WO2018000389A1 - 管理网络切片的方法及其装置 - Google Patents

管理网络切片的方法及其装置 Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018000389A1
WO2018000389A1 PCT/CN2016/088029 CN2016088029W WO2018000389A1 WO 2018000389 A1 WO2018000389 A1 WO 2018000389A1 CN 2016088029 W CN2016088029 W CN 2016088029W WO 2018000389 A1 WO2018000389 A1 WO 2018000389A1
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Prior art keywords
network
slice
information
requirement
network slice
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PCT/CN2016/088029
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English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
杨水根
谭巍
张伟
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华为技术有限公司
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Priority to PCT/CN2016/088029 priority Critical patent/WO2018000389A1/zh
Priority to CN201680086729.2A priority patent/CN109314696B/zh
Publication of WO2018000389A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018000389A1/zh

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    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L9/00Cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols
    • H04L9/40Network security protocols

Definitions

  • Embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of communications, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for managing network slices in the field of communications.
  • Network slicing is a combination of logical network functions that support the needs of a particular use case communication service.
  • 5G fifth generation mobile communication
  • eMBB enhanced mobile broadband
  • massive machine type connection massive machine type connection
  • mMTC Machine Type Communication
  • uMTC ultra reliable machine type communication
  • the existing network management solution does not support the management of the network slice, and since multiple network slices in the network are independent and mutually peer-to-peer, a network respectively for each of the plurality of network slices is implemented.
  • the independent management of resources is an urgent problem to be solved.
  • Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for managing a network slice, an apparatus, and a system thereof, which can implement management of a network slice.
  • the first aspect provides a method for managing a network slice, where the first network device sends, to the second network device, demand information of the first network slice corresponding to the first network slice, where the first network slice needs information
  • the first network requirement is a network requirement corresponding to the first service requirement
  • the first network slice provides a service for the first service requirement
  • the first network device receives the first And the confirmation information sent by the network device, where the confirmation information is used to notify the first network device, and the second network device completes configuration of the first network slice according to the first network slice requirement.
  • the first network device sends the requirement information of the first network slice corresponding to the first network slice to the second network device, where the demand information of the first network slice is corresponding to the first service requirement.
  • the second network device completes the configuration of the first network slice according to the requirement information of the first network slice, so that the first network slice management for the first service requirement, including the generation, update, or termination of the network slice, can be implemented. .
  • the first network requirement includes a network resource requirement.
  • the first network requirement includes a network resource requirement and a network function requirement.
  • the method further includes: the first network device acquiring the first service requirement; and the first network device according to the first service requirement, Determining the first network requirement corresponding to the first service requirement, where the first network requirement includes a network function requirement and a network resource requirement.
  • the first service requirement needs to be converted into the first network requirement, where the first network requirement includes the network function requirement and the network resource requirement.
  • the method for managing network slicing provided by the embodiment of the present invention can dynamically manage the life cycle of a network slice according to service requirements.
  • the method further includes: receiving, by the first network device, the first network slice feedback sent by the second network device
  • the first network slice feedback information is used to indicate a network resource and a network function that the current network can provide for the first network slice; the first network device determines the first according to the first network slice feedback information.
  • the slice information of the network slice, the slice information of the first network slice is used to describe network resources and network functions actually used by the first network slice.
  • the second network device needs to determine network resources and network functions that can be actually provided for the first network slice.
  • the second network device determines that the network resource and network function actually provided by the first network slice are the same as the first network slice requirement, and the slice information of the first network slice is the same as the requirement information of the first network slice.
  • the first network device determines, according to the feedback information sent by the second network device, The slice information of a network slice, that is, the network resources and network functions actually used by the first network slice.
  • the method further includes: the first network device sending the first network slice confirmation information to the second network device
  • the first network slice confirmation information is used to indicate that the first network device accepts network resources and network functions provided by the second network device.
  • the first network device will notify the second network device, and the first network device receives the network function and network resources arranged by the second network device for the first network slice.
  • the method further includes: the first network device receiving, by the third network device, a network state of the current network a parameter, the network state parameter is used to represent an operating state of the current network; the first network device updates the first network slice or terminates the first network slice according to the network state parameter.
  • the third network device can obtain the current network state parameter, including the network bandwidth, from the network manager.
  • the current network state parameter can be sent to the first network device, so that the first network device is The management of the first network slice is performed according to the network state parameter.
  • the method further includes: the first network device sending the first network slice to the third network device Slice information.
  • the third network device learns that the current network state changes, and does not satisfy the network function and the network resource required in the slice information of the first network slice. At this time, the current network status information will be returned to the first network device in time.
  • the foregoing method can implement automatic management and orchestration of network slices according to service requirements; further, the method supports lifecycle management of network slices.
  • the life cycle of the network slice needs to be dynamically managed according to the dynamic requirements of the service/application, including the generation, update, and termination of the network slice instance; and the network in the slice is implemented according to the network slice requirement. Functions, network resources, etc. are managed independently.
  • the second aspect provides a method for managing a network slice, where the second network device receives the first network slice request information sent by the first network device, where the first network slice requirement information is used to describe the first The network requirement, the first network requirement is obtained by the first service requirement, the first network slice is used to provide a service for the first service requirement, and the second network device is configured according to the Determining, by the first network slice, the network resource that is provided by the current network, and determining the network resource of the first network slice according to the requirement information of the first network slice and the network resource that the current network can provide.
  • the second network device may determine a network function and a network resource that can be provided by the current network; and according to the requirement information of the first network slice and the current network, Network functions and network resources, determining network functions and network resources of the first network slice.
  • the second network device can determine the network function and the network resource included in the first network slice corresponding to the demand information of the first network slice by using the network information and the network resource that can be improved by the current network slice according to the demand information of the first network slice. Thereby implementing the management of the first network slice.
  • the second network device determines a network function and a network resource that the current network can provide, including: And obtaining, by the second network device, the network function and the network resource that the current network can provide, according to the requirement information of the first network slice, from the third network device.
  • the third network device includes a network management NM function, or is connected to the NM through an interface, and can request network resources or network functions from the current network.
  • the second network device obtains a current information from the third network device according to the requirement information of the first network slice
  • the network function and the network resource that the network can provide the second network device sending a first network resource reservation request to the third network device, where the first network resource reservation request is according to the first network slice
  • the second network device receives the first network resource confirmation information sent by the third network device, where the first network resource confirmation information is used to confirm the network resource that the current network can provide.
  • the second network device obtains the current network from the third network device according to the requirement information of the first network slice The network function and the network resource that can be provided, the second network device sending a first network function reservation request to the third network device, where the first network function reservation request is according to the first network slice The second network device receives the first network function confirmation information sent by the third network device, where the first network function confirmation information is used to confirm the network function that the current network can provide.
  • a fourth possible implementation in the second aspect Determining, according to the demand information of the first network slice, the network function and the network resource that the current network can provide, the network function and the network resource of the first network slice, including: the second network device Transmitting, to the first network device, first network slice feedback information, where the first network slice feedback information is used to notify the first network device, where the current network can provide network resources for the first network slice and Internet function.
  • the required information according to the first network slice and the network function and network resource that the current network can provide Determining the network function and the network resource of the first network slice, the second network device receiving the first network slice confirmation information sent by the first network device, where the first network slice confirmation information is used to indicate The first network device accepts network resources and network functions determined by the second network device for the first network slice.
  • the method further includes: the second network device sending the first network slice to the third network device
  • the configuration information is used to instruct the third network device to configure the network resource and the network function according to the configuration information of the first network slice, where the configuration information of the first network slice is configured by the first network
  • the second network device receives the configuration confirmation information of the first network slice returned by the third network device, where the configuration confirmation information of the first network slice is used to notify the second network device,
  • the third network device completes configuration of the network resource and the network function according to the configuration information of the first network slice.
  • the method further includes: sending, by the second network device, the first network slice to the first network device Confirming the information, the confirmation information of the first network slice is used to notify the first network device, and the second network device has completed configuration of the network function and the network resource according to the requirement information of the first network slice.
  • the method further includes: receiving, by the second network device, second network requirement information that is sent by the first network device
  • the second network requirement information is used to describe a second network requirement, where the second network requirement is obtained by the second service requirement, and the second network slice is used to provide a service for the second service requirement;
  • the method can implement automatic management and orchestration of network slices according to service requirements, and can support network function management in a shared mode.
  • An important feature of network slicing is the sharing of network functions, such as mobility management, which requires management and orchestration of the functions required for network slicing.
  • the third aspect provides a method for managing a network slice, where the third network device receives the reservation request information sent by the second network device, where the reservation request information is obtained by the requirement information of the first network slice.
  • the first network slice is used to provide the service for the first service requirement, and the third network device is configured according to the reservation request information in the current network.
  • the first network slice reserves network resource and/or network function; the third network device sends reservation confirmation information to the second network device, where the reservation confirmation information is used to notify the second network device a network resource and/or network function that the current network can provide for the first network slice.
  • the third network device receives the reservation request information corresponding to the first network slice, and reserves network resources and/or network functions for the first network slice according to the reservation request information, and feeds back the confirmation information. Up to the second network device, therefore, the corresponding network resources and/or network functions can be provided for the first network slice.
  • the method further includes: receiving, by the third network device, configuration information of the first network slice that is sent by the second network device; And configuring, by the third network device, network resources and/or network functions on the current network according to the configuration information of the first network slice, where configuration information of the first network slice is configured by the first network The sliced demand information is obtained.
  • the method further includes: sending, by the third network device, the network state parameter of the current network to the first network device And the network state parameter is used to represent an operating state of the current network, so that the first network device updates the first network slice or terminates the first network slice according to the network state parameter.
  • the method further includes: the third network device receiving the first network sent by the first network device Sliced slice information, the slice information of the first network slice is used to describe the first The network resources and network functions actually used by the network slice.
  • a method for managing a network slice including: determining demand information of a first network slice, where demand information of the first network slice is used to describe a first network requirement, the first network requirement
  • the first network slice provides a service for the first service requirement, and the network function that can be actually provided for the first network slice is determined according to the requirement information of the first network slice.
  • the network resource is configured to complete the configuration of the first network slice according to the requirement information of the first network slice and the network function and network resource that can actually serve the first network slice.
  • the execution body of the method may be a network device having the corresponding functions of the foregoing first network device, the second network device, and the third network device.
  • an apparatus for managing a network slice for performing the method of any of the first aspect or the first aspect of the first aspect.
  • the apparatus comprises means for performing the method of any of the above-described first aspect or any of the possible implementations of the first aspect.
  • the apparatus comprises means for performing the method of any of the above-described second aspect or any of the possible implementations of the second aspect.
  • a seventh aspect there is provided another apparatus for managing a network slice for performing the method of any of the above-described third aspect or any of the possible implementations of the third aspect.
  • the apparatus comprises means for performing the method of any of the possible implementations of the third aspect or the third aspect described above.
  • an apparatus for managing a network slice comprising: a transceiver, a memory, a processor, and a bus system.
  • the transceiver, the memory and the processor are connected by the bus system
  • the memory is for storing instructions for executing instructions stored by the memory to control the transceiver to receive and/or transmit signals
  • the processor executes the instructions stored by the memory, the execution causes the processor to perform the method of the first aspect or any of the possible implementations of the first aspect.
  • an apparatus for managing a network slice comprising: a transceiver, a memory, a processor, and a bus system.
  • the transceiver, the memory and the processor are connected by the bus system
  • the memory is for storing instructions for executing instructions stored by the memory to control the transceiver to receive signals and/or transmit signals
  • the processor executes the instructions stored by the memory, the execution causes the processor to perform the method of any of the possible implementations of the second aspect or the second aspect.
  • an apparatus for managing a network slice comprising: a transceiver, a memory, a processor, and a bus system.
  • the transceiver, the memory and the processor are connected by the bus system
  • the memory is for storing instructions for executing instructions stored by the memory to control the transceiver to receive signals and/or transmit signals
  • the processor executes the instructions stored by the memory, the execution causes the processor to perform the method of any of the possible implementations of the third aspect or the third aspect.
  • a system for managing a network slice comprising any one of the apparatus, the sixth aspect or the sixth aspect of any of the possible implementations of the fifth aspect or the fifth aspect A device in a possible implementation and a device in any of the possible implementations of the seventh or seventh aspect; or
  • the system includes the apparatus of any one of the possible implementations of the eighth aspect or the eighth aspect, the apparatus of any one of the possible implementations of the ninth aspect or the ninth aspect, and the tenth or tenth aspect A device in a possible implementation.
  • a twelfth aspect a computer readable medium for storing a computer program comprising instructions for performing the method of the first aspect or any of the possible implementations of the first aspect.
  • a thirteenth aspect a computer readable medium for storing a computer program, the computer program comprising instructions for performing the method of the second aspect or any of the possible implementations of the second aspect.
  • a fourteenth aspect a computer readable medium for storing a computer program, the computer program comprising instructions for performing the method of any of the third or third aspect of the third aspect.
  • Figure 1 shows a schematic architectural diagram of a 3rd Generation Partnership Project 3GPP network.
  • Figure 2 shows a schematic flow chart of a method of one embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic flowchart of a method for managing a network slice according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic flowchart of a method for managing a network slice according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 5 illustrates a process interaction diagram of a method in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 6 shows a flow interaction diagram of a method in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a network management architecture applied to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a network management architecture applied to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of a network device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of a network device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram of a network device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 12 shows an apparatus for managing network slices according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 13 shows another apparatus for managing network slices according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 14 shows another apparatus for managing network slices according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • GSM Global System of Mobile communication
  • CDMA Code Division Multiple Access
  • WCDMA Wideband Code Division Multiple Access
  • GPRS General Packet Radio Service
  • LTE Long Term Evolution
  • FDD Frequency Division Duplex
  • TDD Time Division Duplex
  • UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunication System
  • WiMAX Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access
  • Embodiments of the present invention relate to network slicing techniques.
  • the network slicing technology logically abstracts the network into one or more isolated network slices, each of which contains a series of logical network functions to specifically meet the differentiated requirements of different service types.
  • 5G fifth generation mobile communication
  • network slicing is a kind of pressing
  • the network-based approach provides operators with new services that can be adapted to changing user needs and quickly meet the needs of new applications.
  • the network slicing technology abstracts the 5G network physical infrastructure resources into a plurality of independent parallel network slices according to the scene requirements. Each network slice performs customized tailoring of network functions and management of corresponding network functions according to the needs of the business scenario and the business model.
  • a network slice can be thought of as an instantiated 5G network.
  • Such a network structure allows operators to provide the network as a service to users, and can freely combine physical networks according to indicators such as rate, capacity, coverage, delay, reliability, security, and availability to meet different users. Claim.
  • Lifecycle management of network slices includes: generation, update, and termination of network slices.
  • Network slice lifecycle management includes the creation, composition, update, and deletion of network slices.
  • the network device For the creation, composition, and update of network slices, the network device should determine the available network resources for each network slice and configure specific network functions and parameters for it.
  • network devices For network slice deletion, network devices should release those specific network functions and network resources.
  • the foregoing network device may be a network management device in a network management system.
  • the network device may be a device including a network slice lifecycle management module NS-LCM mentioned below, and a device including a network slice programming module NSO. Or the device including the network slice control module NSC, etc., which is not limited in this embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 1 shows a schematic architectural diagram of a 3rd Generation Partnership Project 3GPP network.
  • the existing 3GPP telecommunications network management architecture is shown in Figure 1.
  • the network management architecture 100 includes at least one network element (“NE”), at least one element management (“EM”) module, and at least one domain manager (Domain Manager, referred to as " DM”) and Network Management (“NM”) modules.
  • NE network element
  • EM element management
  • NM Network Management
  • the NE module is the smallest unit that can be monitored and managed in the network management architecture.
  • the EM module is responsible for managing a single NE, and provides functions for processing a separate NE, including alarm management, notification management, log recording, and software and hardware maintenance.
