entity, the first proxy network element and cNF.

As shown in fig. 4, fig. 4 shows a network function routing method provided in an embodiment of the present application, where the method includes:

in step 401, the first service discovery entity determines cNF one or more pnfs requested to be accessed. Wherein cNF is located within the domain of the first service discovery entity.

Illustratively, as shown in any one of fig. 1 to 2d, the first service discovery entity may be a service discovery entity 1 located in domain 1, and cNF may be cNF11 located in domain 1.

Step 402, in case that one or more pnfs are located in the domain of the second service discovery entity, the first service discovery entity obtains information of the one or more pnfs from the second service discovery entity.

Illustratively, the one or more pnfs are located within the domain of the second service discovery entity, i.e. the one or more pnfs are located outside the domain of the first service discovery entity. For example, cNF includes pNF21 and pNF 22. Of these, pNF21 and pNF22 are located in domain 2.

Wherein, the information of the pNF is used for determining the pNF. For example, the information of the pNF may be an identification of the pNF, an address of the pNF, or a Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) of the pNF.

In step 403, the first service discovery entity sends cNF information of the one or more pnfs and the first routing information. The first routing information is used to instruct cNF to send a service request message for a target pNF in the at least one pNF to a first proxy network element, where the first proxy network element is located in a domain where the first service discovery entity is located, or the first proxy network element is located in a domain where the second service discovery entity is located. The service request message is used to describe specific information that the target pNF is required to provide the service.

Illustratively, the first proxy network element may correspond to scenario 2 and scenario 3 described above when the first proxy network element is located within the domain of the first service discovery entity. When the first proxy network element is located in the domain of the second service discovery entity, the domain of the first service discovery entity may not have a proxy network element, and this may correspond to scenario 4 above.

Illustratively, the first service discovery entity may send cNF a reply message such that cNF gets information of the one or more pnfs and the first routing information from the reply message. The response message includes information of the one or more pnfs and the first routing information.

The information of the one or more pnfs and the first routing information may be carried in the same message to save signaling overhead. Of course, the information of the one or more pnfs and the first routing information may also be carried in different messages.

Steps 404, cNF receive information of one or more pnfs from a first service discovery entity and first routing information.

Via step 404, cNF may determine that a service request message for the target pNF needs to be forwarded via the first proxy network element according to the first routing information.

Steps 405, cNF send a service request message for the target pNF to the first proxy network element according to the information of the one or more pnfs and the first routing information. Wherein the target pNF belongs to one or more pNF.

It is to be understood that after cNF has determined the information for one or more pnfs, a target pNF may be determined from at least one pNF. For a specific determination method, reference may be made to descriptions in the prior art, and details are not described herein again.

It can be understood that cNF needs to carry address information or identification of the target pNF to which the service request message is delivered when sending the service request message to the first proxy network element.

The embodiment of the present application provides a network function routing method, in which a first service discovery entity determines cNF one or more pnfs requested to be accessed, and when the one or more pnfs are located outside a domain where the first service discovery entity is located, that is, within a domain where a second service discovery entity is located, the first service discovery entity determines cNF that the one or more pnfs need to be accessed through a first proxy network element. Thus, the first service discovery entity may send the first routing information in addition to sending cNF information for one or more pnfs. This facilitates cNF determining that the first proxy network element needs to be passed according to the first routing information to achieve interaction with the target pNF. According to the scheme, the configuration of routing strategy information on cNF and the first proxy network element can be avoided, and compared with the prior art that the routing strategy information is configured for cNF, and whether the first proxy network element needs to access the target pNF is determined according to the self-configured routing strategy information by cNF, the configuration complexity of cNF/proxy network element can be simplified, and the deployment, operation and maintenance difficulties are avoided.

As another embodiment of the present application, a method provided in this application embodiment further includes, before step 401: if a proxy network element exists in a domain, the service discovery entity in the domain can configure a routing policy for the proxy network element in the domain. Since the process and principle of configuring the routing policy for the proxy network element in each domain by the service discovery entity in each domain are similar, the following description will be given by taking the example that the first service discovery entity configures the routing policy for the first proxy network element in the domain in which the first service discovery entity is located, and the process of configuring the routing policy for the proxy network element in the domain in which the service discovery entities in the other domains can refer to the process of configuring the routing policy for the first proxy network element, which is not described in detail later.

As shown in fig. 5, the process of configuring the routing policy for the first proxy network element in the domain where the first service discovery entity is located may be implemented with reference to steps 406 and 407:

step 406, the first proxy network element sends a first request message to the first service discovery entity, where the first request message carries the first information.

For example, in this embodiment, the first information may be attribute information of the first proxy network element, which is used to determine address information of the first proxy network element. For example, the attribute information may be a Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN), or an IP address.

For example, the first request message may be a registration request message by which the first proxy network element may register its attribute information at the first service discovery entity.

Step 407, the first service discovery entity receives the first request message from the first proxy network element.

Step 408, the first service discovery entity determines the address information of the first proxy network element.

For example, the first service discovery entity may determine the address information of the first proxy network element according to the attribute information of the first proxy network element.

If the attribute information is an FQDN, the first service discovery entity may resolve the FQDN to obtain address information of the first service discovery entity.

Step 409, the first service discovery entity determines the routing policy of the first proxy network element according to the address information of the first proxy network element. Wherein, the routing strategy comprises: any one or more of an intra-domain routing indication, an inter-domain routing indication: and the intra-domain route indication is used for indicating that the first proxy network element is in a non-enabled state when the intra-domain access is performed. The inter-domain routing indication is used to indicate that the first proxy network element is in an enabled state when accessing between domains.

For example, taking the first proxy network element as the proxy network element 1 in domain 1 shown in fig. 1 as an example, if cNF11 requests access to pNF11 in domain 1, the proxy network element 1 is in an disabled state, that is, the proxy network element 1 is not available for intra-domain access. In the embodiment of the present application, that any proxy network element is in the disabled state means that: cNF may send the service request message directly to the target pNF without forwarding through the proxy network element.

