WO2018112745A1

WO2018112745A1 - Method, entity and system for obtaining network slice instance information

Info

Publication number: WO2018112745A1
Application number: PCT/CN2016/111046
Authority: WO
Inventors: 倪慧; 余芳; 李岩
Original assignee: 华为技术有限公司
Priority date: 2016-12-20
Filing date: 2016-12-20
Publication date: 2018-06-28

Abstract

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a method and entity for obtaining network slice instance information, the method comprising: a network slice selection function entity sending a first request message to a network slice instance information management entity, and the first request message being used for querying information of a network slice instance; the network slicing selection function entity receiving the information of at least one network slice instance from the network slice instance information management entity. The embodiment of the present invention solves the problem in the prior art wherein internal functions of a network slice are not well isolated from an external system.

Description

获取网络切片实例信息的方法、实体及***Method, entity and system for obtaining network slice instance information

技术领域Technical field

本发明实施例涉及通信领域，尤其涉及获取网络切片实例信息的方法、实体及***。The embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of communications, and in particular, to a method, an entity, and a system for acquiring network slice instance information.

背景技术Background technique

网络切片技术提供一种新式网络和业务模式，将一个物理网络分成多个网络切片实例，每个网络切片实例按照业务场景的需要进行网络功能的定制裁剪及相应网络功能的编排管理，通过定制网络和管理，实现多种业务共享一套宽带网络基础设施，同时保持业务实现的相对独立，从而更好地满足消费者和企业对每个服务的个性化需求。其中，网络切片实例可以简称为网络切片或切片。个性化需求包括覆盖区域、持续时间、容量、速度、延迟、可靠性、安全性和可用性等。一个网络切片可以视为一个实例化的核心网架构，目前业界所考虑的网络切片用例包括移动宽带(Mobile Broadband)、多媒体、大规模机器类通信(Massive Machine Type Communication)和关键机器类通信(Critical Machine Type Communication)等。The network slicing technology provides a new type of network and service mode. The physical network is divided into multiple network slicing instances. Each network slicing instance performs customized tailoring of network functions and management of corresponding network functions according to the needs of the business scenario. And management, to achieve a variety of services to share a broadband network infrastructure, while maintaining the relative independence of business implementation, so as to better meet the individual needs of consumers and businesses for each service. The network slice instance may be simply referred to as a network slice or slice. Personalized needs include coverage area, duration, capacity, speed, latency, reliability, security, and availability. A network slice can be viewed as an instantiated core network architecture. Currently, network segmentation scenarios considered by the industry include Mobile Broadband, Multimedia, Massive Machine Type Communication, and Critical Machine Class Communication (Critical). Machine Type Communication).

对于采用网络切片技术的核心网架构，用户设备(User Equipment，UE)可以接入单个网络切片，也可以接入多个网络切片，同时使用多个网络切片提供的不同的服务。以用户同时接入多切片的场景为例，由网络切片选择功能(Network Slice selection function，NSSF)实体根据UE的辅助信息、切片实例信息以及网络策略选择为UE提供服务的核心网切片。NSSF实体在网络切片架构中的位置可能有三种情况：NSSF实体独立部署，NSSF实***于共享(common)控制面(Control Plane，CP)网络功能(Network Function，NFs)中,NSSF实体与无线接入网(Radio Access Network，RAN)节点联合部署。For the core network architecture adopting the network slicing technology, the user equipment (User Equipment, UE) can access a single network slice, and can also access multiple network slices, and simultaneously use different services provided by multiple network slices. For example, a network slice selection function (NSSF) entity selects a core network slice serving the UE according to the UE's auxiliary information, the slice instance information, and the network policy. The NSSF entity may have three locations in the network slicing architecture: the NSSF entity is deployed independently, and the NSSF entity is located in the Common Control Plane (CP) Network Function (NFs), the NSSF entity and the radio access. The network (Radio Access Network, RAN) nodes are jointly deployed.

现有技术中，网络切片的生命周期管理操作(包括网络切片的实例化、扩缩容等)和实时信息维护均由网络切片管理***执行。NSSF实体与网络切片管理***交互获取切片实例信息(如切片上线通知，切片运行信息等)。针对NSSF实体在网络切片架构中的位置的三种情况中的后两种：NSSF实体作为一个共享控制面网络功能或者NSSF实体与RAN节点联合部署时，在这两种情况下，NSSF实体作为网络切片的一个内部功能需要和网络切片管理***交互，导致网络切片和网管切片管理***交互复杂，并且属于跨层跨***交互，即网络切片内业务逻辑功能与生成网络切片的管理实体交互，会影响网络切片内部功能和外部***之间的隔离性。In the prior art, the lifecycle management operations of the network slice (including instantiation of the network slice, expansion and contraction, etc.) and real-time information maintenance are all performed by the network slice management system. The NSSF entity interacts with the network slice management system to obtain slice instance information (such as slice online notification, slice operation information, etc.). The latter two of the three cases for the location of the NSSF entity in the network slicing architecture: When the NSSF entity is deployed as a shared control plane network function or the NSSF entity is deployed in conjunction with the RAN node, in both cases, the NSSF entity acts as a network An internal function of the slice needs to interact with the network slice management system, which results in complex interaction between the network slice and the network management system, and belongs to cross-layer and cross-system interaction, that is, the business logic function in the network slice interacts with the management entity that generates the network slice, which will affect The isolation between the internal functions of the network slice and the external system.

发明内容Summary of the invention

本发明实施例提供了获取网络切片实例信息的方法、实体及***，用以解决现有网络切片内部功能和外部***之间的隔离性不佳的问题。The embodiment of the invention provides a method, an entity and a system for acquiring network slice instance information, which are used to solve the problem of poor isolation between the internal functions of the existing network slice and the external system.

第一方面，本发明实施例提供了一种获取网络切片实例信息的方法。网络切片选择功能实体向网络切片实例信息管理实体发送第一请求消息，第一请求消息用于查询网络切片实例的信息；网络切片选择功能实体从网络切片实例信息管理实体接收至少一个网络切片实例的信息。In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a method for obtaining network slice instance information. The network slice selection function entity sends a first request message to the network slice instance information management entity, where the first request message is used to query information of the network slice instance; and the network slice selection function entity receives at least one network slice instance from the network slice instance information management entity. information.

本发明实施例中，网络切片选择功能实体不需要与网络切片管理***进行交互，而是与网络切片实例信息管理实体进行交互，避免了网络切片内业务逻辑功能与生成网络切片的管理实体交互，从而增强了网络切片内部功能和外部***之间的隔离性。In the embodiment of the present invention, the network slice selection function entity does not need to interact with the network slice management system, but interacts with the network slice instance information management entity, thereby avoiding the interaction between the service logic function in the network slice and the management entity generating the network slice. This enhances the isolation between the internal functions of the network slice and the external system.

在一种可能的实施方式中，网络切片选择功能实体向网络切片实例信息管理实体发送第一请求消息之前，网络切片选择功能实体从UE接收第二请求消息，第二请求消息用于触发网络切片选择功能实体向网络切片实例信息管理实体发送第一请求消息，其中，第二请求消息为会话建立请求消息或附着请求消息或位置更新请求消息。该实施方式给出了触发网络切片选择功能实体向网络切片实例信息管理实体发送第一请求消息的可能情况。In a possible implementation, before the network slice selection function entity sends the first request message to the network slice instance information management entity, the network slice selection function entity receives the second request message from the UE, where the second request message is used to trigger the network slice. The selection function entity sends a first request message to the network slice instance information management entity, where the second request message is a session establishment request message or an attach request message or a location update request message. This embodiment provides a possible case where the triggering network slice selection function entity sends a first request message to the network slice instance information management entity.

在一种可能的实施方式中，网络切片选择功能实体从网络切片实例信息管理实体接收至少一个网络切片实例的信息之后，网络切片选择功能实体根据至少一个网络切片实例的信息执行网络切片选择。该实施方式给出了网络切片选择功能实体利用网络切片实例的信息的具体方式。In a possible implementation manner, after the network slice selection function entity receives the information of the at least one network slice instance from the network slice instance information management entity, the network slice selection function entity performs network slice selection according to the information of the at least one network slice instance. This embodiment gives a specific way for the network slice selection function entity to utilize the information of the network slice instance.

在一种可能的实施方式中，网络切片选择功能实体向网络切片实例信息管理实体发送第三请求消息，第三请求消息用于订阅网络切片实例信息的变化信息；网络切片选择功能实体从网络切片实例信息管理实体接收第一通知消息，第一通知消息携带网络切片实例信息的变化信息；网络切片选择功能实体根据网络切片实例信息的变化信息执行网络切片选择或重选。根据该实施方式，网络切片选择功能实体通过发送第三请求消息，订阅网络切片实例信息的变化信息，从而避免接收到全网的网络切片实例信息的变化信息。In a possible implementation manner, the network slice selection function entity sends a third request message to the network slice instance information management entity, where the third request message is used to subscribe to the change information of the network slice instance information; the network slice selection function entity is sliced from the network The instance information management entity receives the first notification The first notification message carries the change information of the network slice instance information; the network slice selection function entity performs network slice selection or reselection according to the change information of the network slice instance information. According to this embodiment, the network slice selection function entity subscribes to the change information of the network slice instance information by sending the third request message, thereby avoiding receiving the change information of the network slice instance information of the entire network.

在一种可能的实施方式中，网络切片选择功能实体向网络切片实例信息管理实体发送第三请求消息之前，网络切片选择功能实体从网络切片实例信息管理实体接收第二通知消息，第二通知消息用于指示上线的网络切片实例和网络切片实例的信息。根据该实施方式，网络切片选择功能实体在接收到第二通知消息后，根据上线的网络切片实例向网络切片实例信息管理实体发送第三请求消息，从而可以给订阅网络切片实例信息的变化信息提供依据。In a possible implementation manner, before the network slice selection function entity sends the third request message to the network slice instance information management entity, the network slice selection function entity receives the second notification message, the second notification message, from the network slice instance information management entity. Information used to indicate the network slice instance and network slice instance of the online. According to this embodiment, after receiving the second notification message, the network slice selection function entity sends a third request message to the network slice instance information management entity according to the online network slice instance, so that the change information of the subscription network slice instance information can be provided. in accordance with.

在一种可能的实施方式中，第三请求消息包括以下至少一种信息：订阅的网络切片实例支持的UE的使用类型、订阅的网络切片实例支持的UE能力、订阅的网络切片实例支持的服务类型、订阅的网络切片实例的类型、订阅的网络切片实例的租户标识、订阅的网络切片实例的标识。In a possible implementation manner, the third request message includes at least one of the following: a usage type of the UE supported by the subscribed network slice instance, a UE capability supported by the subscribed network slice instance, and a service supported by the subscribed network slice instance. Type, the type of the subscribed network tile instance, the tenant ID of the subscribed network tile instance, and the identity of the subscribed network tile instance.

在一种可能的实施方式中，第一请求消息携带以下至少一种信息：查询的网络切片实例支持的UE的使用类型、查询的网络切片实例支持的UE能力、查询的网络切片实例支持的服务类型、查询的网络切片实例的类型、查询的网络切片实例的租户标识、查询的网络切片实例的标识。In a possible implementation manner, the first request message carries at least one of the following information: a type of use of the UE supported by the queried network slice instance, a UE capability supported by the queried network slice instance, and a service supported by the queried network slice instance. Type, type of the network slice instance to be queried, tenant ID of the network slice instance of the query, and ID of the network slice instance of the query.

