Methods and apparatus for performing online signing

Abstract

This application provides a method for performing online contract signing. The method includes: a first core network device acquiring first information, the first information instructing a terminal device to perform online contract signing, the first core network device being the core network device serving the terminal device after a handover, and the first core network device supporting online contract signing functionality. The first core network device performs online contract signing for the terminal device based on the first information. According to the solution of this application, after a handover, the core network device serving the terminal device is the first core network device, and the first core network device supports online contract signing functionality. Since the core network device serving the terminal device may not support online contract signing functionality after a handover, the solution of this application allows the first core network device to continue performing online contract signing for the terminal device.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for performing online subscription. BACKGROUND

[0002] When the terminal device accesses the online subscription network, the device in the online subscription network can perform online subscription on the terminal device according to the online subscription policy. When the device in the online subscription network cannot serve the terminal device or when the online subscription network needs to replace the device serving the terminal device due to load balancing, wireless resource status or other factors, the terminal device needs to perform handover and be served by other devices in the online subscription network. However, the other devices in the online subscription network can not be able to perform online subscription on the terminal device. Therefore, after the terminal device performs handover, how to enable the online subscription network to still perform online subscription on the terminal device is a problem to be solved. SUMMARY

[0003] The present application provides a method and apparatus for performing online subscription.

[0004] In a first aspect, a method for performing online subscription is provided, comprising:

[0005] The first core network device obtains first information, the first information indicating that the terminal device performs online subscription, the first core network device being a core network device serving the terminal device after the terminal device performs handover, and the first core network device supporting online subscription function. The first core network device performs online subscription on the terminal device according to the first information.

[0006] According to the scheme of the present application, after the terminal device performs handover, the core network device serving the terminal device is the first core network device, and the first core network device supports online subscription function. Since after the terminal device performs handover, the core network device serving the terminal device can not support online subscription function. Therefore, by using the scheme of the present application, the first core network device can continue to perform online subscription on the terminal device.

[0007] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementation manners of the first aspect, the first core network device obtains the first information, comprising:

[0008] The first core network device obtains the first information from a second core network device, the second core network device being a core network device serving the terminal device before performing the handover on the terminal device. Alternatively, the first core network device obtains the first information from a first access network device, the first access network device being an access network device serving the terminal device after performing the handover on the terminal device. Alternatively, the first core network device obtains the first information from the terminal device. Alternatively, the first core network device obtains the first information from a third core network device, the third core network device being a core network device initially selected for the terminal device when performing the handover on the terminal device, and the third core network device not supporting the online subscription function.

[0009] With reference to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first information comprises one or more of the following information: data network name information, network slice information, first numerical value information. The first numerical value indicates a time length for which the terminal device has been registered in the network, or the first numerical value indicates a remaining time length for which the terminal device is allowed to be registered in the network.

[0010] It should be understood that, in a possible implementation, after the terminal device is registered in the online subscription network, the terminal device establishes a specific session by using a specific data network name and / or a specific network slice, and the session is limited to performing the online subscription.

[0011] Therefore, according to the scheme of the present application, the data network name information, the network slice information, and the first numerical value information can all implicitly indicate that the terminal device performs the online subscription.

[0012] With reference to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, when the first information comprises the first numerical value information, the method further comprises:

[0013] The first core network device starts a first timer, and a starting value of the first timer is the first numerical value.

[0014] When a value of the first timer increases to a first threshold value, the first core network device performs a deregistration procedure on the terminal device, wherein the value of the first timer indicates a time length for which the terminal device has been registered in the network. Alternatively, when the value of the first timer decreases to a second threshold value, the first core network device performs the deregistration procedure on the terminal device, wherein the value of the first timer indicates a remaining time length for which the terminal device is allowed to be registered in the network.

[0015] According to the scheme of the present application, the first core network device can start the first timer with the first numerical value as the starting value, and when the first timer expires, the first core network device performs the deregistration procedure on the terminal device, thereby preventing the terminal device from being registered in the online subscription network all the time, and improving the utilization rate of network resources.

[0016] With reference to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further comprises:

[0017] The first core network device starts the second timer. When the value of the second timer increases to a first threshold or decreases to a second threshold, the first core network device performs a deregistration procedure of the terminal device.

[0018] According to the scheme of the present application, the first core network device can start the second timer, and when the second timer times out, perform a deregistration procedure of the terminal device, thereby preventing the terminal device from being registered in the online subscription network all the time, and improving the utilization rate of network resources.

[0019] It should be understood that the first timer and the second timer described above are specific deregistration timers.

[0020] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the information of the first threshold and / or the information of the second threshold is preconfigured. Alternatively, the method further includes: the first core network device obtaining second information from the second core network device, the second information indicating the first threshold and / or the second threshold.

[0021] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first core network device is an access and mobility management function device.

[0022] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the second core network device is an access and mobility management function device.

[0023] It should be understood that in combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first core network device can also be a session management function device.

[0024] It should be understood that in combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the second core network device can also be a session management function device.

[0025] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, when the first core network device and the second core network device are session management function devices, the first core network device starts the first timer, and the starting value of the first timer can be a first value. When the value of the first timer increases to a first threshold, the first core network device performs a session release procedure of the terminal device, wherein the value of the first timer indicates the duration of the established session of the terminal device. Alternatively, when the value of the first timer decreases to a second threshold, the first core network device performs a session release procedure of the terminal device, wherein the value of the first timer indicates the remaining duration of the terminal device allowing to establish a session.

[0026] In combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes:

[0027] When the first core network device and the second core network device are session management function devices, the first core network device starts the second timer. When the value of the second timer increases to the first threshold value or decreases to the second threshold value, the first core network device performs a session release procedure of the terminal device.

[0028] According to the scheme of the present application, the first core network device can start the second timer, and when the second timer expires, the session release procedure of the terminal device is performed, thereby preventing the terminal device from always keeping a session in the network and improving the utilization rate of network resources.

[0029] It should be understood that, in the case where the first core network device and the second core network device are both session management function devices, the first timer and the second timer are specific session release timers.

[0030] It should be understood that, in combination with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, in the case where the first core network device and the second core network device are session management function devices, the first value indicates the duration of the session established by the terminal device, or the first value indicates the remaining duration of the session allowed to be established by the terminal device, and the first threshold value indicates the maximum time for which the terminal device can establish a session. In a possible implementation, the second threshold value can be zero.

[0031] The second aspect provides a method for performing online subscription, comprising:

[0032] The second core network device selects the first core network device according to third information, the third information indicating that the terminal device performs online subscription, and the first core network device supports the online subscription function. The second core network device is a core network device serving the terminal device before handover, and the first core network device is a core network device serving the terminal device after handover. The second core network device sends first information to the first core network device, the first information indicating that the terminal device performs online subscription, so that the first core network device performs online subscription for the terminal device according to the first information.

[0033] According to the scheme of the present application, when the terminal device performs handover, the second core network device learns that the terminal device performs online subscription, and further selects the first core network device supporting the online subscription function. Since the core network device selected by the second core network device when the terminal device performs handover may not support the online subscription function, the scheme of the present application can continue to perform online subscription for the terminal device by the first core network device.

[0034] In some implementations of the second aspect, in conjunction with the second aspect, the third information includes one or more of the following: registration type information, data network name information, network slice information, information of the first numerical value. The first numerical value indicates a time length that the terminal device has been registered in the network, or the first numerical value indicates a remaining time length that the terminal device allows to be registered in the network.

[0035] Alternatively, the method further includes:

[0036] The second core network device obtains third information from the second access network device or the terminal device, and the second access network device is an access network device serving the terminal device before the handover.

[0037] In some implementations of the second aspect, in conjunction with the second aspect, the first information includes one or more of the following: data network name information, network slice information, information of the first numerical value.

[0038] The first numerical value indicates a time length that the terminal device has been registered in the network, or the first numerical value indicates a remaining time length that the terminal device allows to be registered in the network.

