Method and apparatus for acquiring virtual network group data

Abstract

This application provides a method and apparatus for acquiring virtual network group data. The method includes receiving target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of a target user equipment (UE) sent by a network function entity. The target virtual network group data includes relevant parameters of the current session. The method for acquiring virtual network group data provided in this application enables the SMF (Software Management Function) to obtain the target virtual network group data by receiving the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target UE sent by the network function entity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a method and apparatus for acquiring virtual network group data. Background Technology

[0002] According to the agreement, if the UE (User Equipment) is a member of a 5G (5th Generation Mobile Communication Technology) VN (Virtual Network) group, the UDM (Unified Data Management) retrieves the UE's subscription data and the corresponding 5G VN Group DATA from the UDR (Unified Data Repository), and provides the UE's subscription data containing the 5G VN group data to the AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) and SMF (Session Management Function).

[0003] However, when the network function entity invokes the Nudm_SDM_GET service operation according to the protocol, the returned data structure is SM subscription data, which does not contain 5G VN Group Data. Therefore, the SMF cannot obtain the 5G VN Group Data corresponding to the current session (DNN, S-NSSAI). Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this application provides a method and apparatus for acquiring virtual network group data.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a method for acquiring virtual network group data, applied to a Session Management Function (SMF) entity, comprising:

[0006] The system receives target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) sent by a network function entity. The target virtual network group data includes relevant parameters of the current session.

[0007] Optionally, according to one embodiment of the method for obtaining virtual network group data, receiving the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) sent by the network function entity includes:

[0008] The system receives candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group to which the target user equipment (UE) belongs, sent by the network function entity, wherein the number of the groups is at least one.

[0009] Based on the relevant parameters of the current session, the target virtual network group data is determined from at least one of the candidate virtual network group data.

[0010] Optionally, according to a method for obtaining virtual network group data according to an embodiment of this application, the step of receiving candidate virtual network group data corresponding to the group to which the target user equipment (UE) belongs, sent by the network function entity, includes:

[0011] Send the user identifier of the target UE to the network function entity;

[0012] The system receives candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group of the target UE sent by the network function entity. The candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group of the target UE is retrieved based on the internal group identifier or external group identifier corresponding to the target UE. The external group identifier is determined based on the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE, and the internal group identifier is retrieved based on the user identifier.

[0013] Optionally, according to one embodiment of the method for obtaining virtual network group data, receiving the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) sent by the network function entity includes:

[0014] Send the user identifier of the target UE and relevant parameters of the current session to the network function entity;

[0015] The system receives target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) sent by the network function entity. The target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target UE is retrieved based on an external group identifier and relevant parameters of the current session, or based on an internal group identifier and relevant parameters of the current session. The external group identifier is determined based on the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE, and the internal group identifier is retrieved based on the user identifier.

[0016] Optionally, in the method for obtaining virtual network group data according to an embodiment of this application, the network function entity is a unified data management entity (UDM).

[0017] Optionally, in the method for obtaining virtual network group data according to an embodiment of this application, the network function entity is the Access and Mobility Management Function Entity (AMF).

[0018] Optionally, according to one embodiment of the method for obtaining virtual network group data, receiving the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) sent by the network function entity includes:

[0019] Receive an external group identifier sent by a first network function entity, wherein the external group identifier is determined by the first network function entity based on the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE, and the internal group identifier is retrieved based on the user identifier of the target UE;

[0020] Send the external group identifier, along with relevant parameters of the current session, to the second network function entity;

[0021] The system receives the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) sent by the second network function entity; the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) is retrieved based on the external group identifier and the relevant parameters of the current session.

[0022] Optionally, in the method for obtaining virtual network group data according to an embodiment of this application, the first network function entity is AMF and the second network function entity is UDM.

[0023] Optionally, according to one embodiment of the method for obtaining virtual network group data, the relevant parameters of the current session include S-NSSAI and DNN.

[0024] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide a method for acquiring virtual network group data, applied to a unified data management entity (UDM), including:

[0025] Send target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF. The target virtual network group data includes relevant parameters of the current session.

[0026] Optionally, according to one embodiment of the method for obtaining virtual network group data, the step of sending target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF includes:

[0027] Send the candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group to which the target user equipment (UE) belongs to the SMF. The number of groups is at least one, and the candidate virtual network group data includes the target virtual network group data.

[0028] Optionally, according to one embodiment of the method for obtaining virtual network group data, the step of sending candidate virtual network group data corresponding to the group to which the target user equipment (UE) belongs to the SMF includes:

[0029] Receive the user identifier of the target UE sent by the SMF;

[0030] The system sends candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group of the target UE to the SMF. The candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group of the target UE is retrieved based on the internal group identifier or external group identifier corresponding to the target UE. The external group identifier is determined based on the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE, and the internal group identifier is retrieved based on the user identifier.

[0031] Optionally, according to one embodiment of the method for obtaining virtual network group data, the step of sending target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF includes:

[0032] Receive the user identifier of the target UE sent by the SMF, as well as the relevant parameters of the current session;

[0033] Send the target virtual network group data corresponding to the target UE's current session to the SMF;

[0034] The target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) is retrieved based on the external group identifier and the relevant parameters of the current session, or based on the internal group identifier and the relevant parameters of the current session; the external group identifier is determined based on the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE, and the internal group identifier is retrieved based on the user identifier.

[0035] Optionally, according to one embodiment of the method for obtaining virtual network group data, the step of sending candidate virtual network group data corresponding to the group to which the target user equipment (UE) belongs to the SMF includes:

[0036] Receive the user identifier of the target UE sent by the AMF;

[0037] Send the external group identifier corresponding to the target UE to the AMF. The external group identifier is determined based on the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE. The internal group identifier is retrieved based on the user identifier.

[0038] Receive the external group identifier sent by the AMF, and retrieve the candidate virtual network group data corresponding to the group where the target UE is located based on the external group identifier;

[0039] The AMF sends the candidate virtual network group data corresponding to the group to which the target UE belongs to the SMF.

[0040] Optionally, according to one embodiment of the method for obtaining virtual network group data, the step of sending target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF includes:

[0041] Receive the user identifier of the target UE sent by the AMF;

[0042] Send the external group identifier corresponding to the target UE to the AMF. The external group identifier is determined based on the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE. The internal group identifier is retrieved based on the user identifier.

[0043] Receive the external group identifier and relevant parameters of the current session sent by the SMF, wherein the external group identifier is sent by the AMF to the SMF;

[0044] Send the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF.

[0045] Optionally, according to a method for obtaining virtual network group data according to an embodiment of this application, sending the external group identifier corresponding to the target UE to the AMF includes:

[0046] During the registration process or the session establishment process, the external group identifier corresponding to the target UE is sent to the AMF.

[0047] Optionally, according to one embodiment of the method for obtaining virtual network group data, the step of sending target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF includes:

[0048] Receive the user identifier of the target UE sent by the SMF, as well as the relevant parameters of the current session;

[0049] If no target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment UE is found in the first-granularity subscription data based on the user identifier and the relevant parameters, then the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE is obtained in the second-granularity subscription data based on the user identifier, and the candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group to which the target UE belongs is obtained based on the internal group identifier. The target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment UE is found based on the relevant parameters of the current session, and the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment UE is sent to the SMF.

[0050] The contract data at the second granularity includes the contract data at the first granularity.

[0051] Optionally, according to one embodiment of the method for obtaining virtual network group data, the method further includes:

[0052] If target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) is retrieved, the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) is sent to the SMF; the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) is retrieved from the subscription data at the first granularity based on the user identifier and the relevant parameters.

[0053] Optionally, according to one embodiment of the method for obtaining virtual network group data, the relevant parameters of the current session include S-NSSAI and DNN.

[0054] Thirdly, embodiments of this application also provide a method for obtaining virtual network group data, applied to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) entity, including:

[0055] Send target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF. The target virtual network group data includes relevant parameters of the current session.

[0056] Optionally, according to one embodiment of the method for obtaining virtual network group data, the step of sending target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF includes:

[0057] Send the user identifier of the target UE to the UDM;

[0058] The system receives the external group identifier corresponding to the target UE sent by the UDM. The external group identifier is determined based on the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE, and the internal group identifier is retrieved based on the user identifier.

[0059] Send the external group identifier to the UDM, and receive the candidate virtual network group data returned by the UDM, which are retrieved based on the external group identifier and are corresponding to the respective groups of the target UE. The number of the groups is at least one.

[0060] Based on the relevant parameters of the current session, the target virtual network group data is determined from at least one of the candidate virtual network group data;

[0061] Send the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF.

[0062] Optionally, according to a method for obtaining virtual network group data according to an embodiment of this application, sending the external group identifier corresponding to the target UE to the AMF includes:

[0063] During the registration process or the session establishment process, the external group identifier corresponding to the target UE is received from the UDM.

[0064] Optionally, according to one embodiment of the method for obtaining virtual network group data, the step of sending target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF includes:

[0065] Send the candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group to which the target user equipment (UE) belongs to the SMF. The number of groups is at least one, and the candidate virtual network group data includes the target virtual network group data.

[0066] Optionally, according to one embodiment of the method for obtaining virtual network group data, the relevant parameters of the current session include S-NSSAI and DNN.

[0067] Fourthly, embodiments of this application also provide a Session Management Function (SMF) entity, including a memory, a transceiver, and a processor, wherein:

[0068] A memory for storing computer programs; a transceiver for sending and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer program from the memory and implementing the steps of the method for acquiring virtual network group data as described in the first aspect above.

[0069] Fifthly, embodiments of this application also provide a unified data management entity (UDM), including a memory, a transceiver, and a processor, wherein:

[0070] A memory for storing computer programs; a transceiver for sending and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer program from the memory and implementing the steps of the virtual network group data acquisition method described in the second aspect above.

[0071] Sixthly, embodiments of this application also provide an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) entity, including a memory, a transceiver, and a processor, wherein:

[0072] A memory for storing computer programs; a transceiver for sending and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer program from the memory and implementing the steps of the method for acquiring virtual network group data as described in the third aspect above.

[0073] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application also provide a processor-readable storage medium storing a computer program, the computer program being configured to cause the processor to perform the steps of the virtual network group data acquisition method described in the first aspect, the steps of the virtual network group data acquisition method described in the second aspect, or the steps of the virtual network group data acquisition method described in the third aspect.

