Method for creating service area restriction information and apparatus therefor

Abstract

The method and device for creating service area restriction information can be applied to 4G and 5G network systems, and the method comprises the following steps: a core network element creates service area restriction information of a terminal device according to a broadcast tracking area identifier (TAI) corresponding to a public land mobile network (PLMN) selected by the terminal device. Through implementation of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the problem of service area restriction conflict caused by existing rules and the problem of invalid restriction can be solved, so that the mobility control capability in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication scenario can be enhanced, and the application scenario of NTN communication is further expanded.

Description

A method and apparatus for creating service area restriction information Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method and apparatus for creating service area restriction information. Background Technology

[0002] Mobile communication networks use service area restriction mechanisms to limit terminal devices' communication activities within designated areas. For example, when a terminal device is located within the area indicated by service area restriction information, it can access the network, but is restricted from conducting services or initiating signaling through the network.

[0003] In related technologies, when the satellite cell is a shared network cell (e.g., PLMN-A and PLMN-B share the same satellite cell), the gNB (base station) reports multiple broadcast TAIs (Tracking Area Identifiers) to the AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function). The AMF will then assign registration area and service area restriction information to the terminal device based on the multiple broadcast TAIs and the user's subscription information.

[0004] However, the AMF uses multiple broadcast TAIs reported by the gNB to construct service area restriction information, which may lead to service area restriction conflicts and consequently, restriction failure. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure provides a method and apparatus for creating service area restriction information, which can be applied to 4G and 5G networks. It is suitable for scenarios where terminal devices use satellite access and radio access network devices (such as base stations gNB) report multiple broadcast tracking area identifiers (TAIs). By creating service area restriction information for the terminal device based on the broadcast TAI corresponding to the public terrestrial mobile network (PLMN) selected by the terminal device, the problem of service area restriction conflict and restriction failure caused by existing rules can be solved. This can enhance mobility control capabilities in non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication scenarios and further expand the application scenarios of NTN communication.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a method for creating service area restriction information, the method being executed by a core network element, the method comprising:

[0007] Based on the Broadcast Tracking Area Identifier (TAI) corresponding to the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) selected by the terminal device, service area restriction information for the terminal device is created.

[0008] In this technical solution, by creating service area restriction information for the terminal device based on the broadcast TAI corresponding to the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) selected by the terminal device, the problem of service area restriction conflict and subsequent restriction failure caused by existing rules can be solved. This enhances mobility control capabilities in non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication scenarios and further expands the application scenarios of NTN communication.

[0009] In one implementation, the method further includes: receiving a broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device, sent by the radio access network RAN.

[0010] In another implementation, the method further includes: determining the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device.

[0011] In one possible implementation, determining the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device includes:

[0012] Receive a first broadcast TAI sent by the RAN, wherein the first broadcast TAI includes all TAIs broadcast by the RAN to the terminal device, and the first broadcast TAI corresponds to at least one PLMN;

[0013] Determine the PLMN selected by the terminal device;

[0014] Based on the PLMN selected by the terminal device and the first broadcast TAI, determine the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device.

[0015] In one possible implementation, determining the PLMN selected by the terminal device includes:

[0016] The terminal device receives a network registration request or registration update request sent by the RAN; wherein the network registration request or registration update request carries the identification information of the PLMN selected by the terminal device.

[0017] The PLMN selected by the terminal device is determined based on the network registration request or registration update request.

[0018] In one possible implementation, determining the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device based on the PLMN selected by the terminal device and the first broadcast TAI includes:

[0019] Based on the first broadcast TAI, determine the PLMN corresponding to each TAI in the first broadcast TAI;

[0020] Based on the PLMN corresponding to each TAI in the first broadcast TAI, the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device is determined from the first broadcast TAI.

[0021] In one possible implementation, creating the service area restriction information for the terminal device based on the Broadcast Tracking Area Identifier (TAI) corresponding to the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) selected by the terminal device includes:

[0022] Obtain the user subscription information of the terminal device, wherein the user subscription information includes the TAI included in the service area restriction;

[0023] Based on the user's subscription information and the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device, service area restriction information for the terminal device is created.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the service area restriction information includes permitted area information or prohibited area information.

[0025] In one implementation, the method further includes:

[0026] Save the service area restriction information;

[0027] And / or, send the service area restriction information to the terminal device.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the core network element includes any of the following:

[0029] Access and Mobility Management Functions (AMF);

[0030] Mobility Management Entity (MME).

[0031] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide another method for creating service area restriction information, the method being performed by a radio access network (RAN), the method comprising:

[0032] The core network element sends a broadcast tracking area identifier (TAI) corresponding to the public land mobile network (PLMN) selected by the terminal device. The broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device is used by the core network element to construct service area restriction information for the terminal device.

[0033] In this technical solution, the RAN sends a broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device to the core network element. The core network element then creates service area restriction information for the terminal device based on the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device. This can solve the problem of service area restriction conflicts and subsequent restriction failures caused by existing rules, thereby enhancing mobility control capabilities in non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication scenarios and further expanding the application scenarios of NTN communication.

[0034] In one implementation, the method further includes: determining the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device.

[0035] In one possible implementation, determining the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device includes:

[0036] In response to receiving a network registration request or registration update request sent by the terminal device, the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device is determined according to the first broadcast TAI and the PLMN selected by the terminal device; wherein, the first broadcast TAI includes all TAIs broadcast by the RAN to the terminal device, and the first broadcast TAI corresponds to at least one PLMN.

[0037] In one possible implementation, determining the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device based on the first broadcast TAI and the PLMN selected by the terminal device includes:

[0038] Determine the PLMN selected by the terminal device;

[0039] From the first broadcast TAI, determine the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the service area restriction information includes permitted area information or prohibited area information.

[0041] Thirdly, this disclosure provides yet another method for creating service area restriction information, the method being performed by a radio access network (RAN), the method comprising:

[0042] Send a first broadcast tracking area identifier (TAI) to the core network element; wherein, the first broadcast TAI includes all TAIs broadcast by the RAN to the terminal device, and the first broadcast TAI corresponds to at least one public land mobile network (PLMN);

[0043] Furthermore, the first broadcast TAI is used by the core network element to determine the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device, and the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device is used by the core network element to construct service area restriction information for the terminal device.

[0044] In this technical solution, the RAN sends a first broadcast TAI to the core network element. The core network element then determines the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device from the first broadcast TAI. Based on the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device, service area restriction information is created for the terminal device. This can solve the problem of service area restriction conflict caused by existing rules, which leads to restriction failure. This enhances the mobility control capability in non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication scenarios and further expands the application scenarios of NTN communication.