[0039] In some implementations of the second aspect, in conjunction with the second aspect, the first core network device is an access and mobility management function device.

[0040] In some implementations of the second aspect, in conjunction with the second aspect, the second core network device is an access and mobility management function device.

[0041] It should be understood that, in some implementations of the second aspect, in conjunction with the second aspect, the first core network device can also be a session management function device.

[0042] It should be understood that, in some implementations of the second aspect, in conjunction with the second aspect, the second core network device can also be a session management function device.

[0043] It should be understood that, in some implementations of the second aspect, in conjunction with the second aspect, when the first core network device and the second core network device are session management function devices, the first numerical value indicates a time length that the terminal device has established a session, or the first numerical value indicates a remaining time length that the terminal device allows to establish a session.

[0044] The third aspect provides a method for performing online subscription, including:

[0045] The first access network device obtains fourth information from the terminal device, and the fourth information indicates that the terminal device performs online subscription. The first access network device selects a first core network device according to the fourth information, and the first core network device supports an online subscription function.

[0046] The first access network device is an access network device serving the terminal device after the terminal device performs the handover.

[0047] According to the scheme of the present application, when the terminal device performs the handover, the first access network device learns that the terminal device performs the online subscription, and further selects the first core network device supporting the online subscription function. Since the core network device selected by the first access network device when the terminal device performs the handover can not support the online subscription function, the terminal device can continue to perform the online subscription by the first core network device according to the scheme of the present application.

[0048] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementation manners of the third aspect, the method further includes: the first access network device sending first information to the first core network device, the first information indicating that the terminal device performs the online subscription.

[0049] In combination with the third aspect, in some implementation manners of the third aspect, the first core network device is an access and mobility management function device.

[0050] It should be understood that, in combination with the third aspect, in some implementation manners of the third aspect, the first core network device can also be a session management function device.

[0051] The fourth aspect provides a method for performing online subscription, including:

[0052] The third core network device obtains fifth information, the fifth information indicating that the terminal device performs the online subscription, the third core network device being a core network device initially selected when the terminal device performs the handover, the third core network device not supporting the online subscription function. The third core network device determines the first core network device according to the fifth information, the first core network device supporting the online subscription function.

[0053] According to the scheme of the present application, when the terminal device performs the handover, the third core network device selected by the first access network device can not support the online subscription function, in which case the third core network device learns that the terminal device performs the online subscription, and further determines the first core network device supporting the online subscription function.

[0054] In combination with the fourth aspect, in some implementation manners of the fourth aspect, the third core network device obtains the fifth information, including: the third core network device obtaining the fifth information from a second core network device, the second core network device being a core network device serving the terminal device before the terminal device performs the handover.

[0055] In combination with the fourth aspect, in some implementation manners of the fourth aspect, the fifth information includes one or more of the following: data network name information, network slice information, information of a first numerical value.

[0056] The first value indicates a time length during which the terminal device has registered in the network, or the first value indicates a remaining time length during which the terminal device is allowed to register in the network.

[0057] With reference to the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the third core network device obtains the fifth information, including: the third core network device obtains the fifth information from the terminal device.

[0058] With reference to the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the determining the first core network device includes:

[0059] The third core network device determines the first core network device according to the preconfigured capability information of the at least one core network device.

[0060] With reference to the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the method further includes:

[0061] The third core network device sends a first request message to the fourth core network device, the first request message being used to request to obtain the information of the core network device supporting the online subscription function. The third core network device receives a first response message from the fourth core network device, the first response message including the information of the first core network device.

[0062] The determining the first core network device includes:

[0063] The third core network device determines the first core network device according to the first response message.

[0064] With reference to the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the information of the first core network device includes identification information of the first core network device and / or address information of the first core network device.

[0065] With reference to the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the method further includes: the third core network device sends first information to the first core network device, the first information indicating that the terminal device performs the online subscription.

[0066] With reference to the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first information includes one or more of the following: data network name information, network slice information, information of the first value.

[0067] The first value indicates a time length during which the terminal device has registered in the network, or the first value indicates a remaining time length during which the terminal device is allowed to register in the network.

[0068] With reference to the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first core network device is an access and mobility management function device.

[0069] With reference to the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the second core network device is an access and mobility management function device.

[0070] With reference to the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the third core network device is an access and mobility management function device.

[0071] With reference to the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the fourth core network device is a network storage function device.

[0072] It should be understood that, with reference to the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first core network device can also be a session management function device.

[0073] It should be understood that, with reference to the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the second core network device can also be a session management function device.

[0074] It should be understood that, with reference to the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the third core network device can also be a session management function device.

[0075] It should be understood that, with reference to the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, in the case where the first core network device, the second core network device and the third core network device are session management function devices, the first value indicates a time length for which the terminal device has established a session, or the first value indicates a remaining time length for which the terminal device allows to establish a session.

[0076] The fifth aspect provides a communication device, which comprises units for performing the method in the first aspect or various implementations thereof.

[0077] The sixth aspect provides a communication device, which comprises units for performing the method in the second aspect or various implementations thereof.

[0078] The seventh aspect provides a first access network device, comprising:

[0079] The transceiver is configured to obtain fourth information from the terminal device, the fourth information indicating that the terminal device performs online subscription. The processing unit is configured to select, according to the fourth information, a first core network device that supports an online subscription function. The first access network device is an access network device that serves the terminal device after performing handover for the terminal device.

[0080] With reference to the seventh aspect, in some implementations of the seventh aspect, the transceiver is further configured to send, to the first core network device, first information indicating that the terminal device performs online subscription.

[0081] With reference to the seventh aspect, in some implementations of the seventh aspect, the first core network device is an access and mobility management function.

[0082] It should be understood that in combination with the seventh aspect, in some implementations of the seventh aspect, the first core network device can also be a session management function device.

[0083] An eighth aspect provides a third core network device, comprising:

[0084] a transceiver configured to obtain fifth information, the fifth information indicating that the terminal device performs online subscription, the third core network device being initially selected as a core network device when performing handover for the terminal device, and the third core network device not supporting an online subscription function; and a processing unit configured to determine, according to the fifth information, a first core network device that supports the online subscription function.

[0085] In combination with the eighth aspect, in some implementations of the eighth aspect, the transceiver configured to obtain the fifth information comprises:

[0086] the transceiver configured to obtain the fifth information from a second core network device that serves the terminal device before performing handover for the terminal device.

[0087] In combination with the eighth aspect, in some implementations of the eighth aspect, the fifth information comprises one or more of the following: data network name information, network slice information, and information of a first numerical value.

[0088] The first numerical value indicates a time length for which the terminal device has been registered in the network, or the first numerical value indicates a remaining time length for which the terminal device is allowed to be registered in the network.

[0089] In combination with the eighth aspect, in some implementations of the eighth aspect, the transceiver configured to obtain the fifth information comprises: the transceiver configured to obtain the fifth information from the terminal device.

[0090] In combination with the eighth aspect, in some implementations of the eighth aspect, the determination of the first core network device comprises:

[0091] The processing unit is further configured to determine the first core network device according to preconfigured capability information of at least one core network device.

[0092] In combination with the eighth aspect, in some implementations of the eighth aspect, the transceiver is further configured to send, to a fourth core network device, a first request message for requesting information of a core network device that supports the online subscription function, and the transceiver is further configured to receive, from the fourth core network device, a first response message comprising information of the first core network device.

[0093] The determination of the first core network device comprises:

[0094] The processing unit is further configured to determine the first core network device according to the first response message.

[0095] With reference to the eighth aspect, in some implementations of the eighth aspect, the receiving unit is further configured to receive, from the first core network device, first information, the first information indicating the terminal device to perform online subscription.

[0096] With reference to the eighth aspect, in some implementations of the eighth aspect, the information of the first core network device includes identification information of the first core network device and / or address information of the first core network device.

