Access or switching method, device, AMF and storage medium

Abstract

The present application discloses an access or switching method, device, AMF and storage medium, wherein the method comprises: when a terminal switches from accessing from a source AMF to accessing from a target AMF, the source AMF sends first network function information; the source AMF receives first response information from the target AMF; wherein the first response information indicates whether the target AMF can be served by the first network function indicated in the first network function information or whether it can communicate with the first network function.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of wireless technology, and in particular to a switching method, device, access and mobility management function (AMF, Access and Mobility Management Function) and storage medium. Background Art

[0002] By deploying the Network Address Admission Control Function (NSACF) on the network slice, the corresponding service level agreement (SLA) can be guaranteed, including controlling the maximum number of users and the maximum number of session connections of the network slice. In the related art, when more than two NSACFs are deployed for the single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI), it is impossible to make a reasonable selection of the NSACF. Summary of the invention

[0003] To solve related technical problems, the embodiments of the present application provide an access or switching method, device, AMF and storage medium.

[0004] The technical solution of the embodiment of the present application is implemented as follows:

[0005] An embodiment of the present application provides an access or switching method. When a terminal switches from accessing a source access and mobility management function (AMF) to accessing a target AMF, the method includes:

[0006] The source AMF sends the first network function information;

[0007] The source AMF receives the first response information of the target AMF; wherein,

[0008] The first response information represents whether the target AMF can be served by the first network function indicated in the first network function information or whether it can communicate with the first network function.

[0009] Wherein, in the above solution, the first response information indicates at least one of the following:

[0010] Whether the target AMF can communicate with the first network function;

[0011] Whether the target AMF can obtain the service of the first network function;

[0012] Whether the target AMF is within the service scope of the first network function.

[0013] In the above solution, the first network function information includes:

[0014] The identifier of the first network function and / or the address of the first network function.

[0015] In the above scheme, the method further comprises:

[0016] When the first response information indicates that the target AMF cannot be served by the first network function or cannot communicate with the first network function, the source AMF initiates an update process to the first network function.

[0017] In the above solution, the update process includes:

[0018] The source AMF updates the number of terminals and / or the number of sessions to the first network function corresponding to the S-NSSAI.

[0019] In the above scheme, the number of terminals includes the number of network slices corresponding to the S-NSSAI accessed by the terminals; the number of sessions includes the number of sessions established by the terminals using S-NSSAI in the corresponding network slices.

[0020] In the above scheme, the first network function includes NSACF, and / or an instance of NSACF, and / or other network functions or instances that can count the number of network slice access terminals or the number of access sessions.

[0021] The embodiment of the present application also provides an access or switching method. When the terminal switches from accessing from a source AMF to accessing from a target AMF, the method includes:

[0022] The target AMF receives the first network function information;

[0023] The target AMF sends the first response information;

[0024] The first response information represents whether the target AMF can be served by the first network function indicated in the first network function information or whether it can communicate with the first network function.

[0025] Wherein, in the above solution, the first response information indicates at least one of the following:

[0026] Whether the target AMF can communicate with the first network function;

[0027] Whether the target AMF can obtain the service of the first network function;

[0028] Whether the target AMF is within the service scope of the first network function.

[0029] In the above scheme, the method further comprises:

[0030] In the case where the target AMF cannot be served by the first network function or cannot communicate with the first network function, the target AMF selects a second network function;

[0031] The target AMF initiates an update process to the second network function.

[0032] In the above solution, the update process includes:

[0033] The target AMF updates the number of terminals and / or the number of sessions to the second network function corresponding to the S-NSSAI.

[0034] In the above scheme, the number of terminals includes the number of network slices corresponding to the S-NSSAI accessed by the terminals; the number of sessions includes the number of sessions established by the terminals using S-NSSAI in the corresponding network slices.

[0035] In the above scheme, the second network function includes NSACF, and / or an instance of NSACF, and / or other network functions or instances that can count the number of network slice access terminals or access sessions.

[0036] The embodiment of the present application further provides an access or switching device, including:

[0037] A first sending unit, configured to send first network function information when the terminal switches from accessing the source AMF to accessing the target AMF;

[0038] The first receiving unit is used to receive the first response information of the target AMF; wherein,

[0039] The first response information represents whether the target AMF can be served by the first network function indicated in the first network function information or whether it can communicate with the first network function.