[0045] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device that implements some or all of the functions of the core network element described in the first aspect above. For example, the communication device may have the functions of some or all of the embodiments in this disclosure, or it may have the functions of any one embodiment in this disclosure implemented individually. The functions may be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0046] In one implementation, the communication device may include a transceiver module and a processing module, the processing module being configured to support the communication device in performing the corresponding functions described in the above method. The transceiver module supports communication between the communication device and other devices. The communication device may also include a storage module, coupled to the transceiver module and the processing module, which stores necessary computer programs and data for the communication device.

[0047] As an example, the processing module can be a processor, the transceiver module can be a transceiver or a communication interface, and the storage module can be a memory.

[0048] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide another communication device that has some or all of the functions of the RAN described in the example of the method described in the second aspect above. For example, the communication device may have the functions of some or all of the embodiments in this disclosure, or it may have the functions of any one embodiment in this disclosure implemented individually. The functions may be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0049] In one implementation, the communication device may include a transceiver module and a processing module, the processing module being configured to support the communication device in performing the corresponding functions described in the above method. The transceiver module is used to support communication between the communication device and other devices. The communication device may also include a storage module, which is coupled to the transceiver module and the processing module, and stores the necessary computer programs and data of the communication device.

[0050] Sixthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide another communication device that has some or all of the functions of the RAN described in the example of the method described in the third aspect above. For example, the communication device may have the functions of some or all of the embodiments in this disclosure, or it may have the functions of any one embodiment in this disclosure implemented individually. The functions may be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more units or modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0051] In one implementation, the communication device may include a transceiver module and a processing module, the processing module being configured to support the communication device in performing the corresponding functions described in the above method. The transceiver module is used to support communication between the communication device and other devices. The communication device may also include a storage module, which is coupled to the transceiver module and the processing module, and stores the necessary computer programs and data of the communication device.

[0052] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device including a processor that, when the processor invokes a computer program in memory, executes the method described in the first aspect.

[0053] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device including a processor that, when the processor invokes a computer program in memory, executes the method described in the second aspect above.

[0054] Ninthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device including a processor that, when the processor invokes a computer program in memory, executes the method described in the third aspect above.

[0055] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program; the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory to cause the communication device to perform the method described in the first aspect above.

[0056] Eleventhly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program; the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory to cause the communication device to perform the method described in the second aspect above.

[0057] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device including a processor and a memory storing a computer program; the processor executes the computer program stored in the memory to cause the communication device to perform the method described in the third aspect above.

[0058] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device including a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is configured to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor, which is configured to execute the code instructions to cause the device to perform the method described in the first aspect above.

[0059] In a fourteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device including a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is configured to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor, which is configured to execute the code instructions to cause the device to perform the method described in the second aspect above.

[0060] In a fifteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device including a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is configured to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor, which is configured to execute the code instructions to cause the device to perform the method described in the third aspect above.

[0061] In a sixteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a system for creating service area restriction information, the system comprising the communication device described in the fourth aspect and the communication device described in the fifth aspect, or the system comprising the communication device described in the fourth aspect and the communication device described in the sixth aspect, or the system comprising the communication device described in the seventh aspect and the communication device described in the eighth aspect, or the system comprising the communication device described in the seventh aspect and the communication device described in the ninth aspect, or the system comprising the communication device described in the tenth aspect and the communication device described in the eleventh aspect, or the system comprising the communication device described in the tenth aspect and the communication device described in the twelfth aspect, or the system comprising the communication device described in the thirteenth aspect and the communication device described in the fourteenth aspect, or the xit comprising the communication device described in the thirteenth aspect and the communication device described in the fifteenth aspect.

[0062] In a seventeenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions for use by the aforementioned core network element, which, when executed, cause the core network element to perform the method described in the first aspect.

[0063] In an eighteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a readable storage medium for storing instructions for use by the RAN described above, which, when executed, cause the RAN to perform the method described in the second aspect above.

[0064] In a nineteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a readable storage medium for storing instructions for use by the RAN described above, which, when executed, cause the RAN to perform the method described in the third aspect above.

[0065] In a twentieth aspect, this disclosure also provides a computer program product including a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method described in the first aspect above.

[0066] In a twentieth aspect, this disclosure also provides a computer program product including a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method described in the second aspect above.

[0067] In a twentieth aspect, this disclosure also provides a computer program product including a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method described in the third aspect above.

[0068] In a twentieth aspect, this disclosure provides a chip system including at least one processor and an interface for supporting core network elements in implementing the functions involved in the first aspect, such as determining or processing at least one of the data and information involved in the above methods. In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory for storing computer programs and data necessary for the core network elements. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0069] In a twentieth aspect, this disclosure provides a chip system including at least one processor and an interface for supporting the RAN in implementing the functions involved in the second aspect, such as determining or processing at least one of the data and information involved in the above methods. In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory for storing computer programs and data necessary for the RAN. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0070] In a twentieth aspect, this disclosure provides a chip system including at least one processor and an interface for supporting the RAN in implementing the functions involved in the third aspect, such as determining or processing at least one of the data and information involved in the above methods. In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory for storing computer programs and data necessary for the RAN. The chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0071] In a twentieth aspect, this disclosure provides a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method described in the first aspect above.

[0072] In a twentieth aspect, this disclosure provides a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method described in the second aspect above.

[0073] In a twentieth aspect, this disclosure provides a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the method described in the third aspect above. Attached Figure Description

[0074] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or background art of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments or background art of this disclosure will be described below.

[0075] Figure 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for creating service area restriction information according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0076] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating another method for creating service area restriction information provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0077] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating another method for creating service area restriction information provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0078] Figure 4 is a flowchart of another method for creating service area restriction information provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0079] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a method for creating service area restriction information according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0080] Figure 6 is a flowchart of another method for creating service area restriction information provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0081] Figure 7 is a flowchart of another method for creating service area restriction information provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0082] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0083] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0084] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0085] The embodiments of this disclosure are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this disclosure, and should not be construed as limiting this disclosure. In the description of this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, " / " means "or," for example, A / B can mean A or B; "and / or" in this document is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist, for example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone.

[0086] The terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. The singular forms “a” and “the” as used in this disclosure and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0087] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used to describe various information in embodiments of this disclosure, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from one another. For example, first information may also be referred to as second information without departing from the scope of embodiments of this disclosure, and similarly, second information may also be referred to as first information. Depending on the context, the words “if” and “suppose” as used herein may be interpreted as “when”, “when”, or “in response to a determination”.

