Communication method and device

Abstract

An embodiment of the present application provides a communication method and apparatus, the method comprising: a first device obtains a first frequency band corresponding to a first network slice, wherein the first network slice is a network slice that allows user equipment UE to use. The first device determines that the first frequency band satisfies the first condition, and then the first device determines to allow the UE to transmit data according to the first network slice. By allowing the UE to transmit data according to the first network slice only when the first frequency band of the first network slice satisfies the first condition, the problem of the UE not supporting the frequency band of the first network slice is effectively avoided, and the problem of the inability to transmit services due to the UE switching the frequency band is effectively avoided, thereby effectively ensuring the stability of communication.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and device. Background Art

[0002] With the continuous emergence of various communication services, different communication services have significantly different requirements for network performance. The fifth generation mobile communication system (5G) introduces the concept of network slicing (NS) to cope with the differences in the requirements of different communication services for network performance.

[0003] At present, when a terminal device needs to use a network slice, it needs to first request the network to use the slice. Then the network will determine the allowed network slice selection assistance information (NSSAI) within the scope of the user equipment (UE) contract and network slice deployment based on the request information sent by the terminal device, and allow the NSSAI to include single network slice selection assistance information (Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information, S-NSSAI) of at least one network slice. After that, the terminal device can perform data transmission in at least one network slice.

[0004] However, different network slices may use different frequency bands, so it may happen that terminal devices cannot communicate in some network slices, resulting in poor communication stability. Summary of the invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and device to avoid the problem of poor communication stability.

[0006] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, including:

[0007] The first device obtains a first frequency band corresponding to a first network slice, wherein the first network slice is a network slice allowed to be used by a user equipment UE;

[0008] If the first device determines that the first frequency band satisfies a first condition, the first device determines that the UE is allowed to transmit data according to the first network slice.

[0009] In a possible implementation manner, the first condition includes:

[0010] The first frequency band is a frequency band supported by the UE.

[0011] In a possible implementation manner, the first condition further includes:

[0012] The UE supports data transmission in at least two frequency bands.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0014] The first device obtains a second frequency band corresponding to a second network slice, wherein the second network slice is a network slice for which the UE has established a session.

[0015] In a possible implementation manner, the first condition further includes:

[0016] The UE only supports data transmission in one frequency band at a time point, and the first frequency band is the same as the second frequency band.

[0017] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0018] Obtain a first priority of a first service corresponding to the first network slice and a second priority of a second service corresponding to the second network slice, wherein the second service corresponds to a session that the UE has established.

[0019] In a possible implementation manner, the first condition further includes:

[0020] The UE only supports data transmission in one frequency band at a time point, the first frequency band and the second frequency band are different, and the first priority is higher than the second priority.

[0021] In a possible implementation manner, the first device determines that the first frequency band meets a first condition, including:

[0022] The first device acquires first information of the UE;

[0023] The first device determines, according to the first information, that the first frequency band meets a first condition.

[0024] In a possible implementation manner, the first information includes at least one of the following information:

[0025] A frequency band supported by the UE;

[0026] first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate whether the UE supports data transmission on multiple frequency bands;

[0027] The number of frequency bands supported by the UE for data transmission.

[0028] In a possible implementation manner, the first device is a radio access network RAN ​​device;

[0029] The method further comprises:

[0030] The RAN device receives single network slice selection auxiliary information S-NSSAI sent by the AMF network element, wherein the first network slice is the network element indicated by the S-NSSAI.

[0031] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0032] When it is determined that the first frequency band does not meet the first condition, the RAN device sends a rejection message to the AMF network element, wherein the rejection information is used to indicate that the UE is rejected from establishing a session based on the first network slice, and the rejection information includes a rejection reason value.

[0033] In a possible implementation manner, the first device is a RAN device;

[0034] The method further comprises:

[0035] The RAN device receives the allowed network slice selection auxiliary information NSSAI sent by the AMF network element, wherein the allowed NSSAI includes the S-NSSAI of at least one network slice.

[0036] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0037] When it is determined that the first frequency band does not meet the first condition, the RAN device deletes the S-NSSAI of the first network slice from the allowed NSSAI.

[0038] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0039] When it is determined that the first frequency band does not meet the first condition, the RAN device sends the S-NSSAI of the first network slice to the AMF network element, so that the AMF network element deletes the S-NSSAI of the first network slice from the allowed NSSAI.

[0040] In a possible implementation manner, the first device is a UE;

[0041] The method further comprises:

[0042] The UE receives the allowed NSSAI sent by the AMF network element, wherein the allowed NSSAI includes the S-NSSAI of at least one network slice.

[0043] In a possible implementation manner, if the first priority is higher than the second priority, the method further includes:

[0044] The UE enters an idle state, selects a cell supporting the first frequency band, and establishes a session through the cell supporting the first frequency band.

[0045] In a possible implementation manner, the first frequency band corresponding to the first network slice is sent by the AMF network element; or

[0046] The first frequency band corresponding to the first network slice is pre-configured in the UE.

[0047] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, including:

[0048] An acquisition module is used for the first device to acquire a first frequency band corresponding to a first network slice, wherein the first network slice is a network slice allowed to be used by a user equipment UE;

[0049] A processing module is used for the first device to determine that the first frequency band meets the first condition, and then the first device determines to allow the UE to transmit data according to the first network slice.

[0050] The first condition includes:

[0051] The first frequency band is a frequency band supported by the UE.

[0052] In a possible implementation manner, the first condition further includes:

[0053] The UE supports data transmission in at least two frequency bands.

[0054] In a possible implementation, the acquisition module is further used to:

[0055] The first device obtains a second frequency band corresponding to a second network slice, wherein the second network slice is a network slice for which the UE has established a session.

[0056] In a possible implementation manner, the first condition further includes:

[0057] The UE only supports data transmission in one frequency band at a time point, and the first frequency band is the same as the second frequency band.

[0058] In a possible implementation, the acquisition module is further used to:

[0059] Obtain a first priority of a first service corresponding to the first network slice and a second priority of a second service corresponding to the second network slice, wherein the second service corresponds to a session that the UE has established.

[0060] In a possible implementation manner, the first condition further includes:

[0061] The UE only supports data transmission in one frequency band at a time point, the first frequency band and the second frequency band are different, and the first priority is higher than the second priority.

[0062] In a possible implementation manner, the processing module is specifically configured to:

[0063] The first device acquires first information of the UE;

[0064] The first device determines, according to the first information, that the first frequency band meets a first condition.

[0065] In a possible implementation manner, the first information includes at least one of the following information:

[0066] A frequency band supported by the UE;

[0067] first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate whether the UE supports data transmission on multiple frequency bands;

[0068] The number of frequency bands supported by the UE for data transmission.

[0069] In a possible implementation manner, the first device is a radio access network RAN ​​device;

[0070] Also includes: a transceiver module;

[0071] The transceiver module is used for the RAN device to receive single network slice selection auxiliary information S-NSSAI sent by the AMF network element, wherein the first network slice is the network element indicated by the S-NSSAI.

[0072] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module is further used for:

[0073] When it is determined that the first frequency band does not meet the first condition, the RAN device sends a rejection message to the AMF network element, wherein the rejection information is used to indicate that the UE is rejected from establishing a session based on the first network slice, and the rejection information includes a rejection reason value.