[0040] The embodiment of the present application further provides an access or switching device, including:

[0041] A second receiving unit is used to receive the first network function information when the terminal switches from accessing the source AMF to accessing the target AMF;

[0042] The second sending unit is used to send the first response information; wherein,

[0043] The first response information represents whether the target AMF can be served by the first network function indicated in the first network function information or whether it can communicate with the first network function.

[0044] The embodiment of the present application further provides an AMF, comprising: a first processor and a first communication interface; wherein,

[0045] The first communication interface is used to send first network function information when the terminal switches from source AMF access to target AMF access; and receive first response information of the target AMF; wherein,

[0046] The first response information represents whether the target AMF can be served by the first network function indicated in the first network function information or whether it can communicate with the first network function.

[0047] The embodiment of the present application further provides an AMF, comprising: a second processor and a second communication interface; wherein,

[0048] The second communication interface is used to receive first network function information when the terminal switches from source AMF access to target AMF access; and send first response information; wherein,

[0049] The first response information represents whether the target AMF can be served by the first network function indicated in the first network function information or whether it can communicate with the first network function.

[0050] The embodiment of the present application further provides an AMF, comprising: a processor and a first memory for storing a computer program that can be run on the processor,

[0051] Wherein, when the processor is used to run the computer program, it executes the steps of any one of the above methods.

[0052] An embodiment of the present application further provides a storage medium on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of any of the above methods are implemented.

[0053] The access or switching method, device, AMF and storage medium provided in the embodiment of the present application, when the terminal switches from accessing from the source AMF to accessing from the target AMF, the method includes: the source AMF sends the first network function information; the source AMF receives the first response information of the target AMF; wherein the first response information indicates whether the target AMF can be served by the first network function indicated in the first network function information or whether it can communicate with the first network function. Through the above scheme, when there are more than two network function services deployed corresponding to the S-NSSAI, when the terminal performs AMF switching, a reasonable selection of network function services can be achieved, and the SLA control of network slices can be optimized. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a flow chart of an access or switching method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] Figure 2 This is a flow chart of another access or switching method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a flow chart of an access or switching method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an access or switching device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another access or switching device structure according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0059] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an AMF structure according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0060] Figure 7 This is another schematic diagram of the AMF structure of an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] By deploying NSACF on the network slice, the corresponding SLA guarantee can be achieved, including controlling the maximum number of users and the maximum number of session connections of the network slice. In the related art, from the perspective of the entire public land mobile network (PLMN), only one NSACF is deployed for one network slice, so that all AMFs and / or session management functions (SMFs) will request the same NSACF to add and subtract statistical data when receiving a request for a certain network slice. For example, for a mobile communication network with a large number of users, application A has reserved a network slice with 100,000 users. Then all AMFs in the entire PLMN will request a corresponding NSACF to add and subtract statistical data every time a user goes online and / or all SMFs will request a corresponding NSACF to add and subtract statistical data every time a session is established, resulting in an overload of the corresponding NSACF and affecting the service processing efficiency. In view of the above situation, the relevant operators usually deploy a pair of NSACFs for S-NSSAI. In the related art, there is no effective solution to achieve a reasonable selection of NSACFs for the situation where more than two NSACFs are deployed corresponding to S-NSSAI.

[0062] Based on this, in an embodiment of the present application, when the terminal switches from accessing the source AMF to accessing the target AMF, the method includes: the source AMF sends the first network function information; the source AMF receives the first response information of the target AMF; wherein the first response information indicates whether the target AMF can be served by the first network function indicated in the first network function information or whether it can communicate with the first network function. Through the above scheme, when there are more than two network function services deployed corresponding to the S-NSSAI, when the terminal performs AMF switching, a reasonable selection of network function services can be achieved, and the SLA control of network slices can be optimized.

[0063] The present application is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0064] The embodiment of the present application provides an access or switching method, which is applied to the source AMF when the terminal switches from the source AMF access to the target AMF access, such as Figure 1 As shown, when the terminal switches from source AMF access to target AMF access, the method includes:

[0065] Step 101: The source AMF sends the first network function information.

[0066] In actual application, the source AMF can send the first network function information to the target AMF, or the source AMF can send the first network function information to other network elements, and the other network elements transmit the first network function information to the target AMF. The first network function information indicates that there is a first network function. In actual application, the first network function includes NSACF, and / or an instance of NSACF, and / or other network functions or instances that can count the number of network slice access terminals or the number of access sessions. It can be understood that here, the source AMF supports intercommunication with the first network function. In other words, the source AMF can be served by the first network function or can communicate with the first network function.