在一种可能的实施方式中，网络切片实例的信息包括网络切片实例的标识以及以下至少一种信息：网络切片实例支持的UE的使用类型、网络切片实例支持的UE能力、网络切片实例支持的服务类型、网络切片实例的类型、网络切片实例的接入点名称、网络切片实例的租户标识、网络切片实例是否支持漫游用户、网络切片实例的位置、网络切片实例的可用容量、网络切片实例的服务等级协议(Service-Level Agreement,SLA)参数、网络切片实例的状态。In a possible implementation manner, the information of the network slice instance includes an identifier of the network slice instance and at least one of the following: a usage type of the UE supported by the network slice instance, a UE capability supported by the network slice instance, and a network slice instance support. Service type, type of network slice instance, access point name of network slice instance, tenant ID of network slice instance, whether network slice instance supports roaming user, location of network slice instance, available capacity of network slice instance, network slice instance Service-Level Agreement (SLA) parameters, status of network slicing instances.

第二方面，提供了一种获取网络切片实例信息的方法。网络切片实例信息管理实体从网络切片选择功能实体接收第一请求消息；网络切片实例信息管理实体根据所述第一请求消息查询网络切片实例的信息；网络切片实例信息管理实体向网络切片选择功能实体发送至少一个网络切片实例的信息。In a second aspect, a method of obtaining network slice instance information is provided. The network slice instance information management entity receives the first request message from the network slice selection function entity; the network slice instance information management entity queries the network slice instance information according to the first request message; the network slice instance information management entity selects the function entity from the network slice Send information about at least one network slice instance.

在一种可能的实施方式中，网络切片实例信息管理实体从网络切片选择功能实体接收第一请求消息之前，网络切片实例信息管理实体从网络切片管理***接收第二请求消息，根据第二请求消息更新网络切片实例的信息。In a possible implementation manner, before the network slice instance information management entity receives the first request message from the network slice selection function entity, the network slice instance information management entity removes the network slice from the network The system receives the second request message and updates the information of the network slice instance according to the second request message.

在一种可能的实施方式中，网络切片实例信息管理实体从网络切片选择功能实体接收第三请求消息，第三请求消息用于订阅网络切片实例信息的变化信息；网络切片实例信息管理实体根据第三请求消息向网络切片选择功能实体发送第一通知消息，第一通知消息携带网络切片实例信息的变化信息，其中，网络切片实例信息管理实体根据第三请求消息向网络切片选择功能实体发送第一通知消息之前，从网络切片管理***接收网络切片实例信息的变化信息。In a possible implementation manner, the network slice instance information management entity receives a third request message from the network slice selection function entity, where the third request message is used to subscribe to the change information of the network slice instance information; and the network slice instance information management entity is configured according to the The third request message sends a first notification message to the network slice selection function entity, where the first notification message carries the change information of the network slice instance information, where the network slice instance information management entity sends the first message to the network slice selection function entity according to the third request message. Before the notification message, the network slice management system receives the change information of the network slice instance information.

在一种可能的实施方式中，网络切片实例信息管理实体从网络切片选择功能实体接收第三请求消息之前，网络切片实例信息管理实体从网络切片管理***接收第二通知消息，第二通知消息用于指示上线的网络切片实例和网络切片实例的信息；网络切片实例信息管理实体向网络切片选择功能实体发送第二通知消息。In a possible implementation manner, before the network slice instance information management entity receives the third request message from the network slice selection function entity, the network slice instance information management entity receives the second notification message from the network slice management system, where the second notification message is used. The information indicating the uplink network slice instance and the network slice instance; the network slice instance information management entity sends a second notification message to the network slice selection function entity.

第三方面，提供了一种获取网络切片实例信息的方法。网络切片管理***向网络切片实例信息管理实体发送第一通知消息，第一通知消息携带网络切片实例信息的变化信息。In a third aspect, a method of obtaining network slice instance information is provided. The network slice management system sends a first notification message to the network slice instance information management entity, where the first notification message carries the change information of the network slice instance information.

在一种可能的实施方式中，网络切片管理***向网络切片实例信息管理实体发送第二通知消息，第二通知消息用于指示上线的网络切片实例和网络切片实例的信息。In a possible implementation, the network slice management system sends a second notification message to the network slice instance information management entity, where the second notification message is used to indicate the information of the online network slice instance and the network slice instance.

另一方面，本发明实施例提供了一种网络切片选择功能实体，该网络切片选择功能实体可以实现上述第一方面方法设计中网络切片选择功能实体所执行的功能，所述功能可以通过硬件实现，也可以通过硬件执行相应的软件实现。所述硬件或软件包括一个或多个上述功能相应的模块。On the other hand, the embodiment of the present invention provides a network slice selection function entity, which can implement the functions performed by the network slice selection function entity in the method design of the first aspect, and the function can be implemented by hardware. The corresponding software implementation can also be performed by hardware. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions.

在一个可能的设计中，该网络切片选择功能实体的结构中包括处理器和通信接口，该处理器被配置为支持该网络切片选择功能实体执行上述方法中相应的功能。该通信接口用于支持该网络切片选择功能实体与网络切片实例信息管理实体或其他实体之间的通信。该网络切片选择功能实体还可以包括存储器，该存储器用于与处理器耦合，其保存该网络切片选择功能实体必要的程序指令和数据。In one possible design, the structure of the network slice selection function entity includes a processor and a communication interface configured to support the network slice selection function entity to perform a corresponding function in the above method. The communication interface is used to support communication between the network slice selection function entity and a network slice instance information management entity or other entity. The network slice selection function entity can also include a memory for coupling with the processor that holds program instructions and data necessary for the network slice selection function entity.

又一方面，本发明实施例提供了一种网络切片实例信息管理实体，该网络切片实例信息管理实体可以实现上述第二方面方法设计中网络切片实例信息管理实体所执行的功能，所述功能可以通过硬件实现，也可以通过硬件执行相应的软件实现。所述硬件或软件包括一个或多个上述功能相应的模块。In another aspect, the embodiment of the present invention provides a network slice instance information management entity, where the network slice instance information management entity can implement the network slice instance information in the foregoing method design. The function performed by the entity management entity, the function may be implemented by hardware, or may be implemented by hardware corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions.

在一个可能的设计中，该网络切片实例信息管理实体的结构中包括处理器和通信接口，该处理器被配置为支持该网络切片实例信息管理实体执行上述方法中相应的功能。该通信接口用于支持该网络切片实例信息管理实体与网络切片选择功能实体或网络切片管理***或其他实体之间的通信。该网络切片实例信息管理实体还可以包括存储器，该存储器用于与处理器耦合，其保存该网络切片实例信息管理实体必要的程序指令和数据。In one possible design, the structure of the network slice instance information management entity includes a processor and a communication interface configured to support the network slice instance information management entity to perform a corresponding function in the above method. The communication interface is configured to support communication between the network slice instance information management entity and a network slice selection function entity or a network slice management system or other entity. The network slice instance information management entity may also include a memory for coupling with the processor that holds program instructions and data necessary for the network slice instance information management entity.

又一方面，本发明实施例提供了一种网络切片管理***，该网络切片管理***可以实现上述第三方面方法设计中网络切片管理***所执行的功能，所述功能可以通过硬件实现，也可以通过硬件执行相应的软件实现。所述硬件或软件包括一个或多个上述功能相应的模块。In another aspect, the embodiment of the present invention provides a network slice management system, which can implement the functions performed by the network slice management system in the method design of the third aspect, and the function can be implemented by hardware, or The corresponding software implementation is performed by hardware. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions.

在一个可能的设计中，该网络切片管理***的结构中包括处理器和通信接口，该处理器被配置为支持该网络切片管理***执行上述方法中相应的功能。该通信接口用于支持该网络切片管理***与网络切片实例信息管理实体或其他实体之间的通信。该网络切片管理***还可以包括存储器，该存储器用于与处理器耦合，其保存该网络切片管理***必要的程序指令和数据。In one possible design, the network slice management system includes a processor and a communication interface configured to support the network slice management system to perform corresponding functions in the above methods. The communication interface is used to support communication between the network slice management system and a network slice instance information management entity or other entity. The network slice management system can also include a memory for coupling with the processor that holds program instructions and data necessary for the network slice management system.

又一方面，本发明实施例提供了一种通信***，该***包括上述方面所述的网络切片选择功能实体、网络切片实例信息管理实体和网络切片管理***。In another aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a communication system, where the system includes the network slice selection function entity, the network slice instance information management entity, and the network slice management system.

再一方面，本发明实施例提供了一种计算机存储介质，用于储存为上述网络切片选择功能实体所用的计算机软件指令，其包含用于执行上述第一方面所设计的程序。In still another aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a computer storage medium for storing computer software instructions for the network slice selection function entity, which includes a program designed to execute the above first aspect.

再一方面，本发明实施例提供了一种计算机存储介质，用于储存为上述网络切片实例信息管理实体所用的计算机软件指令，其包含用于执行上述第二方面所设计的程序。In still another aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a computer storage medium for storing computer software instructions used by the network slice instance information management entity, including a program designed to execute the second aspect.

再一方面，本发明实施例提供了一种计算机存储介质，用于储存为上述网络切片管理***所用的计算机软件指令，其包含用于执行上述第三方面所设计的程序。In still another aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a computer storage medium for storing computer software instructions used by the network slice management system, including a program designed to execute the third aspect.

再一方面，本发明实施例提供了一种计算机程序产品，其包含指令，当所述程序被计算机所执行时，该指令使得计算机执行上述第一方面方法设计中网络切片选择功能实体所执行的功能。In still another aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a computer program product, including instructions, when the program is executed by a computer, the instruction causes a computer to perform the method design of the first aspect The network slice selects the function performed by the functional entity.

再一方面，本发明实施例提供了一种计算机程序产品，其包含指令，当所述程序被计算机所执行时，该指令使得计算机执行上述第二方面方法设计中网络切片实例信息管理实体所执行的功能。In still another aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a computer program product, including instructions, when the program is executed by a computer, the instruction causes a computer to execute the network slice instance information management entity executed in the method design of the second aspect The function.

再一方面，本发明实施例提供了一种计算机程序产品，其包含指令，当所述程序被计算机所执行时，该指令使得计算机执行上述第三方面方法设计中网络切片管理***所执行的功能。In still another aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a computer program product, comprising instructions, when executed by a computer, causing a computer to perform the functions performed by the network slice management system in the method design of the third aspect above. .

相较于现有技术，本发明实施例提供的方案中，在网络中部署一个网络切片实例信息管理实体，该网络切片实例信息管理实体用于储存网络切片实例信息，网络切片选择功能实体向网络切片实例信息管理实体发送网络切片信息查询请求消息，并接收网络切片实例信息管理实体根据网络切片信息查询请求消息返回的至少一个网络切片实例的信息。由于部署了网络切片实例信息管理实体，因此网络切片选择功能实体不需要与网络切片管理***进行交互，而是与网络切片实例信息管理实体进行交互，避免了网络切片内业务逻辑功能与生成网络切片的管理实体交互，从而增强了网络切片内部功能和外部***之间的隔离性。Compared with the prior art, in the solution provided by the embodiment of the present invention, a network slice instance information management entity is configured in the network, and the network slice instance information management entity is configured to store network slice instance information, and the network slice selection function entity is to the network. The slice instance information management entity sends a network slice information query request message, and receives information of at least one network slice instance returned by the network slice instance information management entity according to the network slice information query request message. Because the network slice instance information management entity is deployed, the network slice selection function entity does not need to interact with the network slice management system, but interacts with the network slice instance information management entity, thereby avoiding the service logic function in the network slice and generating the network slice. The management entity interacts to enhance the isolation between the internal functions of the network slice and the external system.

