User state control method and apparatus, readable storage medium, and electronic device

Abstract

The application provides a user state control method and device, a computer readable storage medium and an electronic device. The method comprises: in the case of a unified data management (UDM) network element failure, adjusting a first user state of a first access and mobility management function (AMF) network element and a second user state of a session management function (SMF) network element to a bypass state; in the case of a user equipment (UE) triggering signaling service and the first AMF network element detecting that the UDM network element has recovered, triggering the first user state to exit the bypass state; and in the case of the SMF network element receiving service request information between the first AMF network element and an intermediate session management function (I-SMF) network element, triggering the second user state to exit the bypass state. The technical scheme provided by the application can timely adjust the user state, provide network service for the user, and improve the user experience.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of communication, and more particularly, to a user state control method and device, a readable storage medium and an electronic device. BACKGROUND

[0002] In a 5G network architecture, a UDM (Unified Data Management) manages and stores subscription and authentication data. Therefore, when the UDM fails, an AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) or an SMF (Session Management Function) cannot obtain user subscription data, resulting in registration failure, voice / data session access failure, and the like, and further resulting in the user being unable to access the Internet or make a phone call. At present, when the UDM fails, the user is in a state of being unable to access the Internet or communicate, which undoubtedly brings inconvenience to the user's work and life and seriously affects and reduces the user experience. SUMMARY

[0003] The present application provides a user state control method, device, computer readable storage medium and electronic device to solve the technical problem that, in the prior art, when the UDM fails, the user is in a state of being unable to access the Internet or communicate.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present application, a user state control method is provided, comprising:

[0005] In the case of a unified data management UDM network element failure, adjusting a first user state of a first access and mobility management function first AMF network element and a second user state of a session management function SMF network element to a bypass state;

[0006] In the case of a user equipment UE triggering signaling service and the first AMF network element detecting that the UDM network element has recovered, triggering the first user state to exit the bypass state;

[0007] In the case of the SMF network element receiving service request information between the first AMF network element and an intermediate session management function I-SMF network element, triggering the second user state to exit the bypass state.

[0008] Optionally, the case of the SMF network element receiving service request information between the first AMF network element and an intermediate session management function I-SMF network element, triggering the second user state to exit the bypass state, comprises:

[0009] The first AMF network element sends service request information to the I-SMF network element, and the service request information carries an indication identifier forwarded to the SMF network element.

[0010] The SMF network element receives the service request information forwarded by the I-SMF network element, and triggers the second user state to exit the bypass state.

[0011] Optionally, in the case that the SMF network element receives service request information between the first AMF network element and an intermediate session management function (I-SMF) network element, the second user state is triggered to exit the bypass state, including:

[0012] The first AMF network element sends service request information to the SMF network element;

[0013] The SMF network element receives the service request information sent by the first AMF network element, and triggers the second user state to exit the bypass state.

[0014] Optionally, in the case that the unified data management (UDM) network element fails, the first user state of an access and mobility management function (AMF) first network element and the second user state of a session management function (SMF) network element are adjusted to a bypass (bypass) state, including:

[0015] In the case that the UDM network element fails, the UE accesses a second access and mobility management function (AMF) second network element, activates a protocol data unit (PDU) session, and the path of the PDU session includes an I-SMF network element, the third user state of the second AMF network element is set to a bypass state, and the second user state of the SMF network element is set to a bypass state.

[0016] The UE moves out of the second AMF network element and accesses the first AMF network element.

[0017] The first AMF network element obtains the third user state of the second AMF network element through a target interface, and sets the first user state of the first AMF network element to a bypass state.

[0018] Optionally, in the case that the unified data management (UDM) network element fails, the first user state of an access and mobility management function (AMF) first network element and the second user state of a session management function (SMF) network element are adjusted to a bypass (bypass) state, including:

[0019] In the case that the UDM network element fails, the UE triggers PDU session establishment, and the SMF network element confirms the UDM failure, the first user state of the first AMF network element is a normal state, and the second user state of the SMF network element is set to a bypass state;

[0020] The SMF informs the first AMF network element of the bypass state through response information, and the first AMF network element sets the first user state to the bypass state based on the response information.

[0021] Optionally, the method further comprises:

[0022] In the case that a periodic check signal is received, the first AMF network element and the SMF network element detect the UDM network element, and in the case that it is detected that the UDM network element has recovered, the first user state and the second user state are triggered to exit the bypass state.

