Method and session management function network element and communication system for cross-network charging information synchronization

Abstract

The disclosure provides a method for cross-network charging information synchronization, a session management function network element and a communication system, and relates to the field of wireless communication. In the case that there is an I-SMF network element in cross-network switching, an H-SMF network element sends a session update response to a V-SMF network element, wherein charging identification information is carried, so that the V-SMF network element uses the charging identification information for charging. Thus, in the case that there is an I-SMF network element in cross-network roaming, charging information can be normally transmitted in cross-network switching, and the consistency of cross-network charging is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of wireless communication, and in particular to a method for synchronizing cross-network billing information and a session management function network element and communication system. Background Technology

[0002] When a user roams across networks (or different networks), it involves service switching between different operators and billing and settlement issues between different operators. Therefore, it involves the interoperability of interfaces across networks and the exchange of billing information between SMF (Session Management Function) network elements across networks.

[0003] When the visited network has a V-SMF (Visited SMF) and the home network has an H-SMF (Home SMF) and an I-SMF (Intermediate SMF), if a handover information exchange occurs from I-SMF to V-SMF, the V-SMF cannot request billing information from the home network because the I-SMF does not retain billing information. This results in billing information not being transmitted normally during cross-network handover, affecting the billing of cross-network roaming users. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In this embodiment of the disclosure, when an I-SMF network element is present during cross-network handover, the H-SMF network element sends a session update response to the V-SMF network element, which carries billing identification information so that the V-SMF network element can use the billing identification information for billing. Therefore, even when an I-SMF network element is present during cross-network roaming, billing information can be transmitted normally during cross-network handover, ensuring consistency in cross-network billing.

[0005] This disclosure provides a method for synchronizing cross-network billing information through several embodiments, including:

[0006] The H-SMF network element identification function of the home location session management function switches the current session management function (SMF) to cross-network handover.

[0007] H-SMF network elements determine whether the cross-network handover has an intermediate session management function I-SMF network element;

[0008] When an I-SMF network element is present during the cross-network handover, the H-SMF network element sends a session update response to the visited site session management function V-SMF network element, which carries billing identification information so that the V-SMF network element can use the billing identification information for billing.

[0009] In some embodiments, H-SMF network element identification of the current SMF handover as an inter-network handover includes:

[0010] H-SMF network elements identify that the current SMF handover is an inter-network handover based on the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) identifier.

[0011] In some embodiments, the session update response includes: Nsmf_PDUSession_Update Response.

[0012] In some embodiments, the method further includes: when the I-SMF network element is not present during the cross-network handover, the H-SMF network element sends a session context response to the visited site session management function V-SMF network element, which carries billing identification information so that the V-SMF network element can use the billing identification information for billing.

[0013] In some embodiments, the session context response includes: Nsmf_PDUSession_Context Response.

[0014] This disclosure provides a method for synchronizing cross-network billing information through several embodiments, including:

[0015] The visited location session management function (V-SMF) network element sends a session update request to the home location session management function (H-SMF) network element.

[0016] The V-SMF network element receives a session update response sent by the H-SMF network element when there is an I-SMF network element with intermediate session management function during cross-network handover, which carries billing identification information;

[0017] V-SMF network elements use the billing identification information in the session update response for billing.

[0018] In some embodiments, the session update response includes: Nsmf_PDUSession_Update Response.

[0019] In some embodiments, it also includes:

[0020] When a user roams from their home location to the visited location, the V-SMF network element requests and receives session information from the I-SMF network element, which does not include billing identification information.

[0021] The V-SMF network element requests the I-SMF network element to update the session information, so that the I-SMF network element instructs the I-UPF network element to change the session information and transmits the buffered session-related data to the V-UPF network element.

[0022] This disclosure provides a method for synchronizing cross-network billing information through several embodiments, including:

[0023] V-SMF network element sends a session context request to H-SMF network element;

[0024] The V-SMF network element receives a session context response sent by the H-SMF network element when there is no I-SMF network element during cross-network handover, which carries billing identification information;

[0025] V-SMF network elements use the billing identification information in the session context response for billing.