[0074] In a possible implementation manner, the first device is a RAN device;

[0075] The transceiver module is also used for:

[0076] The RAN device receives the allowed network slice selection auxiliary information NSSAI sent by the AMF network element, wherein the allowed NSSAI includes the S-NSSAI of at least one network slice.

[0077] In a possible implementation manner, the processing module is further configured to:

[0078] When it is determined that the first frequency band does not meet the first condition, the RAN device deletes the S-NSSAI of the first network slice from the allowed NSSAI.

[0079] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module is further used for:

[0080] When it is determined that the first frequency band does not meet the first condition, the RAN device sends the S-NSSAI of the first network slice to the AMF network element, so that the AMF network element deletes the S-NSSAI of the first network slice from the allowed NSSAI.

[0081] In a possible implementation manner, the first device is a UE;

[0082] The transceiver module is also used for:

[0083] The UE receives the allowed NSSAI sent by the AMF network element, wherein the allowed NSSAI includes the S-NSSAI of at least one network slice.

[0084] In a possible implementation manner, if the first priority is higher than the second priority, the processing module is further configured to:

[0085] The UE enters an idle state, selects a cell supporting the first frequency band, and establishes a session through the cell supporting the first frequency band.

[0086] In a possible implementation manner, the first frequency band corresponding to the first network slice is sent by the AMF network element; or

[0087] The first frequency band corresponding to the first network slice is pre-configured in the UE.

[0088] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, including: a transceiver, a processor, and a memory;

[0089] The memory stores computer-executable instructions;

[0090] The processor executes the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory, so that the processor executes the communication method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation manner of the first aspect.

[0091] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores computer execution instructions. When the computer execution instructions are executed by a processor, they are used to implement the communication method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation method of the first aspect.

[0092] An embodiment of the present application provides a communication method and apparatus, the method comprising: a first device obtains a first frequency band corresponding to a first network slice, wherein the first network slice is a network slice that allows user equipment UE to use. The first device determines that the first frequency band satisfies the first condition, and then the first device determines to allow the UE to transmit data according to the first network slice. By allowing the UE to transmit data according to the first network slice only when the first frequency band of the first network slice satisfies the first condition, the problem of the UE not supporting the frequency band of the first network slice is effectively avoided, and the problem of the inability to transmit services due to the UE switching the frequency band is effectively avoided, thereby effectively ensuring the stability of communication. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0093] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0094] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0095] Figure 3 A signaling interaction diagram for a UE to request a network slice provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0096] Figure 4 A flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0097] Figure 5 A possible schematic diagram that satisfies the first condition provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0098] Figure 6 Another possible schematic diagram that satisfies the first condition provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0099] Figure 7 A possible schematic diagram for satisfying the first condition provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0100] Figure 8 A flow chart of a communication method provided by another embodiment of the present application;

[0101] Fig. 9 A signaling interaction diagram of a session establishment process provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0102] Fig.10 A possible schematic diagram that does not satisfy the first condition provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0103] Fig.11 Another possible schematic diagram provided for an embodiment of the present application that does not meet the first condition;

[0104] Fig.12 A signaling interaction diagram of a registration process provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0105] Fig.13 A signaling interaction diagram of another registration process provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0106] Fig.14 A schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0107] Fig.15 A schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0108] In order to better understand the technical solution of the present application, the following first introduces the relevant concepts involved in the present application:

[0109] Network slicing: Network slicing is an on-demand networking method that can separate multiple virtual end-to-end networks on a unified infrastructure. Each network slice is logically isolated from the wireless access network to the bearer network and then to the core network to adapt to various types of applications. In a network slice, it can be divided into at least three parts: wireless network sub-slices, bearer network sub-slices, and core network sub-slices.

[0110] S-NSSAI: Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI) is used to identify a network slice. S-NSSAI includes two parts: Slice / Service Type (SST) and Slice Differentiator (SD):

[0111] SST refers to the expected network slicing behavior in terms of features and services. The standard value range of SST is 1, 2, and 3. The value 1 represents eMBB, 2 represents URLLC, and 3 represents MIoT (Massive Internet of Things).

[0112] SD is an optional information used to supplement SST to distinguish multiple network slices of the same slice / service type. SD can be used to identify the specific service that the user wants to perform.

[0113] NSSAI: Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (NSSAI) is a collection of S-NSSNI. The NSSAI used in 5G networks include Requested NSSAI, Allowed NSSAI, Configured NSSAI, Subscribed NSSAI, and Rejected NSSAI.

[0114] Requested NSSAI: This is the NSSAI that the UE expects to use, which the UE provides to the network during the registration process.

[0115] Allowed NSSAI: It is provided to the UE by the serving public land mobile network (PLMN) during the registration process, indicating the S-NSSAI value that the UE can use in the current registration area of ​​the serving PLMN, and is stored locally by the UE.

[0116] Configured NSSAI: The NSSAI configured by the network in the AMF network element for use by the UE, used to indicate the network slices supported by the AMF network element.

[0117] Subscribed NSSAI: NSSAI in the user subscription data of unified data management (UDM);

[0118] Rejected NSSAI: NSSAI configured by the network that does not allow the user to access;

[0119] The communication system used in the embodiments of the present application is described below.

[0120] The embodiment of the present application is applied to a wireless communication system including multiple network slices, combined with Figure 1 The communication system of the present application is described. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0121] For reference, please refer to Figure 1 The schematic diagram of the communication system 100 is shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, the wireless network communication system 100 is abstractly divided into a plurality of network slices logically. Figure 1Three network slices are shown, namely: Network Slice 1 to Network Slice 3. It should be understood that network slicing is obtained by a logical division, and there may be overlapping areas between multiple network slices, for example, Figure 1 There is regional overlap between the three network slices.

[0122] for Figure 1 Any network slice in the network constitutes an end-to-end logical network, and the logics of different network slices are isolated from each other. Each network slice can provide one or more network services to terminal devices, and the network services provided by different network slices do not interfere with or affect each other. Generally, the network characteristics and performance requirements of different network slices are different.

[0123] Currently, there are several types of network slicing: eMBB (Enhanced Mobile Broadband), URLLC (Ultra-Reliable and Low-Latency Communication) and MIoT (Massive Internet of Things). It should be understood that with the advancement of technology, this solution can also be applied to other types of network slicing that may emerge with the development of technology.

[0124] Combine the following Figure 2 Introduce the system of communication architecture in this application. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the communication system provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 Only one network slice 1 is shown.

[0125] like Figure 2As shown, the communication system includes: UE, (Radio) Access Network ((Radio) Access Network, (R) AN) equipment, Access and Mobility Management Function (Access and Mobility Management Function, AMF network element) network element, Session Management Function (Session Management Function, SMF) network element, User Plane Function (User Plane Function, UPF) network element, Authentication Server Function (Authentication Server Function, AUSF) network element, Policy Control Function (Policy Control Function, PCF) network element, Application Function (Application Function, AF) network element, unified data management function (unified data management, UDM) network element, Network Slice Selection Function (Network Slice Selection Function, NSSF) network element, data network (datanetwork, DN) network element connected to the operator network, and other functional units.

[0126] Among these network elements, NSSF network elements, DN network elements, UDM network elements, and AMF network elements are shared among multiple network slices. SMF network elements and user equipment generally belong to specific network slices. PCF network elements can be shared among multiple network slices, or they can also belong to specific network slices. (R)AN devices are generally shared among multiple network slices.