[0023] According to a second aspect of the present application, a user state control apparatus is provided, comprising:

[0024] A state adjustment module is configured to adjust a first user state of a first access and mobility management function (AMF) network element and a second user state of a session management function (SMF) network element to a bypass state in the case that a unified data management (UDM) network element fails.

[0025] A first exit processing module is configured to trigger the first user state to exit the bypass state in the case that a user equipment (UE) triggers signaling service and the first AMF network element detects that the UDM network element has recovered.

[0026] A second exit processing module is configured to trigger the second user state to exit the bypass state in the case that the SMF network element receives service request information between the first AMF network element and an intermediate session management function (I-SMF) network element.

[0027] Optionally, the second exit processing module comprises:

[0028] An information sending unit is configured to send service request information from the first AMF network element to the I-SMF network element, and the service request information carries an indication identifier forwarded to the SMF network element.

[0029] An information receiving unit is configured to receive the service request information forwarded by the I-SMF network element in the SMF network element, and trigger the second user state to exit the bypass state.

[0030] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, the storage medium storing a computer program for performing the above-described user state control method.

[0031] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, an electronic device is provided, the electronic device comprising:

[0032] processor;

[0033] Memory used to store the processor's executable instructions;

[0034] The processor is configured to read the executable instructions from the memory and execute the instructions to implement the user state control method described above.

[0035] Compared with the prior art, the user status control method, apparatus, computer-readable storage medium, and electronic device provided by the present invention have at least the following beneficial effects:

[0036] In the event of a UDM network element failure, the technical solution of this invention allows the first user state of the AMF network element and the second user state of the SMF network element to enter a bypass state. User states where the first and second user states of the AMF and SMF network elements are consistent are also entered into the bypass state. While in the bypass state, the AMF and SMF network elements can activate local subscription data to ensure that users can still use basic network services during a UDM network element failure. Furthermore, when a UE triggers a signaling service, the first AMF network element checks whether the UDM network element has recovered. If the first AMF network element detects that the UDM network element has recovered, it triggers the first user state to exit the bypass state promptly. Further, when the SMF network element receives service request information between the first AMF network element and the I-SMF network element, it promptly triggers the second user state to exit the bypass state, allowing users to promptly experience normal network services. This effectively solves the problem of users being unable to use the network and communicate normally when the UDM network element fails, while simultaneously allowing users to promptly exit the bypass state and experience normal network services, thus improving the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0037] To more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of this invention will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0038] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of a UE access 5G framework provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a user state control method provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure One ;

[0040] Figure 3 This is a partial flowchart of a user state control method provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a user state control method provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure Two ;

[0042] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a user state control method provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure Three ;

[0043] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a user status control device provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of an electronic device provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The technical solutions of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of these embodiments.

[0046] Figure 1 An exemplary schematic diagram of the architecture for a user equipment (UE) accessing a 5G network is shown, including the following network elements:

[0047] RAN (RAN): Radio Access Network, which provides radio resources for terminal access.

[0048] AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) is responsible for managing user mobility, maintaining user registration and connection status, NAS SM signaling routing, and security processing.

[0049] SMF (Session Management Function) terminates NAS SM signaling and completes session management. As an anchor point, it is responsible for UE IP address allocation and management, UPF (User Plane Function) selection, and session policy control.

[0050] I-SMF (Intermediate Session Management Function) is an intermediate session management function that can be inserted, relocated, or removed as needed. When a user moves out of the anchor SMF service area, an I-SMF is inserted into the PDU session path or redirected to another I-SMF; when a user moves into the anchor SMF service area, the I-SMF is removed from the PDU session path. When an I-SMF exists in the PDU session path, it is responsible for terminating NAS SM signaling.

[0051] UDM (Unified Data Management) manages and stores data used for contract signing and authentication.

[0052] PCF (Policy Control Function) supports a unified policy control framework, provides policy rules to other NFs, and performs access and mobility policy control, session policy control, and authorized AF (Application Function) resource request processing, etc.

[0053] AUSF (Authentication Server Function) provides user authentication functionality for other NFs.

[0054] NSSF (Network Slice Selection Function) is used to select network slice instances, such as eMBB (Enhanced Mobile Broadband) slices, for users to provide network services.

[0055] UPF (User Plane Function) is a function that performs PDU session user plane data forwarding, QoS (Quality of Service) and policy enforcement, usage reporting, and billing information reporting.

[0056] AF (Application Function) refers to the application server used for application functions.

