KR20190135298A - Network apparatus and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention proposes an operation method of a network device and a network device which realizes a differentiated technology for providing internal information necessary for a 3^rd party (external service provider) side based on the information sharing function of a network exposure function (NEF).

Description

NETWORK APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF}

The present invention relates to a technology that allows relates to a technology for transmitting and receiving information between the heterogeneous networks, can provide the necessary internal information on more specifically, 3 ^rd Party (external operator) based on the information transmitted and received between heterogeneous network side.

As the types of communication services and transmission request rates vary in the LTE communication system, the LTE frequency expansion and the evolution to the 5G communication system are actively progressing.

This rapidly evolving 5G communication system accommodates as many terminals as possible based on limited radio resources, while enabling enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) / massive machine type communications (mMTC) / It supports scenarios of ultra-reliable and low latency communications (URLLC).

In particular, in 5G, a network structure for supporting terminals, base stations (access), cores, and servers from end to end is defined, and a single node (eg, S-GW, P-GW, etc.) in LTE (4G) is defined. Separates the functions of control signaling and data transmission / reception, which are performed in a complex manner, to define a network structure in which a control plane of a control signaling function and a user plane of a data transmission / reception function are divided.

At this time, the control node of the control plane in 5G, AMF (Access and Mobility Function) for controlling access to the wireless section of the terminal, PCF (Policy Control Function) for managing / control policies such as terminal information and subscription service information for each terminal, billing, etc. ), SMF (Session Management Function) that manages / controls a session for data service use for each terminal, and a Network Exposure Function (NEF) that is responsible for sharing information with an external network.

In 5G, a data plane of a user plane is defined as a UPF (User Plane Function) for transmitting and receiving data between a terminal and a server on an external service network (eg, the Internet) through a session with a terminal based on control (interlocking) of the SMF. can do.

On the other hand, NEF of 5G is in charge of the information sharing capabilities based on the information transmitted and received between the internal network of the service provider (hereinafter referred to as network) and an external service network (hereinafter referred to as 3 ^rd Party), information transmission and reception for the information sharing capabilities As a form, there is PFD (Packet Flow Description) information.

Thus, in future, it is expected through the use of PFD information of NEF information sharing, by sharing information could be shared between the network and the 3 ^rd Party, assuming to be diverse and differentiated services are developed / promoted.

Boil, in at 5G standard definition and PFD level of information that is being discussed, to take advantage of the NEF of information sharing and differentiated services to apply / develop anywhere from network service providers and 3 ^rd Party side external provider that operates the network is a difficult situation to be.

Accordingly, the present invention, based on the information transmission and reception function between the heterogeneous networks, that is, the information sharing function using the PFD information of the NEF, to realize a technology that enables the development / application of substantially differentiated services in the network operator or external provider side do.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to achieve information communication between heterogeneous networks, that is, on the basis of an information sharing function using PFD information of NEF. To provide a network device and an operation method of the network device to enable the development / application of differentiated services.

A network device according to a first aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object is a request for receiving an information request from the external service network based on a specific message defined between a communication network to which the network device belongs and an external service network. Receiving unit; And an information providing unit providing subscriber service information related to the terminal according to the received information request to the external service network based on the specific message.

Specifically, the specific message may be a message defined to transmit and receive packet flow description (PFD) information from a control node in charge of information sharing function between the communication network and the external service network.

Specifically, the subscriber service information may be based on a terminal identifier for identifying a terminal, network information indicating a traffic state associated with a data service being used by the terminal, area information indicating a region of the terminal, and data service usage statistics of the terminal. It may include at least one of the ranking information of the most used data service, the plan information to which the terminal subscriber subscribes, the subscriber information of the terminal subscriber.

Specifically, the information request may be PFD information received in a state in which a request identifier is recorded in a specific information field of information requested to be received by the external service network, from among two or more information fields constituting the PFD information.

Specifically, the information providing unit, to the terminal according to the PFD information as the information request, collect information for recording in the specific information field to generate subscriber service information, and converts the subscriber service information in the form of PFD information. Can be provided to the service network.

Specifically, the information providing unit obtains information from at least one of a control node for managing / controlling a session for using a data service for each terminal and a data node in charge of a session of the terminal according to the request for information. Can be generated.

Specifically, when providing the subscriber service information, the information provider may provide the specified specific information in the subscriber service information after anonymization according to a preset ratio.

Specifically, when the information providing unit receives an additional information request for the anonymized specific information from the external service network, the information providing unit determines whether the anonymization rate can be changed according to a predefined policy, and when it is determined that the change is possible, the subscriber The specific information in the service information may be provided again by anonymizing according to a rate lower than the previous rate.

A method of operating a network device according to a second aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object, based on a specific message defined between the communication network to which the network device belongs and the external service network, requests for information from the external service network Receiving a request; And an information providing step of providing subscriber service information related to the terminal according to the received information request to the external service network based on the specific message.