  • the EM is responsible for managing a single network element and provides functions for processing individual network elements, including alarm management, notification processing, log recording, and software and hardware maintenance.
  • the NM is responsible for managing the entire telecommunications network. It is supported by multiple EMs, but it can also Direct access to the NE, mainly provides online management functions, management device interaction and other related functions, such as network resource division, configuration, control and monitoring Wait.
  • the network management architecture in the prior art only supports manual management of network slices, and does not support dynamic management of network slice life cycle.
  • a method, device and system for managing network slicing are proposed, which can be used for network slice generation, update, termination and other management.
  • FIG. 2 shows a schematic flow chart of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the party includes:
  • Step 210 The first network device sends the first network slice requirement information to the second network device, where the first network slice requirement information is used to describe the first network requirement, and the first network requirement is the network corresponding to the first service requirement. Demand, the first network slice serves the first business requirement.
  • Step 220 The first network device receives the acknowledgement information sent by the second network device, where the acknowledgement information is used to notify the first network device, and the second network device completes the configuration of the first network slice according to the first network slice requirement.
  • the foregoing first service requirement may be the number of devices that the user or the operator needs to support or serve, the delay and throughput of the data flow, the coverage, the economic parameters (such as charging methods, etc.).
  • the foregoing first network requirement may include a requirement for a network function obtained by converting the first service requirement
  • the network function may be a function of a large granularity, such as mobility management, connection management, access control, and the like. It can be an atomic function, such as Robust Header Compression ("ROHC"), encryption/decryption, reordering, etc. of the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (“PDCP”) layer.
  • ROHC Robust Header Compression
  • PDCP Packet Data Convergence Protocol
  • the first network requirement may also include the first service requirement
  • the demand for the converted network resources for example, if the user's demand is the number of devices and the coverage, the corresponding network demand is the network. Connected throughput / delay, the required number of base stations and the like.
  • the generation, update, termination, and the like of the first network slice are included.
  • the requirement information of the first network slice is used to describe the network requirement corresponding to the first network slice, that is, information that can be used to describe the first network slice, for example, the network slice needs
  • the information can be generated by a Network Slice Descriptor ("NSD"), which describes the composition of the network slice, for example, Network Slice Identifier (NS-ID), network function.
  • NS-ID Network Slice Identifier
  • Network slicing logical topology connection mode, interface, key performance indicator (KPI) requirements).
  • the first network device sends the requirement information of the first network slice to the second network device, and the second network device can perform the arrangement and configuration of the network resource and the network function according to the requirement information of the first network slice.
  • the second network device determines, according to the requirement information of the first network slice, the network function and the network resource of the first network slice, and completes the relevant configuration according to the requirement information of the first network slice, and then goes to the first
  • the network device returns confirmation information for informing the first network device that the configuration for the first network slice has been completed, and the management of the first network slice is completed.
  • the interaction between the first network device and the second network device may be information interaction between two independent devices;
  • the information interaction between the two network devices and the second network device may be internal information transmission and the like, which is not limited by the present invention.
  • the first network device may be a network slice lifecycle management (NS-LCM) module
  • the NS-LCM module is mainly responsible for network slice lifecycle management, including network slice creation and combination. , update, delete (end), etc. .
  • it includes: (1) receiving application/service requirements, for example, the number of devices that need support/service, delay and throughput of data streams, coverage, economic parameters (such as charging methods), and the like; (2) application/ The demand of the service is converted into the demand for the network.
  • the network A slice descriptor (Network Slice Descriptor, referred to as "NSD"), which describes the composition of a network slice, for example, a Network Slice Identifier (NS-ID), a network function, and a network slice logical topology. (Connection mode, interface, Key Performance Indicator (KPI) requirements).
  • the network function may be a function of large granularity, such as mobility management, connection management, access control, or the like, or an atomic function, such as a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP).
  • PDCP Packet Data Convergence Protocol
  • the layer's robust header compression Robot Header Compression, referred to as "ROHC"
  • RLC Radio Link Control
  • ARQ Automatic Repeat-reQuest
  • MAC Medium Access Control
  • HARQ Hybrid Automatic Repeat-reQuest
  • the network slice logical topology is used to indicate the connection mode, interface, KPI requirements (which may include bandwidth, delay, throughput) between the network functions of the network slice.
  • the second network device may be a Network Slice Orchestration ("NSO") module, and the NSO module is based on the network slice requirement information generated by the NS-LCM module and the actual owned network resources, and the network resources and The network function is arranged, that is, it can provide corresponding network resources and network functions for a certain network slice according to network slice requirement information and actual supported network resources and network functions.
  • the network resources may include link resources, storage resources, computing resources, and the like.
  • the first network device sends the requirement information of the first network slice corresponding to the first network slice to the second network device, where the demand information of the first network slice is corresponding to the first service requirement, and the second network device is configured according to
  • the requirement information of the first network slice completes the configuration of the first network slice, so that management of network slices such as generation, update, or termination of the first network slice for the first service requirement can be implemented.
  • the method further includes: the first network device acquiring the first service requirement; and the first network device determining, according to the first service requirement, the first network corresponding to the first service requirement Requirements, wherein the first network requirement includes network function requirements and network resource requirements.
  • the manner in which the first network device obtains the first service requirement may be the first service requirement information sent by the receiving user or the operator, where the service requirement information may be the number of devices, coverage, and the like that the service needs to be served.
  • the first service requirement information may be converted into a corresponding requirement for the network resource and the network function, that is, the first network requirement corresponding to the first service requirement may be determined, so as to generate the first network slice according to the first network requirement.
  • the demand information such as the network slice descriptor, is used to describe the first network requirement, and the first network slice can implement the configuration of the network resource and the network function by using the requirement information of the first network slice.
  • the first service requirement includes the number of devices that need to be supported/served, the delay and throughput of the data flow, the coverage, the economic parameters (such as the charging method), and the like; and the first service requirement information is converted into the first network requirement, including Transform application/business requirements into requirements for the network, for example, if the user’s needs are the number of devices and For the coverage range, the corresponding network requirements are the throughput/delay of the network connection, the number of base stations required, and so on.
  • the method further includes: receiving, by the first network device, first network slice feedback information sent by the second network device, where the first network slice feedback information is used to indicate that the current network can be the first network The network resource and the network function provided by the slice; the first network device determines the slice information of the first network slice according to the first network slice feedback information, where the slice information of the first network slice is used to describe the network resource actually used by the first network slice and Internet function.
  • the second network device requests the reserved network resource according to the local network resource and the network function, or the current network.
  • the network function implements the network function and network resource arrangement of the first network slice, that is, determines the network function and network resource that can actually be provided for the first network slice.
  • the network resources and network functions of the second network device completely satisfy the first network slice requirement, and then the slice information of the first network slice is the demand information of the first network slice, and the parameter values therein are the same.
  • the second network device finds that the network resource or network function provided by the current network cannot fully satisfy the first network slice requirement
  • the network resource or network function parameter that cannot be satisfied is fed back to the first network device, by the first
  • the network device determines that the network resources and network functions currently arranged by the second network device can be accepted.
  • the first network device determines the slice information of the first network slice by using the feedback information sent by the second network device, where the slice information may be the same as the first network slice, or may be different, but the first The network resources and network functions actually used by the network slice.
  • the method further includes: the first network device sends the first network slice confirmation information to the second network device, where the first network slice confirmation information is used to indicate that the first network device accepts the first Network resources and network functions provided by the network device.
  • the current network may return the current network to provide the network function or the network resource.
  • a first network slice confirmation message is sent to the second network device, The second network device agrees to the network resources and network functions of the second network device.
  • the method further includes: receiving, by the first network device, the current sent by the third network device a network state parameter of the network, the network state parameter is used to represent an operating state of the current network; the first network device updates the first network slice or terminates the first network slice according to the network state parameter.
  • the network status parameter includes parameter information such as the number of terminals that the network is currently running, the network bandwidth, and whether the network function is running normally.
  • the present invention is not limited.
  • the first network slice may need to be updated, or the first network slice may be terminated.
  • updating the first network slice means that the requirement information of the first network slice corresponding to the first network slice needs to be re-determined; terminating the first network slice means that the related information of the first network slice is deleted and released as the first Network features and network resources for network slicing configuration.
  • the method further includes: the first network device sends the slice information of the first network slice to the third network device.
  • the third network device is used for configuring and managing network resources, so as to meet the requirements of network slicing. Therefore, the third network device may also be a Network Slicing Control (“NSC”) module.
  • NSC Network Slicing Control
  • the third network device may be a new function module including an existing NM function, or may be an independent function module, and the first network device sends the slice information of the first network slice to the third network device.
  • the first network device can timely feed back the current network status, so that the first network device determines network management such as update or termination of the network slice.
  • the foregoing method can implement automatic management and orchestration of network slices according to service requirements; further, the method supports lifecycle management of network slices.
  • the life cycle of the network slice needs to be dynamically managed according to the dynamic requirements of the service/application, including the generation, update, and termination of the network slice instance; and the network in the slice is implemented according to the network slice requirement. Functions, network resources, etc. are managed independently.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic flowchart of a method for managing a network slice according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the method 300 includes:
  • Step 310 The second network device receives the first network segment requirement information sent by the first network device, where the first network slice requirement information is used to describe the first network requirement, where the first network requirement is obtained by the first service requirement.
  • the first network slice is used to serve the first business requirement.
  • Step 320 The second network device determines the current network according to the requirement information of the first network slice.
  • Step 330 The second network device determines, according to the requirement information of the first network slice and the network function and the network resource that the current network can provide, the network resource of the first network slice.
  • the second network device can determine the network function and the network resource included in the first network slice corresponding to the demand information of the first network slice by using the requirement information of the first network slice and the network function and the network resource that can be provided by the current network. Thereby implementing the management of the first network slice.
  • the first network requirement corresponding to the first service requirement needs to have a first network slice to provide a service
  • the information used to describe the first network requirement is the requirement information of the first network slice.
  • the requirement information of the first network slice may be a network slice descriptor NSD, and the composition of the network slice is described, for example, a network slice identity NS-ID, a network function, a network slice logical topology, such as a connection mode, an interface. Key performance indicators KPI requirements.
  • the second network device can determine the network function and the network resource that can be actually provided for the first network slice according to the requirement information of the first network slice and the network function and the network resource that the current network can provide.
  • the second network device may determine, according to the network resources and network functions that are already existing or reserved, whether the first network requirement can be met, and when the local network resource and network function are not available, the network function and the network are sent to the network.
  • a reservation request for a resource may be provided.
  • the second network device determines, according to the requirement information of the first network slice, the network function and the network resource that the current network can provide, including: the second network device according to the requirement information of the first network slice Obtaining network functions and network resources that the current network can provide from the third network device.
  • the third network device includes a network management NM function, or is connected to the NM through an interface, and can request network resources or network functions from the current network.
  • the second network device acquires the network function and the network resource that the current network can provide from the third network device according to the requirement information of the first network slice, including: the second network device The third network device sends a first network resource reservation request, where the first network resource reservation request is obtained according to the first network slice requirement information, and the second network device receives the first network resource confirmation information sent by the third network device, where the first network The resource confirmation information is used to confirm the network resources that the current network can provide.
  • the second network device according to the needs of the first network slice Obtaining information, obtaining network function and network resource that the current network can provide from the third network device, including: the second network device sends a first network function reservation request to the third network device, and the first network function reservation request is The first network function confirmation information is sent by the third network device, and the first network function confirmation information is used to confirm the network function that the current network can provide.
  • the network function may be a physical network function or a virtual network function
  • the network resource includes a link resource, a storage resource, a computing resource, and the like, which are not limited by the present invention.
  • determining network functions and network resources of the first network slice according to the requirement information of the first network slice and the network function and network resources that the current network can provide including
  • the second network device sends the first network slice feedback information to the first network device, where the first network slice feedback information is used to notify the first network device, where the current network can be the first Network resources and network capabilities provided by network slices.
  • the network function and the network resource may be configured on the third network device according to the first network slice requirement.
  • the first network slice feedback information is sent to the first network device, where the first network slice feedback information carries The parameter information of the first network slice requirement is met, so that the first network device determines whether it can receive the network function and the network resource for the second network device.
  • the network function and network resource of the first network slice are determined according to the requirement information of the first network slice and the network function and network resource that the current network can provide.
  • the second network device receives the first network slice acknowledgement information sent by the first network device, where the first network slice acknowledgement information is used to indicate that the first network device accepts the second network device.
  • the first network slice determines network resources and network functions.
  • the foregoing confirmation information is sent to the second network device, so that the second network device performs subsequent network functions and network resources. Configuration.
  • the method further includes: sending, by the second network device, configuration information of the first network slice to the third network device, to indicate the third network device Performing network resource and network function matching according to the configuration information of the first network slice
  • the configuration information of the first network slice is obtained by the first network requirement; the second network device receives configuration confirmation information of the first network slice returned by the third network device, The configuration confirmation information of the first network slice is used to notify the second network device, and the third network device completes configuration of the network resource and the network function according to the configuration information of the first network slice.
  • the second network device sends a specific network function configuration request to the third network device, where the configuration request carries the corresponding function parameter, so that the third network device performs the function parameter carried in the network function configuration request.
  • the second network device implements configuration of the network resource by sending a network connection configuration request to the third network device, where the configuration request carries the network connection manner.
  • the method further includes: sending, by the second network device, the acknowledgement information of the first network slice to the first network device, where the acknowledgement information of the first network slice is used.
  • the first network device is informed, and the second network device has completed configuration of the network function and the network resource according to the requirement information of the first network slice.
  • the second network device completes the configuration of the corresponding network function and the network resource according to the requirement information of the first network slice, the generation of the first network slice is implemented, and the first network slice can provide the service for the first service. .
  • the method further includes: the second network device receiving second network requirement information sent by the first network device, where the second network requirement information is used to describe a second network requirement, where the second network requirement is obtained by the second service requirement, the second network slice is used to provide the service for the second service requirement, and the second network device is obtained according to the second network requirement information.
  • the network function and the network resource that can be provided by the current network the second network device determines the second network slice according to the requirement information of the first network slice and the network function and network resource that the current network can provide.
  • Network function and network resource wherein the first network slice and the second network slice share at least one of the same network function.
  • the second network device arranges the network function and the network resource based on the requirements of different network slicing, as well as the actual network functions and network resources, to maximize the satisfaction of each The need for network slicing. For example, when multiple network slices require mobility management functions, the NSO orchestrate the mobility management functions of these network slices, and only need the same mobility management to satisfy the requirements of these network slices at the same time.
  • the method can implement automatic management and orchestration of network slices according to service requirements, and can support network function management in a shared mode.
  • An important feature of network slicing is the sharing of network functions, such as mobility management, which requires management and orchestration of the functions required for network slicing.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic flowchart of a method for managing a network slice according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the method 400 includes:
  • Step 410 The third network device receives the reservation request information sent by the second network device, where the reservation request information is obtained by the requirement information of the first network slice, and the requirement information of the first network slice is obtained by the first service requirement, where A network slice is used to service the first business requirement.
  • Step 420 The third network device reserves network resources and/or network functions for the first network slice in the current network according to the reservation request information.
  • Step 430 The third network device sends reservation confirmation information to the second network device, where the reservation confirmation information is used to notify the second network device, that the current network can provide network resources and/or network functions for the first network slice.
  • the third network device receives the reservation request information corresponding to the first network slice, and reserves network resources and/or network functions for the first network slice according to the reservation request information, and feeds back the confirmation information. Up to the second network device, therefore, the corresponding network resources and/or network functions can be provided for the first network slice.
  • the method further includes: the third network device receiving configuration information of the first network slice sent by the second network device;
  • the configuration information of the first network slice is configured to perform network resource and/or network function on the current network, where configuration information of the first network slice is obtained by requirement information of the first network slice.
