Method and apparatus for determining, configuring network slice group (NSAG)

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a method and device for determining and configuring a network slice group (NSAG), and a storage medium, wherein the method for determining the NSAG comprises determining one or more first NSAGs as target NSAGs suitable for random access. The present disclosure explicitly defines the behavior of a terminal selecting target NSAGs suitable for random access, thereby improving the reliability of random access resource selection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for determining and configuring network slice packets (NSAGs). Background Technology

[0002] In slice-based random access procedures, terminals typically select the NSAG with the highest priority from the candidate Networkslice AS group (NSAG) and use it as the applicable NSAG for this random access procedure. However, since network devices may be configured with NSAGs of equal priority, there may be multiple candidate NSAGs, making it impossible for the terminal to determine the appropriate NSAG for the current random access procedure, and thus preventing it from selecting random access resources. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To overcome the problems existing in the technology, this disclosure provides a method and apparatus for determining and configuring network slice groups (NSAG).

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a method for determining a network slice packet NSAG is provided, the method being executed by a terminal, including:

[0005] One or more first NSAGs are identified as target NSAGs suitable for random access.

[0006] Optionally, one or more first NSAGs are identified as target NSAGs suitable for random access, including:

[0007] All first NSAGs are identified as target NSAGs; or

[0008] One or more NSAGs in the first NSAG are identified as the target NSAG.

[0009] Optionally, one or more first NSAGs are identified as target NSAGs suitable for random access, including at least one of the following:

[0010] Based on the terminal strategy, one or more NSAGs in the first NSAG are identified as the target NSAG;

[0011] Based on the indication information sent by the network device, one or more NSAGs in the first NSAG are identified as the target NSAG;

[0012] Based on the agreement, one or more NSAGs in the first NSAG will be identified as the target NSAG.

[0013] Optionally, the indication information is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0014] NSAG information;

[0015] NSAG random access configuration information.

[0016] Optionally, the NSAG information includes NSAG priority, which is used to configure a first priority for multiple first NSAGs; wherein, the first priority is used to determine the target NSAG.

[0017] Optionally, the NSAG random access configuration information includes at least one of the following:

[0018] Random access resource partition configuration information;

[0019] Random access priority configuration information.

[0020] Optionally, the target NSAG satisfies at least one of the following:

[0021] The NSAG associated with the random access configuration information is a perfect match;

[0022] The first priority meets the preset conditions;

[0023] The corresponding number of random access resource partitions is the largest;

[0024] The corresponding random access resource partition contains the most features;

[0025] The features included in the corresponding random access resource partition have the highest priority.

[0026] Optionally, the features include at least one of the following:

[0027] Small Data Transmission Technology (SDT);

[0028] RAN Slicing (Radio Network Slicing)

[0029] Enhanced CE coverage;

[0030] REDCAP, a device with reduced capacity;

[0031] Other NSAGs.

[0032] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0033] Receive NSAG configuration information sent by a network device; wherein the NSAG configuration information is used to configure multiple NSAGs, and the second priority of the multiple NSAGs is different; wherein the second priority is used to determine a first NSAG;

[0034] Based on the NSAG configuration information, the NSAG that meets the preset conditions in the second priority is determined as the first NSAG.

[0035] Optionally, the first NSAG satisfies at least one of the following:

[0036] Associated with the single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI) that triggers random access;

[0037] Included in system messages;

[0038] The third priority satisfies preset conditions; wherein, the third priority is used to determine one or more first NSAGs.

[0039] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a method for configuring network slice packet NSAG is provided, the method being performed by a network device, including:

[0040] Send NSAG configuration information to the terminal; wherein, the NSAG configuration information is used to configure multiple NSAGs, and the second priority of the multiple NSAGs is different; wherein, the second priority is used to determine a first NSAG.

[0041] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for determining a network slice packet NSAG is provided, the apparatus being applied to a terminal, comprising:

[0042] The determination module is configured to determine one or more first NSAGs as target NSAGs suitable for random access.

[0043] Optionally, the determined module includes:

[0044] The first determination submodule is configured to determine all first NSAGs as target NSAGs; or

[0045] The second determination submodule is configured to determine one or more NSAGs in the first NSAG as the target NSAG.

