WO2016169218A1

WO2016169218A1 - Gateway virtualization method and system, and computer storage medium

Info

Publication number: WO2016169218A1
Application number: PCT/CN2015/091494
Authority: WO
Inventors: 宗在峰; 楚俊生; 郑芳庭
Original assignee: 中兴通讯股份有限公司
Priority date: 2015-04-22
Filing date: 2015-10-08
Publication date: 2016-10-27
Also published as: CN106161174A

Abstract

Disclosed is a gateway virtualization method. The method comprises: requesting, according to a network service request, a software definition network (SDN) controller to allocate resources when the network service request is received, wherein the network service request comprises a virtual network element demand, and the virtual network element demand comprises one or a plurality of virtual gateway forwarding plane demands. Meanwhile, also disclosed are a gateway virtualization system and a computer storage medium.

Description

一种网关虚拟化方法、***及计算机存储介质Gateway virtualization method, system and computer storage medium

技术领域Technical field

本发明涉及通信技术领域，具体涉及一种网关虚拟化方法、***及计算机存储介质。The present invention relates to the field of communications technologies, and in particular, to a gateway virtualization method, system, and computer storage medium.

背景技术Background technique

网络功能虚拟化(NFV，Network Function Virtualization)技术利用互联网技术(Information Technology，IT)虚拟化技术，使用通用的工业标准高容量服务器、交换机及存储器，将现有网络功能集成到上述通用硬件设备上，从而达到减少硬件种类、缩短新业务部署周期、降低成本的目的。NFV定义了一个通用平台，支持各种网络的虚拟化。现有技术中NFV的架构示意图如图1所示。Network Function Virtualization (NFV) technology uses Internet technology (IT) virtualization technology to integrate existing network functions into the above-mentioned general-purpose hardware devices using common industry-standard high-capacity servers, switches, and memories. In order to reduce the variety of hardware, shorten the cycle of new business deployment, and reduce costs. NFV defines a common platform that supports virtualization of various networks. A schematic diagram of the architecture of the NFV in the prior art is shown in FIG. 1.

在图1中，编排器(Orchestrator)负责接收从运营支撑***(OSS，Operation support system)/业务支撑***(BSS，Business support system)通过Os-Ma接口配置或管理员通过Se-Ma接口配置的网络服务请求。一个网络服务(Network Service)请求通常包括多个虚拟网元、虚拟网元间的连接关系、以及业务链信息。网络服务请求使用网络服务描述符(NSD，Network Service Descriptor)描述，具体的，虚拟网元描述符用于描述虚拟网元的资源需求，如资源需求(CPU、存储空间等)；虚拟链路描述符(Virtual Link Descriptor)用于描述虚拟网络功能(VNF，Virtualized Network Function)互联时的链路需求，如链路的服务质量(QoS，Quality of Service)需求；VNF转发图描述符(VNF Forwarding Graph Descriptor)用于描述业务链的需求，如所经过的业务服务器(Service Function)以及业务链顺序。In Figure 1, the Orchestrator is responsible for receiving the configuration from the Os-Ma interface or the administrator through the Se-Ma interface from the Operation Support System (OSS)/Business Support System (BSS). Network service request. A network service (Network Service) request usually includes multiple virtual network elements, connection relationships between virtual network elements, and service chain information. The network service request is described by a Network Service Descriptor (NSD). Specifically, the virtual network element descriptor is used to describe resource requirements of the virtual network element, such as resource requirements (CPU, storage space, etc.); virtual link description The Virtual Link Descriptor is used to describe the link requirements of the virtualized network function (VNF) interconnect, such as the quality of service (QoS) requirements of the link; the VNF Forwarding Graph (VNF Forwarding Graph) Descriptor) is used to describe the requirements of the business chain, such as the service function and the order of the business chain.

在图1中，VNF管理器(VNF Manager)负责虚拟网元的生命周期管理，包括为虚拟网元申请硬件资源、虚拟网元的实例化、虚拟网元状态信息的收集、虚拟网元的扩容/缩容、虚拟网元故障处理、虚拟网元实例的终止、虚拟网元的配置等。VNF管理器与虚拟架构管理器(VIM，Virtualized Infrastructure Management)之间的接口，负责管理VNF的硬件资源并收集底层硬件故障信息。In Figure 1, the VNF Manager is responsible for the lifecycle of the virtual network element. Management, including the application of hardware resources for virtual network elements, the instantiation of virtual network elements, the collection of virtual NEs, the expansion/contraction of virtual NEs, the processing of virtual NEs, the termination of virtual NE instances, and the virtual network. Meta configuration, etc. The interface between the VNF manager and the Virtualized Infrastructure Management (VIM) is responsible for managing the hardware resources of the VNF and collecting the underlying hardware failure information.

在图1中，VIM负责管理硬件资源的分配、回收、以及收集硬件资源的性能、故障等信息。其中，硬件资源包括计算资源、存储资源、网络资源。VIM维护硬件资源与虚拟化层(Virtualization layer)间的关系。当VNF管理器或编排器为VNF请求硬件资源时，VIM从空闲的硬件资源中为VNF分配资源，并负责为VNF启动虚拟机(VM，Virtual Machine虚拟机)。In Figure 1, VIM is responsible for managing the allocation, recovery, and collection of hardware resource performance, faults, and other information. The hardware resources include computing resources, storage resources, and network resources. VIM maintains the relationship between hardware resources and the virtualization layer. When the VNF manager or orchestrator requests hardware resources for the VNF, the VIM allocates resources for the VNF from the idle hardware resources and is responsible for starting the virtual machine (VM, Virtual Machine virtual machine) for the VNF.

然而，在对4G等网络进行虚拟化时发现，很难将网关设备如公用数据网网关(PGW，Public Data Network GateWay)、服务网关(SGW，Serving GateWay)等进行虚拟化。目前，虽然提出了一种基于软件定义网络(Software Defined Network，SDN)架构的网关，即将网关设备分成两部分，一部分称为网关处理器，用于处理网关上控制相关的部分功能，如会话管理、隧道建立/删除、计费、互联网协议(Internet Protocol，IP)地址分配等；一部分为网关转发面，用于转发用户数据包，包括用户面隧道头封装/解封装、隧道交换、SGi接口数据转发等。但是，上述基于SDN架构的网关，在虚拟化时，通常只虚拟化网关处理器，网关转发面仍然假设为专用设备，未实现网关转发面的虚拟化。However, when virtualizing a network such as 4G, it is found that it is difficult to virtualize gateway devices such as a Public Data Network Gate (PGW), a Serving Gate (WGW), and the like. At present, although a gateway based on Software Defined Network (SDN) architecture is proposed, the gateway device is divided into two parts, one part is called a gateway processor, which is used to process some functions related to control on the gateway, such as session management. , tunnel establishment/deletion, accounting, Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation, etc.; part of the gateway forwarding plane, used to forward user data packets, including user plane tunnel header encapsulation/decapsulation, tunnel switching, SGi interface data Forward and so on. However, in the above-mentioned SDN-based gateway, when virtualizing, the gateway processor is usually only virtualized, and the gateway forwarding plane is still assumed to be a dedicated device, and the virtualization of the gateway forwarding plane is not implemented.

发明内容Summary of the invention

有鉴于此，本发明实施例期望提供一种网关虚拟化方法、***及计算机存储介质，能实现网关转发面的虚拟化。In view of this, embodiments of the present invention are directed to providing a gateway virtualization method, system, and computer storage medium, which can implement virtualization of a gateway forwarding plane.

为达到上述目的，本发明实施例的技术方案是这样实现的：To achieve the above objective, the technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention is implemented as follows:

本发明实施例提供了一种网关虚拟化方法，所述方法包括： An embodiment of the present invention provides a gateway virtualization method, where the method includes:

接收到网络业务请求时，根据所述网络业务请求向SDN控制器请求分配资源；其中，所述网络业务请求中包括虚拟网元需求，且所述虚拟网元需求中包括一个或多个虚拟网关转发面的需求。When the network service request is received, the SDN controller is requested to allocate resources according to the network service request, where the network service request includes a virtual network element requirement, and the virtual network element requirement includes one or more virtual gateways. The need for forwarding faces.

上述方案中，所述虚拟网关转发面的需求至少包括：吞吐量、和/或所支持的互联网协议IP连接数、和/或所支持的承载数量、和/或位置。In the above solution, the requirement of the virtual gateway forwarding plane includes at least: throughput, and/or the number of supported Internet Protocol IP connections, and/or the number of supported bearers, and/or location.

上述方案中，所述虚拟网元需求中还包括：虚拟网关控制面的需求。In the foregoing solution, the virtual network element requirement further includes: a requirement of a virtual gateway control plane.

上述方案中，所述虚拟网元需求通过虚拟网元描述符描述。In the above solution, the virtual network element requirement is described by a virtual network element descriptor.

上述方案中，所述虚拟网元描述符中包括：虚拟数字单元VDU描述符、和/或虚拟网关转发面描述符；其中，所述VDU描述符用于描述虚拟网关控制面各组件的资源需求，所述虚拟网关转发面描述符用于描述虚拟网关转发面的资源需求。In the foregoing solution, the virtual network element descriptor includes: a virtual digital unit VDU descriptor, and/or a virtual gateway forwarding plane descriptor; wherein the VDU descriptor is used to describe resource requirements of components of the virtual gateway control plane. The virtual gateway forwarding plane descriptor is used to describe a resource requirement of the virtual gateway forwarding plane.

上述方案中，所述向SDN控制器请求分配资源，包括：In the above solution, the requesting to allocate resources to the SDN controller includes:

通过VIM向SDN控制器请求分配虚拟网关转发面资源；Requesting, by the VIM, the virtual gateway forwarding plane resource to be allocated to the SDN controller;

或者，向SDN控制器请求分配虚拟网关转发面资源。Alternatively, the SDN controller is requested to allocate a virtual gateway forwarding plane resource.

本发明实施例还提供了一种网关虚拟化方法，所述方法包括：The embodiment of the invention further provides a gateway virtualization method, the method comprising:

接收到SDN控制器发送的资源变化报告时，根据所述资源变化报告更新交换资源拓扑信息；其中，所述SDN控制器是负责分配用于构建虚拟网关转发面的交换资源的设备。Upon receiving the resource change report sent by the SDN controller, the exchange resource topology information is updated according to the resource change report; wherein the SDN controller is a device responsible for allocating the exchange resources for constructing the virtual gateway forwarding plane.

上述方案中，所述接收到SDN控制器发送的资源变化报告之前，还包括：In the foregoing solution, before receiving the resource change report sent by the SDN controller, the method further includes:

在所述SDN控制器所管辖的交换资源发生改变时，或所述SDN控制器在刚启动时，所述SDN控制器向第一设备发送资源变化报告。When the exchange resource under the jurisdiction of the SDN controller changes, or when the SDN controller is just started, the SDN controller sends a resource change report to the first device.

上述方案中，所述SDN控制器向第一设备发送资源变化报告，包括：In the above solution, the SDN controller sends a resource change report to the first device, including:

所述SDN控制器通过VIM向第一设备发送资源变化报告；The SDN controller sends a resource change report to the first device by using the VIM;

或者，所述SDN控制器向第一设备发送资源变化报告。 Alternatively, the SDN controller sends a resource change report to the first device.

接收到第一设备或第一设备通过VIM发送的资源分配请求时，基于所述资源分配请求分配用于构建虚拟网关转发面的交换资源；其中，所述第一设备为网络编排器或虚拟网元管理器。And receiving, when the first device or the first device sends a resource allocation request by using the VIM, to allocate, according to the resource allocation request, a switching resource for constructing a virtual gateway forwarding plane; where the first device is a network or a virtual network. Meta manager.

上述方案中，所述基于所述资源分配请求分配用于构建虚拟网关转发面的交换资源，包括：SDN控制器在分配虚拟网关转发面资源时，选择一个或多个设备作为虚拟网关转发面资源。In the foregoing solution, the allocating the exchange resource for constructing the virtual gateway forwarding plane based on the resource allocation request includes: selecting, by the SDN controller, one or more devices as the virtual gateway forwarding plane resource when allocating the virtual gateway forwarding plane resource .

上述方案中，所述SDN控制器选择多个设备作为虚拟网关转发面资源时，还包括：将所述多个设备对外虚拟成一个虚拟网关转发面。In the above solution, when the SDN controller selects multiple devices as the virtual gateway forwarding plane resources, the method further includes: virtualizing the multiple devices into one virtual gateway forwarding plane.

上述方案中，所述多个设备包括一个或多个分发设备、以及一个或多个处理设备；其中，所述分发设备是用于根据负荷分担原则将接收到的数据包分发到处理设备，以均衡各处理设备间负荷的设备；所述处理设备是用于为虚拟网元处理和转发所述数据包的设备。In the above solution, the multiple devices include one or more distribution devices, and one or more processing devices; wherein the distribution device is configured to distribute the received data packets to the processing device according to the load sharing principle, A device that equalizes load between processing devices; the processing device is a device for processing and forwarding the data packet for a virtual network element.

上述方案中，所述方法还包括：In the above solution, the method further includes:

接收到虚拟网元发送的配置修改请求时，为所述虚拟网元修改虚拟网关转发面的流表；其中，所述虚拟网元包括虚拟网关控制面单元。Upon receiving the configuration modification request sent by the virtual network element, the flow table of the virtual gateway forwarding plane is modified for the virtual network element; wherein the virtual network element includes a virtual gateway control plane unit.

上述方案中，所述接收到虚拟网元发送的配置修改请求时，为所述虚拟网元修改虚拟网关转发面的流表，包括：In the foregoing solution, when the configuration modification request sent by the virtual network element is received, the flow table of the virtual gateway forwarding plane is modified for the virtual network element, including:

接收虚拟网关控制面单元发送的配置修改请求；根据所述配置修改请求为所述虚拟网关控制面单元修改虚拟网关转发面的流表。Receiving a configuration modification request sent by the virtual gateway control plane unit; modifying the flow table of the virtual gateway forwarding plane for the virtual gateway control plane unit according to the configuration modification request.

本发明实施例还提供了一种网关虚拟化***，所述***包括：The embodiment of the invention further provides a gateway virtualization system, the system comprising:

第一设备，配置为接收到网络业务请求时，根据所述网络业务请求向SDN控制器请求分配资源；The first device, configured to request, when receiving the network service request, allocate resources to the SDN controller according to the network service request;

SDN控制器，配置为分配资源；SDN controller configured to allocate resources;

其中，所述网络业务请求中包括虚拟网元需求，且所述虚拟网元需求中包括一个或多个虚拟网关转发面的需求。The network service request includes a virtual network element requirement, and the virtual network element requirement Includes the requirements of one or more virtual gateway forwarding planes.

上述方案中，所述第一设备，还配置为：In the foregoing solution, the first device is further configured to:

通过VIM向SDN控制器请求分配虚拟网关转发面资源；或者，向SDN控制器请求分配虚拟网关转发面资源；其中，所述第一设备为网络编排器或虚拟网元管理器。The VIM is requested to allocate the virtual gateway forwarding plane resource to the SDN controller; or the SDN controller is requested to allocate the virtual gateway forwarding plane resource; wherein the first device is a network or a virtual network element manager.

上述方案中，所述SDN控制器，还配置为：In the above solution, the SDN controller is further configured to:

在所述SDN控制器所管辖的交换资源发生改变时，向所述第一设备发送资源变化报告，以使所述第一设备更新交换资源拓扑信息。And when the exchange resource managed by the SDN controller changes, sending a resource change report to the first device, so that the first device updates the exchange resource topology information.

上述方案中，所述第一设备，还配置为接收到资源变化报告时，根据所述资源变化报告更新交换资源拓扑信息。In the foregoing solution, the first device is further configured to: when receiving the resource change report, update the exchange resource topology information according to the resource change report.

