CN113329417B

CN113329417B - Network configuration method and device

Info

Publication number: CN113329417B
Application number: CN202010127670.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 支炳立; 武绍芸; 王毓芳
Original assignee: Huawei Technologies Co Ltd
Current assignee: Huawei Technologies Co Ltd
Priority date: 2020-02-28
Filing date: 2020-02-28
Publication date: 2023-07-18
Anticipated expiration: 2040-02-28
Also published as: WO2021170033A1; CN113329417A

Abstract

The embodiment of the application discloses a network configuration method and device, which can be applied to a 5G network system. The network storage function instance determines the configuration data of the first network function instance from the network configuration data according to the received information of the first network function instance and the stored network configuration data thereof, and sends the configuration data of the first network function instance to the first network function instance. The network configuration method can reduce the workload of manual configuration and realize the intellectualization of network configuration.

Description

Network configuration method and device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of communications technologies, and in particular, to a network configuration method and device.

Background

In order to rapidly support service innovation, meet diversified service quality requirements, improve flexibility, scalability and deployment speed of a communication system, fifth generation mobile communication (the 5) ^th generation, 5G) networks introduce new technologies, new architectures, such as network function virtualization (network function virtualization, NFV), native cloud computing (closed active), network slicing (network slice), etc. Therefore, the 5G network architecture will become more complex than the conventional network architecture, and the adjustment of the network architecture will become more frequent. At present, a manual configuration management mode is mostly adopted for adjusting a 5G network architecture, and the mode has the problems of large workload, high operation and maintenance cost and the like.

Disclosure of Invention

The embodiment of the application provides a network configuration method and device, which can reduce the workload of manual configuration and realize the intellectualization of network configuration.

In a first aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a network configuration method that may be performed by a network storage function instance. Wherein a network storage function instance receives information of a first network function instance from the first network function instance; and determining configuration data of the first network function instance from network configuration data according to the information of the first network function instance, wherein the network configuration data comprises parameters for configuring a plurality of network function instances. After the configuration data of the first network function instance is determined, the network storage function instance sends the configuration data of the first network function instance to the first network function instance.

It can be seen that the network storage function instance can implement mapping from the network configuration data to the configuration data of the first network function instance according to the received information of the first network function instance and the stored network configuration data thereof, so as to determine the configuration data of the first network function instance. The network configuration method does not need manual configuration, and can realize network configuration intellectualization.

In one possible design, a network storage function instance receives the network configuration data from a network function management instance. Wherein, the network configuration data may be sent by the network function management instance to the network storage function instance, and the network storage function instance may store the network configuration data.

In one possible design, the network storage function instance determines a first network configuration object set corresponding to the first network function instance according to the information of the first network function instance. And generating a configuration model of the first network function instance according to the first network configuration model of the first network configuration object set. And determining configuration data of the first network function instance corresponding to the configuration model of the first network function instance. It can be seen that the network storage function instance may implement a mapping of network configuration data to configuration data of the first network function instance through the network configuration model.

In one possible design, when a network storage function instance generates a configuration model of a first network function instance from a first network configuration model, the configuration model of the first network function instance may be generated from a static model of the first network configuration model; alternatively, the configuration model of the first network function instance may be generated from a dynamic model of the first network configuration model. The static model comprises a public configuration model or an independent configuration model, wherein the public configuration model is used for configuring various network function examples in the first network configuration object set, and the independent configuration model is used for configuring the network function examples of the corresponding type of the first network function examples. Wherein the dynamic model is characterized as a dynamic allocation rule of a resource pool. It can be seen that the mapping of the network configuration data to the configuration data of the first network function instance can be implemented by the network storage function instance through a static mapping or a dynamic mapping mode, so that the network storage function instance can determine the configuration data of the first network function instance more flexibly.

In one possible design, the dynamic allocation rule is used to indicate dynamic allocation of the resource pool according to a network state, where the network state includes any one or more of:

the number of network nodes;

the state of the network node.

In one possible design, the parameters for configuring the plurality of network function instances include configuration parameters of the first set of network configuration objects.

In one possible design, a network storage function instance may receive a registration request message from the first network function instance, the registration request message including information of the first network function instance. It can be seen that the information of the first network function instance may be carried in a registration request message of the first network function instance, and the information is sent by the first network function instance to the network storage function instance.

In one possible design, a network storage function instance may send a registration response message to the first network function instance, the registration response message including configuration data for the first network function instance. It can be seen that the configuration data of the first network function instance may be carried in a registration response message, and sent by the network storage function instance to the first network function instance.

In one possible design, if the registration of the first network function instance has been completed, the network storage function instance may send a first message to the network function management instance, the first message being used to update the topology connection relationship between the registered network function instances. It can be seen that the network storage function instance can combine the topology aware function to realize the mapping from the network configuration data to the configuration data of the first network function instance, i.e. the network storage function instance can realize the automatic configuration adjustment in the network capacity expansion and network dynamic elasticity scenarios.

In one possible design, a network storage function instance receives a second message of the first network function instance, the second message requesting updating configuration data of the first network function instance; determining updated configuration data of the first network function instance according to the operation information of the first network function instance, wherein the operation information of the first network function instance comprises the state of the first network function instance; and sending a response message of the second message to the first network function instance, wherein the response message comprises the updated configuration data of the first network function instance. Therefore, when the running state of the first network function instance changes, the network storage function instance can flexibly adjust the configuration data of the first network function instance according to the running information of the first network function instance, so that the automatic configuration adjustment of the network self-optimization scene is realized, the resource utilization efficiency is improved, and the operation and maintenance efficiency is improved.

In one possible design, the information of the first network function instance includes any one or more of the following:

an identification, ID, of the first network function instance;

the parameter set profile of the first network function instance;

the ID of the first set of network function instances is shown.

In one possible design, the network configuration method is performed by a network storage function instance.

In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a network configuration apparatus, including:

a receiving unit, configured to receive information of a first network function instance from the first network function instance;

a processing unit, configured to determine configuration data of the first network function instance from network configuration data according to information of the first network function instance, where the network configuration data includes parameters for configuring a plurality of network function instances;

and the sending unit is used for sending the configuration data of the first network function instance to the first network function instance.