[0074] The method for obtaining virtual network group data provided in this application enables the SMF to obtain the target virtual network group data by receiving the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) sent by the network function entity. Attached Figure Description

[0075] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0076] Figure 1 This is one of the flowcharts illustrating the method for obtaining virtual network group data provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0077] Figure 2 This is a second flowchart illustrating the method for obtaining virtual network group data provided in this application embodiment;

[0078] Figure 3 This is the third flowchart illustrating the method for obtaining virtual network group data provided in this application embodiment;

[0079] Figure 4 This is the fourth flowchart illustrating the method for obtaining virtual network group data provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0080] Figure 5 This is the fifth flowchart illustrating the method for obtaining virtual network group data provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0081] Figure 6 This is the sixth flowchart illustrating the method for obtaining virtual network group data provided in this application embodiment;

[0082] Figure 7 This is the seventh flowchart illustrating the method for obtaining virtual network group data provided in this application embodiment;

[0083] Figure 8 This is the eighth flowchart illustrating the method for obtaining virtual network group data provided in this application embodiment;

[0084] Figure 9 This is the ninth flowchart illustrating the method for obtaining virtual network group data provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0085] Figure 10 This is the tenth flowchart illustrating the method for obtaining virtual network group data provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0086] Figure 11 This is eleventh of the flowcharts illustrating the method for obtaining virtual network group data provided in this application embodiment;

[0087] Figure 12 This is the twelfth flowchart illustrating the method for obtaining virtual network group data provided in this application embodiment;

[0088] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a Session Management Function (SMF) entity provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0089] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a Unified Data Management Entity (UDM) provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0090] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) entity provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0091] Figure 16 This is one of the schematic diagrams of the virtual network group data acquisition device provided in this application.

[0092] Figure 17 This is the second schematic diagram of the structure of the virtual network group data acquisition device provided in this application.

[0093] Figure 18 This is the third schematic diagram of the structure of the virtual network group data acquisition device provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0094] In the embodiments of this application, the term "and / or" describes the relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent three cases: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following associated objects have an "or" relationship.

[0095] In the embodiments of this application, the term "multiple" refers to two or more, and other quantifiers are similar.

[0096] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0097] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the following describes the terms or background related to the embodiments of this application:

[0098] According to the 23501 communication protocol, if the terminal is a member of a 5G (5th Generation Mobile Communication Technology) VN (Virtual Network) group, the UDM (Unified Data Management) retrieves the UE subscription data and the corresponding 5G VN Group DATA from the UDR (Unified Data Repository) and provides the UE subscription data containing the 5G VN Group DATA to the AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) and SMF (Session Management Function).

[0099] The 29503 communication protocol describes the "Nudm_SDM_GET" service operation as follows: During the session establishment process, the SMF obtains SM (Session Management) subscription information from the UDM. The URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) ​​for calling the UDM's Nudm_SDM_GET service operation is: "GET... / {supi} / sm-data?<query-parameters>", and the returned data structure is "SessionManagementSubscription Data", which is the SM subscription data.

[0100] According to the protocol definition, SM subscription data includes a list of Internal Group IDs, and also contains one or more S-NSSAI (Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information) level subscription data. For each DNN data point in the S-NSSAI level subscription data, parameters such as DNN (Data Network Name) are also included. However, SM subscription data does not include 5G virtual network group data.

[0101] According to the protocol definition, group subscription data includes two parameter types: GroupIdentifiertranslation and GROUP DATA. GroupIdentifiertranslation includes ExternalGroupIdentifier, InternalGroupIdentifier, and a SUPI (Subscription Permanent Identifier List) list. Group Data includes internal group identifiers and 5G virtual network group data. The data index for group data is the internal group identifier.

[0102] 5G virtual network group data includes parameters such as DNN, S-NSSAI, PDU Session Type, Application descriptor, and Information related to secondary authentication / authorization. The 5G virtual network group data index is the external group identifier.

[0103] During the session establishment process, UE subscription data and group data belong to different tables. The group data includes internal group identifiers and 5G virtual network group data. The 5G virtual network group data needs to be queried in the group data based on the internal group identifier. In the protocol, the above-mentioned 5G virtual network group data is returned by UDM.

[0104] The SessionManagementSubscriptionData data structure returned in the Nudm_SDM_GET Response message defined in Protocol 29503 does not contain 5G virtual network group data. Therefore, as mentioned above, when the Nudm_SDM_GET Response message is used to return SM subscription data, since the subscription data does not contain 5G virtual network group data, the SMF cannot directly obtain the 5G virtual network group data of the corresponding group.

[0105] As can be seen from the above, the current 3GPP protocol does not clearly specify how the SMF should obtain the virtual network group data corresponding to the current session (DNN, S-NSSAI), and there is an urgent need for a method to obtain virtual network group data.

[0106] The method for obtaining 5G VN GROUP Data provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to several embodiments.

[0107] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various systems, especially 5G systems. For example, applicable systems include Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD), Long Term Evolution Advanced (LTE-A), Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), and 5G New Radio (NR). All of these systems include terminal equipment and network equipment. The systems may also include a core network component, such as Evolved Packet System (EPS) and 5G systems (5GS).

[0108] The terminal devices involved in the embodiments of this application can be devices that provide voice and / or data connectivity to users, handheld devices with wireless connectivity, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem. The name of the user equipment may differ in different systems; for example, in a 5G system, the terminal device can be called a user equipment. Wireless terminal devices can communicate with one or more core networks (CNs) via a Radio Access Network (RAN). Wireless terminal devices can be mobile terminal devices, such as mobile phones (or "cellular" phones) and computers with mobile terminal devices, for example, portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-embedded, or vehicle-mounted mobile devices that exchange voice and / or data with the RAN. Examples include Personal Communication Service (PCS) phones, cordless phones, Session Initiated Protocol (SIP) phones, Wireless Local Loop (WLL) stations, and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). Wireless terminal equipment can also be referred to as a system, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, access point, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, user agent, or user device, but is not limited to these terms in the embodiments of this application.

[0109] The network device involved in this application embodiment can be a base station, which may include multiple cells providing services to terminals. Depending on the specific application, a base station may also be called an access point, or a device in an access network that communicates with a wireless terminal device through one or more sectors on the air interface, or other names. The network device can be used to exchange received air frames with Internet Protocol (IP) packets, acting as a router between the wireless terminal device and the rest of the access network, where the rest of the access network may include an Internet Protocol (IP) communication network. The network device can also coordinate the attribute management of the air interface. For example, the network equipment involved in the embodiments of this application can be a base transceiver station (BTS) in a Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), a NodeB in a Wide-band Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, an evolved Node B (eNB or e-NodeB) in a long term evolution (LTE) system, a 5G base station (gNB) in a next generation system, a Homeevolved Node B (HeNB), a relay node, a femto, a pico, etc., and is not limited in the embodiments of this application. In some network structures, the network equipment may include centralized unit (CU) nodes and distributed unit (DU) nodes, and the centralized unit and distributed unit may also be geographically separated.

[0110] The embodiments of this application propose a method for obtaining virtual network group data, which enables the SMF to obtain the 5G VN Group Data corresponding to (DNN, S-SNSSAI) during the session establishment process in the 5G core network system defined by the 3GPP protocol, which does not explicitly explain how the SMF obtains the 5G VN Group Data in the 5G LAN scenario.

[0111] Figure 1 This is one of the flowcharts illustrating the method for obtaining virtual network group data provided in this application embodiment, such as... Figure 1As shown in the figure, this application provides a method for obtaining virtual network group data, applied to a Session Management Function (SMF) entity, including:

[0112] Step 110: Receive target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) sent by the network function entity. The target virtual network group data includes relevant parameters of the current session.

[0113] Virtual network group is a service in mobile communications. In a 5G environment, it can be called 5G VN, 5G local area network (5GLAN), 5G LAN group, local area network (LAN), or 5GLAN-type service, etc. The above are just examples, and the embodiments of this application do not specifically limit the name of virtual network group.

[0114] Virtual network group (VNR) services enable private communication for two or more terminals within a group. UEs within a VNR access 5G LAN-type services via Internet Protocol (IP) Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions or non-IP (e.g., Ethernet) PDU sessions. Each PDU session provides access to one and only one 5G VNR. Target VNR data refers to the data of the VNR accessed by the target UE through the current session. Target VNR data includes relevant parameters of the current session, such as DNN, S-NSSAI, PDU session type, application descriptor, and information related to secondary authentication / authorization.

[0115] The network function entity in this step can be a UDM, AMF, or Policy Control Function (PCF), etc. For example, the UDM retrieves the UE's subscription data and corresponding virtual network group data from the UDR, and provides the UE subscription data containing the virtual network group data to the AMF and SMF. The AMF can receive the virtual network group data from the UDM and send it to the SMF; the PCF can retrieve the virtual network group data from the UDR and send it to the SMF through interaction with the SMF. The above is an example of a network function entity for ease of understanding. This application does not limit the specific type of network function entity, as long as it can send the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF.

[0116] The method for obtaining virtual network group data provided in this application enables the SMF to obtain the target virtual network group data by receiving the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) sent by the network function entity.

[0117] The following is a further explanation of the possible implementation methods of the above steps in specific embodiments.

[0118] Optionally, the data of the target virtual network group corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) sent by the receiving network function entity includes:

[0119] Step 210: Receive candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group of the target user equipment (UE) sent by the network function entity, wherein the number of the target user equipment (UE) is at least one;

[0120] Specifically, the target user equipment (UE) can join one or more virtual network groups, with each virtual network group corresponding to a candidate virtual network group data. The SMF receives one or more candidate virtual network group data sent by the network function entity.

[0121] Step 220: Based on the relevant parameters of the current session, determine the target virtual network group data from at least one of the candidate virtual network group data.

[0122] Specifically, the SMF can obtain relevant parameters of the current session during the PDU session establishment process, such as receiving the DNN and S-NSSAI sent by the Radio Access Network (RAN) during the PDU registration process. The relevant parameters of the current session are associated with the virtual group data. Based on the relevant parameters of the current session, the virtual network group data associated with the relevant parameters of the current session can be determined from one or more candidate virtual network group data, i.e., the target virtual network group data.

[0123] Optionally, the network function entity in this embodiment is a UDM or an AMF.

[0124] Optionally, the relevant parameters of the current session in this embodiment include S-NSSAI and DNN.

[0125] The following is a further explanation of the possible implementation methods of step 210 in specific embodiments.