If cNF11 requests access to the pNF21 within domain 2, proxy network element 1 is in an enabled state, i.e. proxy network element 1 is available. Or if cNF21 in domain 2 requests access to pNF11 in domain 1, proxy network element 1 is in an enabled state, i.e. proxy network element 1 is available for inter-domain access. In this embodiment of the present application, that any proxy network element is in an enabled state means: cNF the service request message sent to the target pNF needs to be forwarded through the proxy network element. For example, cNF sends the service request message for the target pNF to the first proxy network element, and then the first proxy network element sends the service request message for the target pNF to the target pNF.

It should be noted that steps 406 and 407 may be omitted if the first service discovery entity may determine the address information of the first proxy network element by means other than steps 406 and 407. I.e. step 406 and step 407 are optional steps.

As a possible implementation manner, in this embodiment of the present application, the routing policy configured for the first proxy network element further includes: and indicating the service route. Wherein, the service routing indication is used to indicate cNF that the first proxy network element is in an enabled state when accessing the target service. The target service is any one of a plurality of services provided by the pNF in the domain where the first service discovery entity is located, or the target service is any one of a plurality of services provided by the pNF in the domain where the second service discovery entity is located.

By configuring the traffic routing indication, this may enable cNF the first proxy network element to participate in forwarding the service request message for the target traffic when accessing the target traffic. For example, although cNF11 and the pNF11 requesting access are both located in domain 1, even if the intra-domain route indicates that the first proxy network element is in the disabled state, if cNF11 accesses service 1 of the pNF11 as the target service, the first proxy network element needs to participate in forwarding the service request message, that is, the first proxy network element is actually in the enabled state. But if cNF11 accesses the service 1 of the pNF11, which is not the target service, the first proxy network element is still in the disabled state.

It should be appreciated that through the above steps 408 and 409, the first service discovery entity may configure any one or more of a traffic routing indication, an intra-domain routing indication, and an inter-domain routing indication for the first proxy network element. That is, for the first proxy network element, in an intra-domain access scenario, the first proxy network element is in a non-enabled state, in an inter-domain access scenario, the first proxy network element is in an enabled state, and in a case of accessing a certain target service, the first proxy network element is in an enabled state.

As another embodiment of the present application, with continuing reference to fig. 5, before step 401, a method provided in this embodiment of the present application further includes:

steps 410, cNF send a second request message to the first service discovery entity, the second request message carrying the requirement information. Wherein the demand information is used to determine cNF one or more pnfs requesting access.

In step 411, the first service discovery entity receives the second request message from cNF.

Correspondingly, as shown in fig. 5, step 401 in the embodiment of the present application may be specifically implemented in the following manner: the first service discovery entity determines cNF one or more pnfs requested for access based on the demand information.

It is understood that step 410 and step 411 may be located after step 409.

Because there are differences in the manner in which the first service discovery entity obtains the information of one or more pnfs in different scenarios, and because there are differences in the content of the routing information sent by the first service discovery entity to the first proxy network element, if the first proxy network element is located in the domain where the first service discovery entity is located in different scenarios, the following will be introduced separately:

example 1), for scenario 1, that is, one or more pnfs, and when an intra-domain routing indication of a first proxy network element is used to indicate intra-domain access, the first proxy network element is in an disabled state, or when no proxy network element exists in the domain where the first service discovery entity exists, the method provided in this embodiment of the present application further includes:

in step 412, the first service discovery entity determines information of one or more pnfs from the domain where the first service discovery entity is located according to the requirement information.

Step 413, the first service discovery entity sends cNF information of one or more pnfs.

Steps 414, cNF receive information of one or more pnfs from the first service discovery entity.

That is, in scenario 1, cNF determines that the service request message can be sent directly to the target pNF if the first routing information is not received.

After step 414, cNF may select a target pNF from the information of the one or more pnfs based on preset rules and then send the service request message to the target pNF.

For example, taking cNF as cNF11 in domain 1 shown in fig. 2a, and one or more pnfs include pNF11 to pNF1m as an example, after cNF11 receives information of pNF11 to pNF1m, the service request message may be directly sent to the pNF12 selected by cNF 11.

Example 2), for scenario 2, that is, the first proxy network element is located in the domain where the first service discovery entity is located, and the second proxy network element also exists in the domain where the one or more pnfs are located, that is, cNF and the one or more pnfs are both located in the domain.

Correspondingly, as shown in fig. 6, step 402 in the embodiment of the present application may be specifically implemented in the following manner:

step 4021, the first service discovery entity determines that one or more pnfs are located in the domain of the second service discovery entity, and the first service discovery entity sends the demand information to the second service discovery entity.

It is to be understood that the first service discovery entity may forward the second request message to the second service discovery entity. Of course, the first service discovery entity may also parse the second request message and then send the obtained demand information to the second service discovery entity through the third request message.

Step 4022, the second service discovery entity receives the demand information from the first service discovery entity.

Step 4013, the second service discovery entity determines that the one or more pnfs are located in the domain where the second service discovery entity is located, and the second service discovery entity sends information of the one or more pnfs to the first service discovery entity, so that the first service discovery entity obtains the information of the one or more pnfs from the second service discovery entity.

For scenario 2, if the inter-domain routing policy indication of the second proxy network element is used to indicate inter-domain access, the second proxy network element is in an enabled state. The method provided by the embodiment of the present application further includes:

step 415, the second service discovery entity sends the second routing information to the first service discovery entity. Wherein the second routing information is used for instructing the first proxy network element to send a service request message to the second proxy network element.

For example, the second routing information may carry address information or identification information of the second proxy network element, so that the first proxy network element is convenient to determine the second proxy network element.