[0067] In one embodiment, the first network function information includes:

[0068] The identifier of the first network function and / or the address of the first network function.

[0069] Taking the first network function as NSACF as an example, the corresponding first network function information may indicate the NSACF identifier or the address information of the NSACF.

[0070] Step 102: The source AMF receives the first response information of the target AMF.

[0071] Among them, the first response information represents whether the target AMF can be served by the first network function indicated in the first network function information or whether it can communicate with the first network function.

[0072] In one embodiment, the first response information indicates at least one of the following:

[0073] Whether the target AMF can communicate with the first network function;

[0074] Whether the target AMF can obtain the service of the first network function;

[0075] Whether the target AMF is within the service scope of the first network function.

[0076] In actual application, when AMF does not support communication with NSACF, or when AMF cannot obtain the service of NSACF, or AMF is not within the service range of NSACF, AMF cannot request to update the statistical data when a terminal accesses the network slice corresponding to S-NSSAI or a terminal uses S-NSSAI to establish a session in the corresponding network slice. Therefore, through the first response information fed back by the target AMF, the source AMF can clarify whether the target AMF can be served by NSACF or whether it can communicate with NSACF, and select the corresponding NSACF based on the first response information.

[0077] In one embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0078] When the first response information indicates that the target AMF cannot be served by the first network function or cannot communicate with the first network function, the source AMF initiates an update process to the first network function.

[0079] Here, when the target AMF cannot be served by the first network function or cannot communicate with the first network function, although the terminal switches to access from the target AMF, at this time, the source AMF initiates an update process to the first network function, thereby realizing statistics on the number of terminals accessing the network slice or the number of access sessions.

[0080] Here, the update process includes:

[0081] The source AMF updates the number of terminals and / or the number of sessions to the first network function corresponding to the S-NSSAI.

[0082] Among them, the number of terminals includes the number of network slices corresponding to the S-NSSAI accessed by the terminals; the number of sessions includes the number of sessions established by the terminals using S-NSSAI in the corresponding network slice.

[0083] The embodiment of the present application also provides an access or switching method, which is applied to the target AMF when the terminal switches from the source AMF access to the target AMF access, such as Figure 2As shown, when the terminal switches from source AMF access to target AMF access, the method includes:

[0084] Step 201: The target AMF receives first network function information.

[0085] In actual application, the target AMF can receive the first network function information sent by the source AMF, or the source AMF can send the first network function information to other network elements, and the other network elements transmit the first network function information to the target AMF. The first network function information indicates that there is a first network function. In actual application, the first network function includes NSACF, and / or an instance of NSACF, and / or other network functions or instances that can count the number of network slice access terminals or the number of access sessions. It can be understood that here, the source AMF supports intercommunication with the first network function. In other words, the source AMF can be served by the first network function or can communicate with the first network function.

[0086] Step 202: The target AMF sends a first response message.

[0087] Among them, the first response information represents whether the target AMF can be served by the first network function indicated in the first network function information or whether it can communicate with the first network function.

[0088] In one embodiment, the first response information indicates at least one of the following:

[0089] Whether the target AMF can communicate with the first network function;

[0090] Whether the target AMF can obtain the service of the first network function;

[0091] Whether the target AMF is within the service scope of the first network function.

[0092] In actual application, when AMF does not support communication with NSACF, or when AMF cannot obtain the service of NSACF, or AMF is not within the service range of NSACF, AMF cannot request to update the statistical data when a terminal accesses the network slice corresponding to S-NSSAI or a terminal uses S-NSSAI to establish a session in the corresponding network slice. Therefore, through the first response information fed back by the target AMF, the source AMF can clarify whether the target AMF can be served by NSACF or whether it can communicate with NSACF, and select the corresponding NSACF based on the first response information.

[0093] In one embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0094] In the case where the target AMF cannot be served by the first network function or cannot communicate with the first network function, the target AMF selects a second network function;

[0095] The target AMF initiates an update process to the second network function.

[0096] Here, when the target AMF cannot be served by the first network function or cannot communicate with the first network function, the target AMF selects the second network function and initiates an update process to the second network function, thereby realizing statistics on the number of network slice access terminals or the number of access sessions. It can be understood that the target AMF initiating an update process to the second network function is applicable to the case where there are more than two network function services deployed corresponding to the S-NSSAI, and the source AMF supports intercommunication with the second network function. In other words, the source AMF can be served by the second network function or can communicate with the second network function.