[0126] Optionally, the data of candidate virtual network groups corresponding to the group to which the target user equipment (UE) belongs, sent by the receiving network function entity, includes:

[0127] Send the user identifier of the target UE to the network function entity;

[0128] The system receives candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group of the target UE sent by the network function entity. The candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group of the target UE is retrieved based on the internal group identifier or external group identifier corresponding to the target UE. The external group identifier is determined based on the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE, and the internal group identifier is retrieved based on the user identifier.

[0129] In one embodiment, the data of candidate virtual network groups corresponding to the respective groups of the target user equipment (UE) sent by the receiving network function entity includes:

[0130] Step 2101: Send the user identifier of the target UE to the network function entity;

[0131] The user identifier of the target UE can be a permanent identifier, such as a subscription permanent identifier (SUPI), a generic public subscription identifier (GPSI), or a globally unique temporary identifier (GUTI). This application embodiment does not specifically limit this, as long as it can indicate the identity of the target UE so that the network function entity can retrieve the internal group identifier based on the user identifier.

[0132] For example, the SMF can invoke the Nudm_SDM_GET service operation to send a Nudm_SDM_GET_Request message carrying the user identifier to the network function entity to request subscription information.

[0133] Step 2102: Receive candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group of the target UE sent by the network function entity; the candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group of the target UE is retrieved based on the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE, and the internal group identifier is retrieved based on the user identifier.

[0134] As described above, the group identifier conversion includes internal group identifiers and a SUPI list. The network function entity can retrieve the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE based on the user identifier sent by the SMF in step 2101, i.e., the InternelGroup ID list of the target UE. The candidate virtual network group data corresponds to the internal group identifiers, and the virtual network group data corresponding to all internal group identifiers in the list can be retrieved according to the Internel Group ID list. The SMF receives the candidate virtual network group data sent by the network function entity.

[0135] Optionally, the network function entity in this embodiment is UDM. It is understood that the network function entity in steps 210, 220 and 2101 is the same. If the network function entity in step 2101 is UDM, the network function entity in steps 210 and 220 is also UDM.

[0136] In one embodiment, optionally, the data of candidate virtual network groups corresponding to the respective groups of the target user equipment (UE) sent by the receiving network function entity includes:

[0137] Step 2111: Send the user identifier of the target UE to the network function entity;

[0138] The description of the target UE's user identifier and transmission operation is the same as that in step 2101, and will not be repeated here.

[0139] Step 2112: Receive the external group identifier corresponding to the target UE sent by the network function entity. The external group identifier is determined based on the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE, and the internal group identifier is retrieved based on the user identifier.

[0140] As described above, the group identifier conversion includes internal group identifiers, external group identifiers, and a SUPI list. The network function entity can retrieve the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE, i.e., the target UE's Internel Group ID list, based on the user identifier sent by the SMF in step 2111; and query the corresponding External Group ID list, i.e., the external group identifier, based on the Internel Group ID list. The SMF receives the external group identifier corresponding to the target UE sent by the network function entity.

[0141] Step 2113: Send the external group identifier to the network function entity;

[0142] For example, the SMF can invoke the Nudm_PP_GET service operation to send an external group identifier to a network function entity.

[0143] Step 2114: Receive the candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group of the target UE sent by the network function entity; the candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group of the target UE is retrieved based on the external group identifier.

[0144] SMF can receive Nudm_PP_GET Response messages sent by the Network Function Entity. These messages carry candidate virtual network group data, which is retrieved based on the external group identifier sent in step 2113. Since the existing protocol does not currently include an SMF as a consumer for the Nudm_PP_GET service operation, it is necessary to add an SMF consumer to the Nudm_PP_GET service operation.

[0145] Optionally, the network function entity in this embodiment is UDM. It is understood that the network function entity in steps 210, 220 and 2111 is the same. If the network function entity in step 2111 is UDM, the network function entity in steps 210 and 220 is also UDM.

[0146] Optionally, the data of the target virtual network group corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) sent by the receiving network function entity includes:

[0147] Send the user identifier of the target UE and relevant parameters of the current session to the network function entity;

[0148] The system receives target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) sent by the network function entity. The target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target UE is retrieved based on an external group identifier and relevant parameters of the current session, or based on an internal group identifier and relevant parameters of the current session. The external group identifier is determined based on the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE, and the internal group identifier is retrieved based on the user identifier.

[0149] In one embodiment, the receiving of target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) sent by the network function entity includes:

[0150] Step 310: Send the user identifier of the target UE to the network function entity;

[0151] The description of the target UE's user identifier and transmission operation is the same as that in step 2101, and will not be repeated here.

[0152] Step 320: Receive the external group identifier corresponding to the target UE sent by the network function entity. The external group identifier is determined based on the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE, and the internal group identifier is retrieved based on the user identifier.

[0153] The relevant information about external group identifiers is the same as that in step 2102, and will not be repeated here.

[0154] Step 330: Send the external group identifier and relevant parameters of the current session to the network function entity;

[0155] To better understand the embodiments of this application, taking the case where the network function entity is a UDM as an example: The SMF carries the external group identifier and relevant parameters of the current session, such as DNN and S-NSSAI, and calls the Nudm_PP_GET service operation to send a Nudm_PP_GET_Request message to the UDM to request target virtual network group data. Since the consumer of the Nudm_PP_GET service operation in the existing protocol does not currently include the SMF, and the calling parameters do not currently include DNN and S-NSSAI, it is necessary to add the consumer SMF to the Nudm_PP_GET service operation; and to add optional parameters DNN and S-NSSAI to the Nudm_PP_GET service operation.

[0156] Step 340: Receive the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) sent by the network function entity; the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) is retrieved based on the external group identifier and the relevant parameters of the current session.

[0157] In this step, the network function entity retrieves the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) based on the external group identifier sent by the SMF and the relevant parameters of the current session. The SMF receives the target virtual network group data returned by the network function entity through the Nudm_PP_GETResponse message.

[0158] Optionally, in this embodiment, the network function entity is UDM.

[0159] Optionally, the relevant parameters of the current session in this embodiment include S-NSSAI and DNN.

[0160] In one embodiment, the receiving of target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) sent by the network function entity includes:

[0161] Step 410: Send the user identifier of the target UE and the relevant parameters of the current session to the network function entity;

[0162] The description of the target UE's user identifier and transmission operation is the same as that in step 2101, and will not be repeated here.

[0163] Step 420: Receive the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) sent by the network function entity; the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) is retrieved based on the external group identifier and the relevant parameters of the current session, the external group identifier is determined based on the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE, and the internal group identifier is retrieved based on the user identifier.

[0164] As described above, the group identifier conversion includes internal group identifiers, external group identifiers, and a SUPI list. The network function entity can retrieve the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE, i.e., the target UE's Internel Group ID list, based on the user identifier sent by the SMF in step 2101; and query the corresponding External Group ID list, i.e., the external group identifier, based on the Internel Group ID list. The relevant parameters of the current session are associated with the virtual group data. Based on the relevant parameters of the current session, the network function entity can determine the virtual network group data associated with the relevant parameters of the current session, i.e., the target virtual network group data, from one or more candidate virtual network group data. The SMF receives the target virtual network group data sent by the network function entity.

[0165] Optionally, in this embodiment, the network function entity is UDM.

[0166] Optionally, the relevant parameters of the current session in this embodiment include S-NSSAI and DNN.

[0167] Optionally, the data of the target virtual network group corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) sent by the receiving network function entity includes:

[0168] Step 510: Receive an external group identifier sent by a first network function entity. The external group identifier is determined by the first network function entity based on the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE. The internal group identifier is retrieved based on the user identifier of the target UE.

[0169] Step 520: Send the external group identifier and related parameters of the current session to the second network function entity;

[0170] Step 530: Receive the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) sent by the second network function entity; the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) is retrieved based on the external group identifier and the relevant parameters of the current session.

[0171] For an introduction to the external group identifier, relevant parameters of the current session, and target virtual network group data, as well as their corresponding relationships, please refer to the above description; they will not be repeated here.

[0172] Optionally, the first network function entity is AMF, and the second network function entity is UDM.

[0173] Optionally, the relevant parameters of the current session include S-NSSAI and DNN.

[0174] The method for obtaining virtual network group data provided in this application embodiment enables the SMF to obtain the target virtual network group data by receiving the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) sent by the network function entity.

[0175] Figure 2 This is a second schematic flowchart of the method for obtaining virtual network group data provided in this application embodiment, as shown below. Figure 2 As shown, this application provides a method for obtaining virtual network group data, applied to a unified data management entity (UDM), including:

[0176] Step 610: Send target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF. The target virtual network group data includes relevant parameters of the current session.

[0177] For information on virtual network groups, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 The details described in the previous section will not be repeated here. In mobile communication technology, the user database adopts a front-end and back-end separation architecture. The front-end consists of a unified data management unit (UDM) and a PCF, while the back-end is the UDR. The front-end is responsible for processing business logic, handling signaling with other core network elements, and storing dynamic user and service data. The back-end is responsible for interfacing with the operator's IT system for user account opening, closing, and other operations, and stores static user data and policy data. The UDR can store 5G virtual network group identifiers (internal and external group identifiers), group member information, and group data. The UDM can store, update, or retrieve virtual network group data in the UDR. The virtual network group data stored in the UDR can be obtained through information interaction between the UDM and other network function entities, such as through information interaction with the Network Exposure Function (NEF). This application does not limit how the UDM obtains virtual network group data.

[0178] The UDM can send target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF. This target virtual network group data can be retrieved by the UDM from the UDR based on parameters related to virtual network group data, such as group identifiers or group member information. This application does not limit how the UDM obtains the target virtual network group data.

[0179] The virtual network group data acquisition method provided in this application embodiment sends target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF through the UDM, so that the SMF can obtain the target virtual network group data.

[0180] Optionally, according to one embodiment of the method for obtaining virtual network group data, the step of sending target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF includes:

[0181] Step 710: Send the candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group to which the target user equipment (UE) belongs to the SMF. The number of groups is at least one, and the candidate virtual network group data includes the target virtual network group data.

[0182] For information on candidate virtual network groups and candidate virtual network group data, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 The details described herein will not be repeated here. The UDM can proactively send candidate virtual network group data to the SMF, or it can send candidate virtual network group data to the SMF upon request from other network function entities besides the UDM, such as the SMF or AMF; this application does not limit this. The UDM can directly send candidate virtual network group data to the SMF, or it can send candidate virtual network group data to the SMF through other network function entities besides the UDM; this application does not limit this. The candidate virtual network group data sent by the UDM to the SMF is retrieved by the UDM based on an index of the candidate virtual network group data, such as an internal group identifier or an external group identifier.

