Cross-network roaming processing method, device and storage medium

Abstract

The inter-network roaming processing method, apparatus, and storage medium in this embodiment involve a first functional network element of a first mobile service network determining, based on the current access network number, whether the corresponding target service is related to the roaming service of the home roaming network. If it corresponds to the roaming service of the home roaming network, roaming transit information for routing to a second mobile service network is added to the service message related to the target service. This information is used to route the service to the second mobile service network, which has a roaming service relationship with the home roaming network, and to obtain the roaming service of the home roaming network through the second mobile service network. Therefore, when a foreign user roams internationally within China, they can obtain the corresponding international roaming service through a domestic operator network that has not signed a roaming agreement with a foreign mobile operator, thus improving the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method, device and storage medium for processing roaming on a different network. Background Art

[0002] At present, domestic mobile operators have begun to implement cross-network roaming services, that is, they can realize domestic roaming under the network sharing mode of domestic mobile operators. However, for international roaming services, domestic mobile operators must sign roaming agreements with foreign mobile operators and open network interconnection, so that users of foreign mobile operator networks can obtain corresponding international roaming services on the domestic operator networks they have signed contracts with. Domestic mobile operator networks that have not signed such roaming agreements cannot provide corresponding international roaming services. Summary of the invention

[0003] In view of the above shortcomings of the related art, the purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a method, device and storage medium for processing cross-network roaming to solve the problems in the related art.

[0004] A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for processing roaming on an inter-network, which is applied to a first functional network element of a first mobile service network; the method comprises: the first functional network element determines, according to a current access network number, whether a corresponding target service is related to a roaming service of a roaming home network; in response to the target service corresponding to a roaming service of the roaming home network, the first functional network element adds roaming transit information routed to a second mobile service network in a service message related to the target service; wherein a roaming service relationship exists between the second mobile service network and the roaming home network; the first functional network element sends the service message so that the service message is routed to the second mobile service network corresponding to the added roaming transit information, so as to obtain the roaming service of the roaming home network through the second mobile service network.

[0005] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the first mobile service network includes a 5G core network; the first functional network element is an AMF network element or an SMF network element.

[0006] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the roaming transit information is located in a header field of a service message.

[0007] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the first mobile service network includes a first SEPP network element, and the second mobile service network includes a second SEPP network element; the service message is routed to the second mobile service network corresponding to the added roaming transit information, including: the first SEPP network element routes the service message to the second SEPP network element according to the roaming transit information.

[0008] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the first functional network element is a first AMF network element, and the first mobile service network also includes a first NRF network element; when a user device initiates a registration request to the first mobile service network, the method includes: the first AMF network element determines whether the registration request is related to a roaming service of a roaming home network based on an access network number of the user device's registration request; in response to the registration request being related to a roaming service of the roaming home network, the first AMF network element generates a network element discovery request including roaming transit information, and sends it to a first NRF network element of the first mobile service network; the first NRF network element transmits the network element discovery request message to the second mobile service network based on the roaming transit information, and obtains a network element discovery response message from the roaming home network returned by the second mobile service network.

[0009] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the roaming home network is an international 5G operator network, and the first mobile service network and the second mobile service network are domestic 5G operator networks.

[0010] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for processing roaming on an inter-network, which is applied to a second functional network element of a second mobile service network, wherein the second mobile service network has a roaming service relationship with a roaming home network; the method comprises: the second functional network element obtains a service message of a target service of a first mobile service network; in response to obtaining roaming transit information in the service message, the roaming transit information is routed to the second mobile service network, the second functional network element deletes the roaming transit information and forwards the service message to the roaming home network, so as to provide roaming service of the roaming home network for the target service.

[0011] In an embodiment of the second aspect, the second mobile service network includes a 5G core network; the second functional network element is at least one of the following: an AMF network element; an SMF network element; an NRF network element; or a SEPP network element.

[0012] In an embodiment of the second aspect, the second SEPP network element of the second mobile service network obtains the service message from the first SEPP network element of the first mobile service network.

[0013] In an embodiment of the second aspect, the roaming transit information is located in a header field of a service message.

[0014] In an embodiment of the second aspect, the second functional network element is a second NRF network element; in the first mobile service network discovering the roaming home network, it includes: the second NRF network element determines the roaming home network according to the roaming transit information in the network element discovery request message; the second NRF network element deletes the roaming transit information in the network element discovery request message that is routed to the second mobile service network where the second NRF network element is located, and forwards the service message to the roaming home network; the second NRF network element receives a network element discovery response message corresponding to the network element discovery request message from the roaming home network, and returns the network element discovery response message to the first mobile service network.

[0015] In an embodiment of the second aspect, the roaming home network is an international 5G operator network, and the first mobile service network and the second mobile service network are domestic 5G operator networks.