[0097] In actual application, when the target AMF cannot communicate with the first network function indicated in the first network function information, the target AMF needs to obtain the list of NSACFs that support intercommunication by querying the network storage function (NRF, NF Repository Function), and select the second network function from it.

[0098] In actual application, the second network function includes NSACF, and / or an instance of NSACF, and / or other network functions or instances that can count the number of network slice access terminals or the number of access sessions.

[0099] In this way, when the terminal switches from access by the source AMF to access by the target AMF, NSACF reselection can be achieved, switching to the NSACF that the target AMF supports interoperability, thereby achieving reasonable selection of network function services and optimizing SLA control of network slices.

[0100] Here, the update process includes:

[0101] The target AMF updates the number of terminals and / or the number of sessions to the second network function corresponding to the S-NSSAI.

[0102] Among them, the number of terminals includes the number of network slices corresponding to the S-NSSAI accessed by the terminals; the number of sessions includes the number of sessions established by the terminals using S-NSSAI in the corresponding network slice.

[0103] The present application is further described in detail below in conjunction with application examples.

[0104] In this application embodiment, at least two NSACFs are deployed in the network slice corresponding to the S-NSSAI, wherein the maximum number of users accessing the network slice corresponding to the S-NSSAI is allocated among multiple NSACFs according to business estimates. For example, business A has signed a contract for network slice 1 with a maximum number of 100,000 users, and multiple NSACFs are deployed on network slice 1, then the maximum number of 100,000 users will be allocated among these multiple NSACFs according to business density. Here, multiple NSACFs are not interoperable, and the adjustment of statistical data on the number of user accesses on each NSACF belongs to the business scope and is implemented by offline adjustment by the network management system.

[0105] Reference Figure 3 The implementation process of this application embodiment is as follows:

[0106] 1. The source radio access network (S-RAN) sends a handover request message (Handover Required) to the source AMF (S-AMF).

[0107] In actual application, within a network slice, when the terminal moves beyond the coverage of the current AMF, AMF switching is triggered.

[0108] 2. The source AMF selects the target AMF (T-AMF) (T-AMF selection).

[0109] 3. The source AMF sends a create terminal context request to the target AMF, which carries at least the context information of the terminal (NSACF ID(s), Allowed NSSAI).

[0110] Here, Allowed NSSAI is the network slice selection assistance information (NSSAI) provided by the serving PLMN during the registration process of the terminal, indicating the identifier of the network slice that the terminal can use in the current registration domain, where each network slice is indicated by S-NSSAI; NSACF ID(s) represents the identifier of the NSACF that the source AMF supports intercommunication.

[0111] 4. The target AMF confirms the S-NSSAI supported and the S-NSSAI not supported by the target AMF according to the NSACF and NSSAI indicated in the context information of the terminal, and confirms the NSACF that the target AMF supports and the NSACF that does not support interworking.

[0112] 5. The target AMF feeds back a handover request (Handover Request) to the target RAN (T-RAN), and the target RAN feeds back OK to the target AMF.

[0113] 6. The target AMF feeds back a create terminal context response to the source AMF, indicating that the switching operation can be performed, and carries the S-NSSAI that is not supported by the target AMF in the create context response, as well as indication information for indicating that the target AMF supports interoperable NSACFs and that the target AMF does not support interoperable NSACFs.

[0114] In actual application, the create terminal context request sent by the source AMF to the target AMF may be Namf_Communication_CreateUEContext Request, and correspondingly, the create terminal context response may be Namf_Communication_CreateUEContext Response.

[0115] The above steps are the handover preparation stage of this application embodiment. The handover execution stage of this application embodiment is described below.

[0116] 7. The source AMF sends a handover command to the source RAN. The source RAN sends a handover command to the terminal.

[0117] 8. The terminal sends a handover confirmation to the target RAN. The target RAN sends a handover notification to the target AMF.

[0118] 9. The target AMF uses the Namf_Communication_N2infoNotify service and subscribes to a timer to the source AMF. The source AMF uses the timer to monitor the release of source RAN resources.

[0119] 10. For S-NSSAI that the target AMF does not support and / or NSACF that the target AMF does not support interoperability, the source AMF applies to the S-NSACF for updating the corresponding network slice statistics, or the target AMF newly selects T-NSACF and applies to T-NSACF for updating the corresponding network slice statistics.

[0120] Here, S-NSACF represents the NSACF that the source AMF in Allowed NSSAI supports interoperability.