附图说明DRAWINGS

图1为本发明实施例提供的一种网络切片部署场景示意图；FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a network slice deployment scenario according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

图2为本发明实施例提供的一种获取网络切片实例信息的方法的通信示意图；2 is a schematic diagram of communication of a method for acquiring network slice instance information according to an embodiment of the present invention;

图3为本发明实施例提供的另一种获取网络切片实例信息的方法的通信示意图；FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of communication of another method for obtaining network slice instance information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

图4为本发明实施例提供的又一种获取网络切片实例信息的方法的通信示意图；FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of communication of a method for acquiring network slice instance information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

图5为本发明实施例提供的再一种获取网络切片实例信息的方法的通信示意图FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of communication of a method for acquiring network slice instance information according to an embodiment of the present invention;

图6为本发明实施例提供的网络切片选择功能实体的一种可能的结构示意图；FIG. 6 is a schematic structural diagram of a network slice selection function entity according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

图7为本发明实施例提供的网络切片选择功能实体的另一种可能的结构示意图； FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of another possible structure of a network slice selection function entity according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

图8为本发明实施例提供的网络切片实例信息管理实体的一种可能的结构示意图；FIG. 8 is a schematic structural diagram of a network slice instance information management entity according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

图9为本发明实施例提供的网络切片实例信息管理实体的另一种可能的结构示意图；FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of another possible structure of a network slice instance information management entity according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

图10为本发明实施例提供的网络切片管理***的一种可能的结构示意图；FIG. 10 is a schematic structural diagram of a network slice management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

图11为本发明实施例提供的网络切片管理***的另一种可能的结构示意图。FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of another possible structure of a network slice management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

具体实施方式detailed description

为使本发明实施例的目的、技术方案和优点更加清楚，下面将结合本发明实施例中的附图，对本发明实施例中的技术方案进行描述。The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention.

在现有的网络切片部署场景下，当网络中多个NSSF实体需要获取网络切片实例的信息时，需要与网络切片管理***交互，由于NSSF实体为网络切片的内部网络功能，NSSF实体和网络切片管理***之间交互复杂，导致网络切片内部功能和外部***之间的隔离性差。针对上述问题，本发明实施例在现有网络架构的基础上增加了一个网络切片实例信息管理实体，该网络切片实例信息管理实体用于储存网络中网络切片实例信息，以及为网络中的NSSF实体提供网络切片实例信息，避免了NSSF实体与网络切片管理***之间的交互，从而增强了网络切片内部功能和外部***之间的隔离性。In the existing network segmentation scenario, when multiple NSSF entities in the network need to obtain information about the network sharding instance, they need to interact with the network snippet management system. The NSSF entity is the internal network function of the network slice, the NSSF entity and the network slice. The interaction between the management systems is complex, resulting in poor isolation between the internal functions of the network slice and the external system. For the above problem, the embodiment of the present invention adds a network slice instance information management entity based on the existing network architecture, and the network slice instance information management entity is configured to store network slice instance information in the network, and is an NSSF entity in the network. The network slice instance information is provided to avoid interaction between the NSSF entity and the network slice management system, thereby enhancing the isolation between the internal functions of the network slice and the external system.

图1为本发明实施例提供的一种网络切片部署场景示意图，UE可同时接入多个切片。例如，UE可同时接入网络切片(Network Slice)A、网络切片B和网络切片C。NSSF实体根据UE的指示为UE选择网络切片，需要与归属用户服务器(Home Subscriber Server，HSS)交互获取UE的网络切片选择辅助信息，例如UE的签约信息；还要与网络切片实例信息管理实体交互获取切片实例信息(如切片上线通知，切片运行信息等)。最终NSSF实体根据获取的UE网络切片选择辅助信息以及切片实例信息执行网络切片选择功能，选择合适的切片为UE提供服务。NSSF实体可部署在RAN或共享控制面网络功能中。例如，部署在接入和移动性管理功能AMF(access and mobility management function)设备中，作为AMF设备的一个逻辑功能。网络切片实例信息管理实体存储网络中切片实例的信息，通过网络切片实例信息管理实体解耦网络切片管理***的生命周期管理和切片内部网元的业务逻辑。 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a network segment deployment scenario according to an embodiment of the present invention, where a UE can simultaneously access multiple slices. For example, the UE can simultaneously access Network Slice A, Network Slice B, and Network Slice C. The NSSF entity selects a network slice for the UE according to the indication of the UE, and needs to interact with a Home Subscriber Server (HSS) to obtain network slice selection assistance information of the UE, such as subscription information of the UE; and interact with the network slice instance information management entity. Get the slice instance information (such as slice online notification, slice run information, etc.). The NSSF entity performs the network slice selection function according to the acquired UE network slice selection auxiliary information and the slice instance information, and selects an appropriate slice to provide services for the UE. The NSSF entity can be deployed in the RAN or shared control plane network function. For example, it is deployed in an access and mobility management function (AMF) device as a logical function of the AMF device. The network slice instance information management entity stores the information of the slice instance in the network, and the network slice instance information management entity decouples the life cycle management of the network slice management system and the business logic of the slice internal network element.

其中，上述网络切片管理***为现有实体，负责对网络切片进行生命周期管理，例如网络切片的实例化、扩缩容操作、运行状态监控等。上述网络切片实例信息管理实体为新增实体，具体可以为数据库。二者可独立部署。The network slice management system is an existing entity, and is responsible for lifecycle management of network slices, such as instantiation of network slices, expansion and contraction operations, and operation status monitoring. The network slice instance information management entity is a new entity, which may be a database. Both can be deployed independently.

在一个示例中，网络切片管理***同步切片实例信息到网络切片实例信息管理实体。网络切片实例信息管理实体储存网络中切片实例信息。切片实例信息包括网络切片实例标识以及如下信息中的至少一项：支持的UE使用类型(UE usage type)(具体用来指示UE的类型，如监护(Care)UE使用类型，智能手机(smartphone)UE使用类型)、服务类型、切片类型、接入网、租户、是否支持漫游用户、切片实例位置(例如，切片实例里具体网元的位置)、切片实例可用容量(例如，同时容纳用户数)、切片服务等级协议(Service-Level Agreement,SLA)参数(例如，提供的带宽、时延等参数)、切片实例状态。In one example, the network slice management system synchronizes the slice instance information to the network slice instance information management entity. The network slice instance information management entity stores the slice instance information in the network. The slice instance information includes at least one of a network slice instance identifier and the following information: a UE usage type (specifically used to indicate a type of the UE, such as a Care UE usage type, a smartphone) UE usage type), service type, slice type, access network, tenant, whether to support roaming users, slice instance location (for example, location of a specific network element in a slice instance), slice instance available capacity (for example, simultaneously accommodate users) , Slice Service Level Agreement (SLA) parameters (for example, parameters such as bandwidth and delay), and slice instance status.

本发明实施例中，UE包含智能终端(例如手机)、多媒体设备、流媒体设备等等。RAN是移动通信***中的一部分，建立与UE的无线连接，实现用户设备和核心网之间的互通。RAN包括若干基站和其他网络实体，用以支撑若干UE进行通信，基站，可以是长期演进(Long Term Evolution，LTE)中的演进型基站(evolved NodeB，eNB)。一个基站110可能支持/管理一个或多个小区，UE需要和网络通信时，它将选择一个小区发起接入。对应于不同的通讯***，基站的具体设备也不一样，具体的可以是基站控制器(Base Station Controller，BSC)、无线网络控制器(Radio Network Controller，RNC)、演进型基站(eNB)或基站(Node B)。网络切片实例(NetworkSlice Instance)按切片需求方的需求灵活地提供一种或多种网络服务。In the embodiment of the present invention, the UE includes an intelligent terminal (such as a mobile phone), a multimedia device, a streaming media device, and the like. The RAN is a part of the mobile communication system, establishes a wireless connection with the UE, and realizes interworking between the user equipment and the core network. The RAN includes a number of base stations and other network entities for supporting a number of UEs for communication. The base station may be an evolved NodeB (eNB) in Long Term Evolution (LTE). A base station 110 may support/manage one or more cells, and when the UE needs to communicate with the network, it will select a cell to initiate access. Corresponding to different communication systems, the specific equipment of the base station is also different, and specifically may be a base station controller (BSC), a radio network controller (RNC), an evolved base station (eNB), or a base station. (Node B). A network slice instance (NetworkSlice Instance) flexibly provides one or more network services according to the needs of the slice demand side.

此外，图1中每个网络切片可以划分为控制面网络功能和用户面网络功能。In addition, each network slice in Figure 1 can be divided into a control plane network function and a user plane network function.

图2为本发明实施例提供的一种获取网络切片实例信息的方法的通信示意图，该方法可以基于图1所示的部署场景，该方法包括：FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of communication of a method for acquiring network slice instance information according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method may be based on the deployment scenario shown in FIG. 1 , where the method includes:

步骤201，网络切片选择功能实体向网络切片实例信息管理实体发送请求消息，该请求消息用于查询网络切片实例的信息。Step 201: The network slice selection function entity sends a request message to the network slice instance information management entity, where the request message is used to query information of the network slice instance.

该请求消息可以携带以下至少一种信息：切片支持的UE的使用类型、UE能力信息(UE capability information)、切片支持的服务类型、切片类型、租户标识、网络切片实例标识。 The request message may carry at least one of the following types: usage type of the UE supported by the slice, UE capability information, service type of the slice support, slice type, tenant identity, and network slice instance identifier.

其中，UE能力具体可以包括UE的无线接入相关能力和核心网相关能力。比如UE是否支持电路域回落(Circuit Switched Fallback，CSFB)发起联合附着，是否支持跨无线接入技术(radio access technology，RAT)的移动性等。The UE capability may specifically include a radio access related capability of the UE and a core network related capability. For example, does the UE support the circuit-based fallback (CSFB) to initiate joint attach, and whether to support the mobility of the radio access technology (RAT).

租户与网络切片实例的关系可以理解为一个网络切片实例可能为某个租户的UE提供服务。The relationship between a tenant and a network slicing instance can be understood as a network slicing instance that may serve a UE of a tenant.

步骤202，网络切片实例信息管理实体根据请求消息查询网络切片实例的信息。Step 202: The network slice instance information management entity queries the information of the network slice instance according to the request message.

具体的，网络切片实例信息管理实体可以根据请求消息中携带的信息，获取满足与该请求消息携带的信息匹配的网络切片实例的信息。Specifically, the network shard instance information management entity may obtain, according to the information carried in the request message, information that satisfies the network slice instance that matches the information carried by the request message.

网络切片实例的信息可以包括网络切片实例标识以及以下至少一种信息：切片支持的UE的使用类型、切片支持的服务类型、切片类型、接入点名称、租户标识、是否支持漫游用户、切片实例位置、切片实例可用容量、切片SLA参数、切片实例状态。The information of the network slice instance may include the network slice instance identifier and at least one of the following information: the type of use of the slice supported UE, the service type of the slice support, the slice type, the access point name, the tenant identity, whether the roaming user is supported, the slice instance Location, slice instance available capacity, slice SLA parameters, slice instance status.

当请求消息携带网络切片实例标识，网络切片实例信息管理实体可根据网络切片实例标识获取匹配的网络切片实例的信息。第一请求消息也可以携带一些其它信息，如切片类型，此时网络切片实例信息管理实体就可能会获取到与该信息匹配的多个网络切片实例的信息，每个网络切片实例的信息中包括网络切片实例的标识。When the request message carries the network slice instance identifier, the network slice instance information management entity may obtain the information of the matched network slice instance according to the network slice instance identifier. The first request message may also carry some other information, such as a slice type. In this case, the network slice instance information management entity may obtain information about multiple network slice instances that match the information, and the information of each network slice instance includes The ID of the network slice instance.