[0046] Optionally, the module to be determined includes at least one of the following:

[0047] The third determination submodule is configured to determine one or more NSAGs in the first NSAG as the target NSAG based on the terminal policy;

[0048] The fourth determination submodule is configured to determine one or more NSAGs in the first NSAG as the target NSAG based on the indication information sent by the network device;

[0049] The fifth determination submodule is configured to determine one or more NSAGs in the first NSAG as the target NSAG based on the protocol agreement.

[0050] Optionally, the indication information is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0051] NSAG information;

[0052] NSAG random access configuration information.

[0053] Optionally, the NSAG information includes NSAG priority, which is used to configure a first priority for multiple first NSAGs; wherein, the first priority is used to determine the target NSAG.

[0054] Optionally, the NSAG random access configuration information includes at least one of the following:

[0055] Random access resource partition configuration information;

[0056] Random access priority configuration information.

[0057] Optionally, the target NSAG satisfies at least one of the following:

[0058] The NSAG associated with the random access configuration information is a perfect match;

[0059] The first priority meets the preset conditions;

[0060] The corresponding number of random access resource partitions is the largest;

[0061] The corresponding random access resource partition contains the most features;

[0062] The features included in the corresponding random access resource partition have the highest priority.

[0063] Optionally, the features include at least one of the following:

[0064] Small Data Transmission Technology (SDT);

[0065] RAN Slicing (Radio Network Slicing)

[0066] Enhanced CE coverage;

[0067] REDCAP, a device with reduced capacity;

[0068] Other NSAGs.

[0069] Optionally, the device further includes:

[0070] The receiving module is configured to receive NSAG configuration information sent by the network device; wherein the NSAG configuration information is used to configure multiple NSAGs, and the multiple NSAGs have different second priorities; wherein the second priority is used to determine a first NSAG;

[0071] The determining module is further configured to determine the NSAG that meets the preset conditions for the second priority as the first NSAG based on the NSAG configuration information.

[0072] Optionally, the first NSAG satisfies at least one of the following:

[0073] Associated with the single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI) that triggers random access;

[0074] Included in system messages;

[0075] The third priority satisfies preset conditions; wherein, the third priority is used to determine one or more first NSAGs.

[0076] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for configuring network slice packet NSAG is provided, the apparatus being applied to a network device, comprising:

[0077] The sending module is configured to send NSAG configuration information to the terminal; wherein the NSAG configuration information is used to configure multiple NSAGs, and the multiple NSAGs have different second priorities; wherein the second priority is used to determine a first NSAG.

[0078] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, the storage medium storing a computer program for performing the method for determining a network slice packet NSAG as described above on the terminal side.

[0079] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, the storage medium storing a computer program for performing the method of configuring network slice packets NSAG on the network device side.

[0080] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for determining a network slice packet NSAG is provided, comprising:

[0081] processor;

[0082] Memory used to store processor-executable instructions;

[0083] The processor is configured to perform the method for determining network slice packets (NSAG) for any of the above-mentioned terminal-side operations.

[0084] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for configuring network slice packet NSAG is provided, comprising:

[0085] processor;

[0086] Memory used to store processor-executable instructions;

[0087] The processor is configured to perform the method for configuring network slice packets NSAG on the network device side.

[0088] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this disclosure may include the following beneficial effects:

[0089] In this disclosure, a terminal can identify one or more first NSAGs as target NSAGs suitable for random access. This clarifies the terminal's behavior in selecting target NSAGs suitable for random access, improving the reliability of random access resource selection.

[0090] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0091] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0092] Figure 1 This is a system architecture diagram illustrating the determination of network slice packets (NSAG) according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0093] Figure 2 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a method for determining a network slice group NSAG according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0094] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a method for configuring a network slice group NSAG according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0095] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating another method for determining a network slice group NSAG according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0096] Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating another method for determining a network slice group NSAG according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0097] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of an apparatus for determining a network slice group NSAG according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0098] Figure 7 This is a block diagram of an apparatus for configuring a network slice packet NSAG according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0099] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for determining a network slice group NSAG according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0100] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for configuring a network slice packet NSAG according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0101] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present invention. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of the invention as detailed in the appended claims.