[0026] In some embodiments, the session context response includes: Nsmf_PDUSession_Context Response.

[0027] Some embodiments of this disclosure propose a session management function network element, including: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to perform a method for cross-network billing information synchronization based on instructions stored in the memory.

[0028] In some embodiments, when the session management function network element is a home session management function network element, the processor is configured to execute a method for cross-network billing information synchronization performed by the home session management function network element.

[0029] In some embodiments, when the session management function network element is a visited site session management function network element, the processor is configured to execute a method for cross-network billing information synchronization performed by the visited site session management function network element.

[0030] This disclosure provides some embodiments of a session management function network element, wherein the session management function network element is a Home Session Management Function (H-SMF) network element, including:

[0031] The identification unit is configured to identify whether the current Session Management Function (SMF) is switching to a cross-network handover.

[0032] The judgment unit is configured to determine whether the cross-network handover involves an Intermediate Session Management Function (I-SMF) network element;

[0033] The synchronization unit is configured to send a session update response to the visited site session management function (V-SMF) network element when an I-SMF network element is present during the cross-network handover. The response carries billing identification information so that the V-SMF network element can use the billing identification information for billing.

[0034] In some embodiments, the synchronization unit is further configured to send a session context response to the visited site session management function (V-SMF) network element when no I-SMF network element is present during the cross-network handover, wherein the response carries billing identification information so that the V-SMF network element can use the billing identification information for billing.

[0035] This disclosure provides some embodiments of a session management function network element, which is a visited site session management function (V-SMF) network element, including:

[0036] The request unit is configured to send a session update request to the Home Session Management Function (H-SMF) network element;

[0037] The receiving unit is configured to receive a session update response sent by an H-SMF network element when there is an I-SMF network element with intermediate session management function during cross-network handover, which carries billing identification information;

[0038] The billing unit is configured to perform billing using the billing identification information in the session update response.

[0039] This disclosure provides a communication system in some embodiments, including:

[0040] The home session management function network element is configured to perform a method for synchronizing cross-network billing information, which is executed by the home session management function network element.

[0041] The visited site session management function network element is configured to perform a method for synchronizing cross-network billing information, which is performed by the visited site session management function network element.

[0042] Some embodiments of this disclosure provide a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of a method for synchronizing cross-network billing information. Attached Figure Description

[0043] The accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. This disclosure can be more clearly understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0045] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a method for synchronizing cross-network billing information according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0046] Figure 2This diagram illustrates a flowchart of a method for synchronizing cross-network billing information without I-SMF network elements, according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0047] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for synchronizing cross-network billing information with I-SMF network elements according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of a session management function network element (home session management function network element) according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0049] Figure 5 The diagram shows the structure of a session management function network element (visited site session management function network element) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of a session management function network element according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0051] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0052] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] This disclosure proposes a method for synchronizing cross-network billing information through several embodiments. By adding functional requirements for H-SMF and signaling interface information transmission requirements between V-SMF and H-SMF, when I-SMF is present during cross-network handover, if the session management context (SMContext) obtained by V-SMF from I-SMF does not contain charging identification information (Charging Id), H-SMF will carry the charging identification information (Charging Id) to V-SMF through relevant fields in the subsequent session update response. This ensures that cross-network handover can normally exchange billing information when I-SMF is present during cross-network roaming, guaranteeing the consistency of cross-network billing in this case.

[0054] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a method for synchronizing cross-network billing information according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0055] When a cross-network SMF handover occurs, the V-SMF initiates a session context request to the HPLMN (Home Public Land Mobile Network), such as an Nsmf_PDUSession_Context Request (Nsmf_PDUSession_Context Request). Then, it performs the following steps for cross-network billing information synchronization: Figure 1 As shown.

[0056] In step 110, the H-SMF network element identifies the current SMF handover as a cross-network handover.