[0057] The UDM network element stores user subscription information, such as subscription slice information and subscription DNN information. When a user accesses the AMF network element, the AMF network element obtains the subscription data from the UDM network element through the N8 interface. If obtaining the subscription data fails, the user access is terminated. When a user activates a PDU session, the SMF network element obtains the user's subscription data from the UDM network element through the N10 interface. If obtaining the subscription data fails, the PDU session establishment is terminated. In other words, when the UDM fails, such as due to congestion, link anomalies, or UDR failures, the AMF or SMF network element cannot obtain the user's subscription data through the N8 or N10 interface, leading to registration failure, voice / data session access failure, etc., which in turn prevents users from accessing the internet or making phone calls. Since a large number of users are subscribed in the UDM network element, repeated attempts by users can further trigger signaling storms and cause the network to be unable to recover for a long time, seriously affecting the user experience.

[0058] To meet the needs of users when UDM network elements fail, a UDM bypass function is introduced. When the UDM network element fails completely and subscription data cannot be obtained, the AMF or SMF network element enables local subscription data, and the user enters a bypass state, thus ensuring that the user can still use network services during the UDM network element failure.

[0059] It should be noted that locally contracted data can guarantee users' basic business needs, but cannot meet users' personalized needs. For example, it may prevent the use of contracted high-QoS services, contracted targeted traffic and other PCC (Policy Control and Charging) services, and LADN (Local Area Data Network) functions. Furthermore, if the SMF network element enables ULCL (Uplink Classifier) ​​at the DNN (Data Network Name) granularity, then if the locally contracted DNN does not have ULCL enabled, bypassed users will also be unable to use ULCL services until they recover from the bypass state. Therefore, once the UDM network element recovers, the AMF and SMF network elements should trigger the user to exit the bypass state as soon as possible to restore normal services.

[0060] Triggering user exit from bypass state can be achieved by periodically probing the UDM network element through the AMF / SMF network element to check if the UDM network element has recovered. If it has, the user exits the bypass state directly. Alternatively, when the UE triggers a signaling service, it can attempt to interact with the UDM network element; if the interaction is successful, the user exits the bypass state. The former typically involves triggering user exit after the UDM network element recovers by scanning for users. Therefore, the time it takes for the user to exit the bypass state after the UDM network element recovers can be quite long, resulting in the user being unable to resume normal services for an extended period. Therefore, the system should support triggering user exit from the bypass state during user service signaling, thereby ensuring timely resumption of normal services when the user is active.

[0061] However, in the following scenarios, users may take a long time to exit the bypass state, causing some services to fail to recover in a timely manner:

[0062] Scenario 1: After a user successfully accesses the AMF network element, the UDM network element malfunctions. Following the UDM failure, the UE triggers a PDU session establishment. The SMF network element detects the UDM failure and uses locally subscribed data, putting the user in a bypass state. At this time, the user is in a normal state on the AMF network element, but in a bypass state on the SMF network element. When the UE triggers signaling services, such as service requests, according to 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) specifications, the message only needs to reach the I-SMF network element. The I-SMF network element will not forward the message to the SMF network element. Therefore, the SMF network element cannot promptly remove the user from the bypass state, resulting in a longer time for the user to exit the bypass state, negatively impacting the user experience.

[0063] Scenario 2: When a user accesses the 5GC, the UDM network element has already failed. At this time, the user's state on the SMF network element is in bypass state, and the user on the initially accessed AMF network element is also in bypass state. When the UE moves out of the AMF network element's service area or due to a link failure between the AMF network element and the RAN network element, the UE accesses another AMF network element, but before this, the UDM network element has recovered from its failure. When the user accesses the target AMF network element, since the UDM network element has recovered, it interacts normally with the UDM, such as obtaining subscription data from the UDM network element, and the user is in a normal state. Similar to Scenario 1, messages sent by the AMF network element to the I-SMF network element are not forwarded to the SMF network element, causing the latter to be unable to promptly remove the user from the bypass state and restore normal services, severely impacting the user experience.

[0064] Therefore, after a UDM failure, the AMF or SMF network elements can use the bypass state to provide basic network services to users. However, once the UDM has recovered, the AMF and SMF network elements need to exit the bypass state in a timely manner to provide users with rich network services and improve the user experience.

[0065] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a user state control method provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, which includes at least the following steps:

[0066] Step 21: In the event of a failure in the Unified Data Management (UDM) network element, adjust the first user state of the first Access and Mobility Management (AMF) network element and the second user state of the Session Management (SMF) network element to a bypass state.