Specifically, the specific message may be a message defined to transmit and receive packet flow description (PFD) information from a control node in charge of information sharing function between the communication network and the external service network.

Specifically, the subscriber service information may be based on a terminal identifier for identifying a terminal, network information indicating a traffic state associated with a data service being used by the terminal, area information indicating a region of the terminal, and data service usage statistics of the terminal. It may include at least one of the ranking information of the most used data service, the plan information to which the terminal subscriber subscribes, the subscriber information of the terminal subscriber.

Specifically, the information request may be PFD information received in a state in which a request identifier is recorded in a specific information field of information requested to be received by the external service network, from among two or more information fields constituting the PFD information.

Specifically, in the information providing step, for the terminal according to the PFD information as the information request, collecting information for recording in the specific information field to generate subscriber service information, and converts the subscriber service information in the form of PFD information. It can be provided to an external service network.

Specifically, in the information providing step, the subscriber service information is obtained by obtaining information from at least one of a control node that manages / controls a session for using a data service for each terminal and a data node that is in charge of the session of the terminal according to the information request. Can be generated.

Specifically, the information providing step may be provided after anonymizing specific information specified in the subscriber service information according to a preset ratio when providing the subscriber service information.

Specifically, when an additional information request for the anonymized specific information is received from the external service network, it is determined whether or not anonymization ratio can be changed according to a predefined policy, and when it is determined that the change is possible, the specific information in the subscriber service information is determined. The method may further include anonymizing and providing the information again according to a rate lower than the previous rate.

According to the method of operation of network devices and network devices of the present invention, deriving the effect of realizing a distinct technique that is based on the NEF information sharing, 3 ^rd Party to provide the necessary internal information on (external operator) side do.

1 is a view illustrating a scenario that provides internal information necessary for the 3 ^rd Party (external operator) side in an existing communication system.
Figure 2 is a view illustrating a new scenario to provide the internal information necessary for the 3 ^rd Party (external operator) side in the present invention.
3 is an exemplary view showing a structure of a communication system to which the present invention is applied.
4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a network device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
5 is an exemplary view showing a field structure of PFD information defined according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a flow chart showing the flow to provide the internal information necessary for the 3 ^rd Party (external operators) in a communication system, the invention is applied side.
7 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a network device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The present invention relates to a technology for transmitting and receiving information between heterogeneous networks, specifically, an information sharing function of a network exposure function (NEF) defined in 5G.

5G communication systems can accommodate as many terminals as possible based on limited radio resources, while enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) / massive machine type communications (mMTC) / ultra-reliable and It supports scenarios of low latency communications.

In particular, in 5G, a network structure for supporting terminals, base stations (access), cores, and servers from end to end is defined, and a single node (eg, S-GW, P-GW, etc.) in LTE (4G) is defined. Separates the functions of control signaling and data transmission / reception, which are performed in a complex manner, to define a network structure in which a control plane of a control signaling function and a user plane of a data transmission / reception function are divided.

At this time, the control node of the control plane in 5G, AMF (Access and Mobility Function) for controlling access to the wireless section of the terminal, PCF (Policy Control Function) for managing / control policies such as terminal information and subscription service information for each terminal, billing, etc. ), SMF (Session Management Function) that manages / controls a session for data service use for each terminal, and a Network Exposure Function (NEF) that is responsible for sharing information with an external network.

In 5G, a data plane of a user plane is defined as a UPF (User Plane Function) for transmitting and receiving data between a terminal and a server on an external service network (eg, the Internet) through a session with a terminal based on control (interlocking) of the SMF. can do.

On the other hand, NEF of 5G is in charge of the information sharing capabilities based on the information transmitted and received between the internal network of the service provider (hereinafter referred to as network) and an external service network (hereinafter referred to as 3 ^rd Party), information transmission and reception for the information sharing capabilities As a form, PFD (Packet Flow Description) information is defined.

For reference, the difference between the internal network (or communication network) and the external network (or external service network) can be divided into UPF (internal) <-> DN (external) defined in the 5G standard.

Thus, in future, it is expected through the use of PFD information of NEF information sharing, by sharing information could be shared between the network and the 3 ^rd Party, assuming to be diverse and differentiated services are developed / promoted.

Boil, a situation that is defined with respect to the PFD and information that is being discussed in standard 5G, 3 ^rd Party (external operator) a scenario for providing information on the side of the interconnection network is not discussed in detail.

Therefore, you should not take advantage of the current level of PFD information, anywhere network of service providers and 3 ^rd Party side external providers to operate their networks with differentiated services to take advantage of the NEF development of information sharing / application is a difficult situation.

Accordingly, the present invention, based on the information transmission and reception function between the heterogeneous networks, that is, the information sharing function using the PFD information of the NEF, to realize a technology that enables the development / application of substantially differentiated services in the network operator or external provider side do.

More specifically, to realize techniques for utilizing the NEF information sharing, 3 ^rd Party to provide the necessary internal information on (external operator) side.