上述方案中，所述SDN控制器，还配置为在刚启动时，向第一设备发送资源变化报告。In the above solution, the SDN controller is further configured to send a resource change report to the first device when the device is started.

上述方案中，所述SDN控制器，还配置为：通过VIM向第一设备发送资源变化报告；或者，直接向第一设备发送资源变化报告。In the above solution, the SDN controller is further configured to: send a resource change report to the first device by using the VIM; or send the resource change report directly to the first device.

在分配虚拟网关转发面资源时，选择一个或多个设备作为虚拟网关转发面资源。When assigning virtual gateway forwarding plane resources, select one or more devices as virtual gateway forwarding plane resources.

上述方案中，所述SDN控制器，还配置为：选择多个设备作为虚拟网关转发面资源时，将所述多个设备对外虚拟成一个虚拟网关转发面。In the above solution, the SDN controller is further configured to: when multiple devices are selected as the virtual gateway forwarding plane resources, the multiple devices are externally virtualized into one virtual gateway forwarding plane.

上述方案中，所述多个设备中，包括一个或多个分发设备，以及一个或多个处理设备；In the foregoing solution, the multiple devices include one or more distribution devices, and one or more processing devices;

其中，所述分发设备是用于根据负荷分担原则将接收到的数据包分发到处理设备，以均衡各处理设备间负荷的设备；所述处理设备是用于为虚拟网元处理和转发所述数据包的设备。The distribution device is configured to distribute the received data packet to the processing device according to the load sharing principle to balance the load between the processing devices; the processing device is configured to process and forward the virtual network element. The device of the packet.

上述方案中，所述SDN控制器，还配置为： In the above solution, the SDN controller is further configured to:

接收虚拟网关控制面单元发送的配置修改请求；Receiving a configuration modification request sent by the virtual gateway control plane unit;

根据所述配置修改请求为所述虚拟网关控制面单元修改虚拟网关转发面的流表。Modifying, according to the configuration modification request, a flow table of the virtual gateway forwarding plane for the virtual gateway control plane unit.

本发明实施例提供了一种计算机存储介质，所述计算机存储介质中存储有计算机程序，所述计算机程序用于执行以上所述的网关虚拟化方法。The embodiment of the invention provides a computer storage medium, wherein the computer storage medium stores a computer program, and the computer program is used to execute the gateway virtualization method described above.

本发明实施例提供的网关虚拟化方法、***及计算机存储介质，接收到网络业务请求时，根据所述网络业务请求向SDN控制器请求分配用于构建虚拟网关转发面的交换资源；其中，所述网络业务请求中包括虚拟网元需求，且所述虚拟网元需求中包括一个或多个虚拟网关转发面的需求。如此，本发明实施例所述技术方案解决了现有技术中无法实现网关转发面的虚拟化的问题；具体的，本发明实施例所述技术方案在虚拟网元的描述符中增加了虚拟网关转发面的需求描述，从而使得网络编排器或VNF管理器可以为虚拟网元申请虚拟网关转发面资源，以实现包括网关转发面在内的虚拟化；SDN控制器可将多个不同转发设备集群，组成一个满足需求的容量更大的虚拟转发设备，并将该虚拟转发设备作为虚拟网关转发面资源分配给虚拟网元，从而实现网关转发面的虚拟化。The gateway virtualization method, system, and computer storage medium provided by the embodiment of the present invention, when receiving a network service request, request, according to the network service request, an SDN controller to allocate an exchange resource for constructing a virtual gateway forwarding plane; The network service request includes a virtual network element requirement, and the virtual network element requirement includes a requirement of one or more virtual gateway forwarding planes. As such, the technical solution in the embodiment of the present invention solves the problem that the virtualization of the gateway forwarding plane cannot be implemented in the prior art. Specifically, the technical solution in the embodiment of the present invention adds a virtual gateway to the descriptor of the virtual network element. The requirement description of the forwarding plane, so that the network or the VNF manager can apply for the virtual gateway forwarding plane resource for the virtual network element to implement virtualization including the gateway forwarding plane; the SDN controller can cluster multiple different forwarding devices. A virtual forwarding device with a larger capacity that meets the requirements is formed, and the virtual forwarding device is allocated as a virtual gateway forwarding surface resource to the virtual network element, thereby implementing virtualization of the gateway forwarding plane.

附图说明DRAWINGS

图1为现有技术中NFV的架构示意图；1 is a schematic structural diagram of an NFV in the prior art;

图2为本发明实施例提供的网关虚拟化方法的流程示意图；2 is a schematic flowchart of a gateway virtualization method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

图3为本发明实施例提供的网关虚拟化***的组成结构示意图；3 is a schematic structural diagram of a gateway virtualization system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

图4为本发明实施例提供的一种NFV架构示意图；4 is a schematic diagram of an NFV architecture according to an embodiment of the present invention;

图5为本发明实施例提供的另一种NFV架构示意图； FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of another NFV architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

图6为本发明实施例提供的SDN控制器将小容量交换机虚拟化为虚拟网关转发面的示意图；6 is a schematic diagram of an SDN controller virtualizing a small-capacity switch to a virtual gateway forwarding plane according to an embodiment of the present invention;

图7是本发明实施例提供的虚拟网元描述符示意图；FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a virtual network element descriptor according to an embodiment of the present invention;

图8是本发明实施例提供的SDN控制器所控制的资源发生变化时向网络编排器报告的流程示意图一；8 is a schematic flowchart 1 of reporting to a network orchestrator when a resource controlled by an SDN controller is changed according to an embodiment of the present invention;

图9是本发明实施例提供的SDN控制器所控制的资源发生变化时向网络编排器报告的流程示意图二；9 is a second schematic flowchart of reporting to a network orchestrator when a resource controlled by an SDN controller is changed according to an embodiment of the present invention;

图10是本发明实施例提供的网络编排器收到网络服务需求后为网络服务实例化的流程示意图一；10 is a schematic flowchart 1 of instantiation of a network service after a network orchestrator receives a network service request according to an embodiment of the present invention;

图11是本发明实施例提供的网络编排器收到网络服务需求后为网络服务实例化的流程示意图二；11 is a second schematic diagram of a process for instantiating a network service after receiving a network service request by a network arranger according to an embodiment of the present invention;

图12是本发明实施例提供的网络编排器收到网络服务需求后为网络服务实例化的流程示意图三；FIG. 12 is a third schematic diagram of a flow of instantiating a network service after a network orchestrator receives a network service request according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

图13是本发明实施例提供的网络编排器收到网络服务需求后为网络服务实例化的流程示意图四；FIG. 13 is a fourth schematic diagram of a flow of instantiating a network service after a network orchestrator receives a network service request according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

图14是本发明实施例提供的在4G网络中将网关虚拟化后的一种架构示意图；FIG. 14 is a schematic structural diagram of a gateway virtualized in a 4G network according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

图15是本发明实施例提供的基于图14所示架构下UE发起PDN连接时的流程图；FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a UE launching a PDN connection based on the architecture shown in FIG. 14 according to an embodiment of the present invention;

图16是本发明实施例提供的在4G网络中将网关虚拟化后的另一种架构示意图；FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of another architecture after virtualizing a gateway in a 4G network according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

图17是本发明实施例提供的基于图16所示架构下UE发起PDN连接时的流程图。FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a method for a UE to initiate a PDN connection based on the architecture shown in FIG. 16 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

具体实施方式detailed description

需要说明的是，在下述本发明各实施例中，GTP-C是GPRS Tunneling Protocol for Control plane的简称，其中文名称是“GPRS隧道协议控制面”；GPRS是General Packet Radio Service的简称，其中文名称是“通用分组无线业务”；MME是Mobility Management Entity的简称，其中文名称是“移动管理实体”；PCRF是Policy and Charging Rules Function的简称，其中文名称是“策略与计费规则功能单元”；GTP是GPRS Tunnelling Protocol的简称，其中文名称是“GPRS隧道协议”；PDN是Packet Data Network的简称，其中文名称是“公共数据网络”；PCRF是Policy And Charging Rules Function的简称，其中文名称是“策略和计费规则功能”；SDN是Software Defined Network的简称，其中文名称是“软件定义网络”；VPN是Virtual Private Network的简称，其中文名称是“虚拟专用网络”；DHCP是Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol的简称，其中文名称是“动态主机配置协议”。It should be noted that in the following embodiments of the present invention, GTP-C is GPRS Tunneling. Abbreviation for Protocol for Control plane, whose Chinese name is "GPRS Tunneling Protocol Control Surface"; GPRS is the abbreviation of General Packet Radio Service, its Chinese name is "General Packet Radio Service"; MME is the abbreviation of Mobility Management Entity, its Chinese name It is a "mobile management entity"; PCRF is the abbreviation of Policy and Charging Rules Function, its Chinese name is "Policy and Charging Rules Function Unit"; GTP is the abbreviation of GPRS Tunnelling Protocol, its Chinese name is "GPRS Tunneling Protocol"; PDN It is the abbreviation of Packet Data Network, its Chinese name is "public data network"; PCRF is the abbreviation of Policy And Charging Rules Function, its Chinese name is "policy and charging rule function"; SDN is the abbreviation of Software Defined Network, its Chinese The name is "software-defined network"; VPN is the abbreviation of Virtual Private Network, its Chinese name is "virtual private network"; DHCP is the abbreviation of Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, its Chinese name is "Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol".

下面结合附图和具体实施例对本发明的技术方案进一步详细阐述。The technical solutions of the present invention are further elaborated below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

实施例一Embodiment 1

图2为本发明实施例提供的网关虚拟化方法的流程示意图；如图2所示，该方法主要包括以下步骤：2 is a schematic flowchart of a gateway virtualization method according to an embodiment of the present invention; as shown in FIG. 2, the method mainly includes the following steps:

步骤201，接收网络业务请求；Step 201: Receive a network service request.

其中，所述网络业务请求中包括虚拟网元需求，且所述虚拟网元需求中包括一个或多个虚拟网关转发面的需求。The network service request includes a virtual network element requirement, and the virtual network element requirement includes a requirement of one or more virtual gateway forwarding planes.

在一具体子实施例中，所述虚拟网关转发面的需求至少包括：吞吐量、和/或所支持的IP连接数、和/或所支持的承载数量、和/或位置。In a specific sub-embodiment, the requirements of the virtual gateway forwarding plane include at least: throughput, and/or number of supported IP connections, and/or number of supported bearers, and/or location.

这里，所述网络业务请求还包括虚拟网关控制面(即网关处理器)所需的资源，如，CPU资源、内存资源、网络连接资源。Here, the network service request further includes resources required by the virtual gateway control plane (ie, the gateway processor), such as CPU resources, memory resources, and network connection resources.

在一具体子实施例中，所述虚拟网元需求中还包括：In a specific sub-embodiment, the virtual network element requirement further includes:

虚拟网关控制面的需求。The requirements of the virtual gateway control plane.

在一具体子实施例中，所述虚拟网元需求通过虚拟网元描述符描述。 In a specific sub-embodiment, the virtual network element requirement is described by a virtual network element descriptor.

在一具体子实施例中，所述虚拟网元描述符中包括：VDU描述符、和/或虚拟网关转发面描述符；In a specific sub-embodiment, the virtual network element descriptor includes: a VDU descriptor, and/or a virtual gateway forwarding plane descriptor;

其中，所述VDU描述符用于描述虚拟网关控制面各组件的资源需求，所述虚拟网关转发面描述符用于描述虚拟网关转发面的资源需求。The VDU descriptor is used to describe resource requirements of components of the virtual gateway control plane, and the virtual gateway forwarding polygon descriptor is used to describe resource requirements of the virtual gateway forwarding plane.

步骤202，根据所述网络业务请求向SDN控制器请求分配资源。Step 202: Request to allocate resources to the SDN controller according to the network service request.

在一具体子实施例中，所述向SDN控制器请求分配资源，包括：In a specific sub-embodiment, the requesting to allocate resources to the SDN controller includes:

由第一设备通过虚拟架构管理器VIM向SDN控制器请求分配虚拟网关转发面资源；The first device requests the virtual gateway forwarding plane resource to the SDN controller through the virtual architecture manager VIM;

或者，由第一设备直接向SDN控制器请求分配虚拟网关转发面资源；Or, the first device directly requests the SDN controller to allocate the virtual gateway forwarding plane resource;

其中，所述第一设备为网络编排器或虚拟网元管理器。The first device is a network or a virtual network element manager.

相应地，本发明实施例还提供了一种网关虚拟化方法，所述方法包括：Correspondingly, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a gateway virtualization method, where the method includes:

接收到SDN控制器发送的资源变化报告时，根据所述资源变化报告更新交换资源拓扑信息；Receiving, when receiving the resource change report sent by the SDN controller, updating the exchange resource topology information according to the resource change report;

其中，所述SDN控制器是负责分配用于构建虚拟网关转发面的交换资源的设备。The SDN controller is a device responsible for allocating exchange resources for constructing a virtual gateway forwarding plane.

在一具体子实施例中，所述方法还包括：In a specific sub-embodiment, the method further includes:

在所述SDN控制器所管辖的交换资源发生改变时，所述SDN控制器向第一设备发送资源变化报告，以使所述第一设备更新交换资源拓扑信息；其中，所述第一设备可以是网络编排器。When the switching resource of the SDN controller is changed, the SDN controller sends a resource change report to the first device, so that the first device updates the exchange resource topology information; wherein the first device may Is the network arranger.

在一具体子实施例中，所述第一设备接收到所述资源变化报告时，根据所述资源变化报告更新交换资源拓扑信息；其中，所述第一设备可以是网络编排器。In a specific sub-invention, the first device, when receiving the resource change report, updates the exchange resource topology information according to the resource change report; wherein the first device may be a network orchestrator.

在一具体子实施例中，所述方法还包括：所述SDN控制器在刚启动时，向第一设备发送资源变化报告；其中，所述第一设备可以是网络编排器。In a specific sub-embodiment, the method further includes: the SDN controller sends a resource change report to the first device when the device is started; wherein the first device may be a network orchestrator.

在一具体子实施例中，所述SDN控制器向第一设备发送资源变化报告，包括：In a specific sub-embodiment, the SDN controller sends a resource change report to the first device, include:

或者，所述SDN控制器直接向第一设备发送资源变化报告；其中，所述第一设备可以是网络编排器。Alternatively, the SDN controller directly sends a resource change report to the first device; wherein the first device may be a network orchestrator.

SDN控制器接收到第一设备或第一设备通过VIM发送的资源分配请求时，基于所述资源分配请求分配用于构建虚拟网关转发面的交换资源；When receiving the resource allocation request sent by the first device or the first device by using the VIM, the SDN controller allocates an exchange resource for constructing a virtual gateway forwarding plane based on the resource allocation request;

所述SDN控制器在分配虚拟网关转发面资源时，选择一个或多个设备作为虚拟网关转发面资源。When the SDN controller allocates the virtual gateway forwarding plane resource, the SDN controller selects one or more devices as the virtual gateway forwarding plane resource.

在一具体子实施例中，所述SDN控制器选择多个设备作为虚拟网关转发面资源时，还包括：In a specific sub-embodiment, when the SDN controller selects multiple devices as virtual gateway forwarding plane resources, the method further includes:

将所述多个设备对外虚拟成一个虚拟网关转发面。The plurality of devices are externally virtualized into one virtual gateway forwarding plane.

在一具体子实施例中，所述多个设备包括一个或多个分发设备、以及一个或多个处理设备；In a specific sub-embodiment, the plurality of devices include one or more distribution devices, and one or more processing devices;

在一具体子实施例中，所述方法还可以包括：In a specific sub-embodiment, the method may further include:

通过SDN控制器修改虚拟网关转发面的流表。Modify the flow table of the virtual gateway forwarding plane through the SDN controller.