It is to be understood that the second routing information may be sent to the first service discovery entity in the same message as the information of the one or more pnfs. Of course, the second routing information may also be carried in a different message than the information of one or more pnfs.

Step 416, the first service discovery entity receives the second routing information from the second service discovery entity.

Step 417, the first service discovery entity sends information of the one or more pnfs and the second routing information to the first proxy network element.

Step 418, the first proxy network element receives information of the one or more pnfs from the first service discovery entity and the second routing information.

Through step 418, after step 405, if the first proxy network element receives a service request message for a target pNF of the one or more pnfs, the first proxy network element determines, according to the second routing information, that the service request message needs to be sent to the second proxy network element, so as to be sent to the target pNF by the second proxy network element.

If the second service discovery entity does not send the second routing information in scenario 2 (i.e., step 415 and step 416 are omitted), the second service discovery entity sends a notification message to the first service discovery entity when sending information of one or more pnfs. The notification message is used to notify the address information or the identifier of the second proxy network element, and the inter-domain access of the second proxy network element is in an enabled state, then the first service discovery entity may generate the second routing information according to the notification message.

As another embodiment of the present application, with continuing reference to fig. 6, a method provided in an embodiment of the present application further includes:

step 419, the first proxy network element sends a subscription notification message to the first service discovery entity, where the subscription notification message is used to subscribe to the second routing information.

In step 420, the first service discovery entity receives a subscription notification message from the first proxy network element.

Through steps 419 and 420, the first proxy network element may subscribe to the second routing information from the first service discovery entity, so that the second routing information may be sent to the first proxy network element once the first service discovery entity obtains the second routing information.

It should be noted that step 419 and step 420 in this embodiment are located before step 415. Of course, in case the first proxy network element does not subscribe to the second routing information to the first service discovery entity, the first service discovery entity actively sends the second routing information, step 419 and step 420 may be omitted.

For example, in scenario 2, with cNF as cNF11 in fig. 2b, the first proxy network element is proxy network element 1, and the second proxy network element is proxy network element 2, where the one or more pnfs include: as pNF 21-pNF 2q are taken as examples, when a service request message is sent by cNF11 to pNF21, proxy network element 1 in domain 1 needs to be forwarded to proxy network element 2 in domain 2, so that proxy network element 2 in domain 2 forwards the service request message to pNF22 selected by cNF and requesting access.

Example 3), for scenario 3, in a case that the first proxy network element is located within a domain where the first service discovery entity is located, if the second service discovery entity includes a second proxy network element within the domain where the second service discovery entity is located, and an inter-domain routing policy indication of the second proxy network element is used to indicate inter-domain access, the second proxy network element is in an disabled state, or if the second proxy network element does not exist within the domain where one or more pnfs are located, please refer to fig. 7 again, where the method provided in this embodiment of the present application further includes:

step 421, the first service discovery entity sends information of the one or more pnfs and the third routing information to the first proxy network element. Wherein the third routing information is used to instruct the first proxy network element to send a service request message to the target pNF.

Step 422, the first proxy network element receives information of the one or more pnfs from the first service discovery entity and the third routing information.

Through step 421 and step 422, after step 405, if the first proxy network element receives a service request message for a target pNF of the one or more pnfs, the first proxy network element sends the service request message to the target pNF according to the third routing information.

If the first service discovery entity determines that the second proxy network element is not included in the domain in which the second service discovery entity is located or the second proxy network element included in the domain in which the second service discovery entity is not enabled for inter-domain access, the first service discovery entity generates third routing information.

In one aspect, if the second service discovery entity does not include the second proxy network element within the domain where the second service discovery entity is located, or the second proxy network element included within the domain where the second service discovery entity is in an disabled state for inter-domain access, the second service discovery entity sends information of the one or more pnfs to the first service discovery entity. At this time, the first service discovery entity may determine that the second service discovery entity is not included in the domain in which the second service discovery entity is located, or that the second proxy network element included in the domain in which the second service discovery entity is in an disabled state with respect to inter-domain access.

On the other hand, when the second service discovery entity sends the information of the one or more pnfs to the first service discovery entity, indication information is also sent. The indication information is used to indicate that the second proxy network element is not included in the domain in which the second service discovery entity is located, or that the second proxy network element included in the domain in which the second service discovery entity is located is in a non-enabled state for inter-domain access.

For example, referring to fig. 2c, where cNF is cNF11 in fig. 2c, the first proxy network element is a proxy network element 1, the domain in which the second service discovery entity is located is domain 3, and no proxy network element exists in domain 3, where one or more pnfs include: pNF 31-pNF 3q are examples, then cNF11 first sends a service request message for pNF32 to proxy network element 1. The proxy network element 1 then sends a service request message for the pNF32 to cNF selected pNF32 requesting access.

Example 4), for scenario 4, when the first proxy network element is located in the domain of the second service discovery entity, and the proxy network element does not exist in the domain of the first service discovery entity.

As shown in fig. 8, after step 402 (specifically, in step 4022), the method provided in this embodiment of the present application further includes the steps of:

step 423, the second service discovery entity needs to send information of the one or more pnfs and the fourth routing information to the first proxy network element. The fourth routing information is used to instruct the first proxy network element to send the service request message from cNF to the target pNF.

Step 424, the first proxy network element receives information of the one or more pnfs from the second service discovery entity and the fourth routing information.

Thus, after step 405, if the first proxy network element receives a service request message for a target pNF of the one or more pnfs, the first proxy network element sends the service request message to the target pNF according to the fourth routing information.

For example, referring to fig. 2d, where cNF is cNF11 in fig. 2d, the first proxy network element is a proxy network element 3 in domain 3, the domain where the first service discovery entity is located is domain 1, no proxy network element exists in domain 1, and the one or more pnfs include: pNF 31-pNF 3q are examples, then cNF11 first sends a service request message for pNF32 to proxy network element 3. The proxy network element 1 then sends a service request message for the pNF32 to cNF selected pNF32 requesting access.