1 is located in an existing communication system to the 3 ^rd Party (external operator) side illustrates a scenario that provides the necessary internal information.

Thus, the old (current), the network service providers and 3 ^rd Party side between external carriers, each bearing a special agreement to implement a technical function with prior consultation (feature matching), each independent in a nonstandard way 3 ^rd Party (external providers ) Could provide the necessary internal information.

That is, the types of internal information that can be provided to the service providing apparatus 1 in the communication network and the method of providing the same, and the types of the internal information that can be provided to the service providing apparatus 2 in the communication network and the method of providing the same are different from each other. Implemented as a function, they are realized in independent, nonstandard ways.

Thus, providing the internal information of the existing (present) scenario, 3, and is virtually impossible to apply to both side outer ^rd Party operator, the effectiveness is also only a very limited time.

2, the available internal information of a new type that can be realized in the present invention scenario, on the side of the 3 ^rd Party (external operator) based on the information sharing capabilities utilizing PFD information of the NEF, as defined in the standard provide the necessary internal information, and has a scenario paid to a network operator 3 ^rd Party (external operator) a predetermined information providing charge accordingly.

Accordingly, provided inside the information scenario for implementing the present invention is not only possible to apply to both the 3 ^rd Party side external operators that would be effective also very long term.

Hereinafter, the structure of the communication system to which the present invention is applied will be briefly described with reference to FIG. 3 before the detailed description of the present invention.

Although there exist AMF, PCF, SMF, NEF, etc. as a control node in a communication network for a 5G communication system, FIG. 3 shows only SMF and NEF related to the present invention for the sake of simplicity of the drawings.

The SMF 200 is responsible for managing / controlling sessions for data service use for each terminal.

When the data session creation_Create event or the data session modification_Modify event occurs, the SMF 200 generates a rule including data session information and service requirements, and the like. At least one UPF (shown as one UPF 300 in FIG. 2 for convenience) involved in the data session of the control panel, and the UPF 300 controls the data session of the terminal 10 according to a policy. Make it possible.

There is a UFP as a data node in a communication network for a 5G communication system.

The UFP 300 controls the data session of the terminal based on the control (interlocking) of the SMF 200, and is responsible for transmitting and receiving data between the terminal and a server on an external service network (eg, the Internet) through the session of the terminal. do.

Customer terminal 10, the external service network that is 3 ^rd Party server side: assuming a case of using a data service provided by (for service providing apparatus 1), UFP (300) is received from SMF (200) policy, According to (Rule), data session control (eg, create_create, modify_modify, etc.) between the terminal 10 and the service providing device 1 based on the data session information and the service requirement information is performed.

The UFP 300 transmits and receives data between the terminal 10 and the service providing device 1 through a session of the terminal 10 according to a policy received from the SMF 200.

Accordingly, the terminal 10 may use the data service provided by the service providing apparatus 1 by transmitting and receiving data with the service providing apparatus 1 through a session serviced by the UFP 300.

The NEF 100 is responsible for an information sharing function based on information transmission and reception between a communication network (internal network) and an external service network (hereinafter referred to as 3 ^rd party), and utilizes PFD information as an information type to transmit and receive for the information sharing function. do.

A situation that is in relation to the PFD information as defined and discussed in the present standard 5G, 3 ^rd Party (external operator) a scenario for providing information on the side of the interconnection network is not discussed in detail.

In the present invention, by specifying the shape the PFD information, 3 ^rd Party to request to identify the required information from the (external operator) side to achieve a scenario that provides information of the internal network in accordance with this the side 3 ^rd Party (external operator) do.

Thus, in the present invention, by taking advantage of standardized NEF information sharing, 3 ^rd Party and to achieve a technology that allows to provide internal information necessary for the (external operator) side, a network device that specifically realizing this Suggest.

As shown in FIG. 4, the network device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a request receiving unit 110 and an information providing unit 120.

The network device 100 of the present invention may correspond to an NEF among the control nodes shown in FIG. 3.

Request receiving unit 110, based on a particular message, defined between the network device 100, the network (internal network) and an external service network (3 ^rd Party) belongs, and receives the information request from the 3 ^rd Party.

Here, the specific message is a communication network (internal network) and an external service network (3 ^rd Party) between information sharing a message control node that is defined to transmit and receive PFD information from NEF responsible for, in other words, the NEF information sharing message days will be.

Therefore, the information request received based on the specific message can be understood as PFD information included in the information sharing function message of the NEF.

Specifically, a particular message that is specific information field of the information to the information request received based on the NEF of information sharing message, receiving the request from the two or more information fields constituting the PFD information, the external service network (3 ^rd Party) Preferably, the request identifier is in the form of PFD information received in a recorded state.

In an embodiment, the PFD information may include two or more information fields as shown in FIG. 5.

Then, the network device 100, the PFD information (A) of not record the actual status information, the external service network (hereinafter, 3 ^rd Party) service providing apparatus and second, to provide a data service in a ... N may be provided in advance for each.