[0016] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a device for processing roaming in a different network, which is applied to a first functional network element of a first mobile service network; the device comprises: a network number judgment module, which is used to judge whether the corresponding target service is related to the roaming service of a roaming home network according to a current access network number; a message processing module, which is used to add roaming transit information routed to a second mobile service network in a service message related to the target service in response to the target service corresponding to the roaming service of the roaming home network; wherein a roaming service relationship exists between the second mobile service network and the roaming home network; and a message sending module, which is used to send the service message so that the service message is routed to the second mobile service network corresponding to the added roaming transit information, so as to obtain the roaming service of the roaming home network through the second mobile service network.

[0017] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure provides a device for processing roaming in a different network, which is applied to a second functional network element of a second mobile service network, wherein the second mobile service network has a roaming service relationship with a roaming home network; the device includes: an acquisition module, which is used to acquire a service message of a target service of a first mobile service network; a roaming routing module, which is used to respond to roaming transit information in the service message that is routed to the second mobile service network, delete the roaming transit information in the service message that is routed to the second mobile service network where the second functional network element itself is located, and forward the service message to the roaming home network, so as to provide roaming service of the roaming home network for the target service.

[0018] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure provides a computer device, comprising: a storage unit and a processing unit; the storage unit stores program instructions; the processing unit is used to run the program instructions to execute the inter-network roaming processing method as described in any one of the first aspect; or, execute the inter-network roaming processing method as described in any one of the second aspect.

[0019] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions, wherein the program instructions are executed to execute the inter-network roaming processing method as described in any one of the first aspect; or, to execute the inter-network roaming processing method as described in any one of the second aspect.

[0020] As described above, in the inter-network roaming processing method, device and storage medium in the disclosed embodiment, the first functional network element of the first mobile service network determines whether the corresponding target service is related to the roaming service of the roaming home network according to the current access network number; if it corresponds to the roaming service of the roaming home network, roaming transit information for routing to the second mobile service network is added in the service message related to the target service, so as to route to the second mobile service network that has a roaming service relationship with the roaming home network, and obtain the roaming service of the roaming home network through the second mobile service network. Therefore, when a foreign user performs international roaming in China, the corresponding international roaming service can be obtained through the domestic operator network that has not signed a roaming agreement with the foreign mobile operator, thereby improving the user experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a network structure illustrating the principle of roaming in a different network in one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0022] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the network element architecture of the 5G core network.

[0023] Figure 3 A flow chart showing a communication process of roaming in a different network in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a network architecture showing an abnormal roaming communication process in an application embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a process of performing network element discovery on a roaming home network by a first mobile service network in an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0026] Figure 6 A flowchart of a method for roaming in an inter-network of a first functional network element in an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0027] Figure 7 A flowchart of a method for roaming in an inter-network of a second functional network element in an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0028] Figure 8 A module diagram showing a cross-network roaming device of a first functional network element in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram showing a module of a cross-network roaming device of a second functional network element in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Fig.10 A schematic diagram showing the structure of a computer device in an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The following describes the embodiments of the present disclosure through specific examples, and those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present disclosure from the information disclosed in the present disclosure. The present disclosure can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and the details in the present disclosure can also be modified or changed in various ways according to different viewpoints and application systems without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the embodiments and features in the embodiments in the present disclosure can be combined with each other without conflict.

[0032] The following is a detailed description of the embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. The present disclosure can be embodied in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0033] In the representations of the present disclosure, the reference terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples" and the like mean that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics represented in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present disclosure. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics represented may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art may combine and combine different embodiments or examples represented in the present disclosure and the features of different embodiments or examples, unless they are mutually contradictory.

[0034] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In the representation of the present disclosure, the meaning of "plurality" is two or more, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0035] In order to clearly describe the present disclosure, components not related to the description are omitted, and the same reference numerals are given to the same or similar components throughout the specification.

[0036] Throughout the specification, when a device is said to be "connected" to another device, this includes not only the case of "direct connection" but also the case of "indirect connection" by placing other elements therebetween. In addition, when a device is said to "include" a certain component, unless otherwise stated, it does not exclude other components, but means that other components may be included.

[0037] Although the terms first, second, etc. are used to represent various elements in some examples, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, the first interface and the second interface, etc. are represented. Moreover, as used in this article, the singular forms "one", "one" and "the" are intended to also include plural forms, unless there is an opposite indication in the context. It should be further understood that the terms "comprising" and "including" indicate that there are the described features, steps, operations, elements, modules, projects, kinds, and / or groups, but do not exclude the existence, occurrence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, modules, projects, kinds, and / or groups. The terms "or" and "and / or" used herein are interpreted as inclusive, or mean any one or any combination. Therefore, "A, B or C" or "A, B and / or C" means "any of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C". Exceptions to this definition occur only when a combination of elements, functions, steps or operations are inherently mutually exclusive in some manner.

[0038] The technical terms used herein are only used to refer to specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. The singular form used herein also includes the plural form unless the sentence clearly indicates the contrary meaning. The meaning of "including" used in the specification is to specify specific characteristics, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, and does not exclude the existence or addition of other characteristics, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components.