After the service discovery entity configures the routing policy for the proxy network element in the domain in which the service discovery entity is located, the service discovery entity in any domain may update the routing policy configured for the proxy network element in each domain.

In conjunction with any one of fig. 5-8, the method provided in the embodiment of the present application further includes:

step 425, the first service discovery entity updates the routing policy of the first proxy network element. Wherein the updated routing policy includes any one or more of: the intra-domain routing indication is used for indicating that the first proxy network element is in an enabling state when intra-domain access is performed; the inter-domain routing indication is used for indicating that the first proxy network element is in a non-enabled state when the inter-domain access is indicated; and the service routing indication is used for indicating that the first proxy network element is in a non-enabled state when the cNF accesses the target service.

It should be noted that, for any proxy network element, the updated routing policy may include: both inter-domain access and intra-domain access are enabled. Or the updated routing policy may include: both inter-domain access and intra-domain access are in an disabled state.

As a possible implementation manner, step 423 may be implemented specifically by: the first service discovery entity receives first indication information from the first proxy network element. And the first service discovery entity updates the routing strategy of the first proxy network element according to the first indication information. The first indication information is used for indicating any one or more of the following information: and the intra-domain route indication is used for indicating that the first proxy network element is in an enabling state when the intra-domain access is performed. The inter-domain routing indication is used to indicate that the first proxy network element is in an disabled state when accessing between domains. And the service routing indication is used for indicating cNF that the first proxy network element is in a non-enabled state when accessing the target service.

As another possible implementation manner, step 423 may be implemented by the following steps: the first service discovery entity adjusts the intra-domain routing indication to an enabled state, adjusts the inter-domain routing indication to a non-enabled state, or adjusts the service routing indication to a non-enabled state.

It should be noted that, if the intra-domain access of the first proxy network element is updated to the enabled state, then for the intra-domain access, the first service discovery entity needs to send the fifth routing information to cNF when sending the pNF or pnfs to cNF. The fifth routing information is used to instruct cNF to send a service request message for the target pNF to the target pNF through the first proxy network element within the domain.

If the inter-domain access of the first proxy network element within the domain in which cNF is located is updated to the non-enabled state, but the inter-domain access of the second proxy network element within the domain in which one or more pnfs are located is enabled, then for the inter-domain access, the first service discovery entity needs to send the sixth routing information to cNF when sending the one or more pnfs to cNF. The sixth routing information is used to instruct cNF to send a service request message for the target pNF to the target pNF through a second proxy network element within the domain in which the one or more pnfs are located.

If cNF the inter-domain access of the first proxy network element within the domain is enabled, but the inter-domain access of the second proxy network element within the domain where one or more pnfs are located is updated to be disabled, then for the inter-domain access, the first service discovery entity needs to send the seventh routing information to cNF when sending the one or more pnfs to cNF. The sixth routing information is used to instruct cNF to send the service request message for the target pNF to the target pNF through the first proxy network element in the domain cNF.

The above mainly introduces the scheme of the embodiment of the present application from the perspective of interaction between various devices. It is to be understood that each device, for example, the first service discovery entity, cNF, the first proxy network element, etc., includes corresponding hardware structures and/or software modules for performing each function in order to implement the above functions. Those of skill in the art would readily appreciate that the various illustrative elements and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as hardware or combinations of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is performed in hardware or computer software drives hardware depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the solution. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present application.

In the embodiment of the present application, the first service discovery entity, cNF and the first proxy network element may be divided into functional units according to the above method example, for example, each functional unit may be divided corresponding to each function, or two or more functions may be integrated into one processing unit. The integrated unit may be implemented in the form of hardware, or may also be implemented in the form of a software functional unit. It should be noted that the division of the unit in the embodiment of the present application is schematic, and is only a logic function division, and there may be another division manner in actual implementation.

The method of the embodiment of the present application is described above with reference to fig. 4 to 8, and a network function routing apparatus provided in the embodiment of the present application and performing the method is described below. Those skilled in the art will understand that the method and apparatus may be combined and referred to each other, and a network function routing apparatus provided in this embodiment of the present application may perform the steps performed by the first service discovery entity, cNF and the first proxy network element in the network function routing method described above.

The following description will be given by taking the division of each function module corresponding to each function as an example:

in the case of an integrated unit, fig. 9 shows a network function routing apparatus according to the above embodiment, which may include: communication unit 101, processing unit 102.

In one example, the network function routing apparatus is a first service discovery entity or a chip applied in the first service discovery entity. In this case, the communication unit 101 is configured to support the network function routing apparatus to perform the network function routing method provided in the foregoing embodiment, for example, to perform steps 402 and 403 executed by the first service discovery entity in fig. 4, and the processing unit 102 is configured to support the network function routing apparatus to perform the network function routing method provided in the foregoing embodiment, for example, to perform step 401 executed by the first service discovery entity in fig. 4.

In a possible implementation manner, the communication unit 101 is specifically configured to support the apparatus to perform step 407, step 411, step 413, step 4021, step 420, step 416, step 417, and step 421, which are performed by the first service discovery entity in the foregoing embodiment. The processing unit 102 is specifically configured to support the apparatus to perform steps 408, 409, 412, and 425 performed by the first service discovery entity in the foregoing embodiment.

As another example, the network function routing device is cNF, or a chip applied in cNF. In this case, the communication unit 101 is configured to enable the network function routing apparatus to perform the network function routing method provided in the foregoing embodiment, for example, to perform steps 404 and 405 in fig. 4, which are performed by cNF.

In a possible implementation manner, the communication unit 101 is specifically configured to support the apparatus to perform steps 410 and 414 performed by the first service discovery entity in the foregoing embodiment.