  • the method further includes: the third network device sends, to the first network device, a network state parameter of the current network, where the network state parameter is used to represent the current network.
  • the operating state is such that the first network device updates the first network slice or terminates the first network slice according to the network state parameter.
  • the method further includes: the third network device And receiving, by the first network device, slice information of the first network slice, where the slice information of the first network slice is used to describe network resources and network functions actually used by the first network slice.
  • Figure 5 illustrates a process interaction diagram of a method in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the second network device may be a network slicing orchestration module (NSO)
  • the first network device may be a network slice lifecycle management module (NS-LCM)
  • the third network device may be a network slice control function module (NSC).
  • NSC in FIG. 5 may include related functions of the network manager NM, and the method includes:
  • Step 501 The NS-LCM receives the application/service requirement, for example, the number of devices that need to support/service, the delay and throughput of the application/service-related data flow, and the coverage required by the application/service, the application/ Business-related economic parameters (charge methods, etc.), etc.
  • the application/service requirement for example, the number of devices that need to support/service, the delay and throughput of the application/service-related data flow, and the coverage required by the application/service, the application/ Business-related economic parameters (charge methods, etc.), etc.
  • Step 502 Convert the application/service requirement into a requirement for the network. For example, if the user's demand is the number of devices and the coverage, the corresponding network requirement is the throughput/delay of the network connection, and the required number of base stations. Wait.
  • Step 503 Create a network slice descriptor, that is, generate an NSD, and describe components of the network slice, such as: NS-ID, network function, network slice logical topology (connection mode, interface, KPI requirement), and the like.
  • Step 504 Send network slice requirement information to the NSO, and the specific NS-LCM sends the created network slice descriptor NSD to the NSO.
  • step 505 the NSO checks whether there are currently available network functions and network resources. If yes, go directly to step 509; if not, go to step 506.
  • the NSO sends a reservation request for the network function and the network resource to the NSC, requesting the network to reserve the required network function and network resource for the slice.
  • the network function can be either a physical network function or a virtual network function.
  • the network resources include link resources, storage resources, computing resources, and the like.
  • the NSC reserves required network functions and network resources for the network slice.
  • the NSC sends a network function and a network resource reservation confirmation message to the NSO.
  • the message carries the network functions and network resources reserved by the NSC for the network slice.
  • the reserved network resources may be less than the network resources required for network slicing; the reserved network functions may not fully satisfy the network functions required for network slicing.
  • Step 509 Based on the requirements of the network slice and the actual network functions and network resources, the NSO orchestrate the network function and the network resource to maximize the network slice requirement. For example, when multiple network slices require mobility management functions, the NSO orchestrate the mobility management functions of these network slices, and only need the same mobility management to satisfy the requirements of these network slices at the same time. If the scheduling result meets the network slice requirement information of the NS-LCM, go directly to step 512; if the arrangement result does not meet the network slice requirement information of the NS-LCM, proceed to step 510.
  • Step 510 The NSO notifies the NS-LCM of the network function and the network resource scheduling result. For example, the NSO sends the parameter that does not meet the network slice requirement of the NS-LCM to the NS-LCM.
  • the NS-LCM determines whether to accept the network function and network resource scheduling result of the NSO. If accepted, a choreography result confirmation message is sent to the NSO indicating acceptance of the choreography result.
  • Step 512 The NSO sends a network function configuration request to the NSC based on the network function and the scheduling result of the network resource, where the request message includes the network function parameter to be configured. For example, for network segmentation related to machine type communication, a network function of low mobility management is configured for the network slice.
  • step 513 the NSC configures the network function and sends a network function configuration confirmation to the NSO.
  • Step 514 The NSO sends a network connection configuration request to the NSC based on the network function and the scheduling result of the network resource. For example, configure the connection method, interface, KPI, etc. between related network functions.
  • step 515 the NSC configures the network connection and sends a network connection configuration confirmation to the NSO.
  • Step 516 The NSO sends a network slice instantiation confirmation to the NS-LCM, indicating that the relevant network function and network resource have been configured for the network slice instance.
  • an associated network slice is generated for the application/service.
  • the NS-LCM sends the image of the network slice instance to the NM, and the related information of the network slice, such as an NS-ID, a network function, a network slice logical topology (connection mode, interface, KPI, etc.), Sending to the NM, when the NSC includes the functions of the NM, this step may send an image of the network slice instance to the NSC for the NS-LCM.
  • the related information of the network slice such as an NS-ID, a network function, a network slice logical topology (connection mode, interface, KPI, etc.
  • the method can implement automatic management and orchestration of network slices according to service requirements, and can support network function management in a shared mode.
  • An important feature of network slicing is the sharing of network functions, such as mobility management, which requires management and orchestration of the functions required for network slicing; further, the method supports lifecycle management of network slicing.
  • the life cycle of the network slice needs to be dynamically managed according to the dynamic requirements of the service/application, including the generation, update, and termination of the network slice instance; The network functions, network resources, and the like in the slice are independently managed.
  • Figure 6 shows a flow interaction diagram of a method in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the second network device may be a network slicing orchestration module (NSO)
  • the first network device may be a network slice lifecycle management module (NS-LCM)
  • the third network device may be a network slice control function module (NSC).
  • NSC in FIG. 6 may include related functions of the network manager NM, and the method includes:
  • Steps 601-610 are the same as steps in steps 501-510 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, and details are not described herein again.
  • Step 611 The NS-LCM determines whether to accept the network function and network resource scheduling result of the NSO. If not accepted, an arrangement result confirmation message is sent to the NSO indicating that the arrangement result is not accepted. When the NSO has previously reserved relevant network functions and network resources to the NSC, proceed to step 612; if not, proceed directly to step 614.
  • Step 612 The NSO sends a network function and a network resource release request to the NSC, and releases the network function and network resources reserved in step 606.
  • Step 613 The NSC releases the network function and the network resource, and sends an acknowledgement message to the NSO.
  • Step 614 The NSO sends a network slice instantiation failure message to the NS-LCM.
  • the method can implement automatic management and orchestration of network slices according to service requirements, and can support network function management in a shared mode.
  • An important feature of network slicing is the sharing of network functions, such as mobility management, which requires management and orchestration of the functions required for network slicing; further, the method supports lifecycle management of network slicing.
  • the life cycle of the network slice needs to be dynamically managed according to the dynamic requirements of the service/application, including the generation, update, and termination of the network slice instance; and the network in the slice is implemented according to the network slice requirement. Functions, network resources, etc. are managed independently.
  • FIG. 7 shows a network management architecture 700 to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied.
  • the network management architecture 700 includes at least one network element (“NE”), at least one element management (“EM”) module, and at least one domain manager (Domain Manager, referred to as " DM”), Network Slicing Control (NSC) module, Network Slice Orchestration (NSO) module, Network Slice Lifecycle Management (referred to as “Network Slice Lifecycle Management”) NS-LCM”) module and Network Manager (“NM”) module.
  • NE network element
  • EM element management
  • DM domain manager
  • NSC Network Slicing Control
  • NSO Network Slice Orchestration
  • NS-LCM Network Slice Lifecycle Management
  • NM Network Manager
  • the NE module is the smallest unit that can be monitored and managed in the network management architecture 700.
  • the EM module manages a single NE and provides the ability to handle individual NEs, including alarm management, notification management, logging, and hardware and software maintenance.
  • the NM module is responsible for managing the entire network. It can be supported by multiple EM modules or directly connected to the NE. It mainly provides network management functions and management device interactions, such as the division and configuration of network resources. Control and monitoring, etc.
  • the NS-LCM module is mainly responsible for the lifecycle management of network slices, including the creation, combination, update, and deletion (end) of network slices. Specifically, it includes: (1) receiving application/service requirements, for example, the number of devices that need support/service, delay and throughput of data streams, coverage, economic parameters (such as charging methods), and the like; (2) application/ The demand of the service is converted into the demand for the network.
  • application/service requirements for example, the number of devices that need support/service, delay and throughput of data streams, coverage, economic parameters (such as charging methods), and the like.
  • the network A slice descriptor (Network Slice Descriptor, referred to as "NSD"), which describes the composition of a network slice, for example, a Network Slice Identifier (NS-ID), a network function, and a network slice logical topology. (Connection mode, interface, Key Performance Indicator (KPI) requirements).
  • the network function may be a function of large granularity, such as mobility management, connection management, access control, or the like, or an atomic function, such as a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP).
  • PDCP Packet Data Convergence Protocol
  • the layer's robust header compression Robot Header Compression, referred to as "ROHC"
  • ROHC Radio Link Control
  • RLC Radio Link Control
  • ARQ Automatic Repeat-reQuest
  • MAC Medium Access Control
  • HARQ Hybrid Automatic Repeat-reQuest for Medium Access Control
  • the network slice logical topology is used to indicate the connection mode, interface, KPI requirements (which may include bandwidth, delay, throughput) between the network functions of the network slice.
  • the NSO module orchestrate network resources based on the network slicing requirements generated by the NS-LCM module and the actual network resources.
  • the network resources may include link resources, storage resources, computing resources, and the like.
  • the NSC module is mainly used for the configuration and management of network resources in order to meet the requirements of network slicing.
  • the interface between the NS-LCM and the NSO is mainly used to transmit the constituent elements of the network slice, that is, the network slice descriptor NSD, including the NS-ID, the network function, and the network slice logical topology (connection mode, interface, KPI). Demand) and so on.
  • the network slice descriptor NSD including the NS-ID, the network function, and the network slice logical topology (connection mode, interface, KPI). Demand) and so on.
  • the interface between the NSO and the NM is mainly used to transmit network functions and network resource descriptions required to support network slicing, wherein the network function may be either a physical network function or a virtual network function, and the network resources include Link resources, storage resources, computing resources, and so on.
  • the interface between the NSO and the NSC is mainly used to deliver a description of network functions and network resources unique to the network slice, for example, a network slice selection function.
  • the interface between the NSC and the EM or DM is mainly used to configure and manage network functions and network resources unique to the network slice, for example, NS-ID.
  • the interface between the NS-LCM and the NM is mainly used by the NM to report the network status to the NS-LCM, thereby triggering the update and termination of the network slice instance.
  • the NSC has a network management function of NM in a legacy 3GPP telecommunications network management architecture.
  • the network slice management and orchestration architecture at this time is shown in Figure 8.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates another network management architecture 800 to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied.
  • the NSC module and the NM module can be combined into one functional module having all the functions of the NSC module and the NM module.
  • the three functional modules of the above-mentioned NS-LCM, NSO, and NSC are considered from the viewpoint of the functions they have.
  • the NS-LCM module and the NSO module can be combined into one functional module, which has all the functions of the NS-LCM module and the NSO module, which is not limited by the embodiment of the present invention.
  • the first network device may be a device including an NS-LCM module
  • the second network device may be a device including an NSO module
  • the third network device may be a device including an NSC module
  • the fourth device may be A device that includes an NM module.
  • first network device the second network device, and the third network device may be specifically a network management device, which is used for monitoring, managing, and maintaining the network element in the network operation and maintenance, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto.
  • FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of a network device 900 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the network device 900 is capable of performing the various steps performed by the first network device in the methods of FIGS. 1 through 8, which are not described in detail herein in order to avoid redundancy.
  • Network device 900 includes:
  • the sending unit 910 is configured to send, to the second network device, the requirement information of the first network slice corresponding to the first network slice, where the requirement information of the first network slice is used to describe the first network
  • the first network requirement is a network requirement corresponding to the first service requirement, and the first network slice provides a service for the first service requirement;
  • the receiving unit 920 is configured to receive the acknowledgement information sent by the second network device, where the acknowledgement information is used to notify the device, where the second network device completes the first network according to the first network slice requirement The configuration of the slice.
  • the network device sends the requirement information of the first network slice corresponding to the first network slice to the second network device, where the demand information of the first network slice is corresponding to the first service requirement, and the second network device is configured according to the first
  • the demand information of the network slice completes the configuration of the first network slice, so that management such as generation, update, or termination of the first network slice for the first service requirement can be implemented.
  • FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of a network device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the network device 1000 is capable of performing the various steps performed by the second network device in the methods of FIGS. 1 through 8, which are not described in detail herein in order to avoid redundancy.
  • Network device 1000 includes:
  • the receiving unit 1010 is configured to receive demand information of the first network slice sent by the first network device, where the requirement information of the first network slice is used to describe a first network requirement, where the first network requirement is determined by the first service The demand is obtained, and the first network slice is used to provide services for the first service requirement.
  • the determining unit 1020 is configured to determine, according to the requirement information of the first network slice, a network function and a network resource that the current network can provide.
  • the determining unit 1020 is further configured to determine network functions and network resources of the first network slice according to the requirement information of the first network slice and the network function and network resource that the current network can provide.
  • the network device can determine the network function and the network resource included in the first network slice corresponding to the demand information of the first network slice by using the network information and the network resource that can be improved by the current network slice according to the demand information of the first network slice, thereby Implement management of the first network slice.
  • FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram of a network device 1100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the network device 1100 is capable of performing the various steps performed by the third network device in the methods of FIGS. 1 through 8, which are not described in detail herein to avoid repetition.
  • the network device 1100 includes:
  • the receiving unit 1110 is configured to receive the reservation request information sent by the second network device, where the reservation request information is obtained by the requirement information of the first network slice, and the demand information of the first network slice is determined by the first service requirement. Obtaining that the first network slice is used to provide the first service requirement Business
  • the determining unit 1120 is configured to reserve network resources and/or network functions for the first network slice in the current network according to the reservation request information.
  • a sending unit 1130 configured to send, to the second network device, reservation confirmation information, where the reservation confirmation information is used to notify the second network device, that the current network can provide network resources for the first network slice and / or network function.
  • the network device receives the reservation request information corresponding to the first network slice, and reserves network resources and/or network functions for the first network slice according to the reservation request information, and feeds back the reservation confirmation information to the first
  • the second network device therefore, is capable of providing corresponding network resources and/or network functions for the first network slice.
  • FIG. 12 shows another apparatus 1200 for managing network slices according to an embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the apparatus 1200 is capable of performing the various steps performed by the first network device in the methods of FIGS. 1 through 8, which are not described in detail herein in order to avoid redundancy. Apparatus 1200 includes:
  • a memory 1210 configured to store a program
  • the transceiver 1220 is configured to communicate with other devices;
  • the processor 1230 is configured to execute a program in the memory 1210. When the program is executed, the processor 1230 is configured to send, by the transceiver 1220, a requirement of the first network slice corresponding to the first network slice to the second network device.
  • the information of the first network slice is used to describe the first network requirement, where the first network requirement is a network requirement corresponding to the first service requirement, the first network slice provides a service for the first service requirement, and the second network device is received. Sending confirmation information, the confirmation information is used to inform the first network device, and the second network device completes configuration of the first network slice according to the first network slice requirement.
  • the device 1200 may be specifically the first network device in the foregoing embodiment, and may be used to perform various steps and/or processes corresponding to the first network device in the foregoing method embodiments.
  • FIG. 13 shows another apparatus 1300 for managing network slices according to an embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the network device 1300 can perform the various steps performed by the second network device in the methods of FIGS. 1 through 8, which are not detailed herein to avoid repetition.
  • Network device 1300 includes:
  • a memory 1310 configured to store a program
  • transceiver 1320 configured to communicate with other devices
  • the processor 1330 is configured to execute a program in the memory 1310, and when the program is executed, the processor 1330 is configured to receive, by the transceiver 1320, the first network cut sent by the first network device.
  • the demand information of the slice where the demand information of the first network slice is used to describe the first network requirement, the first network requirement is obtained by the first service requirement, and the first network slice is used to provide the service for the first service requirement; Determining information of the network slice, determining network functions and network resources that the current network can provide; determining network functions and networks of the first network slice according to the demand information of the first network slice and network functions and network resources that the current network can provide Resources.