步骤203，网络切片实例信息管理实体向网络切片选择功能实体发送至少一个网络切片实例的信息。Step 203: The network slice instance information management entity sends information of at least one network slice instance to the network slice selection function entity.

其中，可以在步骤201之前或之后，网络切片实例信息管理实体从网络切片管理***接收请求消息，根据请求消息更新网络切片实例的信息。Wherein, before or after step 201, the network slice instance information management entity receives the request message from the network slice management system, and updates the information of the network slice instance according to the request message.

在一个示例中，在步骤201之前，网络切片选择功能实体从UE接收请求消息，通过请求消息触发步骤201的执行。其中，该请求消息为会话建立请求消息或附着请求消息或位置更新请求消息，该位置更新请求消息可以为跟踪区更新(Tracking Area Update，TAU)请求消息。In one example, prior to step 201, the network slice selection function entity receives a request message from the UE, and triggers execution of step 201 by the request message. The request message is a session establishment request message or an attach request message or a location update request message, and the location update request message may be a Tracking Area Update (TAU) request message.

在一个示例中，步骤203之后，该方法还包括：In an example, after step 203, the method further includes:

步骤204，网络切片选择功能实体根据所述至少一个网络切片实例的信息执行网络切片选择。Step 204: The network slice selection function entity performs network slice selection according to the information of the at least one network slice instance.

具体的，如果步骤203中网络切片实例信息管理实体向网络切片选择功能实体只发送一个网络切片实例的信息，网络切片选择功能实体选择该网络切片实例为UE提供服务，如果步骤203中网络切片实例信息管理实体向网络切片选择功能实体发送了多个网络切片实例的信息，网络切片选择功能实体从中选择一个网络切片实例为UE提供服务，具体的选择原则可以是根据负载均衡、地理位置远近等原则进行选择，本发明实施例不做限定。Specifically, if the network slice instance information management entity selects work from the network slice in step 203 The energy entity can only send information of one network slice instance, and the network slice selection function entity selects the network slice instance to provide services for the UE. If the network slice instance information management entity sends multiple network slice instances to the network slice selection function entity in step 203 The information, the network slice selection function entity selects a network slice instance to provide a service for the UE, and the specific selection principle may be selected according to the principles of load balancing, geographical location, and the like, which are not limited in the embodiment of the present invention.

在一个示例中，该方法还包括：In one example, the method further includes:

步骤205，网络切片选择功能实体向网络切片实例信息管理实体发送请求消息，该请求消息用于订阅网路切片实例信息的变化信息。Step 205: The network slice selection function entity sends a request message to the network slice instance information management entity, where the request message is used to subscribe to the change information of the network slice instance information.

该请求消息可以包括以下至少一种信息：切片支持的UE的使用类型、UE能力、切片支持的服务类型、切片类型、租户标识、网络切片实例标识。The request message may include at least one of the following: a usage type of the UE supported by the slice, a UE capability, a service type supported by the slice, a slice type, a tenant identity, and a network slice instance identifier.

本发明实施例中，对于步骤205与步骤201至步骤204的执行先后顺序不做具体限定，可以先执行步骤201至步骤204再执行步骤205，也可以先执行步骤205再执行步骤201至步骤204，还可以在步骤201至步骤204之间执行步骤205。In the embodiment of the present invention, the sequence of the execution of the step 205 and the step 201 to the step 204 is not specifically limited. The step 201 to the step 204 may be performed before the step 205 is performed, or the step 205 may be performed first, and then the step 201 to the step 204 are performed. Step 205 may also be performed between step 201 and step 204.

当先执行步骤201至步骤204再执行步骤205时，网络切片选择功能实体可以首先根据步骤201至步骤204从网络切片实例信息管理实体处获取至少一个网络切片实例的信息，再向网络切片实例信息管理实体发送订阅切片实例消息，订阅切片实例消息中携带具体的网络切片实例标识。When the step 201 is performed to perform the step 205, the network slice selection function entity may first obtain the information of the at least one network slice instance from the network slice instance information management entity according to the step 201 to the step 204, and then manage the network slice instance information. The entity sends a subscription slice instance message, and the subscription slice instance message carries a specific network slice instance identifier.

当先执行步骤205再执行步骤201至步骤204或在步骤201至步骤204之间执行步骤205时，步骤205中的订阅切片实例消息可以不携带具体的网络切片实例标识，携带其它信息，如切片支持的UE的使用类型、UE能力、切片支持的服务类型、切片类型等。When step 205 is performed to perform step 201 to step 204 or step 205 is performed between step 201 and step 204, the subscribed slice instance message in step 205 may not carry a specific network slice instance identifier, and carries other information, such as slice support. Type of use of the UE, UE capability, service type supported by the slice, slice type, and the like.

步骤206，网络切片选择功能实体从网络切片实例信息管理实体接收通知消息，该通知消息携带网络切片实例信息的变化信息。Step 206: The network slice selection function entity receives a notification message from the network slice instance information management entity, where the notification message carries change information of the network slice instance information.

在一个示例中，网络切片实例信息管理实体根据订阅切片实例消息先从网络切片管理***接收网络切片实例信息变化通知消息，然后网络切片实例信息管理实体再向网络切片选择功能实体发送网络切片实例信息变化通知消息。In an example, the network slice instance information management entity first receives the network slice instance information change notification message from the network slice management system according to the subscription slice instance message, and then the network slice instance information management entity sends the network slice instance information to the network slice selection function entity. Change notification message.

步骤207，网络切片选择功能实体根据网络切片实例信息的变化信息执行网络切片选择或重选。 Step 207: The network slice selection function entity performs network slice selection or reselection according to the change information of the network slice instance information.

在一个示例中，步骤205之前，该方法还包括：步骤2051，网络切片选择功能实体从网络切片实例信息管理实体接收通知消息，该通知消息用于指示上线的网络切片实例以及网络切片实例的信息。其中，通知消息中可以携带以下一项或多项：网络切片实例标识，租户标识(tenant ID)，其它网络切片实例的信息。网络切片实例的信息可以包括网络切片实例标识以及以下至少一种：切片支持的UE的使用类型、切片支持的服务类型、切片类型、接入点名称、租户标识、是否支持漫游用户、切片实例位置、切片实例可用容量、切片SLA参数、切片实例状态。In an example, before the step 205, the method further includes: Step 2051, the network slice selection function entity receives a notification message from the network slice instance information management entity, where the notification message is used to indicate the online network slice instance and the network slice instance information. . The notification message may carry one or more of the following: a network slice instance identifier, a tenant ID, and information of other network slice instances. The information of the network slice instance may include the network slice instance identifier and at least one of the following: the type of use of the slice supported UE, the service type of the slice support, the slice type, the access point name, the tenant identity, whether the roaming user is supported, the slice instance location , slice instance available capacity, slice SLA parameters, slice instance status.

例如，步骤205为网络切片选择功能实体根据通知消息向网络切片实例信息管理实体发送请求消息，请求消息用于订阅上线的切片实例相关的信息变化通知消息。For example, in step 205, the network slice selection function entity sends a request message to the network slice instance information management entity according to the notification message, and the request message is used to subscribe to the online slice instance related information change notification message.

在一个示例中，步骤2051为网络切片实例信息管理实体从网络切片管理***接收切片上线通知消息；网络切片实例信息管理实体向网络切片选择功能发送切片上线通知消息。In one example, step 2051 receives a slice online notification message from the network slice management system for the network slice instance information management entity; the network slice instance information management entity sends a slice online notification message to the network slice selection function.

在另一个示例中，步骤205为网络切片选择功能实体无需接收到切片上线通知消息，就可以向网络切片实例信息管理实体发送订阅切片实例消息，该订阅切片实例消息用于订阅某一类型的切片实例信息。本发明实施例中，步骤205、206和步骤2051可以独立构成一个方案，详细介绍参考图4中步骤401至步骤404的描述。In another example, in step 205, the network slice selection function entity may send a subscription slice instance message to the network slice instance information management entity without receiving the slice online notification message, and the subscription slice instance message is used to subscribe to a certain type of slice. Instance information. In the embodiment of the present invention, steps 205, 206 and step 2051 may independently constitute a solution, and the descriptions of steps 401 to 404 in FIG. 4 are described in detail.

图3为本发明实施例提供的另一种获取网络切片实例信息的方法的通信示意图，该实施例描述了一种网络切片实例信息查询过程，NSSF实体在接收到UE的请求时主动向网络切片实例信息管理实体发送切片信息查询请求，该方法包括：FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of communication of another method for obtaining network slice instance information according to an embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment describes a network slice instance information query process. When an NSSF entity receives a request from a UE, it actively slices to the network. The instance information management entity sends a slice information query request, and the method includes:

步骤301，网络切片管理***实例化一个或多个切片，以及实例化一个或多个NSSF实体。Step 301, the network slice management system instantiates one or more slices, and instantiates one or more NSSF entities.

其中，NSSF实体可以为切片内部功能实体，也可以为独立于该切片的功能实体。The NSSF entity may be a slice internal functional entity or a functional entity independent of the slice.

NSSF实体为切片内部功能实体时，具体的NSSF实体可部署在RAN或共享控制面网络功能中。例如，部署在接入和移动性管理功能AMF(access and mobility management function)设备中，作为AMF设备的一个逻辑功能。NSSF实体为独立于该切片的功能实体时，网络中可以只有一个NSSF实体，获取网络中各切片实例的信息，执行切片选择功能。When the NSSF entity is a slice internal functional entity, the specific NSSF entity may be deployed in the RAN or shared control plane network function. For example, it is deployed in an access and mobility management function (AMF) device as a logical function of the AMF device. When the NSSF entity is a functional entity independent of the slice, there may be only one NSSF entity in the network. Take the information of each slice instance in the network and perform the slice selection function.

步骤302，当网络切片实例信息发生变化时，网络切片管理***更新网络切片实例信息管理实体中的切片实例信息。Step 302: When the network slice instance information changes, the network slice management system updates the slice instance information in the network slice instance information management entity.

网络切片实例信息发生变化可以但不限于为如下情况：比如网络切片管理***实例化了新的网络切片实例，或者对某个网络切片实例或其中的网络功能执行了其它生命周期管理操作(如扩缩容，软件升级等)。The change of the network slice instance information may be, but is not limited to, the following situation: for example, the network slice management system instantiates a new network slice instance, or performs other lifecycle management operations on a network slice instance or network function therein (such as expansion) Shrinkage, software upgrades, etc.).

步骤303，NSSF实体接收UE发送的请求消息。该请求消息可用于触发该NSSF实体执行网络切片选择。例如，请求消息为会话建立请求消息。Step 303: The NSSF entity receives the request message sent by the UE. The request message can be used to trigger the NSSF entity to perform network slice selection. For example, the request message is a session establishment request message.

步骤304，NSSF实体向网络切片实例信息管理实体发送网络切片信息查询请求消息。Step 304: The NSSF entity sends a network slice information query request message to the network slice instance information management entity.

网络切片信息查询请求消息中可携带以下中的一项或多项：切片支持的UE使用类型,UE能力，切片支持的服务类型,切片类型,租户标识,和网络切片实例标识。The network slice information query request message may carry one or more of the following: a UE usage type supported by the slice, a UE capability, a service type supported by the slice, a slice type, a tenant identifier, and a network slice instance identifier.