In yet another example, the network function routing apparatus is a first proxy network element or a chip applied in the first proxy network element. In this case, the communication unit 101 is configured to enable the network function routing apparatus to perform the network function routing method provided in the foregoing embodiment, for example, perform step 406, step 419, step 422, step 424 performed by the first proxy network element in fig. 4.

Optionally, the network function routing apparatus may further include a storage unit. The memory unit is to store computer program code, the computer program code comprising instructions. If the network function routing apparatus is applied to the first service discovery entity, the storage unit may be a storage unit (e.g., a register, a cache, etc.) inside the chip, or a storage unit (e.g., a read-only memory, a random access memory, etc.) outside the chip inside the first service discovery entity.

In the case of an integrated unit, fig. 10 shows a schematic diagram of a possible logical structure of the network function routing apparatus involved in the above embodiments. The network function routing apparatus includes: a processing module 112 and a communication module 113. The processing module 112 is configured to control and manage the operation of the network function routing apparatus, for example, the processing module 112 is configured to execute steps of performing information/data processing in the network function routing apparatus. The communication module 113 is used to support the steps of information/data transmission or reception in the network function routing apparatus.

In a possible embodiment, the network function routing means may further comprise a storage module 111 for storing program codes and data available to the communication network function routing means.

Illustratively, the network function routing apparatus is a first service discovery entity or a chip applied in the first service discovery entity. In this case, the communication module 113 is configured to support the network function routing apparatus to perform the network function routing method provided in the foregoing embodiment, for example, to perform the steps 402 and 403 executed by the first service discovery entity in fig. 4, and the processing module 112 is configured to support the network function routing apparatus to perform the network function routing method provided in the foregoing embodiment, for example, to perform the step 401 executed by the first service discovery entity in fig. 4.

In a possible implementation manner, the communication module 113 is specifically configured to support the apparatus to perform step 407, step 411, step 413, step 4021, step 420, step 416, step 417, and step 421, which are performed by the first service discovery entity in the foregoing embodiment. The processing module 112 is specifically configured to support the apparatus to perform steps 408, 409, 412, and 425 performed by the first service discovery entity in the foregoing embodiment.

Illustratively, the network function routing device is cNF, or a chip used in cNF. In this case, the communication module 113 is configured to enable the network function routing apparatus to perform the network function routing method provided in the foregoing embodiment, for example, to perform the steps 404 and 405 performed by cNF in fig. 4.

In a possible implementation manner, the communication module 113 is specifically configured to support the apparatus to perform the steps 410 and 414 performed by the first service discovery entity in the foregoing embodiment.

Illustratively, the network function routing apparatus is a first proxy network element, or a chip applied in the first proxy network element. In this case, the communication module 113 is configured to enable the network function routing apparatus to perform the network function routing method provided in the foregoing embodiment, for example, perform steps 406, 419, 422, and 424 in fig. 4, which are performed by the first proxy network element.

The processing module 112 may be a processor or controller, such as a central processing unit, a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, a transistor logic device, a hardware component, or any combination thereof. Which may implement or perform the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the disclosure. A processor may also be a combination of computing functions, e.g., a combination of one or more microprocessors, a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, or the like. The communication module 113 may be a transceiver, a transceiving circuit or a communication interface, etc. The storage module 111 may be a memory.

Fig. 11 is a schematic structural diagram of a chip 150 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Chip 150 includes one or more (including two) processors 1510 and a communication interface 1530.

Optionally, the chip 150 further includes a memory 1540, which may include both read-only memory and random access memory, and provides operating instructions and data to the processor 1510. A portion of memory 1540 may also include non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM).

In some embodiments, memory 1540 stores elements, execution modules, or data structures, or a subset thereof, or an expanded set thereof.

In this embodiment, the operation instructions stored in the memory 1540 (the operation instructions may be stored in the operating system) are called to perform the corresponding operation.

One possible implementation is: the first service discovery entity cNF, the first proxy network element, have similar chip structures, and different devices may use different chips to implement their respective functions.

Processor 1510 controls processing operations in the first service discovery entity, and processor 1510 may also be referred to as a Central Processing Unit (CPU).

Memory 1540 can include both read-only memory and random-access memory, and provides instructions and data to processor 1510. A portion of memory 1540 may also include non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM). For example, in an application where memory 1540, communications interface 1530 and memory 1540 are coupled together by bus system 1520, where bus system 1520 may include a power bus, control bus, status signal bus, etc. in addition to a data bus. For clarity of illustration, however, the various buses are labeled in FIG. 11 as bus system 1520.

The method disclosed in the embodiments of the present application may be applied to the processor 1510 or implemented by the processor 1510. The processor 1510 may be an integrated circuit chip having signal processing capabilities. In implementation, the steps of the above method may be performed by instructions in the form of hardware, integrated logic circuits, or software in the processor 1510. The processor 1510 may be a general purpose processor, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an off-the-shelf programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware components. The various methods, steps, and logic blocks disclosed in the embodiments of the present application may be implemented or performed. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor or the processor may be any conventional processor or the like. The steps of the method disclosed in connection with the embodiments of the present application may be directly implemented by a hardware decoding processor, or implemented by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module may be located in ram, flash memory, rom, prom, or eprom, registers, etc. storage media as is well known in the art. The storage medium is located in the memory 1540, and the processor 1510 reads the information in the memory 1540, and performs the steps of the above method in combination with the hardware thereof.

In a possible implementation, the communication interface 1530 is adapted to perform the steps of receiving and sending performed by the first service discovery entity, cNF, the first proxy network element in any of the embodiments shown in fig. 5-8. The processor 1510 is adapted to perform the steps of the process performed by the first service discovery entity, cNF, the first proxy network element in any of the embodiments shown in fig. 5-8.

The above communication unit may be an interface circuit or a communication interface of the apparatus for receiving signals from other apparatuses. For example, when the device is implemented in the form of a chip, the communication unit is an interface circuit or a communication interface for the chip to receive signals from or transmit signals to other chips or devices.