[0057] Different network operators correspond to different Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) identifiers (IDs). Therefore, H-SMF network elements can identify whether the current SMF handover is a cross-network handover based on the PLMN ID in the session. If the PLMN IDs before and after the handover are the same, it is not a cross-network handover; if the PLMN IDs before and after the handover are different, it is a cross-network handover.

[0058] In step 120, the H-SMF network element determines whether the cross-network handover exists in the I-SMF network element.

[0059] H-SMF network elements can determine whether I-SMF network elements exist during the cross-network handover based on the network deployment.

[0060] In step 130, if an I-SMF network element is present during the cross-network handover, the H-SMF network element sends a session update response to the V-SMF network element, which carries charging identification information (Charging ID) so that the V-SMF network element can use the charging identification information for billing.

[0061] The session update response includes, but is not limited to, the Nsmf interface protocol data unit session update response (Nsmf_PDUSession_Update Response). The Nsmf interface is the interface through which SMF provides services to other Network Functions (NFs).

[0062] Therefore, when I-SMF network elements are present during cross-network roaming, billing information can be transmitted normally during cross-network handover, ensuring the consistency of cross-network billing.

[0063] In step 140, if no I-SMF network element is present during the cross-network handover, the H-SMF network element sends a session context response to the V-SMF network element, which carries charging identification information (Charging ID) so that the V-SMF network element can use the charging identification information for billing.

[0064] The session context response includes, but is not limited to, the Nsmf interface protocol data unit session context response (Nsmf_PDUSession_Context Response).

[0065] Therefore, in the absence of I-SMF network elements during cross-network roaming, billing information can be transmitted normally during cross-network handover, ensuring the consistency of cross-network billing.

[0066] The above embodiments solve the problem of billing information synchronization and transmission during inter-network handover in cross-network roaming environments. This ensures that the shared network can transmit relevant billing information normally during inter-network handover services, guaranteeing the accuracy and effectiveness of billing settlement between different operators and improving network operation and maintenance efficiency. Whether or not I-SMF network elements are present in cross-network roaming, billing information can be transmitted normally during cross-network handover, ensuring consistency in cross-network billing.

[0067] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates a flowchart of a method for synchronizing cross-network billing information without I-SMF network elements, according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0068] like Figure 2 As shown, the method for synchronizing cross-network billing information without I-SMF network elements includes the following steps.

[0069] In step 210, the User Equipment (UE) roams from its home location to the visited location for access. The visited AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) network element selects a V-SMF network element. The visited AMF sends a session creation context request, such as an Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Request, to the V-SMF network element.

[0070] In step 220, the V-SMF network element requests session information from the H-SMF network element. The V-SMF network element sends a session context request, such as an Nsmf interface protocol data unit session context request (Nsmf_PDUSession_ContextRequest), to the H-SMF network element.

[0071] In step 230, when there is no I-SMF network element during cross-network handover, the H-SMF network element sends a session context response, such as the Nsmf interface protocol data unit session context response (Nsmf_PDUSession_ContextResponse), to the V-SMF network element, which carries the assigned charging identification information (Charging Id) so that the V-SMF network element can use the charging identification information for billing.

[0072] In step 240, the V-SMF network element completes the selection of UPF (User Plane Function) and establishes an N4 interface session with the selected V-UPF (Visited UPF) network element.

[0073] In step 250, the V-SMF network element updates session-related information to the H-SMF network element. The V-SMF network element sends a session update context request, such as an Nsmf interface protocol data unit session update session management context request (Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Request), to the H-SMF network element.

[0074] In step 260, the H-SMF network element instructs the H-UPF (Home UPF) network element to change the session information and transmits the buffered session-related data to the V-UPF network element.

[0075] In step 270, the H-SMF network element sends a session update context response, such as the Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Response, to the V-SMF network element so that the H-SMF network element notifies the V-SMF network element that the handover is complete. Downlink data is transmitted to the V-UPF via the H-UPF (Home UPF).