Referring to the service providing device 1, for example, the service providing device 1 may select a specific information field to receive a reception according to an internally requested information request policy based on each information field constituting the PFD information A. FIG.

Accordingly, the service providing apparatus 1 records a request identifier (for example, Yes) in a specific information field requested for reception among the information fields constituting the PFD information when an event for requesting information occurs according to an internal information request policy. In the information field not to receive a request, the PFD information B in which the unidentified identifier (eg, No) is recorded may be generated and an NEF information sharing function message including the same may be provided to the network device 100.

In this case, the network device 100, in particular, the request receiving unit 110, in the information sharing function message of the NEF received from an external service network (hereinafter referred to as 3 ^rd party), for example, the service providing device 1, requests the information from the service providing device 1. That is, it will receive PFD information (B).

In the case of the PFD information B, the request identifier (eg, Yes) is recorded in the information fields MSISDN and IMEI in which the terminal identifier described later is recorded.

This means that the service providing device 1 provides the subscriber service information for all unspecified terminals capable of providing internal information to the service providing device 1 according to the information providing policy determined internally through the network device 100 through the current information request. To ask.

On the other hand, the service providing apparatus 1 may record the information specifying the terminal or the terminal group in the information fields MSISDN, IMEI in which the terminal identifier is recorded in the PFD information B as the information request.

This means that the service providing device 1 requests subscriber service information for a specific terminal or terminal group in the information fields MSISDN and IMEI through this information request.

Information provider 120 provides a subscriber service information associated with a terminal according to the received information request to an external service network (3 ^rd Party) in a particular message that is based on the NEF information sharing message.

That is, subscriber service information provided based on the NEF information sharing function message may be understood as PFD information included in the information sharing function message of the NEF.

Here, the subscriber service information is most frequently based on a terminal identifier for identifying the terminal, network information indicating a traffic state associated with a data service being used by the terminal, area information indicating a region of the terminal, and data service usage statistics of the terminal. It may include at least one of the ranking information of the data service to be used, the plan information to which the terminal subscriber subscribes, the subscriber information of the terminal subscriber.

The terminal identifier may include, for example, a telephone number (MSISDN), a terminal ID (IMEI), or the like as information for identifying the terminal.

The network information may be information representing a traffic state related to a data service being used by the terminal, for example, a load rate, an idle rate, a bandwidth, and a latency.

The region information may be information indicating at least one of a specific region in which the terminal is mainly located or a real-time region in which the terminal is located in real time based on the location information statistics of the terminal.

The ranking information of the data service may be information indicating a ranking of the most used data service based on the data service usage statistics of the terminal, for example, a data service of the Top 5 and its utilization rate.

The plan information may be information indicating what plan the terminal subscriber subscribes to.

The subscriber information may indicate information on individual subscribers, such as additional services (eg, family group discount service, etc.), age group, to which the terminal subscriber subscribes.

As shown in FIG. 5, the information field constituting the PFD information may include information fields for recording the above-described subscriber service information.

That is, the information field constituting the PFD information may include an information field (eg, MSISDN, IMEI) for recording a terminal identifier, an information field (eg, bandwidth) for recording network information, and an information field for recording area information ( Example: Location, information field to record ranking information (eg Service in use), information field to record plan information (eg SKT Subscription), information field to record subscriber information (eg age group, family Group, commencement of commodity use, end of commodity use).

Specifically, the information providing unit 120 analyzes the PFD information B as the received information request and extracts a specific information field in which a request identifier (eg, Yes) is recorded.

Assuming the PFD information (B) shown in FIG. 5, as a specific information field in which a request identifier (eg Yes) is recorded, an information field (eg MSISDN, IMEI) / information field (eg SKT Subscription) / information field (E.g. age group) / information field (e.g. Location) / information field (e.g. Bandwidth) will be extracted.

Accordingly, the information providing unit 120 may provide the internal information to the service providing apparatus 1 according to the information providing policy determined internally in the terminal, that is, the network apparatus 100 according to the PFD information B as the information request. The subscriber service information is generated by collecting information for recording in a specific information field for all terminals of the terminal.

Specifically, the information providing unit 120 is a control node that manages / controls a session for using a data service for each terminal, that is, a data node that manages a session of a terminal according to the SMF 200 and PFD information (B), that is, a UPF ( The subscriber service information may be generated by obtaining information from at least one of 300).

In this case, the control node and / or data node that the information providing unit 120 obtains information for generating subscriber service information may vary according to the type of information necessary for recording in a specific information field.

According to an embodiment, the information providing unit 120 provides internal information to the service providing apparatus 1 according to an information providing policy determined internally by the terminal, that is, the network apparatus 100 according to the PFD information B as an information request. For all unspecified terminals, the SMF 200 requests information for recording in a specific information field.