In the above embodiments, the instructions stored by the memory for execution by the processor may be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product may be written in the memory in advance or may be downloaded in the form of software and installed in the memory.

The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. The procedures or functions according to the embodiments of the present application are all or partially generated when the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer. The computer may be a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a network of computers, or other programmable device. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer readable storage medium to another, e.g., the computer instructions may be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. A computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that a computer can store or a data storage device including one or more available media integrated servers, data centers, and the like. The usable medium may be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., Solid State Disk (SSD)), among others.

In one aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, where instructions are stored in the computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, the instructions cause the first service discovery entity or a chip applied in the first service discovery entity to perform operations performed by the first service discovery entity in the network function routing method provided in the foregoing embodiments, for example, step 401, step 402, step 403, step 407, step 411, step 413, step 4021, step 420, step 416, step 417, step 421, step 408, step 409, step 412, and step 425 performed by the first service discovery entity in the embodiments.

On the other hand, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, in which instructions are stored, and when executed, the instructions cause cNF or a chip applied in cNF to perform the operations performed by cNF in the network function routing method provided in the above-described embodiment, for example, to perform step 404, step 405, step 410, step 414 performed by cNF in the embodiment.

In still another aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, where instructions are stored in the computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, the instructions cause a first proxy network element or a chip applied in the first proxy network element to perform operations performed by the first proxy network element in the network function routing method provided in the foregoing embodiments, for example, step 406, step 419, step 422, and step 424 performed by the first proxy network element in the embodiments are performed.

In one aspect, a computer program product including instructions stored therein is provided, where the instructions, when executed, cause a first service discovery entity or a chip applied in the first service discovery entity to perform operations performed by the first service discovery entity in the network function routing method provided in the foregoing embodiments, for example, perform steps 401, 402, 403, 407, 411, 413, 4021, 420, 416, 417, 421, 408, 409, 412, 425 performed by the first service discovery entity in the embodiments.

In another aspect, a computer program product is provided that includes instructions stored therein, which when executed, cause cNF or a chip applied in cNF to perform the operations performed by cNF in the network function routing method provided by the above embodiments, for example, perform steps 404, 405, 410, 414 performed by cNF in the embodiments.

In still another aspect, a computer program product including instructions stored therein is provided, and when the instructions are executed, the instructions cause the first proxy network element or a chip applied in the first proxy network element to perform the operations performed by the first proxy network element in the network function routing method provided in the foregoing embodiments, for example, step 406, step 419, step 422, and step 424 performed by the first proxy network element in the embodiments are performed.

In one aspect, a chip is provided, where the chip is applied to a first service discovery entity, and the chip includes at least one processor and a communication interface, where the communication interface is coupled to the at least one processor, and the processor is configured to execute instructions to perform operations performed by the first service discovery entity in the network function routing method provided in the foregoing embodiments, for example, to perform steps 401, 402, 403, 407, 411, 413, 4021, 420, 416, 417, 421, 408, 409, 412, and 425 performed by the first service discovery entity in the embodiments.

In another aspect, a chip is provided, where the chip is used in cNF, and the chip includes at least one processor and a communication interface, where the communication interface is coupled to the at least one processor, and the processor is configured to execute instructions to perform the operations performed by cNF in the network function routing method provided in the foregoing embodiments, for example, to perform steps 404, 405, 410, and 414 performed by cNF in the embodiments.

In still another aspect, a chip is provided, where the chip is applied in a first proxy network element, and the chip includes at least one processor and a communication interface, where the communication interface is coupled to the at least one processor, and the processor is configured to execute instructions to perform operations performed by the first proxy network element in the network function routing method provided in the foregoing embodiments, for example, to perform steps 406, 419, 422, and 424 performed by the first proxy network element in the embodiments.

In another embodiment of the present application, there is further provided a communication system, including a first service discovery entity, cNF, and a first proxy network element, where the communication system may be adapted to the architecture shown in fig. 1, where the first service discovery entity may perform operations performed by the first service discovery entity in the embodiment, for example, perform step 401, step 402, step 403, step 407, step 411, step 413, step 4021, step 420, step 416, step 417, step 421, step 408, step 409, step 412, and step 425 performed by the first service discovery entity in the embodiment. cNF may perform the operations performed by cNF in embodiments, such as performing steps 404, 405, 410, 414 in embodiments performed by cNF. The first proxy network element may perform the operations performed by the first proxy network element in the embodiments, for example, perform steps 406, 419, 422, 424 performed by the first proxy network element in the embodiments.

In the above embodiments, the implementation may be wholly or partially realized by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using a software program, may be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. The procedures or functions according to the embodiments of the present application are all or partially generated when the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer. The computer may be a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a network of computers, or other programmable device. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer readable storage medium to another computer readable storage medium, for example, the computer instructions may be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wire (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), for short) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.). Computer-readable storage media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer or data storage device including one or more available media integrated servers, data centers, and the like. The usable medium may be a magnetic medium (e.g., a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., a DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., a Solid State Disk (SSD)), etc.

While the present application has been described in connection with various embodiments, other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed application, from a review of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the word "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Although the present application has been described in conjunction with specific features and embodiments thereof, it will be evident that various modifications and combinations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the application. Accordingly, the specification and figures are merely exemplary of the present application as defined in the appended claims and are intended to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents within the scope of the present application. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made in the present application without departing from the spirit and scope of the application. Thus, if such modifications and variations of the present application fall within the scope of the claims of the present application and their equivalents, the present application is also intended to include such modifications and variations.