  • the device 1300 may be specifically the second network device in the foregoing embodiment, and may be used to perform various steps and/or processes corresponding to the second network device in the foregoing method embodiments.
  • FIG. 14 shows another apparatus 1400 for managing network slices provided by an embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the apparatus 1400 is capable of performing the various steps performed by the third network device in the methods of FIGS. 1-8, which are not described in detail herein in order to avoid redundancy.
  • Apparatus 1400 includes:
  • a memory 1410 configured to store a program
  • transceiver 1420 configured to communicate with other devices
  • the processor 1430 is configured to execute a program in the memory 1410.
  • the processor 1430 is configured to receive, by the transceiver 1420, the transceiver 1430, the reservation request information sent by the second network device,
  • the reservation request information is obtained by the requirement information of the first network slice, the demand information of the first network slice is obtained by the first service requirement, and the first network slice is used to provide a service for the first service requirement; according to the reservation request information, Reserving network resources and/or network functions for the first network slice in the current network; sending reservation confirmation information to the second network device, the reservation confirmation information is used to inform the second network device, the current network can be the first network slice Network resources and/or network capabilities provided.
  • the processor of the foregoing device may be a central processing unit (CPU), and the processor may also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), and application specific integrated circuits. (ASIC), Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, discrete hardware components, etc.
  • the general purpose processor may be a microprocessor or the processor or any conventional processor or the like.
  • each step of the above method may be completed by an integrated logic circuit of hardware in a processor or an instruction in a form of software.
  • the steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention may be directly implemented as hardware processor execution completion, or performed by a combination of hardware and software units in the processor.
  • the software unit can be located in a conventional storage medium such as random access memory, flash memory, read only memory, programmable read only memory or electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, and the like.
  • the storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor executes instructions in the memory, and the hardware is used to complete the above The steps of the law. To avoid repetition, it will not be described in detail here.
  • the disclosed systems, devices, and methods may be implemented in other manners.
  • the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative.
  • the division of the unit is only a logical function division.
  • there may be another division manner for example, multiple units or components may be combined or Can be integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed.
  • the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be an indirect coupling or communication connection through some interface, device or unit, or an electrical, mechanical or other form of connection.
  • the units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components displayed as units may or may not be physical units, that is, may be located in one place, or may be distributed to multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the objectives of the embodiments of the present invention.
  • each functional unit in each embodiment of the present invention may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.
  • the above integrated unit can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of a software functional unit.
  • the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold as a separate product When sold or used, it can be stored on a computer readable storage medium.
  • the technical solution of the present invention contributes in essence or to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution may be embodied in the form of a software product stored in a storage medium.
  • a number of instructions are included to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to perform all or part of the steps of the methods described in various embodiments of the present invention.
  • the foregoing storage medium includes: a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a Read-Only Memory (ROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a disk or a CD.
  • ROM Read-Only Memory
  • RAM Random Access Memory

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Abstract

本发明实施例提供一种管理网络切片的方法及装置、系统,该方法包括:第一网络设备向第二网络设备发送第一网络切片对应的第一网络切片的需求信息,其中,所述第一网络切片的需求信息用于描述第一网络需求,所述第一网络需求为第一业务需求对应的网络需求,所述第一网络切片为所述第一业务需求提供服务;所述第一网络设备接收所述第二网络设备发送的确认信息,所述确认信息用于告知所述第一网络设备,所述第二网络设备根据所述第一网络切片需求完成对所述第一网络切片的配置。因此能够实现针对第一业务需求的第一网络切片的创建、更新或终结等网络切片的管理。

Description

管理网络切片的方法及其装置 技术领域
本发明实施例涉及通信领域,更具体地,涉及通信领域中用于管理网络切片的方法和装置。
背景技术
随着通信技术的发展,通信网络将支持更加多样化的业务需求和场景,且通信网络将基于逻辑功能进一步抽象为网络切片(Network Slicing)。网络切片是支持特定用例通信业务需求的逻辑网络功能组合。例如,在第五代移动通信(The 5th Generation,简称为“5G”)网络中,可以根据业务需要定制增强移动宽带(enhanced Mobile BroadBand,简称为“eMBB”)网络切片、海量机器类型连接(massive Machine Type Communication,简称为“mMTC”)网络切片和超高可靠机器类型连接(ultra reliable Machine Type Communication,简称为“uMTC”)网络切片等。
但是,现有的网络管理方案不支持对网络切片的管理,且由于网络中多个网络切片之间是相互独立、相互对等的,实现分别对该多个网络切片中每个网络切片的网络资源进行独立的管理,是一项亟待解决的问题。
发明内容
本发明实施例提供一种管理网络切片的方法及其装置、系统,能够实现对网络切片的管理。
第一方面,提供一种管理网络切片的方法,包括:第一网络设备向第二网络设备发送第一网络切片对应的第一网络切片的需求信息,其中,所述第一网络切片的需求信息用于描述第一网络需求,所述第一网络需求为第一业务需求对应的网络需求,所述第一网络切片为所述第一业务需求提供服务;所述第一网络设备接收所述第二网络设备发送的确认信息,所述确认信息用于告知所述第一网络设备,所述第二网络设备根据所述第一网络切片需求完成对所述第一网络切片的配置。
因此,第一网络设备通过向第二网络设备发送第一网络切片对应的第一网络切片的需求信息,该第一网络切片的需求信息是与第一业务需求对应 的,第二网络设备根据该第一网络切片的需求信息完成对该第一网络切片的配置,因此能够实现针对第一业务需求的第一网络切片管理,包括网络切片的生成、更新或终结等。
结合第一方面,在第一方面的第一种可能的实现方式中,第一网络需求包括网络资源需求。
结合第一方面,在第一方面的第二种可能的实现方式中,第一网络需求包括网络资源需求和网络功能需求。
结合第一方面,在第一方面的三种可能的实现方式中,方法还包括:所述第一网络设备获取所述第一业务需求;所述第一网络设备根据所述第一业务需求,确定所述第一业务需求对应的所述第一网络需求,其中,所述第一网络需求包括网络功能需求和网络资源需求。
也就是说,当第一网络设备获取第一业务需求后,还需要把该第一业务需求转化为第一网络需求,该第一网络需求就包括了网络功能的需求和网络资源的需求。
本发明实施例提供的管理网络切片的方法,能够动态的根据业务需求管理网络切片的生命周期。
结合第一方面及其上述实现方式,在第一方面的第四种可能的实现方式中,所述方法还包括:所述第一网络设备接收所述第二网络设备发送的第一网络切片反馈信息,所述第一网络切片反馈信息用于表示当前网络能够为所述第一网切片提供的网络资源和网络功能;所述第一网络设备根据所述第一网络切片反馈信息,确定第一网络切片的切片信息,所述第一网络切片的切片信息用于描述所述第一网络切片实际使用的网络资源和网络功能。
也就是说,当第一网络设备向第二网络设备提出一种第一网络切片需求时,第二网络设备需要确定能为该第一网络切片实际提供的网络资源和网络功能。优选地,第二网络设备确定为第一网络切片实际提供的网络资源和网络功能与第一网络切片需求相同,那么第一网络切片的切片信息与第一网络切片的需求信息相同。
可选地,当第二网络设备确定为第一网络切片实际提供的网络资源和网络功能不满足第一网络切片需求时,那么第一网络设备将根据第二网络设备发送的反馈信息,确定第一网络切片的切片信息,即第一网络切片实际使用的网络资源和网络功能。
结合第一方面及其上述实现方式,在第一方面的第五种可能的实现方式中,所述方法还包括:所述第一网络设备向所述第二网络设备发送第一网络切片确认信息,所述第一网络切片确认信息用于表示所述第一网络设备接受所述第二网络设备提供的网络资源和网络功能。
也就是说,第一网络设备将通知第二网络设备,第一网络设备接收第二网络设备为第一网络切片所编排的网络功能和网络资源。
结合第一方面及其上述实现方式,在第一方面的第六种可能的实现方式中,所述方法还包括:所述第一网络设备接收第三网络设备发送的所述当前网络的网络状态参数,所述网络状态参数用于表征所述当前网络的运行状态;所述第一网络设备根据所述网络状态参数,更新所述第一网络切片或终结所述第一网络切片。
第三网络设备可以从该网络管理者,获得当前网络的状态参数,包括网络带宽等,当前网络状态发生变化时,能够将当前网络的状态参数发送至第一网络设备,以便于第一网络设备根据该网络状态参数,进行第一网络切片的管理。
结合第一方面及其上述实现方式,在第一方面的第七种可能的实现方式中,所述方法还包括:所述第一网络设备向所述第三网络设备发送所述第一网络切片的切片信息。
由于第一网络设备向第三网络设备发送第一网络切片的切片信息,那么第三网络设备获知当前网络状态发生变化,当满足不了第一网络切片的切片信息中所需要的网络功能和网络资源时,将会向及时的向第一网络设备返回当前网络状态信息。