[0183] The following is a further explanation of the possible implementation methods of the above steps in specific embodiments.

[0184] Optionally, sending candidate virtual network group data corresponding to the group to which the target user equipment (UE) belongs to the SMF includes:

[0185] Receive the user identifier of the target UE sent by the SMF;

[0186] The system sends candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group of the target UE to the SMF. The candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group of the target UE is retrieved based on the internal group identifier or external group identifier corresponding to the target UE. The external group identifier is determined based on the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE, and the internal group identifier is retrieved based on the user identifier.

[0187] In one embodiment, according to the virtual network group data acquisition method of an embodiment of this application, the step of sending candidate virtual network group data corresponding to the respective groups of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF includes:

[0188] Step 7101: Receive the user identifier of the target UE sent by the SMF;

[0189] For an introduction to the user identifier of the target UE, please refer to the above description; it will not be repeated here.

[0190] Step 7102: Based on the user identifier, retrieve the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE, and then based on the internal group identifier, retrieve the candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group to which the target UE belongs.

[0191] The UDM can retrieve the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE based on the user identifier (such as SUPI) sent by the SMF in step 7101, which is the list of Internel Group IDs of the target UE; the candidate virtual network group data corresponds to the internal group identifier, and the UDM can retrieve the virtual network group data corresponding to all internal group identifiers in the list based on the list of Internel Group IDs, which is the candidate virtual network group data.

[0192] Step 7103: Send the candidate virtual network group data corresponding to the group to which the target UE belongs to the SMF.

[0193] Specifically, the virtual network group data corresponding to the list of Internel Group IDs retrieved in step 7102 is sent to the SMF.

[0194] For an introduction to user identifiers, internal group identifiers, and candidate virtual network group data, as well as their corresponding relationships, please refer to the above description; they will not be repeated here.

[0195] In one embodiment, according to the virtual network group data acquisition method of an embodiment of this application, the step of sending candidate virtual network group data corresponding to the respective groups of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF includes:

[0196] Step 7111: Receive the user identifier of the target UE sent by the SMF;

[0197] For an introduction to the user identifier of the target UE, please refer to the above description; it will not be repeated here.

[0198] Step 7112: Send the external group identifier corresponding to the target UE to the SMF. The external group identifier is determined based on the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE. The internal group identifier is retrieved based on the user identifier.

[0199] The UDM can retrieve the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE based on the user identifier (such as SUPI) received in step 7111, i.e., the list of Internel Group IDs of the target UE; and query the corresponding External Group ID list, i.e., the external group identifier, based on the list of Internel Group IDs. The UDM can send the external group identifier corresponding to the target UE to the SMF through the Nudm_SDM_GET Response message.

[0200] Step 7113: Receive the external group identifier sent by the SMF, and retrieve the candidate virtual network group data corresponding to the group where the target UE is located based on the external group identifier;

[0201] UDM can receive the external group identifier sent by SMF via the Nudm_PP_GET Request message.

[0202] Step 7114: Send the candidate virtual network group data corresponding to the group to which the target UE belongs to the SMF.

[0203] UDM can send candidate virtual network group data to SMF via the Nudm_PP_GET Response message.

[0204] It is understandable that, since the consumers that can call the Nudm_PP_GET service operation according to the protocol do not include SMF, it is necessary to add a consumer SMF to the Nudm_PP_GET service operation in this embodiment.

[0205] For an introduction to user identifiers, internal group identifiers, external group identifiers, and candidate virtual network group data, as well as their corresponding relationships, please refer to the above description; they will not be repeated here.

[0206] Optionally, in one embodiment of the virtual network group data acquisition method according to an embodiment of this application, the step of sending candidate virtual network group data corresponding to the respective groups to which the target user equipment (UE) belongs to the SMF includes:

[0207] Step 7121: Receive the user identifier of the target UE sent by the AMF;

[0208] For an introduction to the user identifier of the target UE, please refer to the above description; it will not be repeated here.

[0209] Step 7122: Send the external group identifier corresponding to the target UE to the AMF. The external group identifier is determined based on the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE. The internal group identifier is retrieved based on the user identifier.

[0210] The UDM can retrieve the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE based on the user identifier (such as SUPI) received in step 7121, i.e., the list of Internal Group IDs of the target UE; and query the corresponding External Group ID list, i.e., the external group identifier, based on the list of Internal Group IDs. The UDM can send the external group identifier corresponding to the target UE to the AMF through the Nudm_SDM_GET Response message.

[0211] Step 7123: Receive the external group identifier sent by the AMF, and retrieve the candidate virtual network group data corresponding to the group where the target UE is located based on the external group identifier;

[0212] UDM can receive the external group identifier sent by AMF via the Nudm_PP_GET Request message.

[0213] Step 7124: Send the candidate virtual network group data corresponding to the group to which the target UE belongs to the SMF via the AMF.

[0214] UDM can send candidate virtual network group data to AMF via the Nudm_PP_GET Response message.

[0215] It is understandable that, since the consumers who can call the Nudm_PP_GET service operation according to the protocol do not include AMF, it is necessary to add a consumer AMF to the Nudm_PP_GET service operation in this embodiment.

[0216] For an introduction to user identifiers, internal group identifiers, external group identifiers, and candidate virtual network group data, as well as their corresponding relationships, please refer to the above description; they will not be repeated here.

[0217] Optionally, during the registration process or during the session establishment process, the external group identifier corresponding to the target UE is sent to the AMF.

[0218] Optionally, in one embodiment of the virtual network group data acquisition method according to an embodiment of this application, sending target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF includes:

[0219] Step 7131: Receive the user identifier of the target UE sent by the AMF;

[0220] For an introduction to the user identifier of the target UE, please refer to the above description; it will not be repeated here.

[0221] Step 7132: Send the external group identifier corresponding to the target UE to the AMF. The external group identifier is determined based on the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE. The internal group identifier is retrieved based on the user identifier.

[0222] The UDM can retrieve the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE based on the user identifier (such as SUPI) received in step 7131, i.e., the list of Internel Group IDs for the target UE, according to the group identifier conversion; and query the corresponding External Group ID list, i.e., the external group identifier, according to the list of Internel Group IDs. The UDM can send the external group identifier corresponding to the target UE to the AMF through the Nudm_SDM_GET Response message.

[0223] Step 7133: Receive the external group identifier and relevant parameters of the current session sent by the SMF, wherein the external group identifier is sent by the AMF to the SMF;

[0224] UDM can receive the external group identifier and relevant parameters of the current session sent by SMF through the Nudm_PP_GET Request message.

[0225] Step 7134: Send the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF.

[0226] UDM can send target virtual network group data to SMF via the Nudm_PP_GET Response message.

[0227] It is understandable that, since the protocol stipulates that consumers who can call the Nudm_PP_GET service operation do not include SMF, this embodiment of the application needs to add a consumer SMF to the Nudm_PP_GET service operation.

[0228] For an introduction to user identifiers, internal group identifiers, external group identifiers, and target virtual network group data, as well as their corresponding relationships, please refer to the above description; they will not be repeated here.

[0229] Optionally, during the session establishment process, the external group identifier corresponding to the target UE is sent to the AMF.

[0230] Optionally, the relevant parameters of the current session include S-NSSAI and DNN.

[0231] Optionally, sending the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF includes:

[0232] Receive the user identifier of the target UE sent by the SMF, as well as the relevant parameters of the current session;

[0233] Send the target virtual network group data corresponding to the target UE's current session to the SMF;

[0234] The target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) is retrieved based on the external group identifier and the relevant parameters of the current session, or based on the internal group identifier and the relevant parameters of the current session; the external group identifier is determined based on the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE, and the internal group identifier is retrieved based on the user identifier.

[0235] In one embodiment, according to a method for obtaining virtual network group data according to an embodiment of this application, sending target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF includes:

[0236] Step 810: Receive the user identifier of the target UE sent by the SMF;

[0237] For an introduction to the user identifier of the target UE, please refer to the above description; it will not be repeated here.

[0238] Step 820: Send the external group identifier corresponding to the target UE to the SMF. The external group identifier is determined based on the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE, and the internal group identifier is retrieved based on the user identifier.

[0239] The UDM can retrieve the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE based on the user identifier (such as SUPI) received in step 810, i.e., the list of Internel Group IDs of the target UE, according to the group identifier conversion; and query the corresponding External Group ID list, i.e., the external group identifier, according to the list of Internel Group IDs. The UDM can send the external group identifier corresponding to the target UE to the SMF through the Nudm_SDM_GET Response message.

[0240] Step 830: Receive the external group identifier sent by the SMF, and the relevant parameters of the current session;

[0241] UDM can receive the external group identifier and relevant parameters of the current session sent by SMF through the Nudm_PP_GET Request message.

[0242] Step 840: Based on the external group identifier and the relevant parameters of the current session, retrieve the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE).

[0243] UDM can send target virtual network group data to SMF via the Nudm_PP_GET Response message.

[0244] It is understandable that, since the consumers that can call the Nudm_PP_GET service operation according to the protocol do not include SMF, it is necessary to add a consumer SMF to the Nudm_PP_GET service operation in this embodiment.

[0245] For an introduction to user identifiers, internal group identifiers, external group identifiers, and target virtual network group data, as well as their corresponding relationships, please refer to the above description; they will not be repeated here.

[0246] Optionally, the relevant parameters of the current session include S-NSSAI and DNN.

[0247] In one embodiment, according to a method for obtaining virtual network group data according to an embodiment of this application, sending target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF includes:

[0248] Step 910: Receive the user identifier of the target UE and the relevant parameters of the current session sent by the SMF;

[0249] Step 920: Based on the user identifier, retrieve the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE, and then based on the internal group identifier, retrieve the candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group to which the target UE belongs.

[0250] UDM can retrieve the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE based on the user identifier (such as SUPI) received in step 7121, i.e., the Internel Group ID list of the target UE, based on the group identifier conversion; and query the corresponding candidate virtual network group data based on the Internel Group ID list.

[0251] Step 930: Based on the relevant parameters of the current session, retrieve the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE);

[0252] UDM retrieves the target virtual network group data from the candidate virtual network group data based on the current session-related parameters.

[0253] Step 940: Send the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF.

[0254] UDM can send target virtual network group data to SMF via the Nudm_PP_GET Response message.

[0255] It is understandable that, since the consumers that can call the Nudm_PP_GET service operation according to the protocol do not include SMF, it is necessary to add a consumer SMF to the Nudm_PP_GET service operation in this embodiment.

[0256] Optionally, the relevant parameters of the current session include S-NSSAI and DNN.