[0121] The NSACF updates the statistical data corresponding to the S-NSSAI, including adding 1 to the statistical data on the NSACF according to the terminal's general public user identifier (GPSI, Generic Public Subscription Identifier) ​​or user permanent identifier (SUPI, Subscription Permanent Identifier). When the terminal accesses the corresponding network slice or the terminal establishes a session in the corresponding network slice, the statistical data on the NSACF is increased by 1. When the terminal disconnects the session in the corresponding network slice, the statistical data on the NSACF is decreased by 1.

[0122] Optionally, for the NSACF that the target AMF supports intercommunication, the source AMF informs the corresponding NSACF of the address information or identifier of the target AMF to achieve intercommunication between the target AMF and the corresponding NSACF.

[0123] 11. The source AMF deletes the context information of the terminal on the source-RAN.

[0124] The solution provided by the embodiment of the present application is that when the terminal switches from accessing from the source AMF to accessing from the target AMF, the source AMF sends the first network function information; the source AMF receives the first response information of the target AMF; wherein the first response information indicates whether the target AMF can be served by the first network function indicated in the first network function information or whether it can communicate with the first network function. Through the above solution, when there are more than two network function services deployed corresponding to the S-NSSAI, when the terminal performs AMF switching, a reasonable selection of network function services can be achieved, thereby optimizing the SLA control of network slices.

[0125] In order to implement the method of the embodiment of the present application, the embodiment of the present application also provides an access or switching device, which is set on the source AMF when the terminal switches from the source AMF access to the target AMF access, such as Figure 4 As shown, the device comprises:

[0126] A first sending unit 401 is used to send first network function information;

[0127] The first receiving unit 402 is used to receive the first response information of the target AMF.

[0128] Among them, the first response information represents whether the target AMF can be served by the first network function indicated in the first network function information or whether it can communicate with the first network function.

[0129] In one embodiment, the first response information indicates at least one of the following:

[0130] Whether the target AMF can communicate with the first network function;

[0131] Whether the target AMF can obtain the service of the first network function;

[0132] Whether the target AMF is within the service scope of the first network function.

[0133] In one embodiment, the first network function information includes:

[0134] The identifier of the first network function and / or the address of the first network function.

[0135] In one embodiment, the device further comprises:

[0136] The first update unit is used to initiate an update process from the source AMF to the first network function when the first response information indicates that the target AMF cannot be served by the first network function or cannot communicate with the first network function.

[0137] In one embodiment, the update process includes:

[0138] The source AMF updates the number of terminals and / or the number of sessions to the first network function corresponding to the S-NSSAI.

[0139] In one embodiment, the number of terminals includes the number of network slices corresponding to the S-NSSAI accessed by the terminals; the number of sessions includes the number of sessions established by the terminals using S-NSSAI in the corresponding network slice.

[0140] In one embodiment, the first network function includes NSACF, and / or an instance of NSACF, and / or other network functions or instances capable of counting the number of network slice access terminals or the number of access sessions.

[0141] In actual application, the first sending unit 401 and the first receiving unit 402 can be implemented by a communication interface in an access or switching device, and the first updating unit can be implemented by a communication interface in an access or switching device combined with a processor.

[0142] In order to implement the method of the embodiment of the present application, the embodiment of the present application also provides an access or switching device, which is set on the target AMF when the terminal switches from the source AMF access to the target AMF access, such as Figure 5 As shown, the device comprises:

[0143] The second receiving unit 501 is used to receive first network function information;

[0144] The second sending unit 502 is configured to send first response information.

[0145] Among them, the first response information represents whether the target AMF can be served by the first network function indicated in the first network function information or whether it can communicate with the first network function.

[0146] In one embodiment, the first response information indicates at least one of the following:

[0147] Whether the target AMF can communicate with the first network function;

[0148] Whether the target AMF can obtain the service of the first network function;

[0149] Whether the target AMF is within the service scope of the first network function.

[0150] In one embodiment, the device further comprises:

[0151] A selection unit, configured to select a second network function when the target AMF cannot be served by the first network function or cannot communicate with the first network function;

[0152] The second updating unit is used to initiate an updating process to the second network function.

[0153] In one embodiment, the update process includes:

[0154] The target AMF updates the number of terminals and / or the number of sessions to the second network function corresponding to the S-NSSAI.

[0155] In one embodiment, the number of terminals includes the number of network slices corresponding to the S-NSSAI accessed by the terminals; the number of sessions includes the number of sessions established by the terminals using S-NSSAI in the corresponding network slice.