在本发明实例中,上述方法能够根据业务需求实现网络切片的自动化管理和编排;进一步的,该方法支持网络切片的生命周期管理。在网络切片管理和编排架构中,需要根据业务/应用的动态需求,动态管理网络切片的生命周期,包括网络切片实例的生成、更新、终结等;实现了根据网络切片需求对该切片中的网络功能、网络资源等进行独立的管理。
第二方面,提供一种管理网络切片的方法,包括:第二网络设备接收第一网络设备发送的第一网络切片的需求信息,其中,所述第一网络切片的需求信息用于描述第一网络需求,所述第一网络需求由第一业务需求得到,第一网络切片用于为所述第一业务需求提供服务;所述第二网络设备根据所述 第一网络切片的需求信息,确定当前网络能够提供的网络资源;根据所述第一网络切片的需求信息和所述当前网络能够提供的网络资源,确定所述第一网络切片的网络资源。
应理解,所述第二网络设备根据所述第一网络切片的需求信息,可以确定当前网络能够提供的网络功能和网络资源;根据所述第一网络切片的需求信息和所述当前网络能够提供的网络功能和网络资源,确定所述第一网络切片的网络功能和网络资源。
因此,第二网络设备通过根据第一网络切片的需求信息和当前网络能够提高的网络功能和网络资源,能够确定于第一网络切片的需求信息相应的第一网络切片包括的网络功能和网络资源,从而实现第一网络切片的管理。
结合第二方面,在第二方面的第一种可能的实现方式中,所述第二网络设备根据所述第一网络切片的需求信息,确定当前网络能够提供的网络功能和网络资源,包括:所述第二网络设备根据所述第一网络切片的需求信息,从第三网络设备处获取当前网络能够提供的网络功能和网络资源。
应理解,第三网络设备包括网络管理NM功能,或者通过接口与NM相连,能够向当前网络中请求网络资源或网络功能。
结合第第二方面及其上述实现方式,在第二方面的第二种可能的实现方式中,所述第二网络设备根据所述第一网络切片的需求信息,从第三网络设备处获取当前网络能够提供的网络功能和网络资源,包括:所述第二网络设备向所述第三网络设备发送第一网络资源预留请求,所述第一网络资源预留请求根据所述第一网络切片的需求信息得到;所述第二网络设备接收所述第三网络设备发送的第一网络资源确认信息,所述第一网络资源确认信息用于确认所述当前网络能够提供的网络资源。
结合第二方面及其上述实现方式,在第二方面的第三种可能的实现方式中,所述第二网络设备根据所述第一网络切片的需求信息,从第三网络设备处获取当前网络能够提供的网络功能和网络资源,包括:所述第二网络设备向所述第三网络设备发送第一网络功能预留请求,所述第一网络功能预留请求根据所述第一网络切片的需求信息得到;所述第二网络设备接收所述第三网络设备发送的第一网络功能确认信息,所述第一网络功能确认信息用于确认所述当前网络能够提供的网络功能。
结合第二方面及其上述实现方式,在第二方面的第四种可能的实现方式 中,所述根据所述第一网络切片的需求信息和所述当前网络能够提供的网络功能和网络资源,确定所述第一网络切片的网络功能和网络资源,包括:所述第二网络设备向所述第一网络设备发送第一网络切片反馈信息,所述第一网络切片反馈信息用于告知所述第一网络设备,所述当前网络能够为所述第一网络切片提供的网络资源和网络功能。
结合第二方面及其上述实现方式,在第二方面的第五种可能的实现方式中,所述根据所述第一网络切片的需求信息和所述当前网络能够提供的网络功能和网络资源,确定所述第一网络切片的网络功能和网络资源,包括:所述第二网络设备接收所述第一网络设备发送的第一网络切片确认信息,所述第一网络切片确认信息用于表示所述第一网络设备接受所述第二网络设备为所述第一网络切片确定的网络资源和网络功能。
结合第二方面及其上述实现方式,在第二方面的第六种可能的实现方式中,所述方法还包括:所述第二网络设备向所述第三网络设备发送所述第一网络切片的配置信息,用于指示所述第三网络设备根据所述第一网络切片的配置信息,进行网络资源和网络功能的配置,其中,所述第一网络切片的配置信息由所述第一网络需求得到;所述第二网络设备接收所述第三网络设备返回的所述第一网络切片的配置确认信息,所述第一网络切片的配置确认信息用于告知所述第二网络设备,所述第三网络设备根据所述第一网络切片的配置信息,完成网络资源和网络功能的配置。
结合第二方面及其上述实现方式,在第二方面的第七种可能的实现方式中,,所述方法还包括:所述第二网络设备向所述第一网络设备发送第一网络切片的确认信息,所述第一网络切片的确认信息用于告知所述第一网络设备,所述第二网络设备已经根据所述第一网络切片的需求信息完成网络功能和网络资源的配置。
结合第二方面及其上述实现方式,在第二方面的第八种可能的实现方式中,所述方法还包括:所述第二网络设备接收所述第一网络设备发送的第二网络需求信息,其中,所述第二网络需求信息用于描述第二网络需求,所述第二网络需求由第二业务需求得到,第二网络切片用于为所述第二业务需求提供服务;所述第二网络设备根据所述第二网络需求信息,获取所述当前网络能够提供的网络功能和网络资源;所述第二网络设备根据所述第一网络切片的需求信息和所述当前网络能够提供的网络功能和网络资源,确定所述第 二网络切片的网络功能和网络资源,其中,所述第一网络切片和所述第二网络切片共享至少一个相同的网络功能。
在本发明实例中,该方法能够根据业务需求实现网络切片的自动化管理和编排,并且能够支持共享方式下的网络功能管理。网络切片的一个重要特征是网络功能共享,例如移动性管理等,从而需要对网络切片所需的功能进行管理和编排。
第三方面,提供一种管理网络切片的方法,包括:第三网络设备接收第二网络设备发送的预留请求信息,其中,所述预留请求信息由第一网络切片的需求信息得到,所述第一网络切片的需求信息由第一业务需求得到,第一网络切片用于为所述第一业务需求提供服务;所述第三网络设备根据所述预留请求信息,在当前网络中为所述第一网络切片预留网络资源和/或网络功能;所述第三网络设备向所述第二网络设备发送预留确认信息,所述预留确认信息用于告知所述第二网络设备,当前网络能够为所述第一网络切片提供的网络资源和/或网络功能。
因此,第三网络设备通过接收与第一网络切片对应的预留请求信息,并根据该预留请求信息为该第一网络切片预留网络资源和/或网络功能,并将预留确认信息反馈至第二网络设备,因此,能够为第一网络切片提供相应的网络资源和/或网络功能。
结合第三方面,在第三方面的第一种可能的实现方式中,所述方法还包括:所述第三网络设备接收所述第二网络设备发送的所述第一网络切片的配置信息;所述第三网络设备根据所述第一网络切片的配置信息,对所述当前网络进行网络资源和/或网络功能的配置,其中,所述第一网络切片的配置信息由所述第一网络切片的需求信息得到。
结合第三方面及其上述实现方式,在第三方面的第二种可能的实现方式中,所述方法还包括:所述第三网络设备向第一网络设备发送所述当前网络的网络状态参数,所述网络状态参数用于表征所述当前网络的运行状态,以便于第一网络设备根据所述网络状态参数,更新所述第一网络切片或终结所述第一网络切片。
结合第三方面及其上述实现方式,在第三方面的第三种可能的实现方式中,所述方法还包括:所述第三网络设备接收所述第一网络设备发送的所述第一网络切片的切片信息,所述第一网络切片的切片信息用于描述所述第一 网络切片实际使用的网络资源和网络功能。
第四方面,提供了另一种用于管理网络切片的方法,包括:确定第一网络切片的需求信息,该第一网络切片的需求信息用于描述第一网络需求,所述第一网络需求为第一业务需求对应的网络需求,所述第一网络切片为所述第一业务需求提供服务;根据该第一网络切片的需求信息,确定实际能够为该第一网络切片提供的网络功能和网络资源;根据该第一网络切片的需求信息和实际能够为第一网络切片服务的网络功能和网络资源,完成对第一网络切片的配置。
应理解,在本发明实施例中,该方法的执行主体可以为具有上述第一网络设备、第二网络设备和第三网络设备相应功能的网络设备。
第五方面,提供了一种用于管理网络切片的装置,用于执行上述第一方面或第一方面的任意可能的实现方式中的方法。具体地,该装置包括用于执行上述第一方面或第一方面的任意可能的实现方式中的方法的单元。
第六方面,提供了另一种用于管理网络切片的装置,用于执行上述第二方面或第二方面的任意可能的实现方式中的方法。具体地,该装置包括用于执行上述第二方面或第二方面的任意可能的实现方式中的方法的单元。
第七方面,提供了另一种用于管理网络切片的装置,用于执行上述第三方面或第三方面的任意可能的实现方式中的方法。具体地,该装置包括用于执行上述第三方面或第三方面的任意可能的实现方式中的方法的单元。
第八方面,提供了一种用于管理网络切片的装置,该装置包括:收发器、、存储器、处理器和总线系统。其中,该收发器、该存储器和该处理器通过该总线系统相连,该存储器用于存储指令,该处理器用于执行该存储器存储的指令,以控制收发器接收和/或发送信号,并且当该处理器执行该存储器存储的指令时,该执行使得该处理器执行第一方面或第一方面的任意可能的实现方式中的方法。
第九方面,提供了一种用于管理网络切片的装置,该装置包括:收发器、存储器、处理器和总线系统。其中,该收发器、该存储器和该处理器通过该总线系统相连,该存储器用于存储指令,该处理器用于执行该存储器存储的指令,以控制收发器接收信号和/或发送信号,并且当该处理器执行该存储器存储的指令时,该执行使得该处理器执行第二方面或第二方面的任意可能的实现方式中的方法。
第十方面,提供了一种用于管理网络切片的装置,该装置包括:收发器、存储器、处理器和总线系统。其中,该收发器、该存储器和该处理器通过该总线系统相连,该存储器用于存储指令,该处理器用于执行该存储器存储的指令,以控制收发器接收信号和/或发送信号,并且当该处理器执行该存储器存储的指令时,该执行使得该处理器执行第三方面或第三方面的任意可能的实现方式中的方法。
第十一方面,提供了一种用于管理网络切片的系统,该系统包括上述第五方面或第五方面的任一种可能实现方式中的装置、第六方面或第六方面中的任一种可能实现方式中的装置以及第七方面或第七方面中的任一种可能实现方式中的装置;或者
该系统包括上述第八方面或第八方面的任一种可能实现方式中的装置、第九方面或第九方面的任一种可能实现方式中的装置以及第十方面或第十方面中的任一种可能实现方式中的装置。
第十二方面,提供了一种计算机可读介质,用于存储计算机程序,该计算机程序包括用于执行第一方面或第一方面的任意可能的实现方式中的方法的指令。
第十三方面,提供了一种计算机可读介质,用于存储计算机程序,该计算机程序包括用于执行第二方面或第二方面的任意可能的实现方式中的方法的指令。
第十四方面,提供了一种计算机可读介质,用于存储计算机程序,该计算机程序包括用于执行第三方面或第三方面的任意可能的实现方式中的方法的指令。
附图说明
为了更清楚地说明本发明实施例的技术方案,下面将对本发明实施例中所需要使用的附图作简单地介绍,显而易见地,下面所描述的附图仅仅是本发明的一些实施例,对于本领域普通技术人员来讲,在不付出创造性劳动的前提下,还可以根据这些附图获得其他的附图。
图1示出了第三代合作伙伴计划3GPP网络的示意性架构图。
图2示出了本发明一个实施例的方法的示意性流程图。
图3是本发明另一实施例的管理网络切片的方法的示意性流程图。
图4是本发明另一实施例的管理网络切片的方法的示意性流程图。
图5示出了本发明一个实施例的方法的流程交互图。
图6示出了本发明一个实施例的方法的流程交互图。
图7示出了本发明实施例所应用的网络管理架构示意图。
图8示出了本发明另一实施例所应用的网络管理架构示意图。
图9是本发明实施例的网络设备的示意性框图。
图10是本发明实施例的网络设备的示意性框图。
图11是本发明实施例的网络设备的示意性框图。
图12示出了本发明实施例提供的一个用于管理网络切片的装置。
图13示出了本发明实施例提供的另一用于管理网络切片的装置。
图14示出了本发明实施例提供的另一用于管理网络切片的装置。
具体实施方式
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清楚、完整地描述,显然,所描述的实施例是本发明的一部分实施例,而不是全部实施例。基于本发明中的实施例,本领域普通技术人员在没有做出创造性劳动的前提下所获得的所有其他实施例,都应属于本发明保护的范围。
应理解,本发明实施例的技术方案可以应用于各种通信系统,例如:全球移动通讯(Global System of Mobile communication,GSM)系统、码分多址(Code Division Multiple Access,CDMA)系统、宽带码分多址(Wideband Code Division Multiple Access,WCDMA)系统、通用分组无线业务(General Packet Radio Service,GPRS)、长期演进(Long Term Evolution,LTE)系统、LTE频分双工(Frequency Division Duplex,FDD)系统、LTE时分双工(Time Division Duplex,TDD)、通用移动通信系统(Universal Mobile Telecommunication System,UMTS)、全球互联微波接入(Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access,WiMAX)通信系统、以及未来的5G通信系统等。
本发明实施例涉及网络切片技术。网络切片技术是将网络在逻辑上抽象为一个或者多个相互隔离的网络切片,其中每个网络切片包含一系列的逻辑网络功能,针对性地满足不同业务类型的差异化需求。例如在第五代移动通信(The 5th Generation,简称为“5G”)网络中,网络切片是一种按 需组网的方式,为运营商带来能根据不断变化的用户需求进行调整,并快速满足新型应用需求的新服务。
网络切片技术将5G网络物理基础设施资源根据场景需求抽象为多个相互独立的平行的网络切片。每个网络切片按照业务场景的需要和业务模型进行网络功能的定制裁剪及相应网络功能的编排管理。一个网络切片可以视为一个实例化的5G网络。这样的网络结构允许运营商将网络作为一种服务提供给用户,并可以根据速率、容量、覆盖性、延迟、可靠性、安全性和可用性等指标对实体网络进行自由组合,从而满足不同用户的要求。
在网络切片中,网络切片生命周期管理是一个需要重点考虑的问题。网络切片的生命周期管理包括:网络切片的生成、更新以及终结等。
在网络切片技术中,网络切片生命周期管理是一个需要重点考虑的问题。网络切片生命周期管理包括网络切片的创建、组合、更新和删除等等。对于网络切片的创建、组合和更新,网络设备应该为每个网络切片确定可用的网络资源,并且为其配置特定的网络功能和参数。对于网络切片的删除,网络设备应该释放掉那些特定的网络功能和网络资源。
应理解,上述网络设备可以是网络管理系统中的网管设备,具体地,该网络设备可以是下文中提到的包括网络切片生命周期管理模块NS-LCM的设备、包括网络切片编排模块NSO的设备或包括网络切片控制模块NSC的设备等,本发明实施例对此不作限定。
图1示出了第三代合作伙伴计划3GPP网络的示意性架构图。
现有3GPP电信网络管理架构如图1所示。该网络管理架构100包括至少一个网元(Network Element,简称为“NE”)、至少一个网元管理(Element Manager,简称为“EM”)模块、至少一个域管理者(Domain Manager,简称为“DM”)和网络管理(Network Manager,简称为“NM”)模块。
其中,NE模块是该网络管理架构中可以监视和管理的最小单位,由EM模块负责管理单个NE,提供处理单独NE的功能,包括告警管理、通知管理、日志记录和软硬件维护等。
其中,EM负责管理单个网元,提供处理单独网元的功能,包括告警管理、通知处理、日志记录和软硬件维护等;NM负责管理整个电信网络,它由多个EM提供支持,但也可以直接接入到NE中,主要提供网上的管理功能、管理设备间的交互等相关功能,如网络资源的分部、配置、控制和监控 等。
现有技术中的网络管理架构只支持网络切片的手动式管理,不支持动态的管理网络切片的生命周期。为了提高管理网络切片的效率,提出了一种管理网络切片的方法、设备和系统,可以用于网络切片生成、更新、终结等管理。
图2示出了本发明一个实施例的方法的示意性流程图,如图2所示,该方包括:
步骤210,第一网络设备向第二网络设备发送第一网络切片的需求信息,其中,第一网络切片的需求信息用于描述第一网络需求,第一网络需求为第一业务需求对应的网络需求,第一网络切片为第一业务需求提供服务。
步骤220,第一网络设备接收第二网络设备发送的确认信息,该确认信息用于告知第一网络设备,第二网络设备根据第一网络切片需求完成了对第一网络切片的配置。
具体地,上述第一业务需求可以为用户或运营商需要支持或服务的设备数量,数据流的时延和吞吐量,覆盖范围,经济参数(例如收费方式等)等。
具体地,上述第一网络需求可以包括第一业务需求转化得到的对网络功能的需求,例如该网络功能可以是大颗粒度的功能,例如移动性管理、连接管理、接入控制等功能,也可以是原子功能,例如分组数据汇聚协议(Packet Data Convergence Protocol,简称为“PDCP”)层的稳健的头压缩(Robust Header Compression,简称为“ROHC”)、加/解密、重排序等功能,无线链路控制(Radio Link Control,简称为“RLC”)层的自动重传请求(Automatic Repeat-reQuest,简称为“ARQ”)、报文分片、重排序等功能,媒体接入控制(Medium Access Control,简称为“MAC”)层的混合自动重传请求(Hybrid Automatic Repeat-reQuest,简称为“HARQ”)、复用/解复用等功能;上述第一网络需求还可以包括第一业务需求转化得到的网络资源的需求,例如,如果用户的需求是设备数量以及覆盖范围,则对应的网络需求是网络连接的吞吐量/时延、所需的基站数量等。