[0039] Terms indicating relative space, such as "below" and "above", may be used to more easily describe the relationship of one device illustrated in the drawings relative to another device. Such terms refer not only to the meaning indicated in the drawings, but also to other meanings or executions of the device in use. For example, if the device in the drawings is turned over, a device that was described as being "below" other devices is described as being "above" other devices. Therefore, the exemplary term "below" includes both above and below. The device can be rotated 90° or other angles, and the terms indicating relative space are interpreted accordingly.

[0040] Although not defined differently, all terms, including technical and scientific terms used herein, have the same meaning as those generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are additionally interpreted as having meanings consistent with relevant technical literature and the message of the present disclosure, and shall not be overly interpreted as ideal or very formal meanings unless defined.

[0041] At present, 5G core network (5GC) sharing has been formed among different domestic mobile operators, but the international roaming services of foreign users in China are still limited to the domestic mobile operator network that has a roaming agreement with foreign mobile operators and is interconnected with the network to provide international roaming services. If the user equipment UE of the foreign user accesses the network of the domestic mobile operator that does not have the roaming agreement, the international roaming service cannot be obtained. For example, the B network is a domestic mobile operator network that is not interconnected with the C network of the foreign mobile operator, and the A network is another domestic mobile operator network that is interconnected with C. Then the user D of the C network can roam to the C network by accessing the A network in China, but cannot roam to the C network by accessing the B network.

[0042] In view of this, the embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a solution for roaming on different networks, so that users of foreign mobile operator networks can obtain international roaming services through domestic mobile operator networks that have not obtained roaming agreements, so as to solve the above problems.

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, a schematic diagram of a network structure showing the principle of roaming in different networks in one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0044] Figure 1 The first mobile service network 101, the second mobile service network 102 and the roaming home network 103 are shown in FIG. The first mobile service network 101, the second mobile service network 102 and the roaming home network 103 are all mobile operator networks. Exemplarily, the first mobile service network 101, the second mobile service network 102 and the roaming home network 103 are all 5G networks, or some of them are 5G networks. In a specific application scenario, the first mobile service network 101 can be, for example, a first domestic mobile operator network, the second mobile service network 102 can be a second domestic mobile operator network, and the roaming home network 103 can be a foreign mobile operator network.

[0045] There is no roaming service relationship between the first mobile service network 101 and the roaming home network 103, and there is a roaming service relationship between the second mobile service network 102 and the roaming home network 103. According to the current network architecture, the user equipment 104 of the roaming home network 103 cannot directly obtain the roaming service of the roaming home network 103 after accessing the first mobile service network 101. In this embodiment, to solve this problem, the first mobile service network 101 can share the core network of the second mobile service network 102 to obtain the roaming service of the roaming home network 103. That is to say, the first mobile service network 101 can realize the roaming service of the roaming home network 103 through the communication between the second mobile service network 102 and the roaming home network 103, such as Figure 1As shown in line A.

[0046] It should be particularly noted that, depending on different application scenarios, the specific networks corresponding to the first mobile service network 101, the second mobile service network 102 and the roaming home network 103 can be changed. For example, the first mobile service network 101 and the second mobile service network 102 are foreign mobile operator networks, and the roaming home network 103 is a domestic mobile operator network, etc.; it is not limited to the first mobile service network 101 and the second mobile service network 102 being domestic mobile operator networks, and the roaming home network 103 being a foreign mobile operator network.

[0047] In order to realize the core network sharing between the first mobile service network 101 and the second mobile service network 102, there will be certain signaling interactions between the functional network elements in the core networks of the two. In some embodiments, the first mobile service network 101, the second mobile service network 102 and the roaming home network 103 can be 5G networks.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , a schematic diagram of the structure of a 5G core network in related technologies is shown. Figure 2 Let’s first introduce the various functional network elements included in the 5G core network and their functions.

[0049] The functional network elements of the 5G core network include: access and mobility management (AMF) network element, session management (SMF) network element, user plane function (UPF) network element, unified data management (UDM) network element, policy control function (PCF) network element, authentication server function (ASUF) network element, network capability exposure (NEF) network element, network registration function (NRF) network element, and application function (AF) network element, etc. The following briefly introduces the functions of each network element.

[0050] AMF network element is used to perform registration, connection, reachability, and mobility management. It provides a session management message transmission channel for UE and SMF, provides authentication and authorization functions for user access, and is the access point for the terminal and the wireless core network control plane.

[0051] SMF network element is responsible for tunnel maintenance, IP address allocation and management, UP function selection, policy implementation and QoS control, billing data collection, roaming, etc.

[0052] UPF network element is used for packet routing forwarding, policy implementation, traffic reporting, QoS processing, etc.

[0053] UDM network element is used for 3GPPAKA authentication, user identification, access authorization, registration, mobility, subscription, SMS management, etc.

[0054] The PCF network element is used to provide policy rules for control plane functions based on a unified policy framework.

[0055] ASUF network element is used to support unified authentication service functions and realize 3GPP and non-3GPP access authentication. Support functions include: verifying UE for requester NF; providing keys to requester NF, etc.

[0056] NEF network element is used to open up the capabilities of each network function (NF), convert internal and external information, and can also be used in edge computing scenarios. NEF network element is a new network element added by 5GC.