Finally, it should be noted that: the above description is only an embodiment of the present application, but the scope of the present application is not limited thereto, and any changes or substitutions within the technical scope of the present disclosure should be covered by the scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A network function routing method, comprising:

the first service discovery entity determines one or more network function providers pNF to which the network function consumer cNF requests access; the cNF being located within a domain of the first service discovery entity;

under the condition that the one or more pNF are located in the domain of a second service discovery entity, the first service discovery entity acquires the information of the one or more pNF from the second service discovery entity;

the first service discovery entity sending cNF information of the one or more pnfs and first routing information; wherein the first routing information is used to instruct cNF to send a service request message for a target pNF of the one or more pnfs to a first proxy network element; the service request message is used for describing specific information of a service which needs to be provided by a target pNF;

said cNF receiving information of said one or more pnfs from said first service discovery entity and said first routing information;

the cNF determines that the service request message for the target pNF needs to be forwarded through the first proxy network element according to the first routing information;

the cNF sending, to the first proxy network element, the service request message for the target pNF and address information or an identifier of the target pNF according to the information of the one or more pnfs and the first routing information;

wherein the first proxy network element is located in the domain where the first service discovery entity is located, or the first proxy network element is located in the domain where the second service discovery entity is located.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first proxy network element is located in a domain in which the first service discovery entity is located, wherein the domain in which the second service discovery entity is located includes a second proxy network element, and wherein an inter-domain routing policy of the second proxy network element indicates that the second proxy network element is in an enabled state when inter-domain access is indicated, the method further comprising:

the first service discovery entity receiving second routing information from the second service discovery entity; wherein the second routing information is used to instruct the first proxy network element to send the service request message to the second proxy network element;

the first service discovery entity sends the information of the one or more pnfs and the second routing information to the first proxy network element.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising:

and the first service discovery entity receives a subscription notification message from the first proxy network element, wherein the subscription notification message is used for subscribing the second routing information.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein if the first proxy network element is located within the domain of the first service discovery entity, and if the domain of the second service discovery entity includes a second proxy network element, an inter-domain routing policy of the second proxy network element indicates that the second proxy network element is in an disabled state when indicating inter-domain access, or if the second proxy network element is not present within the domain of the one or more pnfs, the method further comprises:

the first service discovery entity sending information of the one or more pnfs and third routing information to the first proxy network element; wherein the third routing information is used to instruct the first proxy network element to send the service request message to the target pNF.

5. The method of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the one or more pNF and the first proxy element are located within a domain of the first service discovery entity, and wherein an intra-domain routing indication of the first proxy element is used to indicate intra-domain access, the first proxy element is in an disabled state, the method further comprising:

the first service discovery entity sends cNF information of the one or more pnfs.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein when the first proxy network element is located in the domain of the second service discovery entity, no proxy network element exists in the domain of the first service discovery entity.

7. The method according to any of claims 1-5, wherein the first proxy network element is located within a domain of the first service discovery entity, the method further comprising:

the first service discovery entity determines a routing strategy of the first proxy network element according to the address information of the first proxy network element; the routing policy comprises: any one or more of an intra-domain routing indication, an inter-domain routing indication:

wherein, the intra-domain route indication is used for indicating that the first proxy network element is in a non-enabled state when accessing in the domain;

and the inter-domain routing indication is used for indicating that the first proxy network element is in an enabling state when accessing between domains.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the routing policy further comprises: a service routing indication;

wherein, the service routing indication is used to indicate cNF that the first proxy network element is in an enabled state when accessing a target service; the target service is any one of a plurality of services provided by the pNF in the domain where the first service discovery entity is located, or the target service is any one of a plurality of services provided by the pNF in the domain where the second service discovery entity is located.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the method further comprises:

the first service discovery entity receiving a first request message from the first proxy network element; the first request message includes first information, and the first information is used for determining address information of the first proxy network element.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7-9, further comprising:

the first service discovery entity updates a routing policy of the first proxy network element; wherein the updated routing policy includes any one or more of:

the intra-domain routing indication is used for indicating that the first proxy network element is in an enabling state when intra-domain access is performed;

the inter-domain routing indication is used for indicating that the first proxy network element is in a non-enabled state when accessing between domains;

and the service routing indication is used for indicating cNF that the first proxy network element is in a non-enabled state when accessing the target service.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the updating, by the first service discovery entity, the routing policy of the first proxy network element comprises:

the first service discovery entity receives first indication information from the first proxy network element, the first indication information indicating any one or more of the following information:

the service routing indication is used for indicating that the first proxy network element is in a non-enabled state when the cNF accesses a target service;

and the first service discovery entity updates the routing strategy of the first proxy network element according to the first indication information.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the updating, by the first service discovery entity, the routing policy of the first proxy network element comprises:

the first service discovery entity adjusts the intra-domain routing indication to an enabled state, adjusts the inter-domain routing indication to a disabled state, or adjusts the service routing indication to a disabled state.

13. A network function routing method, comprising:

the network function consumer cNF sends a second request message to the first service discovery entity, where the second request message carries requirement information, and the requirement information is used to determine one or more network function providers pNF that cNF requests access to;

in the case that the one or more pnfs are located within a domain of a second service discovery entity, the cNF receiving information of the one or more pnfs from the first service discovery entity and first routing information; wherein the first routing information is used to instruct cNF to send a service request message for a target pNF to a first proxy network element, where the target pNF belongs to the one or more pnfs; wherein the first proxy network element is located in a domain where the first service discovery entity is located, or the first proxy network element is located in a domain where the second service discovery entity is located;

the service request message is used for describing specific information of a service which needs to be provided by a target pNF;

and the cNF is configured to send the service request message for the target pNF and the address information or the identifier of the target pNF to the first proxy network element according to the information of the one or more pnfs and the first routing information.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the one or more pnfs and the first proxy network element are located within a domain of the first service discovery entity, and wherein an intra-domain routing indication of the first proxy network element indicates intra-domain access, the first proxy network element being in an disabled state, the method further comprising:

said cNF receiving information of said one or more pnfs from said first service discovery entity;

the cNF sends the service request message to the target pNF.