In one possible design, the receiving unit is further configured to receive the network configuration data from a network function management instance.

In one possible design, the processing unit is specifically configured to, when determining the configuration data of the first network function instance from the network configuration data according to the information of the first network function instance:

Determining a first network configuration object set corresponding to the first network function instance according to the information of the first network function instance;

generating a configuration model of the first network function instance according to a first network configuration model of the first network configuration object set;

and determining configuration data of the first network function instance corresponding to the configuration model of the first network function instance.

In one possible design, the processing unit is specifically configured to, when generating the configuration model of the first network function instance according to the first network configuration model of the first network configuration object set:

generating a configuration model of the first network function instance according to a static model of the first network configuration model, wherein the static model comprises a public configuration model or an independent configuration model, the public configuration model is used for configuring a plurality of network function instances in the first network configuration object set, and the independent configuration model is used for configuring the network function instance of a corresponding type of the first network function instance;

or generating a configuration model of the first network function instance according to a dynamic model of the first network configuration model, wherein the dynamic model is characterized as a dynamic allocation rule of a resource pool.

the number of network nodes;

the state of the network node.

In one possible design, the receiving unit, when receiving information from a first network function instance, is specifically configured to:

receiving a registration request message from the first network function instance, the registration request message including information of the first network function instance;

the sending unit is specifically configured to, when sending the configuration data of the first network function instance to the first network function instance:

and sending a registration response message to the first network function instance, wherein the registration response message comprises configuration data of the first network function instance.

In one possible design, the transmitting unit is further configured to:

and if the registration of the first network function instance is completed, sending a first message to the network function management instance, wherein the first message is used for updating the topological connection relation between the registered network function instances.

In one possible design, the receiving unit is further configured to receive a second message of the first network function instance, the second message being used to request updating of configuration data of the first network function instance;

the processing unit is further configured to determine updated configuration data of the first network function instance according to operation information of the first network function instance, where the operation information of the first network function instance includes a state of the first network function instance;

the sending unit is further configured to send a response message of the second message to the first network function instance, where the response message includes configuration data of the updated first network function instance.

an identification, ID, of the first network function instance;

the parameter set profile of the first network function instance;

an ID of the first set of network function instances.

In one possible design, the network configuration device stores function instances for a network.

In a third aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a network configuration device, where the network configuration device includes a processor, and the network configuration device is configured to implement the functions or methods related to the first aspect. In a possible implementation manner, the network configuration device further includes a memory, where the memory is configured to store program instructions and data necessary to implement the functions of the method described in the first aspect.

In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, which includes the network configuration apparatus provided in the third aspect. The communication system further includes a first network function instance; the first network function instance is used for sending information of the first network function instance to the network storage function instance; the first network function instance is also for receiving configuration data of the first network function instance from the network storage function instance.

In one possible design, the communication system further includes a network function management instance; the network function management instance is configured to send the network configuration data to the first network function instance.

In a fifth aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a computer-readable storage medium comprising a program or instructions which, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of the first aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the first aspect.

The chip system in the above aspect may be a System On Chip (SOC), a baseband chip, etc., where the baseband chip may include a processor, a channel encoder, a digital signal processor, a modem, an interface module, etc.

In a sixth aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a chip or chip system, the chip or chip system including at least one processor and an interface, the interface and the at least one processor being interconnected by a line, the at least one processor being configured to execute a computer program or instructions to perform a method as described in the first aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the first aspect.

The interface in the chip may be an input/output interface, a pin, a circuit, or the like.

In one possible implementation, the chip or chip system described above in the present application further includes at least one memory, where the at least one memory has instructions stored therein. The memory may be a memory unit within the chip, such as a register, a cache, etc., or may be a memory unit of the chip (e.g., a read-only memory, a random access memory, etc.).

In a seventh aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a computer program product comprising one or more computer instructions. When the computer instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the flow or functions of the network configuration method described in the embodiments of the present application are fully or partially produced.

Drawings

In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings that are required to be used in the embodiments will be briefly described below.

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of an open management function architecture according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 3a is a schematic diagram of an initial networking scenario provided in an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 3b is a schematic diagram of a network capacity expansion scenario provided in an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 3c is a schematic diagram of a network self-optimization scenario provided in an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 4 is a flow chart of a network configuration method according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 5a is a schematic diagram of a static model according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 5b is a schematic diagram of a dynamic model according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 6 is a schematic flow chart of a network configuration method applied to an initial networking scenario according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 7 is a schematic flow chart of a network configuration method applied to a network capacity expansion scenario according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 8 is a flow chart of a network configuration method applied to a network self-optimization scenario according to an embodiment of the present application;

Fig. 9 is a schematic structural diagram of a network configuration device according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 10 is a schematic structural diagram of another network configuration device according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 11 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application.

Detailed Description

The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application.

In order to rapidly support service innovation, meet diversified service quality requirements, improve flexibility, scalability and deployment speed of a communication system, fifth generation mobile communication (the 5) ^th generation, 5G) networks introduce new technologies, new architectures, such as network function virtualization (network function virtualization, NFV), native cloud computing (closed active), network slicing (network slice), etc. Thus, the network architecture of 5G becomes more complex. Referring to fig. 1, fig. 1 is a 5G network architecture provided in an embodiment of the present application, in which various types of terminal devices (such as smart phones,Smart car, smart watch, etc.) may access the 5G core network through the access network device. The 5G core network adopts a distributed network structure, and may include multiple function instances, such as a network function management (network function management function, NFMF) instance, a network storage function (network repository function, NRF) instance, and a Network Function (NF) instance. It should be noted that the network function instance described in the embodiments of the present application may refer to one network element, for example, the NF instance refers to an access and mobility management network element (access management function, AMF), or refers to a session management network element (session management function, SMF), or refers to a user plane function network element (user plane function, UPF), or the like. The plurality of NF instances may constitute a set of NF instances, wherein the set of NF instances may be a set of NF instances of the same type. For example, a set of NF instances may refer to a set of multiple AMFs, which may include AMF1, AMF2, AMF3, and so on. The set of NF instances may also be a set of different types of network elements with traffic dependencies, e.g., a set of NF instances refers to a set of SMF and UPF, which may include SMF1, SMF2, SMF3, and UPF1, UPF2, etc. The AMF mainly supports functions of registration management, connectivity management, mobility management and the like of the terminal. The SMF mainly supports functions of session establishment, modification, release, and the like, and is also responsible for allocation and management of a User Equipment (UE) network protocol (internet protocol, IP) address, and also supports functions of UPF selection and control, tunnel maintenance between the UPF and AN Access Node (AN), and the like. UPF is mainly responsible for packet routing and forwarding of data packets.