步骤305，网络切片实例信息管理实体返回与查询请求消息中携带的信息相对应的一个或多个网络切片实例的信息给NSSF实体。Step 305: The network slice instance information management entity returns information of one or more network slice instances corresponding to the information carried in the query request message to the NSSF entity.

步骤306，NSSF实体根据网络切片实例的信息和网络切片选择策略执行网络切片选择。Step 306: The NSSF entity performs network slice selection according to the information of the network slice instance and the network slice selection policy.

本发明实施例给出了在网络切片部署场景下，NSSF实体收到UE的请求触发其执行切片选择时，NSSF实体首先向切片实例信息数据库查询网络切片实例信息，再根据策略执行网络切片选择，从而增强网络切片内部功能与外部***之间的隔离性。The embodiment of the present invention provides that when the NSSF entity receives the request of the UE and triggers the execution of the slice selection in the network slice deployment scenario, the NSSF entity first queries the slice instance information database for the network slice instance information, and then performs the network slice selection according to the policy. Thereby enhancing the isolation between the internal functions of the network slice and the external system.

图4为本发明实施例提供的又一种获取网络切片实例信息的方法的通信示意图，该实施例描述了一种网络切片实例信息订阅和通知方法，NSSF实体向网络切片实例信息管理实体订阅网络切片实例信息，网络切片实例信息管理实体根据NSSF实体订阅的网络切片实例范围推送网络切片实例的信息，该方法包括：FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of communication of a method for acquiring network slice instance information according to an embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment describes a network slice instance information subscription and notification method, and the NSSF entity subscribes to the network slice instance information management entity. The slice instance information, the network slice instance information management entity pushes the information of the network slice instance according to the network slice instance range subscribed by the NSSF entity, and the method includes:

步骤401，NSSF实体向网络切片实例信息管理实体订阅切片实例消息。Step 401: The NSSF entity subscribes to the slice instance message to the network slice instance information management entity.

订阅切片实例消息中可以携带以下中的一项或多项：网络切片支持的UE使用类型、UE能力、网络切片支持的服务类型、切片类型、租户标识和网络切片实例标识。The subscription slice instance message may carry one or more of the following: the UE usage type supported by the network slice, the UE capability, the service type supported by the network slice, the slice type, the tenant identity, and the network slice instance identifier.

步骤402，网络切片实例信息管理实体根据订阅切片实例消息携带的信息确定对应的一个或多个网络切片实例标识。Step 402: The information carried by the network slice instance information management entity according to the subscription slice instance message Determine the corresponding one or more network slice instance IDs.

在一个示例中，网络切片实例信息管理实体查找其所存储的和订阅消息携带的信息匹配的一个或多个网络切片实例标识。In one example, the network slice instance information management entity looks up one or more network slice instance identifiers that it stores that match the information carried by the subscription message.

步骤403，网络切片实例信息管理实体从网络切片管理***获取网络切片实例信息变化通知消息。Step 403: The network slice instance information management entity acquires a network slice instance information change notification message from the network slice management system.

例如，网络切片实例信息变化可以包括由于网络切片实例管理***对网络切片实例执行生命周期管理操作导致的网络切片实例信息变化，或者网络切片实例管理***对网络切片执行修改配置等操作导致的网络切片实例信息变化。For example, the network slice instance information change may include a network slice instance information change caused by the network slice instance management system performing a lifecycle management operation on the network slice instance, or a network slice caused by the network slice instance management system performing a modification configuration on the network slice. The instance information changes.

步骤404，网络切片实例信息管理实体根据步骤402确定的网络切片实例标识，将对应的网络切片实例信息变化通知消息发送给相应的NSSF实体。Step 404: The network slice instance information management entity sends a corresponding network slice instance information change notification message to the corresponding NSSF entity according to the network slice instance identifier determined in step 402.

例如，当有网络切片实例准备下线时，网络切片管理***向网络切片实例信息管理实体发送网络切片实例下线预通知，网络切片实例信息管理实体转发通知给相应的NSSF实体，NSSF实体不再为该网络切片实例分配新的业务。For example, when a network slice instance is ready to go offline, the network slice management system sends a network slice instance offline pre-notification to the network slice instance information management entity, and the network slice instance information management entity forwards the notification to the corresponding NSSF entity, and the NSSF entity no longer Assign a new service to the network slice instance.

本发明实施例给出了一种NSSF实体向网络切片实例信息管理实体订阅和获取网络切片实例信息的方法，使得网络切片信息管理实体网络切片实例信息管理实体可以根据NSSF实体的需求，提供对应的网络切片实例的信息，避免向所有的NSSF实体推送全网的网络切片实例信息。The embodiment of the present invention provides a method for the NSSF entity to subscribe to and obtain the network slice instance information from the network slice instance information management entity, so that the network slice information management entity network slice instance information management entity can provide corresponding according to the requirements of the NSSF entity. The information of the network splicing instance avoids pushing network fragmentation instance information of the entire network to all NSSF entities.

同时，在具体部署网络的时候，网络切片管理***属于网管运营***，NSSF实体属于业务层面的网元功能或网元功能实体的内部逻辑功能，两者直接交互属于跨子***的交互，复杂度提高，交互时效也不能保证。通过网络切片信息管理实体事先从网络切片管理信息***获取网络切片实例的信息，再提供给对应的NSSF实体，能够避免网络切片内部功能和外部***之间的交互，保证切片的隔离性。At the same time, when the network is deployed, the network slice management system belongs to the network management system. The NSSF entity belongs to the network element function of the service layer or the internal logic function of the network element function entity. The direct interaction between the two belongs to the cross-subsystem interaction. Improvement, interaction time is also not guaranteed. The network slice information management entity obtains the information of the network slice instance from the network slice management information system in advance, and provides the information to the corresponding NSSF entity, thereby avoiding interaction between the internal functions of the network slice and the external system, and ensuring the isolation of the slice.

图5为本发明实施例提供的再一种获取网络切片实例信息的方法的通信示意图。该实施例描述了一种新网络切片实例上线通知方法。当有新切片实例上线时，网络切片管理***向网络切片实例信息管理实体发送切片上线通知。该方法包括：FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of communication of a method for obtaining network slice instance information according to an embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment describes a new network slice instance online notification method. When a new slice instance is online, the network slice management system sends a slice online notification to the network slice instance information management entity. The method includes:

步骤501，网络切片管理***向网络切片实例信息管理实体发送切片上线通知消息，该切片上线通知消息包括网络切片实例的信息。Step 501: The network slice management system sends a slice online notification message to the network slice instance information management entity, where the slice online notification message includes information of the network slice instance.

网络切片实例的信息可以包括网络切片实例标识以及以下至少一种信息：切片支持的UE的使用类型、切片支持的服务类型、切片类型、接入点名称、租户标识、是否支持漫游用户、切片实例位置、切片实例可用容量、切片SLA参数、切片实例状态。The information of the network slice instance may include a network slice instance identifier and at least one of the following information: The type of usage of the UE supported by the slice, the service type supported by the slice, the slice type, the access point name, the tenant identity, whether the roaming user is supported, the slice instance location, the slice instance available capacity, the slice SLA parameter, and the slice instance state.

步骤501即实现网络切片管理***同步更新网络切片实例信息管理实体。Step 501 is to implement a network slice management system to synchronously update the network slice instance information management entity.

步骤502，网络切片实例信息管理实体向网络中的NSSF实体推送切片上线通知消息。Step 502: The network slice instance information management entity pushes a slice online notification message to the NSSF entity in the network.

网络切片实例上线通知消息包括网络切片实例标识以及租户标识，和/或其它网络切片实例信息。The network slice instance online notification message includes a network slice instance identifier and a tenant identification, and/or other network slice instance information.

步骤503，各NSSF实体根据新上线的网络切片实例信息判断是否需要向网络切片实例信息管理实体订阅该网络切片实例信息，以接收该网络切片实例相关的变化通知。当NSSF实体判断需要向网络切片实例信息管理实体订阅该网络切片实例信息，NSSF实体向网络切片实例信息管理实体发送订阅切片实例消息。所述订阅切片实例消息中包括该网络切片实例的标识。Step 503: Each NSSF entity determines, according to the newly-online network slice instance information, whether the network slice instance information management entity needs to subscribe to the network slice instance information to receive the network slice instance-related change notification. When the NSSF entity determines that the network slice instance information needs to be subscribed to the network slice instance information management entity, the NSSF entity sends a subscription slice instance message to the network slice instance information management entity. The identifier of the network slice instance is included in the subscription slice instance message.

在一个示例中，NSSF实体可以根据其与网络切片实例的关联关系判断是否需要订阅该网络切片实例信息，如该网络切片实例是否在NSSF实体的服务范围内，或该网络切片实例对应的租户标识(tenant ID)是否与NSSF实体支持的租户标识(tenant ID)匹配等。In an example, the NSSF entity can determine whether it needs to subscribe to the network slice instance information according to its association with the network slice instance, such as whether the network slice instance is within the service scope of the NSSF entity, or the tenant identifier corresponding to the network slice instance. Whether the (tenant ID) matches the tenant ID supported by the NSSF entity.

本发明实施例给出了一种网络切片实例上线通知方法，便于将网络中新上线的网络切片实例更新到网络切片实例信息管理实体，并进一步通知到NSSF实体，使得NSSF实体在随后执行网络切片选择时，能根据策略选择新上线的网络切片实例。The embodiment of the present invention provides a method for online notification of a network splicing instance, which is convenient for updating a newly-online network snippet instance in the network to a network shard instance information management entity, and further notifying the NSSF entity, so that the NSSF entity subsequently performs network segmentation. When selected, you can select a new online network slice instance based on the policy.

上述主要从各个网元之间交互的角度对本发明实施例的方案进行了介绍。可以理解的是，各个网元，例如网络切片选择功能实体，网络切片实例信息管理实体，网络切片管理***等为了实现上述功能，其包含了执行各个功能相应的硬件结构和/或软件模块。本领域技术人员应该很容易意识到，结合本文中所公开的实施例描述的各示例的单元及算法步骤，本发明能够以硬件或硬件和计算机软件的结合形式来实现。某个功能究竟以硬件还是计算机软件驱动硬件的方式来执行，取决于技术方案的特定应用和设计约束条件。专业技术人员可以对每个特定的应用来使用不同方法来实现所描述的功能，但是这种实现不应认为超出本发明的范围。The foregoing describes the solution of the embodiment of the present invention mainly from the perspective of interaction between the network elements. It can be understood that each network element, such as a network slice selection function entity, a network slice instance information management entity, a network slice management system, etc., in order to implement the above functions, includes hardware structures and/or software modules corresponding to each function. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention can be implemented in a combination of hardware or hardware and computer software in combination with the elements and algorithm steps of the various examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein. Whether a function is implemented in hardware or computer software to drive hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the solution. A person skilled in the art can use different methods for implementing the described functions for each particular application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of the present invention.

本发明实施例可以根据上述方法示例对网络切片选择功能实体、网络切片实例信息管理实体、网络切片管理***等进行功能模块的划分，例如，可以对应各个功能划分各个功能模块，也可以将两个或两个以上的功能集成在一个处理模块中。上述集成的模块既可以采用硬件的形式实现，也可以采用软件功能模块的形式实现。需要说明的是，本发明实施例中对模块的划分是示意性的，仅仅为一种逻辑功能划分，实际实现时可以有另外的划分方式。The embodiment of the present invention may select a function entity and a network cut for a network slice according to the foregoing method example. The slice instance information management entity, the network slice management system, and the like divide the function modules. For example, each function module may be divided according to each function, or two or more functions may be integrated into one processing module. The above integrated modules can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional modules. It should be noted that the division of the module in the embodiment of the present invention is schematic, and is only a logical function division, and the actual implementation may have another division manner.