[0067] In bypass mode, the first AMF network element and SMF network element can enable local contract data to provide users with basic network functions.

[0068] Specifically, when the UDM network element fails completely and cannot obtain subscribed data, the AMF or SMF network element uses local subscribed data, and the user enters bypass mode, thus ensuring that the user can still use network services during the UDM network element failure. For example... Figure 3 As shown, when a user executes signaling services, if the UDM network element is available, the AMF or SMF network element obtains the subscription data from the UDM. If the UDM network element is unavailable, the AMF or SMF network element uses the local subscription data, and the user enters the bypass state.

[0069] In this step, if both the AMF and SMF network elements need to interact with the UDM network element when the UDM network element fails, the AMF network element detects the UDM network element failure and enters the bypass state as the first user state; the SMF network element detects the UDM network element failure and enters the bypass state as the second user state. However, there are scenarios where the AMF or SMF network elements do not need to interact with the UDM network element. In this case, the first user states of the AMF network element and the SMF network element are not synchronized. Therefore, the bypass state is passed between the AMF and SMF network elements to ensure that their user states remain consistent.

[0070] In some embodiments, step 21 includes:

[0071] Step 211: If the UDM network element fails, and the UE accesses the second AMF network element of the second access and mobility management function and activates the Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session, and the path of the PDU session includes the I-SMF network element, then the third user state of the second AMF network element is set to bypass state, and the second user state of the SMF network element is set to bypass state.

[0072] Step 212: The UE moves out of the second AMF network element and accesses the first AMF network element.

[0073] Step 213: The first AMF network element obtains the third user status of the second AMF network element through the target interface, and sets the first user status of the first AMF network element to bypass status.

[0074] The second AMF network element is the AMF network element that the user initially accesses, i.e., the AMF network element that was accessed first. The first AMF network element is the network element that the user accesses later after moving out of the AMF network element that was initially accessed, i.e., the AMF network element that was accessed last. Therefore, there is a difference in the access order between the second AMF network element and the first AMF network element.

[0075] In this step, after the UDM network element fails, the UE accesses the second AMF network element and activates the PDU session. The path of the PDU session includes the I-SMF network element. During this process, both the second AMF network element and the SMF network element will interact with the UDM network element. Therefore, when the second AMF network element detects the UDM failure, it sets the third user state of the second AMF network element to the bypass state. When the SMF network element detects the UDM failure, it sets the second user state of the SMF network element to the bypass state.

[0076] Furthermore, the UE moves out of the second AMF network element and accesses the first AMF network element. At this point, a bypass state is passed between the second and first AMF network elements. That is, the first AMF network element obtains user context information, including the user's bypass state, from the second AMF network element through a target interface such as the N14 interface. The first AMF network element saves the user context and sets the first user state to bypass state. In this embodiment, the bypass state is passed through the N14 interface to maintain consistency of the user state across the AMF network elements accessed by the user.

[0077] In some embodiments, step 21 includes:

[0078] Step 214: If the UDM network element fails, the UE triggers PDU session establishment, and the SMF network element confirms the UDM failure, the first user state of the first AMF network element is in normal state, and the second user state of the SMF network element is set to bypass state.

[0079] Step 215: The SMF informs the first AMF network element of the bypass status through response information, and the first AMF network element sets the first user status to the bypass status based on the response information.

[0080] In this step, the UE accesses the 5GC. At this time, the UDM network element is in normal status, so the first user state is in the normal state. Then, the UDM fails, and the UE triggers PDU session establishment. During this service process, the AMF does not need to interact with the UDM, so the first user state remains in the normal state. When the SMF network element detects a UDM failure, it sets the second user state of the SMF network element to the bypass state. At this time, the first user state of the first AMF network element is different from the second user state of the SMF network element. Therefore, the SMF network element returns the bypass state to the AMF network element to ensure that the bypass states on the AMF and SMF network elements are consistent. Specifically, when the SMF network element returns the response information for PDU session establishment to the first AMF network element, it carries an indication through the response information. This indication informs the first AMF network element that the second user state on the SMF network element has entered the bypass state, so the first AMF network element sets the first user state to the bypass state.

[0081] Step 22: When the user equipment (UE) triggers a signaling service and the first AMF network element detects that the UDM network element has recovered, the first user state is triggered to exit the bypass state.

[0082] Specifically, when a UE triggers a signaling service, if the UE issues a service request, the first AMF network element interacts with the UDM to promptly confirm whether the UDM network element has recovered. If the UDM has been detected to have recovered, the first user state will exit the bypass state.