[0076] In step 280, the V-SMF network element sends a session creation context response, such as the Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Response, to the visited AMF so that the V-SMF network element can notify the visited AMF that the session establishment request has been processed.

[0077] Then, the UE can transmit uplink data via the (Radio)Access Network (R)AN through V-UPF and H-UPF.

[0078] In the above embodiments, even when no I-SMF network element is present during cross-network roaming, billing information can be transmitted normally during cross-network handover, ensuring consistency in cross-network billing. Furthermore, it is compatible with existing inter-network roaming processing procedures; the home core network only needs to add checks for cross-network handover and I-SMF occupancy, and adjust the parameter transmission parameters for the corresponding service processes.

[0079] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for synchronizing cross-network billing information with I-SMF network elements according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0080] like Figure 3 As shown, the method for synchronizing cross-network billing information for I-SMF network elements includes the following steps.

[0081] In step 310, the User Equipment (UE) roams from its home location to the visited location for access. The visited AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) network element selects a V-SMF network element. The visited AMF sends a session creation context request, such as an Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Request, to the V-SMF network element.

[0082] In step 320, the V-SMF network element requests session information from the I-SMF network element. The V-SMF network element sends a session context request to the I-SMF network element, such as an Nsmf interface protocol data unit session context request (Nsmf_PDUSession_ContextRequest).

[0083] In step 330, the I-SMF network element sends a session context response, such as the Nsmf interface protocol data unit session context response (Nsmf_PDUSession_Context Response), to the V-SMF network element. This response returns session-related information but does not carry the assigned charging identifier information (Charging ID).

[0084] In step 340, the V-SMF network element completes the selection of UPF (User Plane Function) and establishes an N4 interface session with the selected V-UPF (Visited UPF) network element.

[0085] In step 350, the V-SMF network element updates session-related information to the I-SMF network element. The V-SMF network element sends a session update context request to the I-SMF network element, such as an Nsmf interface protocol data unit session update session management context request (Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Request).

[0086] In step 360, the I-SMF network element instructs the I-UPF (Intermediate UPF) network element to change the session information and transmits the buffered session-related data to the V-UPF network element.

[0087] In step 370, the I-SMF network element sends a session update context response, such as the Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Response, to the V-SMF network element so that the I-SMF network element can notify the V-SMF network element that the session update is complete.

[0088] In step 380, the V-SMF network element initiates a session update to the H-SMF network element, and the V-SMF network element sends a session update request to the H-SMF network element, such as an Nsmf interface protocol data unit session update request (Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateRequest).

[0089] In step 390, the H-SMF network element updates the user plane information, such as updating the N4 session.

[0090] In step 3100, the H-SMF network element determines that the current call is a cross-network handover and the original session is via the I-SMF network element. At this time, the H-SMF network element sends a session update response, such as the Nsmf interface protocol data unit session update response (Nsmf_PDUSession_Update Response), to the V-SMF network element and passes the charging identifier information (chargingID) allocated by the home network as an extended parameter.

[0091] The UPF connected to the DN (Data Network) via the N6 interface is called the PSA (PDU Session Anchor) UPF. Downlink data is transmitted to the V-UPF via the PSA UPF.

[0092] In step 3110, the V-SMF element sends a session creation context response, such as the Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Response, to the visited AMF to notify that the session establishment request has been completed. Then, the I-SMF can be released.

[0093] Then, the UE can transmit uplink data via the (Radio)Access Network (R)AN through V-UPF and PSAUPF.

[0094] In the above embodiments, when I-SMF network elements exist during cross-network roaming, billing information can be transmitted normally during cross-network handover, ensuring consistency in cross-network billing. Furthermore, it is compatible with existing inter-network roaming processing procedures; the home core network only needs to add checks for cross-network handover and I-SMF occupancy, and adjust parameter transmission accordingly for the relevant service processes.