具体地，所述通过SDN控制器修改虚拟网关转发面的流表，可以包括：Specifically, the modifying the flow table of the virtual gateway forwarding plane by using the SDN controller may include:

在一具体子实施例中，所述通过SDN控制器修改虚拟网关转发面的流表，包括：In a specific sub-embodiment, the modifying the flow of the virtual gateway forwarding plane by using the SDN controller Table, including:

由虚拟网关控制面通过SDN控制器修改虚拟网关转发面的流表。The flow table of the virtual gateway forwarding plane is modified by the virtual gateway control plane through the SDN controller.

具体地，所述由虚拟网关控制面通过SDN控制器修改虚拟网关转发面的流表，可以包括：Specifically, the flow table that is modified by the virtual gateway control plane to modify the virtual gateway forwarding plane by using the SDN controller may include:

本发明实施例还提供了一种计算机存储介质，所述计算机存储介质中存储有计算机可执行指令，所述计算机可执行指令用于执行前述的网关虚拟化方法。The embodiment of the invention further provides a computer storage medium, wherein the computer storage medium stores computer executable instructions, and the computer executable instructions are used to execute the foregoing gateway virtualization method.

实施例二Embodiment 2

图3为本发明实施例提供的网关虚拟化***的组成结构示意图，如图3所示，所述***包括：FIG. 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a gateway virtualization system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the system includes:

第一设备31，配置为接收到网络业务请求时，根据所述网络业务请求向SDN控制器请求资源；The first device 31 is configured to: when receiving the network service request, request the resource from the SDN controller according to the network service request;

SDN控制器32，配置为分配资源； SDN controller 32, configured to allocate resources;

在一具体子实施例中，所述虚拟网元需求通过虚拟网元描述符描述。In a specific sub-embodiment, the virtual network element requirement is described by a virtual network element descriptor.

在一具体子实施例中，所述虚拟网元描述符中包括：VDU描述符、和/或虚拟网关转发面描述符； In a specific sub-embodiment, the virtual network element descriptor includes: a VDU descriptor, and/or a virtual gateway forwarding plane descriptor;

在一具体子实施例中，所述第一设备31，还配置为：In a specific sub-embodiment, the first device 31 is further configured to:

或者，直接向SDN控制器请求分配虚拟网关转发面资源；Or directly requesting the virtual gateway forwarding plane resource to be allocated to the SDN controller;

其中，所述第一设备31为网络编排器311或虚拟网元管理器312。The first device 31 is a network orchestrator 311 or a virtual network element manager 312.

在一具体子实施例中，所述SDN控制器32，还配置为：In a specific sub-embodiment, the SDN controller 32 is further configured to:

在所述SDN控制器32所管辖的交换资源发生改变时，向所述第一设备31发送资源变化报告，以使所述第一设备31更新交换资源拓扑信息；Transmitting a resource change report to the first device 31, so that the first device 31 updates the exchange resource topology information, when the exchange resource of the SDN controller 32 is changed;

这里，在一具体子实施例中，所述第一设备31可以是网络编排器311。Here, in a specific sub-embodiment, the first device 31 may be a network arranger 311.

在一具体子实施例中，所述第一设备31，还配置为接收到资源变化报告时，根据所述资源变化报告更新交换资源拓扑信息；In a specific sub-embodiment, the first device 31 is further configured to: when receiving the resource change report, update the exchange resource topology information according to the resource change report;

在一具体子实施例中，所述SDN控制器32，还配置为在刚启动时，向第一设备31发送资源变化报告。In a specific sub-embodiment, the SDN controller 32 is further configured to send a resource change report to the first device 31 upon initial startup.

通过VIM向第一设备31发送资源变化报告；Sending a resource change report to the first device 31 through the VIM;

或者，直接向第一设备31发送资源变化报告；Or sending a resource change report directly to the first device 31;

在一具体子实施例中，所述SDN控制器32，还配置为：选择多个设备作为虚拟网关转发面资源时，将所述多个设备对外虚拟成一个虚拟网关转发面。 In a specific embodiment, the SDN controller 32 is further configured to: when multiple devices are selected as the virtual gateway forwarding plane resources, the multiple devices are externally virtualized into one virtual gateway forwarding plane.

在一具体子实施例中，所述多个设备中，包括一个或多个分发设备，以及一个或多个处理设备；In a specific sub-embodiment, the plurality of devices include one or more distribution devices, and one or more processing devices;

其中，所述分发设备是用于根据负荷分担原则将接收到的数据包分发到处理设备，以均衡各处理设备间负荷的设备；所述处理设备是用于为虚拟网元转发所述数据包的设备。The distribution device is configured to distribute the received data packet to the processing device according to the load sharing principle to balance the load between the processing devices; the processing device is configured to forward the data packet to the virtual network element. device of.

接收到虚拟网元发送的配置修改请求时，为所述虚拟网元通过SDN控制器修改虚拟网关转发面的流表；其中，所述虚拟网元包括虚拟网关控制面单元。After receiving the configuration modification request sent by the virtual network element, the virtual network element modifies the flow table of the virtual gateway forwarding plane by using the SDN controller; wherein the virtual network element includes a virtual gateway control plane unit.

具体地，所述SDN控制器32，还配置为：Specifically, the SDN controller 32 is further configured to:

实施例三Embodiment 3

图4是本发明实施例提供的一种NFV的架构示意图，如图4所示，该架构主要包括：网络编排器、VNF管理器、VIM、SDN控制器、网关处理器、交换资源池、计算资源池。下面就图4所示架构中的各组成部分进行详细描述。4 is a schematic structural diagram of an NFV according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the architecture mainly includes: a network orchestrator, a VNF manager, a VIM, an SDN controller, a gateway processor, a switching resource pool, and a calculation. Resource pool. The components in the architecture shown in Figure 4 are described in detail below.

网络编排器，配置为接收来自运营商的网络业务请求；其中，所述网络业务请求包括对虚拟网元(网关设备)的需求，如，网关设备支持的吞吐量、IP连接数、承载数、网关设备的位置等。网络编排器，还用于根据所述网络业务请求，为虚拟网元申请资源，其中所述申请的资源包括：网关控制面(即网关处理器)所需的资源和网关所需的转发资源。a network orchestrator, configured to receive a network service request from an operator, where the network service request includes a requirement for a virtual network element (gateway device), such as a throughput supported by the gateway device, an IP connection number, a bearer number, The location of the gateway device, etc. The network orchestrator is further configured to apply for a resource for the virtual network element according to the network service request, where the requested resource includes: a resource required by the gateway control plane (ie, a gateway processor) and a forwarding resource required by the gateway.

在图4中，SDN控制器与网络编排器、SDN控制器与VNF管理器均无直接接口，网络编排器和VNF管理器通过VIM申请转发资源以及网关处理器所需的资源，再通过VIM向SDN控制器为虚拟网元申请转发资源和网关处理器所需的资源。In Figure 4, the SDN controller has no direct interface with the network orchestrator, the SDN controller, and the VNF manager. The network orchestrator and the VNF manager apply for forwarding resources and gateways through the VIM. The resources required by the processor are then used by the VIM to request the virtual network element for the forwarding resource and the resources required by the gateway processor from the SDN controller.

VNF管理器，配置为为虚拟网元申请资源、对虚拟网元的实例化、虚拟网元的运行状态监控、虚拟网元的扩容缩容等进行管理。也就是说，VNF管理器是虚拟网元的管理设备。The VNF manager is configured to manage resources for the virtual network element, instantiate the virtual network element, monitor the running status of the virtual network element, and expand and shrink the virtual network element. That is to say, the VNF manager is a management device of a virtual network element.

需要说明的是，在大多数的NFV架构中，虚拟网元的资源申请都是通过VNF管理器进行的，但也不排除由网络编排器直接为虚拟网元向VIM申请资源。图5中将这两种可能都包括在内，其中，VNF管理器与VIM的接口用于VNF管理器为虚拟网元申请资源，而网络编排器与VIM的接口用于网络编排器为虚拟网元申请资源。It should be noted that in most NFV architectures, the resource request of the virtual network element is performed by the VNF manager, but the network orchestrator directly requests the virtual network element to apply for resources to the VIM. The two possibilities are included in Figure 5, where the interface between the VNF manager and the VIM is used by the VNF manager to request resources for the virtual network element, and the interface between the network orchestrator and the VIM is used for the network orchestrator as a virtual network. Yuan applies for resources.

SDN控制器，配置为管理网络资源，所有的网络资源都通过SDN控制器进行分配和配置。也就是说，SDN控制器是网络资源的管理器。在图4的架构中，网关处理器内部各组件间的网络连接、网关处理器与外部其他网元间的网络连接、网关转发面所需的网络资源都由SDN控制器进行分配、配置和管理。在图4的架构中，网关转发面的网络资源可以由多个容量小的交换机集群组成更大容量的交换机，称为虚拟网关转发面，以满足运营商对网关的需求。The SDN controller is configured to manage network resources, and all network resources are allocated and configured through the SDN controller. That is to say, the SDN controller is a manager of network resources. In the architecture of FIG. 4, the network connection between the components inside the gateway processor, the network connection between the gateway processor and other external network elements, and the network resources required for the gateway forwarding plane are all allocated, configured, and managed by the SDN controller. . In the architecture of FIG. 4, the network resources of the gateway forwarding plane may be composed of a plurality of switch clusters with a small capacity to form a larger capacity switch, which is called a virtual gateway forwarding plane, to meet the requirements of the operator for the gateway.

网关处理器是网关的控制面单元，在基于SDN的网关实现中，网关处理器负责处理GTP-C协议、计费和策略控制、IP地址分配等功能。在图4的架构中，网关处理器，用于通过SDN控制器对网关转发面资源进行配置。当网关转发面的网络资源由多个小交换机组成时，SDN控制器需将这组小交换机集群，并在交换机集群中合理分配流量，以使得它们能通过负荷分担原则提供相同的网络服务。在网关设备的需求中，可能会存在多个不同地理位置的网关转发面的需求，SDN控制器在不同地理位置为网关设备分配网络资源并模拟成虚拟网关转发面。有时，运营商希望用不同的网关设备提供不同的网络服务，如，使用专用网关设备提供VPN服务，此时，运营商会将此需求反应在网络服务需求中，最终，SDN控制器会为专用网关设备分配专用网络资源以提供服务。因此，在图4中，可能会存在多个虚拟网关转发面，这些虚拟网关转发面可能分布在不同的位置或者具为特定的业务服务。The gateway processor is the control plane unit of the gateway. In the SDN-based gateway implementation, the gateway processor is responsible for handling functions such as GTP-C protocol, charging and policy control, and IP address allocation. In the architecture of FIG. 4, a gateway processor is configured to configure gateway forwarding area resources through an SDN controller. When the network resources of the gateway forwarding plane are composed of multiple small switches, the SDN controller needs to cluster the small groups of switches and allocate traffic in the switch cluster so that they can provide the same network service through the load sharing principle. In the requirements of the gateway device, there may be a plurality of gateway forwarding planes in different geographical locations, and the SDN controller allocates network resources to the gateway device in different geographical locations and simulates the virtual gateway forwarding plane. Sometimes operators want to use different gateways Different network services are provided, for example, a dedicated gateway device is used to provide VPN services. At this time, the operator will reflect this demand in the network service requirements. Finally, the SDN controller allocates dedicated network resources for the dedicated gateway device to provide services. Therefore, in FIG. 4, there may be multiple virtual gateway forwarding planes, which may be distributed in different locations or serve as specific services.

VIM，是VNF架构中基础架构的管理器，负责管理所有计算资源、存储资源，在图4架构中，VIM还通过SDN控制器管理网络资源。VIM is the infrastructure manager in the VNF architecture. It manages all computing resources and storage resources. In the architecture of Figure 4, VIM also manages network resources through SDN controllers.

网络编排器和VNF管理器通过VIM为虚拟网元申请资源，如：为网络处理器申请CPU、内存和网络链路资源，为虚拟网元转发面申请虚拟网关转发面资源等。The network orchestrator and the VNF manager apply for resources for the virtual network element through the VIM, for example, applying for CPU, memory, and network link resources for the network processor, and applying for virtual gateway forwarding plane resources for the virtual network element forwarding plane.

第一资源池，包括计算资源池、存储资源池和网络资源池。其中，计算资源池配置为提供CPU；存储资源池配置为提供存储空间；网络资源池配置为提供网络连接和虚拟网关转发面资源。The first resource pool includes a computing resource pool, a storage resource pool, and a network resource pool. The computing resource pool is configured to provide a CPU; the storage resource pool is configured to provide storage space; and the network resource pool is configured to provide a network connection and a virtual gateway forwarding plane resource.

实际应用中，计算资源池和存储资源池通常由x86和磁盘阵列提供，以虚拟机(VM，Virtual Machine)的形式为虚拟网元提供服务；而网络资源池通常由交换机、主机网卡、路由器等组成，为虚拟网元提供连接服务，并为网关设备提供虚拟网关转发面资源。计算资源池、存储资源池由VIM直接控制，而网络资源池则部分由VIM直接控制、部分由SDN控制器控制，本发明只关注SDN控制器控制的部分。In practical applications, the computing resource pool and the storage resource pool are usually provided by x86 and disk arrays, and serve virtual network elements in the form of virtual machines (VMs). The network resource pools are usually composed of switches, host network cards, routers, and the like. The component provides a connection service for the virtual network element and provides a virtual gateway forwarding plane resource for the gateway device. The computing resource pool and the storage resource pool are directly controlled by the VIM, and the network resource pool is partially controlled by the VIM and partially controlled by the SDN controller. The present invention only focuses on the part controlled by the SDN controller.

实施例四Embodiment 4

图5是本发明实施例提供的另一种NFV的架构示意图，显然，图5与图4的区别是：SDN控制器在架构中的位置不同。具体的，在图5中，网络编排器和VNF管理器直接向SDN控制器申请虚拟网关转发面资源。与图4相同，申请资源也分为两种可能的方式，即，由网络编排器去申请或由VNF管理器去申请。图5中，VIM与SDN控制器间的接口用于管理网关处理器的连接资源。也就是说，网关处理器的连接资源是可以通过VIM申请的。FIG. 5 is a schematic structural diagram of another NFV according to an embodiment of the present invention. Obviously, the difference between FIG. 5 and FIG. 4 is that the SDN controller has different positions in the architecture. Specifically, in FIG. 5, the network orchestrator and the VNF manager directly apply for a virtual gateway forwarding plane resource to the SDN controller. As with Figure 4, the application resources are also divided into two possible ways, namely, applying by the network orchestrator or applying by the VNF manager. In Figure 5, the interface between the VIM and the SDN controller is used to manage the network. Turn off the connection resources of the processor. That is to say, the connection resources of the gateway processor can be applied through VIM.