[0156] In one embodiment, the second network function includes NSACF, and / or an instance of NSACF, and / or other network functions or instances that can count the number of network slice access terminals or the number of access sessions.

[0157] In actual application, the second receiving unit 501 and the second sending unit 502 can be implemented by a communication interface in an access or switching device, and the selection unit and the second updating unit can be implemented by a communication interface in an access or switching device combined with a processor.

[0158] It should be noted that: the access or switching device provided in the above embodiment only uses the division of the above program modules as an example when performing access or switching. In actual applications, the above processing can be assigned to different program modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device is divided into different program modules to complete all or part of the processing described above. In addition, the access or switching device provided in the above embodiment and the access or switching method embodiment belong to the same concept, and the specific implementation process is detailed in the method embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0159] Based on the hardware implementation of the above program modules, and in order to implement the method of the source AMF side of the embodiment of the present application, the embodiment of the present application also provides an AMF, such as Figure 6 As shown, the AMF 600 includes:

[0160] The first communication interface 601 is capable of exchanging information with other network nodes;

[0161] The first processor 602 is connected to the first communication interface 601 to implement information interaction with other network nodes, and is used to execute the method provided by one or more technical solutions of the source AMF side when running a computer program. The computer program is stored in the first memory 603.

[0162] Specifically, the first communication interface 601 is used to send first network function information; and receive first response information of the target AMF.

[0163] Among them, the first response information represents whether the target AMF can be served by the first network function indicated in the first network function information or whether it can communicate with the first network function.

[0164] In one embodiment, the first response information indicates at least one of the following:

[0165] Whether the target AMF can communicate with the first network function;

[0166] Whether the target AMF can obtain the service of the first network function;

[0167] Whether the target AMF is within the service scope of the first network function.

[0168] In one embodiment, the first network function information includes:

[0169] The identifier of the first network function and / or the address of the first network function.

[0170] In one embodiment, the first communication interface 601 is further used for:

[0171] When the first response information indicates that the target AMF cannot be served by the first network function or cannot communicate with the first network function, an update process is initiated to the first network function.

[0172] In one embodiment, the update process includes:

[0173] The source AMF updates the number of terminals and / or the number of sessions to the first network function corresponding to the S-NSSAI.

[0174] In one embodiment, the number of terminals includes the number of network slices corresponding to the S-NSSAI accessed by the terminals; the number of sessions includes the number of sessions established by the terminals using S-NSSAI in the corresponding network slice.

[0175] In one embodiment, the first network function includes NSACF, and / or an instance of NSACF, and / or other network functions or instances capable of counting the number of network slice access terminals or the number of access sessions.

[0176] It should be noted that the specific processing process of the first processor 602 and the first communication interface 601 can be understood by referring to the above method.

[0177] Of course, in actual application, the various components in AMF 600 are coupled together through bus system 604. It is understandable that bus system 604 is used to realize the connection and communication between these components. In addition to the data bus, bus system 604 also includes a power bus, a control bus and a status signal bus. However, for the sake of clarity, Figure 6 Various buses are labeled as bus system 604 .

[0178] The first memory 603 in the embodiment of the present application is used to store various types of data to support the operation of the AMF 600. Examples of these data include: any computer program used to operate on the AMF 600.

[0179] The method disclosed in the above embodiment of the present application can be applied to the first processor 602, or implemented by the first processor 602. The first processor 602 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above method can be completed by the hardware integrated logic circuit or software instructions in the first processor 602. The above-mentioned first processor 602 may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP, Digital Signal Processor), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gates or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The first processor 602 can implement or execute the various methods, steps and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. In combination with the steps of the method disclosed in the embodiment of the present application, it can be directly embodied as a hardware decoding processor to execute, or it can be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module can be located in a storage medium, which is located in the first memory 603, and the first processor 602 reads the information in the first memory 603 and completes the steps of the above method in combination with its hardware.

[0180] In an exemplary embodiment, AMF 600 may be implemented by one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), DSP, programmable logic device (PLD), complex programmable logic device (CPLD), field programmable gate array (FPGA), general processor, controller, microcontroller (MCU), microprocessor, or other electronic components to perform the aforementioned method.