[0127] See also Figure 2 The functional units introduced above can communicate with each other through the next generation network (NG) interface, such as: UE can transmit control plane messages with AMF network element through NG interface 1 (referred to as N1), RAN equipment can establish user plane data transmission channel with UPF through NG interface 3 (referred to as N3), AN / RAN equipment can establish control plane signaling connection with AMF network element through NG interface 2 (referred to as N2), UPF can exchange information with SMF network element through NG interface 4 (referred to as N4), UPF can exchange user plane data with data network DN through NG interface 6 (referred to as N6), AMF network element can exchange information with SMF network element through NG interface 11 (referred to as N11), SMF network element can exchange information with PCF network element through NG interface 7 (referred to as N7), AMF network element can exchange information with AUSF through NG interface 12 (referred to as N12). It should be noted that Figure 2 This is only an exemplary architecture diagram. Figure 2In addition to the functional units shown in , the network architecture may also include other functional units.

[0128] Now Figure 2 Specific description is given for each network element in the following sections.

[0129] UE: It can also be called terminal equipment, mobile station and remote station, etc. It is a communication device with wireless transceiver function. The terminal equipment can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld, wearable or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on the water (such as ships, etc.); it can also be deployed in the air (such as airplanes, balloons and satellites, etc.). In the embodiment of the present application, the terminal equipment can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer (Pad), a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal equipment, an augmented reality (AR) terminal equipment, a wireless terminal equipment in industrial control, a wireless terminal equipment in self-driving, a wireless terminal equipment in remote medical, a wireless terminal equipment in smart grid, a wireless terminal equipment in transportation safety (tRAN equipment sportation safety), a wireless terminal equipment in smart city, a wireless terminal equipment in smart home, etc., not to be exhaustive. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technology, device form and name adopted by the terminal equipment.

[0130] (R)AN equipment: used for wireless access of terminal devices, providing access services for terminal devices to access wireless networks. Possible deployment forms of access network equipment include: separation scenarios of centralized units (CU) and distributed units (DU) and single-site scenarios.

[0131] Among them, in the separation scenario, CU supports protocols such as radio resource control (RRC), packet data convergence protocol (PDCP), and service data adaptation protocol (SDAP); DU mainly supports radio link control layer (RLC), media access control layer (MAC) and physical layer protocols.

[0132] In a single-site scenario, a single site may include one or more of a wireless base station (new radio Node, gNB), an evolved Node B (evolved Node B, eNB), a radio network controller (radio network controller, RNC), a Node B (NodeB, NB), a base station controller (base station controller, BSC), a base transceiver station (base tRAN equipment receiverstation, BTS), a home base station, and a base band unit (base band unit, BBU).

[0133] In actual communication scenarios, there can be one or more gNBs (usually multiple) in the entire service area of ​​a network slice. Each gNB has a certain coverage area, and within its coverage area, there can be one or more cells, each of which has a unique global cell identifier GCI (Global Cell Identifier).

[0134] AMF network element: Mainly used for the attachment, mobility management, and tracking area update processes of terminal devices in mobile networks. The access management network element terminates the non-access stratum (NAS) message, completes registration management, connection management, and reachability management, allocates tracking area lists (TA lists) and mobility management, and transparently routes session management (SM) messages to the session management network element.

[0135] SMF network element: mainly used for session management in mobile networks, such as session establishment, modification, and release. Specific functions include allocating Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to terminal devices and selecting user plane network elements that provide message forwarding functions.

[0136] UPF network element: also known as protocol data unit (PDU) and session anchor (PSA), is mainly responsible for processing user messages, such as forwarding, billing, and legal monitoring.

[0137] PCF network element: includes user subscription data management function, policy control function, charging policy control function, quality of service (QoS) control, etc.

[0138] It should be noted that in an actual communication network, PCF can also be divided into multiple entities according to hierarchy or function. For example, in a communication system, it can include: a global PCF and multiple PCFs within a slice, and each PCF within a slice is used to implement policy control functions within the network slice to which it belongs. For another example, according to functional division, PCF can also be composed of a session management PCF (Session Management PCF, SM-PCF) and an access management PCF (Access Management PCF, AM-PCF). In this case, PCF includes 2 entities.

[0139] NSSF network element: mainly used to select a suitable network slice for the service of the terminal device. In the 5G communication system, the network slice selection network element can be a network slice selection function (NSSF) network element.

[0140] DN network element: used to provide data transmission services for terminal devices. Specifically, DN can be a network element of a public data network (PDN), such as the Internet, or a network element of a local access data network (LADN), such as a network of mobile edge computing (MEC) nodes.

[0141] UDM network element: used to manage the contract information of terminal devices.

[0142] AUSF network element: responsible for the authentication of terminal devices, etc.

[0143] It should be noted that the functional units introduced above can work independently or be combined together to implement certain control functions, such as access control and mobility management functions such as access authentication, security encryption, location registration, etc. for terminal devices, as well as session management functions such as establishment, release and change of user plane transmission paths.

[0144] Based on the network architecture introduced above, when the UE needs to use a network slice, it needs to first request the network to use the slice. After the network agrees, a PDU session is established in the requested network slice to transmit data. The following is an introduction to the implementation method of the UE requesting a network slice during the registration process in this application. Figure 3 To explain, Figure 3 A signaling interaction diagram for a UE requesting a network slice provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0145] like Figure 3 As shown:

[0146] 1. UE sends a registration request to the AMF network element

[0147] The UE can send a registration request to the AMF network element, and the registration request may include the S-NSSAI that the UE needs to request.

[0148] During the use of UE, it will involve wireless transmission needs of various types of business data, and these business data have different performance requirements for the wireless network. Generally, different business data needs to be transmitted using different network slices.

[0149] Specifically, 3GPP defines that terminal devices and network devices use NSSAI to select network slices. Therefore, NSSAI can be used to identify a group of network slices. At this time, the network slice group can include one or more network slices, and a single network slice can be identified by S-NSSAI, where one S-NSSAI can be used to identify one network slice.

[0150] Therefore, the UE in this application can determine the S-NSSAI that needs to be requested according to the required services. When the UE sends a registration request to the AMF network element, the registration request can include Requested NSSAI, where the Requested NSSAI includes the S-NSSAI that the UE needs to request.

[0151] 2. The AMF network element sends the allowed NSSAI to the UE

[0152] The AMF network element can determine the network slice identifier that the terminal device can access at the current location based on the scope of UE contract and network slice deployment, that is, the network slice identifier that the network allows access to. The network slice identifier allowed by the network can be called: Allowed NSSAI. In other words, Allowed NSSAI is a set of one or more network slice identifiers that the terminal device can use simultaneously at the current location through a currently registered AN and AMF network element. Determine the allowed NSSAI (Allowed NSSAI).

[0153] And, the AMF network element includes the determined Allowed NSSAI in the Registration accept and sends it to the UE.

[0154] 3. The AMF network element sends the allowed NSSAI to the RAN device

[0155] Furthermore, in the present application, the AMF network element may also include the Allowed NSSAI in the N2 message and send it to the RAN device.

[0156] The above-mentioned AMF network element may send the allowed NSSAI to the UE and RAN device one after the other or simultaneously, and there is no restriction on this here.

[0157] After receiving the Allowed NSSAI, the UE can establish a PDUsession in the network slice in the Allowed NSSAI, and process the sending and receiving data after the PDU session is established.