[0095] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of a session management function network element (home session management function network element) according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0096] like Figure 4 As shown, the session management function network element (home session management function network element) 400 in this embodiment includes: units 410-430.

[0097] The identification unit 410 is configured to identify the current Session Management Function (SMF) switch to cross-network switching.

[0098] The judgment unit 420 is configured to determine whether the cross-network handover has an intermediate session management function (I-SMF) network element.

[0099] In some embodiments, the synchronization unit 430 is configured to send a session update response to the visited site session management function (V-SMF) network element when an I-SMF network element is present during the cross-network handover, wherein the response carries billing identification information so that the V-SMF network element can use the billing identification information for billing.

[0100] In other embodiments, the synchronization unit 430 is also configured to send a session context response to the visited site session management function V-SMF element when no I-SMF element is present during the cross-network handover, carrying billing identification information so that the V-SMF element can use the billing identification information for billing.

[0101] Figure 5The diagram shows the structure of a session management function network element (visited site session management function network element) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0102] like Figure 5 As shown, the session management function network element (visited site session management function network element) 500 in this embodiment includes: units 510-530.

[0103] In some embodiments:

[0104] Request unit 510 is configured to send a session update request to the Home Session Management Function (H-SMF) network element;

[0105] The receiving unit 520 is configured to receive a session update response sent by an H-SMF network element when there is an I-SMF network element with intermediate session management function during cross-network handover, which carries billing identification information;

[0106] Billing unit 530 is configured to perform billing using the billing identification information in the session update response.

[0107] In other embodiments:

[0108] Request unit 510 is configured to send a session context request to an H-SMF network element;

[0109] The receiving unit 520 is configured to receive a session context response sent by an H-SMF network element when there is no I-SMF network element during a cross-network handover, which carries billing identification information;

[0110] Billing unit 530 is configured to perform billing using the billing identification information in the session context response.

[0111] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of a session management function network element according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown.

[0112] like Figure 6 As shown, the session management function network element 600 of this embodiment includes: a memory 610 and a processor 620 coupled to the memory 610. The processor 620 is configured to execute the cross-network billing information synchronization method in any of the foregoing embodiments based on instructions stored in the memory 610.

[0113] The session management function network element 600 may also include input / output interfaces 630, network interfaces 640, storage interfaces 650, etc. These interfaces 630, 640, 650, as well as the memory 610 and the processor 620, can be connected, for example, via a bus 660.

[0114] The memory 610 may include, for example, system memory, fixed non-volatile storage media, etc. The system memory may store, for example, the operating system, application programs, boot loader, and other programs.

[0115] The processor 620 can be implemented using a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gates, or transistors, or other discrete hardware components.

[0116] The input / output interface 630 provides a connection interface for input / output devices such as monitors, mice, keyboards, and touchscreens. The network interface 640 provides a connection interface for various networked devices. The storage interface 650 provides a connection interface for external storage devices such as SD cards and USB flash drives. The bus 660 can use any bus architecture from a variety of bus structures. For example, bus architectures include, but are not limited to, Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, and Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus.

[0117] When the session management function network element 600 is a home session management function network element, the processor 620 is configured to execute the following method:

[0118] Identify whether the current Session Management Function (SMF) is switching to cross-network handover;

[0119] Determine whether the cross-network handover involves an I-SMF network element;

[0120] In the case of an I-SMF network element during the cross-network handover, a session update response is sent to the visited site session management function V-SMF network element, which carries billing identification information so that the V-SMF network element can use the billing identification information for billing.

[0121] In the absence of an I-SMF network element during the cross-network handover, a session context response is sent to the visited site session management function V-SMF network element, which carries billing identification information so that the V-SMF network element can use the billing identification information for billing.

[0122] Among them, the H-SMF network element identifies the current SMF handover as an inter-network handover based on the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) identifier.