实施例五Embodiment 5

图6为本发明实施例提供的SDN控制器将小容量交换机虚拟化为虚拟网关转发面的示意图，在图6中，虚拟网关由多个交换机组成，其中，一部分交换机负责虚拟网关的负荷均衡，在图6中称为交换机，其他交换机负责为网关设备提供转发功能，在图6中称为“资源”，组成资源池。一个虚拟网关转发面中的所有“资源”对外表现为一个设备，它们共享IP地址，共享流表信息等。在图6中，资源池中的所有资源都与一个或多个交换机相连，该组交换机负责根据负荷分担原则将发往资源池的IP数据包分发给资源池中的各资源设备处理。一组交换机可负责一个或多个资源池的数据包转发，当一组交换机负责超过一个资源池的数据转发时，交换机需先区分收到的数据包归属的资源池，再按该资源池的负荷分担原则进行转发。资源池管理器通过SDN控制器给上述交换机组发送分发规则，其中，资源池管理器可以是SDN控制器的一部分，或者是SDN控制器上面的一个应用程序。图6中，从上游节点发往资源池的数据包和从下游节点发往资源池的数据包分别通过两个交换机组转发，在实际实现中可通过一个交换机组转发。进一步的，在实际实现中，可以每个接口连接一个专用的交换机组，或者所有接口共用交换机组。6 is a schematic diagram of an SDN controller virtualizing a small-capacity switch to a virtual gateway forwarding plane according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 6, the virtual gateway is composed of multiple switches, and some of the switches are responsible for load balancing of the virtual gateway. In FIG. 6, it is called a switch, and other switches are responsible for providing a forwarding function for the gateway device, which is referred to as a "resource" in FIG. 6, and constitutes a resource pool. All the "resources" in the forwarding plane of a virtual gateway are externally represented as a device, which share an IP address, share flow table information, and the like. In Figure 6, all the resources in the resource pool are connected to one or more switches. The group of switches is responsible for distributing the IP data packets sent to the resource pool to the resource devices in the resource pool according to the load sharing principle. A group of switches can be responsible for packet forwarding of one or more resource pools. When a group of switches is responsible for data forwarding of more than one resource pool, the switch needs to distinguish the resource pool to which the received data packet belongs, and then press the resource pool. The principle of load sharing is forwarded. The resource pool manager sends a distribution rule to the switch group through the SDN controller, wherein the resource pool manager can be part of the SDN controller or an application on the SDN controller. In Figure 6, the data packets sent from the upstream node to the resource pool and the data packets sent from the downstream node to the resource pool are forwarded through the two switch groups. In actual implementation, the switch can be forwarded through a switch group. Further, in an actual implementation, a dedicated switch group may be connected to each interface, or all interfaces share a switch group.

实施例六Embodiment 6

图7是本发明实施例提供的虚拟网元描述符示意图，图7仅是虚拟网元描述符的一个优选实施例。网络服务描述符用于描述运营商通过OSS/BSS或其他方式向网络编排器请求提供网络服务需求。其中，网络服务描述符的一个重要组成是虚拟网元描述符。虚拟网元描述符是对网络服务所需的虚拟网元的需求的描述，比如，虚拟网元所需的CPU资源、存储资源、网络连接资源等。FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a virtual network element descriptor according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is only a preferred embodiment of a virtual network element descriptor. The network service descriptor is used to describe the operator's request to provide network service requirements to the network orchestrator through OSS/BSS or other means. Among them, an important component of the network service descriptor is the virtual network element descriptor. Virtual network element descriptor is for network service A description of the requirements of the virtual network element required by the virtual network element, such as CPU resources, storage resources, and network connection resources required by the virtual network element.

本实施例在传统的虚拟网元描述符中增加了一个虚拟网关转发面描述，虚拟网关转发面描述的内容主要包括：虚拟网关转发面的吞吐量、虚拟网关转发面支持的承载数量、虚拟网关转发面支持的IP连接数量、虚拟网关转发面的位置需求、以及其他可能的必要信息。具体的，有虚拟网关转发面资源需求的虚拟网元描述符可包括一个或多个虚拟网关转发面描述符。在VNF描述符中增加了虚拟网关转发面描述符数量，用于描述该虚拟网元所包含的虚拟网关转发面描述符的数量。In this embodiment, a virtual gateway forwarding plane description is added to the traditional virtual network element descriptor. The content described in the virtual gateway forwarding plane mainly includes: the throughput of the virtual gateway forwarding plane, the number of bearers supported by the virtual gateway forwarding plane, and the virtual gateway. The number of IP connections supported by the forwarding plane, the location requirements of the virtual gateway forwarding plane, and other possible necessary information. Specifically, the virtual network element descriptor having the virtual gateway forwarding area resource requirement may include one or more virtual gateway forwarding plane descriptors. The number of virtual gateway forwarding polygon descriptors is added to the VNF descriptor to describe the number of virtual gateway forwarding polygon descriptors included in the virtual network element.

网关的功能包括控制面和转发面，在网关虚拟化时，运营商可使用一个虚拟网元描述符来描述网关控制面和网关转发面的需求，此时，在网关的虚拟网元描述符中既包含虚拟数据单元(VDU，Virtual Data Uint)也包含虚拟网关转发面描述符，其中，VDU用于描述虚拟网关的控制面的资源需求，而虚拟网元描述符用于描述虚拟网关的转发面的资源需求。可选地，运营商可使用两个虚拟网元描述符分别用于描述网关控制面和网关转发面的资源需求，此时，在网关控制面的虚拟网元描述符中不包含虚拟网关转发面描述符，在网关转发面的虚拟网元描述符中不包括VDU。具体实现方式取决于运营商的偏好。以上仅给出了使用1个或2个虚拟网元描述符来表示资源需求的2种描述方式，当然，并不限于以上2种描述方式，在此，不再赘述。The function of the gateway includes the control plane and the forwarding plane. When the gateway is virtualized, the operator can use a virtual network element descriptor to describe the requirements of the gateway control plane and the gateway forwarding plane. At this time, in the virtual network element descriptor of the gateway. The virtual data unit (VDU) also includes a virtual gateway forwarding plane descriptor, where the VDU is used to describe the resource requirements of the control plane of the virtual gateway, and the virtual network element descriptor is used to describe the forwarding plane of the virtual gateway. Resource requirements. Optionally, the operator may use two virtual network element descriptors to describe the resource requirements of the gateway control plane and the gateway forwarding plane respectively. At this time, the virtual network element descriptor of the gateway control plane does not include the virtual gateway forwarding plane. The descriptor does not include the VDU in the virtual network element descriptor of the gateway forwarding plane. The specific implementation depends on the operator's preferences. The descriptions of the two descriptions of the resource requirements are described in the above, and are not limited to the above descriptions.

假设，网关虚拟化采用一个虚拟网元描述符描述控制面和转发面，以传统4G网络中的PGW或SGW的虚拟化为例，则PGW或SGW的虚拟网元描述符中包括一个或多个虚拟网关转发面描述符。在运营商的网络实现中，PGW和SGW是可以合一部署的，当它们合一部署时，可以使用一套虚拟网关转发面同时为PGW和SGW提供服务，或使用不同的虚拟网关转发面分别为PGW和SGW提供服务，具体实现取决于运营商的需求。在虚拟网元描述符中，若需要在不同地理位置部署虚拟网关转发面，每个要求部署虚拟网关转发面的位置都分别用对应的虚拟网关转发面描述符表示。当运营商想用专用的虚拟网关转发面提供特殊的服务时，比如，运营商希望有专用的虚拟网关为VPN提供服务，则运营商需在虚拟网元描述符中为每个专用虚拟网关提供虚拟网关转发面描述符。Assume that the gateway virtualization uses a virtual network element descriptor to describe the control plane and the forwarding plane. Taking the virtualization of the PGW or SGW in the traditional 4G network as an example, the virtual network element descriptor of the PGW or SGW includes one or more. The virtual gateway forwards the polygon descriptor. In the network implementation of the operator, the PGW and the SGW can be deployed in a unified manner. When they are deployed together, a virtual gateway forwarding plane can be used to provide services for both the PGW and the SGW, or use different virtual gateways. The services are provided for the PGW and the SGW respectively, and the specific implementation depends on the needs of the operators. In the virtual network element descriptor, if the virtual gateway forwarding plane needs to be deployed in different geographical locations, the location of each virtual gateway forwarding plane required to be deployed is represented by the corresponding virtual gateway forwarding plane descriptor. When an operator wants to provide a special service by using a dedicated virtual gateway forwarding plane, for example, if the operator wants to have a dedicated virtual gateway to provide services for the VPN, the operator needs to provide each dedicated virtual gateway in the virtual network element descriptor. The virtual gateway forwards the polygon descriptor.

实施例七Example 7

图8是本发明实施例提供的SDN控制器所控制的资源发生变化时向网络编排器报告的流程示意图一。在一个网络编排器管理的网络中可能会部署多个SDN控制器，网络编排器需了解每个SDN控制器所管辖的交换资源的状态，以便在需要分配交换资源时可以选择合适的SDN控制器进行分配。在网络刚启动时，SDN控制器也会通过本实施例流程报告SDN控制器所管理的所有资源，后续发生变化时，SDN控制器只需将资源的变化通知网络编排器即可。使用本实施例所描述的方法，网络编排器可获得SDN控制器所管辖的交换资源的最新使用情况。图8基于图4架构，网络编排器通过VIM与SDN控制器接口。并且，图8中假设每个VIM下有一个SDN控制器，在实际部署时也可以一个VIM下有多个SDN控制器存在。图8的详细描述可以如下：FIG. 8 is a schematic flowchart 1 of reporting to a network orchestrator when a resource controlled by an SDN controller is changed according to an embodiment of the present invention. Multiple SDN controllers may be deployed in a network managed by a network orchestrator. The network orchestrator needs to know the status of the switching resources managed by each SDN controller, so that the appropriate SDN controller can be selected when the switching resources need to be allocated. Make an assignment. When the network is just started, the SDN controller reports all the resources managed by the SDN controller through the process of this embodiment. When subsequent changes occur, the SDN controller only needs to notify the network arranger of the change of the resources. Using the method described in this embodiment, the network orchestrator can obtain the latest usage of the exchange resources governed by the SDN controller. Figure 8 is based on the architecture of Figure 4, with the network orchestrator interfacing with the SDN controller via VIM. Moreover, FIG. 8 assumes that there is one SDN controller under each VIM, and in actual deployment, there may be multiple SDN controllers under one VIM. The detailed description of Figure 8 can be as follows:

801a～801b：SDN控制器所管辖的资源发生改变，如新增了交换资源。801a～801b: The resources under the jurisdiction of the SDN controller have changed, such as the exchange of resources.

这里，所述资源发生改变，也可说成是“资源发生变化”。Here, the resource changes, and can also be said to be "a change in resources."

802a～802b：SDN控制器向VIM发送资源改变报告消息，通知VIM交换资源变化情况。802a-802b: The SDN controller sends a resource change report message to the VIM to notify the VIM to exchange resource changes.

这里，所述资源改变报告消息也可称为“资源变化报告消息”。Here, the resource change report message may also be referred to as a “resource change report message”.

803a～803b：VIM向SDN控制器返回响应消息。803a-803b: The VIM returns a response message to the SDN controller.

804a～804b：VIM向网络编排器发送资源改变报告消息，通知网络编排器有关资源变化情况，在本实施例中，资源的变化为SDN管理的交换资源的变化。804a-804b: The VIM sends a resource change report message to the network orchestrator to notify the network orchestration. Regarding the resource change situation, in this embodiment, the change of the resource is a change of the exchange resource managed by the SDN.

805a～805b：网络编排器更新资源信息，并向VIM返回响应消息。805a-805b: The network orchestrator updates the resource information and returns a response message to the VIM.

实施例八Example eight

图9是本发明实施例提供的SDN控制器所控制的资源发生变化时向网络编排器报告的流程示意图二。与图8不同，图9是SDN控制器与网络编排器直接接口的场景下的流程图。图9的各步骤详细描述如下：FIG. 9 is a second schematic flowchart of reporting to a network orchestrator when a resource controlled by an SDN controller is changed according to an embodiment of the present invention. Different from FIG. 8, FIG. 9 is a flowchart in a scenario where an SDN controller directly interfaces with a network orchestrator. The steps of Figure 9 are described in detail as follows:

901：SDN控制器所管辖的资源发生改变，如新增了交换资源。901: The resources under the jurisdiction of the SDN controller are changed, such as the exchange of resources.

902：SDN控制器向网络编排器发送资源改变报告消息，通知网络编排器交换资源变化情况。902: The SDN controller sends a resource change report message to the network orchestrator to notify the network arranger to exchange resource changes.

903：网络编排器更新交换资源信息，并向SDN控制器返回响应消息。903: The network orchestrator updates the exchange resource information and returns a response message to the SDN controller.

实施例九Example nine

图10是本发明实施例提供的网络编排器收到网络服务需求后为网络服务实例化的流程示意图一。如图10所示，图10是网络编排器通过VIM向SDN控制器申请虚拟网关转发面资源的应用场景下的流程图，该流程主要包括以下步骤：FIG. 10 is a schematic flowchart 1 of instantiation of a network service after a network orchestrator receives a network service request according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 10, FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an application scenario in which the network orchestrator applies for a virtual gateway forwarding plane resource to the SDN controller through the VIM, and the process mainly includes the following steps:

1001：网络编排器收到网络业务请求，网络业务请求中包含了虚拟网元描述符，其中虚拟网元有虚拟网关转发面资源需求；1001: The network orchestrator receives a network service request, where the network service request includes a virtual network element descriptor, where the virtual network element has a virtual gateway forwarding surface resource requirement;

1002：网络编排器向虚拟网元管理器发送指示消息，要求虚拟网元管理器实例化网络业务请求中的虚拟网元。1002: The network orchestrator sends an indication message to the virtual network element manager, and the virtual network element manager is required to instantiate the virtual network element in the network service request.

1003：虚拟网元管理器向网络编排器发送资源申请请求。1003: The virtual network element manager sends a resource request request to the network orchestrator.

也就是说，虚拟网元管理器请求网络编排器分配资源。That is, the virtual network element manager requests the network orchestrator to allocate resources.

1004：网络编排器向VIM发送分配资源请求，请求VIM为虚拟网元分配必要的资源。 1004: The network orchestrator sends a resource allocation request to the VIM, requesting the VIM to allocate necessary resources to the virtual network element.

在该分配资源请求消息中，网络编排器将虚拟网关需求也发送给VIM。In the Allocation Resource Request message, the network orchestrator also sends the virtual gateway request to the VIM.

1005：VIM向SDN控制器发送分配网络资源请求。1005: The VIM sends a request for allocating network resources to the SDN controller.

也就是说，VIM向SDN控制器请求分配虚拟网元连接资源和虚拟网关转发面资源。That is, the VIM requests the SDN controller to allocate virtual network element connection resources and virtual gateway forwarding plane resources.

1006：SDN控制器分配完虚拟网元连接资源和虚拟网关转发面资源后给VIM发送响应消息，将分配的虚拟网关转发面资源发送给VIM。1006: The SDN controller sends a response message to the VIM after the virtual network element connection resource and the virtual gateway forwarding area resource are allocated, and sends the allocated virtual gateway forwarding area resource to the VIM.

1007：VIM向网络编排器发送响应消息，将所分配资源通知给网络编排器。1007: The VIM sends a response message to the network orchestrator, and notifies the network arranger of the allocated resources.

1008：网络编排器向虚拟网元管理器发送分配资源响应消息，将分配的资源发送给虚拟网元管理器。1008: The network orchestrator sends a resource allocation response message to the virtual network element manager, and sends the allocated resource to the virtual network element manager.

1009：虚拟网元管理器在分配的资源上启动虚拟网元，并对虚拟网元进行配置。该配置包括为虚拟网元配置虚拟网关转发面资源。1009: The virtual network element manager starts a virtual network element on the allocated resource and configures the virtual network element. The configuration includes configuring a virtual gateway forwarding polygon resource for the virtual network element.

1010：虚拟网元管理器向网络编排器发送实例化虚拟网元响应，通知网络编排器已成功将虚拟网元实例化。1010: The virtual network element manager sends an instantiated virtual network element response to the network orchestrator, and notifies the network orchestrator that the virtual network element is successfully instantiated.

1011：若虚拟网元包括了虚拟网关转发面资源，虚拟网元启动后对虚拟网关转发面资源进行配置。虚拟网元向SDN控制器发送配置修改请求。1011: If the virtual network element includes the virtual gateway forwarding plane resource, the virtual network element starts to configure the virtual gateway forwarding area resource. The virtual network element sends a configuration modification request to the SDN controller.

1012：SDN控制器对虚拟网关进行配置，向虚拟网关转发面发送流表修改消息。1012: The SDN controller configures the virtual gateway, and sends a flow table modification message to the virtual gateway forwarding plane.