[0158] Based on the above introduction, the technical background and technical concept of this application are described below:

[0159] In the communication system provided in the embodiment of the present application, on the one hand, a network slice can cover one or more tracking areas (TA) and provide services; on the other hand, a TA can support one or more network slices. The TA can be identified by a tracking area identifier (TAI) or a tracking area code (TAC).

[0160] During network deployment, each network slice corresponds to its own coverage range, and the coverage range of each network slice may be different. When the AMF network element determines the Allowed NSSAI, it needs to ensure that all network slices in the Allowed NSSAI can cover the registration area (Registration area) assigned to the UE by the AMF network element, where the registration area can also be understood as a TA list.

[0161] In one possible implementation, the AMF network element may obtain the S-NSSAI and the corresponding TA supported by the base station from the base station through an NG setup request or RAN device configuration update signaling.

[0162] In wireless networks, the characteristics of each frequency band vary greatly, and the performance requirements of each network slice are different. Therefore, different types of network slices are often deployed on different frequency points. For example, there are currently two network slices, corresponding to S-NSSAI 1 and S-NSSAI 2, where S-NSSAI 1 uses frequency range (Frequency RAN equipment, FR) 1, and S-NSSAI 2 uses FR 2.

[0163] At the same time, different UEs may have different radio capabilities. Therefore, the Allowed NSSAI determined and sent by the AMF network element to the UE may appear as follows:

[0164] 1. The UE does not support the frequency bands of some network slices in Allowed NSSAI.

[0165] Among them, if the Allowed NSSAI contains a network slice whose frequency band is not supported by the UE, the UE can successfully establish the PDU session in this part of the network slice, so the UE will think that data can be transmitted, but because the UE does not support the frequency band of the network slice, data cannot be transmitted.

[0166] or,

[0167] 2. The UE supports the frequency bands of the network slices in Allowed NSSAI, but the UE cannot transmit data on the frequency bands of multiple network slices at the same time.

[0168] Among them, there are network slices with multiple frequency bands in Allowed NSSAI, and the UE also supports the frequency bands of these network slices, but the UE cannot use multiple frequency bands at the same time. During the PDU session establishment process, the base station requires the UE to use a new frequency band. At this time, when the UE switches to another frequency band to transmit data, the previous service cannot be transmitted.

[0169] Therefore, based on the current configuration of network slicing, it may happen that terminal devices cannot communicate in some network slices that allow NSSAI, resulting in poor communication stability.

[0170] Based on the current problem of poor communication stability, the present application proposes the following technical concept: data transmission is performed according to the network slice only when it is determined that the network slice meets certain conditions, thereby ensuring the stability of communication based on the network slice.

[0171] The communication method provided by the present application is introduced below in conjunction with specific embodiments. Figure 4 A flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application, Figure 5 A possible schematic diagram that satisfies the first condition is provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 6 Another possible schematic diagram that satisfies the first condition is provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 7 Another possible schematic diagram that satisfies the first condition is provided for the embodiment of the present application.

[0172] like Figure 4 As shown, the method includes:

[0173] S401. The first device obtains a first frequency band corresponding to a first network slice, wherein the first network slice is a network slice allowed to be used by a user equipment UE.

[0174] In this embodiment, the first device is a device that processes the first network slice. In a possible implementation, the first device may be, for example, the RAN device introduced above, or the first device may be the user device introduced above. This embodiment does not impose any special restrictions on the specific implementation method of the first device, as long as the first device can perform corresponding processing on the first network slice.

[0175] The first network slice in this embodiment is a network slice allowed to be used by the UE, which may be, for example, the network slice corresponding to the Allowed NSSAI introduced above. In a possible implementation, the Allowed NSSAI may be determined by the AMF network element; or, if the AMF network element requests a network slice from the NSSF network element, the Allowed NSSAI may also be determined by the NSSF network element, wherein the first network slice may be any network slice in the Allowed NSSAI.

[0176] Among them, each network slice corresponds to its own frequency band, and the first network slice in this application corresponds to the first frequency band.

[0177] In one possible implementation, for example, the first device may be a RAN device, and the RAN device may determine the frequency of each network slice, so the RAN device may directly obtain the first frequency band corresponding to the first network slice.

[0178] In another possible implementation, for example, the first device may be a UE, wherein the UE may, for example, receive information sent by an AMF network element, thereby obtaining a first frequency band corresponding to a first network slice; or, the UE may also be pre-configured with frequency bands corresponding to each network slice, so that the UE may also obtain the first frequency band corresponding to the first network slice locally.

[0179] This embodiment does not impose any particular restriction on the implementation method of obtaining the first frequency band corresponding to the first network slice, which can be selected according to actual needs.

[0180] S402. The first device determines that the first frequency band meets the first condition, and then the first device determines that the UE is allowed to transmit data according to the first network slice.

[0181] In this embodiment, in order to avoid the problem of poor communication stability caused by the UE being unable to transmit data according to some network slices, the first device in this embodiment can pre-determine whether the UE can transmit data according to the first network slice, and when the result is determined to be possible, the data is transmitted according to the first network slice, thereby effectively ensuring the stability of communication.

[0182] In a possible implementation manner, the first device may determine whether the first frequency band satisfies the first condition, thereby determining whether data can be transmitted according to the first network slice, wherein the first condition is a condition for indicating whether the UE can perform data transmission according to the first network slice. A possible implementation manner of the first condition is described below:

[0183] It can be understood that when the frequency band of a network slice is not supported by the UE, the UE cannot transmit data according to the network slice. Therefore, in a possible implementation method, the first condition may, for example, include: the first frequency band is a frequency band supported by the UE.

[0184] At the same time, if the frequency band of a network slice is a frequency band supported by the UE, but the frequency band of the network slice is different from the frequency band of the network slice on which the UE currently establishes a session, and the UE does not support data transmission in multiple frequency bands, in this case, in order to avoid the problem that the previous service cannot be transmitted when the UE switches to another frequency band to transmit data, the UE still cannot transmit data according to the network slice. Therefore, in the first condition, the first frequency band can also be the same as the frequency band of the network slice on which the current session is established, or the UE supports data transmission on multiple frequency bands.

[0185] In a possible implementation of this embodiment, in order to determine whether the first frequency band is the same as the frequency band of the network slice in which a session has been established, the first device may also obtain a second frequency band corresponding to the second network slice, where the second network slice is the network slice in which the UE has established a session.

[0186] Among them, the second network slice is the network slice on which the UE has currently established a session, and the second network slice corresponds to a second frequency band. The implementation method of the first device obtaining the second frequency band is similar to the implementation method of the first device obtaining the first frequency band introduced above, and will not be repeated here.

[0187] Based on the above introduction, the first condition in this embodiment may include, for example:

[0188] The first frequency band is a frequency band supported by the UE.

[0189] Combine the following Figure 5 For an understanding of how the first frequency band satisfies the current first condition, see Figure 5When the first frequency band satisfies the first condition, it indicates that the first frequency band of the first network slice is a frequency band supported by the UE. In this case, see Figure 5 , it can be determined that the first frequency band meets the first condition, so the first device can determine that the UE is allowed to transmit data according to the first network slice.

[0190] exist Figure 5 In a possible implementation of the situation shown, the first condition also includes: the UE can support data transmission in multiple frequency bands. Regardless of whether the first frequency band and the second frequency band are the same, when the UE performs data transmission in the first frequency band according to the first network slice, it will not cause the service corresponding to the second network slice to be unable to be transmitted.