In this case, the SMF 200, for the terminal identified in the information request from the information providing unit 120, that is, the network device 100, each UPF (hereinafter referred to as one for convenience) in charge of the session using the data service. Referred to as UPF 300).

Thus, the SMF 200 may obtain network information (eg, bandwidth) from the identified UPF 300.

In addition, according to the type of information requested from the network apparatus 100, the SMF 200 may directly manage information or other control nodes, for example, AMF for controlling radio section access of the terminal, terminal information, and terminal for each purpose. From the PCF that manages / controls policies such as subscription service information and billing, it is possible to obtain location information and subscription information (SKT subscription / age group).

The SMF 200 collects information obtained from the UPF 300 and other control nodes for each terminal identified in the information request from the NEF 100, and the NEF 100, that is, the network apparatus 100 of the present invention. To pass).

The information providing unit 120 may generate the subscriber service information by collecting the information delivered from the SMF (200).

The subscriber service information generated as described above may have a form of PFD information C illustrated in FIG. 5.

Thus, the information provision unit 120, the NEF information sharing message, the external service network (3 ^rd Party) comprising a subscriber service information that is PFD information (C) generated by collecting the information transmitted from the SMF (200) That is, it can be provided to the service providing apparatus 1 according to the above embodiment.

In addition to the service providing apparatus of the above-described 1, the external service network (3 ^rd Party) of each service providing apparatus side 2,3, ... N is, when an event occurs to request information in accordance with the information requested policy defined internally, PFD NEF that contains PFD information with the request identifier (eg Yes) recorded in the specific information field requested for reception, and the unrequested identifier (eg No) recorded in the information field not to be requested. The information sharing function message may be provided to the network device 100 to request necessary information.

In this case, the network apparatus 100, for each of the service providing apparatuses 2, 3,... N, receives the NEF information sharing function message including the subscriber service information, that is, the PFD information of the terminal according to the PFD information received as the information request. By providing, it is possible to provide information in the communication network necessary for each of the service providing apparatuses 2, 3, ... N.

According to the present invention, by utilizing the NEF of information sharing for identifying and include them to refine the PFD information, as defined in the standard, 3 ^rd Party (external operator) side specific to network the information required in as described above the request can be implemented and the scenario for providing information of the interconnection network according to this side 3 ^rd Party (external operator).

Thus, according to the present invention, 3 ^rd Party side (external operator), because it can obtain the network internal information about their clients (terminal member), to develop / provide a variety of differentiated services can use them It is expected to be.

On the other hand, provides information on the internal network to the external network service (3 ^rd Party), there is a fear to cause a sensitive issue in terms of security and reliability.

In the present invention, we propose a way to be free from the issues of security and reliability aspects that might be caused in accordance with the information of the internal communications network to provide service to the external network (3 ^rd Party).

Specifically, when providing the subscriber service information generated above, the information providing unit 120 preferably provides the specific information specified in the subscriber service information after anonymization according to a preset ratio.

That is, the information provider 120 may generate the subscriber service information having the form of the PFD information C shown in FIG. 5 by collecting the information transmitted from the SMF 200 as in the above-described embodiment. .

On the other hand, it is preferable that the network device 100 of the present invention basically sets the level (H-h) for anonymization at the highest rate.

Accordingly, the information providing unit 120 generates the specified service information, i.e., the terminal identifier (MSISDN), specified in the generated subscriber service information, that is, the ratio of the preset level, that is, the basic level (Level-h) (for example, 60%) and anonymized, the NEF information sharing function message including the PFD information (C) can be provided to the service providing device 1.

When the service providing apparatus 1 receiving subscriber service information, that is, PFD information (C), determines that specific information (for example, MSISDN) is not enough to be used for its own service only by anonymized subscriber service information, specific information (for example, In order to obtain MSISDN, additional information may be requested for specific information (eg, MSISDN).

Thus, the information providing unit 120, if the additional information request is received from the external service network, for example, the service providing apparatus 1 according to the above-described embodiment provided with the subscriber service information, that is, the PFD information (C), the predefined information It is determined whether anonymization rate can be changed according to the provisioning policy.

For example, the information providing unit 120 anonymizes the request for additional information from the service providing device 1 based on the information providing policy based on a service contract between the network operator operating the communication network and the external service provider on the service providing device 1 side. It is possible to determine whether the ratio can be changed.

When determining that the anonymization rate can be changed, the information providing unit 120 uses the subscriber service information, that is, specific information (eg, MSISDN) in the PFD information (C), and a ratio lower than the previous rate, for example, the previous rate is a basic setting level (Level-h). ) Is anonymized according to the next level (e.g. 40%), and then the NEF information sharing function message containing the PFD information (C) is returned. Can be provided in 1.

If the information providing unit 120 determines that the anonymization rate can be changed when the request for additional information is received from the service providing apparatus 1, the information providing unit 120 may be anonymized according to the next level (Level-l) ratio (for example, 20%). After doing so, the NEF information sharing function message including the PFD information C may be provided to the service providing apparatus 1 again.