[0181] Based on the hardware implementation of the above program modules, and in order to implement the method of the target AMF side of the embodiment of the present application, the embodiment of the present application also provides an AMF, such as Figure 7 As shown, the AMF 700 comprises:

[0182] The second communication interface 701 is capable of exchanging information with other network nodes;

[0183] The second processor 702 is connected to the second communication interface 701 to implement information interaction with other network nodes, and is used to execute the method provided by one or more technical solutions of the target AMF side when running the computer program. The computer program is stored in the second memory 703.

[0184] Specifically, the second communication interface 701 is used to receive first network function information when the terminal switches from source AMF access to target AMF access; and send first response information; wherein,

[0185] The first response information represents whether the target AMF can be served by the first network function indicated in the first network function information or whether it can communicate with the first network function.

[0186] In one embodiment, the first response information indicates at least one of the following:

[0187] Whether the target AMF can communicate with the first network function;

[0188] Whether the target AMF can obtain the service of the first network function;

[0189] Whether the target AMF is within the service scope of the first network function.

[0190] In one embodiment, the second processor 702 is configured to:

[0191] In the case where the target AMF cannot be served by the first network function or cannot communicate with the first network function, selecting a second network function;

[0192] The second communication interface 701 is used to initiate an update process to the second network function.

[0193] In one embodiment, the update process includes:

[0194] The target AMF updates the number of terminals and / or the number of sessions to the second network function corresponding to the S-NSSAI.

[0195] In one embodiment, the number of terminals includes the number of network slices corresponding to the S-NSSAI accessed by the terminals; the number of sessions includes the number of sessions established by the terminals using S-NSSAI in the corresponding network slice.

[0196] In one embodiment, the second network function includes NSACF, and / or an instance of NSACF, and / or other network functions or instances that can count the number of network slice access terminals or the number of access sessions.

[0197] It should be noted that the specific processing process of the second processor 702 and the second communication interface 701 can be understood by referring to the above method.

[0198] Of course, in actual application, the various components in AMF 700 are coupled together through bus system 704. It is understood that bus system 704 is used to realize the connection and communication between these components. In addition to the data bus, bus system 704 also includes a power bus, a control bus and a status signal bus. However, for the sake of clarity, Figure 7 Various buses are labeled as bus system 704 .

[0199] The second memory 703 in the embodiment of the present application is used to store various types of data to support the operation of AMF 700. Examples of these data include: any computer program used to operate on AMF 700.

[0200] The method disclosed in the above embodiment of the present application can be applied to the second processor 702, or implemented by the second processor 702. The second processor 702 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above method can be completed by an integrated logic circuit of the hardware in the second processor 702 or an instruction in the form of software. The above-mentioned second processor 702 may be a general-purpose processor, a DSP, or other programmable logic devices, discrete gates or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The second processor 702 can implement or execute the various methods, steps and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiment of the present application. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. In combination with the steps of the method disclosed in the embodiment of the present application, it can be directly embodied as a hardware decoding processor to execute, or it can be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module may be located in a storage medium, which is located in the second memory 703, and the second processor 702 reads the information in the second memory 703 and completes the steps of the above method in combination with its hardware.

[0201] In an exemplary embodiment, the AMF 700 may be implemented by one or more ASICs, DSPs, PLDs, CPLDs, FPGAs, general purpose processors, controllers, MCUs, Microprocessors, or other electronic components to perform the aforementioned methods.

[0202] It can be understood that the memory (first memory 603, second memory 703) of the embodiment of the present application can be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, and can also include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory can be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a magnetic random access memory (FRAM), a ferromagnetic random access memory, a flash memory, a magnetic surface memory, an optical disc, or a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM); the magnetic surface memory can be a disk memory or a tape memory. The volatile memory can be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), synchronous static random access memory (SSRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDRSDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct RAM bus random access memory (DRRAM).The memories described in the embodiments of the present application are intended to include, but are not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memories.

[0203] In an exemplary embodiment, the embodiment of the present application further provides a storage medium, namely a computer storage medium, specifically a computer-readable storage medium, for example, including a first memory 603 storing a computer program, and the computer program can be executed by the first processor 602 of the AMF 600 to complete the steps described in the aforementioned source AMF side method. For another example, a second memory 703 storing a computer program can be executed by the second processor 702 of the AMF 700 to complete the steps described in the aforementioned target AMF side method. The computer-readable storage medium can be a memory such as FRAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash Memory, magnetic surface storage, optical disk, or CD-ROM.

[0204] It should be noted that: "first", "second", etc. are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0205] In addition, the technical solutions described in the embodiments of the present application can be combined arbitrarily without conflict.