在采用集成的模块的情况下，图6示出了上述实施例中所涉及的网络切片选择功能实体的一种可能的结构示意图。网络切片选择功能实体600包括：处理模块602和通信模块603。处理模块602用于对网络切片选择功能实体的动作进行控制管理，例如，处理模块602用于支持网络切片选择功能实体执行图2中的过程201、204、205和207，图3中的过程304和306，图4中的过程401，图5中的过程503，和/或用于本文所描述的技术的其它过程。通信模块603用于支持网络切片选择功能实体与其他网络实体的通信，例如与网络切片实例信息管理实体之间的通信。例如，通信模块603用于支持网络切片选择功能实体执行图2中的过程201和205，图3中的过程304，图4中的过程401，图5中的过程503，和/或用于本文所描述的技术的其它过程。网络切片选择功能实体还可以包括存储模块601，用于存储网络切片选择功能实体的程序代码和数据。In the case of employing an integrated module, FIG. 6 shows a possible structural diagram of the network slice selection function entity involved in the above embodiment. The network slice selection function entity 600 includes a processing module 602 and a communication module 603. The processing module 602 is configured to control and manage the action of the network slice selection function entity. For example, the processing module 602 is configured to support the network slice selection function entity to perform the processes 201, 204, 205, and 207 in FIG. 2, and the process 304 in FIG. And 306, process 401 in FIG. 4, process 503 in FIG. 5, and/or other processes for the techniques described herein. The communication module 603 is configured to support communication between the network slice selection function entity and other network entities, such as communication with the network slice instance information management entity. For example, the communication module 603 is configured to support the network slice selection function entity to perform the processes 201 and 205 of FIG. 2, the process 304 of FIG. 3, the process 401 of FIG. 4, the process 503 of FIG. 5, and/or for the purposes of this document. Other processes of the described techniques. The network slice selection function entity may further include a storage module 601 for storing program codes and data of the network slice selection function entity.

其中，处理模块602可以是处理器或控制器，例如可以是中央处理器(Central Processing Unit，CPU)，通用处理器，数字信号处理器(Digital Signal Processor，DSP)，专用集成电路(Application-Specific Integrated Circuit，ASIC)，现场可编程门阵列(Field Programmable Gate Array，FPGA)或者其他可编程逻辑器件、晶体管逻辑器件、硬件部件或者其任意组合。其可以实现或执行结合本发明公开内容所描述的各种示例性的逻辑方框，模块和电路。所述处理器也可以是实现计算功能的组合，例如包含一个或多个微处理器组合，DSP和微处理器的组合等等。通信模块603可以是通信接口、收发器、收发电路等，其中，通信接口是统称，可以包括一个或多个接口。存储模块601可以是存储器。The processing module 602 can be a processor or a controller, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and an application-specific integrated circuit (Application-Specific). Integrated Circuit (ASIC), Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, transistor logic device, hardware component, or any combination thereof. It is possible to implement or carry out the various illustrative logical blocks, modules and circuits described in connection with the present disclosure. The processor may also be a combination of computing functions, for example, including one or more microprocessor combinations, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, and the like. The communication module 603 can be a communication interface, a transceiver, a transceiver circuit, etc., wherein the communication interface is a collective name and can include one or more interfaces. The storage module 601 can be a memory.

当处理模块602为处理器，通信模块603为通信接口，存储模块601为存储器时，本发明实施例所涉及的网络切片选择功能实体可以为图7所示的网络切片选择功能实体。When the processing module 602 is a processor, the communication module 603 is a communication interface, and the storage module 601 is a memory, the network slice selection function entity involved in the embodiment of the present invention may be a network slice selection function entity as shown in FIG. 7.

参阅图7所示，该网络切片选择功能实体700包括：处理器702、通信接口703、存储器701。可选的，网络切片选择功能实体700还可以包括总线704。其中，通信接口703、处理器702以及存储器701可以通过总线704相互连接；总线704可以是外设部件互连标准(Peripheral Component Interconnect，简称PCI)总线或扩展工业标准结构(Extended Industry Standard Architecture，简称EISA)总线等。所述总线704可以分为地址总线、数据总线、控制总线等。为便于表示，图7中仅用一条粗线表示，但并不表示仅有一根总线或一种类型的总线。Referring to FIG. 7, the network slice selection function entity 700 includes: a processor 702, a communication interface Port 703, memory 701. Optionally, the network slice selection function entity 700 may further include a bus 704. The communication interface 703, the processor 702, and the memory 701 may be connected to each other through a bus 704. The bus 704 may be a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus or an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (abbreviated). EISA) bus and so on. The bus 704 can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, and the like. For ease of representation, only one thick line is shown in Figure 7, but it does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

在采用集成的模块的情况下，图8示出了上述实施例中所涉及的网络切片实例信息管理实体的一种可能的结构示意图。网络切片实例信息管理实体800包括：处理模块802和通信模块803。处理模块802用于对网络切片实例信息管理实体的动作进行控制管理，例如，处理模块802用于支持网络切片实例信息管理实体执行图2中的过程202、203、2051和206，图3中的过程305，图4中的过程402和404，图5中的过程502，和/或用于本文所描述的技术的其它过程。通信模块803用于支持网络切片实例信息管理实体与其他网络实体的通信，例如与网络切片选择功能实体之间的通信。例如，通信模块803用于支持网络切片实例信息管理实体执行图2中的过程203、2051和206，图3中的过程305，图4中的过程404，图5中的过程502，和/或用于本文所描述的技术的其它过程。网络切片实例信息管理实体还可以包括存储模块801，用于存储网络切片实例信息管理实体的程序代码和数据。In the case of adopting an integrated module, FIG. 8 shows a possible structural diagram of the network slice instance information management entity involved in the above embodiment. The network slice instance information management entity 800 includes a processing module 802 and a communication module 803. The processing module 802 is configured to control and manage the actions of the network slice instance information management entity. For example, the processing module 802 is configured to support the network slice instance information management entity to perform the processes 202, 203, 2051, and 206 in FIG. 2, in FIG. Process 305, processes 402 and 404 in FIG. 4, process 502 in FIG. 5, and/or other processes for the techniques described herein. The communication module 803 is configured to support communication between the network slice instance information management entity and other network entities, such as communication with a network slice selection function entity. For example, the communication module 803 is configured to support the network slice instance information management entity to perform the processes 203, 2051, and 206 in FIG. 2, the process 305 in FIG. 3, the process 404 in FIG. 4, the process 502 in FIG. 5, and/or Other processes for the techniques described herein. The network slice instance information management entity may further include a storage module 801 for storing program codes and data of the network slice instance information management entity.

其中，处理模块802可以是处理器或控制器，例如可以是中央处理器(Central Processing Unit，CPU)，通用处理器，数字信号处理器(Digital Signal Processor，DSP)，专用集成电路(Application-Specific Integrated Circuit，ASIC)，现场可编程门阵列(Field Programmable Gate Array，FPGA)或者其他可编程逻辑器件、晶体管逻辑器件、硬件部件或者其任意组合。其可以实现或执行结合本发明公开内容所描述的各种示例性的逻辑方框，模块和电路。所述处理器也可以是实现计算功能的组合，例如包含一个或多个微处理器组合，DSP和微处理器的组合等等。通信模块803可以是通信接口、收发器、收发电路等，其中，通信接口是统称，可以包括一个或多个接口。存储模块801可以是存储器。The processing module 802 can be a processor or a controller, and can be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and an application-specific integrated circuit (Application-Specific). Integrated Circuit (ASIC), Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, transistor logic device, hardware component, or any combination thereof. It is possible to implement or carry out the various illustrative logical blocks, modules and circuits described in connection with the present disclosure. The processor may also be a combination of computing functions, for example, including one or more microprocessor combinations, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, and the like. The communication module 803 can be a communication interface, a transceiver, a transceiver circuit, etc., wherein the communication interface is a collective name and can include one or more interfaces. The storage module 801 can be a memory.

当处理模块802为处理器，通信模块803为通信接口，存储模块801为存储器时，本发明实施例所涉及的网络切片实例信息管理实体可以为图9所示的网络切片实例信息管理实体。When the processing module 802 is a processor, the communication module 803 is a communication interface, and the storage module 801 is a memory, the network slice instance information management entity involved in the embodiment of the present invention may be as shown in FIG. The network slice instance information management entity shown.

参阅图9所示，该网络切片实例信息管理实体900包括：处理器902、通信接口903、存储器901。可选的，网络切片实例信息管理实体900还可以包括总线904。其中，通信接口903、处理器902以及存储器901可以通过总线904相互连接；总线904可以是外设部件互连标准(Peripheral Component Interconnect，简称PCI)总线或扩展工业标准结构(Extended Industry Standard Architecture，简称EISA)总线等。所述总线904可以分为地址总线、数据总线、控制总线等。为便于表示，图9中仅用一条粗线表示，但并不表示仅有一根总线或一种类型的总线。Referring to FIG. 9, the network slice instance information management entity 900 includes a processor 902, a communication interface 903, and a memory 901. Optionally, the network slice instance information management entity 900 may further include a bus 904. The communication interface 903, the processor 902, and the memory 901 may be connected to each other through a bus 904. The bus 904 may be a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus or an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (abbreviated). EISA) bus and so on. The bus 904 can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, and the like. For ease of representation, only one thick line is shown in Figure 9, but it does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

在采用集成的模块的情况下，图10示出了上述实施例中所涉及的网络切片管理***的一种可能的结构示意图。网络切片管理***1000包括：处理模块1002和通信模块1003。处理模块1002用于对网络切片管理***的动作进行控制管理，例如，处理模块1002用于支持网络切片管理***执行图3中的过程301和302，图4中的过程403，图5中的过程501，和/或用于本文所描述的技术的其它过程。通信模块1003用于支持网络切片管理***与其他网络实体的通信，例如与网络切片实例信息管理实体之间的通信。例如，通信模块1003用于支持网络切片管理***执行图3中的过程301和302，图4中的过程403，图5中的过程501，和/或用于本文所描述的技术的其它过程。网络切片管理***还可以包括存储模块1001，用于存储网络切片管理***的程序代码和数据。In the case of using an integrated module, FIG. 10 shows a possible structural diagram of the network slice management system involved in the above embodiment. The network slice management system 1000 includes a processing module 1002 and a communication module 1003. The processing module 1002 is configured to control and manage the actions of the network slice management system. For example, the processing module 1002 is configured to support the network slice management system to perform the processes 301 and 302 in FIG. 3, the process 403 in FIG. 4, and the process in FIG. 501, and/or other processes for the techniques described herein. The communication module 1003 is configured to support communication between the network slice management system and other network entities, such as communication with the network slice instance information management entity. For example, the communication module 1003 is configured to support the network slice management system to perform the processes 301 and 302 of FIG. 3, the process 403 of FIG. 4, the process 501 of FIG. 5, and/or other processes for the techniques described herein. The network slice management system may further include a storage module 1001 for storing program codes and data of the network slice management system.