[0257] Optionally, according to one embodiment of the method for obtaining virtual network group data, the step of sending target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF includes:

[0258] Step 1010: Receive the user identifier of the target UE and the relevant parameters of the current session sent by the SMF;

[0259] Step 1020: If no target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment UE is found in the first-granularity subscription data based on the user identifier and the relevant parameters, then the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE is obtained in the second-granularity subscription data based on the user identifier, and the candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group to which the target UE belongs is obtained based on the internal group identifier. The target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment UE is found based on the relevant parameters of the current session, and the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment UE is sent to the SMF.

[0260] The contract data at the second granularity includes the contract data at the first granularity.

[0261] Specifically, the first granularity refers to the contract data at the parameter granularity, such as the contract data at the DNN and S-NSSAI granularity. The second granularity of contract data refers to Session Management Subscription DATA, which includes the contract data at the first granularity.

[0262] Optionally, if target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) is retrieved, the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) is sent to the SMF; the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) is retrieved from the subscription data at the first granularity based on the user identifier and the relevant parameters.

[0263] In one embodiment, the UDM retrieves target virtual network group data from the subscription data at the DNN and S-NSSAI granularity based on the user identifier and the relevant parameters. If target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) is retrieved, the Nudm_SDM_GET service operation is invoked to send the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF.

[0264] If no target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) is found, the internal group identifier list corresponding to the target UE is obtained from the SM subscription data based on the user identifier, and then the candidate virtual network group data of the target UE is obtained from the internal group identifier list.

[0265] Based on the relevant parameters of the current session, the UDM retrieves the target virtual network group data from the target UE's candidate virtual network group data, and calls the Nudm_SDM_GET service operation to send the target virtual network group data corresponding to the target user equipment UE's current session to the SMF. Optionally, the relevant parameters of the current session include S-NSSAI and DNN.

[0266] Figure 3 This is the third flowchart illustrating the method for obtaining virtual network group data provided in this application embodiment, as shown below. Figure 3 As shown, this application provides a method for obtaining virtual network group data, applied to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) entity, including:

[0267] Step 1110: Send target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF. The target virtual network group data includes relevant parameters of the current session.

[0268] For information on virtual network groups, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 The details described above will not be repeated here. The AMF can send target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF; the target virtual network group data can be obtained by the AMF by requesting other network function entities, such as the AMF sending a request to the UDM to receive the target virtual network group data.

[0269] The method for obtaining virtual network group data provided in this application embodiment sends target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF through the AMF, so that the SMF obtains the target virtual network group data.

[0270] The following is a further explanation of the possible implementation methods of the above steps in specific embodiments.

[0271] In one embodiment, optionally, sending the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF includes:

[0272] Step 11101: Send the user identifier of the target UE to the UDM;

[0273] Step 11102: Receive the external group identifier corresponding to the target UE sent by the UDM. The external group identifier is determined based on the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE, and the internal group identifier is retrieved based on the user identifier.

[0274] The UDM can retrieve the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE based on the user identifier (such as SUPI) received in step 11101, i.e., the Internel Group ID list of the target UE; and query the corresponding External Group ID list, i.e., the external group identifier, based on the Internel Group ID list. The UDM can send the external group identifier corresponding to the target UE to the AMF via the Nudm_PP_GETResponse message.

[0275] Step 11103: Send the external group identifier to the UDM, and receive the candidate virtual network group data returned by the UDM, which are retrieved based on the external group identifier and are corresponding to the respective groups of the target UE. The number of groups is at least one.

[0276] AMF can call the Nudm_PP_GET service operation to send the external group identifier corresponding to the target UE to UDM; UDM retrieves the candidate virtual network group data corresponding to the target UE based on the external group identifier sent by AMF and returns it to AMF.

[0277] Step 11104: Based on the relevant parameters of the current session, determine the target virtual network group data from at least one of the candidate virtual network group data;

[0278] Step 11105: Send the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF.

[0279] AMF can send target virtual network group data to SMF by calling the Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext service operation.

[0280] For an introduction and mapping of user identifiers, internal group identifiers, external group identifiers, session-related parameters, candidate virtual network group data, and target virtual network group data, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 The details described in the text will not be repeated here.

[0281] Optionally, according to a method for obtaining virtual network group data according to an embodiment of this application, sending the external group identifier corresponding to the target UE to the AMF includes:

[0282] During the registration process or the session establishment process, the external group identifier corresponding to the target UE is received from the UDM.

[0283] Optionally, the relevant parameters of the current session include S-NSSAI and DNN.

[0284] This application embodiment reduces the burden on the SMF by sending target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF.

[0285] Optionally, in one embodiment of the virtual network group data acquisition method according to an embodiment of this application, sending target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF includes:

[0286] Step 11111: Send the candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group to which the target user equipment (UE) belongs to the SMF. The number of groups is at least one, and the candidate virtual network group data includes the target virtual network group data.

[0287] This application embodiment sends candidate virtual network group data corresponding to the group to which the target user equipment (UE) belongs to the SMF. The candidate virtual network group data includes the target virtual network group data, so that after obtaining the candidate virtual network group data, the SMF can determine the target virtual network group data through the relevant parameters of the current session.

[0288] Figure 4 This is the fourth flowchart illustrating the method for obtaining virtual network group data provided in this application embodiment, as shown below. Figure 4 As shown in the figure, this application embodiment provides a method for obtaining virtual network group data, including:

[0289] Step 1a: SMF calls the Nudm_SDM_GET service operation to send a Nudm_SDM_GET_Request message carrying the SUPI parameter to UDM to request the acquisition of subscription information.

[0290] Step 1b: UDM retrieves all Internel Group ID Lists for the UE and all 5G VN Group Data for the UE's group based on the SUPI parameters and returns them to SMF via Nudm_SDM_GET Response message;

[0291] Step 2: SMF retrieves the corresponding 5G VN group data, i.e., the target virtual network group data, based on the relevant parameters S-NSSAI and DNN of the current session.

[0292] Figure 5 This is the fifth flowchart illustrating the method for obtaining virtual network group data provided in this application embodiment, as shown below. Figure 5 As shown in the figure, this application embodiment provides a method for obtaining virtual network group data, including:

[0293] Steps 1a-1b: The SMF retrieves all the Internal Group ID Lists for the UE from the UDM with the SUPI parameters, and queries the UDM to retrieve all the external group IDs corresponding to these Internal Group ID Lists;

[0294] Steps 2a-2b: The SMF calls the Nudm_PP_GET service operation to the UDM based on the extensal group id List to obtain all 5G VN GROUP data;

[0295] Step 3: SMF retrieves the corresponding 5G VN group data, i.e., the target virtual network group data, based on the relevant parameters S-NSSAI and DNN of the current session.

[0296] Since the Network Function (NF) entity that can call the Nudm_PP_GET service operation according to the protocol does not contain an SMF, it is necessary to add a consumer SMF to the Nudm_PP_GET service operation.

[0297] Figure 6 This is the sixth flowchart illustrating the method for obtaining virtual network group data provided in this application embodiment, as shown below. Figure 6 As shown in the figure, this application embodiment provides a method for obtaining virtual network group data, including:

[0298] Steps 1a-1b: The SMF retrieves all the Internel Group ID Lists for the UE from the UDM with the SUPI parameters, and returns all the External Group IDs corresponding to these Internel Group ID Lists.

[0299] Steps 2a-2b: The SMF carries these External Group IDs and the parameters DNN and S-NSSAI related to the current session to the UDM to call the Nudm_PP_GET service operation to obtain the 5G VN GROUP data corresponding to the current session, that is, the target virtual network group data.

[0300] Since the agreement stipulates that consumers who can call the Nudm_PP_GET service operation do not include SMF, it is necessary to add consumer SMF to the Nudm_PP_GET service operation; since the agreement stipulates that the Nudm_PP_GET service operation call parameters do not currently include DNN and S-NSSAI, it is necessary to add optional parameters DNN and S-NSSAI to the Nudm_PP_GET service operation.

[0301] Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The embodiments described herein share a common feature: the target virtual network group data is searched by the SMF. Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the described embodiment, the UDM returns the 5G VNGROUP data of all groups belonging to the target UE corresponding to the user identifier. Finally, the SMF uses the relevant parameters DNN and S-NSSAI of the current dialogue to find the 5G VN Group Data corresponding to the current dialogue (DNN, S-NSSAI). Figure 6 In one embodiment, the SMF uses the external group identifier and the relevant parameters DNN and S-NSSAI of the current session to find the 5GVN Group Data corresponding to the current dialogue (DNN, S-NSSAI).

[0302] Figure 7 This is the seventh flowchart illustrating the method for obtaining virtual network group data provided in this application embodiment, as shown below. Figure 7 As shown, this application embodiment provides a method for obtaining virtual network group data, including: a registration process and a session establishment process;

[0303] 1. Registration process:

[0304] Steps 1a-1b: When the AMF obtains AM subscription data (Access and Mobility Subscription Data) from the UDM based on the UE identifier (such as SUPI), it obtains all Internal Group IDs of the UE, and then obtains all external group IDs corresponding to these Internal Group ID Lists, i.e., external group ID List.

[0305] Steps 2a-2b: The AMF calls the UDM's Nudm_PP_GET service based on the external group id List to obtain all 5G VN GROUP data; the 5G VN GROUP data corresponds to the external group id List.

[0306] Since the agreement stipulates that consumers who can call the Nudm_PP_GET service operation do not include an AMF, it is necessary to add a consumer AMF to the Nudm_PP_GET service operation.

[0307] 2. Session establishment process:

[0308] Step 3: AMF receives PDU session establishment request;

[0309] Step 4: AMF filters out the corresponding 5GVN Group Data, i.e. the target virtual network group data, from all the 5G VN GROUP data obtained in steps 2a to 2b based on the relevant parameters DNN and S-NSSAI of the current session.

[0310] Step 5: The AMF sends the selected 5G VN Group Data information to the SMF.

[0311] Figure 8 This is the eighth flowchart illustrating the method for obtaining virtual network group data provided in this application embodiment, as shown below. Figure 8 As shown in the figure, this application embodiment provides a method for obtaining virtual network group data, including:

[0312] In the session establishment process, after the AMF receives the session establishment request, an additional interaction step between the AMF and the UDM is added:

[0313] Step 1: During the registration process, the AMF receives a PDU session establishment request message sent by the RAN. The PDU session establishment request message contains the relevant parameters DNN and S-NSSAI of the current session. The AMF can also obtain the Internal Group ID-list of the target UE during the registration process.