As described above, according to the network device of the present invention, realize a distinct technique that is based on the NEF information sharing, 3 ^rd Party to provide information that is network internal information required in the (external operator) side, and , by utilizing information from the internal communication network 3 ^rd Party (external operator) side on the basis of this, to derive the effect of providing for developing / providing a variety of differentiated services environment.

In particular, in the present invention, since the leverage of the NEF information sharing, as defined in 5G standard to realize the service network internal information required by the 3 ^rd Party side, the communication network (internal network) and an external service provider network (3 ^rd Party ) independent / non-standard way, each implementation of a conventional contrast that can be achieved through technical functions between, 3 ^rd Party side external providers can apply to both, and in reducing terms of not only its effectiveness be very long term, the application time and costs significantly Will have high efficiency.

Hereinafter, a method of operating a network device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

Referring initially to Figure 6, we will describe the flow that provides internal information necessary for the communication system to which the present invention is applied to 3 ^rd Party (external operator) side.

For ease of illustration, will be described with the outside of the provider network means that 3 ^rd Party side of the multiple service providing apparatus, referring to the service-providing apparatus 1.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the terminal 10 transmits and receives data to and from the service providing device 1 on an external service network (eg, the Internet) through a session serviced by the UFP 300, thereby providing the service in the service providing device 1. The data service can be used.

On the other hand, the service providing device 1 records a request identifier (eg, Yes) in a specific information field requested for reception among the information fields constituting the PFD information when an event for requesting information occurs according to an internally determined information request policy. In the information field not to receive a request, the PFD information B having the unidentified identifier (eg, No) recorded therein may be generated, and the NEF information sharing function message including the same may be provided to the network device 100 (S10). ).

In this case, the network device 100, in the information sharing function message of the NEF received from an external service network (hereinafter referred to as 3 ^rd party), for example, the service providing device 1, requests for information from the service providing device 1, that is, PFD information (B). Will receive.

The network apparatus 100 analyzes the PFD information B as the received information request and extracts a specific information field in which the request identifier (eg Yes) is recorded (S20).

Assuming the PFD information (B) shown in FIG. 5, as a specific information field in which a request identifier (eg Yes) is recorded, an information field (eg MSISDN, IMEI) / information field (eg SKT Subscription) / information field (E.g. age group) / information field (e.g. Location) / information field (e.g. Bandwidth) will be extracted.

The network apparatus 100 is a terminal according to the PFD information B as an information request, for example, all unspecified terminals capable of providing internal information to the service providing apparatus 1 according to an information provision policy determined internally in the network apparatus 100. In response to the request, the SMF 200 requests information for recording in a specific information field (S30).

In this case, the SMF 200, for the terminal identified in the information request from the network device 100, each UPF in charge of the session using the data service (hereinafter referred to as one UPF 300 for convenience). It can be confirmed (S40).

Accordingly, the SMF 200 may obtain network information (eg, bandwidth) from the identified UPF 300 (S50).

In addition, according to the type of information requested from the network apparatus 100, the SMF 200 may directly manage information or other control nodes, for example, AMF for controlling radio section access of the terminal, terminal information, and terminal for each purpose. From the PCF that manages / controls policies such as subscription service information and billing, it is possible to obtain location information and subscription information (SKT subscription / age group).

The SMF 200 collects information obtained from the UPF 300 and other control nodes for each terminal identified in the information request from the NEF 100, and the NEF 100, that is, the network apparatus 100 of the present invention. (S60, S70).

The network apparatus 100 may generate the subscriber service information by collecting the information transmitted from the SMF 200 (S80).

The subscriber service information generated as described above may have a form of PFD information C illustrated in FIG. 5.

The network apparatus 100 causes the generated subscriber service information, i.e., the specific information designated in the PFD information (C), for example, the terminal identifier (MSISDN) to be anonymized according to the ratio of the basic level (Level-h) (for example, 60%). then (S80), the NEF sharing features, including a PFD information (C) message can be provided to the external service network (3 ^rd Party) that is a service providing apparatus 1 (S90).

When the service providing apparatus 1 receiving subscriber service information, that is, PFD information (C), determines that specific information (for example, MSISDN) is not enough to be used for its own service only by anonymized subscriber service information, specific information (for example, In order to obtain MSISDN, additional information may be requested for specific information (eg, MSISDN) (S100).

Accordingly, when the network apparatus 100 receives a request for additional information from the service providing apparatus 1, the network apparatus 100 determines whether the anonymization ratio can be changed according to a predefined information provision policy (S110).

For example, the network device 100, based on the service contract between the network operator operating the communication network and the external provider of the service providing device 1 side, the anonymization rate according to the information providing policy for the additional information request from the service providing device 1; It is possible to determine whether the change is possible.