其中，处理模块1002可以是处理器或控制器，例如可以是中央处理器(Central Processing Unit，CPU)，通用处理器，数字信号处理器(Digital Signal Processor，DSP)，专用集成电路(Application-Specific Integrated Circuit，ASIC)，现场可编程门阵列(Field Programmable Gate Array，FPGA)或者其他可编程逻辑器件、晶体管逻辑器件、硬件部件或者其任意组合。其可以实现或执行结合本发明公开内容所描述的各种示例性的逻辑方框，模块和电路。所述处理器也可以是实现计算功能的组合，例如包含一个或多个微处理器组合，DSP和微处理器的组合等等。通信模块1003可以是通信接口、收发器、收发电路等，其中，通信接口是统称，可以包括一个或多个接口。存储模块1001可以是存储器。The processing module 1002 may be a processor or a controller, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and an application-specific integrated circuit (Application-Specific). Integrated Circuit (ASIC), Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, transistor logic device, hardware component, or any combination thereof. It is possible to implement or carry out the various illustrative logical blocks, modules and circuits described in connection with the present disclosure. The processor may also be a combination of computing functions, for example, including one or more microprocessor combinations, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, and the like. The communication module 1003 may be a communication interface, a transceiver, a transceiver circuit, etc., wherein the communication interface is a collective name and may include one or more interfaces. The storage module 1001 may be a memory.

当处理模块1002为处理器，通信模块1003为通信接口，存储模块1001 为存储器时，本发明实施例所涉及的网络切片管理***可以为图11所示的网络切片管理***。When the processing module 1002 is a processor, the communication module 1003 is a communication interface, and the storage module 1001 When it is a memory, the network slice management system according to the embodiment of the present invention may be the network slice management system shown in FIG.

参阅图11所示，该网络切片管理***1100包括：处理器1102、通信接口1103、存储器1101。可选的，网络切片管理***1100还可以包括总线1104。其中，通信接口1103、处理器1102以及存储器1101可以通过总线1104相互连接；总线1104可以是外设部件互连标准(Peripheral Component Interconnect，简称PCI)总线或扩展工业标准结构(Extended Industry Standard Architecture，简称EISA)总线等。所述总线1104可以分为地址总线、数据总线、控制总线等。为便于表示，图11中仅用一条粗线表示，但并不表示仅有一根总线或一种类型的总线。Referring to FIG. 11, the network slice management system 1100 includes a processor 1102, a communication interface 1103, and a memory 1101. Optionally, the network slice management system 1100 may further include a bus 1104. The communication interface 1103, the processor 1102, and the memory 1101 may be connected to each other through a bus 1104. The bus 1104 may be a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus or an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (abbreviated). EISA) bus and so on. The bus 1104 can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, and the like. For ease of representation, only one thick line is shown in Figure 11, but it does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

结合本发明公开内容所描述的方法或者算法的步骤可以硬件的方式来实现，也可以是由处理器执行软件指令的方式来实现。软件指令可以由相应的软件模块组成，软件模块可以被存放于随机存取存储器(Random Access Memory，RAM)、闪存、只读存储器(Read Only Memory，ROM)、可擦除可编程只读存储器(Erasable Programmable ROM，EPROM)、电可擦可编程只读存储器(Electrically EPROM，EEPROM)、寄存器、硬盘、移动硬盘、只读光盘(CD-ROM)或者本领域熟知的任何其它形式的存储介质中。一种示例性的存储介质耦合至处理器，从而使处理器能够从该存储介质读取信息，且可向该存储介质写入信息。当然，存储介质也可以是处理器的组成部分。处理器和存储介质可以位于ASIC中。另外，该ASIC可以位于核心网接口设备中。当然，处理器和存储介质也可以作为分立组件存在于核心网接口设备中。The steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with the present disclosure may be implemented in a hardware, or may be implemented by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions may be composed of corresponding software modules, which may be stored in a random access memory (RAM), a flash memory, a read only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read only memory ( Erasable Programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), registers, hard disk, removable hard disk, compact disk read only (CD-ROM) or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor to enable the processor to read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be an integral part of the processor. The processor and the storage medium can be located in an ASIC. Additionally, the ASIC can be located in a core network interface device. Of course, the processor and the storage medium may also exist as discrete components in the core network interface device.

本领域技术人员应该可以意识到，在上述一个或多个示例中，本发明所描述的功能可以用硬件、软件、固件或它们的任意组合来实现。当使用软件实现时，可以将这些功能存储在计算机可读介质中或者作为计算机可读介质上的一个或多个指令或代码进行传输。计算机可读介质包括计算机存储介质和通信介质，其中通信介质包括便于从一个地方向另一个地方传送计算机程序的任何介质。存储介质可以是通用或专用计算机能够存取的任何可用介质。Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in one or more examples described above, the functions described herein can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, the functions may be stored in a computer readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer readable medium. Computer readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one location to another. A storage medium may be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer.

以上所述的具体实施方式，对本发明的目的、技术方案和有益效果进行了进一步详细说明，所应理解的是，以上所述仅为本发明的具体实施方式而已，并不用于限定本发明的保护范围，凡在本发明的技术方案的基础之上，所做的任何修改、等同替换、改进等，均应包括在本发明的保护范围之内。 The specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments of the present invention. The scope of the protection, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., which are made on the basis of the technical solutions of the present invention, are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

一种获取网络切片实例信息的方法，其特征在于，所述方法包括：A method for obtaining network slice instance information, where the method includes:

网络切片选择功能实体向网络切片实例信息管理实体发送第一请求消息，所述第一请求消息用于查询网络切片实例的信息；The network slice selection function entity sends a first request message to the network slice instance information management entity, where the first request message is used to query information of the network slice instance;

所述网络切片选择功能实体从所述网络切片实例信息管理实体接收至少一个网络切片实例的信息。The network slice selection function entity receives information of at least one network slice instance from the network slice instance information management entity.
如权利要求1所述的方法，其特征在于，所述网络切片选择功能实体向网络切片实例信息管理实体发送第一请求消息之前，所述方法还包括：The method of claim 1, wherein before the sending, by the network slice selection function entity, the first request message to the network slice instance information management entity, the method further comprises:

所述网络切片选择功能实体从用户设备UE接收第二请求消息，所述第二请求消息用于触发所述网络切片选择功能实体向所述网络切片实例信息管理实体发送所述第一请求消息，其中，所述第二请求消息为会话建立请求消息或附着请求消息或位置更新请求消息。The network slice selection function entity receives a second request message from the user equipment UE, where the second request message is used to trigger the network slice selection function entity to send the first request message to the network slice instance information management entity, The second request message is a session establishment request message or an attach request message or a location update request message.
如权利要求1或2所述的方法，其特征在于，所述网络切片选择功能实体从所述网络切片实例信息管理实体接收至少一个网络切片实例的信息之后，所述方法还包括：The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein after the network slice selection function entity receives the information of the at least one network slice instance from the network slice instance information management entity, the method further includes:

所述网络切片选择功能实体根据所述至少一个网络切片实例的信息执行网络切片选择。The network slice selection function entity performs network slice selection according to information of the at least one network slice instance.
如权利要求1至3中任一项所述的方法，其特征在于，所述方法还包括：The method of any of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:

所述网络切片选择功能实体向所述网络切片实例信息管理实体发送第三请求消息，所述第三请求消息用于订阅网络切片实例信息的变化信息；The network slice selection function entity sends a third request message to the network slice instance information management entity, where the third request message is used to subscribe to change information of the network slice instance information;

所述网络切片选择功能实体从所述网络切片实例信息管理实体接收第一通知消息，所述第一通知消息携带网络切片实例信息的变化信息；The network slice selection function entity receives a first notification message from the network slice instance information management entity, where the first notification message carries change information of network slice instance information;

所述网络切片选择功能实体根据所述网络切片实例信息的变化信息执行网络切片选择或重选。The network slice selection function entity performs network slice selection or reselection according to the change information of the network slice instance information.
如权利要求4所述的方法，其特征在于，所述网络切片选择功能实体向所述网络切片实例信息管理实体发送第三请求消息之前，所述方法还包括：The method of claim 4, wherein before the sending, by the network slice selection function entity, the third request message to the network slice instance information management entity, the method further comprises:

所述网络切片选择功能实体从所述网络切片实例信息管理实体接收第二通知消息，所述第二通知消息用于指示上线的网络切片实例和所述网络切片实例的信息。 The network slice selection function entity receives a second notification message from the network slice instance information management entity, where the second notification message is used to indicate information of the online network slice instance and the network slice instance.
如权利要求4或5所述的方法，其特征在于，所述第三请求消息包括以下至少一种信息：订阅的网络切片实例支持的用户设备UE的使用类型、订阅的网络切片实例支持的UE能力、订阅的网络切片实例支持的服务类型、订阅的网络切片实例的类型、订阅的网络切片实例的租户标识、订阅的网络切片实例的标识。The method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the third request message comprises at least one of the following: a usage type of the user equipment UE supported by the subscribed network slice instance, and a UE supported by the subscribed network slice instance. The capability, the type of service supported by the subscribed network slice instance, the type of the subscribed network slice instance, the tenant ID of the subscribed network slice instance, and the identity of the subscribed network slice instance.
如权利要求1至6中任一项所述的方法，其特征在于，所述第一请求消息携带以下至少一种信息：查询的网络切片实例支持的用户设备UE的使用类型、查询的网络切片实例支持的UE能力、查询的网络切片实例支持的服务类型、查询的网络切片实例的类型、查询的网络切片实例的租户标识、查询的网络切片实例的标识。The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first request message carries at least one of the following information: a type of use of the user equipment UE supported by the network slice instance of the query, and a network slice of the query The UE capability supported by the instance, the service type supported by the queried network slice instance, the type of the network slice instance that is queried, the tenant ID of the queried network slice instance, and the identifier of the queried network slice instance.
如权利要求1至7中任一项所述的方法，其特征在于，所述网络切片实例的信息包括网络切片实例的标识以及以下至少一种信息：所述网络切片实例支持的用户设备UE的使用类型、所述网络切片实例支持的UE能力、所述网络切片实例支持的服务类型、所述网络切片实例的类型、所述网络切片实例的接入点名称、所述网络切片实例的租户标识、所述网络切片实例是否支持漫游用户、所述网络切片实例的位置、所述网络切片实例的可用容量、所述网络切片实例的服务等级协议SLA参数、所述网络切片实例的状态。The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the information of the network slice instance comprises an identifier of a network slice instance and at least one of the following: a user equipment UE supported by the network slice instance a usage type, a UE capability supported by the network slice instance, a service type supported by the network slice instance, a type of the network slice instance, an access point name of the network slice instance, a tenant identity of the network slice instance Whether the network slice instance supports a roaming user, a location of the network slice instance, an available capacity of the network slice instance, a service level agreement SLA parameter of the network slice instance, and a state of the network slice instance.
一种获取网络切片实例信息的方法，其特征在于，所述方法包括：A method for obtaining network slice instance information, where the method includes:

网络切片实例信息管理实体从网络切片选择功能实体接收第一请求消息；The network slice instance information management entity receives the first request message from the network slice selection function entity;

所述网络切片实例信息管理实体根据所述第一请求消息查询网络切片实例的信息；The network slice instance information management entity queries information of the network slice instance according to the first request message;

所述网络切片实例信息管理实体向所述网络切片选择功能实体发送至少一个网络切片实例的信息。The network slice instance information management entity sends information of at least one network slice instance to the network slice selection function entity.
如权利要求9所述的方法，其特征在于，所述网络切片实例信息管理实体从网络切片选择功能实体接收第一请求消息之前，所述方法还包括：The method according to claim 9, wherein before the network slice instance information management entity receives the first request message from the network slice selection function entity, the method further includes:

所述网络切片实例信息管理实体从网络切片管理***接收第二请求消息，根据所述第二请求消息更新网络切片实例的信息。The network slice instance information management entity receives a second request message from the network slice management system, and updates information of the network slice instance according to the second request message.
如权利要求9或10所述的方法，其特征在于，所述方法还包括：The method of claim 9 or 10, wherein the method further comprises:

所述网络切片实例信息管理实体从所述网络切片选择功能实体接收第三请求消息，所述第三请求消息用于订阅网络切片实例信息的变化信息； The network slice instance information management entity receives a third request message from the network slice selection function entity, where the third request message is used to subscribe to change information of the network slice instance information;

所述网络切片实例信息管理实体根据所述第三请求消息向所述网络切片选择功能实体发送第一通知消息，所述第一通知消息携带网络切片实例信息的变化信息，其中，所述网络切片实例信息管理实体根据所述第三请求消息向所述网络切片选择功能实体发送所述第一通知消息之前，从网络切片管理***接收所述网络切片实例信息的变化信息。The network slice instance information management entity sends a first notification message to the network slice selection function entity according to the third request message, where the first notification message carries change information of network slice instance information, where the network slice The instance information management entity receives the change information of the network slice instance information from the network slice management system before sending the first notification message to the network slice selection function entity according to the third request message.
如权利要求11所述的方法，其特征在于，所述网络切片实例信息管理实体从所述网络切片选择功能实体接收所述第三请求消息之前，所述方法还包括：The method according to claim 11, wherein before the network slice instance information management entity receives the third request message from the network slice selection function entity, the method further includes:

所述网络切片实例信息管理实体从所述网络切片管理***接收第二通知消息，所述第二通知消息用于指示上线的网络切片实例和所述网络切片实例的信息；The network slice instance information management entity receives a second notification message from the network slice management system, where the second notification message is used to indicate information of the online network slice instance and the network slice instance;

所述网络切片实例信息管理实体向所述网络切片选择功能实体发送所述第二通知消息。The network slice instance information management entity sends the second notification message to the network slice selection function entity.
一种网络切片选择功能实体，其特征在于，所述网络切片选择功能实体包括：处理模块和通信模块；A network slice selection function entity, wherein the network slice selection function entity comprises: a processing module and a communication module;

所述处理模块，用于通过所述通信模块向网络切片实例信息管理实体发送第一请求消息，所述第一请求消息用于查询网络切片实例的信息；以及通过所述通信模块从所述网络切片实例信息管理实体接收至少一个网络切片实例的信息。The processing module is configured to send, by using the communication module, a first request message to a network slice instance information management entity, where the first request message is used to query information of a network slice instance, and from the network by using the communication module The slice instance information management entity receives information of at least one network slice instance.
如权利要求13所述的网络切片选择功能实体，其特征在于，所述处理模块，还用于在通过所述通信模块向网络切片实例信息管理实体发送第一请求消息之前，通过所述通信模块从用户设备UE接收第二请求消息，所述第二请求消息用于触发通过所述通信模块向所述网络切片实例信息管理实体发送所述第一请求消息，其中，所述第二请求消息为会话建立请求消息或附着请求消息或位置更新请求消息。The network slice selection function entity according to claim 13, wherein the processing module is further configured to pass the communication module before sending the first request message to the network slice instance information management entity by using the communication module. Receiving, by the user equipment UE, a second request message, where the second request message is used to trigger sending, by the communication module, the first request message to the network slice instance information management entity, where the second request message is A session establishment request message or an attach request message or a location update request message.
如权利要求13或14所述的网络切片选择功能实体，其特征在于，所述处理模块，还用于在通过所述通信模块从所述网络切片实例信息管理实体接收至少一个网络切片实例的信息之后，根据所述至少一个网络切片实例的信息执行网络切片选择。The network slice selection function entity according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the processing module is further configured to receive, by the communication module, information of at least one network slice instance from the network slice instance information management entity. Thereafter, network slice selection is performed based on the information of the at least one network slice instance.
如权利要求13至15中任一项所述的网络切片选择功能实体，其特征在于，所述处理模块，还用于通过所述通信模块向所述网络切片实例信息管理实体发送第三请求消息，所述第三请求消息用于订阅网络切片实例信息的变化信息；以及通过所述通信模块从所述网络切片实例信息管理实体接收第一通知消息，所述第一通知消息携带网络切片实例信息的变化信息；以及根据所述网络切片实例信息的变化信息执行网络切片选择或重选。A network slice selection function entity according to any one of claims 13 to 15, The processing module is further configured to send, by using the communication module, a third request message to the network slice instance information management entity, where the third request message is used to subscribe to change information of network slice instance information; The communication module receives a first notification message from the network slice instance information management entity, where the first notification message carries change information of network slice instance information; and performs network slice selection according to change information of the network slice instance information or Re-election.
如权利要求16所述的网络切片选择功能实体，其特征在于，所述处理模块，还用于在通过所述通信模块向所述网络切片实例信息管理实体发送第三请求消息之前，通过所述通信模块从所述网络切片实例信息管理实体接收第二通知消息，所述第二通知消息用于指示上线的网络切片实例和所述网络切片实例的信息。The network slice selection function entity according to claim 16, wherein the processing module is further configured to: before sending the third request message to the network slice instance information management entity by using the communication module, The communication module receives a second notification message from the network slice instance information management entity, where the second notification message is used to indicate information of the online network slice instance and the network slice instance.
如权利要求16或17所述的网络切片选择功能实体，其特征在于，所述第三请求消息包括以下至少一种信息：订阅的网络切片实例支持的用户设备UE的使用类型、订阅的网络切片实例支持的UE能力、订阅的网络切片实例支持的服务类型、订阅的网络切片实例的类型、订阅的网络切片实例的租户标识、订阅的网络切片实例的标识。The network slice selection function entity according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the third request message comprises at least one of the following: a usage type of the user equipment UE supported by the subscribed network slice instance, and a subscribed network slice. The UE capabilities supported by the instance, the type of service supported by the subscribed network slice instance, the type of the subscribed network slice instance, the tenant identity of the subscribed network slice instance, and the identity of the subscribed network slice instance.
如权利要求13至18中任一项所述的网络切片选择功能实体，其特征在于，所述第一请求消息携带以下至少一种信息：查询的网络切片实例支持的用户设备UE的使用类型、查询的网络切片实例支持的UE能力、查询的网络切片实例支持的服务类型、查询的网络切片实例的类型、查询的网络切片实例的租户标识、查询的网络切片实例的标识。The network slice selection function entity according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the first request message carries at least one of the following types: a usage type of the user equipment UE supported by the queried network slice instance, The UE capability supported by the queried network snippet instance, the service type supported by the queried network snippet instance, the type of the network snippet instance that is queried, the tenant ID of the queried network snippet instance, and the identifier of the queried network snippet instance.
如权利要求13至19中任一项所述的网络切片选择功能实体，其特征在于，所述网络切片实例的信息包括网络切片实例的标识以及以下至少一种信息：所述网络切片实例支持的用户设备UE的使用类型、所述网络切片实例支持的UE能力、所述网络切片实例支持的服务类型、所述网络切片实例的类型、所述网络切片实例的接入点名称、所述网络切片实例的租户标识、所述网络切片实例是否支持漫游用户、所述网络切片实例的位置、所述网络切片实例的可用容量、所述网络切片实例的服务等级协议SLA参数、所述网络切片实例的状态。The network slice selection function entity according to any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein the information of the network slice instance includes an identifier of a network slice instance and at least one of the following information: supported by the network slice instance a usage type of the user equipment UE, a UE capability supported by the network slice instance, a service type supported by the network slice instance, a type of the network slice instance, an access point name of the network slice instance, and the network slice a tenant identifier of the instance, whether the network slice instance supports a roaming user, a location of the network slice instance, an available capacity of the network slice instance, a service level agreement SLA parameter of the network slice instance, and a network slice instance status.
一种网络切片实例信息管理实体，其特征在于，所述网络切片实例信息管理实体包括：处理模块和通信模块； A network slice instance information management entity, where the network slice instance information management entity includes: a processing module and a communication module;

所述处理模块，用于通过所述通信模块从网络切片选择功能实体接收第一请求消息；以及根据所述第一请求消息查询网络切片实例的信息；以及通过所述通信模块向所述网络切片选择功能实体发送至少一个网络切片实例的信息。The processing module is configured to receive, by the communication module, a first request message from a network slice selection function entity; and query information of a network slice instance according to the first request message; and slice the network by using the communication module Select the functional entity to send information about at least one network slice instance.
如权利要求21所述的网络切片实例信息管理实体，其特征在于，所述处理模块，还用于在通过所述通信模块从网络切片选择功能实体接收第一请求消息之前，通过所述通信模块从网络切片管理***接收第二请求消息，根据所述第二请求消息更新网络切片实例的信息。The network slice instance information management entity according to claim 21, wherein the processing module is further configured to pass the communication module before receiving the first request message from the network slice selection function entity by using the communication module. Receiving a second request message from the network slice management system, and updating information of the network slice instance according to the second request message.
如权利要求21或22所述的网络切片实例信息管理实体，其特征在于，所述处理模块，还用于通过所述通信模块从所述网络切片选择功能实体接收第三请求消息，所述第三请求消息用于订阅网络切片实例信息的变化信息；以及根据所述第三请求消息通过所述通信模块向所述网络切片选择功能实体发送第一通知消息，所述第一通知消息携带网络切片实例信息的变化信息，其中，所述网络切片实例信息管理实体根据所述第三请求消息向所述网络切片选择功能实体发送所述第一通知消息之前，通过所述通信模块从网络切片管理***接收所述网络切片实例信息的变化信息。The network slice instance information management entity according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the processing module is further configured to receive, by the communication module, a third request message from the network slice selection function entity, where the And the third request message is used to subscribe to the change information of the network slice instance information; and send, by using the communication module, the first notification message to the network slice selection function entity according to the third request message, where the first notification message carries a network slice Change information of the instance information, wherein the network slice instance information management entity sends the first notification message to the network slice selection function entity according to the third request message, and the network slice management system is used by the communication module Receiving change information of the network slice instance information.
如权利要求23所述的网络切片实例信息管理实体，其特征在于，所述处理模块，还用于在通过所述通信模块从所述网络切片选择功能实体接收所述第三请求消息之前，通过所述通信模块从所述网络切片管理***接收第二通知消息，所述第二通知消息用于指示上线的网络切片实例和所述网络切片实例的信息；以及通过所述通信模块向所述网络切片选择功能实体发送所述第二通知消息。The network slice instance information management entity according to claim 23, wherein the processing module is further configured to: before receiving the third request message from the network slice selection function entity by using the communication module, The communication module receives a second notification message from the network slice management system, where the second notification message is used to indicate information of an online network slice instance and the network slice instance; and to the network by using the communication module The slice selection function entity sends the second notification message.
一种通信***，其特征在于，所述***包括：如权利要求13至20任一项所述的网络切片选择功能实体、如权利要求21至24任一项所述的网络切片实例信息管理实体。A communication system, characterized in that the system comprises: the network slice selection function entity according to any one of claims 13 to 20, the network slice instance information management entity according to any one of claims 21 to .
如权利要求25所述的通信***，其特征在于，所述***还包括：网络切片管理***；The communication system of claim 25, wherein the system further comprises: a network slice management system;

所述网络切片管理***，用于向所述网络切片实例信息管理实体发送第一通知消息，所述第一通知消息携带网络切片实例信息的变化信息；和/或，向所述网络切片实例信息管理实体发送第二通知消息，所述第二通知消息用于指示上线的网络切片实例和网络切片实例的信息。 The network slice management system is configured to send a first notification message to the network slice instance information management entity, where the first notification message carries change information of network slice instance information; and/or, Sending a second notification message to the network slice instance information management entity, where the second notification message is used to indicate information of the online network slice instance and the network slice instance.