[0191] In another possible implementation, the first condition in this embodiment may also include:

[0192] The UE supports data transmission in only one frequency band at a time point, and the first frequency band and the second frequency band are the same.

[0193] Combine the following Figure 6 For an understanding of how the first frequency band satisfies the current first condition, see Figure 6 , when the first frequency band meets the first condition, it indicates that the first frequency band of the first network slice is a frequency band supported by the UE, and the UE does not support data transmission in multiple frequency bands, but the first frequency band and the second frequency band are the same. In this case, because the frequency bands of the first network slice and the second network slice are the same, when the UE transmits data according to the first network slice, it also transmits data on the same frequency band, so it will not cause the service corresponding to the second network slice to be unable to be transmitted. Therefore, when the first device determines that the current first condition is met, the first device can determine to allow the UE to transmit data according to the first network slice.

[0194] In this embodiment, the first priority of the first service corresponding to the first network slice can also be obtained, and the second priority of the second service corresponding to the second network slice can be obtained, wherein the second service corresponds to the session that the UE has established.

[0195] In another possible implementation, the first condition in this embodiment may further include:

[0196] The UE supports data transmission in only one frequency band at a time point, the first frequency band is different from the second frequency band, and the first priority is higher than the second priority.

[0197] Combine the following Figure 7 For an understanding of how the first frequency band satisfies the current first condition, see Figure 7, when the first frequency band meets the first condition, it indicates that the first frequency band of the first network slice is a frequency band supported by the UE, and the UE does not support data transmission in multiple frequency bands, and the first frequency band and the second frequency band are different, but the first priority of the first service corresponding to the first frequency band is higher than the second priority of the second service corresponding to the second frequency band. In this case, because the priority of the first service is higher than the priority of the second service, the first service is processed first, so when the first device determines that the current first condition is met, the first device can determine to allow the UE to transmit data according to the first network slice.

[0198] The above introduces several possible implementation methods of the first condition. In the actual implementation process, the implementation of the first condition can be expanded and adjusted according to actual needs.

[0199] Based on the first condition introduced in this embodiment, when it is determined that the first frequency band meets the first condition, the first device determines to allow the UE to transmit data according to the first network slice, thereby effectively ensuring that when the current UE performs data transmission according to the first network slice, the UE does not support the frequency band of the first network slice, and the UE switches to the frequency band of the first network slice for data transmission, resulting in the inability to transmit previous services, thereby effectively ensuring the stability of communication.

[0200] The communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application includes: a first device obtains a first frequency band corresponding to a first network slice, wherein the first network slice is a network slice that allows user equipment UE to use. The first device determines that the first frequency band satisfies the first condition, and then the first device determines to allow the UE to transmit data according to the first network slice. By allowing the UE to transmit data according to the first network slice only when the first frequency band of the first network slice satisfies the first condition, the problem of the UE not supporting the frequency band of the first network slice is effectively avoided, and the problem of the inability to transmit services due to the UE switching the frequency band is effectively avoided, thereby effectively ensuring the stability of communication.

[0201] Based on the above embodiments, the implementation method of determining whether the first frequency band and the second frequency band meet the first condition in the present application is introduced in combination with specific embodiments below. Figure 8 A flowchart of a communication method provided by another embodiment of the present application.

[0202] like Figure 8 As shown, the method includes:

[0203] S801. A first device obtains first information of a UE.

[0204] The first information of the UE may be, for example, capability information of the UE. In a possible implementation, the first information of the UE may include, for example, at least one of the following information:

[0205] Frequency bands supported by the UE;

[0206] First indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate whether the UE supports data transmission on multiple frequency bands;

[0207] The number of frequency bands supported by the UE for data transmission.

[0208] Among them, according to the first indication information and / or the number of frequency bands supported by the UE for data transmission, it can be determined whether the UE supports simultaneous data transmission on multiple frequency bands.

[0209] In this embodiment, the UE transmits data on multiple frequency bands, which can be the UE transmitting data on multiple frequency bands at the same time, or the UE transmitting data on multiple frequency bands at different times; and the frequency band format supported by the UE for data transmission can be the number supported by the UE at the same time, or the number supported by the UE at different times. This embodiment does not impose any special restrictions on the time implementation, which can be selected according to actual needs.

[0210] S802. The first device determines, according to the first information, that the first frequency band meets the first condition.

[0211] In this embodiment, the first information can indicate the frequency bands supported by the UE and whether the UE supports data transmission on multiple frequency bands. Therefore, the first device can determine whether the first frequency band meets the first condition based on the first information. The implementation method of the determination is similar to that described in the above embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0212] In an embodiment of the present application, by acquiring the first information of the UE, the frequency bands supported by the UE and whether the UE supports data transmission on multiple frequency bands can be quickly determined, so as to facilitate subsequent judgment on whether the first condition is met based on the first information, thereby effectively improving the accuracy of the judgment of the first condition.

[0213] Based on the above embodiments, the first device in the present application may be, for example, a RAN device, or the first device may also be, for example, a UE. The following is a combination of three specific embodiments to introduce the implementation methods of each device for processing the first network slice.

[0214] First combine Figure 9-11 A possible implementation manner in which the first device is a RAN device is introduced. Fig. 9 A signaling interaction diagram of a session establishment process provided in an embodiment of the present application, Fig.10A possible schematic diagram that does not satisfy the first condition provided in the embodiment of the present application, Fig.11 Another possible schematic diagram provided for an embodiment of the present application that does not satisfy the first condition.

[0215] like Fig. 9 As shown, the method includes:

[0216] 0. The UE performs the Registration process and obtains the Allowed NSSAI.

[0217] Among them, the implementation method of the UE executing the registration process is similar to the above introduction. After executing the registration process, the UE will receive the Allowed NSSAI sent by the AMF network element, and the Allowed NSSAI includes at least one S-NSSAI.

[0218] 1. The UE sends an uplink NAS transmission to the AMF network element.

[0219] In this embodiment, the UE can establish a PDU session according to the S-NSSAI request corresponding to the service. In a possible implementation method, the UE can send an uplink non-access layer transmission (upLink non accessatratum tRAN equipment sport, UL NAS TRAN equipment sport) to the AMF network element through the RAN device, where the uplink NAS transmission may include the S-NSSAI and PDU session establishment request (PDU session establishment request) corresponding to the UE's service.

[0220] 2. The AMF network element forwards the S-NSSAI and PDU session establishment request to the SMF.

[0221] Among them, the AMF network element can send a session establishment to the SMF, where the session establishment includes the S-NSSAI and PDU session establishment requests sent by the UE.

[0222] 3. SMF agrees to establish the PDU session and sends a session establishment response to the AMF network element.

[0223] Among them, the session establishment response sent by SMF may include S-NSSAI, N2 session management (session management, SM) message, and PDU session establishment accept (PDU session establishment accept).

[0224] Among them, the S-NSSAI in the session establishment response is the S-NSSAI corresponding to the service requested by the UE.

[0225] 4. The AMF network element sends an N2 mobility management (MM) message to the RAN device.

[0226] The N2 MM message may include S-NSSAI, N2 SM message, and PDU session establishment acceptance, thereby forwarding the received session establishment response to the RAN device.

[0227] 5. When the RAN device determines that the first frequency band corresponding to the S-NSSAI does not meet the first condition, the RAN device rejects the session establishment.

[0228] In this embodiment, the RAN device can receive the S-NSSAI sent by the AMF network element, where the S-NSSAI can indicate the first network slice introduced in the above embodiment.