When determining that the anonymization rate can be changed, the network apparatus 100 uses the subscriber service information, that is, specific information (eg, MSISDN) in the PFD information (C), and a ratio lower than the previous rate, for example, the previous rate is a basic setting level (Level-h). Rate (e.g. 60%), anonymize according to the next level (e.g. 40%) (S110), and then service the NEF information sharing function message containing the PFD information (C) again. It may be provided to the providing device 1 (S120).

Hereinafter, a method of operating a network device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 7.

In the method of operation of network devices in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the network device 100, a specific message is defined between the network device 100, the network (internal network) and an external service network (3 ^rd Party) belonging based on, and receives the information request from the 3 ^rd Party.

Specifically, in the method of operation of network devices in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the network device 100, the external service network (hereinafter, 3 ^rd Party) for example, NEF sharing information that is received from the service providing apparatus 1 functions message, The request for information from the service providing apparatus 1, that is, the PFD information B may be received (S200).

In a method of operating a network device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the network device 100 analyzes PFD information B as a received information request and extracts a specific information field in which a request identifier (eg, Yes) is recorded. (S210).

Assuming the PFD information (B) shown in FIG. 5, as a specific information field in which a request identifier (eg Yes) is recorded, an information field (eg MSISDN, IMEI) / information field (eg SKT Subscription) / information field (E.g. age group) / information field (e.g. Location) / information field (e.g. Bandwidth) will be extracted.

In this case, the network apparatus 100 may determine whether information on a specific information field extracted in step S210 is possible, based on a predefined information provision policy, whether information can be obtained in a communication network, and a network state (load, delay, etc.). In operation S220, when it is determined that the information cannot be provided (S220 No), the service providing apparatus 1 may be notified of the information provision impossible through the NEF information sharing function (S340).

On the other hand, in the operating method of the network device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the network device 100, when it is determined that the information can not be provided (S220 Yes), the terminal according to the PFD information (B) as an information request, for example, the network device ( In step S230, information for recording in a specific information field is requested to all the unspecified terminals capable of providing internal information to the service providing apparatus 1 according to an internally provided information providing policy (S230).

In this case, the SMF 200, for the terminal identified in the information request from the network device 100, each UPF in charge of the session using the data service (hereinafter referred to as one UPF 300 for convenience). It can be confirmed (S240).

Accordingly, the SMF 200 may obtain network information (eg, bandwidth) from the identified UPF 300 (S250).

In addition, according to the type of information requested from the network apparatus 100, the SMF 200 may directly manage information or other control nodes, for example, AMF for controlling radio section access of the terminal, terminal information, and terminal for each purpose. Local information (Location), subscription information (SKT Subscription / age group) can be obtained from the PCF to manage / control the policy, such as subscription service information, billing (S250).

The SMF 200 collects information obtained from the UPF 300 and other control nodes for each terminal identified in the information request from the NEF 100, and the NEF 100, that is, the network apparatus 100 of the present invention. To be delivered (S260).

In a method of operating a network device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the network device 100 may generate subscriber service information by collecting information transmitted from the SMF 200 (S270).

The subscriber service information generated as described above may have a form of PFD information C illustrated in FIG. 5.

The network apparatus 100 causes the generated subscriber service information, i.e., the specific information designated in the PFD information (C), for example, the terminal identifier (MSISDN) to be anonymized according to the ratio of the basic level (Level-h) (for example, 60%). Thereafter, the NEF information sharing function message including the PFD information C may be provided to the external service network 3 ^rd party, that is, the service providing apparatus 1 (S280).

When the service providing apparatus 1 receiving subscriber service information, that is, PFD information (C), determines that specific information (for example, MSISDN) is not enough to be used for its own service only by anonymized subscriber service information, specific information (for example, In order to obtain MSISDN, additional information may be requested for specific information (eg, MSISDN) (S100).

Accordingly, when the network apparatus 100 receives a request for additional information from the service providing apparatus 1 (S290 Yes), the network apparatus 100 determines whether the anonymization rate can be changed according to the predefined information provision policy (S300).

For example, the network device 100, based on the service contract between the network operator operating the communication network and the external provider of the service providing device 1 side, the anonymization rate according to the information providing policy for the additional information request from the service providing device 1; It is possible to determine whether the change is possible.

When determining that the anonymization rate can be changed (S300 Yes), the network device 100 has a lower level than the previous rate, for example, the previous rate was the ratio of the basic level (Level-h) (for example, 60%). change to -m), and change the ratio of Level-m (for example, 40%) (S310).

The network apparatus 100 anonymizes the subscriber service information, i.e., the specific information (e.g. MSISDN) in the PFD information (C) according to the ratio (e.g., 40%) of the changed level (m), and then the PFD information. The NEF information sharing function message including the (C) may be provided to the service providing apparatus 1 again (S320).

If the network device 100 determines that the anonymization rate can be changed when the request for additional information is re-received from the service providing device 1, the network device 100 may be anonymized according to the next level (Level-l) ratio (for example, 20%). Thereafter, the NEF information sharing function message including the PFD information C may be provided to the service providing apparatus 1 again.