Optionally, NF examples described in embodiments of the present application may further include an authentication server function network element (authentication server function, AUSF), a unified data management network element (unified data management, UDM), a policy control network element (policy control function, PCF), a network slice selection network element (network slice selection function, NSSF), a billing function module (charging function, CHF), a network opening function (networkexposure function, NEF), and a network data analysis function (network data analytics function, NWDAF), among others. The AUSF is used for supporting access authentication of the user. The UDM supports functions such as subscription management of users, registration management of NF, authentication processing, and the like. The PCF supports a unified policy framework to manage network behavior. The NSSF is mainly responsible for selecting slice instances for the terminal device. CHF is used for billing management of users. The NEF is used to cause NF instances to disclose functions and events to other NF instances through the NEF. NWDAF is mainly used for analysis of network slice related data. As can be seen, the 5G network architecture becomes more complex than the conventional network architecture, and management of the 5G network architecture becomes more complex.

The NFMF instance in the 5G network architecture shown in fig. 1 is used to be responsible for configuration management, fault management, performance management, and the like of the NF instance. Specifically, the NFMF may provide a human-machine interface to the operation and maintenance personnel through an open management function (exposure governance management function, EGMF) framework, so that the operation and maintenance personnel may perform configuration management, fault management, performance management, and the like on the designated NF instance. Referring to fig. 2, fig. 2 is an EGMF framework, through which an operator can input a control command through a human-computer interface, and manage NF instances through the control command. For example, the operation and maintenance personnel can input a configuration control instruction, and then perform configuration management on the NF instance through the configuration control instruction. For another example, the operation and maintenance personnel can input a fault control instruction, and then perform fault management on the NF instance through the fault control instruction. Therefore, the adjustment of the current 5G network architecture mostly adopts a manual configuration management mode, which cannot effectively reduce the workload of configuration management, and also cannot meet the requirement of rapid business development and change.

In order to solve the above problems, embodiments of the present application provide a network configuration method and apparatus, where the network configuration method may be applied to a 5G network architecture. The network configuration method does not need manual configuration, and can realize network configuration intellectualization.

It should be noted that the 5G network architecture is one of architectures applied in the embodiments of the present application, and the embodiments of the present application may also be applied to architectures of 3G, 4G, or next generation, such as 6G networks, where the applied network architecture does not form a limitation of the present application.

Referring to fig. 3a, fig. 3a is an application scenario of a network configuration method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The application scenario shown in fig. 3a is an initial networking scenario, where the scenario includes an NFMF instance, an NRF instance, an NF instance, and the like. The initial networking scenario shown in fig. 3a adopts SMF/UPF Fullmesh initial networking and AMF POOL initial networking, which is beneficial to network expansion and improves the robustness and elasticity of the whole network. Wherein, the set of NF instances includes amf_1, amf_2, smf_1, smf_2, upf_1 and upf_2, and the connection relationship is shown in fig. 3 a. AMF_1 and AMF_2 adopt AMF POOL networking, and SMF_1, SMF_2, UPF_1 and UPF_2 adopt SMF/UPF Fullmesh networking. Upf_1 and upf_2 may be connected to a Data Network (DN). In the scenario shown in fig. 3a, the NRF receives information of the NF instance, and determines configuration data of the NF instance from network configuration data in the NRF according to the information of the NF instance, so that network configuration intellectualization in the initial networking scenario can be achieved.

In an example, please refer to fig. 3b, fig. 3b is an application scenario of another network configuration method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The application scenario shown in fig. 3b is a network expansion scenario, where NF instances are newly added to the initial networking scenario shown in fig. 3a, for example, amf_3 and smf_3 are added. In the network capacity expansion scenario shown in fig. 3b, when the new capacity-expanded amf_3 and smf_3 initiate registration to the NRF, the NRF generates configuration data of a corresponding NF instance according to the network configuration data, and distributes the configuration data to the new capacity-expanded NF instance, so that configuration replication can be automatically completed without manual configuration.

In an example, please refer to fig. 3c, fig. 3c is an application scenario of another network configuration method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The application scenario shown in fig. 3c is a network self-optimization scenario, in which, as the terminal device and the session grow, the NRF can update the configuration data of the NF instance according to the running information of the NF instance, so as to improve the resource utilization rate and the operation and maintenance efficiency.

It should be noted that the embodiments shown in fig. 3a to 3c are only described by taking AMF, SMF and UPF as examples, and the NF examples described in this embodiment may further include UDM, PCF, NSSF, AUSF, CHF, NWDAF, NEF, etc., and the NF examples may all use the network configuration method described in the embodiments of the present application to implement efficient network configuration.

The following description will be made with reference to specific embodiments.

An embodiment of the present application provides a network configuration method, please refer to fig. 4. The network configuration method can be executed by a network storage function instance and comprises the following steps:

s401, a network storage function instance receives information of a first network function instance from the first network function instance.

The first network function instance may send information of the first network function instance to the NRF, so that the NRF determines that the first network function instance is online, and may perform configuration management on the first network function instance. The first network function instance may be a network element, for example, the first network function instance is an newly added network element amf_3 shown in fig. 3b, which is not limited in this embodiment.