[0057] NRF network element is used to enable network functions (NF) to discover each other and communicate through API interfaces. NRF network element is a new network element added by 5GC.

[0058] NSSF network element is used to provide network slice selection function. NSSF network element is a new network element added by 5GC.

[0059] AF network element is used to provide dedicated services to the outside world through core network interaction.

[0060] Others, UE is user equipment, a mobile communication device in a mobile network. DN is data network.

[0061] like Figure 3 As shown, a flow chart showing the communication process of roaming in a different network in one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0062] The first mobile service network includes a first functional network element, and the second mobile service network includes a second functional network element.

[0063] In this embodiment, the process includes:

[0064] Step S301: The first functional network element determines whether the corresponding target service is related to the roaming service of the roaming home network according to the current access network number.

[0065] In some embodiments, the current access network number may be a public land mobile network (PLMN) ID, different mobile operator networks correspond to different PLMNIDs (which may be broadcast through base stations in the network), and the user equipment (UE) selects the mobile operator network for access according to the automatic network selection principle, and the service will carry the corresponding PLMNID of the mobile operator network. In order to distinguish between roaming services and local services, the first mobile service network may set at least two PLMNIDs, such as PLMNID=B corresponding to local services, and PLMNID=A1 corresponding to roaming services.

[0066] In some embodiments, the first functional network element may be preset with a judgment rule. When the current access network number of the target service is PLMNID=A1, it is judged as a roaming service and needs to be transferred through the second mobile service network. In some embodiments, the first functional network element may also determine the home network of the target service, such as the foreign mobile operator network PLMNID=C. In some embodiments, the first functional network element may be implemented as an AMF network element or an SMF network element.

[0067] Step S302: In response to the target service corresponding to a roaming service of a roaming home network, the first functional network element adds roaming transit information of routing to a second mobile service network in a service message related to the target service.

[0068] There is a roaming service relationship between the second mobile service network and the roaming home network, that is, users of the roaming home network can obtain the roaming service of the roaming home network by accessing the second mobile service network.

[0069] In some embodiments, the roaming transit information can be added to the header field of the service message, and its form example is "transitPLMNID=A", A is the PLMN of the second mobile service network, indicating routing to the second mobile service network. In addition, the service message of the roaming service also carries roaming target information pointing to the roaming home network, such as "TargetPLMN=C", C is the PLMNID of the roaming home network.

[0070] Step S303: The first functional network element sends the service message.

[0071] The service message is routed to the second mobile service network corresponding to the added roaming transit information. In some embodiments, both the first mobile service network and the second mobile service network have a security edge protection proxy (SEPP) network element, that is, the first mobile service network includes a first SEPP network element, and the second mobile service network includes a second SEPP network element. Specifically, the first functional network element sends the service message in the first mobile service network. Since the roaming transit information pointing to the second mobile service network is added to the service message, it will be transmitted to the first SEPP network element, and the first SEPP network element routes the service message to the next hop, that is, the second SEPP network element, based on the roaming transit information. Corresponding to the first functional network element adding roaming transit information to the service message header field, the first SEPP network element also needs to correspondingly enhance the ability to route to the second SEPP network element according to the roaming transit message in this header field.

[0072] Step S304: the second functional network element obtains a service message of a target service of the first mobile service network.

[0073] In some embodiments, the second mobile service network includes a 5G core network; the second functional network element is at least one of the following: an AMF network element; an SMF network element; an NRF network element; or a SEPP network element.

[0074] Exemplarily, the second functional network element is a second SEPP network element, which receives a service message transmitted from the first SEPP network element, wherein the service message includes a roaming transit message "transitPLMNID=A" and also carries roaming target information "TargetPLMN=C" pointing to the roaming home network.

[0075] Step S305: In response to obtaining the roaming transit information in the service message, the roaming transit information is routed to the second mobile service network, and the second functional network element deletes the roaming transit information.

[0076] For example, if the second functional network element finds that the roaming transit message "transitPLMNID=A" contains the network ID PLMNID=A of the second mobile service network where the second functional network element is located, it indicates that the routing purpose of the roaming transit message has been achieved, so it can be deleted.

[0077] Step S306: The second functional network element forwards the service message to the roaming home network.

[0078] In some embodiments, after the second functional network element deletes the roaming transit information, the service message also carries roaming target information pointing to the roaming home network (such as "TargetPLMN=C"), and the service message can be routed to the roaming home network according to the roaming target information.

[0079] Exemplarily, the roaming home network has a third SEPP network element. After receiving the service message from the first SEPP network element of the first mobile service network, the second SEPP network element of the second mobile service network deletes the roaming transit message therein and sends it to the third SEPP network element. Since there is a roaming service relationship between the second mobile service network and the roaming home network, and there is a sharing and intercommunication relationship between the first mobile service network and the second mobile service network, the first mobile service network can share the roaming service of the roaming home network through the second mobile service network to provide it to the roaming user accessing from the first mobile service network.

[0080] In a specific implementation, the first mobile service network and the second mobile service network may be different domestic mobile operator networks, and the roaming home network is a foreign mobile operator network. Of course, the type of network may vary, and is not limited to this.