实施例十Example ten

图11是本发明实施例提供的网络编排器收到网络服务需求后为网络服务实例化的流程示意图二。图11是虚拟网元管理器通过VIM向SDN控制器申请虚拟网关转发面资源的应用场景下的流程图。如图11所示，该流程主要包括以下步骤：FIG. 11 is a second schematic diagram of a flow of instantiating a network service after a network orchestrator receives a network service request according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an application scenario in which the virtual network element manager applies for a virtual gateway forwarding plane resource to the SDN controller through the VIM. As shown in FIG. 11, the process mainly includes the following steps:

1101：网络编排器收到网络业务请求，网络业务请求中包含了虚拟网元描述符，其中虚拟网元有虚拟网关转发面资源需求； 1101: The network orchestrator receives a network service request, where the network service request includes a virtual network element descriptor, where the virtual network element has a virtual gateway forwarding surface resource requirement;

1102：网络编排器向虚拟网元管理器发送指示消息，要求虚拟网元管理器实例化网络业务请求中的虚拟网元。1102: The network orchestrator sends an indication message to the virtual network element manager, and the virtual network element manager is required to instantiate the virtual network element in the network service request.

1103：虚拟网元管理器向VIM发送分配资源请求，请求VIM为虚拟网元分配必要的资源。在该消息中，虚拟网元管理器将虚拟网关需求也发送给VIM。1103: The virtual network element manager sends a resource allocation request to the VIM, and requests the VIM to allocate necessary resources to the virtual network element. In this message, the virtual network element manager also sends the virtual gateway requirements to the VIM.

1104：VIM向SDN控制器发送分配网络资源请求。1104: The VIM sends a request for allocating a network resource to the SDN controller.

1105：SDN控制器分配完虚拟网元连接资源和虚拟网关转发面资源后向VIM发送响应消息，将分配的虚拟网关转发面资源发送给VIM。1105: After the SDN controller allocates the virtual network element connection resource and the virtual gateway forwarding area resource, the SDN controller sends a response message to the VIM, and sends the allocated virtual gateway forwarding area resource to the VIM.

1106：VIM向虚拟网元管理器发送响应消息，将所分配资源通知给虚拟网元管理器。1106: The VIM sends a response message to the virtual network element manager, and notifies the virtual network element manager of the allocated resource.

1107：虚拟网元管理器在分配的资源上启动虚拟网元，并对虚拟网元进行配置。该配置包括为虚拟网元配置虚拟网关转发面资源。1107: The virtual network element manager starts a virtual network element on the allocated resource, and configures the virtual network element. The configuration includes configuring a virtual gateway forwarding polygon resource for the virtual network element.

1108：虚拟网元管理器向网络编排器发送实例化虚拟网元响应，通知网络编排器已成功将虚拟网元实例化。1108: The virtual network element manager sends an instantiated virtual network element response to the network orchestrator, and notifies the network orchestrator that the virtual network element is successfully instantiated.

1109：若虚拟网元包括了虚拟网关转发面资源，虚拟网元启动后对虚拟网关转发面资源进行配置。虚拟网元向SDN控制器发送配置修改请求。1109: If the virtual network element includes the virtual gateway forwarding plane resource, the virtual network element starts to configure the virtual gateway forwarding plane resource. The virtual network element sends a configuration modification request to the SDN controller.

1110：SDN控制器对虚拟网关转发面进行配置，向虚拟网关转发面发送流表修改消息。1110: The SDN controller configures the virtual gateway forwarding plane, and sends a flow table modification message to the virtual gateway forwarding plane.

实施例十一Embodiment 11

图12是本发明实施例提供的网络编排器收到网络服务需求后为网络服务实例化的流程示意图三。图12是网络编排器直接向SDN控制器申请虚拟网关转发面资源，网络编排器通过VIM向SDN控制器申请虚拟网元连接所需的网络资源的应用场景下的流程图，该流程主要包括以下步骤：： FIG. 12 is a third schematic flowchart of instantiation of a network service after a network orchestrator receives a network service request according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a flowchart of an application scenario in which the network orchestrator directly requests the virtual gateway forwarding plane resource from the SDN controller, and the network orchestrator applies for the network resource required for the virtual network element connection to the SDN controller through the VIM, and the process mainly includes the following. Steps:

1201：网络编排器收到网络业务请求，网络业务请求中包含了虚拟网元描述符，其中虚拟网元有虚拟网关转发面资源需求；1201: The network orchestrator receives a network service request, where the network service request includes a virtual network element descriptor, where the virtual network element has a virtual gateway forwarding surface resource requirement;

1202：网络编排器向虚拟网元管理器发送指示消息，要求虚拟网元管理器实例化网络业务请求中的虚拟网元。1202: The network orchestrator sends an indication message to the virtual network element manager, and the virtual network element manager is required to instantiate the virtual network element in the network service request.

1203：虚拟网元管理器向网络编排器发送资源申请请求。1203: The virtual network element manager sends a resource request request to the network orchestrator.

1204：网络编排器向VIM发送分配资源请求，请求VIM为虚拟网元分配必要的资源，包括虚拟网元连接所需的网络资源。1204: The network orchestrator sends a resource allocation request to the VIM, and requests the VIM to allocate necessary resources to the virtual network element, including network resources required for the virtual network element connection.

1205：VIM向SDN控制器请求分配虚拟网元连接资源。1205: The VIM requests the SDN controller to allocate a virtual network element connection resource.

1206：SDN控制器分配完虚拟网元连接资源后向VIM发送响应消息，将分配的网络资源发送给VIM。1206: After the SDN controller allocates the virtual network element connection resource, it sends a response message to the VIM, and sends the allocated network resource to the VIM.

1207：VIM向网络编排器发送响应消息，将所分配资源通知给网络编排器。1207: The VIM sends a response message to the network orchestrator, and notifies the network arranger of the allocated resources.

1208：网络编排器向SDN控制器发送分配虚拟网关转发面资源请求，请求为虚拟网元分配虚拟网关转发面资源。1208: The network orchestrator sends a virtual gateway forwarding plane resource request to the SDN controller, and requests to allocate a virtual gateway forwarding plane resource to the virtual network element.

1209：SDN控制器分配虚拟网关转发面资源，并向网络编排器发送响应消息。1209: The SDN controller allocates a virtual gateway forwarding plane resource, and sends a response message to the network orchestrator.

1210：网络编排器向虚拟网元管理器发送分配资源响应消息，将分配的资源发送给虚拟网元管理器。1210: The network orchestrator sends a resource allocation response message to the virtual network element manager, and sends the allocated resource to the virtual network element manager.

1211：虚拟网元管理器在分配的资源上启动虚拟网元，并向虚拟网元进行配置。该配置包括为虚拟网元配置虚拟网关转发面资源。1211: The virtual network element manager starts a virtual network element on the allocated resource, and configures the virtual network element. The configuration includes configuring a virtual gateway forwarding polygon resource for the virtual network element.

1212：虚拟网元管理器向网络编排器发送实例化虚拟网元响应，通知网络编排器已成功将虚拟网元实例化。1212: The virtual network element manager sends an instantiated virtual network element response to the network orchestrator, and notifies the network orchestrator that the virtual network element is successfully instantiated.

1213：若虚拟网元包括了虚拟网关转发面资源，虚拟网元启动后对虚拟网关转发面资源进行配置。虚拟网元向SDN控制器发送配置修改请求。1213: If the virtual network element includes the virtual gateway forwarding plane resource, the virtual network element starts to configure the virtual gateway forwarding area resource. The virtual network element sends a configuration modification request to the SDN controller.

1214：SDN控制器对虚拟网关转发面进行配置，向虚拟网关转发面发送流表修改消息。1214: The SDN controller configures the virtual gateway forwarding plane and forwards the face to the virtual gateway. The flow table is modified.

实施例十二Example twelve

图13是本发明实施例提供的网络编排器收到网络服务需求后为网络服务实例化的流程示意图四。图13是虚拟网元管理器直接向SDN控制器申请虚拟网关转发面资源，虚拟网元管理器通过VIM向SDN控制器申请虚拟网元连接所需的网络资源的应用场景下的流程图，该流程主要包括以下步骤：FIG. 13 is a fourth schematic diagram of a process for instantiating a network service after receiving a network service request by a network arranger according to an embodiment of the present invention. 13 is a flow chart of an application scenario in which the virtual network element manager directly requests the virtual gateway forwarding plane resource from the SDN controller, and the virtual network element manager applies for the network resource required for the virtual network element connection to the SDN controller through the VIM. The process mainly includes the following steps:

1301：网络编排器收到网络业务请求，网络业务请求中包含了虚拟网元描述符，其中虚拟网元有虚拟网关转发面资源需求；1301: The network orchestrator receives a network service request, where the network service request includes a virtual network element descriptor, where the virtual network element has a virtual gateway forwarding surface resource requirement;

1302：网络编排器向虚拟网元管理器发送指示消息，要求虚拟网元管理器实例化网络业务请求中的虚拟网元。1302: The network orchestrator sends an indication message to the virtual network element manager, and the virtual network element manager is required to instantiate the virtual network element in the network service request.

1303：虚拟网元管理器向VIM发送分配资源请求，请求VIM为虚拟网元分配必要的资源。在该消息中，虚拟网元管理器将虚拟网元网络连接需求也发送给VIM。1303: The virtual network element manager sends a resource allocation request to the VIM, and requests the VIM to allocate necessary resources to the virtual network element. In this message, the virtual network element manager also sends the virtual network element network connection requirements to the VIM.

1304：VIM向SDN控制器请求分配虚拟网元连接资源。1304: The VIM requests the SDN controller to allocate a virtual network element connection resource.

1305：VIM给虚拟网元管理器发送分配资源响应消息，将所分配资源通知给虚拟网元管理器。1305: The VIM sends a resource allocation response message to the virtual network element manager, and notifies the virtual network element manager of the allocated resource.

1306：虚拟网元管理器向SDN控制器发送分配虚拟网关转发面资源请求，请求为虚拟网元分配虚拟网关转发面资源。1306: The virtual network element manager sends a virtual gateway forwarding plane resource request to the SDN controller, and requests to allocate a virtual gateway forwarding plane resource to the virtual network element.

1307：SDN控制器分配虚拟网关转发面资源，并向虚拟网元管理器发送响应消息。1307: The SDN controller allocates a virtual gateway forwarding plane resource, and sends a response message to the virtual network element manager.

1308：虚拟网元管理器在分配的资源上启动虚拟网元，并对虚拟网元进行配置。该配置包括为虚拟网元配置虚拟网关转发面资源。1308: The virtual network element manager starts a virtual network element on the allocated resource, and configures the virtual network element. The configuration includes configuring a virtual gateway forwarding polygon resource for the virtual network element.

1309：虚拟网元管理器向网络编排器发送实例化虚拟网元响应，通知网络编排器已成功将虚拟网元实例化。 1309: The virtual network element manager sends an instantiated virtual network element response to the network orchestrator, and notifies the network orchestrator that the virtual network element is successfully instantiated.

1310：若虚拟网元包括了虚拟网关转发面资源，虚拟网元启动后对虚拟网关转发面进行配置。虚拟网元向SDN控制器发送配置修改请求。1310: If the virtual network element includes the virtual gateway forwarding plane resource, the virtual network element starts to configure the virtual gateway forwarding plane. The virtual network element sends a configuration modification request to the SDN controller.

1311：SDN控制器对虚拟网关转发面进行配置，向虚拟网关转发面发送流表修改消息。1311: The SDN controller configures the virtual gateway forwarding plane, and sends a flow table modification message to the virtual gateway forwarding plane.

实施例十三Example thirteen

图14是本发明实施例提供的在4G网络中将网关虚拟化后的一种架构示意图。图14中，PGW虚拟化为PGW处理器+虚拟网关转发面，称为虚拟PGW；SGW虚拟化为SGW处理器+虚拟网关转发面，称为虚拟SGW。FIG. 14 is a schematic structural diagram of a gateway virtualized in a 4G network according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 14, the PGW is virtualized as a PGW processor + virtual gateway forwarding plane, called a virtual PGW; the SGW is virtualized as a SGW processor + virtual gateway forwarding plane, called a virtual SGW.

在控制面，SGW处理器通过S11接口与MME连接，通过S5/S8-C接口与PGW处理器连接，PGW处理器通过Gx接口与PCRF实体连接。On the control plane, the SGW processor is connected to the MME through the S11 interface, and is connected to the PGW processor through the S5/S8-C interface, and the PGW processor is connected to the PCRF entity through the Gx interface.

在用户面，SGW虚拟网关转发面通过S1-U接口与eNB连接，通过S5/S8-U接口与PGW虚拟网关转发面连接。PGW虚拟网关转发面通过SGi接口与PDN连接。当S5/S8接口基于GTP协议时，上述S5/S8-C接口使用GTP-C协议接口、S5/S8-U接口使用GTP-U协议接口。SGW虚拟网关转发面与PGW虚拟网关转发面间通过IP连接，SGW虚拟网关转发面与基站(eNB)间也是通过IP连接，底层的承载网络为上述接口配置所需的承载，从而为之提供IP服务。On the user side, the SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane is connected to the eNB through the S1-U interface, and is connected to the PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane through the S5/S8-U interface. The PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane is connected to the PDN through the SGi interface. When the S5/S8 interface is based on the GTP protocol, the S5/S8-C interface uses the GTP-C protocol interface and the S5/S8-U interface uses the GTP-U protocol interface. The SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane and the PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane are connected by IP. The SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane and the base station (eNB) are also connected through IP. The underlying bearer network configures the required bearer for the above interface, thereby providing IP for the interface. service.

如图14所示，PGW虚拟网关转发面与SGW虚拟网关转发面分属于不同SDN域时，PGW虚拟网关转发面和SGW虚拟网关转发面分别由各自域的SDN控制器控制。当PGW虚拟网关转发面和SGW虚拟网关转发面在一个域时，可使用相同的SDN控制器进行控制。As shown in FIG. 14, when the PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane and the SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane belong to different SDN domains, the PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane and the SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane are respectively controlled by the SDN controllers of the respective domains. When the PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane and the SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane are in one domain, the same SDN controller can be used for control.

实施例十四Embodiment 14

基于图14所示架构，当UE发起PDN连接时的流程图如图15所示。图15假设PGW虚拟网关转发面与SGW虚拟网关转发面分属于不同的SDN 域，因此，在图15中有2套SDN控制器。若PGW虚拟网关转发面与SGW虚拟网关转发面属于相同SDN域时，图15可简化为只包含一组SDN控制器，并且，PGW处理器与SGW处理器也可合并部署，从而减少S5/S8-C接口的交互。Based on the architecture shown in FIG. 14, a flowchart when the UE initiates a PDN connection is shown in FIG. Figure 15 assumes that the PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane and the SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane belong to different SDNs. Domain, therefore, there are 2 sets of SDN controllers in Figure 15. If the PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane and the SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane belong to the same SDN domain, Figure 15 can be simplified to include only one set of SDN controllers, and the PGW processor and the SGW processor can also be deployed together, thereby reducing S5/S8. -C interface interaction.

服务于一类业务的虚拟网关可能有多个，比如，分布在不同的地理位置上，此时，可根据终端的位置就近选择服务的虚拟网关。在本实施例中，运营商在不同位置部署不同的虚拟PGW(包括PGW处理器和虚拟网关转发面)和虚拟SGW(包括SGW处理器+虚拟网关转发面)。MME根据终端位置就近选择服务的虚拟PGW和虚拟SGW。There may be multiple virtual gateways serving a type of service, for example, distributed in different geographical locations. In this case, the virtual gateway of the service may be selected according to the location of the terminal. In this embodiment, the operator deploys different virtual PGWs (including the PGW processor and the virtual gateway forwarding plane) and the virtual SGW (including the SGW processor + virtual gateway forwarding plane) in different locations. The MME selects the virtual PGW and the virtual SGW of the service according to the location of the terminal.