具体地,当需要管理对该第一业务需求对应的第一网络切片时,包括了对该第一网络切片的生成、更新、终结等。
在步骤210中,第一网络切片的需求信息就用于描述第一网络切片对应的网络需求,也就是能够用于描述第一网络切片的信息,例如该网络切片需 求信息可以生成网络切片描述符(Network Slice Descriptor,简称为“NSD”),对网络切片的组成进行描述,例如,网络切片身份标识(Network Slice Identifier,简称为“NS-ID”)、网络功能、网络切片逻辑拓扑(连接方式、接口、关键性能指标(Key Performance Indicator,简称为“KPI”)需求)等。
在步骤210中,第一网络设备将第一网络切片的需求信息发送至第二网络设备,第二网络设备就可以根据该第一网络切片的需求信息进行网络资源和网络功能的编排、配置。
在步骤220中,第二网络设备根据该第一网络切片的需求信息,确定第一网络切片的网络功能和网络资源并根据该第一网络切片的需求信息完成相关配置之后,将会向第一网络设备返回确认信息,用于告知第一网络设备,已经完成针对于第一网络切片的配置,完成对第一网络切片的管理。
应理解,当第一网络设备和第二网络设备分别为两个独立的设备实体时,第一网络设备与第二网络设备之间的交互可以为两个独立设备之间的信息的交互;当第一网络设备和第二网络设备分别为同一设备实体上的功能模块时,它们之间的信息交互可以为系统内部的信息传递等,本发明不做限定。
具体地,第一网络设备可以为网络切片生命周期管理(Network Slice Lifecycle Management,简称为“NS-LCM”)模块,NS-LCM模块主要负责网络切片的生命周期管理,包括网络切片的创建、组合、更新、删除(终结)等。。具体包括:(1)接收应用/业务的需求,例如,需要支持/服务的设备数量、数据流的时延和吞吐量、覆盖范围、经济参数(例如收费方式)等;(2)将应用/业务的需求转换为对网络的需求,例如,如果用户的需求是设备数量以及覆盖范围,则对应的网络需求是网络连接的吞吐量/时延、所需的基站数量等;(3)生成网络切片描述符(Network Slice Descriptor,简称为“NSD”),对网络切片的组成进行描述,例如,网络切片身份标识(Network Slice Identifier,简称为“NS-ID”)、网络功能、网络切片逻辑拓扑(连接方式、接口、关键性能指标(Key Performance Indicator,简称为“KPI”)需求)等。具体地,该网络功能可以是大颗粒度的功能,例如移动性管理、连接管理、接入控制等功能,也可以是原子功能,例如分组数据汇聚协议(Packet Data Convergence Protocol,简称为“PDCP”)层的稳健的头压缩(Robust Header Compression,简称为“ROHC”)、加/解密、重排序等功能,无线链路控制(Radio Link Control,简称为“RLC”)层的自动重传请求(Automatic  Repeat-reQuest,简称为“ARQ”)、报文分片、重排序等功能,媒体接入控制(Medium Access Control,简称为“MAC”)层的混合自动重传请求(Hybrid Automatic Repeat-reQuest,简称为“HARQ”)、复用/解复用等功能。该网络切片逻辑拓扑用于表示该网络切片的网络功能之间的连接方式、接口、KPI需求(可以包括带宽、时延、吞吐量)等等。
具体地,第二网络设备可以为网络切片编排(Network Slice Orchestration,简称为“NSO”)模块,NSO模块基于NS-LCM模块生成的网络切片需求信息和实际所拥有的网络资源,对网络资源和网络功能进行编排,也就是说,能够根据网络切片需求信息和实际能够支持的网络资源和网络功能,为某一个网络切片提供相应的网络资源和网络功能。该网络资源可以包括链路资源、存储资源、计算资源等等。
因此,第一网络设备通过向第二网络设备发送第一网络切片对应的第一网络切片的需求信息,该第一网络切片的需求信息由于是与第一业务需求对应的,第二网络设备根据该第一网络切片的需求信息完成对该第一网络切片的配置,因此能够实现针对第一业务需求的第一网络切片的生成、更新或终结等网络切片的管理。
可选地,作为本发明一个实施例,上述方法还包括:第一网络设备获取所述第一业务需求;第一网络设备根据第一业务需求,确定第一业务需求对应的所述第一网络需求,其中,第一网络需求包括网络功能需求和网络资源需求。
具体地,第一网络设备获取第一业务需求的方式可以为接收用户或运营商发送的第一业务需求信息,该业务需求信息可以为该业务所需要服务的设备数量、覆盖范围等等。
根据该第一业务需求信息,可以转化为对网络资源和网络功能的相应需求,也就是能够确定第一业务需求对应的第一网络需求,以便于根据该第一网络需求生成第一网络切片的需求信息,例如网络切片描述符,该第一网络切片的需求信息用于描述第一网络需求,第一网络切片通过该第一网络切片的需求信息才能实现网络资源和网络功能的配置。具体地,第一业务需求包括需要支持/服务的设备数量、数据流的时延和吞吐量、覆盖范围、经济参数(例如收费方式)等;将第一业务需求信息转化为第一网络需求包括将应用/业务的需求转换为对网络的需求,例如,如果用户的需求是设备数量以及覆 盖范围,则对应的网络需求是网络连接的吞吐量/时延、所需的基站数量等。
可选地,作为本发明一个实施例,上述方法还包括:第一网络设备接收第二网络设备发送的第一网络切片反馈信息,第一网络切片反馈信息用于表示当前网络能够为第一网切片提供的网络资源和网络功能;第一网络设备根据第一网络切片反馈信息,确定第一网络切片的切片信息,第一网络切片的切片信息用于描述第一网络切片实际使用的网络资源和网络功能。
也就是说,当第一网络设备将第一网络切片的需求信息发送至第二网络设备后,第二网络设备将根据本地网络资源和网络功能,或者向当前网络中请求预留的网络资源和网络功能,实现对第一网络切片的网络功能和网络资源的编排,也就是确定实际能为该第一网络切片提供的网络功能和网络资源。
优选地,第二网络设备编排的网络资源和网络功能完全满足第一网络切片需求,那么将会最终第一网络切片的切片信息就是第一网络切片的需求信息,里面的参数值一样。
可选地,当第二网络设备发现当前的网络提供的网络资源或网络功能无法完全满足第一网络切片需求时,将不能满足的网络资源或网络功能参数反馈至第一网络设备,由第一网络设备判断能够接受第二网络设备当前编排的网络资源和网络功能。
因此,第一网络设备将会通过第二网络设备发送的反馈信息,确定第一网络切片的切片信息,该切片信息可能与第一网络切片的需求信息相同,也可能不同,但是体现了第一网络切片实际使用的网络资源和网络功能。
可选地,作为本发明一实施例,上述方法还包括:第一网络设备向第二网络设备发送第一网络切片确认信息,第一网络切片确认信息用于表示第一网络设备接受所述第二网络设备提供的网络资源和网络功能。
当第二网络设备发现当前网络无法提供第一网络设备发送的第一网络切片的需求信息中所需要的网络功能或网络资源时,将会向第一网络返回当前网络能够提网络功能或网络资源的相应的参数信息,那么当第一网络设备判断能够接受当前第二网络设备编排提供的网络资源和网络功能时,将会向第二网络设备发送一个第一网络切片确认信息,用于告知第二网络设备,同意了该第二网络设备编排的网络资源和网络功能。
可选地,上述方法还包括:第一网络设备接收第三网络设备发送的当前 网络的网络状态参数,网络状态参数用于表征当前网络的运行状态;第一网络设备根据所述网络状态参数,更新所述第一网络切片或终结所述第一网络切片。
具体地,该网络状态参数包括当前网络运行接入的终端数量、网络带宽、网络功能是否正常运行等参数信息,本发明不作限定。
例如,当前网络中的基数数量不能满足第一网络切片对应的第一网络需求时,可能需要更新该第一网络切片,或终结该第一网络切片。
具体地,更新第一网络切片意味着需要重新确定第一网络切片对应的第一网络切片的需求信息;终结第一网络切片,意味着将删除第一网络切片的相关信息,并释放为第一网络切片配置的网络功能和网络资源。
可选地,上述方法还包括:第一网络设备向第三网络设备发送所述第一网络切片的切片信息。
其中,第三网络设备用于网络资源的配置和管理,以便满足网络切片的需求。因此,该第三网络设备也可以为网络切片控制(Network Slicing Control,简称为“NSC”)模块
应理解,该第三网络设备可以为包括了现有NM功能的新的功能模块,也可以为独立的功能模块,第一网络设备向第三网络设备发送第一网络切片的切片信息的目的是为了让第三网络设备在判断当前网络出现变化时,能够向第一网络设备及时反馈该当前网络的状况,以便于该第一网络设备确定网络切片的更新或终结等相关的网络管理。
在本发明实例中,上述方法能够根据业务需求实现网络切片的自动化管理和编排,;进一步的,该方法支持网络切片的生命周期管理。在网络切片管理和编排架构中,需要根据业务/应用的动态需求,动态管理网络切片的生命周期,包括网络切片实例的生成、更新、终结等;实现了根据网络切片需求对该切片中的网络功能、网络资源等进行独立的管理。
图3是本发明另一实施例的管理网络切片的方法的示意性流程图。如图3所示,该方法300包括:
步骤310,第二网络设备接收第一网络设备发送的第一网络切片的需求信息,其中,第一网络切片的需求信息用于描述第一网络需求,第一网络需求由第一业务需求得到,第一网络切片用于为第一业务需求提供服务。
步骤320,第二网络设备根据第一网络切片的需求信息,确定当前网络 能够提供的网络资源。
步骤330,第二网络设备根据第一网络切片的需求信息和当前网络能够提供的网络功能和网络资源,确定所述第一网络切片的网络资源。
因此,第二网络设备通过根据第一网络切片的需求信息和当前网络能够提供的网络功能和网络资源,能够确定于第一网络切片的需求信息相应的第一网络切片包括的网络功能和网络资源,从而实现第一网络切片的管理。
具体地,对应于第一业务需求的第一网络需求,需要有第一网络切片来提供服务,用于描述该第一网络需求的信息为上述第一网络切片的需求信息。
例如具体地,第一网络切片的需求信息可以为网络切片描述符NSD,对网络切片的组成进行描述,例如,网络切片身份标识NS-ID、网络功能、网络切片逻辑拓扑,例如连接方式、接口、关键性能指标KPI需求等。
也就是说,第二网络设备根据第一网络切片的需求信息和当前网络能够提供的网络功能和网络资源,能够确定实际能够为第一网络切片提供的网络功能和网络资源。
第二网络设备可以根据已经存在或预留的网络资源和网络功能,确定是否能够满足第一网络需求,当发现本地并没有可用的网络资源和网络功能时,将向网络中发送网络功能和网络资源的预留请求。
可选地,作为本发明一个实施例,第二网络设备根据第一网络切片的需求信息,确定当前网络能够提供的网络功能和网络资源,包括:第二网络设备根据第一网络切片的需求信息,从第三网络设备处获取当前网络能够提供的网络功能和网络资源。
第三网络设备包括网络管理NM功能,或者通过接口与NM相连,能够向当前网络中请求网络资源或网络功能。
可选地,作为本发明一个实施例,第二网络设备根据第一网络切片的需求信息,从第三网络设备处获取当前网络能够提供的网络功能和网络资源,包括:第二网络设备向第三网络设备发送第一网络资源预留请求,第一网络资源预留请求根据第一网络切片的需求信息得到;第二网络设备接收第三网络设备发送的第一网络资源确认信息,第一网络资源确认信息用于确认当前网络能够提供的网络资源。
可选地,作文本发明一个实施例,第二网络设备根据第一网络切片的需 求信息,从第三网络设备处获取当前网络能够提供的网络功能和网络资源,包括:第二网络设备向第三网络设备发送第一网络功能预留请求,第一网络功能预留请求根据所述第一网络切片的需求信息得到;第二网络设备接收所述第三网络设备发送的第一网络功能确认信息,第一网络功能确认信息用于确认所述当前网络能够提供的网络功能。
具体地,网络功能既可以是物理网络功能,也可以是虚拟网络功能,网络资源包括链路资源、存储资源、计算资源等,本发明不作限定。
可选地,作为本发明一个实施例,根据所述第一网络切片的需求信息和所述当前网络能够提供的网络功能和网络资源,确定所述第一网络切片的网络功能和网络资源,包括:所述第二网络设备向所述第一网络设备发送第一网络切片反馈信息,所述第一网络切片反馈信息用于告知所述第一网络设备,所述当前网络能够为所述第一网络切片提供的网络资源和网络功能。
具体地,当第二网络设备确定的网络资源和网络功能满足第一网络切片需求时,则可以根据第一网络切片需求对第三网络设备进行网络功能和网络资源的配置。
具体地,当第二网络设备确定的网络资源和网络功能不能满足第一网络切片需求时,将会向第一网络设备发送上述第一网络切片反馈信息,该第一网络切片反馈信息中携带不满足第一网络切片需求的参数信息,以便于第一网络设备判断是否能接收第二网络设备为其编排的网络功能和网络资源。
可选地,作为本发明一个实施例,所述根据所述第一网络切片的需求信息和所述当前网络能够提供的网络功能和网络资源,确定所述第一网络切片的网络功能和网络资源,包括:所述第二网络设备接收所述第一网络设备发送的第一网络切片确认信息,所述第一网络切片确认信息用于表示所述第一网络设备接受所述第二网络设备为所述第一网络切片确定的网络资源和网络功能。
当第一网络设备接受第二网络设备为第一网络切片确定的网络资源和网络功能时,将会向第二网络设备发送上述确认信息,以便于第二网络设备进行后续的网络功能和网络资源的配置。
可选地,作为本发明一个实施例,所述方法还包括:所述第二网络设备向所述第三网络设备发送所述第一网络切片的配置信息,用于指示所述第三网络设备根据所述第一网络切片的配置信息,进行网络资源和网络功能的配 置,其中,所述第一网络切片的配置信息由所述第一网络需求得到;所述第二网络设备接收所述第三网络设备返回的所述第一网络切片的配置确认信息,所述第一网络切片的配置确认信息用于告知所述第二网络设备,所述第三网络设备根据所述第一网络切片的配置信息,完成网络资源和网络功能的配置。
具体地,第二网络设备将向第三网络设备发送具体的网络功能配置请求,该配置请求中携带相应的功能参数,以便于第三网络设备根据该网络功能配置请求中携带的功能参数,进行相应的网络功能配置,并向第二网络设备返回功能配置确认信息;或,第二网络设备通过向第三网络设备发送网络连接配置请求实现为网络资源的配置,该配置请求中携带网络连接方式、接口、KPI等参数,当第三网络设备根据该配置信息完成配置后,将向第二网络设备返回相应的确定信息。
应理解,该网络功能配置请求和网络资源配置请求的发送方式,本发明不做限定。
可选地,作为本发明一个实施例,所述方法还包括:所述第二网络设备向所述第一网络设备发送第一网络切片的确认信息,所述第一网络切片的确认信息用于告知所述第一网络设备,所述第二网络设备已经根据所述第一网络切片的需求信息完成网络功能和网络资源的配置。
应理解,当第二网络设备根据第一网络切片的需求信息完成相应网络功能和网络资源的配置之后,也就实现了第一网络切片的生成,该第一网络切片能够为第一业务提供服务。
可选地,作为本发明一个实施例,所述方法还包括:所述第二网络设备接收所述第一网络设备发送的第二网络需求信息,其中,所述第二网络需求信息用于描述第二网络需求,所述第二网络需求由第二业务需求得到,第二网络切片用于为所述第二业务需求提供服务;所述第二网络设备根据所述第二网络需求信息,获取所述当前网络能够提供的网络功能和网络资源;所述第二网络设备根据所述第一网络切片的需求信息和所述当前网络能够提供的网络功能和网络资源,确定所述第二网络切片的网络功能和网络资源,其中,所述第一网络切片和所述第二网络切片共享至少一个相同的网络功能。
也就是说,第二网络设备基于不同的网络切片的需求,以及实际所拥有的网络功能和网络资源,对网络功能和网络资源进行编排,最大化的满足各 个网络切片的需求。例如,当多个网络切片都需要移动性管理功能时,NSO对这些网络切片的移动性管理功能进行编排,只需要相同的一个移动性管理就可以同时满足这些网络切片的需求。
在本发明实例中,该方法能够根据业务需求实现网络切片的自动化管理和编排,并且能够支持共享方式下的网络功能管理。网络切片的一个重要特征是网络功能共享,例如移动性管理等,从而需要对网络切片所需的功能进行管理和编排。
图4是本发明另一实施例的管理网络切片的方法的示意性流程图。如图4所示,该方法400包括:
步骤410,第三网络设备接收第二网络设备发送的预留请求信息,其中,预留请求信息由第一网络切片的需求信息得到,第一网络切片的需求信息由第一业务需求得到,第一网络切片用于为第一业务需求提供服务。
步骤420,第三网络设备根据预留请求信息,在当前网络中为第一网络切片预留网络资源和/或网络功能。
步骤430,第三网络设备向第二网络设备发送预留确认信息,预留确认信息用于告知第二网络设备,当前网络能够为第一网络切片提供的网络资源和/或网络功能。
因此,第三网络设备通过接收与第一网络切片对应的预留请求信息,并根据该预留请求信息为该第一网络切片预留网络资源和/或网络功能,并将预留确认信息反馈至第二网络设备,因此,能够为第一网络切片提供相应的网络资源和/或网络功能。