15. A network function routing apparatus, comprising:

a processing unit to determine one or more network function providers pNF to which the network function consumer cNF requests access; the cNF being located within the device domain;

a communication unit, configured to obtain information of the one or more pnfs from a second service discovery entity when the one or more pnfs are located in a domain of the second service discovery entity;

the communication unit is further configured to send, to the cNF, information of the one or more pnfs and first routing information; wherein the first routing information is used to instruct cNF to send a service request message for a target pNF of the one or more pnfs to a first proxy network element; the service request message is used for describing specific information of a service which needs to be provided by a target pNF; said cNF receiving information of said one or more pnfs from said processing unit and said first routing information; the cNF determines that the service request message for the target pNF needs to be forwarded through the first proxy network element according to the first routing information; the cNF sends the service request message for the target pNF and the address information or the identifier of the target pNF to the first proxy network element according to the information of the one or more pnfs and the first routing information;

wherein the first proxy network element is located in a domain in which the apparatus is located, or the first proxy network element is located in a domain in which the second service discovery entity is located.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the first proxy network element is located within a domain of the apparatus, wherein the second service discovery entity comprises a second proxy network element within the domain of the second service discovery entity, wherein an inter-domain routing policy indication of the second proxy network element is used to indicate inter-domain access, and wherein the second proxy network element is in an enabled state,

the communication unit is further configured to receive second routing information from the second service discovery entity; wherein the second routing information is used to instruct the first proxy network element to send the service request message to the second proxy network element;

the communication unit is further configured to send the information of the one or more pnfs and the second routing information to the first proxy network element.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the communication unit is further configured to:

and receiving a subscription notification message from the first proxy network element, wherein the subscription notification message is used for subscribing the second routing information.

18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein if the first proxy network element is located within the domain of the apparatus, and if the second proxy network element is included in the domain of the second service discovery entity, an inter-domain routing policy of the second proxy network element indicates inter-domain access, the second proxy network element is in an disabled state, or if the second proxy network element is not present in the domain of the one or more pNFs,

the communication unit is further configured to: sending the information of the one or more pnfs and third routing information to the first proxy network element; wherein the third routing information is used to instruct the first proxy network element to send the service request message to the target pNF.

19. The apparatus of any one of claims 15-18, wherein the one or more pnfs and the first proxy network element are located within a domain of the apparatus, and wherein an intra-domain routing indication of the first proxy network element is used to indicate intra-domain access, the first proxy network element is in an disabled state,

the communication unit is further configured to send information of the one or more pnfs to the cNF.

20. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein when the first proxy network element is located in the domain of the second service discovery entity, no proxy network element exists in the domain of the apparatus.

21. The apparatus according to any of claims 15-19, wherein the first proxy network element is located within a domain in which the apparatus is located,

the processing unit is further configured to determine a routing policy of the first proxy network element according to the address information of the first proxy network element; the routing policy includes: any one or more of an intradomain routing indication, an interdomain routing indication:

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the routing policy further comprises: a service routing indication;

wherein, the service routing indication is used to indicate that the first proxy network element is in an enabled state when the cNF accesses a target service; wherein the target service is any one of a plurality of services provided by the pNF in the domain where the processing unit is located, or the target service is any one of a plurality of services provided by the pNF in the domain where the second service discovery entity is located.

23. The apparatus according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the communication unit is further configured to receive a first request message from the first proxy network element; the first request message includes first information, and the first information is used for determining address information of the first proxy network element.

24. The apparatus according to any of claims 21-23, wherein the processing unit is further configured to update a routing policy of the first proxy network element; wherein the updated routing policy includes any one or more of:

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the communication unit is further configured to receive first indication information from the first proxy network element, and wherein the first indication information is used to indicate any one or more of the following information:

the processing unit is further configured to update the routing policy of the first proxy network element according to the first indication information.

26. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the processing unit is specifically configured to adjust the intra-domain routing indication to an enabled state, adjust the inter-domain routing indication to a disabled state, or adjust the traffic routing indication to a disabled state.

27. A network function routing apparatus, comprising:

a communication unit, configured to send a second request message to a first service discovery entity, where the second request message carries requirement information, and the requirement information is used to determine cNF one or more network function providers pNF requesting access;

the communication unit is further configured to receive, by the cNF, information of the one or more pnfs from the first service discovery entity and first routing information, when the one or more pnfs are located within a domain of a second service discovery entity; wherein the first routing information is used to instruct the cNF to send a service request message for a target pNF to a first proxy network element, the target pNF belonging to the one or more pnfs; wherein the first proxy network element is located in a domain where the first service discovery entity is located, or the first proxy network element is located in a domain where the second service discovery entity is located;

the communication unit is further configured to the cNF receive information of the one or more pnfs from the first service discovery entity and the first routing information; the cNF determines that the service request message for the target pNF needs to be forwarded through the first proxy network element according to the first routing information; the cNF sending, to the first proxy network element, the service request message for the target pNF and address information or an identifier of the target pNF according to the information of the one or more pnfs and the first routing information; the service request message is used for describing specific information that the target pNF is required to provide the service.

28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the one or more pnfs and the first proxy network element are located within a domain of the first service discovery entity, and wherein an intra-domain routing indication of the first proxy network element indicates intra-domain access, the first proxy network element is in an disabled state, the communication unit is further configured to receive information of the one or more pnfs from the first service discovery entity; and for sending the service request message to the target pNF.

29. A chip comprising a processor and a communication interface, the communication interface being coupled to the processor, the processor being configured to execute a computer program or instructions to implement the method of any of claims 1-12, 13-14, the communication interface being configured to communicate with other modules outside the chip.

30. A communication system, comprising: a network function routing means according to any of claims 15 to 26 and a network function routing means according to any of claims 27 to 28.