图15流程图的各步骤详细描述如下：The steps of the flowchart of Figure 15 are described in detail as follows:

1501：UE预新建PDN连接时，UE向MME发送PDN连接建立请求。1501: When the UE pre-establishes a PDN connection, the UE sends a PDN connection establishment request to the MME.

其中，UE在该PDN连接建立请求消息中携带有APN信息。The UE carries the APN information in the PDN connection setup request message.

1502：MME向SGW处理器发送会话建立请求。1502: The MME sends a session establishment request to the SGW processor.

具体的，MME将UE所请求的APN、MME选择的PGW处理器信息(如IP地址)、UE的位置信息(根据需要)发送给SGW处理器。Specifically, the MME sends the APN requested by the UE, the PGW processor information (such as an IP address) selected by the MME, and the location information of the UE (as needed) to the SGW processor.

具体的，MME向SGW处理器发送会话建立请求之前，MME为UE的PDN连接选择虚拟SGW(即，SGW处理器)和虚拟PGW(PGW处理器)。MME在选择SGW处理器和PGW处理器时可沿用以前的原则，比如，根据UE在第一步带上来的APN、UE的位置、UE的签约信息选择SGW处理器和PGW处理器。Specifically, before the MME sends a session establishment request to the SGW processor, the MME selects a virtual SGW (ie, an SGW processor) and a virtual PGW (PGW processor) for the PDN connection of the UE. The MME can follow the previous principles when selecting the SGW processor and the PGW processor, for example, selecting the SGW processor and the PGW processor according to the APN carried by the UE in the first step, the location of the UE, and the subscription information of the UE.

1503：SGW处理器向SDN控制器发送配置修改请求，该请求用来修改虚拟网关转发面的流表。1503: The SGW processor sends a configuration modification request to the SDN controller, where the request is used to modify the flow table of the virtual gateway forwarding plane.

SGW处理器为该PDN连接的承载分配S1-U接口对应的TEID和S5/S8-U接口对应的TEID。上述配置修改请求将SGW虚拟网关的S1-U TEID和S5/S8-U TEID以及SGW池的S1-U IP地址和S5/S8-U IP地址发送给SDN控制器。The SGW processor allocates the TEID corresponding to the S1-U interface and the TEID corresponding to the S5/S8-U interface to the bearer of the PDN connection. The configuration modification request sends the S1-U TEID and the S5/S8-U TEID of the SGW virtual gateway and the S1-U IP address and the S5/S8-U IP address of the SGW pool. Give the SDN controller.

1504：SDN控制器向SGW虚拟网关转发面发送流表修改消息，将步骤1503中所带的S1-U及S5/S8-U隧道信息写入虚拟网关转发面的流表中。若虚拟网关转发面由多个设备组成，SDN控制器的流表修改消息发给构成虚拟网关转发面的所有设备。1504: The SDN controller sends a flow table modification message to the SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane, and writes the S1-U and S5/S8-U tunnel information carried in step 1503 into the flow table of the virtual gateway forwarding plane. If the virtual gateway forwarding plane is composed of multiple devices, the flow table modification message of the SDN controller is sent to all devices that constitute the forwarding plane of the virtual gateway.

若该SGW处理器对应多个虚拟网关转发面，SDN控制器为该PDN连接选择虚拟网关转发面，比如根据负荷分担原则选择一个负荷轻的虚拟网关转发面为该PDN连接服务。If the SGW processor corresponds to multiple virtual gateway forwarding planes, the SDN controller selects a virtual gateway forwarding plane for the PDN connection, for example, selecting a lightweight virtual gateway forwarding plane to serve the PDN connection according to the load sharing principle.

1505：SDN控制器在成功修改了SGW虚拟网关转发面的流表后向SGW处理器返回配置修改响应消息。1505: The SDN controller returns a configuration modification response message to the SGW processor after successfully modifying the flow table of the SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane.

1506：SGW处理器向PGW处理器发送会话建立请求消息，消息中携带SGW处理器给SGW虚拟网关转发面分配的S5/S8-U TEID和S5/S8-U IP地址、以及UE请求的APN、可选的UE位置信息等。1506: The SGW processor sends a session establishment request message to the PGW processor, where the message carries the S5/S8-U TEID and the S5/S8-U IP address allocated by the SGW processor to the SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane, and the APN requested by the UE, Optional UE location information, etc.

1507：PGW处理器向SDN控制器发送配置修改请求。在该消息中，PGW处理器将第1506步收到的SGW虚拟网关转发面的S5/S8-U TEID和SGW虚拟网关转发面的S5/S8-U IP地址、PGW处理器分配的PGW虚拟网关转发面的S5/S8-U TEID和PGW虚拟网关转发面的IP地址、UE的IP地址(若分配了)、UE的上下行TFT(若有)发送给SDN控制器。1507: The PGW processor sends a configuration modification request to the SDN controller. In the message, the PGW processor will receive the S5/S8-U TEID of the SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane received in step 1506 and the S5/S8-U IP address of the SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane, and the PGW virtual gateway allocated by the PGW processor. The S5/S8-U TEID of the forwarding plane and the IP address of the PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane, the IP address of the UE (if assigned), and the uplink and downlink TFTs of the UE (if any) are sent to the SDN controller.

具体的，PGW处理器向SDN控制器发送修改配置请求之前，PGW处理器为该PDN连接的承载(缺省承载和专用承载)分配S5/S8-U TEID。并且，PGW处理器根据UE请求的IP地址类型为该PDN连接分配IP地址，必要时PGW处理器通过DHCP方式为UE的PDN连接获取IP地址。Specifically, before the PGW processor sends the modify configuration request to the SDN controller, the PGW processor allocates the S5/S8-U TEID for the bearer (the default bearer and the dedicated bearer) of the PDN connection. Moreover, the PGW processor allocates an IP address to the PDN connection according to the IP address type requested by the UE, and if necessary, the PGW processor obtains an IP address for the PDN connection of the UE through the DHCP method.

1508：若该PGW处理器对应多个虚拟网关转发面，SDN控制器为该PDN连接选择虚拟网关转发面，比如根据负荷分担原则选择一个负荷轻的虚拟网关转发面为该PDN连接服务。SDN控制器根据步骤1507发来的 SGW虚拟网关转发面的S5/S8-U TEID和SGW虚拟网关转发面的S5/S8-U IP地址、PGW虚拟网关转发面的S5/S8-U TEID和PGW虚拟网关转发面的IP地址、UE的IP地址(若分配了)、UE的上下行TFT(若有)生成该PDN连接及各承载对应的上下行流表。SDN控制器向PGW虚拟网关转发面发送流表修改消息，将上述上下行流表配置到PGW虚拟网关转发面。PGW虚拟网关转发面此时可为该PDN连接转发数据了。1508: If the PGW processor corresponds to multiple virtual gateway forwarding planes, the SDN controller selects a virtual gateway forwarding plane for the PDN connection, for example, selecting a light-weight virtual gateway forwarding plane to serve the PDN connection according to the load sharing principle. The SDN controller sends it according to step 1507. The S5/S8-U TEID of the SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane and the S5/S8-U IP address of the SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane, the S5/S8-U TEID of the PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane, and the IP address of the PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane, and the UE The IP address (if assigned) and the uplink and downlink TFTs of the UE (if any) generate the PDN connection and the uplink and downlink flow table corresponding to each bearer. The SDN controller sends a flow table modification message to the PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane, and configures the uplink and downlink flow table to the PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane. The PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane can forward data for the PDN connection at this time.

若虚拟网关转发面由多个设备组成，SDN控制器的流表修改消息发给构成虚拟网关转发面的所有设备。SDN控制器生成的流表示例如下：If the virtual gateway forwarding plane is composed of multiple devices, the flow table modification message of the SDN controller is sent to all devices that constitute the forwarding plane of the virtual gateway. The stream representation generated by the SDN controller is as follows:

下行方向：Match＝<Dest_IP＝＝UE IP>，<TFT>；Action＝[…]，GTP封装(源MAC，目的MAC，PGW虚拟网关转发面S5/S8-U IP，SGW虚拟网关转发面S5/S8-U IP，source UDP port，PGW虚拟网关转发面S5/S8-U TEID，SGW虚拟网关转发面S5/S8-U TEID)，output(outport)；Downstream direction: Match=<Dest_IP==UE IP>,<TFT>;Action=[...], GTP encapsulation (source MAC, destination MAC, PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane S5/S8-U IP, SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane S5 /S8-U IP, source UDP port, PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane S5/S8-U TEID, SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane S5/S8-U TEID), output(outport);

上行方向：Match＝<Dest_IP＝＝PGW虚拟网关转发面S5/S8-U IP>，<IP_proto＝＝UDP>，<Dest_port＝＝2152>，<GTP_U_MT＝＝255>，<GTP_TEID＝＝PGW虚拟网关转发面S5/S8-U TEID>；Action＝GTP解封装(source MAC，dest Mac)，[….]，output(outport)。Upstream direction: Match=<Dest_IP==PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane S5/S8-U IP>, <IP_proto==UDP>, <Dest_port==2152>, <GTP_U_MT==255>, <GTP_TEID==PGW virtual gateway Forwarding surface S5/S8-U TEID>; Action=GTP decapsulation (source MAC, dest Mac), [....], output (outport).

1509：SDN控制器向PGW处理器发送配置修改响应消息。1509: The SDN controller sends a configuration modification response message to the PGW processor.

1510：PGW处理器向SGW处理器发送会话建立响应消息。在该消息中PGW处理器将PGW处理器给PGW虚拟网关转发面分配的PGW虚拟网关转发面的S5/S8-U TEID和PGW虚拟网关转发面的IP地址、UE的IP地址(若分配了)、UE的上行TFT(若有)发送给SGW处理器。1510: The PGW processor sends a session establishment response message to the SGW processor. In the message, the PGW processor sends the PGW processor to the PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane, the S5/S8-U TEID of the PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane, and the IP address of the PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane, and the IP address of the UE (if assigned). The uplink TFT of the UE (if any) is sent to the SGW processor.

1511：SGW处理器向MME发送会话建立响应消息。在该消息中，SGW处理器将SGW虚拟网关转发面的S1-U TEID、SGW虚拟网关转发面的S1-U IP地址、PGW虚拟网关转发面的S5/S8-U TEID和PGW虚拟网关转发面的IP地址、UE的IP地址(若分配了)、UE的上下行TFT(若有)发送给MME。 1511: The SGW processor sends a session establishment response message to the MME. In the message, the SGW processor sends the S1-U TEID of the SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane, the S1-U IP address of the SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane, the S5/S8-U TEID of the PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane, and the PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane. The IP address, the IP address of the UE (if assigned), and the uplink and downlink TFTs of the UE (if any) are sent to the MME.

1512：MME向eNB发送承载建立请求。1512: The MME sends a bearer setup request to the eNB.

在该请求中，MME将SGW虚拟网关转发面的S1-U TEID、SGW虚拟网关转发面的S1-U IP地址、UE的IP地址(若分配了)、UE的上行TFT(若有)发送给eNB。在该消息中，MME还将携带有“PDN连接建立接受”信息的消息发送给eNB，由eNB在RRC消息中携带给UE。In the request, the MME sends the S1-U TEID of the SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane, the S1-U IP address of the SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane, the IP address of the UE (if assigned), and the uplink TFT of the UE (if any) to eNB. In the message, the MME also sends a message carrying the information of the "PDN connection establishment acceptance" to the eNB, and the eNB carries the message to the UE in the RRC message.

1513：eNB为UE的PDN连接分配无线资源，并通过RRC重配置将新配置的无线资源配置给UE。1513: The eNB allocates a radio resource to the PDN connection of the UE, and configures the newly configured radio resource to the UE by using RRC reconfiguration.

1514：eNB分配S1-U TEID，并向MME发送承载建立响应消息，将eNB的S1-U TEID和S1-U IP地址发送给MME。1514: The eNB allocates an S1-U TEID, and sends a bearer setup response message to the MME, and sends the S1-U TEID and the S1-U IP address of the eNB to the MME.

1515：UE向MME发送PDN连接建立接受消息。1515: The UE sends a PDN connection establishment accept message to the MME.

1516：MME向SGW处理器发送承载更新请求。MME将eNB发来的eNB的S1-U TEID和eNB的S1-U IP地址发送给SGW处理器。1516: The MME sends a bearer update request to the SGW processor. The MME sends the S1-U TEID of the eNB sent by the eNB and the S1-U IP address of the eNB to the SGW processor.

1517：SGW处理器向SDN控制器发送配置修改请求，SGW处理器将eNB的S1-U TEID和eNB的S1-U IP地址、PGW虚拟网关转发面的S5/S8-U TEID和PGW虚拟网关转发面的IP地址发送给SDN控制器。1517: The SGW processor sends a configuration modification request to the SDN controller, and the SGW processor forwards the S1-U TEID of the eNB and the S1-U IP address of the eNB, the S5/S8-U TEID of the PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane, and the PGW virtual gateway. The IP address of the face is sent to the SDN controller.

1518：SDN控制器发送流表修改消息给SGW虚拟网关转发面，将从SGW处理器收到的eNB的S1-U TEID和eNB的S1-U IP地址、PGW虚拟网关转发面的S5/S8-U TEID和PGW虚拟网关转发面的IP地址更新到该PDN连接对应的各承载的流表中。SGW虚拟网关转发面的最终流表示例如下：1518: The SDN controller sends a flow table modification message to the SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane, the S1-U TEID of the eNB received from the SGW processor, and the S1-U IP address of the eNB, and the S5/S8 of the PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane. The IP addresses of the U TEID and the PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane are updated to the flow table of each bearer corresponding to the PDN connection. The final stream representation of the SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane is as follows:

上行方向：Match＝<Dest_IP＝＝SGW虚拟网关转发面S1-U IP>，<IP_proto＝＝UDP>，<Dest_port＝＝2152>，<GTP_U_MT＝＝255>，<GTP_TEID＝＝SGW虚拟网关转发面S1-U TEID>；Action＝GTP解封装(source MAC，dest Mac)，[…]，Encap_GTP(source MAC，dest MAC，源IP＝SGW虚拟网关转发面S5/S8-U IP，目的IP＝PGW虚拟网关转发面S5/S8-U IP，source UDP port，源TEID＝SGW虚拟网关转发面S5/S8-U TEID，目的TEID＝PGW虚拟网关转发面S5/S8-U TEID)，output(outport)；Upstream direction: Match=<Dest_IP==SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane S1-U IP>, <IP_proto==UDP>, <Dest_port==2152>, <GTP_U_MT==255>, <GTP_TEID==SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane S1-U TEID>; Action=GTP decapsulation (source MAC, dest Mac), [...], Encap_GTP (source MAC, dest MAC, source IP=SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane S5/S8-U IP, destination IP=PGW Virtual gateway forwarding plane S5/S8-U IP, source UDP port, source TEID=SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane S5/S8-U TEID, destination TEID=PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane S5/S8-U TEID), output(outport);

下行方向：Match＝<Dest_IP＝＝SGW虚拟网关转发面S5/S8-U IP>，<IP_proto＝＝UDP>，<Dest_port＝＝2152>，<GTP_U_MT＝＝255>，<GTP_TEID＝＝SGW虚拟网关转发面S5/S8-U TEID>；Action＝GTP解封装(source MAC，dest Mac)，[…]，Encap_GTP(source MAC，dest MAC，源IP＝SGW虚拟网关转发面S1-U IP，目的IP＝eNB S1-U IP，source UDP port，源TEID＝SGW虚拟网关转发面S1-U TEID，目的TEID＝eNB S1-U TEID)，output(outport)。Downstream direction: Match=<Dest_IP==SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane S5/S8-U IP>, <IP_proto==UDP>, <Dest_port==2152>, <GTP_U_MT==255>, <GTP_TEID==SGW virtual gateway Forwarding surface S5/S8-U TEID>; Action=GTP decapsulation (source MAC, dest Mac), [...], Encap_GTP (source MAC, dest MAC, source IP=SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane S1-U IP, destination IP = eNB S1-U IP, source UDP port, source TEID = SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane S1-U TEID, destination TEID = eNB S1-U TEID), output (outport).