[0123] When the session management function network element 600 is a visited site session management function network element, the processor 620 is configured to execute the following method:

[0124] Send a session update request to the H-SMF network element of the home network;

[0125] Receive session update response sent by H-SMF network element when there is an intermediate session management function I-SMF network element during cross-network handover, which carries billing identification information;

[0126] Billing is performed using the billing identifier information in the session update response.

[0127] The method further includes: when a user roams from the home location to the visited location, the V-SMF network element requests and receives session information returned by the I-SMF network element, which does not include billing identification information; the V-SMF network element requests the I-SMF network element to update the session information, so that the I-SMF network element instructs the I-UPF network element to change the session information and transmits the buffered session-related data to the V-UPF network element.

[0128] When the session management function network element 600 is a visited site session management function network element, the processor 620 is configured to execute the following method:

[0129] Send a session context request to the H-SMF network element;

[0130] Receive the session context response sent by the H-SMF network element when there is no I-SMF network element during cross-network handover, which carries the charging identification information;

[0131] Billing is performed using the billing identifier information in the session context response.

[0132] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0133] like Figure 7 As shown, the communication system 700 of this embodiment includes: a home session management function network element 710 and a visited session management function network element 720.

[0134] In some embodiments, the Home Session Management Function (SMF) network element 710 is configured to identify that the current SMF handover is a cross-network handover; determine whether there is an intermediate I-SMF network element in the cross-network handover; and if there is an I-SMF network element in the cross-network handover, send a session update response to the Visited Session Management Function (V-SMF) network element, which carries billing identification information so that the V-SMF network element can use the billing identification information for billing.

[0135] Correspondingly, the visited site session management function network element 720 is configured to send a session update request to the home site session management function H-SMF network element; receive a session update response sent by the H-SMF network element when there is an intermediate session management function I-SMF network element during cross-network handover, which carries billing identification information; and use the billing identification information in the session update response for billing.

[0136] In other embodiments, the Home Session Management Function (SMF) network element 710 is configured to identify that the current SMF handover is a cross-network handover; determine whether there is an intermediate I-SMF network element in the cross-network handover; and if there is no I-SMF network element in the cross-network handover, send a session context response to the Visited Session Management Function (V-SMF) network element, which carries billing identification information so that the V-SMF network element can use the billing identification information for billing.

[0137] Correspondingly, the visited site session management function network element 720 is configured to send a session context request to the H-SMF network element; receive a session context response sent by the H-SMF network element in the event that no I-SMF network element exists during cross-network handover, wherein the response carries billing identification information; and perform billing using the billing identification information in the session context response.

[0138] Some embodiments of this disclosure provide a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of a method for synchronizing cross-network billing information.

[0139] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this disclosure can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this disclosure can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this disclosure can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer program code.

[0140] This disclosure is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of this disclosure. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create a machine for implementing the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0141] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0142] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0143] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this disclosure should be included within the protection scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A method for cross-network charging information synchronization, a visited network having a V-SMF, a home network having a H-SMF and an I-SMF, in a cross-network handover scenario from the I-SMF to the V-SMF, comprising: a home session management function (H-SMF) network element identifying that a current session management function (SMF) handover is a cross-network handover; the H-SMF network element judging whether an intermediate session management function (I-SMF) network element exists in the cross-network handover; the H-SMF network element sending a session update response to a visited session management function (V-SMF) network element in a case where the I-SMF network element exists in the cross-network handover, wherein charging identification information is carried in the session update response so as to enable the V-SMF network element to perform charging by using the charging identification information. The H-SMF network element identifying that the current SMF handover is the cross-network handover comprises: the H-SMF network element identifying that the current SMF handover is the cross-network handover according to a public land mobile network (PLMN) identifier. The session update response comprises an Nsmf interface protocol data unit session update response (Nsmf_PDUSession_Update Response). Further comprising: the H-SMF network element sending a session context response to the V-SMF network element in a case where the I-SMF network element does not exist in the cross-network handover, wherein the charging identification information is carried in the session context response so as to enable the V-SMF network element to perform charging by using the charging identification information.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The session context response comprises an Nsmf interface protocol data unit session context response (Nsmf_PDUSession_Context Response). 6.A method for cross-network charging information synchronization, a visited network having a V-SMF, a home network having a H-SMF and an I-SMF, in a cross-network handover scenario from the I-SMF to the V-SMF, comprising: a visited session management function (V-SMF) network element sending a session update request to a home session management function (H-SMF) network element; 3. The method of claim 1, wherein, The V-SMF network element receiving a session update response sent by the H-SMF network element in a case where the SMF handover is the cross-network handover and an intermediate session management function (I-SMF) network element exists, wherein charging identification information is carried in the session update response; 4. The method of claim 1, wherein, The V-SMF network element performing charging by using the charging identification information in the session update response. The session update response comprises an Nsmf interface protocol data unit session update response (Nsmf_PDUSession_Update Response).