[0081] To explain the above principle more intuitively, Figure 4As shown, a schematic diagram of a network architecture showing an abnormal roaming communication process in an application embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0082] Step 1: gNB-B of the B network sends two PLMNID signals, one PLMNID is the PLMNID of the B network itself: B, and the other is the PLMNID used for roaming in different networks: A1. The AMF-B / SMF-B network element of the B network makes a corresponding judgment based on the access network number, adds the service with the access network number PLMNID=A1 to the HTTP header field of its service message, and routes it with the content "transitPLMNID=A". A1 is a network number different from A to avoid conflicts.

[0083] Step 2: The SEPP-B network element of the B network has an enhanced routing capability and routes the subsequent service message to the next hop, ie, the SEPP-A of the A network, according to the header field "transitPLMN ID=A".

[0084] Step 3: SEPP-A in network A sends the service message to the roaming home network C network to complete the forwarding of the service message. For example, it is forwarded to SEPP-C in network C. The hSMF-C and UDM shown in network C are used for roaming services.

[0085] The thick line between SEPP-A, SEPP-B, and SEPP-C shown in the figure represents the communication path of cross-network roaming.

[0086] In some embodiments, in order to implement relevant routing, the capabilities of the network NRF network elements need to be enhanced, that is, the B network needs to have the ability to discover the network elements of the C network.

[0087] like Figure 5 As shown, a schematic diagram of the process of the first mobile service network discovering network elements for the roaming home network in an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0088] In 5G networks, network element discovery and selection are based on NRF network elements. New network elements initiate registration requests to NRF network elements, and NRF network elements register the information of new network elements for selection by other network elements.

[0089] exist Figure 5In the figure, it is schematically shown that the first mobile service network is network B, the second mobile service network is network A, and the roaming home network is network C. Among them, networks A and B are visited PLMNs (VPLMN) in roaming services, and network C is the home network (HomePLMN, HPLMN) in roaming services. Exemplarily, the first functional network element is the first AMF network element (represented by vAMF-B in the figure, v corresponds to Visited, and B represents network B), and the first mobile service network also includes a first NRF network element (represented by vNRF-B in the figure). Exemplarily, the second functional network element can be a second NRF network element (represented by vNRF-A in the figure). HPLMN has a third NRF network element (represented by hNRF-C in the figure).

[0090] exist Figure 5 In the process of network element discovery, the process includes:

[0091] The roaming user of network C turns on the phone for registration. Its UE initiates a registration request to vAMF-B and accesses network number PLMNA1.

[0092] vAMF-B generates a network element discovery request Nnrf_NF discovery_request containing roaming transit information "transitPLMNID=A" and "TargetPLMNID=C" based on the access network number PLMNA1 of the UE's registration request, and sends it to vNRF-B.

[0093] vNRF-B forwards the Nnrf_NFdiscovery_request to vNRF-A, wherein the Nnrf_NFdiscovery_request is forwarded from SEPP-B of the B network to SEPP-A of the A network.

[0094] vNRF-A deletes the "transitPLMNID=A" in Nnrf_NFdiscovery_request that points to the A network where it is located, and then forwards Nnrf_NFdiscovery_request (including "TargetPLMNID=C") to hNRF-C. Among them, Nnrf_NFdiscovery_request is forwarded from SEEP-B to SEEP-C.

[0095] hNRF-C replies to vNRF-A with a network element discovery response message Nnrf_NF discovery_request_Response (H-SMF in C network is discovered), which is forwarded from SEPP-C to SEEP-A.

[0096] vNRF-A returns Nnrf_NFdiscovery_request_Response (H-SMF) to vNRF-B, which is forwarded from SEPP-A to SEEP-B.

[0097] vNRF-B returns Nnrf_NFdiscovery_request_Response (H-SMF) to the UE to discover the H-SMF.

[0098] To explain more clearly in Figure 3 The processes executed by the first functional network element and the second functional network element respectively are as follows Figure 6 A flowchart showing a method for processing roaming in an inter-network by a first functional network element in an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 7 A flowchart showing a method for processing roaming in an inter-network of a second functional network element in an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0099] like Figure 6 As shown, the inter-network roaming processing method of the first functional network element includes:

[0100] Step S601: The first functional network element determines whether the corresponding target service is related to the roaming service of the roaming home network according to the current access network number;

[0101] Step S602: In response to the target service corresponding to a roaming service of the roaming home network, the first functional network element adds roaming transit information routed to the second mobile service network in the service message related to the target service; wherein the second mobile service network has a roaming service relationship with the roaming home network;

[0102] Step S603: The first functional network element sends the service message so that the service message is routed to the second mobile service network corresponding to the added roaming transit information, so as to obtain the roaming service of the roaming home network through the second mobile service network.

[0103] In some embodiments, the first mobile service network includes a 5G core network; the first functional network element is an AMF network element or an SMF network element.

[0104] In some embodiments, the roaming transit information is located in a header field of a service message.