[0314] Steps 2a-2b: The AMF obtains all external group IDs corresponding to the Internal Group IDs of the target UE from the UDM based on the Internal Group ID-list obtained during registration;

[0315] Steps 3a-3b: AMF calls the UDM's Nudm_PP_GET service based on the external group id List to obtain all the 5G VN GROUP data corresponding to the external group id List.

[0316] Step 4: Based on the relevant parameters DNN and S-NSSAI of the current session, AMF filters out the corresponding 5GVN GROUP data, i.e., the target virtual network group data, from all the 5G VN GROUP data obtained in steps 3a to 3b.

[0317] Step 5: The AMF sends the target virtual network group data to the selected SMF.

[0318] This embodiment and Figure 7 The difference between the embodiments described herein lies in the timing at which the AMF acquires the external group identifier: Figure 7 The embodiment described herein uses AMF to obtain the external group identifier during the registration process. Figure 8 The example described herein illustrates that AMF obtains the external group identifier during the session establishment process.

[0319] Figure 9 This is the ninth flowchart illustrating the method for obtaining virtual network group data provided in this application embodiment, as shown below. Figure 9 As shown in the figure, this application embodiment provides a method for obtaining virtual network group data, including:

[0320] Step 1: During the registration process, the AMF receives a PDU session establishment request message sent by the RAN. The PDU session establishment request message contains the relevant parameters DNN and S-NSSAI of the current session. The AMF can also obtain the Internal Group ID-list of the target UE during the registration process.

[0321] Steps 2a-2b: When a session is established, the AMF obtains all external group IDs corresponding to the Internal Group ID List of the UE obtained during registration from the UDM.

[0322] Step 3: When a session is established, the AMF sends all external group IDs to the SMF.

[0323] Steps 4a-4b: The SMF carries these External Group IDs and the parameters DNN and S-NSSAI related to the current session to the UDM to call the Nudm_PP_GET service operation to obtain the 5G VN GROUP data corresponding to the current session, that is, the target virtual network group data.

[0324] Figure 10 This is the tenth flowchart illustrating the method for obtaining virtual network group data provided in this application embodiment, as shown below. Figure 10 As shown in the figure, this application embodiment provides a method for obtaining virtual network group data, including:

[0325] Registration process and session establishment process;

[0326] 1. Registration process:

[0327] Steps 1a-1b: When the AMF obtains the AM's subscription information from the UDM based on the UE identifier (such as SUPI), it obtains all Internal Group IDs of the UE, and then obtains all external group IDs corresponding to these Internal Group IDs, i.e., the external group ID list.

[0328] Steps 2a-2b: The AMF calls the UDM's Nudm_PP_GET service based on the external group id List to obtain all 5G VN GROUP data; the 5G VN GROUP data corresponds to the external group id List.

[0329] Since the agreement stipulates that consumers who can call the Nudm_PP_GET service operation do not include an AMF, it is necessary to add a consumer AMF to the Nudm_PP_GET service operation.

[0330] 2. Session establishment process

[0331] Step 3: AMF receives PDU session establishment request;

[0332] Step 4: AMF sends all 5G VN GROUP Data to SMF

[0333] Step 5: Based on the relevant parameters of the current session, DNN and S-NSSAI, SMF filters out the corresponding 5G VN Group Data, i.e., the target virtual network group data, from all the 5GVN GROUP data obtained in Step 4.

[0334] This embodiment and Figure 8 The difference between the embodiments described herein lies in the network functional entities used for filtering: Figure 8 In the embodiments described, screening is performed by AMF. Figure 10 In the embodiments described herein, screening is performed using SMF.

[0335] Figures 7 to 10 The embodiments described herein share the following common feature: during the registration process or session establishment process, the AMF searches for data related to 5G VN Group Data (such as external group identifiers or candidate virtual network group data) or 5G VN Group Data query results (target virtual network group data), and the AMF returns the data related to 5G VN Group Data or 5G VN Group Data query results to the SMF. Figure 11 This is eleventh of the flowcharts illustrating the method for obtaining virtual network group data provided in this application embodiment, as shown below. Figure 11 As shown in the illustration, this application provides a method for obtaining virtual network group data, applied in the session establishment process. It includes:

[0336] Step 1a: The SMF receives the SMContextCreate request and sends an SM subscription data query to the UDM, carrying the SUPI parameter and relevant parameters of the current session (DNN and S-NSSAI);

[0337] Step 2: Upon receiving the request, UDM obtains the SM subscription data based on SUPI, and based on the Internal Group Id List in the SM subscription data, obtains the corresponding 5G VN Group Data for all groups of the target UE corresponding to the Internal Group Id List.

[0338] Step 3: UDM then queries the corresponding contract data based on the relevant parameters DNN and S-NSSAI of the current session. The corresponding contract data includes the SM contract data and 5G VN Group Data corresponding to the current session.

[0339] Step 1b: UDM returns the results to SMF, which include SM subscription data and 5G VNGroup Data corresponding to the current session, where the 5G VN Group Data corresponding to the current session is the target virtual network group data.

[0340] The UDM operation in this embodiment is performed twice. The first time, the corresponding 5G VN Group Data is retrieved based on the Internal Group Id List. The second time, the target virtual network group data is retrieved based on the relevant parameters DNN and S-NSSAI of the current session.

[0341] Figure 12 This is the twelfth flowchart illustrating the method for obtaining virtual network group data provided in this application embodiment. Figure 12 As shown in the illustration, this application provides a method for obtaining virtual network group data, applied in the session establishment process. It includes:

[0342] Step 1a: The SMF receives the SMContextCreate request and sends an SM subscription data query to the UDM, carrying the SUPI parameter and relevant parameters of the current session (DNN and S-NSSAI);

[0343] Step 2a: UDM receives the request and, based on SUPI and the relevant parameters DNN and S-NSSAI of the current session, retrieves the 5G VN Group Data corresponding to DNN and S-NSSAI in the first-granularity contract data, that is, in the contract data at the DNN and S-NSSAI granularity.

[0344] Step 2b: If, based on SUPI and the relevant parameters DNN and S-NSSAI of the current session, no 5G VNGroup Data corresponding to DNN and S-NSSAI is found in the first-granularity subscription data (i.e., in the subscription data at the DNN and S-NSSAI granularity), then UDM retrieves the Internal Group ID List corresponding to the target UE based on SUPI in the second-granularity subscription data (i.e., in the SM subscription data of SMF), and then retrieves the 5G VN Group Data corresponding to each Internal Group ID in the Internal Group ID List, i.e., the candidate virtual network group data.

[0345] Step 3: UDM queries the corresponding contract data based on the relevant parameters DNN and S-NSSAI of the current session. The corresponding contract data includes SM contract data and 5G VN Group Data corresponding to the current session.

[0346] Step 1b: UDM returns the results to SMF, which include SM subscription data and 5G VNGroup Data corresponding to the current session, where the 5G VN Group Data corresponding to the current session is the target virtual network group data.

[0347] This embodiment and Figure 11 The difference between the embodiments described herein lies in the retrieval granularity: Figure 11 The embodiments described herein only perform retrieval on SM-level contract data. Figure 12 The embodiment described in the text first searches the contract data at the DNN and S-NSSAI granularities. If no results are found, it then searches the contract data at the SM granularity.

[0348] Figure 11 and Figure 12 The embodiments described herein share a common feature: the UDM first queries either the SM-level granular subscription data or the SM-level granular subscription information, and then adds 5G VN Group Data to the "SessionManagementSubscriptionData" data structure returned by the UDM, which is the SM subscription data. The SM-level granular subscription information refers to the first-level granular subscription information (i.e., DNN and S-NSSAI granular subscription data). Figure 11 and Figure 12 The embodiments described herein are more closely aligned with the protocol description.

[0349] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a Session Management Function Entity (SMF) provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 13 As shown, the Session Management Function (SMF) entity includes a memory 1320, a transceiver 1300, and a processor 1310, wherein:

[0350] The memory 1320 is used to store computer programs; the transceiver 1300 is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor 1310; the processor 1310 is used to read the computer program in the memory 1320 and perform the following operations:

[0351] The system receives target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) sent by a network function entity. The target virtual network group data includes relevant parameters of the current session.

[0352] Specifically, transceiver 1300 is used to receive and send data under the control of processor 1310.

[0353] Among them, Figure 13In this context, the bus architecture can include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically linking various circuits together, represented by one or more processors (processor 1310) and memory (memory 1320). The bus architecture can also link together various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be described further herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 1300 can be multiple elements, including transmitters and receivers, providing units for communicating with various other devices over transmission media, including wireless channels, wired channels, optical fibers, etc. The processor 1310 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 1320 can store data used by the processor 1310 during operation.

[0354] The processor 1310 can be a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). The processor can also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0355] Optionally, the data of the target virtual network group corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) sent by the receiving network function entity includes:

[0356] The system receives candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group to which the target user equipment (UE) belongs, sent by the network function entity, wherein the number of the groups is at least one.

[0357] Based on the relevant parameters of the current session, the target virtual network group data is determined from at least one of the candidate virtual network group data.

[0358] Optionally, the data of candidate virtual network groups corresponding to the group to which the target user equipment (UE) belongs, sent by the receiving network function entity, includes:

[0359] Send the user identifier of the target UE to the network function entity;

[0360] The system receives candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group of the target UE from the network function entity. The candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group of the target UE is retrieved based on the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE, and the internal group identifier is retrieved based on the user identifier.

[0361] Optionally, the data of candidate virtual network groups corresponding to the group to which the target user equipment (UE) belongs, sent by the receiving network function entity, includes:

[0362] Send the user identifier of the target UE to the network function entity;

[0363] The network function entity receives the external group identifier corresponding to the target UE, which is determined based on the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE and retrieved based on the user identifier.

[0364] Send the external group identifier to the network function entity;

[0365] The system receives candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group of the target UE from the network function entity; the candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group of the target UE is retrieved based on the external group identifier.

[0366] Optionally, the data of the target virtual network group corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) sent by the receiving network function entity includes:

[0367] Send the user identifier of the target UE to the network function entity;

[0368] The network function entity receives the external group identifier corresponding to the target UE, which is determined based on the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE and retrieved based on the user identifier.

[0369] Send the external group identifier and relevant parameters of the current session to the network function entity;

[0370] The system receives the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) sent by the network function entity; the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) is retrieved based on the external group identifier and the relevant parameters of the current session.