[0229] The RAN device determines whether the first frequency band meets the first condition based on the first frequency band corresponding to the first network slice indicated by the S-NSSAI. In one possible implementation, if the first frequency band meets the first condition, the RAN device determines that the UE can perform data transmission according to the first network slice. In another possible implementation, if the first frequency band does not meet the first condition, the RAN device rejects the session establishment, thereby indicating that the UE is not allowed to perform data transmission according to the first network slice indicated by the S-NSSAI.

[0230] The implementation method of determining that the first frequency band satisfies the first condition is similar to the above description. The following describes the situation where the first frequency band does not satisfy the first condition:

[0231] In a possible implementation manner, the RAN device may determine whether the UE supports the first frequency band corresponding to the S-NSSAI according to the first information of the UE and the first frequency band corresponding to the S-NSSAI, see Fig.10 If the UE does not support the first frequency band corresponding to S-NSSAI, regardless of whether the current UE supports data transmission in multiple frequency bands, it can be determined that the current first frequency band does not meet the first condition, thereby rejecting the session establishment.

[0232] In another possible implementation, see Fig.11 If the UE supports the first frequency band corresponding to S-NSSAI, but the UE does not support data transmission in multiple frequency bands, and the first frequency band is different from the second frequency band of the network slice in which the UE has established a session, it is determined that the current first frequency band does not meet the first condition, and the session establishment is rejected. In the current case, it can also be understood that the UE gives priority to using the frequency band of the network slice in which the session has been established. Therefore, when the first frequency band corresponding to S-NSSAI is different from the second frequency band of the network slice in which the session has been established, the RAN device rejects the session establishment.

[0233] In one embodiment, in the implementation manner described above in which the first frequency band and the second frequency band are different, for example, the service priority corresponding to the first frequency band may be lower than the service priority corresponding to the second frequency band.

[0234] In a possible implementation method under the current situation, the RAN device can obtain the first information of the UE and the priority of the UE for different frequency bands from the UE during the RRC connection establishment process, so as to determine whether the first frequency band meets the first condition based on the first information of the UE and the priority of the UE for different frequency bands.

[0235] In this embodiment, when the RAN device determines that the first frequency band does not meet the first condition, the UE is denied from establishing a PDU session according to the first network slice corresponding to the S-NSSAI, thereby effectively ensuring the stability of communication.

[0236] 6. The RAN device sends an N2 MM message to the AMF network element.

[0237] When the RAN device determines to reject the session establishment, it can send a rejection message to the AMF network element, where the rejection information is used to indicate that the UE is rejected from establishing a session based on the first network slice.

[0238] For example, the RAN device can send an N2 MM message to the AMF network element, wherein the N2 MM message may, for example, be a PDU session setup reject (PDU session setup reject), including: S-NSSAI, N2 SM message, PDU session establishment acceptance, and the N2 SM message may, for example, include a rejection reason value, wherein the rejection reason value is used to indicate the reason for rejecting the UE from establishing a session based on the first network slice, wherein the rejection reason value may, for example, be UE radio incompatibility (UE radioincompatible).

[0239] 7. The AMF network element sends a session update to the SMF.

[0240] Among them, the AMF network element can forward the rejection related information sent by the RAN device to the SMF. For example, the AMF network element can send a session update to the SMF, where the session update can include S-NSSAI, N2 SM message, PDU session establishment request, and the N2SM message can include a rejection reason value.

[0241] 8. SMF sends a PDU session establishment rejection to the UE.

[0242] Among them, after receiving the session update forwarded by the AMF network element, the SMF can determine that the current RAN device refuses the UE to establish a session based on the first network slice. Therefore, the SMF can send a PDU session establishment reject (PDU session establishment reject) to the UE, where the PDU session establishment reject may include a rejection reason value UE radio incompatible.

[0243] Thereby, when the first condition is not met in the first frequency band, the UE cannot transmit data according to the first network slice.

[0244] The communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application is that, during the process of the UE establishing a PDU session according to the S-NSSAI request corresponding to the service, the RAN device determines whether the first frequency band corresponding to the first network slice indicated by the S-NSSAI requested by the UE meets the first condition. When the first frequency band does not meet the first condition, the RAN device refuses the UE to establish a session, thereby effectively avoiding the problem of poor communication stability caused by the UE transmitting data according to the network slice that does not meet the first condition.

[0245] Based on the above embodiments, Fig.12 Another possible implementation manner in which the first device in the present application is a RAN device is introduced. Fig.12 A signaling interaction diagram of a registration process provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0246] like Fig.12 As shown, the method includes:

[0247] 1. The UE sends a registration request to the AMF network element.

[0248] The registration request includes the requested NSSAI required by the UE.

[0249] 2. The AMF network element sends an N2 MM message to the RAN device.

[0250] Among them, the AMF network element can determine the Allowed NSSAI based on the UE subscription and the scope of network slice deployment, and send the Allowed NSSAI to the RAN device through the N2 MM message.

[0251] In a possible implementation, the AMF network element may place the Allowed NSSAI in the Registration accept and send it to the RAN device. If the AMF network element does not send the Registration accept, it means that the AMF network element first queries the RAN device and then determines the final Allowed NSSAI.

[0252] 3. If the RAN device determines that the allowed NSSAI includes S-NSSAI whose frequency band does not meet the first condition, then these S-NSSAI are deleted from the allowed NSSAI.

[0253] In this embodiment, the RAN device can receive the allowed NSSAI sent by the AMF network element, wherein the allowed NSSAI includes at least one network slice, each of which can be used as the first network slice in this application, and the RAN device determines whether the frequency bands of each network slice in the allowed NSSAI meet the first condition.

[0254] In a possible implementation manner, the RAN device deletes the S-NSSAI that does not meet the first condition from the allowed NSSAI, and after the deletion, an updated allowed NSSAI can be obtained.

[0255] Among them, the implementation method of determining whether the first frequency band meets the first condition is similar to the above introduction and will not be repeated here.

[0256] In one embodiment, if in step 2, the RAN device receives the Registration accept sent by the AMF network element, the current RAN device may also send the Registration accept back to the AMF network element.

[0257] 4. The AMF network element receives the N2 MM message sent by the RAN device.

[0258] In this embodiment, the N2 MM message may include an updated allowed NSSAI and may also include an indication reason value, wherein the frequency bands corresponding to the S-NSSAI included in the updated allowed NSSAI all meet the first condition, and the indication reason value can be used to indicate the reason for deleting part of the S-NSSAI, and the indication reason value may be, for example, UE radioincompatible.

[0259] The above introduction is that the RAN device deletes the S-NSSAI that does not meet the first condition. In another possible implementation, the RAN device can also send the S-NSSAI that does not meet the first condition to the AMF network element, which will delete it, thereby obtaining an updated allowed NSSAI.

[0260] Therefore, the AMF network element can determine the allowed NSSAI that ultimately complies with the UE radio capabilities based on the message sent by the RAN device.

[0261] 5. The AMF network element sends an N2 MM message to the RAN device.

[0262] Among them, the N2 MM message may include the allowed NSSAI finally determined by the AMF network element. For example, the AMF network element may put the finally determined allowed NSSAI in the Registration accept and send it to the RAN device together.

[0263] 6. The RAN device sends an RRC MM message to the UE.