[0088] Embodiments of this disclosure are described in detail below, with examples of embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this disclosure, and should not be construed as limiting this disclosure.

[0089] Mobile communication networks use service area restriction mechanisms to limit terminal devices' communication activities within designated areas. For example, when a terminal device is located within the area indicated by service area restriction information, it can access the network, but is restricted from conducting services or initiating signaling through the network.

[0090] In related technologies, when the satellite cell is a shared network cell (e.g., PLMN-A and PLMN-B share the same satellite cell), the gNB (next generation NodeB in the NR system) reports multiple broadcast TAIs (Tracking Area Identity) to the AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function). The AMF will then assign registration area and service area restriction information to the terminal device based on the multiple broadcast TAIs and the user's subscription information.

[0091] However, the AMF's use of multiple broadcast TAIs reported by the gNB to construct service area restriction information may lead to service area restriction conflicts, resulting in restriction failure. For example, all broadcast TAIs corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device may be included in the service area restriction (such as non-allowed area) information, while at least one broadcast TAI belonging to another eRPLMN (equivalent to a registered PLMN) may not be included in the non-allowed area, leading to similar service area restriction conflicts and restriction failure.

[0092] To address the aforementioned problems, this disclosure provides a method and apparatus for creating service area restriction information. This disclosure resolves the issue of service area restriction conflicts and subsequent restriction failures caused by existing rules, thereby enhancing mobility control capabilities in non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication scenarios and further expanding the application scenarios of NTN communication.

[0093] First, it should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are for scenarios where the terminal device uses satellite access and the wireless access network device (such as a base station gNB) reports multiple broadcast tracking area identifiers (TAIs), and can be applied to 4G and 5G networks.

[0094] It should also be noted that the terminal device in this disclosure is a user-side entity used to receive or transmit signals, such as a mobile phone. The terminal device can also be called a terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), etc. The terminal device can be a car with communication capabilities, a smart car, a mobile phone, a wearable device, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, a wireless terminal device in a smart home, etc. The embodiments of this disclosure do not limit the specific technology or device form used in the terminal device.

[0095] The method and apparatus for creating service area restriction information provided in this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0096] Please refer to Figure 1, which is a flowchart illustrating a method for creating service area restriction information according to an embodiment of this disclosure. It should be noted that the creation method of this embodiment can be executed by a core network element. As shown in Figure 1, the method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0097] In step 101, service area restriction information for the terminal device is created based on the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device.

[0098] It should be noted that the PLMN should provide location registration functionality, primarily to provide continuous service to terminal devices throughout the entire system area. Terminal devices support both manual and automatic network selection modes. Each time a connection is established, the terminal device selects the last used mode as the default mode. (This advantage is particularly beneficial in boundary areas.) Users should have the opportunity to change the network selection mode at any time. In a shared network, the radio access network can be part of multiple PLMNs. This is transparent to users; that is, the terminal device can indicate these PLMNs to the user, and the terminal device should support network selection within these PLMNs, as in a non-shared network. The terminal device selects and attempts to register on the PLMN. In one possible implementation, the PLMN selected by the terminal device can be sent to the RAN along with a network registration request or registration update request. The RAN then forwards this request to the core network element, allowing the core network element to become aware of the PLMN selected by the terminal device.

[0099] It should also be noted that TAI stands for Tracking Area Identifier, which is composed of a PLMN and a TAC (Tracking Area Code). When a terminal device uses satellite access, the RAN broadcasts the TAI to the terminal device. This TAI information includes the TAI of the relevant PLMN served by the RAN. The terminal device then selects and attempts to register on that PLMN. The PLMN currently selected by the terminal device corresponds to a specific TAI.

[0100] In one implementation, the core network element can create service area restriction information for the terminal device based on the broadcast TAI of the PLMN selected by the terminal device.

[0101] In one possible implementation example, during the process of the terminal device interacting with the core network element, such as performing access registration or registration update, the core network element can establish or update service area restriction information for the terminal device based on the user's subscription information and the broadcast TAI of the PLMN selected by the terminal device, and then send it to the terminal device.

[0102] It should be noted that the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device in this embodiment of the disclosure can be determined by the RAN (Radio Access Network) and reported to the core network element, or it can be determined by the core network element based on all TAIs broadcast by the RAN to the terminal device.

[0103] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the core network element may include, but is not limited to, AMF or MME (Mobility Management Entity).

[0104] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the service area restriction information may include allowed-area information or non-allowed area information, but may not include both at the same time.

[0105] In the embodiments of this disclosure, both permitted and prohibited areas are lists of Tracking Areas (TAs), which can be specified using Tracking Area Identifiers (TAIs). For example, service area restriction (permitted or prohibited area) information can contain one or more (e.g., up to 16) TAIs, or it can be set to unlimited (e.g., including all TAIs of the PLMN).

[0106] In embodiments of this disclosure, an permitted area refers to an area where the terminal device is allowed to initiate communication with the network. If the terminal device is not located in this area, communication with the network is not permitted. A non-permitted area refers to an area where the terminal device's service area is restricted, and the terminal device is not allowed to initiate service requests or any connection requests for user plane data with the network.

[0107] By implementing embodiments of this disclosure, service area restriction information for a terminal device can be created based on the broadcast TAI corresponding to the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) selected by the terminal device. This approach resolves the problem of service area restriction conflicts and subsequent restriction failures caused by existing rules, thereby enhancing mobility control capabilities in non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication scenarios and further expanding the application scenarios of NTN communication.

[0108] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device can be determined by the RAN and reported to the core network element. Optionally, please refer to Figure 2, which is a flowchart illustrating another method for creating service area restriction information provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. It should be noted that the creation method in this embodiment can be executed by the core network element. As shown in Figure 2, the method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0109] In step 201, the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device is received from the RAN.

[0110] In some embodiments of this disclosure, when the RAN receives a network registration request or registration update request sent by the terminal device, it can determine the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device based on the first broadcast TAI and the PLMN selected by the terminal device; wherein, the first broadcast TAI includes all TAIs broadcast by the RAN to the terminal device, and the first broadcast TAI corresponds to at least one PLMN.

[0111] In one possible implementation, the RAN can determine the PLMN selected by the terminal device, identify the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device from the first broadcast TAI, and report the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device to the core network element, so that the core network element can obtain the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device from the RAN.

[0112] In one possible implementation, the terminal device can report its selected PLMN to the RAN. The RAN can then determine the PLMN selected by the terminal device based on the PLMN-related information reported by the terminal device.