可选地,作为本发明一个实施例,上述方法还包括:所述第三网络设备接收所述第二网络设备发送的所述第一网络切片的配置信息;所述第三网络设备根据所述第一网络切片的配置信息,对所述当前网络进行网络资源和/或网络功能的配置,其中,所述第一网络切片的配置信息由所述第一网络切片的需求信息得到。
可选地,作为本发明一个实施例,所述方法还包括:所述第三网络设备向第一网络设备发送所述当前网络的网络状态参数,所述网络状态参数用于表征所述当前网络的运行状态,以便于第一网络设备根据所述网络状态参数,更新所述第一网络切片或终结所述第一网络切片。
可选地,作为本发明一个实施例,所述方法还包括:所述第三网络设备 接收所述第一网络设备发送的所述第一网络切片的切片信息,所述第一网络切片的切片信息用于描述所述第一网络切片实际使用的网络资源和网络功能。
图5示出了本发明一个实施例的方法的流程交互图。在图5中,第二网络设备可以为网络切片编排模块(NSO),第一网络设备可以为网络切片生命周期管理模块(NS-LCM),第三网络设备可以为网络切片控制功能模块(NSC),图5中NSC可以包括网络管理器NM的相关功能,该方法包括:
步骤501,NS-LCM接收应用/业务的需求,例如:需要支持/服务的设备数量,该应用/业务相关数据流的时延和吞吐量,该应用/业务所需的覆盖范围,该应用/业务相关的经济参数(收费方式等)等。
步骤502,将应用/业务的需求转换为对网络的需求,例如:如果用户的需求是设备数量以及覆盖范围,则所对应的网络需求是网络连接的吞吐量/时延、所需的基站数量等。
步骤503,创建网络切片描述符,也即生成NSD,对网络切片的组成元素进行描述,例如:NS-ID,网络功能,网络切片逻辑拓扑(连接方式,接口,KPI需求)等。
步骤504,将网络切片需求信息发送至NSO,具体的NS-LCM将创建的网络切片描述符NSD发送给NSO。
步骤505,NSO检查目前是否有可用的网络功能和网络资源。如果有,则直接进入步骤509;如果没有,则进入步骤506。
可选地,步骤506,NSO向NSC发送网络功能和网络资源的预留请求,请求网络为该切片预留所需的网络功能和网络资源。所述网络功能既可以是物理网络功能,也可以是虚拟网络功能。所述网络资源包括链路资源、存储资源、计算资源等。
可选地,步骤507,NSC为该网络切片预留所需的网络功能和网络资源。
可选地,步骤508,NSC向NSO发送网络功能和网络资源预留确认消息。该消息携带有NSC为该网络切片所预留的网络功能和网络资源。该预留的网络资源有可能少于网络切片所需的网络资源;预留的网络功能有可能不能完全满足网络切片所需的网络功能。
步骤509,基于网络切片的需求,以及实际所拥有的网络功能和网络资源,NSO对网络功能和网络资源进行编排,最大化的满足网络切片的需求。 例如,当多个网络切片都需要移动性管理功能时,NSO对这些网络切片的移动性管理功能进行编排,只需要相同的一个移动性管理就可以同时满足这些网络切片的需求。如果编排结果符合NS-LCM的网络切片需求信息,则直接进入步骤512;如果编排结果不符合NS-LCM的网络切片需求信息,则进入步骤510。
步骤510,NSO将网络功能和网络资源编排结果通告给NS-LCM,例如,NSO将不符合NS-LCM的网络切片需求的参数发送给NS-LCM。
步骤511,NS-LCM判断是否接受NSO的网络功能和网络资源编排结果。如果接受,则向NSO发送编排结果确认消息,表示接受编排结果。
步骤512,NSO基于网络功能和网络资源的编排结果,向NSC发送网络功能配置请求,该请求消息中包含所要配置的网络功能参数。例如,针对机器类通信相关的网络切片,为该网络切片配置低移动性管理的网络功能。
步骤513,NSC对网络功能进行配置,并向NSO发送网络功能配置确认。
步骤514,NSO基于网络功能和网络资源的编排结果,向NSC发送网络连接配置请求。例如,配置相关网络功能之间的连接方式、接口、KPI等。
步骤515,NSC对网络连接进行配置,并向NSO发送网络连接配置确认。
步骤516,NSO向NS-LCM发送网络切片实例化确认,表示已经为该网络切片实例配置好相关的网络功能和网络资源。
经由步骤501-516,为该应用/业务生成了相关的网络切片。
可选地,步骤517,NS-LCM向NM发送该网络切片实例的镜像,把该网络切片的相关信息,如NS-ID,网络功能,网络切片逻辑拓扑(连接方式,接口,KPI等),发送给NM,当NSC包括NM所具备的功能时,该步骤可以为NS-LCM向NSC发送上述网络切片实例的镜像。
在本发明实例中,该方法能够根据业务需求实现网络切片的自动化管理和编排,并且能够支持共享方式下的网络功能管理。网络切片的一个重要特征是网络功能共享,例如移动性管理等,从而需要对网络切片所需的功能进行管理和编排;进一步的,该方法支持网络切片的生命周期管理。在网络切片管理和编排架构中,需要根据业务/应用的动态需求,动态管理网络切片的生命周期,包括网络切片实例的生成、更新、终结等;实现了根据网络切片 需求对该切片中的网络功能、网络资源等进行独立的管理。
图6示出了本发明一个实施例的方法的流程交互图。在图6中,第二网络设备可以为网络切片编排模块(NSO),第一网络设备可以为网络切片生命周期管理模块(NS-LCM),第三网络设备可以为网络切片控制功能模块(NSC),图6中NSC可以包括网络管理器NM的相关功能,该方法包括:
步骤601-610和图5所示实施例中的步骤501-510中的步骤相同,在此不再赘述。
步骤611:NS-LCM判断是否接受NSO的网络功能和网络资源编排结果。如果不接受,则向NSO发送编排结果确认消息,表示不接受编排结果。当NSO之前曾经向NSC预留相关的网络功能和网络资源时,则进入步骤612;如果没有,则直接进入步骤614。
步骤612:NSO向NSC发送网络功能和网络资源释放请求,将步骤606所预留的网络功能和网络资源释放。
步骤613:NSC将网络功能和网络资源进行释放,并向NSO发送确认消息。
步骤614:NSO向NS-LCM发送网络切片实例化失败消息。
在本发明实例中,该方法能够根据业务需求实现网络切片的自动化管理和编排,并且能够支持共享方式下的网络功能管理。网络切片的一个重要特征是网络功能共享,例如移动性管理等,从而需要对网络切片所需的功能进行管理和编排;进一步的,该方法支持网络切片的生命周期管理。在网络切片管理和编排架构中,需要根据业务/应用的动态需求,动态管理网络切片的生命周期,包括网络切片实例的生成、更新、终结等;实现了根据网络切片需求对该切片中的网络功能、网络资源等进行独立的管理。
图7示出了本发明实施例所应用的网络管理架构700。该网络管理架构700包括至少一个网元(Network Element,简称为“NE”)、至少一个网元管理(Element Manager,简称为“EM”)模块、至少一个域管理者(Domain Manager,简称为“DM”)、网络切片控制(Network Slicing Control,简称为“NSC”)模块、网络切片编排(Network Slice Orchestration,简称为“NSO”)模块、网络切片生命周期管理(Network Slice Lifecycle Management,简称为“NS-LCM”)模块和网络管理(Network Manager,简称为“NM”)模块。
其中,NE模块是网络管理架构700中可以监视和管理的最小单位,由 EM模块负责管理单个NE,提供处理单独NE的功能,包括告警管理、通知管理、日志记录和软硬件维护等。
NM模块负责管理整个网络,可以由多个EM模块提供支持,也可以直接接入到NE中,主要提供网络管理功能、管理设备之间的交互等相关功能,例如网络资源的分部、配置、控制和监控等。
NS-LCM模块主要负责网络切片的生命周期管理,包括网络切片的创建、组合、更新、删除(终结)等。具体包括:(1)接收应用/业务的需求,例如,需要支持/服务的设备数量、数据流的时延和吞吐量、覆盖范围、经济参数(例如收费方式)等;(2)将应用/业务的需求转换为对网络的需求,例如,如果用户的需求是设备数量以及覆盖范围,则对应的网络需求是网络连接的吞吐量/时延、所需的基站数量等;(3)生成网络切片描述符(Network Slice Descriptor,简称为“NSD”),对网络切片的组成进行描述,例如,网络切片身份标识(Network Slice Identifier,简称为“NS-ID”)、网络功能、网络切片逻辑拓扑(连接方式、接口、关键性能指标(Key Performance Indicator,简称为“KPI”)需求)等。具体地,该网络功能可以是大颗粒度的功能,例如移动性管理、连接管理、接入控制等功能,也可以是原子功能,例如分组数据汇聚协议(Packet Data Convergence Protocol,简称为“PDCP”)层的稳健的头压缩(Robust Header Compression,简称为“ROHC”)、加/解密、重排序等功能,无线链路控制(Radio Link Control,简称为“RLC”)层的自动重传请求(Automatic Repeat-reQuest,简称为“ARQ”)、报文分片、重排序等功能,媒体接入控制(Medium Access Control,简称为“MAC”)层的混合自动重传请求(Hybrid Automatic Repeat-reQuest,简称为“HARQ”)、复用/解复用等功能。该网络切片逻辑拓扑用于表示该网络切片的网络功能之间的连接方式、接口、KPI需求(可以包括带宽、时延、吞吐量)等等。
NSO模块基于NS-LCM模块生成的网络切片需求和实际所拥有的网络资源,对网络资源进行编排。该网络资源可以包括链路资源、存储资源、计算资源等等。
NSC模块主要用于网络资源的配置和管理,以便满足网络切片的需求。
在图7中,NS-LCM和NSO之间的接口主要用于传递网络切片的组成元素,即网络切片描述符NSD,包括NS-ID、网络功能、网络切片逻辑拓扑(连接方式、接口、KPI需求)等。
在图7中,NSO和NM之间的接口主要用于传递支撑网络切片所需的网络功能和网络资源描述,其中,网络功能既可以是物理网络功能,也可以是虚拟网络功能,网络资源包括链路资源、存储资源、计算资源等。
其中,NSO和NSC之间的接口主要用于传递网络切片所特有的网络功能和网络资源的描述,例如,网络切片选择功能。
其中,NSC和EM或DM之间的接口主要用于配置和管理网络切片所特有的网络功能和网络资源,例如,NS-ID。
其中,NS-LCM和NM之间的接口主要用于NM向NS-LCM汇报网络状态,从而触发网络切片实例的更新以及终结等。
可选地,NSC具有传统3GPP电信网络管理架构中NM的网络管理功能。此时的网络切片管理和编排架构如图8所示。
图8示出了本发明实施例所应用的另一网络管理架构800。在图8中,NSC模块和NM模块可以合并为一个功能模块,该功能模块具有NSC模块和NM模块的所有功能。
此外,应当注意的是,上述引入的NS-LCM、NSO、NSC三个功能模块,是从它们所具有的功能的角度考虑的。实际中,NS-LCM模块和NSO模块可以合并为一个功能模块,该功能模块具有NS-LCM模块和NSO模块的所有功能,本发明实施例对此不作限定。
应理解,该第一网络设备可以为包括NS-LCM模块的设备,该第二网络设备可以为包括NSO模块的设备,该第三网络设备可以为包括NSC模块的设备,该第四设备可以为包括NM模块的设备。
应理解,上述第一网络设备、第二网络设备、第三网络设备具体可以是网管设备,用于网络运维中对网元的监控、管理和维护,但本发明实施例不限于此。
上文结合图1至图8详细描述了本发明实施例的管理网络切片的方法和网络管理架构,下文将结合图9至图16详细描述本发明实施例的网络设备。
图9是本发明实施例的网络设备900的示意性框图。应理解,网络设备900能够执行图1至图8的方法中由第一网络设备执行的各个步骤,为了避免重复,此处不再详述。网络设备900包括:
发送单元910,用于向第二网络设备发送第一网络切片对应的第一网络切片的需求信息,其中,所述第一网络切片的需求信息用于描述第一网络需 求,所述第一网络需求为第一业务需求对应的网络需求,所述第一网络切片为所述第一业务需求提供服务;
接收单元920,用于接收所述第二网络设备发送的确认信息,所述确认信息用于告知所述装置,所述第二网络设备根据所述第一网络切片需求完成对所述第一网络切片的配置。
因此,网络设备通过向第二网络设备发送第一网络切片对应的第一网络切片的需求信息,该第一网络切片的需求信息是与第一业务需求对应的,第二网络设备根据该第一网络切片的需求信息完成对该第一网络切片的配置,因此能够实现针对第一业务需求的第一网络切片的生成、更新或终结等管理。
图10是本发明实施例的网络设备1000的示意性框图。应理解,网络设备1000能够执行图1至图8的方法中由第二网络设备执行的各个步骤,为了避免重复,此处不再详述。网络设备1000包括:
接收单元1010,用于接收第一网络设备发送的第一网络切片的需求信息,其中,所述第一网络切片的需求信息用于描述第一网络需求,所述第一网络需求由第一业务需求得到,第一网络切片用于为所述第一业务需求提供服务。
确定单元1020,用于根据所述第一网络切片的需求信息,确定当前网络能够提供的网络功能和网络资源。
确定单元1020还用于根据所述第一网络切片的需求信息和所述当前网络能够提供的网络功能和网络资源,确定所述第一网络切片的网络功能和网络资源。
因此,网络设备通过根据第一网络切片的需求信息和当前网络能够提高的网络功能和网络资源,能够确定于第一网络切片的需求信息相应的第一网络切片包括的网络功能和网络资源,从而实现第一网络切片的管理。
图11是本发明实施例的网络设备1100的示意性框图。应理解,网络设备1100能够执行图1至图8的方法中由第三网络设备执行的各个步骤,为了避免重复,此处不再详述。网络设备1100包括:
接收单元1110,用于接收第二网络设备发送的预留请求信息,其中,所述预留请求信息由第一网络切片的需求信息得到,所述第一网络切片的需求信息由第一业务需求得到,第一网络切片用于为所述第一业务需求提供服 务;
确定单元1120,用于根据所述预留请求信息,在当前网络中为所述第一网络切片预留网络资源和/或网络功能。
发送单元1130,用于向所述第二网络设备发送预留确认信息,所述预留确认信息用于告知所述第二网络设备,当前网络能够为所述第一网络切片提供的网络资源和/或网络功能。
因此,网络设备通过接收与第一网络切片对应的预留请求信息,并根据该预留请求信息为该第一网络切片预留网络资源和/或网络功能,并将预留确认信息反馈至第二网络设备,因此,能够为第一网络切片提供相应的网络资源和/或网络功能。
图12示出了本发明实施例提供的另一用于管理网络切片的装置1200。应理解,装置1200能够执行图1至图8的方法中由第一网络设备执行的各个步骤,为了避免重复,此处不再详述。装置1200包括:
存储器1210,用于存储程序;
收发器1220,用于和其他设备进行通信;
处理器1230,用于执行存储器1210中的程序,当所述程序被执行时,所述处理器1230用于通过收发器1220向第二网络设备发送第一网络切片对应的第一网络切片的需求信息,其中,第一网络切片的需求信息用于描述第一网络需求,第一网络需求为第一业务需求对应的网络需求,第一网络切片为第一业务需求提供服务;接收第二网络设备发送的确认信息,该确认信息用于告知第一网络设备,第二网络设备根据第一网络切片需求完成对第一网络切片的配置。
应理解,装置1200可以具体为上述实施例中的第一网络设备,并且可以用于执行上述方法实施例中与第一网络设备对应的各个步骤和/或流程。
图13示出了本发明实施例提供的另一用于管理网络切片的装置1300。应理解,网络设备1300能够执行图1至图8的方法中由第二网络设备执行的各个步骤,为了避免重复,此处不再详述。网络设备1300包括:
存储器1310,用于存储程序;
收发器1320,用于和其他设备进行通信;
处理器1330,用于执行存储器1310中的程序,当所述程序被执行时,所述处理器1330用于通过收发器1320接收第一网络设备发送的第一网络切 片的需求信息,其中,第一网络切片的需求信息用于描述第一网络需求,第一网络需求由第一业务需求得到,第一网络切片用于为第一业务需求提供服务;根据第一网络切片的需求信息,确定当前网络能够提供的网络功能和网络资源;根据第一网络切片的需求信息和当前网络能够提供的网络功能和网络资源,确定所述第一网络切片的网络功能和网络资源。
应理解,装置1300可以具体为上述实施例中的第二网络设备,并且可以用于执行上述方法实施例中与第二网络设备对应的各个步骤和/或流程。
图14示出了本发明实施例提供的另一用于管理网络切片的装置1400。应理解,装置1400能够执行图1至图8的方法中由第三网络设备执行的各个步骤,为了避免重复,此处不再详述。装置1400包括:
存储器1410,用于存储程序;
收发器1420,用于和其他设备进行通信;
处理器1430,用于执行存储器1410中的程序,当所述程序被执行时,所述处理器1430用于通过收发器1420该收发器1430用于接收第二网络设备发送的预留请求信息,其中,预留请求信息由第一网络切片的需求信息得到,第一网络切片的需求信息由第一业务需求得到,第一网络切片用于为第一业务需求提供服务;根据预留请求信息,在当前网络中为第一网络切片预留网络资源和/或网络功能;向第二网络设备发送预留确认信息,预留确认信息用于告知第二网络设备,当前网络能够为第一网络切片提供的网络资源和/或网络功能。