The information of the first network function instance is used to indicate relevant parameters of the first network function instance, and specifically, the information of the first network function instance may include, but is not limited to, an identifier (NF instance ID) of the first network function instance, a parameter set (NF profile) of the first network function instance, and the like. The identifier of the first network function instance is used to distinguish different network function instances, for example, in the initial networking scenario shown in fig. 3a, if the set formed by the first network function instance includes amf_1, amf_2 and amf_3, the corresponding NF instance IDs are nf_a1, nf_a2 and nf_a3 respectively. For another example, if the set of first network function instances includes smf_1 and upf_1, the corresponding NF instance IDs are nf_b1 and nf_b2, respectively. The parameter set of the first network function instance includes public parameters such as type, state, IP address, priority and the like of the first network function instance, and the NRF may perform configuration management on the first network function instance according to the content in the parameter set of the first network function instance. Optionally, for different types of first network function instances, the parameter set of the first network function instance may further include different types of independent parameters. For example, the parameter set of the first network function instance may further include an independent parameter of an AMF type (AMF Info), or further include an independent parameter of an SMF type (SMF Info). Optionally, when there is a set of NF instances, the parameter set of the network function instance corresponding to the set of NF instances further includes a related parameter of the set of NF instances. For example, the parameter set of the network function instance corresponding to the set of NF instances further includes an identification (NF set ID) of the set of NF instances.

In one example, the information of the first network function instance may be carried in a registration request message of the first network function instance. The step of the network storage function instance receiving information of the first network function instance from the first network function instance in S401 may be: the network storage function instance receives a registration request message from the first network function instance, the registration request message including information of the first network function instance. When the NF instance registers with the NRF, the NRF may receive a registration request message from the NF instance. For example, in the network expansion scenario shown in fig. 3b, the NRF may receive a registration request message from amf_3, where the registration request message is used to notify that the NRF has amf_3 registered online, and the registration request message includes information of amf_3, such as NF instance ID, type, status, IP address, etc. of amf_3.

S402, the network storage function instance determines configuration data of the first network function instance from network configuration data according to the information of the first network function instance.

S403, the network storage function instance sends configuration data of the first network function instance to the first network function instance.

The NRF is used for maintaining real-time information of the NF instance, is visible as a real-time warehouse of the NF instance, and supports registration, update, deregistration and discovery of the NF instance to the NRF. For example, the NF instance may send a registration request message to the NRF to register with the NRF. In order to achieve the intellectualization of network configuration, a management plane (NFMF) issues network configuration data to the NRF, and the NRF maps the network configuration data to configuration data of NF instances, thereby determining the configuration data of the first network function instance from the network configuration data. Wherein the network configuration data is data sent to the NRF by the NFMF, and the network configuration data may include, but is not limited to, a network configuration object set, a network configuration model, a configuration model of a network function instance, and a mapping relationship model of the network configuration model and the configuration model of the network function instance.

The network configuration object set is composed of a plurality of NF instances of the same type or is composed of NF instance abstractions of different types with service correlation. For example, for the same type of NF instance, smf_1 and smf_2 in the initial networking scenario shown in fig. 3a, smf_1 and smf_2 may be grouped into one network configuration object set 1. The network configuration object set 1 includes configuration parameters of the SMF type. For another example, for NF instances of different types with service correlation, as shown in fig. 3a, smf_1 and upf_1 in the initial networking scenario may be abstracted to form a network configuration object set 2, where the network configuration object set 2 includes configuration parameters of SMF type and UPF type, and configuration parameters related to SMF and UPF services (such as session related configuration parameters). It should be noted that an NF instance may be attributed to multiple sets of network configuration objects. To determine which Set of network configuration objects the NF instance belongs to, the NRF may specify which Set of network configuration objects the NF instance belongs to by configuring the Set ID in combination with information of the NF instance. For example, smf_1 in the initial networking scenario shown in fig. 3a may belong to network configuration object set 1 and network configuration object set 2.

In order to support the network dynamic configuration based on the NRF, a network configuration model, a configuration model of a network function instance and a mapping relation model of the network configuration model and the configuration model of the network function instance are also stored on the NRF. The mapping relation model of the network configuration model and the configuration model of the network function instance comprises a static model and a dynamic model. Referring to fig. 5a, fig. 5a is a schematic diagram of a static model of a network configuration model, where the network configuration model may include one or more NF instances (such as nf_a and nf_b in fig. 5 a), and a common configuration model and/or an independent configuration model of each NF instance. The common configuration model is used for configuring multiple types of NF examples, including common parameters of the NF examples (such as common parameters of NF_A and NF_B) and the like; the independent configuration model is used for configuring NF instances of corresponding types, including independent configuration parameters of different NF instances (e.g., independent parameters of nf_a, independent parameters of nf_b), and the like. For example, as shown in fig. 5a, nf_a may determine a configuration model of the corresponding nf_a from a static model of the network configuration model. The configuration data of nf_a may be determined according to the configuration model of nf_a. The configuration model of NF_A comprises common parameters of NF_A and NF_B and independent parameters of NF_A. Similarly, nf_b may determine the configuration model of the corresponding nf_b based on a static model of the network configuration model. Wherein, according to the configuration model of nf_b, the configuration data of nf_b may be determined. The configuration model of NF_B comprises common parameters of NF_A and NF_B and independent parameters of NF_B. It will be appreciated that the network configuration model shown in fig. 5a, the nf_a configuration model, and the nf_b configuration model may be stored in the NRF in the form of tables, wherein one network configuration model is shown in table 1. For example, assuming nf_a is SMF and nf_b is UPF as described in table 1, table 1 may be as follows.

Table 1: network configuration model

It should be noted that table 1 is only an example, and the network configuration model may be other implementations, which are not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

Optionally, the step of determining, by the NRF, the configuration data of the corresponding nf_a according to a static model of the network configuration model may include: common parameters of nf_a and nf_b and independent parameters of nf_a are taken from table 1 corresponding to the network configuration model to form configuration data of nf_a, as shown in table 2.

Table 2: configuration data of nf_a

For example, the configuration data of nf_a includes an accessType in table 2, which indicates that the interface type of the SMF is type 1. It should be noted that table 2 is only an example, and the configuration model of the network function instance may be other implementations, which are not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

Similarly, the NRF may determine the configuration model of the corresponding nf_b according to a static model of the network configuration model, which may include: common parameters of nf_a and nf_b and independent parameters of nf_b are taken from table 1 corresponding to the network configuration model to form configuration data of nf_b, as shown in table 3.