[0097] With reference to the eighth aspect, in some implementations of the eighth aspect, the first information includes one or more of the following: data network name information, network slice information, information of a first numerical value.

[0098] The first numerical value indicates a time length for which the terminal device has been registered in the network, or the first numerical value indicates a remaining time length for which the terminal device is allowed to be registered in the network.

[0099] With reference to the eighth aspect, in some implementations of the eighth aspect, the first core network device is an access and mobility management function device.

[0100] With reference to the eighth aspect, in some implementations of the eighth aspect, the second core network device is an access and mobility management function device.

[0101] With reference to the eighth aspect, in some implementations of the eighth aspect, the third core network device is an access and mobility management function device.

[0102] With reference to the eighth aspect, in some implementations of the eighth aspect, the fourth core network device is a network repository function device.

[0103] It should be understood that, with reference to the eighth aspect, in some implementations of the eighth aspect, the first core network device can also be a session management function device.

[0104] It should be understood that, with reference to the eighth aspect, in some implementations of the eighth aspect, the second core network device can also be a session management function device.

[0105] It should be understood that, with reference to the eighth aspect, in some implementations of the eighth aspect, the third core network device can also be a session management function device.

[0106] It should be understood that, with reference to the eighth aspect, in some implementations of the eighth aspect, in the case where the first core network device, the second core network device and the third core network device are session management function devices, the first numerical value indicates a time length for which the terminal device has established a session, or the first numerical value indicates a remaining time length for which the terminal device is allowed to establish a session.

[0107] In a ninth aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes at least one processor. The memory is configured to store a computer program, and when the communication device is running, the processor executes the computer program or instructions stored in the memory, so that the communication device executes the method in any possible implementation manner of the first aspect to the fourth aspect. The memory can be located in the processor, or can be realized by a chip independent of the processor, which is not specifically limited herein.

[0108] In a tenth aspect, a computer readable storage medium is provided, which includes a computer program, and when the computer program is running on a computer, the computer executes the method in any possible implementation manner of the first aspect to the fourth aspect.

[0109] In an eleventh aspect, a chip is provided, and the chip is provided with a processing circuit, and the processing circuit is configured to execute the method in any possible implementation manner of the first aspect to the fourth aspect.

[0110] In a twelfth aspect, a computer program product is provided, which includes a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions), and when the computer program is running, the computer executes the method in any possible implementation manner of the first aspect to the fourth aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0111] Figure 1 The architecture of a communication system to which the embodiments of the present application are applicable is shown.

[0112] Figure 2 The online subscription architecture to which the embodiments of the present application are applicable is shown.

[0113] Figure 3 An example schematic interaction diagram of the method proposed in the present application is shown.

[0114] Figure 4 Another example schematic interaction diagram of the method proposed in the present application is shown.

[0115] Figure 5 Another example schematic interaction diagram of the method proposed in the present application is shown.

[0116] Figure 6 A schematic block diagram of the communication device provided in the present application is shown.

[0117] Figure 7 Another schematic block diagram of the communication device provided in the present application is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0118] The technical solutions in the present application will be described below with reference to the drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative work fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0119] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: a narrow band-internet of things (NB-IoT) system, a global system of mobile communication (GSM) system, a code division multiple access (CDMA) system, a wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) system, a general packet radio service (GPRS), a long term evolution (LTE) system, an LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, an LTE time division duplex (TDD), a universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), a worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, a 5th generation (5G) system or new radio (NR), a satellite communication system, a future 6th generation (6G) system, etc.

[0120] The technical solutions proposed in the present application can be applied in the system architecture as shown in Figure 1 The system architecture as shown in Figure 1 The network elements that may be involved in the system architecture as shown in

[0121] 1、User equipment (UE)

[0122] The UE can also be referred to as a terminal device, an access terminal, a terminal device unit, a terminal device station, a mobile station, a mobile station (MS), a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile device, a user terminal, a terminal, a wireless communication device, a terminal device agent, or a terminal device apparatus. The terminal device can include various handheld devices having a wireless communication function, a vehicle-mounted device, an internet of things (IoT) device, a wearable device, a computing device, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem. It can also include a subscriber unit, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a wireless data card, a personal digital assistant (PDA) computer, a tablet computer, a wireless modem, a handset, a laptop computer, a machine type communication (MTC) terminal, a station (ST) in a wireless local area network (WLAN). It can be a terminal device in a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, and a next-generation communication system, such as a terminal device in a 5G network or a terminal device in a future evolved PLMN network, etc.

[0123] 2、Access network device

[0124] The access network device is a device that provides a wireless communication function for a terminal device, for example, it can be an access point (AP) in a WLAN, a base transceiver station (BTS) in GSM or CDMA, or a base station (nodeB, NB) in WCDMA, or a gNB in a new radio (NR) system, or an evolved node B (eNB or eNodeB) in LTE, or a radio access network (RAN) in a 5G network.

[0125] 3、User plane network element

[0126] The user plane network element is used for packet routing and forwarding, quality of service (QoS) processing of user plane data, etc.

[0127] In the 5G communication system, the user plane network element can be a user plane function (UPF) network element. In future communication systems, the user plane network element can still be a UPF network element, or can also have other names, which are not limited in the present application.

[0128] 4. Data network

[0129] The data network is used to provide a network for transmitting data.

[0130] In the 5G communication system, the data network can be a data network (DN). In future communication systems, the data network can still be a DN, or can also have other names, which are not limited in the present application.

[0131] 5. Access management network element

[0132] The access management network element is mainly used for mobility management and access management, etc., and can be used to implement other functions in the mobility management entity (MME) function except for session management, such as lawful monitoring and access authorization / authentication functions.

[0133] In the 5G communication system, the access management network element can be an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element or an access and mobility management function device. In future communication systems, the access and mobility management network element can still be an AMF network element, or can also have other names, which are not limited in the present application. The access and mobility management function device can be a core network device.

[0134] 6. Session management network element

[0135] The session management network element is mainly used for session management, internet protocol (IP) address allocation and management of terminal devices, selection of a manageable user plane function, a terminal point of a policy control and charging function interface, and downlink data notification, etc.

[0136] In the 5G communication system, the session management network element can be a session management function (SMF) network element or a session management function device. In the future communication system, the session management network element can still be an SMF network element, or can also have other names, which are not limited in the present application. The session management function device can be a core network device.

[0137] 7. Policy control network element

[0138] The policy control network element is used for a unified policy framework for guiding network behavior, and provides policy rule information and the like for control plane function network elements (such as AMF, SMF network elements, etc.).

[0139] In the 4G communication system, the policy control network element can be a policy and charging rules function (PCRF) network element. In the 5G communication system, the policy control network element can be a policy control function (PCF) network element or a policy control function device. In the future communication system, the policy control network element can still be a PCF network element, or can also have other names, which are not limited in the present application. The policy control function device can be a core network device.

[0140] 8. Unified data repository (UDR) network element

[0141] The UDR network element is used to provide subscription data to the UDM network element or obtain subscription data from the UDM network element, and provide policy data to the PCF network element or obtain policy data from the PCF network element, etc. In the future communication system, the UDR network element can also be referred to as a unified data repository function device, or can also have other names, which are not limited in the present application. The unified data repository function device can be a core network device.

[0142] 9. Data management network element

[0143] The data management network element is used for processing terminal device identification, access authentication, registration, and mobility management, etc.

[0144] In the 5G communication system, the data management network element can be a unified data management (UDM) network element or a unified data management device. In the future communication system, the unified data management can still be a UDM network element, or can also have other names, which are not limited in the present application. The unified data management device can be a core network device.

[0145] 10. Network exposure function network element

[0146] Network open function elements are mainly used to securely open the services and capabilities provided by 3GPP network functions, which can be internally opened or opened to third parties.