[0083] Step 23: When the SMF network element receives the service request information between the first AMF network element and the intermediate session management function I-SMF network element, the second user state is triggered to exit the bypass state.

[0084] In this step, to ensure that the second user state of the SMF network element can also promptly exit the bypass state after the first user state of the first AMF network element exits the bypass state, a notification of exiting the bypass state is exchanged between the first AMF network element and the SMF network element. Specifically, when the SMF network element receives service request information between the first AMF network element and the I-SMF network element, the SMF network element determines that UDM has been restored, thereby enabling the second user state to promptly exit the bypass state. After exiting the bypass state, rich and personalized network services can be provided to users to meet their needs and improve user experience. The service request information received by the SMF network element can be forwarded by the I-SMF network element or sent independently by the first AMF network element.

[0085] In some embodiments, step 23 includes:

[0086] Step 231: The first AMF network element sends a service request message to the I-SMF network element, the service request message carrying an indication identifier for forwarding to the SMF network element.

[0087] Step 232: The SMF network element receives the service request information forwarded by the I-SMF network element, triggering the second user state to exit the bypass state.

[0088] In this embodiment, when the UE triggers a signaling service, according to the 3GPP specification, the first AMF network element sends a service request message to the I-SMF network element. This service request message carries an indication identifier for forwarding to the SMF network element. Therefore, after receiving the service request message, the I-SMF network element forwards it to the SMF network element based on the indication identifier. This allows the SMF network element to determine that the UDM network element has recovered upon receiving the service request message forwarded by the I-SMF network element, thus triggering the second user state exit from the bypass state. By adding a forwarding indication identifier to the service request message sent by the first AMF network element to the I-SMF network element, the first AMF network element can promptly inform the SMF network element of the exit from the bypass state, effectively enabling both the first AMF network element and the SMF network element to exit the bypass state.

[0089] In some embodiments, step 23 includes:

[0090] Step 233: The first AMF network element sends the service request information between itself and the I-SMF network element to the SMF network element.

[0091] Step 234: The SMF network element receives the service request information sent by the first AMF network element and triggers the second user state to exit the bypass state.

[0092] In this embodiment, the first AMF network element can independently send service request information between itself and the I-SMF network element to the SMF network element. Upon receiving the service request information from the first AMF network element, the SMF network element determines that the UDM network element has recovered and thus exits the bypass state for the second user. This ensures the timely exit from the bypass state.

[0093] In other words, by optimizing the N14 interface protocol between AMF network elements, the user bypass status can be transmitted through the N14 interface between different AMFs. The SMF network element returns the bypass status to the AMF network element, thus ensuring that the user bypass status is consistent between the AMF and SMF network elements. Subsequently, when the UE triggers a service, if the AMF network element detects that the user is in the bypass state, it will send a service request message to the I-SMF network element carrying a forwarding indicator to the SMF network element, or it can send the service request information that needs to be forwarded by the I-SMF to the SMF network element separately. After receiving the request message, if the SMF network element determines that the UDM has been restored, it will trigger the user to exit the bypass state, which can quickly restore normal services and improve the user service experience.

[0094] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0095] Step 24: Upon receiving a periodic check signal, the first AMF network element and the SMF network element detect the UDM network element. If the UDM network element is detected to have recovered, the first user state and the second user state are triggered to exit the bypass state.

[0096] In this embodiment, even if no UE triggers signaling services, a check signal can be generated periodically to control the first AMF network element and the SMF network element to periodically check the UDM network element. When the UDM network element is detected to have recovered, the first user state and the second user state are promptly exited from the bypass state.

[0097] In one possible application scenario, namely, in a user application scenario across AMF network elements, such as Figure 4 As shown, the user status control method provided in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0098] Step 3-1: The UDM network element malfunctions.

[0099] Step 3-2: After a failure in the UDM network element, the UE accesses the initial access AMF network element (corresponding to the second AMF network element) and activates the PDU session, with the PDU session path including the I-SMF network element. At this time, users on both the initial access AMF network element and the SMF network element are in bypass state, i.e., the third user state is set to bypass state, and the second user state is set to bypass state.

[0100] Step 3-3, UDM network element fault recovery.

[0101] Steps 3-4: The UE moves out of the service area of ​​the initial access AMF network element, or due to a link failure between the initial access AMF network element and the RAN network element, the UE accesses the target AMF network element (corresponding to the first AMF network element).