Table 3: configuration data of nf_b

It should be noted that table 3 is only an example, and the configuration model of the network function instance may be other implementations, which are not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

Optionally, referring to fig. 5b, fig. 5b is a schematic diagram of a dynamic model of a network configuration model, where the dynamic model is characterized as a dynamic allocation rule of a resource pool. The resource pool comprises allocated resources, resources to be allocated and corresponding dynamic allocation rules. For example, the allocated resources may include a number of S-NSSAI that has been allocated to NF_A. The dynamic allocation rule is used for indicating the NRF to dynamically allocate the resource pool according to the network state. The network state may include, but is not limited to, the number of network nodes, the state of the network nodes, and the like. The number of network nodes is used for indicating the number of NF instances accessed by the current network, so that the NRF can sense the change condition of the network topology in real time. The state of the network node is used to indicate the current state of a NF instance, for example, indicate that the NF instance is currently in an online state or an offline state, and indicate the current load (such as the number of sessions, etc.) of the NF instance. Specifically, the process of generating the configuration model of the network function instance by the NRF according to the dynamic model of the network configuration model may include the steps of:

s11, the NRF determines the allocated resources and the resources to be allocated according to the network state;

and s12, the NRF generates a configuration model of the NF instance according to the information of the NF instance and the resources to be allocated.

Wherein the configuration data of the NF instance may be determined according to a configuration model of the NF instance. The configuration data of the NF instance is carried on an application program interface (application programming interface, API), for example on the nnrf_nfmanagement interface, which API may be connected to the NF instance, as shown in fig. 5 b.

In one example, a network storage function instance may determine configuration data for the first network function instance based on information for the first network function instance and a set of network configuration objects. Then S402 may include the steps of:

the network storage function instance determines a first network configuration object set corresponding to the first network function instance according to the information of the first network function instance;

the network storage function instance generates a configuration model of the first network function instance according to a first network configuration model of the first network configuration object set;

the network storage function instance determines configuration data of the first network function instance corresponding to a configuration model of the first network function instance.

For example, in the initial networking scenario shown in fig. 3a, it is assumed that the first network function instance is smf_1. The NRF-determined first network configuration object set includes smf_1 and upf_1. If the NRF generates a configuration model of the first network function instance according to the static model of the first network configuration model, the common configuration model is the common parameters of smf_1 and upf_1, and the independent configuration model is the independent parameters of smf_1. Optionally, if the first network configuration object set includes smf_1 and smf_2, the common configuration model is used to configure smf_1 and smf_2, and the independent configuration model is used to configure smf_1. The configuration data of SMF_1 may be determined from the independent configuration model and the common configuration model of SMF_1.

In one example, the NRF, after determining the configuration data of the first network function instance, may send its corresponding configuration data to the first network function instance. For example, the NRF may send its corresponding configuration data to the first network function instance through the nrrf_nfmanagement interface, as shown in fig. 5 b. Alternatively, the information received by the NRF from the first network function instance is carried in a registration request message sent by the first network function instance, and then the NRF may carry configuration data of the first network function instance in a registration response message and send the configuration data to the first network function instance. For example, in the initial networking scenario shown in fig. 3a, the NRF receives a registration request message from smf_1. After determining the configuration data of smf_1, the NRF may send a registration response message to smf_1, the registration response message including the configuration data of smf_1.

In one example, if registration of the first network function instance has been completed, the NRF may send a first message to the NFMF, the first message being used to update the topological connection between registered NF instances. Wherein NF instances initiate updates to the NRF, either on a regular basis or by event triggering, including new additions, reclamation, reassignment, etc. For example, in the scenario of initial networking shown in fig. 3a, after all NF instances complete registration and configuration validation, the NRF may perceive the network topology and send the network topology information to the NFMF. For another example, in the scenario of network expansion shown in fig. 3b, after the newly registered NF instance (e.g., smf_3) completes registration and configuration validation, the NRF needs to update the network topology information, and sends the updated network topology information to the NFMF.

In one example, NF instances in the network that have registered and configured to be in effect require updates to the NF instance's configuration data due to changes in state, e.g., load-bearing. Then, the NF instance may send a second message to the NRF requesting updating of the configuration data of the NF instance. Specifically, the processing of NF instances by the NRF to request updating of configuration data may include the steps of:

s21, receiving a second message of the first network function instance, where the second message is used to request updating of configuration data of the first network function instance;

s22, determining updated configuration data of the first network function instance according to the operation information of the first network function instance, wherein the operation information of the first network function instance comprises the state of the first network function instance;

s23, sending a response message of the second message to the first network function instance, where the response message includes the updated configuration data of the first network function instance.

For example, in the network self-optimization scenario shown in fig. 3c, it is assumed that the first network function instance is upf_1. Wherein the running information of upf_1 indicates that the load of upf_1 is doubled. Upf_1 sends a second message to the NRF requesting updating of the configuration data of upf_1. The NRF adds available service resources to upf_1 according to the running information of upf_1. And then the NRF sends a response message of the second message to the UPF_1, wherein the response message carries the newly added available service resources of the UPF_1. For example, for UPF_1, the allocated resources include sNSsaiUpfInfoList of 1-8. If the upf_1 request is to increase the number in the snsaiupinfoflist, the service resource pool after upf_1 update may include that the snsaiupinfoflist of upf_1 is 1-10, i.e. the snsaiupinfoflist of upf_1 is increased from 1-8 to 1-10.

Optionally, the NRF completes NF configuration data refresh by updating the corresponding interface. The NF configuration data is carried on the Nnrf_NFmanagement interface. For example, the NRF may send its corresponding configuration data to the first network function instance by updating the nrf_nfmanagement interface, so as to implement NF configuration data refresh by updating the nrf_nfmanagement interface.

It should be noted that, the network configuration data update actively initiated by the NFMF may also complete NF configuration data refresh through the NRF update interface. For example, NFMF updates network configuration data, which includes updated network configuration object set 1 and updated network configuration object set 2. If the first network function instance belongs to the network configuration object set 2 and after the network configuration object set 2 is updated, the configuration data corresponding to the first network function instance also needs to be updated, the NRF may send the updated configuration data to the first network function instance through updating the nrf_nfmanagement interface, so as to complete NF configuration data refreshing through updating the nrf_nfmanagement interface.