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, Further comprising: when a user accesses from a home network to a visited network, the V-SMF network element requesting and receiving session information returned by the I-SMF network element, wherein the session information does not contain charging identification information; The V-SMF network element requesting the I-SMF network element to update the session information, so that the I-SMF network element instructs an I-UPF network element to change the session information and to transfer buffer session related data to a V-UPF network element. Further comprising: the V-SMF network element sending a session context request to the H-SMF network element; ​ ​ 7. The method of claim 6, wherein, ​ 8. The method of claim 6, wherein, ​ ​ ​ 9. The method of claim 6, wherein either ​ ​ The V-SMF network element receives a session context response sent by the H-SMF network element in the case where there is no I-SMF network element in the inter-network switching, wherein the session context response carries charging identification information; The V-SMF network element performs charging by using the charging identification information in the session context response.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, The session context response comprises an Nsmf interface protocol data unit session context response Nsmf_PDUSession_Context Response.

11. A session management function network element, comprising: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to perform the method for synchronizing inter-network charging information according to any one of claims 1-10 based on instructions stored in the memory.

12. The session management function network element according to claim 11, when the session management function network element is a home session management function network element, the processor is configured to perform the method for synchronizing inter-network charging information according to any one of claims 1-5; or, when the session management function network element is a visited session management function network element, the processor is configured to perform the method for synchronizing inter-network charging information according to any one of claims 6-10.

13. A session management function network element, the session management function network element being a home session management function H-SMF network element, a visited network existing V-SMF, a home network existing H-SMF, I-SMF, in an inter-network switching scenario from I-SMF to V-SMF, comprising: an identification unit configured to identify that a current session management function SMF switching is inter-network switching; a judgment unit configured to judge whether there is an intermediate session management function I-SMF network element in the inter-network switching; a synchronization unit configured to, in the case where there is an I-SMF network element in the inter-network switching, send a session update response to a visited session management function V-SMF network element, wherein the session update response carries charging identification information, so that the V-SMF network element performs charging by using the charging identification information.

14. The session management function network element according to claim 13, the synchronization unit is further configured to, in the case where there is no I-SMF network element in the inter-network switching, send a session context response to a visited session management function V-SMF network element, wherein the session context response carries charging identification information, so that the V-SMF network element performs charging by using the charging identification information.

15. A session management function network element, the session management function network element being a visited session management function V-SMF network element, a visited network existing V-SMF, a home network existing H-SMF, I-SMF, in an inter-network switching scenario from I-SMF to V-SMF, comprising: a request unit configured to send a session update request to a home session management function H-SMF network element; a receiving unit configured to receive a session update response sent by the H-SMF network element in the case where the SMF switching is inter-network switching and there is an intermediate session management function I-SMF network element, wherein the session update response carries charging identification information; a charging unit configured to charge by using the charging identification information in the session update response.

16. A communication system comprising: a home session management function network element configured to perform the method of cross-network charging information synchronization of any of claims 1-3; a visited session management function network element configured to perform the method of cross-network charging information synchronization of any of claims 6-8.

17. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method of cross-network charging information synchronization of any of claims 1-10.

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