[0264] Among them, the RAN device forwards the registration acceptance message to the UE through the RRC MM message, and the registration message includes the allowed NSSAI finally determined by the AMF network element. In this embodiment, the first frequency bands of each S-NSSAI included in the allowed NSSAI finally determined by the AMF network element meet the preset conditions, thereby ensuring that the UE can perform data transmission according to the S-NSSAI in the finally determined allowed NSSAI, effectively ensuring the stability of communication.

[0265] The communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application, during the process of UE requesting registration, for each S-NSSAI in the allowed NSSAI determined by the AMF network element, determines whether the frequency band corresponding to each S-NSSAI meets the first condition, and for the S-NSSAI that does not meet the first condition, deletes it from the allowed NSSAI, and sends the updated allowed NSSAI to the UE in the registration reception, so that the frequency band corresponding to each S-NSSAI in the allowed NSSAI finally sent to the UE meets the first condition, thereby effectively avoiding the problem of poor communication stability caused by the UE performing data transmission according to the network slice that does not meet the first condition.

[0266] Based on the above embodiments, Fig.13 An implementation method in which the first device is a UE is introduced. Fig.13 A signaling interaction diagram of another registration process provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0267] like Fig.13 As shown, the method includes:

[0268] 1. The RAN device sends the S-NSSAI supported by the RAN device and the frequency band corresponding to the S-NSSAI to the AMF network element, and the AMF network element replies with an acknowledgement character (ack), or,

[0269] The RAN device pre-configures the S-NSSAI supported by the RAN device and the frequency band corresponding to the S-NSSAI on the AMF network element in a non-signaling manner.

[0270] In one possible implementation, the AMF network element may obtain the S-NSSAI supported by the RAN device and the frequency band corresponding to the S-NSSAI from the RAN device through an NG setup request or RAN device configuration update signaling.

[0271] 2. The UE sends a registration request to the AMF network element.

[0272] The registration request includes the requested NSSAI required by the UE.

[0273] 3. The AMF network element sends a registration acceptance to the UE.

[0274] The registration acceptance includes the allowed NSSAI, and the frequency band corresponding to each S-NSSAI in the allowed NSSAI is sent to the UE.

[0275] Therefore, in this embodiment, the implementation method for the first device to obtain the first frequency band corresponding to the first network slice can be that the first frequency band corresponding to the first network slice can be sent by the AMF network element.

[0276] 4. When the UE needs to use the first network slice corresponding to a certain S-NSSAI, the UE determines whether the first network slice meets the first requirement, and thus determines whether to use the current first network slice for data transmission.

[0277] Among them, the implementation method of the UE determining whether the frequency band of the first network slice meets the first condition is similar to that described in the above embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0278] In a possible implementation of this embodiment, if the UE determines that the current first frequency band and the second frequency band are not the same, and the UE only supports data transmission on one frequency band at a point in time, the UE can further obtain the first priority of the first service corresponding to the first network slice, and obtain the second priority of the second service corresponding to the second network slice.

[0279] It can be understood that the first service is a new service and the second service is an existing service. If the first priority is higher than the second priority, it means that the priority of the new service is greater than the priority of the existing service. At this time, the UE enters an idle state, selects a cell that supports the first frequency band, and establishes a session through the cell that supports the first frequency band.

[0280] Based on the above content introduced in this embodiment, the above steps 1-3 may not be performed. In another possible implementation method, the S-NSSAI supported by the RAN device and the frequency band corresponding to the S-NSSAI may also be pre-configured in the UE, for example, they may be configured in the SIM card, or they may also be saved in the UE memory, etc. Under the current implementation method, the UE may directly obtain the first frequency band of the first network slice locally, so as to determine whether the first frequency band of the first network slice meets the first condition.

[0281] The communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application sends the S-NSSAI supported by the RAN device and the frequency band corresponding to the S-NSSAI to the UE, or pre-configures the S-NSSAI supported by the RAN device and the frequency band corresponding to the S-NSSAI in the UE, so that before the UE uses the first network slice, it can first determine whether the first frequency band of the first network slice meets the first condition, thereby effectively avoiding the problem of poor communication stability caused by the UE performing data transmission according to the network slice that does not meet the first condition.

[0282] Fig.14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application. Fig.14 The synchronization device 140 may include an acquisition module 1401, a processing module 1402 and a transceiver module 1403, wherein:

[0283] An acquisition module 1401 is configured for a first device to acquire a first frequency band corresponding to a first network slice, wherein the first network slice is a network slice allowed to be used by a user equipment UE;

[0284] Processing module 1402 is used for the first device to determine that the first frequency band meets the first condition, and then the first device determines to allow the UE to transmit data according to the first network slice.

[0285] The first condition includes:

[0286] The first frequency band is a frequency band supported by the UE.

[0287] In a possible implementation manner, the first condition further includes:

[0288] The UE supports data transmission in at least two frequency bands.

[0289] In a possible implementation, the acquisition module 1401 is further configured to:

[0290] The first device obtains a second frequency band corresponding to a second network slice, wherein the second network slice is a network slice for which the UE has established a session.

[0291] In a possible implementation manner, the first condition further includes:

[0292] The UE only supports data transmission in one frequency band at a time point, and the first frequency band is the same as the second frequency band.

[0293] In a possible implementation, the acquisition module 1401 is further configured to:

[0294] Obtain a first priority of a first service corresponding to the first network slice and a second priority of a second service corresponding to the second network slice, wherein the second service corresponds to a session that the UE has established.

[0295] In a possible implementation manner, the first condition further includes:

[0296] The UE only supports data transmission in one frequency band at a time point, the first frequency band and the second frequency band are different, and the first priority is higher than the second priority.

[0297] In a possible implementation, the processing module 1402 is specifically configured to:

[0298] The first device acquires first information of the UE;

[0299] The first device determines, according to the first information, that the first frequency band meets a first condition.

[0300] In a possible implementation manner, the first information includes at least one of the following information:

[0301] A frequency band supported by the UE;

[0302] first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate whether the UE supports data transmission on multiple frequency bands;

[0303] The number of frequency bands supported by the UE for data transmission.

[0304] In a possible implementation manner, the first device is a radio access network RAN ​​device;

[0305] Also includes: a transceiver module 1403;

[0306] The transceiver module 1403 is used for the RAN device to receive single network slice selection auxiliary information S-NSSAI sent by the AMF network element, wherein the first network slice is the network element indicated by the S-NSSAI.

[0307] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 1403 is further configured to:

[0308] When it is determined that the first frequency band does not meet the first condition, the RAN device sends a rejection message to the AMF network element, wherein the rejection information is used to indicate that the UE is rejected from establishing a session based on the first network slice, and the rejection information includes a rejection reason value.

[0309] In a possible implementation manner, the first device is a RAN device;

[0310] The transceiver module 1403 is also used for:

[0311] The RAN device receives the allowed network slice selection auxiliary information NSSAI sent by the AMF network element, wherein the allowed NSSAI includes the S-NSSAI of at least one network slice.

[0312] In a possible implementation, the processing module 1402 is further configured to:

[0313] When it is determined that the first frequency band does not meet the first condition, the RAN device deletes the S-NSSAI of the first network slice from the allowed NSSAI.

[0314] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 1403 is further configured to:

[0315] When it is determined that the first frequency band does not meet the first condition, the RAN device sends the S-NSSAI of the first network slice to the AMF network element, so that the AMF network element deletes the S-NSSAI of the first network slice from the allowed NSSAI.