On the other hand, when the network device 100 receives the information reception completion (Res: OK) from the service providing device 1 provided with the subscriber service information, that is, the PFD information (S) (S330 Yes), the network device 100 responds to the information request received in step S200. The provision of internal information (subscriber service information) will be terminated.

As it described above, according to the method of operation of a network device of the present invention, by utilizing the NEF of information sharing embodying / specific and include them the PFD information, as defined in the standard, on the side of the 3 ^rd Party (external operator) The effect of realizing differentiated technology that can provide the necessary information inside the network is derived.

The method of operating a network device according to an embodiment of the present invention may be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed by various computer means and recorded in a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, and the like, alone or in combination. Program instructions recorded on the media may be those specially designed and constructed for the purposes of the present invention, or they may be of the kind well-known and available to those having skill in the computer software arts. Examples of computer readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks and magnetic tape, optical media such as CD-ROMs, DVDs, and magnetic disks such as floppy disks. Magneto-optical media, and hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, flash memory, and the like. Examples of program instructions include machine code, such as produced by a compiler, as well as high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter or the like. The hardware device described above may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operations of the present invention, and vice versa.

Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the technical field to which the present invention belongs without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the following claims. Anyone skilled in the art will have the technical idea of the present invention to the extent that various modifications or changes are possible.

In that according to the method of operation of a network device and a network device according to the invention, based on the NEF information sharing, 3 ^rd Party (external operator) to control the data session of a terminal according to the side information, the existing technology It is an invention that has industrial applicability because the possibility of marketing or operating the applied device is not only sufficient for the use of the related technology as well as the practical use, but also it is practically clearly implemented.

10: terminal
20: billing system
100: NEF
110: information acquisition unit 120: session control unit
200: SMF
300: UPF

Claims (14)

In the network device,
A request receiving unit which receives a request for information from the external service network based on a specific message defined between a communication network to which the network device belongs and an external service network; And
And an information providing unit for providing subscriber service information related to a terminal according to the received information request to the external service network based on the specific message. The method of claim 1,
The specific message is,
And a message defined to transmit and receive packet flow description (PFD) information from a control node in charge of sharing information between the communication network and an external service network. The method of claim 1,
The subscriber service information,
A terminal identifier for identifying a terminal, network information indicating a traffic state associated with a data service being used by the terminal, area information indicating a region of the terminal, ranking information of the most used data service based on data service usage statistics of the terminal, A network device comprising at least one of a plan information subscribed to the terminal subscriber, subscriber information of the terminal subscriber. The method of claim 2,
The information request,
And PFD information received in a state in which a request identifier is recorded in a specific information field of information requested to be received by the external service network, from among two or more information fields constituting the PFD information. The method of claim 4, wherein
The information providing unit,
And collects information for recording in the specific information field for the terminal according to the PFD information as the information request to generate subscriber service information, and provides the subscriber service information to the external service network in the form of PFD information. Network device. The method of claim 1,
The information providing unit,
And providing the subscriber service information after anonymizing the specific information specified in the subscriber service information according to a preset ratio. The method of claim 6,
The information providing unit,
If an additional information request for the anonymized specific information is received from the external service network, it is determined whether the anonymization rate can be changed according to a predefined policy,
And determining that the change is possible, anonymizing the specific information in the subscriber service information at a lower rate than a previous rate, and providing the specific information again. In the operation method of the network device,
A request receiving step of receiving a request for information from the external service network based on a specific message defined between a communication network to which the network device belongs and an external service network; And
And providing the subscriber service information related to the terminal according to the received information request to the external service network based on the specific message. The method of claim 8,
The specific message is,
And a message defined to transmit and receive packet flow description (PFD) information from a control node in charge of sharing information between the communication network and an external service network. The method of claim 8,
The subscriber service information,
A terminal identifier for identifying a terminal, network information indicating a traffic state associated with a data service being used by the terminal, area information indicating a region of the terminal, ranking information of the most used data service based on data service usage statistics of the terminal, A method of operating a network device comprising at least one of information on a plan subscribed to by a terminal subscriber and subscriber information of a terminal subscriber. The method of claim 9,
The information request,
And PFD information received in a state in which a request identifier is recorded in a specific information field of information requested by the external service network, from among two or more information fields constituting the PFD information. The method of claim 11,
The information providing step,
And collects information for recording in the specific information field for the terminal according to the PFD information as the information request to generate subscriber service information, and provides the subscriber service information to the external service network in the form of PFD information. Operation method of the network device. The method of claim 8,
The information providing step,
When providing the subscriber service information, providing specific information specified in the subscriber service information after anonymization according to a preset ratio. The method of claim 13,
If an additional information request for the anonymized specific information is received from the external service network, it is determined whether the anonymization rate can be changed according to a predefined policy,
And anonymizing and reproviding the specific information in the subscriber service information at a rate lower than a previous rate when determining that the change is possible.

Images