[0147] In 5G communication systems, this network exposure function (NEF) element can be a NEF element or a NEF device. In future communication systems, the NEF element may still be a NEF element, or it may have other names; this application does not limit its scope. The NEF device can be a core network device.

[0148] 11. Application Function (AF) Network Element

[0149] The AF network element is used to enable information exchange between external servers and the 3GPP network.

[0150] It is understood that the aforementioned network elements or functions can be network components in hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, or virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0151] 12. Network Repository Function (NRF) Network Element

[0152] NRF network elements can also be called network storage function devices, network repository function devices, or network repository function network elements. This network element function supports service discovery. It receives a network element discovery request from a network element function or service communication agent (SCP) and can provide feedback on the discovered network element function. Simultaneously, this network element function is responsible for maintaining information on available network functions and the services they support. The discovery process involves a requesting network element function (NF) using the NRF to address a specific NF or service. The NRF provides the IP address, FQDN, or URI of the corresponding NF instance or NF service instance. The NRF can also facilitate cross-PLMN discovery by providing network identifiers (e.g., Public Land Mobile Network ID). To achieve network element function addressing and discovery, each network element needs to register with the NRF; some network element functions can register with the NRF upon initial operation. Network storage function devices can be core network devices.

[0153] The functions of each interface are described below:

[0154] 1. N1: The interface between AMF and UE, access-independent, used to transmit QoS control rules to UE, etc.

[0155] 2. N2: The interface between AMF and RAN, used to transmit radio bearer control information from the core network side to the RAN.

[0156] 3. N4: The interface between SMF and UPF, used to transmit information between the control plane and the user plane, including the distribution of forwarding rules, QoS control rules, traffic statistics rules, etc. from the control plane to the user plane, as well as the reporting of information from the user plane.

[0157] 4. N5: The interface between AF and PCF, used for issuing application service requests and reporting network events.

[0158] 5. N7: The interface between PCF and SMF, used to issue PDU session granularity and business data flow granularity control policies.

[0159] 6. N8: The interface between AMF and UDM, used by AMF to obtain access and mobility management related subscription data and authentication data from UDM, as well as by AMF to register UE's current mobility management information with UDM.

[0160] 7. N10: The interface between SMF and UDM, used by SMF to obtain session management-related subscription data from UDM, and by SMF to register UE current session-related information with UDM.

[0161] 8. N11: The interface between SMF and AMF, used to transmit PDU session tunnel information between RAN and UPF, transmit control messages sent to UE, and transmit radio resource control information sent to RAN, etc.

[0162] 9. N15: The interface between PCF and AMF, used to issue UE policies and access control related policies.

[0163] 10. N35: The interface between UDM and UDR, used by UDM to obtain user subscription data information from UDR.

[0164] 11. N36: The interface between PCF and UDR, used by PCF to obtain policy-related contract data and application data related information from UDR.

[0165] 12. N52: The interface between UDM and NEF, used by NEF to open network capabilities to third-party application functions, such as third-party application functions subscribing to reachability events of all users in a specific group through NEF to UDM.

[0166] The following explains some of the terms used in this application.

[0167] 1. Non-public network (NPN)

[0168] An NPN is a network that provides services to specific users, distinct from public networks. NPNs can be divided into two types: standalone NPN (SNPN) and public network integrated NPN (PNI-NPN).

[0169] The core network of SNPN is independent of the public land mobile network (PLMN). PNI-NPN can be understood as a PLMN, except that the PLMN provides special slices and / or network data to provide NPN services.

[0170] 2. Online contract signing

[0171] like Figure 2 As shown, when a UE does not obtain subscription data for accessing a non-public network (e.g., a credential for authentication), it needs to use either a default credential or a PLMN credential to access the online subscription network. Once the UE successfully accesses (or registers with) the online subscription network, the provisioning server (PVS) provides the UE with subscription data (e.g., credentials) for accessing the NPN through the online subscription network.

[0172] The following describes the scenarios in which the proposed solution is applicable:

[0173] To access the NPN, the UE can first access the online subscription network to obtain the subscription data for accessing the NPN. After the UE accesses the online subscription network, the AMF (Application Management Function) performs online subscription for the UE. This AMF supports online subscription functionality and is referred to as the S-AMF below. When the S-AMF can no longer perform online subscription for the UE, or when the online subscription network needs to change the AMF serving the UE due to factors such as load balancing or radio resource conditions, a handover is required. The scheme proposed in this application is used to select a new AMF (hereinafter referred to as the T-AMF) during the handover to continue performing online subscription for the UE.

[0174] The reason why S-AMF cannot continue to perform online signing for UE can be any of the following:

[0175] 1. The UE has been moved out of the service area of ​​S-AMF.

[0176] 2. The S-AMF is damaged or malfunctioning and cannot operate normally.

[0177] 3. The S-AMF is overloaded. For load balancing reasons, the S-AMF is no longer suitable for performing online subscriptions for UEs.

[0178] 4. The access network equipment (hereinafter referred to as S-RAN) serving the S-AMF has scarce radio resources. Due to the radio resource situation, the access network equipment is no longer suitable for serving the UE, and therefore needs to be replaced. The replacement access network equipment will be referred to as T-RAN. Since the AMF serving the T-RAN (hereinafter referred to as T-AMF) is different from the S-AMF, the AMF needs to be replaced.

[0179] The following describes the solution in this application in detail, taking the example of a UE moving out of the S-AMF service area. It should be understood that in one possible implementation, the access network device serving the UE also changes, from a second access network device to a first access network device.

[0180] Figure 3 This application illustrates a scheme in which the UE is in a radio resource control (RRC) connected state.

[0181] S301, when the S-RAN (an example of a second access network device) determines that the T-RAN (an example of a first access network device) is more suitable to serve the UE, the S-RAN sends a second request message to the S-AMF (an example of a second core network device), requesting that the RAN serving the UE be switched from the S-RAN to the T-RAN. Accordingly, the S-AMF receives the second request message.

[0182] In one possible implementation, the second request message includes the T-RAN identifier and the source-to-target transparent container.

[0183] The T-RAN identifier is used to identify the T-RAN; the source-to-target pass-through container is created by the S-RAN and contains information that needs to be used by the T-RAN.

[0184] S302, when the S-AMF is unable to provide services to the UE, the S-AMF obtains third information and selects a T-AMF (an example of a first core network device) based on the third information. This T-AMF supports online subscription functionality.

[0185] Specifically, the third information instructs the UE to perform online subscription. It should be understood that instructing the UE to perform online subscription means that the purpose of the third information instructing the UE to access the network is to sign up online.

[0186] That is, the S-AMF determines the AMF that needs to support online signing function for the UE based on the third information, and then selects the T-AMF.

[0187] The following describes several methods by which S-AMF obtains third-party information:

[0188] Method 1:

[0189] S-AMF obtains this third information from the UE.

[0190] In one possible implementation, the UE can send an AN message to the S-RAN, which includes a NAS registration request message. The third information can be carried within the NAS registration request message. For example, the third information can be registration type information, which instructs the UE to perform online subscription. In one possible implementation, the registration type can be one or more of the following registration types: Onboarding, SNPN Onboarding, Mobility Registration Update with Onboarding, Mobility Registration Update with SNPN Onboarding, and Mobility Registration Update.

[0191] S-RAN can send the NAS registration request message to S-AMF.

[0192] S-AMF obtains third-party information from the NAS registration request message.

[0193] Method 2:

[0194] In one possible implementation, the S-AMF obtains this third information locally. This third information includes one or more of the following:

[0195] The UE's registration type information, data network name (DNN) information, network slice selection assistance information (NSSAI) information, and first value information.

[0196] The UE's registration type information instructs the UE to perform online signing. In one possible implementation, the UE's registration type can be one or more of the following registration types: Online Signing Registration Type, Independent Private Network Online Signing Registration Type (SNPN Onboarding), Mobility Registration Update with Onboarding Registration Type, Mobility Registration Update with SNPN Onboarding Registration Type, and Mobility Registration Update Registration Type.