[0371] Optionally, the data of the target virtual network group corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) sent by the receiving network function entity includes:

[0372] Send the user identifier of the target UE and relevant parameters of the current session to the network function entity;

[0373] The system receives target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) sent by the network function entity. The target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target UE is retrieved based on the external group identifier and the relevant parameters of the current session. The external group identifier is determined based on the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE, and the internal group identifier is retrieved based on the user identifier.

[0374] Optionally, the network functional entity is a UDM.

[0375] Optionally, the network functional entity is an AMF.

[0376] Optionally, the data of the target virtual network group corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) sent by the receiving network function entity includes:

[0377] Receive an external group identifier sent by a first network function entity, wherein the external group identifier is determined by the first network function entity based on the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE, and the internal group identifier is retrieved based on the user identifier of the target UE;

[0378] Send the external group identifier, along with relevant parameters of the current session, to the second network function entity;

[0379] The system receives the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) sent by the second network function entity; the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) is retrieved based on the external group identifier and the relevant parameters of the current session.

[0380] Optionally, the first network function entity is AMF, and the second network function entity is UDM.

[0381] Optionally, the relevant parameters of the current session include S-NSSAI and DNN.

[0382] It should be noted that the SMF device provided in this application embodiment can implement all the method steps implemented by the method embodiment with the SMF device as the execution subject, and can achieve the same technical effect. Here, the parts that are the same as those in the method embodiment and the beneficial effects will not be described in detail.

[0383] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a Unified Data Management Entity (UDM) provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 14 As shown, the Unified Data Management Entity (UDM) includes a memory 1420, a transceiver 1400, and a processor 1410, wherein:

[0384] The memory 1420 is used to store computer programs; the transceiver 1400 is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor 1410; the processor 1410 is used to read the computer program in the memory 1420 and perform the following operations:

[0385] Send target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF. The target virtual network group data includes relevant parameters of the current session.

[0386] Specifically, transceiver 1400 is used to receive and send data under the control of processor 1410.

[0387] Among them, Figure 14 In this context, the bus architecture can include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically linking various circuits together, represented by one or more processors (processor 1410) and memory (memory 1420). The bus architecture can also link together various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be described further herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 1400 can be multiple elements, including transmitters and receivers, providing units for communicating with various other devices over transmission media, including wireless channels, wired channels, optical fibers, etc. The processor 1410 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 1420 can store data used by the processor 1410 during operation.

[0388] The processor 1410 can be a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). The processor can also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0389] Optionally, sending the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF includes:

[0390] Send the candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group to which the target user equipment (UE) belongs to the SMF. The number of groups is at least one, and the candidate virtual network group data includes the target virtual network group data.

[0391] Optionally, sending candidate virtual network group data corresponding to the group to which the target user equipment (UE) belongs to the SMF includes:

[0392] Receive the user identifier of the target UE sent by the SMF;

[0393] Based on the user identifier, the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE is obtained, and then based on the internal group identifier, the candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group to which the target UE belongs is obtained.

[0394] Send the candidate virtual network group data corresponding to the group to which the target UE belongs to the SMF.

[0395] Optionally, sending candidate virtual network group data corresponding to the group to which the target user equipment (UE) belongs to the SMF includes:

[0396] Receive the user identifier of the target UE sent by the SMF;

[0397] Send the external group identifier corresponding to the target UE to the SMF. The external group identifier is determined based on the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE. The internal group identifier is retrieved based on the user identifier.

[0398] Receive the external group identifier sent by the SMF, and retrieve the candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group where the target UE is located based on the external group identifier;

[0399] Send the candidate virtual network group data corresponding to the group to which the target UE belongs to the SMF.

[0400] Optionally, sending the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF includes:

[0401] Receive the user identifier of the target UE sent by the SMF;

[0402] Send the external group identifier corresponding to the target UE to the SMF. The external group identifier is determined based on the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE. The internal group identifier is retrieved based on the user identifier.

[0403] Receive the external group identifier sent by the SMF, as well as the relevant parameters of the current session;

[0404] Based on the external group identifier and the relevant parameters of the current session, the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) is retrieved.

[0405] Optionally, sending candidate virtual network group data corresponding to the group to which the target user equipment (UE) belongs to the SMF includes:

[0406] Receive the user identifier of the target UE sent by the AMF;

[0407] Send the external group identifier corresponding to the target UE to the AMF. The external group identifier is determined based on the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE. The internal group identifier is retrieved based on the user identifier.

[0408] Receive the external group identifier sent by the AMF, and retrieve the candidate virtual network group data corresponding to the group where the target UE is located based on the external group identifier;

[0409] The AMF sends the candidate virtual network group data corresponding to the group to which the target UE belongs to the SMF.

[0410] Optionally, sending the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF includes:

[0411] Receive the user identifier of the target UE sent by the AMF;

[0412] Send the external group identifier corresponding to the target UE to the AMF. The external group identifier is determined based on the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE. The internal group identifier is retrieved based on the user identifier.

[0413] Receive the external group identifier and relevant parameters of the current session sent by the SMF, wherein the external group identifier is sent by the AMF to the SMF;

[0414] Send the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF.

[0415] Optionally, sending the external group identifier corresponding to the target UE to the AMF includes:

[0416] During the registration process or the session establishment process, the external group identifier corresponding to the target UE is sent to the AMF.

[0417] Optionally, sending the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF includes:

[0418] Receive the user identifier of the target UE sent by the SMF, as well as the relevant parameters of the current session;

[0419] Based on the user identifier, the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE is obtained, and then based on the internal group identifier, the candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group to which the target UE belongs is obtained.

[0420] Based on the relevant parameters of the current session, the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) is retrieved;

[0421] Send the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF.

[0422] Optionally, sending the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF includes:

[0423] Receive the user identifier of the target UE sent by the SMF, as well as the relevant parameters of the current session;

[0424] If no target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment UE is found in the first-granularity subscription data based on the user identifier and the relevant parameters, then the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE is obtained in the second-granularity subscription data based on the user identifier, and the candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group to which the target UE belongs is obtained based on the internal group identifier. The target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment UE is found based on the relevant parameters of the current session, and the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment UE is sent to the SMF.

[0425] The contract data at the second granularity includes the contract data at the first granularity.

[0426] Optionally, the operation further includes:

[0427] If target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) is retrieved, the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) is sent to the SMF; the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) is retrieved from the subscription data of the first granularity based on the user identifier and the relevant parameters.

[0428] Optionally, the relevant parameters of the current session include S-NSSAI and DNN.

[0429] It should be noted that the UDM device provided in this application embodiment can implement all the method steps implemented by the method embodiment with the UDM device as the execution subject, and can achieve the same technical effect. Here, the parts that are the same as those in the method embodiment and the beneficial effects will not be described in detail.

[0430] Figure 15 This is a structural diagram of an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) entity provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 15 As shown, the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) entity includes a memory 1520, a transceiver 1500, and a processor 1510, wherein:

[0431] The memory 1520 is used to store computer programs; the transceiver 1500 is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor 1510; the processor 1510 is used to read the computer program in the memory 1520 and perform the following operations:

[0432] Send target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF. The target virtual network group data includes relevant parameters of the current session.

[0433] Specifically, transceiver 1500 is used to receive and send data under the control of processor 1510.

[0434] Among them, Figure 15 In this context, the bus architecture can include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically linking various circuits together, represented by one or more processors (processor 1510) and memory (memory 1520). The bus architecture can also link various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be described further herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 1500 can be multiple elements, including transmitters and receivers, providing units for communicating with various other devices over transmission media, including wireless channels, wired channels, optical fibers, etc. The processor 1510 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 1520 can store data used by the processor 1510 during operation.

[0435] The processor 1510 can be a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). The processor can also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0436] Optionally, sending the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF includes:

[0437] Send the user identifier of the target UE to the UDM;

[0438] The system receives the external group identifier corresponding to the target UE sent by the UDM. The external group identifier is determined based on the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE, and the internal group identifier is retrieved based on the user identifier.

[0439] Send the external group identifier to the UDM, and receive the candidate virtual network group data returned by the UDM, which are retrieved based on the external group identifier and are corresponding to the respective groups of the target UE. The number of the groups is at least one.

[0440] Based on the relevant parameters of the current session, the target virtual network group data is determined from at least one of the candidate virtual network group data;

[0441] Send the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF.

[0442] Optionally, sending the external group identifier corresponding to the target UE to the AMF includes:

[0443] During the registration process or the session establishment process, the external group identifier corresponding to the target UE is received from the UDM.

[0444] Optionally, sending the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF includes:

[0445] Send the candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group to which the target user equipment (UE) belongs to the SMF. The number of groups is at least one, and the candidate virtual network group data includes the target virtual network group data.

[0446] Optionally, the relevant parameters of the current session include S-NSSAI and DNN.

[0447] It should be noted that the AMF device provided in this application embodiment can implement all the method steps implemented by the method embodiment with the AMF device as the execution subject, and can achieve the same technical effect. Here, the parts that are the same as those in the method embodiment and the beneficial effects will not be described in detail.

[0448] Figure 16 This is one of the schematic diagrams of the virtual network group data acquisition device provided in this application, such as... Figure 16As shown, this application provides a device for acquiring virtual network group data, applied to a Session Management Function (SMF) entity, including:

[0449] The receiving unit 1610 is used to receive target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) sent by the network function entity, wherein the target virtual network group data includes relevant parameters of the current session.

[0450] It should be noted that the apparatus provided in this embodiment of the invention can implement all the method steps implemented in the above method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. Therefore, the parts and beneficial effects that are the same as those in the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0451] Figure 17 This is the second schematic diagram of the structure of the virtual network group data acquisition device provided in this application, as shown below. Figure 17 As shown, this application provides a device for acquiring virtual network group data, applied to a unified data management entity (UDM), including:

[0452] The first transmitting unit 1710 is used to transmit target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF. The target virtual network group data includes relevant parameters of the current session.

[0453] It should be noted that the apparatus provided in this embodiment of the invention can implement all the method steps implemented in the above method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. Therefore, the parts and beneficial effects that are the same as those in the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0454] Figure 18 This is the third schematic diagram of the structure of the virtual network group data acquisition device provided in this application, as shown below. Figure 18 As shown, this application provides a device for acquiring virtual network group data, applied to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) entity, including:

[0455] The second sending unit 1810 is used to send target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF. The target virtual network group data includes relevant parameters of the current session.

[0456] It should be noted that the apparatus provided in this embodiment of the invention can implement all the method steps implemented in the above method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. Therefore, the parts and beneficial effects that are the same as those in the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0457] It should be noted that the division of units in the embodiments of this application is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used. Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated units described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional units.