[0113] In step 202, service area restriction information for the terminal device is created based on the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device.

[0114] In the embodiments of this disclosure, step 202 can be implemented in any of the ways described in the various embodiments of this disclosure. This disclosure does not limit this and will not elaborate further.

[0115] By implementing the embodiments of this disclosure, a broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device can be received from the RAN, and service area restriction information can be formulated for the terminal device based on the broadcast TAI. In this way, the problem of service area restriction conflicts and subsequent restriction failures caused by existing rules can be solved, thereby enhancing mobility control capabilities in non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication scenarios and further expanding the application scenarios of NTN communication.

[0116] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device can be determined by the core network element based on all TAIs broadcast to the terminal device by the RAN. Optionally, please refer to Figure 3, which is a flowchart illustrating another method for creating service area restriction information provided by an embodiment of this disclosure. It should be noted that the creation method of this disclosure can be executed by the core network element. As shown in Figure 3, the method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0117] In step 301, the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device is determined.

[0118] In one possible implementation, a first broadcast TAI sent by the RAN is received, wherein the first broadcast TAI includes all TAIs broadcast by the RAN to the terminal device, and the first broadcast TAI corresponds to at least one PLMN; the PLMN selected by the terminal device is determined, and the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device is determined according to the PLMN selected by the terminal device and the first broadcast TAI.

[0119] Optionally, the core network element receives first broadcast TAI information from the RAN. This first broadcast TAI information comprises all TAI information broadcast by the RAN to the terminal device, including the TAI corresponding to the PLMN currently selected by the terminal device and the TAIs corresponding to other equivalent PLMNs. Based on the PLMN currently selected by the terminal device (e.g., a registered PLMN, RPLMN (Registered PLMN)) and the first broadcast TAI, the core network element determines the broadcast TAI belonging to the PLMN selected by the terminal device.

[0120] In one possible implementation, the core network element can receive a network registration request or registration update request from a terminal device sent by the RAN; wherein the network registration request or registration update request carries the identification information of the PLMN selected by the terminal device. The core network element determines the PLMN selected by the terminal device based on the network registration request or registration update request. For example, the terminal device sends a network registration request or registration update request to the RAN, which carries the identification information of the PLMN selected by the terminal device. The RAN forwards the network registration request or registration update request sent by the terminal device to the core network element. The core network element can determine the PLMN selected by the terminal device from the network registration request or registration update request.

[0121] In one possible implementation, the PLMN corresponding to each TAI in the first broadcast TAI can be determined based on the first broadcast TAI, and the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device can be determined from the first broadcast TAI based on the PLMN corresponding to each TAI in the first broadcast TAI.

[0122] Optionally, the core network element can determine the PLMN corresponding to each TAI in the first broadcast TAI based on the first broadcast TAI reported by the RAN. Since the first broadcast TAI includes the TAI corresponding to the PLMN currently selected by the terminal device and the TAI corresponding to other equivalent PLMNs, the broadcast TAI belonging to the PLMN currently selected by the terminal device can be determined.

[0123] In step 302, service area restriction information for the terminal device is created based on the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device.

[0124] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the core network element can obtain user subscription information of the terminal device, wherein the user subscription information includes the TAI included in the service area restriction. Based on the user subscription information and the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device, the core network element creates service area restriction information for the terminal device.

[0125] In the embodiments of this disclosure, step 302 can be implemented in any of the ways described in the various embodiments of this disclosure. This disclosure does not limit this and will not elaborate further.

[0126] Optionally, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the core network element may also store the service area restriction information and / or send the service area restriction information to the terminal device. In one possible implementation, the core network element may store the service area restriction information of the terminal device, or it may send the service area restriction information to the corresponding terminal device. In one possible implementation, after the core network element formulates the service area restriction information for the terminal device, it may store the service area restriction information and send the service area restriction information to the terminal device.

[0127] By implementing the embodiments of this disclosure, a broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device is determined, and service area restriction information is formulated for the terminal device based on the broadcast TAI. In this way, the problem of service area restriction conflicts and subsequent restriction failures caused by existing rules can be resolved, thereby enhancing mobility control capabilities in non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication scenarios and further expanding the application scenarios of NTN communication.

[0128] It is understood that the above embodiments describe the implementation of the service area restriction information creation method of this disclosure embodiment from the core network element side. This disclosure embodiment also proposes a method for creating service area restriction information, and the implementation of this service area restriction information creation method will be described below from the RAN side. Please refer to Figure 4, which is a flowchart of another service area restriction information creation method provided by this disclosure embodiment. It should be noted that the creation method of this disclosure embodiment can be executed by the RAN. As shown in Figure 4, the method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0129] In step 401, a broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device is sent to the core network element. The broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device is used by the core network element to construct service area restriction information for the terminal device.

[0130] In one possible implementation, the RAN can determine the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device. Optionally, the RAN determines the PLMN selected by the terminal device, and determines the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device from all currently broadcast TAIs, and reports the broadcast TAI to the core network element. The core network element constructs the service area restriction information for the terminal device based on the broadcast TAI reported by the RAN.

[0131] In one possible implementation, when the RAN receives a network registration request or registration update request sent by the terminal device, it determines the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device based on the first broadcast TAI and the PLMN selected by the terminal device; wherein, the first broadcast TAI includes all TAIs broadcast by the RAN to the terminal device, and the first broadcast TAI corresponds to at least one PLMN.

[0132] Optionally, when a terminal device initiates a network registration request or registration update request, since the first broadcast TAI includes the TAI corresponding to the PLMN currently selected by the terminal device and the TAIs corresponding to other equivalent PLMNs, the RAN can determine the PLMN selected by the terminal device, identify the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device from the first broadcast TAI, and report the broadcast TAI to the core network element. The core network element constructs the service area restriction information for the terminal device based on the broadcast TAI reported by the RAN.

[0133] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the core network element may include, but is not limited to, AMF or MME.

[0134] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the RAN may include, but is not limited to, gNB or eNB (evolved NodeB).

[0135] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the service area restriction information includes permitted area information or prohibited area information, but cannot include both at the same time.

[0136] In the embodiments of this disclosure, both permitted and prohibited areas are lists of Tracking Areas (TAs), which can be specified using Tracking Area Identifiers (TAIs). For example, service area restriction (permitted or prohibited area) information can contain one or more (e.g., up to 16) TAIs, or it can be set to unlimited (e.g., including all TAIs of the PLMN).