[0197] In one possible implementation, the first value indicates the duration the UE has been registered with the online subscription network, or the remaining duration the UE is allowed to register with the online subscription network. For example, the first value can be the current value of a timer. The type of timer can be a positive timer or a countdown timer, and this application does not limit this.

[0198] That is, the UE's registration type information can also explicitly or implicitly indicate that the UE should perform online signing. The data network name, slice information, and first value can all implicitly indicate that the UE should perform online signing.

[0199] It should be understood that, in one possible implementation, after the UE registers with the online subscription network, a specific DNN and / or a specific NSSAI can be used to establish a specific session, which is limited to performing online subscriptions. In one possible implementation, this session can be a packet data unit (PDU) session.

[0200] It should be understood that, in one possible implementation, the data network name, network slice information, and first value can be the UE's context information.

[0201] S303, the S-AMF sends a first message to the T-AMF. Correspondingly, the T-AMF receives this first message. This first message instructs the UE to perform an online subscription.

[0202] In one possible implementation, the first information may be carried in a third request message that requests the establishment of the UE's context.

[0203] In one possible implementation, the third request message may include T-RAN identification information, source-to-target transparent container information, and UE context information, wherein the UE context information includes the UE's identifier, such as the UE's subscription permanent identifier (SUPI).

[0204] In one possible implementation, the first information can be explicit instruction information, i.e., the S-AMF directly instructs the UE to perform online signing.

[0205] In another possible implementation, the first information can be implicit indication information, in which case the first information includes one or more of the following:

[0206] Data network name information, network slice information, and first value information.

[0207] In another possible implementation, the first information may include both explicit and implicit indications.

[0208] S304, T-AMF performs online signing with UE based on the first information.

[0209] It should be understood that T-AMF determines the UE as the UE performing online signing based on the first information, and performs online signing for the UE.

[0210] That is, T-AMF can replace S-AMF to continue performing online signing for UE.

[0211] In addition, during the online signing process for the UE, in order to prevent the UE from continuously camping on or registering in the online signing network and occupying network resources, the T-AMF can also operate in the following manner.

[0212] Method 1:

[0213] When the first information includes the first numerical value, the T-AMF can start the first timer and set the starting value of the first timer to the first numerical value.

[0214] The first timer can be a positive timer, indicating the duration the UE has been registered in the network. When the value of the first timer increases to a first threshold, the T-AMF executes the UE's deregistration procedure. In one possible implementation, the first threshold indicates the maximum time the UE can register (or camp on) in an online subscribed network. In another possible implementation, the first threshold can be greater than, equal to, or less than the duration it takes for the UE to transition from RRC connected state to RRC idle state or to RRC inactive state.

[0215] The first timer can be a countdown timer, where the first value indicates the remaining time the UE is allowed to register with the network. When the value of the first timer decreases to a second threshold, the T-AMF executes the UE's deregistration procedure.

[0216] In one possible implementation, the second threshold can be zero.

[0217] Method 2:

[0218] The T-AMF can activate a second timer.

[0219] When the second timer is positive, the T-AMF can set the initial value of the second timer to zero or the second threshold. When the value of the second timer increases to the first threshold, the T-AMF executes the UE's deregistration process.

[0220] When the second timer is a countdown timer, the T-AMF can set the starting value of the second timer to the first threshold. When the value of the second timer decreases to the second threshold or zero, the T-AMF executes the UE's deregistration process.

[0221] It should be understood that the information regarding the first threshold and the second threshold may be pre-configured in the T-AMF. Alternatively, the T-AMF may obtain second information from the S-AMF, which indicates the aforementioned first threshold and / or second threshold.

[0222] It should be understood that the purpose of the above-mentioned T-AMF's UE deregistration process is to deregister the UE from the online subscription network, so that the UE no longer resides in or registers in the online subscription network and thus continuously occupies network resources.

[0223] S305, the T-AMF identifies the T-RAN based on its identification information and sends a handover request message to the T-RAN. The T-RAN then receives the handover request message.

[0224] In one possible implementation, the switch request message includes source-to-target pass-through container information.

[0225] S306, T-RAN sends a second response message to T-AMF in response to the handover request message. Accordingly, T-AMF receives the second response message.

[0226] In one possible implementation, the second response message includes target-to-source transparent container information, which in turn includes UE container information. This UE container information includes access stratum information and non-access stratum information.

[0227] S307, the T-AMF sends a third response message to the S-AMF in response to the third request message. Accordingly, the S-AMF receives the third response message.

[0228] In one possible implementation, the third response message includes target-to-source pass-through container information.

[0229] S308, the S-AMF sends a first handover command to the S-RAN. Correspondingly, the S-RAN receives this first handover command.

[0230] In one possible implementation, the first switching instruction includes target-to-source transparent container information.

[0231] S309, the S-RAN sends a second handover command to the UE. The UE then receives the second handover command.

[0232] In one possible implementation, the second handover instruction includes UE container information. It should be understood that, in one possible implementation, the UE container information includes T-RAN identification information.

[0233] S310, the UE performs a handover according to the second handover instruction. When the UE successfully hands over to the T-RAN, the UE sends a first indication message to the T-RAN. Correspondingly, the T-RAN receives the first indication message.

[0234] In one possible implementation, the first indication information indicates that the UE has successfully performed the handover.

[0235] S311, T-RAN sends a second indication message to T-AMF. Correspondingly, T-AMF receives the second indication message.

[0236] In one possible implementation, the second indication information indicates that the T-RAN has successfully performed the handover.

[0237] S312, T-AMF sends an N2 information notification message to S-AMF. Correspondingly, S-AMF receives the N2 information notification message.

[0238] Optionally, the method further includes: S313, the S-AMF sends an N2 information notification response message to the T-AMF. Accordingly, the T-AMF receives the N2 information notification response message.

[0239] S314, the S-AMF starts a third timer based on the N2 information notification message. When the third timer expires, the S-AMF sends a UE context release command to the S-RAN. Correspondingly, the S-RAN receives the UE context release command.

[0240] For example, when the value of the third timer increases to the third threshold or decreases to the fourth threshold, the S-AMF sends a UE context release command to the S-RAN.

[0241] S315, when the S-RAN releases the UE context according to the UE context release instruction, the S-RAN sends a UE context release complete message to the S-AMF.

[0242] S316, the UE initiates the mobility registration process.

[0243] The process includes:

[0244] The UE sends an AN message to the T-RAN, which includes AN parameters and a NAS registration request message. The T-RAN receives the AN message accordingly. The NAS registration request message includes registration type information, indicating that the UE's registration type is mobility registration update.

[0245] T-RAN sends the NAS registration request message to T-AMF. Correspondingly, T-AMF receives the NAS registration request message.

[0246] Then, the authentication process for the UE is executed. Once authentication is successful, the T-AMF sends a registration success message to the UE.

[0247] The UE sends a registration completion message to the T-AMF.

[0248] In one possible implementation, the T-AMF can start the first timer or the second timer at any time during or after step S304.

[0249] According to the solution in this application, when the terminal device is in RRC connected state, and the S-AMF is unable to perform online signing for the terminal device, the S-AMF can select a T-AMF that supports online signing functionality. Since the AMF selected by the S-AMF may not support online signing when the S-AMF cannot perform online signing for the terminal device, the solution in this application allows the T-AMF to continue performing online signing for the terminal device. Furthermore, when the T-AMF performs online signing for the terminal device, it can start a specific timer to prevent the terminal device from continuously residing in the online signing network, thereby improving the utilization of network resources.

[0250] Figure 4 This application illustrates another scheme provided in which the UE is in the RRC idle state.

[0251] S401, the UE sends a fourth message to the T-RAN, which instructs the UE to perform online subscription. Accordingly, the T-RAN receives the fourth message.