[0105] In some embodiments, the first mobile service network includes a first SEPP network element, and the second mobile service network includes a second SEPP network element; the service message is routed to the second mobile service network corresponding to the added roaming transit information, including: the first SEPP network element routes the service message to the second SEPP network element according to the roaming transit information.

[0106] In some embodiments, the first functional network element is a first AMF network element, and the first mobile service network also includes a first NRF network element; when a user device initiates a registration request to the first mobile service network, the method includes: the first AMF network element determines whether the registration request is related to the roaming service of the roaming home network based on the access network number of the registration request of the user device; in response to the registration request being related to the roaming service of the roaming home network, the first AMF network element generates a network element discovery request including roaming transit information, and sends it to the first NRF network element of the first mobile service network; the first NRF network element transmits the network element discovery request message to the second mobile service network based on the roaming transit information, and obtains a network element discovery response message from the roaming home network returned by the second mobile service network.

[0107] In some embodiments, the roaming home network is an international 5G operator network, and the first mobile service network and the second mobile service network are domestic 5G operator networks.

[0108] like Figure 7 As shown, the inter-network roaming processing method of the second functional network element includes:

[0109] Step S701: the second function network element obtains a service message of a target service of the first mobile service network;

[0110] Step S702: In response to obtaining roaming transit information in a service message, the roaming transit information is routed to a second mobile service network, the second functional network element deletes the roaming transit information and forwards the service message to the roaming home network to provide roaming service of the roaming home network for the target service.

[0111] In some embodiments, the second mobile service network includes a 5G core network; the second functional network element is at least one of the following: an AMF network element; an SMF network element; an NRF network element; or a SEPP network element.

[0112] In some embodiments, the second SEPP network element of the second mobile service network obtains the service message from the first SEPP network element of the first mobile service network.

[0113] In some embodiments, the roaming transit information is located in a header field of a service message.

[0114] In some embodiments, the second functional network element is a second NRF network element; in the first mobile service network, discovering the roaming home network includes: the second NRF network element determines the roaming home network according to the roaming transit information in the network element discovery request message; the second NRF network element deletes the roaming transit information in the network element discovery request message that is routed to the second mobile service network where the second NRF network element is located, and forwards the service message to the roaming home network; the second NRF network element receives a network element discovery response message corresponding to the network element discovery request message from the roaming home network, and returns the network element discovery response message to the first mobile service network.

[0115] In some embodiments, the roaming home network is an international 5G operator network, and the first mobile service network and the second mobile service network are domestic 5G operator networks.

[0116] like Figure 8 FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a device for processing roaming in different networks according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 The present invention is an embodiment of the method for processing roaming on a different network, so the technical details will not be repeated here.

[0117] exist Figure 8 In the embodiment, the cross-network roaming processing device 800 is applied to a first functional network element of a first mobile service network, including:

[0118] The network number determination module 801 is used to determine whether the corresponding target service is related to the roaming service of the roaming home network according to the current access network number;

[0119] The message processing module 802 is used for adding roaming transit information routed to a second mobile service network in a service message related to the target service in response to the target service corresponding to the roaming service of the roaming home network; wherein the second mobile service network has a roaming service relationship with the roaming home network;

[0120] The message sending module 803 is used to send the service message so that the service message is routed to the second mobile service network corresponding to the added roaming transit information, so as to obtain the roaming service of the roaming home network through the second mobile service network.

[0121] like Fig. 9 FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a device for processing roaming in different networks according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 The present invention is an embodiment of the method for processing roaming on a different network, so the technical details will not be repeated here.

[0122] exist Fig. 9In the embodiment, the inter-network roaming processing device 900 is applied to a second functional network element of a second mobile service network, including:

[0123] An acquisition module 901 is used to acquire a service message of a target service of a first mobile service network;

[0124] The roaming routing module 902 is used to respond to the roaming transit information routed to the second mobile service network in the service message, delete the roaming transit information routed to the second mobile service network where the second functional network element itself is located in the service message, and forward the service message to the roaming home network to provide roaming service of the roaming home network for the target service.

[0125] It should be noted that in Figure 8 , Fig. 9 Each functional module in the embodiment can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a program instruction product. The program instruction product includes one or more program instructions. When the program instruction is loaded and executed on a computer, the process or function according to the present disclosure is generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network or other programmable device. The program instruction can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium.

[0126] and, Figure 8 , Fig. 9 The device disclosed in the embodiment can be implemented by other module division methods. The device embodiments shown above are only schematic. For example, the module division is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation, such as multiple modules or modules can be combined or dynamically transferred to another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or modules can be electrical or other forms.

[0127] in addition, Figure 8 , Fig. 9 Each functional module and submodule in the embodiment can be dynamically in a processing component, or each module can exist physically separately, or two or more modules can be dynamically in one component. The above-mentioned dynamic components can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional modules. If the above-mentioned dynamic components are implemented in the form of software functional modules and executed as independent products for sale or use, they can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium can be a read-only memory, a disk or an optical disk, etc.