[0137] In embodiments of this disclosure, an permitted area refers to an area where the terminal device is allowed to initiate communication with the network. If the terminal device is not located in this area, communication with the network is not permitted. A non-permitted area refers to an area where the terminal device's service area is restricted, and the terminal device is not allowed to initiate service requests or any connection requests for user plane data with the network.

[0138] By implementing the embodiments of this disclosure, the RAN can send a broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device to the core network element. The core network element can then formulate service area restriction information for the terminal device based on the broadcast TAI reported by the RAN. In this way, the problem of service area restriction conflicts and subsequent restriction failures caused by existing rules can be solved, thereby enhancing mobility control capabilities in non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication scenarios and further expanding the application scenarios of NTN communication.

[0139] To better understand the method for creating service area restriction information disclosed in this application, an example of its implementation will be given below with reference to Figure 5. In this example, the service area restriction information includes non-permitted area information.

[0140] As shown in Figure 5, the method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0141] In step 0, the UE uses satellite access, and the gNB broadcasts TAI information to the UE. This TAI information includes the TAI of the relevant PLMN served by the gNB (for example, if the gNB is shared by PLMN-A and PLMN-B, then the TAI broadcast by the gNB includes the TAI corresponding to PLMN-A and the TAI corresponding to PLMN-B).

[0142] In step 1, the UE initiates an initial access registration request to the network.

[0143] In step 2, after receiving the registration request, the gNB determines the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the UE.

[0144] In step 3, the gNB forwards the registration request message and sends the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the UE, as determined in step 2, to the AMF.

[0145] In step 4, the AMF processes the registration request and obtains the user's subscription information from the UDM (Unified Data Management), which includes the TAI included in the service domain restrictions.

[0146] In step 5, based on the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the UE obtained in step 3, and the user subscription information, the AMF establishes and saves a non-allowed area for the UE. This non-allowed area is determined based on the user subscription information and the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the UE, and only includes the TAI corresponding to the PLMN currently selected by the UE.

[0147] In step 6, AMF completes the remaining registration procedures.

[0148] In step 7, the AMF returns a registration acceptance message to the UE, which includes the non-allowed area.

[0149] In step 8, the UE saves the non-allowed area.

[0150] In step 9, due to UE movement, the received broadcast TAI is updated. The UE determines, according to existing rules, whether the updated broadcast TAI is entirely contained within the non-allowed area. If not, the UE is in the allowed area and initiates a registration update request. The AMF checks whether the UE is in the non-allowed area. If not, the registration update request is processed. If the UE is in the non-allowed area, the update is rejected.

[0151] Therefore, this approach can resolve the issue of service area restriction conflicts and subsequent restriction failures caused by existing rules, thereby enhancing mobility control capabilities in non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication scenarios and further expanding the application scenarios of NTN communication.

[0152] This disclosure also proposes a method for creating service area restriction information. The implementation of this method from the RAN side will be described below. Please refer to Figure 6, which is a flowchart of another method for creating service area restriction information provided in this disclosure. It should be noted that the creation method of this disclosure can be executed by the RAN. As shown in Figure 6, the method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0153] In step 601, a first broadcast TAI is sent to the core network element; wherein, the first broadcast TAI includes all TAIs broadcast by the RAN to the terminal device, and the first broadcast TAI corresponds to at least one PLMN; and wherein, the first broadcast TAI is used by the core network element to determine the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device, and the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device is used by the core network element to construct service area restriction information for the terminal device.

[0154] In one possible implementation, the RAN sends a first broadcast TAI to the core network element. This first broadcast TAI is a list of all TAIs broadcast by the RAN to the UE, including the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN currently selected by the UE and broadcast TAIs corresponding to other equivalent PLMNs. The core network element receives the first broadcast TAI from the RAN, determines the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the UE based on the PLMN selected by the UE and the first broadcast TAI, and formulates service area restriction information for the UE based on the broadcast TAI. The implementation methods for the core network element to determine the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the UE, and the implementation methods for creating the UE's service area restriction information based on the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the UE, can be implemented using any of the methods in the various embodiments of this disclosure, and are not limited herein, nor will they be described in detail.

[0155] By implementing the embodiments of this disclosure, the RAN can send a first broadcast TAI to the core network element. The core network element then determines the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device based on the first broadcast TAI, and formulates service area restriction information for the terminal device based on the broadcast TAI. In this way, the problem of service area restriction conflicts and subsequent restriction failures caused by existing rules can be solved, thereby enhancing mobility control capabilities in non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication scenarios and further expanding the application scenarios of NTN communication.

[0156] To better understand the method for creating service area restriction information disclosed in this application, an example of its implementation will be given below with reference to Figure 7. In this example, the service area restriction information includes non-permitted area information.

[0157] As shown in Figure 7, the method may include, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0158] In step 0, the UE uses satellite access, and the gNB broadcasts TAI information to the UE. This TAI information includes the TAI of the relevant PLMN served by the gNB (for example, if the gNB is shared by PLMN-A and PLMN-B, then the TAI broadcast by the gNB includes the TAI corresponding to PLMN-A and the TAI corresponding to PLMN-B).

[0159] In step 1, the UE initiates an initial access registration request to the network.

[0160] In step 2, the gNB forwards the registration request message and sends all broadcast TAIs to the AMF.

[0161] In step 3, after receiving the registration request message, the AMF determines the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the UE.

[0162] In step 4, the AMF processes the registration request message and obtains the user's subscription information from the UDM, which includes the TAI included in the service domain restrictions.

[0163] In step 5, based on the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the UE obtained in step 3, and the user subscription information, the AMF establishes and saves a non-allowed area for the UE. This non-allowed area is determined based on the user subscription information and the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the UE, and only includes the TAI corresponding to the PLMN currently selected by the UE.

[0164] In step 6, AMF completes the remaining registration procedures.

[0165] In step 7, the AMF returns a registration acceptance message to the UE, which includes the non-allowed area.

[0166] In step 8, the UE saves the non-allowed area.

[0167] In step 9, due to UE movement, the received broadcast TAI is updated. The UE determines, according to existing rules, whether the updated broadcast TAI is entirely contained within the non-allowed area. If not, the UE is in the allowed area and initiates a registration update request. The AMF checks whether the UE is in the non-allowed area. If not, the registration update request is processed. If the UE is in the non-allowed area, the update is rejected.

[0168] Therefore, the UE and core network elements determine the service area restriction according to the existing rules. This ensures that the constructed service area restriction (allow-area or non-allow area) only includes the TA corresponding to the PLMN currently selected by the UE. This avoids service area restriction conflicts such as all broadcast TAs corresponding to the PLMN selected by the UE being included in the non-allowed area, while at least one broadcast TA belonging to another eRPLMN (equivalent RPLMN) is not included in the non-allowed area, which would cause the restriction to fail.