It can be seen that the embodiments of the present application provide a network configuration method and apparatus, where the network configuration method is performed by NRF. Wherein the NRF receives information of a first network function instance from the first network function instance; and determining the configuration data of the first network function instance from the network configuration data according to the information of the first network function instance, and then sending the configuration data of the first network function instance to the first network function instance. The network configuration method realizes the mapping of the network configuration data to the configuration data of the first network function instance through the NRF, thereby determining the configuration data of the first network function instance, and realizing the intellectualization of the network configuration without manual configuration. Specifically, in the scene of initial network construction, the repeated configuration data volume can be greatly compressed, the configuration of the whole network at one time is effective, and the network opening period is shortened. In the scene of manual capacity expansion and network dynamic elasticity, configuration copying can be automatically completed during capacity expansion and network dynamic elasticity, and manual intervention is basically avoided. When the system operates, the state of the NF instance is monitored regularly, so that the dynamic allocation of the service resource pool is realized, the resource utilization efficiency is maximized, the operation cost is saved, and the operation and maintenance efficiency is improved.

The specific steps of the network configuration method provided in the embodiment of the present application when applied to the network scenario shown in fig. 3a to 3c are described in detail below. For convenience of description, the NF instance of the AMF type is denoted as nf_a#1, the NF instance of the smf type is denoted as nf_b#1, and the NF instance of the upf type is denoted as nf_b#2. Wherein nf_a#1 belongs to network configuration object set 1, nf_b#1 and nf_b#2 belongs to network configuration object set 2 and network configuration object set 3.

Referring to fig. 6, fig. 6 is a specific step when the network configuration method according to the embodiment of the present application is applied to the initial networking scenario shown in fig. 3a, where the specific step includes:

s601, the NRF receives network configuration data from the NFMF, where the network configuration data includes configuration data of a network configuration object set 1, a network configuration object set 2, and a network configuration object set 3;

s602, NRF stores network configuration data;

s603, NF_A#1 initiates a registration request 1 to NRF;

s604, NRF generates configuration data of NF_A#1 according to the registration request 1 and the network configuration data;

s605, the NRF returns a registration response 1, where the registration response 1 carries configuration data of nf_a#1;

s606, NF_A#1 receives registration response 1, and saves and validates configuration data of NF_A#1;

S607, nf_b#1 initiates a registration request 2 to the NRF;

s608, the NRF generates configuration data of nf_b#1 according to the registration request 2 and the network configuration data;

s609, the NRF returns a registration response 2, where the registration response 2 carries configuration data of nf_b#1;

s610, NF_B#1 receives registration response 2, and saves and validates configuration data of NF_B#1;

s611, nf_b#2 initiates a registration request 3 to the NRF;

s612, NRF generates configuration data of NF_B#2 according to the registration request 3 and the network configuration data;

s613, the NRF returns a registration response 3, where the registration response 3 carries the configuration data of nf_b#2;

s614, nf_b#2 receives registration response 3, saves and validates the configuration data of nf_b#2.

Optionally, after S614, the following steps may be further included:

s615, the NRF performs topology information synchronization to the NFMF.

The NRF generates configuration data of NF_A#1 according to the registration request 1 and the network configuration data; or NRF generates configuration data of NF_B#1 according to the registration request 2 and the network configuration data; or the NRF may refer to the description of the specific implementation procedure of S402 in the embodiment described in fig. 4 for the specific procedure of generating the configuration data of nf_b#2 according to the registration request 3 and the network configuration data. For example, the NRF may determine nf_a#1 home network configuration object set 1 according to the information of nf_a#1 carried in the registration request 1. The NRF generates a configuration model of NF_A#1 through a static model according to the network configuration model 1 of the network configuration object set 1. The NRF then determines configuration data for NF_A#1 based on the configuration model for NF_A#1. It should be noted that the above is only an example, and the method for determining the configuration data of nf_a#1 may also be a dynamic model, which is not limited in this embodiment. Therefore, in the scene of initial network establishment, the network configuration method disclosed by the embodiment of the application can greatly compress repeated configuration data volume, realize one-time configuration of the whole network to take effect, and shorten the period of network opening.

Referring to fig. 7, fig. 7 is a specific step when the network configuration method according to the embodiment of the present application is applied to the network capacity expansion scenario shown in fig. 3 b. For convenience of description, the NF instance of the newly added AMF type is denoted as nf_a#2, and the NF instance of the newly added SMF type is denoted as nf_b#3.

S701, nf_a#2 initiates a registration request 4 to the NRF;

s702, NRF generates configuration data of NF_A#2 according to the registration request 4 and the network configuration data;

s703, the NRF returns a registration response 4, where the registration response 4 carries the configuration data of nf_a#2;

s704, receiving the registration response 4 by the NF_A#2, and saving and validating the configuration data of the NF_A#2;

s705, nf_b#3 initiates a registration request 5 to the NRF;

s706, NRF generates configuration data of NF_B#3 according to the registration request 5 and the network configuration data;

s707, the NRF returns a registration response 5, where the registration response 5 carries configuration data of nf_b#3;

s708, NF_B#3 receives registration response 5, and saves and validates configuration data of NF_B#3;

s709, the NRF performs topology information synchronization to the NFMF.

In the network capacity expansion scenario, the NRF needs to synchronize topology information to the NFMF, so that the NFMF synchronously updates network configuration data and relationships with NF instances. Therefore, in the scene of manual capacity expansion and network dynamic elasticity, the network configuration method can automatically complete configuration replication, and manual intervention is basically avoided.

Referring to fig. 8, fig. 8 is a specific step when the network configuration method according to the embodiment of the present application is applied to the network self-optimization scenario shown in fig. 3 c. Wherein the optimization in this scenario is an optimization for resource allocation of upf_1, upf_2 and upf_3 in the network. It should be noted that, when the network is initially built, the NRF already distributes the UE address field to all the UPFs in the SMF/UPF Fullmesh according to a certain distribution rule. With the growth of end users and sessions, the UPF can update the running information of the UPF to the NRF in real time, the NRF can distribute new UE address segments to the UPF according to the running information of the UPF, and can recycle the idle UE address segments according to UPF load information.