[0102] In steps 3-5, the target AMF network element obtains user context information, including the user bypass status, from the initial access AMF network element through the N14 interface. The target AMF saves the user context and sets the first user status to bypass status.

[0103] Steps 3-6: The target AMF network element detects that the UDM network element has recovered, triggers the user to exit the bypass state, sets the user to the normal state, and restores normal services. That is, the first user's state is changed from the bypass state to the normal state.

[0104] In steps 3-7 to 3-8, the target AMF network element carries a forwarding SMF network element instruction in the service request information sent to the I-SMF network element, or sends a service request message via the I-SMF network element to the SMF network element separately.

[0105] Steps 3-9: The SMF network element receives the service request message, determines that the UDM has been restored, triggers the user to exit the bypass state, sets the user to the normal state, and restores normal services.

[0106] In one possible application scenario, namely a user PDU session scenario, such as Figure 5 As shown, it includes the following steps:

[0107] Step 5-1: The UE accesses the 5GC. At this time, the UDM network element is in normal status, and the user is in normal status, that is, the first user status is normal status at this time.

[0108] Step 5-2, UDM network element malfunctions.

[0109] Step 5-3: The UE triggers PDU session establishment. During this service process, the AMF network element does not need to interact with the UDM network element, so the user remains in the normal state. The SMF network element determines that the UDM network element has failed at this time, and then enables local subscription, putting the user into the bypass state, i.e., adjusting the second user's state to bypass. (The SMF network element corresponds to...) Figure 5 The intermediate anchor (SMF) carries the user's bypass status in the subsequent response message. The AMF updates the user's status to bypass.

[0110] Step 5-4, UDM network element fault recovery.

[0111] Step 5-5: The UE triggers signaling services.

[0112] In steps 5-6, the AMF network element detects that the UDM network element has recovered, triggers the user to exit the bypass state, sets the user to the normal state, and restores normal services. That is, the first user's state is changed from the bypass state to the normal state.

[0113] In steps 5-7 to 5-8, the AMF network element carries a forwarding SMF network element instruction in the service request sent to the I-SMF network element, or sends a service request message via the I-SMF network element to the SMF network element separately.

[0114] Steps 5-9: The SMF network element receives the service request message, determines that the UDM network element has recovered, triggers the user to exit the bypass state, sets the user to the normal state, and restores normal services. That is, the second user's state is changed from the bypass state to the normal state.

[0115] In the above embodiments, when a UDM network element fails, the first user state of the AMF network element enters a bypass state, and the second user state of the SMF network element also enters a bypass state. All user states whose first and second user states are consistent with those of the AMF and SMF network elements enter the bypass state. While in the bypass state, the AMF and SMF network elements can activate local subscription data to ensure that users can still use basic network services during a UDM network element failure. Furthermore, when a UE triggers a signaling service, the first AMF network element checks whether the UDM network element has recovered. If the first AMF network element detects that the UDM network element has recovered, it triggers the first user state to exit the bypass state promptly. Further, when the SMF network element receives service request information between the first AMF network element and the I-SMF network element, it promptly triggers the second user state to exit the bypass state, allowing users to promptly experience normal network services. This effectively solves the problem of users being unable to use the network normally when the UDM network element fails, and also allows users to promptly exit the bypass state and experience normal network services, improving the user experience.

[0116] Exemplary Apparatus

[0117] Based on the same concept as the method embodiments of the present invention, the embodiments of the present invention also provide a user status control device.

[0118] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a user status control device provided in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, comprising:

[0119] The status adjustment module 61 is used to adjust the first user status of the first AMF network element and the second user status of the SMF network element to a bypass status in the event of a failure of the Unified Data Management (UDM) network element.

[0120] The first exit processing module 62 is used to trigger the first user state to exit the bypass state when the user equipment UE triggers a signaling service and the first AMF network element detects that the UDM network element has recovered.

[0121] The second exit processing module 63 is used to trigger the second user state to exit the bypass state when the SMF network element receives the service request information between the first AMF network element and the intermediate session management function I-SMF network element.

[0122] In some embodiments, the second exit processing module includes:

[0123] The information sending unit is used to send service request information from the first AMF network element to the I-SMF network element, wherein the service request information carries an indication identifier for forwarding to the SMF network element;

[0124] The information receiving unit is used for the SMF network element to receive the service request information forwarded by the I-SMF network element, and to trigger the second user state to exit the bypass state.