[0316] In a possible implementation manner, the first device is a UE;

[0317] The transceiver module 1403 is also used for:

[0318] The UE receives the allowed NSSAI sent by the AMF network element, wherein the allowed NSSAI includes the S-NSSAI of at least one network slice.

[0319] In a possible implementation, if the first priority is higher than the second priority, the processing module 1402 is further configured to:

[0320] The UE enters an idle state, selects a cell supporting the first frequency band, and establishes a session through the cell supporting the first frequency band.

[0321] In a possible implementation manner, the first frequency band corresponding to the first network slice is sent by the AMF network element; or

[0322] The first frequency band corresponding to the first network slice is pre-configured in the UE.

[0323] The communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application can execute the technical solution shown in the above method embodiment, and its implementation principle and beneficial effects are similar, which will not be repeated here.

[0324] Fig.15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the terminal device provided in the embodiment of the present application. Fig.15 The terminal device 20 may include: a transceiver 21, a memory 22, and a processor 23. The transceiver 21 may include: a transmitter and / or a receiver. The transmitter may also be referred to as a transmitter, a transmitter, a transmission port, a transmission interface, or similar descriptions, and the receiver may also be referred to as a receiver, a receiver, a reception port, a reception interface, or similar descriptions. Exemplarily, the transceiver 21, the memory 22, and the processor 23 are interconnected via a bus 24.

[0325] The memory 22 is used to store program instructions;

[0326] The processor 23 is used to execute the program instructions stored in the memory, so as to enable the terminal device 20 to execute any of the communication methods shown above.

[0327] The receiver of the transceiver 21 can be used to perform the receiving function of the terminal device in the above communication method.

[0328] An embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which computer-executable instructions are stored. When the computer-executable instructions are executed by a processor, they are used to implement the above-mentioned communication method.

[0329] The embodiment of the present application may also provide a computer program product, which can be executed by a processor. When the computer program product is executed, the communication method executed by any of the terminal devices shown above can be implemented.

[0330] The communication device, computer-readable storage medium and computer program product of the embodiments of the present application can execute the communication method executed by the above-mentioned terminal device. The specific implementation process and beneficial effects thereof are as mentioned above and will not be repeated here.

[0331] In the several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only schematic. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be an indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0332] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed on multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

[0333] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit. The above-mentioned integrated unit may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional units.

[0334] Those skilled in the art can understand that all or part of the steps of implementing the above-mentioned method embodiments can be completed by hardware related to program instructions. The aforementioned computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. When the computer program is executed by the processor, the steps of the above-mentioned method embodiments are implemented; and the aforementioned storage medium includes: ROM, RAM, magnetic disk or optical disk and other media that can store program codes.

[0335] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit it. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: include: The first device obtains a first frequency band corresponding to a first network slice, wherein the first network slice is a network slice allowed to be used by a user equipment UE, and the first frequency band is a frequency band supported by the UE; If the first device determines that the first frequency band satisfies a first condition, the first device determines to allow the UE to transmit data according to the first network slice; The first device determines that the first frequency band meets a first condition, including: The first device acquires first information of the UE, where the first information includes first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the UE supports data transmission on at least two frequency bands simultaneously, where the at least two frequency bands include the first frequency band; The first device determines, according to the first information, that the first frequency band meets a first condition.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first information also includes at least one of the following information: A frequency band supported by the UE; The number of frequency bands supported by the UE for data transmission.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first device is a radio access network RAN ​​device; The method further comprises: The RAN device receives single network slice selection auxiliary information S-NSSAI sent by the AMF network element, wherein the first network slice is the network element indicated by the S-NSSAI.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The method further comprises: When it is determined that the first frequency band does not meet the first condition, the RAN device sends a rejection message to the AMF network element, wherein the rejection information is used to indicate that the UE is rejected from establishing a session based on the first network slice, and the rejection information includes a rejection reason value.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first device is a RAN device; The method further comprises: The RAN device receives the allowed network slice selection auxiliary information NSSAI sent by the AMF network element, wherein the allowed NSSAI includes the S-NSSAI of at least one network slice.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The method further comprises: When it is determined that the first frequency band does not meet the first condition, the RAN device deletes the S-NSSAI of the first network slice from the allowed NSSAI.

7. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The method further comprises: When it is determined that the first frequency band does not meet the first condition, the RAN device sends the S-NSSAI of the first network slice to the AMF network element, so that the AMF network element deletes the S-NSSAI of the first network slice from the allowed NSSAI.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first device is a UE; The method further comprises: The UE receives the allowed NSSAI sent by the AMF network element, wherein the allowed NSSAI includes the S-NSSAI of at least one network slice.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The first frequency band corresponding to the first network slice is sent by the AMF network element; or The first frequency band corresponding to the first network slice is pre-configured in the UE.

10. A communication device, characterized in that: include: An acquisition module, configured for a first device to acquire a first frequency band corresponding to a first network slice, wherein the first network slice is a network slice allowed to be used by a user equipment UE, and the first frequency band is a frequency band supported by the UE; A processing module, configured to: if the first device determines that the first frequency band satisfies a first condition, then the first device determines to allow the UE to transmit data according to the first network slice; The first device determines that the first frequency band meets a first condition, including: The first device acquires first information of the UE, where the first information includes first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the UE supports data transmission on at least two frequency bands simultaneously, where the at least two frequency bands include the first frequency band; The first device determines, according to the first information, that the first frequency band meets a first condition.

11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that The first information also includes at least one of the following information: A frequency band supported by the UE; The number of frequency bands supported by the UE for data transmission.

12. The device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that The first device is a radio access network RAN ​​device; The device also includes: a transceiver module; The transceiver module is used for the RAN device to receive single network slice selection auxiliary information S-NSSAI sent by the AMF network element, wherein the first network slice is the network element indicated by the S-NSSAI.

13. The device according to claim 12, characterized in that The transceiver module is also used for: When it is determined that the first frequency band does not meet the first condition, the RAN device sends a rejection message to the AMF network element, wherein the rejection information is used to indicate that the UE is rejected from establishing a session based on the first network slice, and the rejection information includes a rejection reason value.

14. The device according to claim 12, characterized in that The first device is a RAN device; The transceiver module is also used for: The RAN device receives the allowed network slice selection auxiliary information NSSAI sent by the AMF network element, wherein the allowed NSSAI includes the S-NSSAI of at least one network slice.

15. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that The processing module is also used for: When it is determined that the first frequency band does not meet the first condition, the RAN device deletes the S-NSSAI of the first network slice from the allowed NSSAI.

16. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that The transceiver module is also used for: When it is determined that the first frequency band does not meet the first condition, the RAN device sends the S-NSSAI of the first network slice to the AMF network element, so that the AMF network element deletes the S-NSSAI of the first network slice from the allowed NSSAI.

17. The device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that The first device is a UE; The device also includes: a transceiver module; The transceiver module is used for: The UE receives the allowed NSSAI sent by the AMF network element, wherein the allowed NSSAI includes the S-NSSAI of at least one network slice.

18. The device according to claim 17, characterized in that The first frequency band corresponding to the first network slice is sent by the AMF network element; or The first frequency band corresponding to the first network slice is pre-configured in the UE.

19. A communication device, characterized in that: include: Transceivers, processors, memory; The memory stores computer-executable instructions; The processor executes the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory, so that the processor performs the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

20. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions, which are used to implement the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 when the computer-executable instructions are executed by a processor.

Images