[0169] In the embodiments provided above, the methods provided by this disclosure are described from the perspectives of core network elements and RAN, respectively. To implement the functions of the methods provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, the core network elements and RAN may include hardware structures and software modules, and may implement the above functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules. One of the above functions may be executed in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules.

[0170] Please refer to Figure 8, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 80 provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 80 shown in Figure 8 may include a transceiver module 801 and a processing module 802. The transceiver module 801 may include a sending module and / or a receiving module. The sending module is used to implement the sending function, and the receiving module is used to implement the receiving function. The transceiver module 801 can implement both the sending and / or receiving functions.

[0171] The communication device 80 can be a core network element, a device within a core network element, or a device compatible with a core network element. Alternatively, the communication device 80 can be a RAN, a device within a RAN, or a device compatible with a RAN.

[0172] The communication device 80 is a core network element: the processing module 802 is used to create service area restriction information for the terminal device based on the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device.

[0173] In one implementation, the transceiver module 801 is used to receive a broadcast TAI sent by the radio access network RAN ​​corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device.

[0174] In one implementation, the processing module 802 is further configured to determine the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device.

[0175] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 801 is further configured to receive a first broadcast TAI sent by the RAN, wherein the first broadcast TAI includes all TAIs broadcast by the RAN to the terminal device, and the first broadcast TAI corresponds to at least one PLMN. The processing module 802 determines the PLMN selected by the terminal device, and determines the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device based on the PLMN selected by the terminal device and the first broadcast TAI.

[0176] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 801 is further configured to receive a network registration request or registration update request from the RAN for the terminal device; wherein the network registration request or registration update request carries identification information of the PLMN selected by the terminal device. The processing module 802 determines the PLMN selected by the terminal device based on the network registration request or registration update request.

[0177] In one possible implementation, the processing module 802 is specifically used to: determine the PLMN corresponding to each TAI in the first broadcast TAI based on the first broadcast TAI; and determine the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device from the first broadcast TAI based on the PLMN corresponding to each TAI in the first broadcast TAI.

[0178] In one possible implementation, the processing module 802 is specifically used to: obtain user subscription information of the terminal device, wherein the user subscription information includes the TAI included in the service area restriction; and create service area restriction information of the terminal device based on the user subscription information and the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device.

[0179] In one implementation, the service area restriction information includes permitted area information or prohibited area information.

[0180] In one possible implementation, the core network element includes any of the following: Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF); Mobility Management Entity (MME).

[0181] In one possible implementation, the processing module 802 is further configured to store service area restriction information. In another possible implementation, the transceiver module 801 is further configured to send service area restriction information to the terminal device.

[0182] The communication device 80 is a RAN: In one implementation, the transceiver module 801 is used to send the broadcast tracking area identifier (TAI) corresponding to the public land mobile network (PLMN) selected by the terminal device to the core network element, wherein the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device is used by the core network element to construct service area restriction information for the terminal device.

[0183] Optionally, the processing module 802 is used to determine the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device.

[0184] In one possible implementation, the processing module 802 is specifically configured to: in response to receiving a network registration request or registration update request sent by the terminal device, determine the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device based on the first broadcast TAI and the PLMN selected by the terminal device; wherein the first broadcast TAI includes all TAIs broadcast by the RAN to the terminal device, and the first broadcast TAI corresponds to at least one PLMN.

[0185] In one possible implementation, the processing module 802 is specifically used to: determine the PLMN selected by the terminal device; and determine the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device from the first broadcast TAI.

[0186] In one possible implementation, the service area restriction information includes permitted area information or prohibited area information.

[0187] In another implementation, the transceiver module 801 is used to send a first broadcast tracking area identifier (TAI) to the core network element; wherein, the first broadcast TAI includes all TAIs broadcast by the RAN to the terminal device, and the first broadcast TAI corresponds to at least one public land mobile network (PLMN); and wherein, the first broadcast TAI is used by the core network element to determine the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device, and the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device is used by the core network element to construct service area restriction information for the terminal device.

[0188] Regarding the apparatus in the above embodiments, the specific manner in which each module performs its operation has been described in detail in the embodiments related to the method, and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0189] Please refer to Figure 9, which is a schematic diagram of another communication device 90 provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 90 can be a core network element, a RAN, a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the core network element in implementing the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the RAN in implementing the above methods. This device can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0190] The communication device 90 may include one or more processors 901. The processor 901 may be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control the communication device (e.g., base station, baseband chip, terminal equipment, terminal equipment chip, DU or CU, etc.), execute computer programs, and process data from the computer programs.

[0191] Optionally, the communication device 90 may further include one or more memories 902, which may store a computer program 904. The processor 901 executes the computer program 904 to cause the communication device 90 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Optionally, the memory 902 may also store data. The communication device 90 and the memory 902 may be provided separately or integrated together.

[0192] Optionally, the communication device 90 may also include a transceiver 905 and an antenna 906. The transceiver 905 may be referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, or transceiver circuit, etc., and is used to implement the transmission and reception functions. The transceiver 905 may include a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver may be referred to as a receiver or receiving circuit, etc., and is used to implement the receiving function; the transmitter may be referred to as a transmitter or transmitting circuit, etc., and is used to implement the transmitting function.

[0193] Optionally, the communication device 90 may further include one or more interface circuits 907. The interface circuits 907 are used to receive code instructions and transmit them to the processor 901. The processor 901 executes the code instructions to cause the communication device 90 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments.

[0194] The communication device 90 is a core network element: the processor 901 is used to execute step 101 in Figure 1; execute step 202 in Figure 2; or steps 301 and 302 in Figure 3. The transceiver 905 is used to execute step 201 in Figure 2.

[0195] The communication device 90 is a RAN: transceiver 905 is used to execute step 401 in Figure 4; and to execute step 601 in Figure 6.

[0196] In one implementation, the processor 901 may include a transceiver for implementing receiving and transmitting functions. For example, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit, an interface, or an interface circuit. The transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit for implementing receiving and transmitting functions may be separate or integrated. The aforementioned transceiver circuit, interface, or interface circuit can be used for reading and writing code / data, or it can be used for transmitting or relaying signals.

[0197] In one implementation, processor 901 may store a computer program that runs on processor 901, causing communication device 90 to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. The computer program may be embedded in processor 901; in this case, processor 901 may be implemented in hardware.