S801, NF_B#1 initiates an update request 1 to NRF;

s802, the NRF updates the NF-B#1 configuration data according to the state of the NF-B#1, wherein the updating actions comprise adding, recycling, reassigning and the like;

s803, the NRF returns an update response 1, where the update response 1 carries updated configuration data of nf_b#1;

s804, NF_B#1 receives the update response 1, updates and validates the configuration data of NF_B#1;

s805, nf_b#2 initiates an update request 2 to the NRF;

s806, the NRF updates nf_b#2 configuration data according to the state of nf_b#2;

S807, the NRF returns an update response 2, where the update response 2 carries updated configuration data of nf_b#2;

s808, the NF_B#2 receives the update response 2, updates and validates the configuration data of the NF_B#2;

s809, NF_B#3 initiates an update request 3 to NRF;

s810, the NRF updates NF_B#3 configuration data according to the state of NF_B# 3;

s811, NRF returns an update response 3, wherein the update response 3 carries updated configuration data of NF_B#3;

s812, the NF_B#3 receives the update response 3, updates and validates the configuration data of the NF_B#3;

in the network operation process, the NRF can monitor the state of the NF instance to dynamically allocate the service resource pool. For example, in the network self-optimization scenario shown in fig. 3c, upf_3 may update running information of upf_3 to NRF in real time. If the number of access terminal devices of upf_3 is doubled, the NRF may allocate a new UE address field to upf_3 according to the operation information of upf_3. Therefore, in a network self-optimization scene, the network configuration method disclosed by the embodiment of the application can monitor the state of the NF instance at regular time, so that the dynamic allocation of the service resource pool is realized, the maximization of the resource utilization efficiency is realized, the operation cost is saved, and the operation and maintenance efficiency is improved.

Related devices and systems according to embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to fig. 9 to 11.

The embodiment of the application provides a schematic structural diagram of a network configuration device, as shown in fig. 9, and the network configuration device 900 may be used to implement the network configuration method described in the embodiment of the application. The network configuration apparatus 900 may include:

a receiving unit 901, configured to receive information of a first network function instance from the first network function instance;

a processing unit 902, configured to determine, according to the information of the first network function instance, configuration data of the first network function instance from network configuration data, where the network configuration data includes parameters for configuring a plurality of network function instances;

a sending unit 903, configured to send configuration data of the first network function instance to the first network function instance.

In one implementation, the receiving unit 901 is further configured to:

the network configuration data from a network function management instance is received.

In one implementation, the processing unit 902 is specifically configured to:

generating a configuration model of the first network function instance according to a static model of the first network configuration model, wherein the static model comprises a public configuration model or an independent configuration model, the public configuration model is used for configuring a plurality of network function instances in the first network configuration object set, and the public configuration model is used for configuring the network function instance of a corresponding type of the first network function instance;

In one implementation, the dynamic allocation rule is used to indicate that the dynamic allocation of the resource pool is performed according to a network state, where the network state includes any one or more of the following:

the number of network nodes;

the state of the network node.

In one implementation, the parameters for configuring a plurality of network function instances include configuration parameters of the first set of network configuration objects.

In one implementation, the receiving unit 901 is specifically configured to: receiving a registration request message from the first network function instance, the registration request message including information of the first network function instance;

the transmitting unit 903 specifically is configured to: and sending a registration response message to the first network function instance, wherein the registration response message comprises configuration data of the first network function instance.

In one implementation, the sending unit 903 is further configured to:

In one implementation, the receiving unit 901 is further configured to: receiving a second message of the first network function instance, wherein the second message is used for requesting to update configuration data of the first network function instance;

the processing unit 902 is further configured to: determining updated configuration data of the first network function instance according to the operation information of the first network function instance, wherein the operation information of the first network function instance comprises the state of the first network function instance;

The transmitting unit 903 is further configured to: and sending a response message of the second message to the first network function instance, wherein the response message comprises the updated configuration data of the first network function instance.

In one implementation, the information of the first network function instance includes any one or more of:

an identification of the first network function instance;

a parameter set of the first network function instance.

It should be noted that, in the embodiment corresponding to fig. 9, details of implementation of the steps performed by each unit may be referred to the embodiments shown in fig. 4, fig. 6, fig. 7 and fig. 8 and the foregoing details are not repeated here.

In one implementation, the relevant functions implemented by the various elements of FIG. 9 may be implemented in conjunction with a processor and a communication interface. Referring to fig. 10, fig. 10 is a schematic structural diagram of another network configuration device provided in an embodiment of the present application, where the device may be a network storage function instance or a device (e.g., a chip) with a network configuration function. The network configuration device 1000 may include a communication interface 1001, at least one processor 1002, and a memory 1003. The communication interface 1001, the processor 1002, and the memory 1003 may be connected to each other by one or more communication buses, or may be connected by other means.

Wherein the communication interface 1001 may be used to transmit data and/or signaling and to receive data and/or signaling. It is to be appreciated that the communications interface 1001 is a generic term and may include one or more interfaces. Including, for example, interfaces between network configuration devices and other devices, etc.

The processor 1002 may be configured to process data and/or signaling sent by the communication interface 1001, or process data and/or signaling received by the communication interface 1001. For example, the processor 1002 may invoke program code stored in the memory 1003, implementing a communication procedure through the communication interface 1001. The processor 1002 may include one or more processors, for example the processor 1002 may be one or more central processing units (central processing unit, CPU), network processors (network processor, NP), hardware chips, or any combination thereof. In the case where the processor 1002 is a CPU, the CPU may be a single-core CPU or a multi-core CPU.

The memory 1003 is used for storing program codes and the like. Memory 1003 may include volatile memory (RAM), such as random access memory (random access memory); the memory 1003 may also include a nonvolatile memory (non-volatile memory), such as a read-only memory (ROM), a flash memory (flash memory), a hard disk (HDD) or a Solid State Drive (SSD); memory 1003 may also include a combination of the above types of memory.