1519：SDN控制器向SGW处理器发送配置修改响应消息。1519: The SDN controller sends a configuration modification response message to the SGW processor.

1520：SGW处理器向MME发送承载更新响应消息。1520: The SGW processor sends a bearer update response message to the MME.

实施例十五Example fifteen

图16是本发明实施例提供的在4G网络中将网关虚拟化后的另一种架构示意图；如图16所示，图16相对于图14，将PGW处理器和SGW处理器合并为网关处理器，该网关处理器具有PGW处理器和SGW处理器的功能。图16假设SGW虚拟网关转发面和PGW虚拟网关转发面是分开的独立的虚拟网关转发面。网关处理器通过SDN控制器控制SGW虚拟网关转发面和PGW虚拟网关转发面。在控制面，网关处理器通过S11接口与MME连接，通过Gx接口与PCRF连接。用户面的结构与图14相同，SGW虚拟网关转发面通过S1-U接口与eNB连接，通过S5/S8-U接口与PGW虚拟网关转发面连接。PGW虚拟网关转发面通过SGi接口与PDN连接。当S5/S8接口基于GTP协议时，上述S5/S8-U接口使用GTP-U协议。SGW虚拟网关转发面与PGW虚拟网关转发面间通过IP连接，SGW虚拟网关转发面与eNB间也是通过IP连接，底层的承载网络为上述接口配置所需的承载，从而为之提供IP服务。 FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of another architecture after virtualizing a gateway in a 4G network according to an embodiment of the present invention; as shown in FIG. 16, FIG. 16 is combined with FIG. 14 to combine a PGW processor and an SGW processor into a gateway processing. The gateway processor has the functions of a PGW processor and an SGW processor. Figure 16 assumes that the SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane and the PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane are separate independent virtual gateway forwarding planes. The gateway processor controls the SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane and the PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane through the SDN controller. On the control plane, the gateway processor connects to the MME through the S11 interface and connects to the PCRF through the Gx interface. The structure of the user plane is the same as that of FIG. 14. The SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane is connected to the eNB through the S1-U interface, and is connected to the PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane through the S5/S8-U interface. The PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane is connected to the PDN through the SGi interface. When the S5/S8 interface is based on the GTP protocol, the above S5/S8-U interface uses the GTP-U protocol. The SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane and the PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane are connected by IP. The SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane and the eNB are also connected through IP. The underlying bearer network configures the required bearer for the above interface, thereby providing IP services.

实施例十六Example sixteen

图17的流程是当网络按图16架构组网时UE请求建立PDN连接的流程图。图17流程图的各步骤详细描述如下：The flow of Figure 17 is a flow chart of the UE requesting to establish a PDN connection when the network is networked according to the architecture of Figure 16. The steps of the flowchart of Figure 17 are described in detail as follows:

1701：UE预新建PDN连接，则UE向MME发送PDN连接建立请求。1701: The UE pre-establishes a PDN connection, and the UE sends a PDN connection establishment request to the MME.

1702：MME向网关处理器发送会话建立请求。MME将UE所请求的APN、UE的位置信息(根据需要)发送给网关处理器。1702: The MME sends a session establishment request to the gateway processor. The MME sends the APN requested by the UE and the location information of the UE (as needed) to the gateway processor.

具体的，MME向网关处理器发送会话建立请求之前，MME为UE的PDN连接选择网关处理器。MME在选择网关处理器时可沿用以前的原则，比如，根据UE在第1701步中所携带的APN信息、UE的位置、UE的签约信息等选择网关处理器。Specifically, before the MME sends the session establishment request to the gateway processor, the MME selects a gateway processor for the PDN connection of the UE. The MME can follow the previous principle when selecting the gateway processor, for example, selecting the gateway processor according to the APN information carried by the UE in step 1701, the location of the UE, the subscription information of the UE, and the like.

1703：网关处理器向SDN控制器发送配置修改请求。1703: The gateway processor sends a configuration modification request to the SDN controller.

上述配置修改请求将SGW虚拟网关转发面的S1-U TEID和SGW虚拟网关转发面的S1-U IP地址、SGW虚拟网关转发面的S5/S8-U TEID和SGW虚拟网关转发面的S5/S8-U IP地址、PGW虚拟网关转发面的S5/S8-U TEID和PGW虚拟网关转发面的IP地址、UE的IP地址(若分配了)、UE的上下行TFT(若有)发送给SDN控制器。The configuration modification request sends the S1-U TEID of the SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane and the S1-U IP address of the SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane, the S5/S8-U TEID of the SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane, and the S5/S8 of the SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane. -U IP address, the S5/S8-U TEID of the PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane, the IP address of the PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane, the IP address of the UE (if assigned), and the uplink and downlink TFTs of the UE (if any) are sent to the SDN control. Device.

网关处理器接收到MME发送的会话建立请求时，为该PDN连接的承载分配SGW虚拟网关转发面S1-U接口对应的TEID、SGW虚拟网关转发面S5/S8-U接口对应的TEID和PGW虚拟网关转发面S5/S8-U接口对应的TEID。并且，网关处理器根据UE请求的IP地址类型为该PDN连接分配IP地址，必要时网关处理器通过DHCP方式为UE的PDN连接获取IP地址。When receiving the session establishment request sent by the MME, the gateway processor allocates the TEID corresponding to the SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane S1-U interface and the TEID and PGW virtuality corresponding to the SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane S5/S8-U interface for the bearer of the PDN connection. The TEID corresponding to the S5/S8-U interface on the gateway forwarding plane. Moreover, the gateway processor allocates an IP address to the PDN connection according to the IP address type requested by the UE, and if necessary, the gateway processor obtains an IP address for the PDN connection of the UE by using a DHCP method.

1704：SDN控制器为UE选择SGW虚拟网关转发面和PGW虚拟网关转发面。SDN控制器决定选择分开的虚拟网关转发面分别作为SGW虚拟网关转发面和PGW虚拟网关转发面。SDN控制器根据步骤1703发来的SGW虚拟网关转发面的S1-U TEID和SGW虚拟网关转发面的S1-U IP地址、SGW虚拟网关转发面的S5/S8-U TEID和SGW虚拟网关转发面的S5/S8-U IP地址、PGW虚拟网关转发面的S5/S8-U TEID和PGW虚拟网关转发面的IP地址、UE的IP地址(若分配了)、UE的上下行TFT(若有)生成该PDN连接及各承载对应的上下行流表。SDN控制器向SGW虚拟网关转发面和PGW虚拟网关转发面发送流表修改消息，将上述上下行流表配置到SGW虚拟网关转发面和PGW虚拟网关转发面。1704: The SDN controller selects an SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane and a PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane for the UE. The SDN controller decides to select separate virtual gateway forwarding planes as SGW virtual Gateway forwarding plane and PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane. The S1-U TEID of the SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane sent by the SDN controller according to step 1703 and the S1-U IP address of the SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane, the S5/S8-U TEID of the SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane, and the SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane. The S5/S8-U IP address, the S5/S8-U TEID of the PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane, the IP address of the PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane, the IP address of the UE (if assigned), and the uplink and downlink TFTs of the UE (if any) The PDN connection and the uplink and downlink flow table corresponding to each bearer are generated. The SDN controller sends a flow table modification message to the SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane and the PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane, and configures the uplink and downlink flow table to the SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane and the PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane.

PGW虚拟网关转发面此时可为该PDN连接转发数据了。SDN控制器生成的PGW的流表示例如下：The PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane can forward data for the PDN connection at this time. The flow representation of the PGW generated by the SDN controller is as follows:

上行方向：Match＝<Dest_IP＝＝PGW虚拟网关转发面S5/S8-U IP>，<IP_proto＝＝UDP>，<Dest_port＝＝2152>，<GTP_U_MT＝＝255>，<GTP_TEID＝＝PGW虚拟网关转发面S5/S8-U TEID>；Action＝GTP解封装(source MAC，dest Mac)，[…]，output(outport)。Upstream direction: Match=<Dest_IP==PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane S5/S8-U IP>, <IP_proto==UDP>, <Dest_port==2152>, <GTP_U_MT==255>, <GTP_TEID==PGW virtual gateway Forwarding surface S5/S8-U TEID>; Action=GTP decapsulation (source MAC, dest Mac), [...], output (outport).

1705：SDN控制器向网关处理器发送配置修改响应消息。1705: The SDN controller sends a configuration modification response message to the gateway processor.

1706：网关处理器向MME发送会话建立响应消息。在该消息中，网关处理器将SGW虚拟网关转发面的S1-U TEID、SGW虚拟网关转发面的S1-U IP地址、PGW虚拟网关转发面的S5/S8-U TEID和PGW虚拟网关转发面的IP地址、UE的IP地址(若分配了)、UE的上下行TFT(若有)发送给MME。1706: The gateway processor sends a session establishment response message to the MME. In the message, the gateway processor forwards the S1-U TEID of the SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane, the S1-U IP address of the SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane, the S5/S8-U TEID of the PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane, and the PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane. The IP address, the IP address of the UE (if assigned), and the uplink and downlink TFTs of the UE (if any) are sent to the MME.

1707：MME向eNB发送承载建立请求。1707: The MME sends a bearer setup request to the eNB.

在该请求中，MME将SGW虚拟网关转发面的S1-U TEID、SGW虚拟网关转发面的S1-U IP地址、UE的IP地址(若分配了)、UE的上行TFT(若有)发送给eNB。在该消息中，MME还将NAS消息“PDN连接建立接受”发送给eNB，由eNB在无线资源控制协议(RRC，Radio Resource Control)消息中携带给UE。In the request, the MME virtualizes the S1-U TEID and SGW of the SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane. The S1-U IP address of the gateway forwarding plane, the IP address of the UE (if assigned), and the uplink TFT of the UE (if any) are sent to the eNB. In the message, the MME also sends the NAS message "PDN connection establishment acceptance" to the eNB, and the eNB carries the message to the UE in a Radio Resource Control Protocol (RRC) message.

1708：eNB为UE的PDN连接分配无线资源，并通过RRC重配置将新配置的无线资源配置给UE。1708: The eNB allocates a radio resource to the PDN connection of the UE, and configures the newly configured radio resource to the UE by using RRC reconfiguration.

1709：eNB分配S1-U TEID，并向MME发送承载建立响应消息，将eNB的S1-U TEID和S1-U IP地址发送给MME。1709: The eNB allocates an S1-U TEID, and sends a bearer setup response message to the MME, and sends the S1-U TEID and the S1-U IP address of the eNB to the MME.

1710：UE向MME发送PDN连接建立接受消息。1710: The UE sends a PDN connection establishment accept message to the MME.

1711：MME向网关处理器发送承载更新请求。MME将eNB发来的eNB的S1-U TEID和eNB的S1-U IP地址发送给SGW处理器。1711: The MME sends a bearer update request to the gateway processor. The MME sends the S1-U TEID of the eNB sent by the eNB and the S1-U IP address of the eNB to the SGW processor.

1712：网关处理器向SDN控制器发送配置修改请求，网关处理器将eNB的S1-U TEID和eNB的S1-U IP地址发送给SDN控制器。1712: The gateway processor sends a configuration modification request to the SDN controller, and the gateway processor sends the S1-U TEID of the eNB and the S1-U IP address of the eNB to the SDN controller.

1713：SDN控制器发送流表修改消息给SGW虚拟网关转发面中的所有SGW。1713: The SDN controller sends a flow table modification message to all SGWs in the forwarding plane of the SGW virtual gateway.

SDN控制器根据从网关处理器收到的eNB的S1-U TEID和eNB的S1-U IP地址、SGW虚拟网关转发面的S1-U TEID和SGW虚拟网关转发面的IP地址、SGW虚拟网关转发面的S5/S8-U TEID和SGW虚拟网关转发面的IP地址、PGW虚拟网关转发面的S5/S8-U TEID和PGW虚拟网关转发面的IP地址生成该PDN连接对应的各承载的流表。SGW虚拟网关转发面的最终流表示例如下：The SDN controller forwards according to the S1-U TEID of the eNB received from the gateway processor and the S1-U IP address of the eNB, the S1-U TEID of the SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane, and the IP address of the SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane, and the SGW virtual gateway forwarding. The S5/S8-U TEID and the IP address of the SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane, the S5/S8-U TEID of the PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane, and the IP address of the PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane generate the flow table of each bearer corresponding to the PDN connection. . The final stream representation of the SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane is as follows:

上行方向：Match＝<Dest_IP＝＝SGW虚拟网关转发面S1-U IP>，<IP_proto＝＝UDP>，<Dest_port＝＝2152>，<GTP_U_MT＝＝255>，<GTP_TEID＝＝SGW虚拟网关转发面S1-U TEID>；Action＝GTP解封装(source MAC，dest Mac)，[…]，Encap_GTP(source MAC，dest MAC，源IP＝SGW虚拟网关转发面S5/S8-U IP，目的IP＝PGW虚拟网关转发面S5/S8-U IP，source UDP port，源TEID＝SGW虚拟网关转发面S5/S8-U TEID，目的TEID＝PGW虚拟网关转发面S5/S8-U TEID)，output(outport)；Upstream direction: Match=<Dest_IP==SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane S1-U IP>, <IP_proto==UDP>, <Dest_port==2152>, <GTP_U_MT==255>, <GTP_TEID==SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane S1-U TEID>; Action=GTP decapsulation (source MAC, dest Mac), [...], Encap_GTP (source MAC, dest MAC, source IP = SGW virtual Gateway forwarding plane S5/S8-U IP, destination IP=PGW virtual gateway forwarding plane S5/S8-U IP, source UDP port, source TEID=SGW virtual gateway forwarding plane S5/S8-U TEID, destination TEID=PGW virtual gateway Forwarding surface S5/S8-U TEID), output(outport);

1714：SDN控制器向网关处理器发送配置修改响应消息。1714: The SDN controller sends a configuration modification response message to the gateway processor.

1715：网关处理器向MME发送承载更新响应消息。1715: The gateway processor sends a bearer update response message to the MME.

本领域内的技术人员应明白，本发明的实施例可提供为方法、***、或计算机程序产品。因此，本发明可采用硬件实施例、软件实施例、或结合软件和硬件方面的实施例的形式。而且，本发明可采用在一个或多个其中包含有计算机可用程序代码的计算机可用存储介质(包括但不限于磁盘存储器和光学存储器等)上实施的计算机程序产品的形式。Those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present invention can be provided as a method, system, or computer program product. Accordingly, the present invention can take the form of a hardware embodiment, a software embodiment, or a combination of software and hardware. Moreover, the invention can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage and optical storage, etc.) including computer usable program code.

本发明是参照根据本发明实施例的方法、设备(***)、和计算机程序产品的流程图和/或方框图来描述的。应理解可由计算机程序指令实现流程图和/或方框图中的每一流程和/或方框、以及流程图和/或方框图中的流程和/或方框的结合。可提供这些计算机程序指令到通用计算机、专用计算机、嵌入式处理机或其他可编程数据处理设备的处理器以产生一个机器，使得通过计算机或其他可编程数据处理设备的处理器执行的指令产生用于实现在流程图一个流程或多个流程和/或方框图一个方框或多个方框中指定的功能的装置。 The present invention has been described with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (system), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each flow and/or block of the flowchart illustrations and/or FIG. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine for the execution of instructions for execution by a processor of a computer or other programmable data processing device. Means for implementing the functions specified in one or more of the flow or in a block or blocks of the flow chart.