[0206] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. An access or switching method, characterized in that: When the terminal switches from source access and mobility management function AMF access to target AMF access, the method includes: The source AMF sends the first network function information; The source AMF receives a first response message from the target AMF; wherein the first response message indicates whether the target AMF can be served by the first network function indicated in the first network function information or whether it can communicate with the first network function; When the first response information indicates that the target AMF cannot be served by the first network function or cannot communicate with the first network function, the source AMF initiates an update process to the first network function.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first response information indicates at least one of the following: Whether the target AMF can communicate with the first network function; Whether the target AMF can obtain the service of the first network function; Whether the target AMF is within the service scope of the first network function.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first network function information includes: The identifier of the first network function and / or the address of the first network function.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The update process includes: The source AMF updates the number of terminals and / or the number of sessions for the first network function corresponding to the single network slice selection auxiliary information S-NSSAI.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The number of terminals includes the number of network slices corresponding to the S-NSSAI accessed by the terminals; the number of sessions includes the number of sessions established by the terminals using S-NSSAI in the corresponding network slice.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The first network function includes a network slice admission control function NSACF, and / or an instance of NSACF, and / or other network functions or instances that can count the number of network slice access terminals or the number of access sessions.

7. An access or switching method, characterized in that: When the terminal switches from source AMF access to target AMF access, the method includes: The target AMF receives the first network function information; The target AMF sends a first response message; wherein the first response message indicates whether the target AMF can be served by the first network function indicated in the first network function information or whether it can communicate with the first network function; When the target AMF cannot be served by the first network function or cannot communicate with the first network function, the target AMF selects a second network function; the target AMF initiates an update process to the second network function.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The first response information indicates at least one of the following: Whether the target AMF can communicate with the first network function; Whether the target AMF can obtain the service of the first network function; Whether the target AMF is within the service scope of the first network function.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The update process includes: The target AMF updates the number of terminals and / or the number of sessions to the second network function corresponding to the S-NSSAI.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The number of terminals includes the number of network slices corresponding to the S-NSSAI accessed by the terminals; the number of sessions includes the number of sessions established by the terminals using S-NSSAI in the corresponding network slice.

11. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that: The second network function includes NSACF, and / or an instance of NSACF, and / or other network functions or instances that can count the number of network slice access terminals or access sessions.

12. An access or switching device, characterized in that: include: A first sending unit, configured to send first network function information when the terminal switches from accessing the source AMF to accessing the target AMF; The first receiving unit is used to receive the first response information of the target AMF; wherein, The first response information indicates whether the target AMF can be served by the first network function indicated in the first network function information or whether it can communicate with the first network function; The third sending unit is used to initiate an update process to the first network function when the first response information indicates that the target AMF cannot be served by the first network function or cannot communicate with the first network function.

13. An access or switching device, characterized in that: include: A second receiving unit is used to receive the first network function information when the terminal switches from accessing the source AMF to accessing the target AMF; The second sending unit is used to send the first response information; wherein, The first response information indicates whether the target AMF can be served by the first network function indicated in the first network function information or whether it can communicate with the first network function; The fourth sending unit is used to select a second network function and initiate an update process to the second network function when the target AMF cannot be served by the first network function or cannot communicate with the first network function.

14. An AMF, characterized in that: include: A first processor and a first communication interface; wherein, The first communication interface is used to send first network function information when the terminal switches from source AMF access to target AMF access; and receive first response information of the target AMF; and when the first response information indicates that the target AMF cannot be served by the first network function or cannot communicate with the first network function, initiate an update process to the first network function; wherein, The first response information represents whether the target AMF can be served by the first network function indicated in the first network function information or whether it can communicate with the first network function.

15. An AMF, characterized in that: include: A second processor and a second communication interface; wherein, The second communication interface is used to receive the first network function information when the terminal switches from the source AMF access to the target AMF access; and send the first response information; and when the target AMF cannot be served by the first network function or cannot communicate with the first network function, select the second network function and initiate an update process to the second network function; wherein, The first response information represents whether the target AMF can be served by the first network function indicated in the first network function information or whether it can communicate with the first network function.

16. An AMF, characterized in that: include: a processor and a first memory for storing a computer program executable on the processor, Wherein, when the processor is used to run the computer program, it executes the steps of the method described in any one of claims 1 to 6, or executes the steps of the method described in any one of claims 7 to 11.

17. A storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that: When the computer program is executed by a processor, the computer program implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, or implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 7 to 11.

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