[0128] It should be particularly noted that the process or method represented by the flowchart of the above embodiment of the present disclosure can be understood as a module, fragment or part of a code representing one or more executable instructions for implementing the steps of a specific logical function or process. And the scope of the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure includes other implementations, in which the functions may not be performed in the order shown or discussed, including performing the functions in a substantially simultaneous manner or in a reverse order according to the functions involved.

[0129] For example, Figure 3 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 The order of the steps in the embodiments may be changed in specific scenarios and is not limited to the above.

[0130] like Fig.10 , which shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a computer device in one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0131] In some embodiments, the computer device is used to load the method embodiment (for example, Figure 6 or Figure 7 The computer device may be implemented as a part of a processing system in an electronic device where one or more network elements are located or in an electronic device.

[0132] like Fig.10 As shown, the computer device 1000 is in the form of a general computing device. The components of the computer device 1000 may include but are not limited to: at least one processing unit 1010, at least one storage unit 1020, and a bus 1030 connecting different system components (including the storage unit 1020 and the processing unit 1010).

[0133] The storage unit stores program codes, and the program codes can be executed by the processing unit 1010, so that the computer device is used to implement the method steps described in the above embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0134] In some embodiments, the storage unit 1020 may include a volatile storage unit, such as a random access storage unit (RAM) 10201 and / or a cache storage unit 10202 , and may further include a read-only storage unit (ROM) 10203 .

[0135] In some embodiments, the storage unit 1020 may also include a program / utility 10204 having a set (at least one) of program modules 10205, such program modules 10205 including but not limited to: an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data, each of which or some combination may include the implementation of a network environment.

[0136] In some embodiments, bus 1030 may include a data bus, an address bus, and a control bus.

[0137] In some embodiments, the computer device 1000 may also communicate with one or more external devices 1100 (e.g., keyboard, router, Bluetooth device, etc.), and such communication may be performed through an input / output (I / O) interface 1050. Optionally, the computer device 1000 also includes a display unit 1040, which is connected to the input / output (I / O) interface 1050 for display. In addition, the computer device 1000 may also communicate with one or more networks (e.g., a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), and / or a public network, such as the Internet) through a network adapter 1060. As shown, the network adapter 1060 communicates with other modules of the computer device 1000 through a bus 1030. It should be understood that, although not shown in the figure, other hardware and / or software modules may be used in conjunction with the computer device 1000, including but not limited to: microcode, device drivers, redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays, RAID systems, tape drives, and data backup storage systems.

[0138] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium may also be provided, which may include program code and may be run on a device, such as a personal computer, to implement the above method embodiments of the present disclosure (such as Figure 3 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 In this document, a computer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that contains or stores a program that can be used by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0139] The program code may be in any combination of one or more readable media. The readable medium may be a readable signal medium or a readable storage medium. The readable medium may be, for example, but not limited to, a system, device or component of electricity, magnetism, light, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor, or any combination thereof. More specific examples (non-exhaustive list) of readable storage media include: an electrical connection with one or more wires, a portable disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0140] Computer readable signal media may include data signals propagated in baseband or as part of a carrier wave, in which readable program code is carried. Such propagated data signals may take a variety of forms, including but not limited to electromagnetic signals, optical signals, or any suitable combination of the above. Readable signal media may also be any readable medium other than a readable storage medium, which may send, propagate, or transmit a program for use by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0141] The program code embodied on the readable medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wired, optical cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0142] Program code for performing the operations of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Java, C++, etc., and conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as "C" or similar programming languages. The program code may be executed entirely on the user computing device, partially on the user computing device, partially on a remote computing device, or entirely on a remote computing device or server. In the case of a remote computing device, the remote computing device may be connected to the user computing device through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or may be connected to an external computing device (e.g., using an Internet service provider to connect through the Internet).

[0143] In summary, in the inter-network roaming processing method, device and storage medium of the disclosed embodiment, the first functional network element of the first mobile service network determines whether the corresponding target service is related to the roaming service of the roaming home network according to the current access network number; if it corresponds to the roaming service of the roaming home network, roaming transit information for routing to the second mobile service network is added in the service message related to the target service, so as to route to the second mobile service network that has a roaming service relationship with the roaming home network, and obtain the roaming service of the roaming home network through the second mobile service network. Therefore, when a foreign user performs international roaming in China, the corresponding international roaming service can be obtained through the domestic operator network that has not signed a roaming agreement with the foreign mobile operator, thereby improving the user experience.

[0144] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Anyone familiar with the technology may modify or change the above embodiments without violating the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or changes made by a person of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and technical ideas disclosed in the present disclosure shall still be covered by the claims of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A method for processing roaming in a different network, characterized in that: A first function network element applied to a first mobile service network, wherein the first function network element is an AMF network element or an SMF network element; the method comprising: The first functional network element determines, according to the current access network number, whether the corresponding target service is related to the roaming service of the roaming home network; In response to the target service corresponding to a roaming service of the roaming home network, the first functional network element adds roaming transit information routed to a second mobile service network in a service message related to the target service; wherein the second mobile service network has a roaming service relationship with the roaming home network; The first functional network element sends the service message so that the service message is routed to the second mobile service network corresponding to the added roaming transit information, so as to obtain the roaming service of the roaming home network through the second mobile service network; The first mobile service network further includes a first SEPP network element, and the second mobile service network further includes a second SEPP network element; the service message is routed to the second mobile service network corresponding to the added roaming transit information, including: The first SEPP network element routes the service message to the second SEPP network element according to the roaming transit information.