[0252] In one possible implementation, this fourth piece of information can be carried in an access network (AN) message.

[0253] In one possible implementation, this fourth piece of information can implicitly instruct the UE to perform an online subscription. For example, a new field can be added to the 5G system temporary mobile subscription identifier (5G-S-TMSI), or some fields in the 5G-S-TMSI can be set to specific values ​​to implicitly instruct the UE to perform an online subscription.

[0254] In another possible implementation, the fourth piece of information can be used to explicitly instruct the UE to perform an online signing.

[0255] The AN message may also include a NAS registration request message, which includes registration type information indicating that the UE's registration type is mobility registration update. In one possible implementation, the NAS registration request message also includes a temporary identifier assigned to the UE by the S-AMF, such as a 5G globally unique temporary identity (5G-GUTI).

[0256] S402, T-RAN selects T-AMF based on this fourth piece of information, which supports online signing functionality.

[0257] It should be understood that T-RAN determines the UE as a UE performing online signing based on the fourth information, and selects a T-AMF that supports the online signing function for the UE.

[0258] S403, T-RAN sends a NAS registration request message to T-AMF. Correspondingly, T-AMF receives the NAS registration request message.

[0259] In one possible implementation, the T-RAN can also send a first message to the T-AMF. For example, this first message can be carried in an N2 message. The first message instructs the UE to perform an online subscription.

[0260] In S404, the T-AMF sends a fourth request message to the S-AMF, which requests context information from the UE. The S-AMF then receives this fourth request message.

[0261] In step S405, the S-AMF sends a fourth response message to the T-AMF in response to the fourth request message. This fourth response message includes information about the UE's context. Accordingly, the T-AMF receives this fourth response message.

[0262] Optionally, the S-AMF sends a first message to the T-AMF, instructing the UE to perform an online subscription. For example, this first message can be carried in the fourth response message.

[0263] In one possible implementation, the first information can be explicit instruction information, i.e., the S-AMF directly instructs the UE to perform online signing.

[0264] In another possible implementation, the first information can be implicit indication information, in which case the first information includes one or more of the following:

[0265] Data network name information, network slice information, and first value information.

[0266] In another possible implementation, the first information may include both explicit and implicit indications.

[0267] S406, T-AMF performs online signing with UE based on the first information.

[0268] The process is the same as in S304, and you can refer to the description of S304 for details. In one possible implementation, the T-AMF can start the first timer or the second timer at any time in step S406 or after step S406.

[0269] S407, and then execute the authentication process for the UE. When the authentication is successful, T-AMF sends a registration success message to the UE.

[0270] In one possible implementation, the registration success message also includes a temporary identifier assigned to the UE by the T-AMF. For example, this temporary identifier could be 5G-GUTI. This temporary identifier indicates that the UE is a UE performing an online subscription.

[0271] In addition, the T-AMF sends a registration status update message to the S-AMF, which indicates that the UE has successfully registered with the T-AMF.

[0272] S408, the UE sends a registration completion message to the T-AMF.

[0273] According to the solution in this application, when the terminal device is in RRC idle state and the S-AMF is unable to perform online subscription for the terminal device, the T-RAN can select a T-AMF that supports online subscription functionality. Since the AMF selected by the T-RAN may not support online subscription functionality when the S-AMF is unable to perform online subscription for the terminal device, the solution in this application allows the T-AMF to continue performing online subscription for the terminal device. Furthermore, when the T-AMF performs online subscription for the terminal device, it can start a specific timer to prevent the terminal device from continuously residing in the online subscription network, thereby improving the utilization rate of network resources.

[0274] Figure 5 This application illustrates another scheme provided in which the UE is in the RRC idle state.

[0275] S501, the UE sends an AN message to the T-RAN. This AN message includes AN parameters and a NAS registration request message.

[0276] For example, the AN parameter may include 5G-S-TMSI and / or a globally unique AMF identifier (GUAMI).

[0277] The NAS registration request message includes registration type information, which indicates that the UE's registration type is mobility registration update. Optionally, the NAS registration request message may also include the UE's temporary identifier. This temporary identifier is assigned to the UE by the S-AMF.

[0278] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: S502, the UE sends fifth information to the T-RAN, and the fifth information is carried in a NAS registration request message, the fifth information instructing the terminal device to perform online subscription. Accordingly, the T-RAN receives the fifth information.

[0279] The following describes how to incorporate the fifth piece of information into the NAS registration request message:

[0280] Method 1:

[0281] Add a field to the UE’s temporary identifier (e.g., 5G-GUTI) to instruct the terminal device to perform online subscription.

[0282] Method 2:

[0283] Set certain fields in the UE's temporary identifier (e.g., 5G-GUTI) to specific values ​​to instruct the terminal device to perform online subscription.

[0284] Method 3:

[0285] The NAS registration request message includes instructions to direct the end device to perform an online registration.

[0286] Method 4:

[0287] A new registration type is added to the registration type information to instruct the terminal device to perform online subscription. In this case, the registration type information can indicate that the UE's registration type is both online subscription and mobility registration update. In one possible implementation, the registration type can be one or more of the following: Onboarding, SNPN Onboarding, Mobility Registration Update with Onboarding, Mobility Registration Update with SNPN Onboarding, and Mobility Registration Update.

[0288] It should be understood that this application does not limit the manner in which the first information is carried in the NAS registration request message.

[0289] S503, T-RAN selects the initial AMF (an example of a third core network device) and sends a NAS registration request message to the initial AMF.

[0290] It should be understood that when this method includes S502, because T-RAN does not parse the NAS registration request message, T-RAN is unaware that the terminal device is performing online subscription. Therefore, when selecting the initial AMF, T-RAN may choose an AMF that does not support online subscription functionality.

[0291] S504, the initial AMF obtains the fifth information, which instructs the UE to perform online signing.

[0292] The following describes how the initial AMF obtains the fifth information:

[0293] Method 1:

[0294] When the method includes S502, the initial AMF obtains the fifth information from the NAS registration request message.

[0295] Method 2:

[0296] The initial AMF obtains this fifth piece of information from the S-AMF.

[0297] For example, the initial AMF sends a fourth request message to the S-AMF, which requests context information from the UE. The S-AMF then receives this fourth request message.

[0298] In one possible implementation, the S-AMF carries the fifth information within a fourth response message and sends the fourth response message to the initial AMF. This fourth response message is used to respond to the fourth request message. The fourth response message includes information about the UE's context. Accordingly, the initial AMF receives the fourth response message.

[0299] In one possible implementation, the fifth piece of information can be explicit instruction information, i.e., the S-AMF directly instructs the initial AMF that the UE should perform online signing.

[0300] In another possible implementation, the fifth information can be implicit indication information, in which case the fifth information includes one or more of the following:

[0301] Data network name information, network slice information, and first value information.

[0302] In another possible implementation, the fifth information may include both explicit and implicit indications.

[0303] It should be understood that, in one possible implementation, after the UE registers with the online subscription network, a specific DNN and / or a specific NSSAI can be used to establish a specific session, which is limited to performing online subscriptions. In one possible implementation, this session can be a packet data unit (PDU) session.

[0304] When the initial AMF does not support online signing functionality, the method further includes: S505, the initial AMF determines a T-AMF that supports online signing capability.

[0305] In addition, the initial AMF can also send a rejection indication message to the S-AMF, indicating that the S-AMF registration process was not completed at the initial AMF.

[0306] It should be understood that after obtaining the fifth piece of information, the initial AMF can make a judgment. If the initial AMF supports the online signing function, it can perform online signing for the UE. If the initial AMF does not support the online signing function, the initial AMF can continue to determine the T-AMF.

[0307] The following describes how the initial AMF determines the T-AMF:

[0308] Method 1:

[0309] The initial AMF determines the T-AMF based on the capability information of at least one pre-configured AMF network element.