[0125] In some embodiments, the second exit processing module includes:

[0126] A separate transmission unit is used for the first AMF network element to send service request information between itself and the I-SMF network element to the SMF network element;

[0127] The exit processing unit is used to trigger the second user state to exit the bypass state when the SMF network element receives the service request information sent by the first AMF network element.

[0128] In some embodiments, the state adjustment module includes:

[0129] The first adjustment unit is used to set the third user state of the second AMF network element to bypass state and the second user state of the SMF network element to bypass state when the UDM network element fails, the UE accesses the second AMF network element of the second access and mobility management function and activates the protocol data unit (PDU) session, and the path of the PDU session includes the I-SMF network element.

[0130] The second adjustment unit is used for the UE to move out of the second AMF network element and access the first AMF network element; the first AMF network element obtains the third user state of the second AMF network element through the target interface and sets the first user state of the first AMF network element to bypass state.

[0131] In some embodiments, the state adjustment module includes:

[0132] The third adjustment unit is used to set the first user state of the first AMF network element to the bypass state when the UDM network element fails, the UE triggers PDU session establishment, and the SMF network element confirms the UDM failure.

[0133] The fourth adjustment unit is used for the SMF to inform the first AMF network element of the bypass status through response information, and the first AMF network element to set the first user status to the bypass status based on the response information.

[0134] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0135] The period detection module is used to detect the UDM network element when a period check signal is received, and to trigger the first user state and the second user state to exit the bypass state when the UDM network element has been detected to have recovered.

[0136] Exemplary Electronic Device

[0137] Figure 7 A block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0138] like Figure 7 As shown, the electronic device 70 includes one or more processors 71 and a memory 72.

[0139] The processor 71 may be a central processing unit (CPU) or other form of processing unit with data processing and / or instruction execution capabilities, and may control other components in the electronic device 70 to perform desired functions.

[0140] The memory 72 may include one or more computer program products, which may include various forms of computer-readable storage media, such as volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. The volatile memory may include, for example, random access memory (RAM) and / or cache memory. The non-volatile memory may include, for example, read-only memory (ROM), hard disk, flash memory, etc. One or more computer program instructions may be stored on the computer-readable storage medium, and the processor 71 may execute the program instructions to implement the user state control methods of the various embodiments of the present invention described above, and / or other desired functions.

[0141] In one example, the electronic device 70 may also include an input device 73 and an output device 74, which are interconnected via a bus system and / or other forms of connection mechanism (not shown).

[0142] Of course, for the sake of simplicity, Figure 7 Only some of the components of the electronic device 70 relevant to the present invention are shown, omitting components such as buses, input / output interfaces, etc. In addition, the electronic device 70 may include any other suitable components depending on the specific application.

[0143] Exemplary Computer Program Product and Computer-Readable Storage Medium

[0144] Sixthly, in addition to the methods and apparatus described above, embodiments of the present invention may also be computer program products, comprising computer program instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the steps in the user state control methods according to various embodiments of the present invention described in the "Exemplary Methods" section of this specification.

[0145] The computer program product can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages ​​to perform the operations of the embodiments of the present invention. The programming languages ​​include object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Java and C++, as well as conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as C or similar languages. The program code can be executed entirely on the user's computing device, partially on the user's computing device, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computing device and partially on a remote computing device, or entirely on a remote computing device or server.

[0146] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention may also be computer-readable storage media storing computer program instructions thereon, which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the steps in the user state control methods according to various embodiments of the present invention described in the "Exemplary Methods" section above.

[0147] The computer-readable storage medium may be any combination of one or more readable media. A readable medium may be a readable signal medium or a readable storage medium. A readable storage medium may, for example, include, but is not limited to, electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatuses, or devices, or any combination thereof. More specific examples of readable storage media (a non-exhaustive list) include: electrical connections having one or more wires, portable disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fibers, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0148] The basic principles of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, it should be noted that the advantages, benefits, and effects mentioned in the present invention are merely examples and not limitations, and should not be considered as essential features of each embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, the specific details of the invention described above are for illustrative and facilitative purposes only, and are not limitations. These details do not limit the present invention to the necessity of employing the specific details described above.

[0149] The block diagrams of devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems involved in this invention are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that they must be connected, arranged, or configured in the manner shown in the block diagrams. As those skilled in the art will recognize, these devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems can be connected, arranged, and configured in any manner. Words such as “comprising,” “including,” “having,” etc., are open-ended terms meaning “including but not limited to,” and are used interchangeably with them. The terms “or” and “and” as used herein refer to the terms “and / or,” and are used interchangeably with them unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “such as” as used herein refers to the phrase “such as but not limited to,” and is used interchangeably with it.