[0458] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a processor-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0459] On the other hand, embodiments of this application also provide a processor-readable storage medium storing a computer program for causing the processor to execute the methods provided in the above embodiments, including:

[0460] The system receives target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) sent by a network function entity. The target virtual network group data includes relevant parameters of the current session.

[0461] This application embodiment also provides a processor-readable storage medium storing a computer program for causing the processor to execute the methods provided in the above embodiments, including:

[0462] Send target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF. The target virtual network group data includes relevant parameters of the current session.

[0463] This application embodiment also provides a processor-readable storage medium storing a computer program for causing the processor to execute the methods provided in the above embodiments, including:

[0464] Send target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF. The target virtual network group data includes relevant parameters of the current session.

[0465] The processor-readable storage medium provided in this application stores a computer program processor that can implement all the method steps implemented in the above method embodiments and achieve the same technical effect. Here, the parts that are the same as those in the method embodiments and the beneficial effects will not be described in detail.

[0466] The processor-readable storage medium can be any available medium or data storage device that the processor can access, including but not limited to magnetic memory (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, magneto-optical disk (MO)), optical memory (e.g., CD, DVD, BD, HVD), and semiconductor memory (e.g., ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, non-volatile memory (NAND FLASH), solid-state drive (SSD)).

[0467] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage and optical storage) containing computer-usable program code.

[0468] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of this application. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer-executable instructions. These computer-executable instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart... Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0469] These processor-executable instructions may also be stored in a processor-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the processor-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0470] These processors can execute instructions that can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device, causing a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable device for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0471] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A method for acquiring virtual network group data, characterized in that, The Session Management Function (SMF) entity includes: Receive target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) sent by the network function entity, wherein the target virtual network group data includes relevant parameters of the current session; The data sent by the receiving network function entity, corresponding to the target virtual network group of the target user equipment (UE)'s current session, includes: The system receives candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group to which the target user equipment (UE) belongs, sent by the network function entity, wherein the number of the groups is at least one. Based on the relevant parameters of the current session, the target virtual network group data is determined from at least one of the candidate virtual network group data.

2. The method for acquiring virtual network group data according to claim 1, characterized in that, The data of candidate virtual network groups corresponding to the target user equipment (UE) group sent by the receiving network function entity includes: Send the user identifier of the target UE to the network function entity; The system receives candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group of the target UE sent by the network function entity. The candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group of the target UE is retrieved based on the internal group identifier or external group identifier corresponding to the target UE. The external group identifier is determined based on the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE, and the internal group identifier is retrieved based on the user identifier.

3. The method for acquiring virtual network group data according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The network functional entity is the Unified Data Management Entity (UDM).

4. The method for acquiring virtual network group data according to claim 1, characterized in that, The network function entity is the Access and Mobility Management Function Entity (AMF).

5. The method for acquiring virtual network group data according to claim 1, 2, or 4, characterized in that, The relevant parameters for the current session include S-NSSAI and DNN.

6. A method for acquiring virtual network group data, characterized in that, Applied to the Unified Data Management Entity (UDM), including: Send target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF, wherein the target virtual network group data includes relevant parameters of the current session; Sending the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF includes: The system sends candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group to which the target user equipment (UE) belongs to the SMF. The number of groups is at least one. The candidate virtual network group data includes the target virtual network group data. The target virtual network group data is determined by the SMF based on relevant parameters of the current session from at least one candidate virtual network group data.

7. The method for acquiring virtual network group data according to claim 6, characterized in that, The step of sending candidate virtual network group data corresponding to the group to which the target user equipment (UE) belongs to the SMF includes: Receive the user identifier of the target UE sent by the SMF; The system sends candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group of the target UE to the SMF. The candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group of the target UE is retrieved based on the internal group identifier or external group identifier corresponding to the target UE. The external group identifier is determined based on the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE, and the internal group identifier is retrieved based on the user identifier.

8. The method for acquiring virtual network group data according to claim 6, characterized in that, The step of sending candidate virtual network group data corresponding to the group to which the target user equipment (UE) belongs to the SMF includes: Receive the user identifier of the target UE sent by the AMF; Send the external group identifier corresponding to the target UE to the AMF. The external group identifier is determined based on the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE. The internal group identifier is retrieved based on the user identifier. Receive the external group identifier sent by the AMF, and retrieve the candidate virtual network group data corresponding to the group where the target UE is located based on the external group identifier; The AMF sends the candidate virtual network group data corresponding to the group to which the target UE belongs to the SMF.

9. The method for acquiring virtual network group data according to claim 6, characterized in that, Sending the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF includes: Receive the user identifier of the target UE sent by the AMF; Send the external group identifier corresponding to the target UE to the AMF. The external group identifier is determined based on the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE. The internal group identifier is retrieved based on the user identifier. Receive the external group identifier and relevant parameters of the current session sent by the SMF, wherein the external group identifier is sent by the AMF to the SMF; Send the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF.

10. The method for acquiring virtual network group data according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, Sending the external group identifier corresponding to the target UE to the AMF includes: During the registration process or the session establishment process, the external group identifier corresponding to the target UE is sent to the AMF.

11. The method for acquiring virtual network group data according to claim 6, characterized in that, Sending the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF includes: Receive the user identifier of the target UE sent by the SMF, as well as the relevant parameters of the current session; If no target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment UE is found in the first-granularity subscription data based on the user identifier and the relevant parameters, then the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE is obtained in the second-granularity subscription data based on the user identifier, and the candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group to which the target UE belongs is obtained based on the internal group identifier. The target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment UE is found based on the relevant parameters of the current session, and the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment UE is sent to the SMF. The contract data at the second granularity includes the contract data at the first granularity.

12. The method for acquiring virtual network group data according to claim 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: If target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) is retrieved, the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) is sent to the SMF; the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) is retrieved from the subscription data at the first granularity based on the user identifier and the relevant parameters.

13. The method for acquiring virtual network group data according to claim 6, 8, 11 or 12, characterized in that, The relevant parameters for the current session include S-NSSAI and DNN.

14. A Session Management Function Entity (SMF), comprising a memory, a transceiver, and a processor; characterized in that: A memory for storing computer programs; a transceiver for sending and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer programs from the memory and performing the following operations: Receive target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) sent by the network function entity, wherein the target virtual network group data includes relevant parameters of the current session; The data sent by the receiving network function entity, corresponding to the target virtual network group of the target user equipment (UE)'s current session, includes: The system receives candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group to which the target user equipment (UE) belongs, sent by the network function entity, wherein the number of the groups is at least one. Based on the relevant parameters of the current session, the target virtual network group data is determined from at least one of the candidate virtual network group data.

15. The SMF according to claim 14, characterized in that, The data of candidate virtual network groups corresponding to the target user equipment (UE) group sent by the receiving network function entity includes: Send the user identifier of the target UE to the network function entity; The system receives candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group of the target UE sent by the network function entity. The candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group of the target UE is retrieved based on the internal group identifier or external group identifier corresponding to the target UE. The external group identifier is determined based on the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE, and the internal group identifier is retrieved based on the user identifier.

16. A unified data management entity (UDM), comprising a memory, a transceiver, and a processor; characterized in that: A memory for storing computer programs; a transceiver for sending and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer programs from the memory and performing the following operations: Send target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF, wherein the target virtual network group data includes relevant parameters of the current session; Sending the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF includes: The system sends candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group to which the target user equipment (UE) belongs to the SMF. The number of groups is at least one. The candidate virtual network group data includes the target virtual network group data. The target virtual network group data is determined by the SMF based on relevant parameters of the current session from at least one candidate virtual network group data.

17. The UDM according to claim 16, characterized in that, The step of sending candidate virtual network group data corresponding to the group to which the target user equipment (UE) belongs to the SMF includes: Receive the user identifier of the target UE sent by the SMF; The system sends candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group of the target UE to the SMF. The candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group of the target UE is retrieved based on the internal group identifier or external group identifier corresponding to the target UE. The external group identifier is determined based on the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE, and the internal group identifier is retrieved based on the user identifier.

18. The UDM according to claim 16, characterized in that, The step of sending candidate virtual network group data corresponding to the group to which the target user equipment (UE) belongs to the SMF includes: Receive the user identifier of the target UE sent by the AMF; Send the external group identifier corresponding to the target UE to the AMF. The external group identifier is determined based on the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE. The internal group identifier is retrieved based on the user identifier. Receive the external group identifier sent by the AMF, and retrieve the candidate virtual network group data corresponding to the group where the target UE is located based on the external group identifier; The AMF sends the candidate virtual network group data corresponding to the group to which the target UE belongs to the SMF.

19. The UDM according to claim 16, characterized in that, Sending the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF includes: Receive the user identifier of the target UE sent by the AMF; Send the external group identifier corresponding to the target UE to the AMF. The external group identifier is determined based on the internal group identifier corresponding to the target UE. The internal group identifier is retrieved based on the user identifier. Receive the external group identifier and relevant parameters of the current session sent by the SMF, wherein the external group identifier is sent by the AMF to the SMF; Send the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF.

20. The UDM according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that, Sending the external group identifier corresponding to the target UE to the AMF includes: During the registration process or the session establishment process, the external group identifier corresponding to the target UE is sent to the AMF.

21. A device for acquiring virtual network group data, characterized in that, The Session Management Function (SMF) entity includes: The receiving unit is configured to receive target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) sent by a network function entity. The target virtual network group data includes relevant parameters of the current session. Receiving the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) sent by the network function entity includes: The system receives candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group to which the target user equipment (UE) belongs, sent by the network function entity, wherein the number of the groups is at least one. Based on the relevant parameters of the current session, the target virtual network group data is determined from at least one of the candidate virtual network group data.

22. A device for acquiring virtual network group data, characterized in that, Applied to the Unified Data Management Entity (UDM), including: The first sending unit is configured to send target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF. The target virtual network group data includes relevant parameters of the current session. Sending the target virtual network group data corresponding to the current session of the target user equipment (UE) to the SMF includes: The system sends candidate virtual network group data corresponding to each group to which the target user equipment (UE) belongs to the SMF. The number of groups is at least one. The candidate virtual network group data includes the target virtual network group data. The target virtual network group data is determined by the SMF based on relevant parameters of the current session from at least one candidate virtual network group data.

23. A processor-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The processor-readable storage medium stores a computer program that causes the processor to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5 or the method according to any one of claims 6 to 13.

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