[0102] The terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” as used in this disclosure and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of at least one associated listed item.

[0103] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used in this disclosure to describe various information, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish information of the same type from one another. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, first information may also be referred to as second information, and similarly, second information may also be referred to as first information. Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein may be interpreted as "when," "when," or "in response to determination."

[0104] The following section will first introduce the Network Slicing Access Layer Group (NSAG) mentioned in this disclosure.

[0105] It should be noted that, for ease of description, this disclosure uses "network slice access layer group" instead of "network slice group". That is, the network slice group in this disclosure refers to the network slice access layer group (NSAG).

[0106] In Release 17 (R17), the NSAG mechanism was introduced to avoid security and signaling load issues caused by Single Network Slice Selection Assistance information (S-NSSAI) broadcast in broadcast signaling.

[0107] From the network equipment perspective, the base station can provide the terminal with the NSAG and NSAG configuration supported by the base station, enabling the terminal to perform slice-based cell reselection and implement enhanced random access resource configuration. Simultaneously, core network equipment can send NSAG information and S-NSSAI to the terminal via Non-Access Stratum (NAS) signaling. This allows the terminal to map the required S-NSSAI to the NSAG and perform cell reselection and random access procedures based on the NSAG configuration. The NSAG information includes, but is not limited to, the mapping relationship between S-NSSAI and NSAG, NSAG priority, and corresponding regional information, including but not limited to Tracking Area Identity (TAI).

[0108] From the terminal side, the terminal receives S-NSSAI(S) and NSAG information sent by the core network equipment through NAS signaling. The terminal NAS layer passes the information of one or more slices (and / or slice packet information) to the access layer (AS) for the AS to determine the NSAG identifier for cell selection and reselection.

[0109] In slice-based random access procedures, the terminal's Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer determines the NSAGs associated with the S-NSSAI used to trigger random access, which are broadcast in system messages (e.g., System Information Block SIB1), based on the S-NSSAI (used to trigger random access), the mapping relationship between S-NSSAI and NSAGs, and NSAG priorities provided by higher layers. The NSAG with the highest priority is selected for this random access procedure. However, network devices, such as core network devices, may configure NSAGs with equal priorities; that is, two or more NSAGs may have the same priority. Therefore, multiple candidate NSAGs may be determined based on NSAG priorities. Since the selected NSAG affects the random access resource selection result, the process of determining the appropriate NSAG for random access needs optimization.

[0110] Among them, equal NSAG priority refers to two or more NSAGs having the same or equal priority order.

[0111] To address the aforementioned technical issues, this disclosure provides the following method, apparatus, and storage medium for determining and configuring network slice packets (NSAG).

[0112] like Figure 1The diagram shown is a schematic representation of a network architecture applicable to the scheme disclosed herein. The network in this disclosure can be a 4G network, a 5G network, a 6G network, or a future communication network, etc., and this disclosure does not limit it. The network architecture includes:

[0113] Terminal 101 ( Figure 1 (Including 101-1, 101-2, 101-3, etc.), terminal 101 can be a smartphone, desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet computer, etc., and this disclosure does not limit it.

[0114] Network device 102 includes, but is not limited to, base stations and access network devices. The base station can be a 4G base station, a 5G base station, or a future 6G base station, and the access network device can be a 4G access network device, a 5G access network device, or a future 6G access network device, etc. This disclosure does not limit the scope of these devices. Optionally, network device 102 may also include core network devices, such as an Authentication Management Function (AMF).

[0115] In some embodiments, the first NSAG refers to a candidate NSAG for random access.

[0116] Optionally, the first NSAG can be determined by the terminal's RRC layer.

[0117] Terminal 101 can identify the NSAG that is associated with triggering S-NSSAI, is included in the system message, and whose third priority meets the preset conditions as the first NSAG.

[0118] System messages include, but are not limited to, System Information Blocks (SIBs), such as SIBn, where n is a positive integer. NSAGs included in system messages can be NSAGs broadcast via SIBs.

[0119] The third priority is used to determine one or more first NSAGs. This third priority can be configured for the terminal by network device 102 through NSAG configuration information. Network devices include, but are not limited to, base stations and core network devices. It should be noted that the third priority is an existing NSAG priority mechanism, configured by network devices such as base stations and core network devices, and may include other NSAG priorities. The third priority is used by the terminal to determine one or more first NSAGs.