应理解,在本发明实施例中,上述装置的处理器可以是中央处理单元(Central Processing Unit,CPU),该处理器还可以是其他通用处理器、数字信号处理器(DSP)、专用集成电路(ASIC)、现场可编程门阵列(FPGA)或者其他可编程逻辑器件、分立门或者晶体管逻辑器件、分立硬件组件等。通用处理器可以是微处理器或者该处理器也可以是任何常规的处理器等。
在实现过程中,上述方法的各步骤可以通过处理器中的硬件的集成逻辑电路或者软件形式的指令完成。结合本发明实施例所公开的方法的步骤可以直接体现为硬件处理器执行完成,或者用处理器中的硬件及软件单元组合执行完成。软件单元可以位于随机存储器,闪存、只读存储器,可编程只读存储器或者电可擦写可编程存储器、寄存器等本领域成熟的存储介质中。该存储介质位于存储器,处理器执行存储器中的指令,结合其硬件完成上述方 法的步骤。为避免重复,这里不再详细描述。
本领域普通技术人员可以意识到,结合本文中所公开的实施例中描述的各方法步骤和单元,能够以电子硬件、计算机软件或者二者的结合来实现,为了清楚地说明硬件和软件的可互换性,在上述说明中已经按照功能一般性地描述了各实施例的步骤及组成。这些功能究竟以硬件还是软件方式来执行,取决于技术方案的特定应用和设计约束条件。本领域普通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。
所属领域的技术人员可以清楚地了解到,为了描述的方便和简洁,上述描述的系统、装置和单元的具体工作过程,可以参考前述方法实施例中的对应过程,在此不再赘述。
在本申请所提供的几个实施例中,应该理解到,所揭露的系统、装置和方法,可以通过其它的方式实现。例如,以上所描述的装置实施例仅仅是示意性的,例如,所述单元的划分,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,例如多个单元或组件可以结合或者可以集成到另一个系统,或一些特征可以忽略,或不执行。另外,所显示或讨论的相互之间的耦合或直接耦合或通信连接可以是通过一些接口、装置或单元的间接耦合或通信连接,也可以是电的,机械的或其它的形式连接。
所述作为分离部件说明的单元可以是或者也可以不是物理上分开的,作为单元显示的部件可以是或者也可以不是物理单元,即可以位于一个地方,或者也可以分布到多个网络单元上。可以根据实际的需要选择其中的部分或者全部单元来实现本发明实施例方案的目的。
本文中术语“和/或”,仅仅是一种描述关联对象的关联关系,表示可以存在三种关系,例如,A和/或B,可以表示:单独存在A,同时存在A和B,单独存在B这三种情况。另外,本文中字符“/”,一般表示前后关联对象是一种“或”的关系。
另外,在本发明各个实施例中的各功能单元可以集成在一个处理单元中,也可以是各个单元单独物理存在,也可以是两个或两个以上单元集成在一个单元中。上述集成的单元既可以采用硬件的形式实现,也可以采用软件功能单元的形式实现。
所述集成的单元如果以软件功能单元的形式实现并作为独立的产品销 售或使用时,可以存储在一个计算机可读取存储介质中。基于这样的理解,本发明的技术方案本质上或者说对现有技术做出贡献的部分,或者该技术方案的全部或部分可以以软件产品的形式体现出来,该计算机软件产品存储在一个存储介质中,包括若干指令用以使得一台计算机设备(可以是个人计算机,服务器,或者网络设备等)执行本发明各个实施例所述方法的全部或部分步骤。而前述的存储介质包括:U盘、移动硬盘、只读存储器(Read-Only Memory,简称为“ROM”)、随机存取存储器(Random Access Memory,简称为“RAM”)、磁碟或者光盘等各种可以存储程序代码的介质。
以上所述,仅为本发明的具体实施方式,但本发明的保护范围并不局限于此,任何熟悉本技术领域的技术人员在本发明揭露的技术范围内,可轻易想到各种等效的修改或替换,这些修改或替换都应涵盖在本发明的保护范围之内。因此,本发明的保护范围应以权利要求的保护范围为准。

Claims (30)

  1. 一种管理网络切片的方法,其特征在于,包括:
    第一网络设备向第二网络设备发送第一网络切片的需求信息,其中,所述第一网络切片的需求信息用于描述第一网络需求,所述第一网络需求为第一业务需求对应的网络需求,所述第一网络切片为所述第一业务需求提供服务;
    所述第一网络设备接收所述第二网络设备发送的确认信息,所述确认信息用于告知所述第一网络设备,所述第二网络设备根据所述第一网络切片需求完成了对所述第一网络切片的配置。
  2. 根据权利要求1所述的方法,其特征在于,所述方法还包括:
    所述第一网络设备获取所述第一业务需求;
    所述第一网络设备根据所述第一业务需求,确定所述第一业务需求对应的所述第一网络需求,其中,所述第一网络需求包括网络功能需求和网络资源需求。
  3. 根据权利要求1或2所述的方法,其特征在于,所述方法还包括:
    所述第一网络设备接收所述第二网络设备发送的第一网络切片反馈信息,所述第一网络切片反馈信息用于表示当前网络能够为所述第一网切片提供的网络资源和网络功能;
    所述第一网络设备根据所述第一网络切片反馈信息,确定第一网络切片的切片信息,所述第一网络切片的切片信息用于描述所述第一网络切片实际使用的网络资源和网络功能。
  4. 根据权利要求3所述的方法,其特征在于,所述方法还包括:
    所述第一网络设备向所述第二网络设备发送第一网络切片确认信息,所述第一网络切片确认信息用于表示所述第一网络设备接受所述第二网络设备提供的网络资源和网络功能。
  5. 根据权利要求4所述的方法,其特征在于,所述方法还包括:
    所述第一网络设备接收第三网络设备发送的所述当前网络的网络状态参数,所述网络状态参数用于表征所述当前网络的运行状态;
    所述第一网络设备根据所述网络状态参数,更新所述第一网络切片或终结所述第一网络切片。
  6. 根据权利要求5所述的方法,其特征在于,所述方法还包括:
    所述第一网络设备向所述第三网络设备发送所述第一网络切片的切片信息。
  7. 一种管理网络切片的方法,其特征在于,包括:
    第二网络设备接收第一网络设备发送的第一网络切片的需求信息,其中,所述第一网络切片的需求信息用于描述第一网络需求,所述第一网络需求由第一业务需求得到,所述第一网络切片用于为所述第一业务需求提供服务;
    所述第二网络设备根据所述第一网络切片的需求信息,确定当前网络能够提供的网络资源;
    根据所述第一网络切片的需求信息和所述当前网络能够提供的网络资源,确定所述第一网络切片的网络资源。
  8. 根据权利要求7所述的方法,其特征在于,所述第二网络设备根据所述第一网络切片的需求信息,确定当前网络能够提供的网络资源,包括:
    所述第二网络设备根据所述第一网络切片的需求信息,从第三网络设备处获取当前网络能够提供的网络功能和网络资源。
  9. 根据权利要求8所述的方法,其特征在于,所述第二网络设备根据所述第一网络切片的需求信息,从第三网络设备处获取当前网络能够提供的网络功能和网络资源,包括:
    所述第二网络设备向所述第三网络设备发送第一网络资源预留请求,所述第一网络资源预留请求根据所述第一网络切片的需求信息得到;
    所述第二网络设备接收所述第三网络设备发送的第一网络资源确认信息,所述第一网络资源确认信息用于确认所述当前网络能够提供的网络资源。
  10. 根据权利要求8或9所述的方法,其特征在于,所述第二网络设备根据所述第一网络切片的需求信息,从第三网络设备处获取当前网络能够提供的网络功能和网络资源,包括:
    所述第二网络设备向所述第三网络设备发送第一网络功能预留请求,所述第一网络功能预留请求根据所述第一网络切片的需求信息得到;
    所述第二网络设备接收所述第三网络设备发送的第一网络功能确认信息,所述第一网络功能确认信息用于确认所述当前网络能够提供的网络功能。
  11. 根据权利要求9或10所述的方法,其特征在于,所述根据所述第一网络切片的需求信息和所述当前网络能够提供的网络功能和网络资源,确定所述第一网络切片的网络功能和网络资源,包括:
    所述第二网络设备向所述第一网络设备发送第一网络切片反馈信息,所述第一网络切片反馈信息用于告知所述第一网络设备,所述当前网络能够为所述第一网络切片提供的网络资源和网络功能。
  12. 根据权利要求8至11中任一项所述的方法,其特征在于,所述根据所述第一网络切片的需求信息和所述当前网络能够提供的网络功能和网络资源,确定所述第一网络切片的网络功能和网络资源,包括:
    所述第二网络设备接收所述第一网络设备发送的第一网络切片确认信息,所述第一网络切片确认信息用于表示所述第一网络设备接受所述第二网络设备为所述第一网络切片确定的网络资源和网络功能。
  13. 根据权利要求8至12中任一项所述的方法,其特征在于,所述方法还包括:
    所述第二网络设备向所述第三网络设备发送所述第一网络切片的配置信息,用于指示所述第三网络设备根据所述第一网络切片的配置信息,进行网络资源和网络功能的配置,其中,所述第一网络切片的配置信息由所述第一网络需求得到;
    所述第二网络设备接收所述第三网络设备返回的所述第一网络切片的配置确认信息,所述第一网络切片的配置确认信息用于告知所述第二网络设备,所述第三网络设备根据所述第一网络切片的配置信息,完成网络资源和网络功能的配置。
  14. 根据权利要求8至13中任一项所述的方法,其特征在于,所述方法还包括:
    所述第二网络设备向所述第一网络设备发送第一网络切片的确认信息,所述第一网络切片的确认信息用于告知所述第一网络设备,所述第二网络设备已经根据所述第一网络切片的需求信息完成网络功能和网络资源的配置。
  15. 根据权利要求8至14中任一项所述的方法,其特征在于,所述方法还包括:
    所述第二网络设备接收所述第一网络设备发送的第二网络切片的需求信息,其中,所述第二网络切片的需求信息用于描述第二网络需求,所述第 二网络需求由第二业务需求得到,所述第二网络切片用于为所述第二业务需求提供服务;
    所述第二网络设备根据所述第二网络切片的需求信息,获取所述当前网络能够提供的网络功能和网络资源;
    所述第二网络设备根据所述第一网络切片的需求信息和所述当前网络能够提供的网络功能和网络资源,确定所述第二网络切片的网络功能和网络资源,其中,所述第一网络切片和所述第二网络切片共享至少一个相同的网络功能。
  16. 一种管理网络切片的方法,其特征在于,包括:
    第三网络设备接收第二网络设备发送的预留请求信息,其中,所述预留请求信息由第一网络切片的需求信息得到,所述第一网络切片的需求信息由第一业务需求得到,第一网络切片用于为所述第一业务需求提供服务;
    所述第三网络设备根据所述预留请求信息,在当前网络中为所述第一网络切片预留网络资源和/或网络功能;
    所述第三网络设备向所述第二网络设备发送预留确认信息,所述预留确认信息用于告知所述第二网络设备,当前网络能够为所述第一网络切片提供的网络资源和/或网络功能。
  17. 根据权利要求16所述的方法,其特征在于,所述方法还包括:
    所述第三网络设备接收所述第二网络设备发送的所述第一网络切片的配置信息;
    所述第三网络设备根据所述第一网络切片的配置信息,对所述当前网络进行网络资源和/或网络功能的配置,其中,所述第一网络切片的配置信息由所述第一网络切片的需求信息得到。
  18. 根据权利要求16或17所述的方法,其特征在于,所述方法还包括:
    所述第三网络设备向第一网络设备发送所述当前网络的网络状态参数,所述网络状态参数用于表征所述当前网络的运行状态,以便于第一网络设备根据所述网络状态参数,更新所述第一网络切片或终结所述第一网络切片。
  19. 根据权利要求18所述的方法,其特征在于,所述方法还包括:
    所述第三网络设备接收所述第一网络设备发送的所述第一网络切片的切片信息,所述第一网络切片的切片信息用于描述所述第一网络切片实际使用的网络资源和网络功能。
  20. 一种用于管理网络切片的装置,其特征在于,收发器,存储器,用于存储指令;处理器与所述存储器和所述收发器分别相连,用于执行所述存储器存储的所述指令,以在执行所述指令时执行如下步骤:
    通过所述收发器:向第二网络设备发送第一网络切片对应的第一网络切片的需求信息,其中,所述第一网络切片的需求信息用于描述第一网络需求,所述第一网络需求为第一业务需求对应的网络需求,所述第一网络切片为所述第一业务需求提供服务;
    接收所述第二网络设备发送的确认信息,所述确认信息用于告知所述装置,所述第二网络设备根据所述第一网络切片需求完成了对所述第一网络切片的配置。
  21. 根据权利要求20所述的装置,其特征在于,所述收发器还用于:
    获取所述第一业务需求;
    所述处理器具体用于:根据所述第一业务需求,确定所述第一业务需求对应的所述第一网络需求,其中,所述第一网络需求包括网络功能需求和网络资源需求。
  22. 根据权利要求20或21所述的装置,其特征在于,所述收发器还用于:
    接收所述第二网络设备发送的第一网络切片反馈信息,所述第一网络切片反馈信息用于表示当前网络能够为所述第一网切片提供的网络资源和网络功能;
    所述处理器还用于:根据所述第一网络切片反馈信息,确定第一网络切片的切片信息,所述第一网络切片的切片信息用于描述所述第一网络切片实际使用的网络资源和网络功能。
  23. 根据权利要求22中任一项所述的装置,其特征在于,所述收发器还用于:
    向所述第二网络设备发送第一网络切片确认信息,所述第一网络切片确认信息用于表示所述装置接受所述第二网络设备提供的网络资源和网络功能。
  24. 一种用于管理网络切片的装置,其特征在于,包括收发器,存储器,用于存储指令;处理器与所述存储器和所述收发器分别相连,用于执行所述存储器存储的所述指令,以在执行所述指令时执行如下步骤:
    通过所述收发器接收第一网络设备发送的第一网络切片的需求信息,其中,所述第一网络切片的需求信息用于描述第一网络需求,所述第一网络需求由第一业务需求得到,第一网络切片用于为所述第一业务需求提供服务;
    所述处理器用于:根据所述第一网络切片的需求信息,确定当前网络能够提供的网络资源;
    所述处理器还用于:根据所述第一网络切片的需求信息和所述当前网络能够提供的网络功能和网络资源,确定所述第一网络切片的网络资源。
  25. 根据权利要求24所述的装置,其特征在于,所述收发器具体用于:
    向第三网络设备发送第一网络资源预留请求,所述第一网络资源预留请求根据所述第一网络切片的需求信息得到;
    接收所述第三网络设备发送的第一网络资源确认信息,所述第一网络资源确认信息用于确认所述当前网络能够提供的网络资源。
  26. 根据权利要求25所述的装置,其特征在于,所述收发器具体还用于:
    向所述第三网络设备发送第一网络功能预留请求,所述第一网络功能预留请求根据所述第一网络切片的需求信息得到;
    接收所述第三网络设备发送的第一网络功能确认信息,所述第一网络功能确认信息用于确认所述当前网络能够提供的网络功能。
  27. 根据权利要求25或26所述的装置,其特征在于,所述收发器还用于:
    向所述第三网络设备发送所述第一网络切片的配置信息,用于指示所述第三网络设备根据所述第一网络切片的配置信息,进行网络资源和网络功能的配置,其中,所述第一网络切片的配置信息由所述第一网络需求得到;
    接收所述第三网络设备返回的所述第一网络切片的配置确认信息,所述第一网络切片的配置确认信息用于告知所述装置,所述第三网络设备根据所述第一网络切片的配置信息,完成了网络资源和网络功能的配置。
  28. 根据权利要求24至27中任一项所述的装置,其特征在于,所述收发器还用于:
    接收所述第一网络设备发送的第二网络需求信息,其中,所述第二网络需求信息用于描述第二网络需求,所述第二网络需求由第二业务需求得到,第二网络切片用于为所述第二业务需求提供服务;
    根据所述第二网络需求信息,获取所述当前网络能够提供的网络功能和网络资源;
    根据所述第一网络切片的需求信息和所述当前网络能够提供的网络功能和网络资源,确定所述第二网络切片的网络功能和网络资源,其中,所述第一网络切片和所述第二网络切片共享至少一个相同的网络功能。
  29. 一种用于管理网络切片的装置,其特征在于,收发器,存储器,用于存储指令;处理器与所述存储器和所述收发器分别相连,用于执行所述存储器存储的所述指令,以在执行所述指令时执行如下步骤:
    通过所述收发器:接收第二网络设备发送的预留请求信息,其中,所述预留请求信息由第一网络切片的需求信息得到,所述第一网络切片的需求信息由第一业务需求得到,第一网络切片用于为所述第一业务需求提供服务,;
    根据所述预留请求信息,在当前网络中为所述第一网络切片预留网络资源和/或网络功能;
    向所述第二网络设备发送预留确认信息,所述预留确认信息用于告知所述第二网络设备,当前网络能够为所述第一网络切片提供的网络资源和/或网络功能。
  30. 根据权利要求29所述的装置,其特征在于,所述收发器还用于:
    接收所述第二网络设备发送的所述第一网络切片的配置信息;
    所述处理器用于根据所述第一网络切片的配置信息,对所述当前网络进行网络资源和/或网络功能的配置,其中,所述第一网络切片的配置信息由所述第一网络切片的需求信息得到。
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