The above-mentioned communication interface 1001, the processor 1002 may be configured to implement the network configuration method in the embodiment shown in fig. 4, 6, 7 and 8, where the processor 1002 invokes the code in the memory 1003, and specifically performs the following steps:

receiving information of a first network function instance from the first network function instance;

determining configuration data of the first network function instance from network configuration data according to the information of the first network function instance, wherein the network configuration data comprises parameters for configuring a plurality of network function instances;

and sending the configuration data of the first network function instance to the first network function instance.

In one implementation, the processor 1002 invokes code in the memory 1003, which may also perform the steps of:

the number of network nodes;

the state of the network node.

receiving a registration request message from the first network function instance through the communication interface 1001, the registration request message including information of the first network function instance;

a registration response message is sent to the first network function instance via the communication interface 1001, the registration response message comprising configuration data of the first network function instance.

receiving a second message of the first network function instance through the communication interface 1001, the second message being used to request updating of configuration data of the first network function instance;

determining updated configuration data of the first network function instance according to the operation information of the first network function instance, wherein the operation information of the first network function instance comprises the state of the first network function instance;

And sending a response message of the second message to the first network function instance through the communication interface 1001, where the response message includes the updated configuration data of the first network function instance.

an identification of the first network function instance;

a parameter set of the first network function instance.

The present embodiment provides a communication system, as shown in fig. 11, including a network storage function instance 1101 and a first network function instance 1102. The network storage function 1101 may be used to implement the network configuration method provided in the foregoing embodiment. The first network function instance 1102 is configured to send information of the first network function instance to the network storage function instance 1101, and is further configured to receive configuration data from the network storage function instance 1101, the configuration data being configured to configure the first network function instance.

In one implementation of the method, in one implementation, the network storage function instance 1101 is specifically configured to:

In one implementation, the network storage function instance 1101 is further to:

In one implementation, the network storage function instance 1101 is specifically configured to:

the number of network nodes;

the state of the network node.

receiving a second message of the first network function instance, wherein the second message is used for requesting to update configuration data of the first network function instance;

and sending a response message of the second message to the first network function instance, wherein the response message comprises the updated configuration data of the first network function instance.

an identification of the first network function instance;

a parameter set of the first network function instance.

In one implementation, the communication system further includes a network function management instance 1103. The network function management instance 1103 is configured to send network configuration data to the network storage function instance.

The present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium including a program or instructions which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of determining a security speed in the above method embodiment.

In the above embodiments, it may be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, 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. When the computer instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in accordance with embodiments of the present application are produced in whole or in part. The computer may be a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable apparatus. 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 by a wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (Digital Subscriber Line, DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.). The computer readable storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server, data center, etc. that contains an integration of one or more available media. 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 high-density digital video disc (Digital Video Disc, DVD)), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., a Solid State Disk (SSD)), or the like.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the elements and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied in electronic hardware, in computer software, or in a combination of the two, and that the elements and steps of the examples have been generally described in terms of function in the foregoing description to clearly illustrate the interchangeability of hardware and software. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software 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.

The foregoing is merely illustrative of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto, and any person skilled in the art will readily recognize that variations or substitutions are within the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A network configuration method, comprising:

Determining configuration data of the first network function instance from network configuration data according to the information of the first network function instance, wherein the network configuration data comprises a network configuration object set, a network configuration model, a configuration model of the network function instance and a mapping relation model of the network configuration model and the configuration model of the network function instance;

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method further comprises:

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining configuration data of the first network function instance from network configuration data based on the information of the first network function instance comprises:

4. The method of claim 3, wherein generating a configuration model of the first network function instance from a first network configuration model of the first set of network configuration objects comprises:

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the dynamic allocation rule is used to indicate dynamic allocation of the resource pool according to a network state, the network state including any one or more of:

network node is the number of (3);

the state of the network node.

6. The method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the network configuration data comprises configuration parameters of the first set of network configuration objects.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiving information from a first network function instance of the first network function instance comprises:

the sending the configuration data of the first network function instance to the first network function instance includes:

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the method further comprises:

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method further comprises:

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the information of the first network function instance comprises any one or more of:

an identification, ID, of the first network function instance;

the parameter set profile of the first network function instance;

an ID of the first set of network function instances.

11. A network configuration apparatus, comprising:

a processing unit, configured to determine configuration data of the first network function instance from network configuration data according to the information of the first network function instance, where the network configuration data includes a network configuration object set, a network configuration model, a configuration model of the network function instance, and a mapping relationship model of the network configuration model and the configuration model of the network function instance;

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the receiving unit is further configured to receive the network configuration data from a network function management instance.

13. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the processing unit is configured, when determining the configuration data of the first network function instance from the network configuration data according to the information of the first network function instance, to:

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the processing unit, when generating the configuration model of the first network function instance from the first network configuration model of the first set of network configuration objects, is specifically configured to:

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the dynamic allocation rule is configured to indicate dynamic allocation of the resource pool according to a network state, the network state including any one or more of:

the number of network nodes;

the state of the network node.

16. The apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the network configuration data comprises configuration parameters of the first set of network configuration objects.

17. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the receiving unit, when receiving information of a first network function instance from the first network function instance, is specifically configured to:

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the transmitting unit is further configured to:

19. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the receiving unit is further configured to receive a second message for the first network function instance, the second message being configured to request updating of configuration data for the first network function instance;

20. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the information of the first network function instance comprises any one or more of:

an identification, ID, of the first network function instance;

the parameter set profile of the first network function instance;

an ID of the first set of network function instances.

21. A network configuration device comprising a processor and a memory;

the memory is used for storing program codes;

the processor configured to execute the code in the memory, to cause the network configuration device to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 10.

22. A communication system, comprising:

network storage function instance for performing the network configuration method according to any of claims 1 to 10;

a first network function instance, configured to send information of the first network function instance to the network storage function instance;

the first network function instance is further configured to receive configuration data from the network storage function instance, where the configuration data is used to configure the first network function instance.

23. The communication system of claim 22, wherein the communication system further comprises a network function management instance; the network function management instance is configured to send network configuration data to the network storage function instance.

24. A computer readable storage medium comprising a program or instructions which, when run on a computer, performs the method of any one of claims 1 to 10.