这些计算机程序指令也可存储在能引导计算机或其他可编程数据处理设备以特定方式工作的计算机可读存储器中，使得存储在该计算机可读存储器中的指令产生包括指令装置的制造品，该指令装置实现在流程图一个流程或多个流程和/或方框图一个方框或多个方框中指定的功能。The computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable memory produce an article of manufacture comprising the instruction device. The apparatus implements the functions specified in one or more blocks of a flow or a flow and/or block diagram of the flowchart.

这些计算机程序指令也可装载到计算机或其他可编程数据处理设备上，使得在计算机或其他可编程设备上执行一系列操作步骤以产生计算机实现的处理，从而在计算机或其他可编程设备上执行的指令提供用于实现在流程图一个流程或多个流程和/或方框图一个方框或多个方框中指定的功能的步骤。These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device such that a series of operational steps are performed on a computer or other programmable device to produce computer-implemented processing for execution on a computer or other programmable device. The instructions provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more of the flow or in a block or blocks of a flow diagram.

以上所述，仅为本发明的较佳实施例而已，并非用于限定本发明的保护范围。凡在本发明的精神和原则之内所作的任何修改、等同替换和改进等，均应包含在本发明的保护范围之内。The above is only the preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and scope of the invention are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

工业实用性Industrial applicability

本发明实施例中，接收到网络业务请求时，根据所述网络业务请求向SDN控制器请求分配用于构建虚拟网关转发面的交换资源；其中，所述网络业务请求中包括虚拟网元需求，且所述虚拟网元需求中包括一个或多个虚拟网关转发面的需求；如此，本发明实施例所述技术方案解决了现有技术中无法实现网关转发面的虚拟化的问题。 In the embodiment of the present invention, when receiving the network service request, requesting, by the network service request, the SDN controller to allocate an exchange resource for constructing a virtual gateway forwarding plane, where the network service request includes a virtual network element requirement, The requirement of the one or more virtual gateway forwarding planes is included in the virtual network element requirement. The technical solution in the embodiment of the present invention solves the problem that the virtualization of the gateway forwarding plane cannot be implemented in the prior art.

Claims

一种网关虚拟化方法，所述方法包括：A gateway virtualization method, the method comprising:

接收到网络业务请求时，根据所述网络业务请求向软件定义网络SDN控制器请求分配资源；Receiving a network service request, requesting allocation of resources to the software-defined network SDN controller according to the network service request;

其中，所述网络业务请求中包括虚拟网元需求，且所述虚拟网元需求中包括一个或多个虚拟网关转发面的需求。The network service request includes a virtual network element requirement, and the virtual network element requirement includes a requirement of one or more virtual gateway forwarding planes.
根据权利要求1所述的方法，其中，所述虚拟网关转发面的需求至少包括：吞吐量、和/或所支持的互联网协议IP连接数、和/或所支持的承载数量、和/或位置。The method of claim 1 wherein the virtual gateway forwarding plane requirements include at least: throughput, and/or number of supported Internet Protocol IP connections, and/or number of supported bearers, and/or location .
根据权利要求1所述的方法，其中，所述虚拟网元需求中还包括：The method of claim 1, wherein the virtual network element requirement further comprises:

虚拟网关控制面的需求。The requirements of the virtual gateway control plane.
根据权利要求1或3所述的方法，其中，所述虚拟网元需求通过虚拟网元描述符描述。The method of claim 1 or 3, wherein the virtual network element requirement is described by a virtual network element descriptor.
根据权利要求4所述的方法，其中，所述虚拟网元描述符中包括：虚拟数字单元VDU描述符、和/或虚拟网关转发面描述符；The method of claim 4, wherein the virtual network element descriptor comprises: a virtual digital unit VDU descriptor, and/or a virtual gateway forwarding polygon descriptor;

其中，所述VDU描述符用于描述虚拟网关控制面各组件的资源需求，所述虚拟网关转发面描述符用于描述虚拟网关转发面的资源需求。The VDU descriptor is used to describe resource requirements of components of the virtual gateway control plane, and the virtual gateway forwarding polygon descriptor is used to describe resource requirements of the virtual gateway forwarding plane.
根据权利要求1所述的方法，其中，所述向SDN控制器请求分配资源，包括：The method of claim 1, wherein the requesting the SDN controller to allocate resources comprises:

通过虚拟架构管理器VIM向SDN控制器请求分配虚拟网关转发面资源；Requesting, by the virtual infrastructure manager VIM, an SDN controller to allocate a virtual gateway forwarding plane resource;

或者，向SDN控制器请求分配虚拟网关转发面资源。Alternatively, the SDN controller is requested to allocate a virtual gateway forwarding plane resource.
一种网关虚拟化方法，所述方法包括：A gateway virtualization method, the method comprising:

接收到SDN控制器发送的资源变化报告时，根据所述资源变化报告更新交换资源拓扑信息； Receiving, when receiving the resource change report sent by the SDN controller, updating the exchange resource topology information according to the resource change report;

其中，所述SDN控制器是负责分配用于构建虚拟网关转发面的交换资源的设备。The SDN controller is a device responsible for allocating exchange resources for constructing a virtual gateway forwarding plane.
根据权利要求7所述的方法，其中，所述接收到SDN控制器发送的资源变化报告之前，还包括：The method according to claim 7, wherein before receiving the resource change report sent by the SDN controller, the method further includes:

在所述SDN控制器所管辖的交换资源发生改变时，或所述SDN控制器在刚启动时，所述SDN控制器向第一设备发送资源变化报告。When the exchange resource under the jurisdiction of the SDN controller changes, or when the SDN controller is just started, the SDN controller sends a resource change report to the first device.
根据权利要求8所述的方法，其中，所述SDN控制器向第一设备发送资源变化报告，包括：The method according to claim 8, wherein the SDN controller sends a resource change report to the first device, including:

所述SDN控制器通过VIM向第一设备发送资源变化报告；The SDN controller sends a resource change report to the first device by using the VIM;

或者，所述SDN控制器向第一设备发送资源变化报告。Alternatively, the SDN controller sends a resource change report to the first device.
一种网关虚拟化方法，所述方法包括：A gateway virtualization method, the method comprising:

接收到第一设备或第一设备通过VIM发送的资源分配请求时，基于所述资源分配请求分配用于构建虚拟网关转发面的交换资源；Receiving, by the first device or the first device, a resource allocation request sent by the VIM, and allocating an exchange resource for constructing a virtual gateway forwarding plane based on the resource allocation request;

其中，所述第一设备为网络编排器或虚拟网元管理器。The first device is a network or a virtual network element manager.
根据权利要求10所述的方法，其中，所述基于所述资源分配请求分配用于构建虚拟网关转发面的交换资源，包括：The method of claim 10, wherein the allocating the exchange resources for constructing the virtual gateway forwarding plane based on the resource allocation request comprises:

SDN控制器在分配虚拟网关转发面资源时，选择一个或多个设备作为虚拟网关转发面资源。When the SDN controller allocates the virtual gateway forwarding plane resources, the one or more devices are selected as the virtual gateway forwarding plane resources.
根据权利要求11所述的方法，其中，所述SDN控制器选择多个设备作为虚拟网关转发面资源时，还包括：The method of claim 11, wherein when the SDN controller selects a plurality of devices as virtual gateway forwarding plane resources, the method further includes:

将所述多个设备对外虚拟成一个虚拟网关转发面。The plurality of devices are externally virtualized into one virtual gateway forwarding plane.
根据权利要求12所述的方法，其中，所述多个设备包括一个或多个分发设备、以及一个或多个处理设备；The method of claim 12, wherein the plurality of devices comprises one or more distribution devices, and one or more processing devices;

其中，所述分发设备是用于根据负荷分担原则将接收到的数据包分发到处理设备，以均衡各处理设备间负荷的设备；所述处理设备是用于为虚拟网元处理和转发所述数据包的设备。The distribution device is a device for distributing the received data packet to the processing device according to the load sharing principle to balance the load between the processing devices; the processing device is used for virtual A device that processes a network element to process and forward the data packet.
根据权利要求10所述的方法，其中，所述方法还包括：The method of claim 10, wherein the method further comprises:

接收到虚拟网元发送的配置修改请求时，为所述虚拟网元修改虚拟网关转发面的流表；其中，所述虚拟网元包括虚拟网关控制面单元。Upon receiving the configuration modification request sent by the virtual network element, the flow table of the virtual gateway forwarding plane is modified for the virtual network element; wherein the virtual network element includes a virtual gateway control plane unit.
根据权利要求10所述的方法，其中，所述接收到虚拟网元发送的配置修改请求时，为所述虚拟网元修改虚拟网关转发面的流表，包括：The method according to claim 10, wherein, when receiving the configuration modification request sent by the virtual network element, modifying the flow table of the virtual gateway forwarding plane for the virtual network element, including:

接收虚拟网关控制面单元发送的配置修改请求；Receiving a configuration modification request sent by the virtual gateway control plane unit;

根据所述配置修改请求为所述虚拟网关控制面单元修改虚拟网关转发面的流表。Modifying, according to the configuration modification request, a flow table of the virtual gateway forwarding plane for the virtual gateway control plane unit.
一种网关虚拟化***，所述***包括：A gateway virtualization system, the system comprising:

第一设备，配置为接收到网络业务请求时，根据所述网络业务请求向SDN控制器请求分配资源；The first device, configured to request, when receiving the network service request, allocate resources to the SDN controller according to the network service request;

SDN控制器，配置为分配资源；SDN controller configured to allocate resources;

其中，所述网络业务请求中包括虚拟网元需求，且所述虚拟网元需求中包括一个或多个虚拟网关转发面的需求。The network service request includes a virtual network element requirement, and the virtual network element requirement includes a requirement of one or more virtual gateway forwarding planes.
根据权利要求16所述的***，其中，所述虚拟网关转发面的需求至少包括：吞吐量、和/或所支持的IP连接数、和/或所支持的承载数量、和/或位置。The system of claim 16 wherein the requirements of the virtual gateway forwarding plane include at least: throughput, and/or number of supported IP connections, and/or number of supported bearers, and/or location.
根据权利要求16所述的***，其中，所述虚拟网元需求中还包括：The system of claim 16, wherein the virtual network element requirement further comprises:

虚拟网关控制面的需求。The requirements of the virtual gateway control plane.
根据权利要求16或18所述的***，其中，所述虚拟网元需求通过虚拟网元描述符描述。The system of claim 16 or 18, wherein the virtual network element requirements are described by a virtual network element descriptor.
根据权利要求19所述的***，其中，所述虚拟网元描述符中包括：VDU描述符、和/或虚拟网关转发面描述符；The system of claim 19, wherein the virtual network element descriptor comprises: a VDU descriptor, and/or a virtual gateway forwarding polygon descriptor;

其中，所述VDU描述符用于描述虚拟网关控制面各组件的资源需求，所述虚拟网关转发面描述符用于描述虚拟网关转发面的资源需求。The VDU descriptor is used to describe resource requirements of components of the virtual gateway control plane. The virtual gateway forwarding plane descriptor is used to describe resource requirements of the virtual gateway forwarding plane.
根据权利要求16所述的***，其中，所述第一设备，还配置为：The system of claim 16, wherein the first device is further configured to:

通过VIM向SDN控制器请求分配虚拟网关转发面资源；Requesting, by the VIM, the virtual gateway forwarding plane resource to be allocated to the SDN controller;

或者，向SDN控制器请求分配虚拟网关转发面资源；Or requesting, by the SDN controller, to allocate a virtual gateway forwarding plane resource;

其中，所述第一设备为网络编排器或虚拟网元管理器。The first device is a network or a virtual network element manager.
根据权利要求21所述的***，其中，所述SDN控制器，还配置为：The system of claim 21 wherein said SDN controller is further configured to:

在所述SDN控制器所管辖的交换资源发生改变时，向所述第一设备发送资源变化报告，以使所述第一设备更新交换资源拓扑信息。And when the exchange resource managed by the SDN controller changes, sending a resource change report to the first device, so that the first device updates the exchange resource topology information.
根据权利要求22所述的***，其中，所述第一设备，还配置为接收到资源变化报告时，根据所述资源变化报告更新交换资源拓扑信息。The system according to claim 22, wherein the first device is further configured to update the exchange resource topology information according to the resource change report when receiving the resource change report.
根据权利要求22所述的***，其中，所述SDN控制器，还配置为在刚启动时，向第一设备发送资源变化报告。The system of claim 22, wherein the SDN controller is further configured to transmit a resource change report to the first device upon initial startup.
根据权利要求22或24所述的***，其中，所述SDN控制器，还配置为：The system of claim 22 or 24, wherein the SDN controller is further configured to:

通过VIM向第一设备发送资源变化报告；Sending a resource change report to the first device through the VIM;

或者，直接向第一设备发送资源变化报告。Alternatively, the resource change report is sent directly to the first device.
根据权利要求16所述的***，其中，所述SDN控制器，还配置为：The system of claim 16 wherein said SDN controller is further configured to:

在分配虚拟网关转发面资源时，选择一个或多个设备作为虚拟网关转发面资源。When assigning virtual gateway forwarding plane resources, select one or more devices as virtual gateway forwarding plane resources.
根据权利要求26所述的***，其中，所述SDN控制器，还配置为：选择多个设备作为虚拟网关转发面资源时，将所述多个设备对外虚拟成一个虚拟网关转发面。The system of claim 26, wherein the SDN controller is further configured to: when the plurality of devices are selected as the virtual gateway forwarding plane resources, the plurality of devices are externally virtualized into a virtual gateway forwarding plane.
根据权利要求27所述的***，其中，所述多个设备中，包括一个或多个分发设备，以及一个或多个处理设备；The system of claim 27, wherein one of said plurality of devices comprises Or a plurality of distribution devices, and one or more processing devices;

其中，所述分发设备是用于根据负荷分担原则将接收到的数据包分发到处理设备，以均衡各处理设备间负荷的设备；所述处理设备是用于为虚拟网元处理和转发所述数据包的设备。The distribution device is configured to distribute the received data packet to the processing device according to the load sharing principle to balance the load between the processing devices; the processing device is configured to process and forward the virtual network element. The device of the packet.
根据权利要求27所述的***，其中，所述SDN控制器，还配置为：The system of claim 27, wherein the SDN controller is further configured to:

接收到虚拟网元发送的配置修改请求时，为所述虚拟网元修改虚拟网关转发面的流表；其中，所述虚拟网元包括虚拟网关控制面单元。Upon receiving the configuration modification request sent by the virtual network element, the flow table of the virtual gateway forwarding plane is modified for the virtual network element; wherein the virtual network element includes a virtual gateway control plane unit.
根据权利要求29所述的***，其中，所述SDN控制器，还配置为：The system of claim 29, wherein the SDN controller is further configured to:

接收虚拟网关控制面单元发送的配置修改请求；Receiving a configuration modification request sent by the virtual gateway control plane unit;

根据所述配置修改请求为所述虚拟网关控制面单元修改虚拟网关转发面的流表。Modifying, according to the configuration modification request, a flow table of the virtual gateway forwarding plane for the virtual gateway control plane unit.
一种计算机存储介质，所述计算机存储介质中存储有计算机可执行指令，所述计算机可执行指令用于执行权利要求1至6任一项所述的方法、和/或用于执行权利要求7至9任一项所述的方法、和/或用于执行权利要求10至15任一项所述的方法。 A computer storage medium having stored therein computer executable instructions for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 6, and/or for performing claim 7 The method of any of the preceding claims, and/or for performing the method of any one of claims 10 to 15.