[0310] Method 2:

[0311] The initial AMF sends a first request message to the network repository function (NRF) network element (an example of the fourth core network device), which requests to obtain the AMF that supports online subscription functionality.

[0312] In one possible implementation, the first request message includes information about the set of AMFs.

[0313] The NRF network element sends a first response message to the initial AMF, which includes information about the T-AMF. For example, the first response message includes the T-AMF's identification information and / or address information.

[0314] In one possible implementation, the NRF element can determine the T-AMF from the set of AMFs included in the first request message.

[0315] The initial AMF determines the T-AMF based on the first response message.

[0316] S506, T-AMF obtains first information, which instructs UE to perform online signing.

[0317] The following describes how T-AMF obtains its first information:

[0318] Method 1:

[0319] The initial AMF sends the first message to the T-AMF. The T-AMF then receives this first message.

[0320] For example, the initial AMF can send an N1 message notification to the T-AMF, which includes one or more of the following: a NAS message, the UE's identification information, and the UE's context information. When the method includes S502, the first information is the fifth information carried in the NAS message. Alternatively, the UE's context information may include one or more of the following: data network name information, network slice information, and a first value. The data network name information, network slice information, and the first value can all implicitly instruct the UE to perform online subscription.

[0321] It should be understood that, in one possible implementation, after the UE registers with the online subscription network, a specific DNN and / or a specific NSSAI can be used to establish a specific session, which is limited to performing online subscriptions. In one possible implementation, this session can be a packet data unit (PDU) session.

[0322] Method 2:

[0323] The S-AMF sends a first message to the T-AMF. The T-AMF then receives this first message.

[0324] For example, the T-AMF sends a fourth request message to the S-AMF, which requests the UE's context information. The S-AMF can then send a fourth response message to the T-AMF, carrying the first information within it. This fourth response message includes the UE's context information.

[0325] In one possible implementation, the first information can be explicit instruction information, i.e., the S-AMF directly instructs the UE to perform online signing.

[0326] In another possible implementation, the first information can be implicit indication information, in which case the first information includes one or more of the following:

[0327] Data network name information, network slice information, and first value information.

[0328] It should be understood that, in one possible implementation, after the UE registers with the online subscription network, a specific DNN and / or a specific NSSAI can be used to establish a specific session, which is limited to performing online subscriptions. In one possible implementation, this session can be a packet data unit (PDU) session.

[0329] In another possible implementation, the first information may include both explicit and implicit indications.

[0330] S507, T-AMF performs online signing with UE based on the first information.

[0331] The process is the same as S304; please refer to the description of S304 for details.

[0332] S508, and then executes the authentication process for the UE. When the authentication is successful, T-AMF sends a registration success message to the UE.

[0333] In one possible implementation, the registration success message also includes a temporary identifier assigned to the UE by the T-AMF. For example, this temporary identifier could be 5G-GUTI. This temporary identifier indicates that the UE is a UE performing an online subscription.

[0334] In addition, the T-AMF sends a registration status update message to the S-AMF, which indicates that the UE has successfully registered with the T-AMF.

[0335] S509, the UE sends a registration completion message to the T-AMF.

[0336] According to the scheme of this application, when the terminal device is in RRC idle state and the S-AMF cannot perform online subscription for the terminal device, the T-RAN can select an initial AMF according to the existing mechanism. When the initial AMF does not support the online subscription function, the initial AMF further determines the T-AMF. Since the AMF selected by the T-RAN may not support the online subscription function when the S-AMF cannot perform online subscription for the terminal device, the scheme of this application allows the T-AMF to continue performing online subscription for the terminal device. In addition, when the T-AMF performs online subscription for the terminal device, a specific timer can be started, thereby preventing the terminal device from continuously camping in the online subscription network and improving the utilization of network resources.

[0337] According to the aforementioned method, Figure 6A communication device provided in this application includes a transceiver unit 601 and a processing unit 602. The transceiver unit 601 can be used to implement the receiving and transmitting functions in the method embodiments. Other functions in the method embodiments can be implemented by the processing unit 602. The transceiver unit can be implemented through the input and output interfaces of a data processing chip, with the transmitting and receiving functions in the method embodiments corresponding to the output and input of the chip, respectively. The transceiver unit 601 can also be divided into a receiving unit and a transmitting unit. The receiving unit can be used to implement the receiving function in the method embodiments, and the transmitting unit can be used to implement the transmitting function in the method embodiments. The receiving unit can be implemented through the output interface of the data processing chip, and the transmitting unit can be implemented through the input interface of the data processing chip. Furthermore, the transceiver unit and the processing unit can be implemented using the same chip, which is not limited herein. It should be understood that the transceiver unit 601 in this application embodiment can also be implemented by a transceiver (including a transmitter and a receiver) or transceiver-related circuit components, and the processing unit 602 can also be implemented by a processor or processor-related circuit components (or, referred to as processing circuitry).

[0338] For example, when the communication device is an S-AMF, the transceiver unit 601 and the processing unit 602 can support the actions performed by the S-AMF in the above method example. For instance, the transceiver unit 601 can perform the receiving of the second request message in the above method embodiment, as well as other processes in the technical solutions described herein; the processing unit 602 can perform the selection of T-AMF based on the third information, as well as other processes in the technical solutions described herein.

[0339] For example, when the communication device is a T-AMF, the transceiver unit 601 and the processing unit 602 can support the actions performed by the T-AMF in the above method examples. For instance, the transceiver unit 601 can perform the receiving of the first information in the above method embodiments, as well as other processes in the technical solutions described herein; the processing unit 602 can perform online signing for the UE based on the first information, as well as other processes in the technical solutions described herein.

[0340] For example, when the communication device is the initial AMF, the transceiver unit 601 and the processing unit 602 can support the actions performed by the initial AMF in the above method examples. For instance, the transceiver unit 601 can perform the receiving of NAS registration request messages in the above method embodiments, as well as other processes in the technical solutions described herein; the processing unit 602 can perform the determination of T-AMF, as well as other processes in the technical solutions described herein.

[0341] For example, when the communication device is S-RAN, the transceiver unit 601 and the processing unit 602 can support the actions performed by S-RAN in the above method examples. For instance, the transceiver unit 601 can perform the sending of the second request message in the above method embodiments, as well as other processes in the technical solutions described herein; the processing unit 602 can perform the release of the UE context, as well as other processes in the technical solutions described herein.

[0342] For example, when the communication device is a T-RAN, the transceiver unit 601 and the processing unit 602 can support the actions performed by the T-RAN in the above method example. For instance, the transceiver unit 601 can perform the receiving of the fourth information in the above method embodiment, as well as other processes in the technical solutions described herein; the processing unit 602 can perform the selection of T-AMF based on the fourth information, as well as other processes in the technical solutions described herein.

[0343] This application also provides a communication device, such as... Figure 7 As shown, it includes: a processor 701, a communication interface 702, and a memory 703. The processor 701, communication interface 702, and memory 703 can be interconnected via a bus 707; the bus 707 can be a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus or an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus, etc. The bus 707 can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, and a control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, Figure 7The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not imply that there is only one bus or one type of bus. Processor 701 can be a central processing unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), or a combination of a CPU and an NP. The processor may further include hardware chips. These hardware chips can be application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or combinations thereof. The PLD can be a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), generic array logic (GAL), or any combination thereof. Memory 703 can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache.

[0344] The processor 701 is used to implement data processing operations of the communication device. The communication interface 702 is used to implement the transmission and reception operations of the communication device.

[0345] For example, when the communication device is an S-AMF, the processor 701, communication interface 702, and memory 703 can support the actions performed by the S-AMF in the above method examples. For instance, the communication interface 702 can perform the receiving of the second request message in the above method embodiments, as well as other processes in the technical solutions described herein; the processor 701 can perform the selection of a T-AMF based on the third information, as well as other processes in the technical solutions described herein.