2. The method for processing roaming in different networks according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first mobile service network includes a 5G core network.

3. The method for processing roaming in different networks according to claim 1, characterized in that: The roaming transfer information is located in the header field of the service message.

4. The method for processing roaming in different networks according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first functional network element is a first AMF network element, and the first mobile service network further includes a first NRF network element; When the user equipment initiates a registration request to the first mobile service network, the method includes: The first AMF network element determines, based on the access network number of the registration request of the user equipment, whether the registration request is related to the roaming service of the roaming home network; In response to the registration request being related to a roaming service of a roaming home network, the first AMF network element generates a network element discovery request including roaming transit information and sends the request to a first NRF network element of the first mobile service network; The first NRF network element transmits the network element discovery request message to the second mobile service network according to the roaming transit information, and obtains a network element discovery response message from the roaming home network returned by the second mobile service network.

5. The method for processing roaming in a different network according to claim 1, characterized in that: The roaming home network is an international 5G operator network, and the first mobile service network and the second mobile service network are domestic 5G operator networks.

6. A method for processing roaming in a different network, characterized in that: A second function network element applied to a second mobile service network, wherein the second function network element is at least one of the following: an AMF network element; SMF network element; NRF network element; SEPP network element, the second mobile service network has a roaming service relationship with the roaming home network; the method comprises: The second functional network element obtains a service message of a target service of the first mobile service network; In response to acquiring the roaming transit information in the service message, the roaming transit information is routed to the second mobile service network, the second functional network element deletes the roaming transit information and forwards the service message to the roaming home network, so as to provide a roaming service of the roaming home network for the target service; The second SEPP network element of the second mobile service network obtains the service message from the first SEPP network element of the first mobile service network.

7. The method for processing roaming in different networks according to claim 6, characterized in that: The second mobile service network includes a 5G core network.

8. The method for processing roaming in different networks according to claim 6, characterized in that: The roaming transfer information is located in the header field of the service message.

9. The method for processing roaming in different networks according to claim 6, characterized in that: The second function network element is a second NRF network element; in the first mobile service network, discovering the roaming home network, including: The second NRF network element determines the roaming home network according to the roaming transit information in the network element discovery request message; The second NRF network element deletes the roaming transit information of the network element discovery request message that is routed to the second mobile service network where the second NRF network element is located, and forwards the service message to the roaming home network; The second NRF network element receives a network element discovery response message corresponding to the network element discovery request message from the roaming home network, and returns the network element discovery response message to the first mobile service network.

10. The method for processing roaming in different networks according to claim 6, characterized in that: The roaming home network is an international 5G operator network, and the first mobile service network and the second mobile service network are domestic 5G operator networks.

11. A device for processing roaming in a different network, characterized in that: A first functional network element applied to a first mobile service network, wherein the first functional network element is an AMF network element or an SMF network element; the device comprises: A network number determination module, used to determine whether the corresponding target service is related to the roaming service of the roaming home network according to the current access network number; a message processing module, configured to, in response to a target service corresponding to a roaming service of a roaming home network, add roaming transit information routed to a second mobile service network in a service message related to the target service; wherein the second mobile service network has a roaming service relationship with the roaming home network; a message sending module, configured to send the service message so that the service message is routed to a second mobile service network corresponding to the added roaming transit information, so as to obtain a roaming service of a roaming home network through the second mobile service network; The first mobile service network further includes a first SEPP network element, and the second mobile service network further includes a second SEPP network element; the service message is routed to the second mobile service network corresponding to the added roaming transit information, including: The first SEPP network element routes the service message to the second SEPP network element according to the roaming transit information.

12. A device for processing roaming in a different network, characterized in that: A second function network element applied to a second mobile service network, wherein the second function network element is at least one of the following: an AMF network element; SMF network element; NRF network element; SEPP network element, the second mobile service network has a roaming service relationship with the roaming home network; the device includes: An acquisition module, used to acquire a service message of a target service of the first mobile service network; A roaming routing module, configured to, in response to the roaming transit information in the service message that is routed to the second mobile service network, delete the roaming transit information in the service message that is routed to the second mobile service network where the second functional network element itself is located, and forward the service message to the roaming home network, so as to provide a roaming service of the roaming home network for the target service; The second SEPP network element of the second mobile service network obtains the service message from the first SEPP network element of the first mobile service network.

13. A computer device, characterized in that: include: A storage unit and a processing unit; the storage unit stores program instructions; the processing unit is used to run the program instructions to execute the inter-network roaming processing method as described in any one of claims 1 to 5; or, execute the inter-network roaming processing method as described in any one of claims 6 to 10.

14. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: Program instructions are stored, and the program instructions are executed to execute the inter-network roaming processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5; or, to execute the inter-network roaming processing method according to any one of claims 6 to 10.

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