[0198] In one implementation, the communication device 90 may include circuitry capable of performing the transmitting, receiving, or communication functions described in the foregoing method embodiments. The processor and transceiver described in this disclosure can be implemented on integrated circuits (ICs), analog ICs, radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs), mixed-signal ICs, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), electronic devices, etc. The processor and transceiver can also be manufactured using various IC process technologies, such as complementary metal oxide semiconductors (CMOS), n-metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS), positive-channel metal oxide semiconductors (PMOS), bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), bipolar CMOS (BiCMOS), silicon germanium (SiGe), gallium arsenide (GaAs), etc.

[0199] The communication device described in the above embodiments can be a core network element or a RAN, but the scope of the communication device described in this disclosure is not limited to this, and the structure of the communication device is not limited to FIG9. The communication device can be a standalone device or part of a larger device. For example, the communication device can be:

[0200] (1) Independent integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem;

[0201] (2) A collection of one or more ICs, optionally including storage components for storing data and computer programs;

[0202] (3) ASIC, such as modem;

[0203] (4) Modules that can be embedded in other devices;

[0204] (5) Receivers, terminal equipment, smart terminal equipment, cellular phones, wireless equipment, handheld devices, mobile units, vehicle-mounted equipment, network equipment, cloud equipment, artificial intelligence equipment, etc.

[0205] (6) Others, etc.

[0206] For communication devices that can be chips or chip systems, please refer to the schematic diagram of the chip structure shown in Figure 10. The chip shown in Figure 10 includes a processor 1001 and an interface 1002. The number of processors 1001 can be one or more, and the number of interfaces 1002 can be multiple.

[0207] For cases where the chip is used to implement the functions of the core network elements in the embodiments of this disclosure:

[0208] In one implementation, the processor 1001 is used to create service area restriction information for the terminal device based on the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device.

[0209] In one implementation, interface 1002 is used to receive a broadcast TAI sent by the radio access network RAN ​​corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device.

[0210] In one implementation, the processor 1001 is also configured to determine the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device.

[0211] In one possible implementation, interface 1002 is further configured to receive a first broadcast TAI sent by the RAN, wherein the first broadcast TAI includes all TAIs broadcast by the RAN to the terminal device, and the first broadcast TAI corresponds to at least one PLMN. Processor 1001 determines the PLMN selected by the terminal device, and determines the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device based on the PLMN selected by the terminal device and the first broadcast TAI.

[0212] In one possible implementation, interface 1002 is further configured to receive a network registration request or registration update request from the RAN for the terminal device; wherein the network registration request or registration update request carries identification information of the PLMN selected by the terminal device. Processor 1001 determines the PLMN selected by the terminal device based on the network registration request or registration update request.

[0213] In one possible implementation, the processor 1001 is specifically configured to: determine the PLMN corresponding to each TAI in the first broadcast TAI based on the first broadcast TAI; and determine the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device from the first broadcast TAI based on the PLMN corresponding to each TAI in the first broadcast TAI.

[0214] In one possible implementation, the processor 1001 is specifically used to: obtain user subscription information of the terminal device, wherein the user subscription information includes the TAI included in the service area restriction; and create service area restriction information of the terminal device based on the user subscription information and the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device.

[0215] In one implementation, the service area restriction information includes permitted area information or prohibited area information.

[0216] In one possible implementation, the processor 1001 is further configured to store service area restriction information. In another possible implementation, the interface 1002 is further configured to send the service area restriction information to the terminal device.

[0217] In one possible implementation, the core network element includes any of the following: Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF); Mobility Management Entity (MME).

[0218] For cases where the chip is used to implement the RAN function in the embodiments of this disclosure:

[0219] In one implementation, interface 1002 is used to send the broadcast tracking area identifier (TAI) corresponding to the public land mobile network (PLMN) selected by the terminal device to the core network element. The broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device is used by the core network element to construct service area restriction information for the terminal device.

[0220] Optionally, the processor 1001 is used to determine the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device.

[0221] In one possible implementation, the processor 1001 is specifically configured to: in response to receiving a network registration request or registration update request sent by the terminal device, determine a broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device based on a first broadcast TAI and the PLMN selected by the terminal device; wherein the first broadcast TAI includes all TAIs broadcast by the RAN to the terminal device, and the first broadcast TAI corresponds to at least one PLMN.

[0222] In one possible implementation, the processor 1001 is specifically configured to: determine the PLMN selected by the terminal device; and determine the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device from the first broadcast TAI.

[0223] In one possible implementation, the service area restriction information includes permitted area information or prohibited area information.

[0224] In another implementation, interface 1002 is used to send a first broadcast tracking area identifier (TAI) to the core network element; wherein the first broadcast TAI includes all TAIs broadcast by the RAN to the terminal device, and the first broadcast TAI corresponds to at least one public land mobile network (PLMN); and wherein the first broadcast TAI is used by the core network element to determine the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device, and the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device is used by the core network element to construct service area restriction information for the terminal device.

[0225] Optionally, the chip also includes a memory 1003 for storing necessary computer programs and data.

[0226] Those skilled in the art will also understand that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps listed in the embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented by electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. Whether such functionality is implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and the overall system design requirements. Those skilled in the art can implement the described functionality using various methods for each specific application, but such implementation should not be construed as exceeding the scope of protection of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0227] This disclosure also provides a system for creating service area restriction information. The system includes a communication device as a core network element and a communication device as a RAN in the aforementioned embodiment of FIG8, or the system includes a communication device as a core network element and a communication device as a RAN in the aforementioned embodiment of FIG9.

[0228] This disclosure also provides a readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a computer, implement the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0229] This disclosure also provides a computer program product that, when executed by a computer, implements the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0230] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs. When the computer program is loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this disclosure are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program can be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., high-density digital video discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks (SSDs)).

[0231] Those skilled in the art will understand that the various numerical designations such as "first," "second," etc., used in this disclosure are merely for the convenience of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this disclosure, nor do they indicate the order of events.

[0232] At least one of the features described in this disclosure can also be described as one or more, and multiple features can be two, three, four or more, and this disclosure does not impose any limitations. In the embodiments of this disclosure, for a technical feature, the technical features in that technical feature are distinguished by "first", "second", "third", "A", "B", "C" and "D", etc., and there is no sequential order or size order among the technical features described by "first", "second", "third", "A", "B", "C" and "D".