[0150] It should also be noted that in the apparatus, device, and method of the present invention, the components or steps can be disassembled and / or recombined. These disassemblies and / or recombinations should be considered as equivalent solutions of the present invention.

[0151] The above description of aspects of the invention is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but rather to be carried out within the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features of the invention herein.

[0152] The above description has been given for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, this description is not intended to limit the embodiments of the invention to the forms described herein. Although numerous exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those skilled in the art will recognize certain variations, modifications, alterations, additions, and sub-combinations therein.

Claims

1. A user state control method, characterized in that, include: In the event of a failure in the Unified Data Management (UDM) network element, the first user state of the first Access and Mobility Management (AMF) network element and the second user state of the Session Management (SMF) network element will be adjusted to a bypass state. When a user equipment (UE) triggers a signaling service and the first AMF network element detects that the UDM network element has recovered, the first user state is triggered to exit the bypass state. When the SMF network element receives the service request information between the first AMF network element and the intermediate session management function I-SMF network element, the second user state is triggered to exit the bypass state. Upon receiving a periodic check signal, the first AMF network element and the SMF network element detect the UDM network element. If the UDM network element is detected to have recovered, the first user state and the second user state are triggered to exit the bypass state.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the SMF network element receives service request information between the first AMF network element and the intermediate session management function I-SMF network element, triggering the second user state to exit the bypass state includes: The first AMF network element sends service request information to the I-SMF network element, and the service request information carries an indication identifier for forwarding to the SMF network element; The SMF network element receives the service request information forwarded by the I-SMF network element, triggering the second user state to exit the bypass state.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the SMF network element receives service request information between the first AMF network element and the intermediate session management function I-SMF network element, triggering the second user state to exit the bypass state includes: The first AMF network element sends the service request information between itself and the I-SMF network element to the SMF network element; The SMF network element receives the service request information sent by the first AMF network element and triggers the second user state to exit the bypass state.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the event of a failure in the Unified Data Management (UDM) network element, adjusting the first user state of the Access and Mobility Management (AMF) network element and the second user state of the Session Management (SMF) network element to a bypass state includes: If the UDM network element fails, and the UE accesses the second AMF network element of the second access and mobility management function and activates the protocol data unit (PDU) session, and the path of the PDU session includes the I-SMF network element, then the third user state of the second AMF network element is set to the bypass state, and the second user state of the SMF network element is set to the bypass state. The UE moves out of the second AMF network element and accesses the first AMF network element; The first AMF network element obtains the third user status of the second AMF network element through the target interface and sets the first user status of the first AMF network element to the bypass status.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the event of a failure in the Unified Data Management (UDM) network element, adjusting the first user state of the Access and Mobility Management (AMF) network element and the second user state of the Session Management (SMF) network element to a bypass state includes: If the UDM network element fails, the UE triggers PDU session establishment, and the SMF network element confirms the UDM failure, the first user state of the first AMF network element is in normal state, and the second user state of the SMF network element is set to bypass state. The SMF informs the first AMF network element of the bypass status through a response message, and the first AMF network element sets the first user status to the bypass status based on the response message.

6. A user status control device, characterized in that, include: The status adjustment module is used to adjust the first user status of the first AMF network element and the second user status of the SMF network element to a bypass status in the event of a failure of the Unified Data Management (UDM) network element. The first exit processing module is used to trigger the first user state to exit the bypass state when the user equipment (UE) triggers a signaling service and the first AMF network element detects that the UDM network element has recovered. The second exit processing module is used to trigger the second user state to exit the bypass state when the SMF network element receives the service request information between the first AMF network element and the intermediate session management function I-SMF network element; The period detection module is used to detect the UDM network element when a period check signal is received, and to trigger the first user state and the second user state to exit the bypass state when the UDM network element has been detected to have recovered.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second exit processing module includes: The information sending unit is used to send service request information from the first AMF network element to the I-SMF network element, wherein the service request information carries an indication identifier for forwarding to the SMF network element; The information receiving unit is used for the SMF network element to receive the service request information forwarded by the I-SMF network element, and to trigger the second user state to exit the bypass state.

8. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program for executing the user state control method according to any one of claims 1-5.

9. An electronic device, characterized in that, The electronic device includes: processor; Memory used to store the processor's executable instructions; The processor is configured to read the executable instructions from the memory and execute the instructions to implement the user state control method according to any one of claims 1-5.

Images