[0346] For example, when the communication device is a T-AMF, the processor 701, communication interface 702, and memory 703 can support the actions performed by the T-AMF in the above method examples. For instance, the communication interface 702 can perform the receiving of the second request message in the above method embodiments, as well as other processes in the technical solutions described herein; the processor 701 can perform the determination of the EEC's ACR subscription status information, as well as other processes in the technical solutions described herein.

[0347] For example, when the communication device is the initial AMF, the processor 701, communication interface 702, and memory 703 can support the actions performed by the initial AMF in the above method examples. For instance, the communication interface 702 can perform the receiving of NAS registration request messages in the above method embodiments, as well as other processes in the technical solutions described herein; the processor 701 can perform the determination of T-AMF, as well as other processes in the technical solutions described herein.

[0348] For example, when the communication device is S-RAN, the processor 701, communication interface 702, and memory 703 can support the actions performed by S-RAN in the above method examples. For instance, the communication interface 702 can perform the sending of the second request message in the above method embodiments, as well as other processes in the technical solutions described herein; the processor 701 can perform the release of the UE context, as well as other processes in the technical solutions described herein.

[0349] For example, when the communication device is a T-RAN, the processor 701, communication interface 702, and memory 703 can support the actions performed by the T-RAN in the above method examples. For instance, the communication interface 702 can perform the receiving of the fourth information in the above method embodiments, as well as other processes in the technical solutions described herein; the processor 701 can perform the selection of T-AMF based on the fourth information, as well as other processes in the technical solutions described herein.

[0350] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0351] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0352] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0353] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0354] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0355] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0356] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method of performing an online sign-up, the method comprising: The method comprises the following steps: A first core network device acquires first information from a second core network device, the first information indicating that a terminal device performs online subscription, the second core network device being a core network device serving the terminal device before performing handover of the terminal device, the first core network device being a core network device serving the terminal device after performing handover of the terminal device, the first core network device being selected by the second core network device, and the selected first core network device supporting an online subscription function, the first core network device and the second core network device both being access and mobility management function devices; The first core network device performs online subscription for the terminal device according to the first information.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first information comprises one or more of the following information: data network name information, network slice information, and first numerical value information; wherein the first numerical value indicates a time length for which the terminal device has been registered in an online subscription network, or the first numerical value indicates a remaining time length for which the terminal device is allowed to be registered in the online subscription network.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein when the first information comprises the first numerical value information, the method further comprises: the first core network device starts a first timer, a starting value of the first timer being the first numerical value; when a value of the first timer increases to a first threshold value, the first core network device performs a deregistration procedure of the terminal device, wherein the value of the first timer indicates the time length for which the terminal device has been registered in the online subscription network; or when the value of the first timer decreases to a second threshold value, the first core network device performs the deregistration procedure of the terminal device, wherein the value of the first timer indicates the remaining time length for which the terminal device is allowed to be registered in the online subscription network.

4. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the method further comprises: the first core network device starts a second timer; when a value of the second timer increases to a first threshold value or decreases to a second threshold value, the first core network device performs the deregistration procedure of the terminal device.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein information of the first threshold value and / or information of the second threshold value is preconfigured; or the method further comprises: the first core network device acquires second information from a second core network device, the second information indicating the first threshold value and / or the second threshold value. The method comprises the following steps: A second core network device selects a first core network device supporting an online subscription function according to third information, the third information indicating that a terminal device performs online subscription, the first core network device and the second core network device both being access and mobility management function devices; wherein the second core network device is a core network device serving the terminal device before performing handover of the terminal device, and the first core network device is a core network device serving the terminal device after performing handover of the terminal device. ​ 6. A method of performing an online subscription, characterized by, ​ ​ ​ The second core network device sends first information to the first core network device, where the first information indicates that the terminal device performs online subscription, and the first core network device performs online subscription on the terminal device according to the first information.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, the third information comprises one or more of the following: registration type information, data network name information, network slice information, and information of a first value; wherein the first value indicates a time length that the terminal device has been registered in an online subscription network, or the first value indicates a remaining time length that the terminal device allows to be registered in the online subscription network.

8. The method of claim 6 or 7, wherein, the method further comprises: the second core network device obtains the third information from a second access network device or the terminal device, where the second access network device is an access network device that serves the terminal device before handover.

9. The method of claim 6 or 7, wherein, the first information comprises one or more of the following: data network name information, network slice information, and information of a first value; wherein the first value indicates a time length that the terminal device has been registered in an online subscription network, or the first value indicates a remaining time length that the terminal device allows to be registered in the online subscription network.

10. A first core network device, characterized by, comprises: a transceiver unit, configured to obtain first information from a second core network device, where the first information indicates that a terminal device performs online subscription, the second core network device is a core network device that serves the terminal device before handover, the first core network device is a core network device that serves the terminal device after handover, the first core network device is selected by the second core network device, and the selected first core network device supports online subscription function, and the first core network device and the second core network device are both access and mobility management devices; a processing unit, configured to perform online subscription on the terminal device according to the first information.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein, the first information comprises one or more of the following: data network name information, network slice information, and information of a first value; wherein the first value indicates a time length that the terminal device has been registered in an online subscription network, or the first value indicates a remaining time length that the terminal device allows to be registered in the online subscription network.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein, when the first information comprises the information of the first value, the processing unit is further configured to: start a first timer, where a starting value of the first timer is the first value; when a value of the first timer increases to a first threshold value, perform a deregistration procedure of the terminal device, where the value of the first timer indicates a time length that the terminal device has been registered in the online subscription network; or, perform a de-registration procedure of the terminal device when a value of the first timer decreases to a second threshold, wherein the value of the first timer indicates a remaining time length during which the terminal device is allowed to register to the online subscription network.

13. The device of claim 10 or 11, wherein, the processing unit is further configured to: start a second timer; perform a de-registration procedure of the terminal device when a value of the second timer increases to a first threshold or decreases to a second threshold.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein, the first threshold and / or the second threshold are pre-configured; or the transceiver is further configured to obtain second information from a second core network device, the second information indicating the first threshold and / or the second threshold.

15. A second core network device, comprising: comprising: a processing unit configured to select a first core network device supporting online subscription according to third information, the third information indicating that a terminal device performs online subscription; wherein the second core network device is a core network device serving the terminal device before performing handover, the first core network device is a core network device serving the terminal device after performing handover, and the first core network device and the second core network device are both access and mobility management devices; a transceiver configured to send first information to the first core network device, the first information indicating that the terminal device performs online subscription, so that the first core network device performs online subscription for the terminal device according to the first information.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein, the third information comprises one or more of the following: registration type information, data network name information, network slice information, and information of a first numerical value; wherein the first numerical value indicates a time length during which the terminal device has registered to an online subscription network, or the first numerical value indicates a remaining time length during which the terminal device is allowed to register to an online subscription network.

17. The device of claim 15 or 16, wherein, the transceiver is further configured to obtain the third information from a second access network device or the terminal device, the second access network device being an access network device serving the terminal device before performing handover.

18. The device of claim 15 or 16, wherein, the first information comprises one or more of the following: data network name information, network slice information, and information of a first numerical value; wherein the first numerical value indicates a time length during which the terminal device has registered to an online subscription network, or the first numerical value indicates a remaining time length during which the terminal device is allowed to register to an online subscription network.

19. A communication device, comprising: comprising: a processor configured to execute computer programs or instructions stored in a memory, so that the communication device performs the method of any one of claims 1-5; or so that the communication device performs the method of any one of claims 6-9.

20. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, comprising computer programs or instructions, when the computer programs or the instructions are run on a computer, causing the computer to perform the method of any of claims 1-5; or, causing the computer to perform the method of any of claims 6-9.

21. A chip system, characterized by comprising: at least one processor to execute computer programs or instructions in memory, causing the method of any of claims 1-5 to be implemented; or, causing the method of any of claims 6-9 to be implemented.

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