[0233] The correspondences shown in the tables of this disclosure can be configured or predefined. The values ​​of the information in each table are merely examples and can be configured to other values; this disclosure is not limiting. When configuring the correspondences between information and parameters, it is not necessarily required to configure all the correspondences shown in each table. For example, the correspondences shown in some rows of the tables in this disclosure may not be configured. Furthermore, appropriate modifications and adjustments can be made based on the above tables, such as splitting, merging, etc. The names of the parameters shown in the headers of the above tables can also use other names that the communication device can understand, and the values ​​or representations of the parameters can also be other values ​​or representations that the communication device can understand. In the implementation of the above tables, other data structures can also be used, such as arrays, queues, containers, stacks, linear lists, pointers, linked lists, trees, graphs, structures, classes, heaps, hash tables, or hash tables, etc.

[0234] The predefined terms in this disclosure can be understood as defined, predefined, stored, pre-stored, pre-negotiated, pre-configured, solidified, or pre-burned.

[0235] 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 disclosure.

[0236] 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.

[0237] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this disclosure, but the scope of protection of this disclosure 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 disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for creating service area restriction information, characterized in that, The method is executed by a core network element and includes: receiving a first broadcast tracking area identifier (TAI) sent by a radio access network (RAN), wherein the first broadcast TAI includes all TAIs broadcast by the RAN to the terminal device, and the first broadcast TAI corresponds to at least one public land mobile network (PLMN); determining the PLMN selected by the terminal device; determining the PLMN corresponding to each TAI in the first broadcast TAI based on the first broadcast TAI; determining the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device from the first broadcast TAI based on the PLMN corresponding to each TAI in the first broadcast TAI; and creating service area restriction information for the terminal device based on the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The step of determining the PLMN selected by the terminal device includes: receiving a network registration request or registration update request from the RAN; wherein the network registration request or registration update request carries identification information of the PLMN selected by the terminal device; and determining the PLMN selected by the terminal device based on the network registration request or registration update request.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The step of creating service area restriction information for the terminal device based on the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device includes: obtaining user subscription information of the terminal device, wherein the user subscription information includes the TAI included in the service area restriction; and creating service area restriction information for the terminal device based on the user subscription information and the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The service area restriction information includes permitted area information or prohibited area information.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, Also includes: Save the service area restriction information; and / or send the service area restriction information to the terminal device.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The core network element includes any one of the following: Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF); Mobility Management Entity (MME).

7. A method for creating service area restriction information, characterized in that, The method is executed by a Radio Access Network (RAN), and includes: in response to receiving a network registration request or registration update request sent by a terminal device, determining a broadcast TAI corresponding to a PLMN selected by the terminal device based on a first Broadcast Tracking Area Identifier (TAI) and a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) selected by the terminal device; wherein the first broadcast TAI includes all TAIs broadcast by the RAN to the terminal device, and the first broadcast TAI corresponds to at least one PLMN; sending the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device to a core network element, wherein the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device is used by the core network element to construct service area restriction information for the terminal device; the step of determining the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device based on the first broadcast TAI and the PLMN selected by the terminal device includes: determining the PLMN selected by the terminal device; determining the PLMN corresponding to each TAI in the first broadcast TAI based on the first broadcast TAI; and determining the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device from the first broadcast TAI based on the PLMN corresponding to each TAI in the first broadcast TAI.

8. The method as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The service area restriction information includes permitted area information and / or prohibited area information.

9. A method for creating service area restriction information, characterized in that, The method is executed by a Radio Access Network (RAN), and includes: sending a first broadcast Tracking Area Identifier (TAI) to a core network element; wherein the first broadcast TAI includes all TAIs broadcast by the RAN to the terminal device, and the first broadcast TAI corresponds to at least one Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN); and wherein the first broadcast TAI is used by the core network element to determine a broadcast TAI corresponding to a PLMN selected by the terminal device, and the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device is used by the core network element to construct service area restriction information for the terminal device; specifically, the first broadcast TAI is used by the core network element to determine the PLMN corresponding to each TAI in the first broadcast TAI, and to determine the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device from the first broadcast TAI based on the PLMN corresponding to each TAI in the first broadcast TAI.

10. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The processing module is used to create service area restriction information for the terminal device based on the broadcast tracking area identifier (TAI) corresponding to the public land mobile network (PLMN) selected by the terminal device. The processing module is further configured to: receive a first broadcast TAI sent by the radio access network (RAN), wherein the first broadcast TAI includes all TAIs broadcast by the RAN to the terminal device, and the first broadcast TAI corresponds to at least one PLMN; determine the PLMN selected by the terminal device; determine the PLMN corresponding to each TAI in the first broadcast TAI based on the first broadcast TAI; and determine the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device from the first broadcast TAI based on the PLMN corresponding to each TAI in the first broadcast TAI.

11. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is configured to send a broadcast tracking area identifier (TAI) corresponding to a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) selected by a terminal device to a core network element. The broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device is used by the core network element to construct service area restriction information for the terminal device. The transceiver module is further configured to: in response to receiving a network registration request or registration update request sent by the terminal device, determine the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device based on a first broadcast TAI and the PLMN selected by the terminal device; wherein the first broadcast TAI includes all TAIs broadcast by the Radio Access Network (RAN) to the terminal device, and the first broadcast TAI corresponds to at least one PLMN; determining the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device based on the first broadcast TAI and the PLMN selected by the terminal device includes: determining the PLMN selected by the terminal device; determining the PLMN corresponding to each TAI in the first broadcast TAI; and determining the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device from the first broadcast TAIs based on the PLMN corresponding to each TAI in the first broadcast TAI.

12. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The transceiver module is used to send a first broadcast tracking area identifier (TAI) to the core network element; wherein the first broadcast TAI includes all TAIs broadcast by the RAN to the terminal device, and the first broadcast TAI corresponds to at least one Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN); and wherein the first broadcast TAI is used by the core network element to determine the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device, and the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device is used by the core network element to construct service area restriction information for the terminal device; specifically, the first broadcast TAI is used by the core network element to determine the PLMN corresponding to each TAI in the first broadcast TAI, and to determine the broadcast TAI corresponding to the PLMN selected by the terminal device from the first broadcast TAI based on the PLMN corresponding to each TAI in the first broadcast TAI.

13. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program, the processor executing the computer program stored in the memory to cause the device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

14. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program, the processor executing the computer program stored in the memory to cause the device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 7 to 8.

15. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing a computer program, the processor executing the computer program stored in the memory to cause the device to perform the method as described in claim 9.

16. A computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the method of any one of claims 1 to 6 to be implemented.

17. A computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the method of any one of claims 7 to 8 to be implemented.

18. A computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the method of claim 9 to be implemented.

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