[0120] The preset condition can be that the NSAG has a higher priority (here, the third priority) than other determined NSAGs.

[0121] For example, the NSAGs associated with triggering S-NSSAI and included in the system message include NSAG#1, NSAG#2, and NSAG#3. Among them, NSAG#1 has a higher priority than NSAG#2 and NSAG#3. In this case, the terminal will determine NSAG#1 as the first NSAG.

[0122] For example, the NSAGs associated with triggering S-NSSAI and included in the system message include NSAG#1, NSAG#2, and NSAG#4. Among them, NSAG#1 and NSAG#4 are NSAGs with equal NSAG priority, and NSAG#4 has a higher priority than NSAG#2. In this case, the terminal will determine NSAG#1 and NSAG#4 as the first NSAG.

[0123] In some alternative embodiments, after determining the first NSAG, the terminal 101 may determine one or more first NSAGs as target NSAGs suitable for random access.

[0124] For example, after determining the first NSAG, terminal 101 can determine all the first NSAGs as the target NSAG.

[0125] For example, after determining the first NSAG, terminal 101 can identify one or more of the first NSAGs as target NSAGs. This also includes the case where the terminal identifies all first NSAGs as target NSAGs.

[0126] In some optional embodiments, network device 102 may send NSAG configuration information to terminal 101. The NSAG configuration information is used to configure multiple NSAGs, and the multiple NSAGs have different second priorities. The second priority is used to determine a first NSAG.

[0127] Accordingly, terminal 101 can determine the first NSAG based on the NSAG configuration information, which is the S-NSSAI that triggers random access, is included in the system message, and whose second priority meets the preset conditions.

[0128] The preset condition can be that the NSAG has a higher priority (in this case, the second priority) than other determined NSAGs.

[0129] The method for determining the first NSAG here is similar to the method for determining the first NSAG based on the first priority described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0130] Since the second priority of multiple NSAGs is different, the number of first NSAGs determined by terminal 101 is 1, and the first NSAG can be directly determined as the target NSAG.

[0131] For example, the NSAGs associated with triggering S-NSSAI and included in the system message include NSAG#1, NSAG#2, and NSAG#3. The network device 102 configures the above three NSAGs through NSAG configuration information, and each corresponds to a different second priority. If the terminal determines that NSAG#1 has a higher priority than NSAG#2 and NSAG#3, then the terminal will determine NSAG#1 as the first NSAG.

[0132] In the above embodiments, the terminal can determine one or more first NSAGs as target NSAGs suitable for random access. This clarifies the terminal's behavior in selecting target NSAGs suitable for random access, improving the reliability of random access resource selection.

[0133] The following section will first introduce the method for determining network slice packets NSAG provided in this disclosure from the perspective of the terminal side.

[0134] This disclosure provides a method for determining network slice group NSAG, referring to... Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining a network slice packet NSAG according to an embodiment, which can be executed by a terminal. The method may include the following steps:

[0135] In step 201, one or more first NSAGs are identified as target NSAGs suitable for random access.

[0136] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the first NSAG refers to a candidate NSAG for random access.

[0137] Optionally, the first NSAG can be determined by the terminal's RRC layer.

[0138] In one possible implementation, the number of first NSAGs can be one or more.

[0139] In one possible implementation, the first NSAG satisfies at least one of the following: it is associated with the S-NSSAI that triggers random access; it is included in a system message; and the third priority satisfies a preset condition.

[0140] Among them, the NSAG associated with the S-NSSAI that triggers random access refers to the NSAG visible at the RRC layer.

[0141] System messages include, but are not limited to, SIBs, such as SIBn, where n is a positive integer. NSAGs included in system messages can be NSAGs broadcast via SIBs.

[0142] The third priority is used to determine one or more first NSAGs. This third priority can be configured for the terminal by network devices through NSAG configuration information. These network devices include, but are not limited to, base stations and core network devices. It should be noted that the third priority is the existing NSAG priority mechanism, configured by network devices such as base stations and core network devices, and may include equal priorities. Accordingly, the terminal determines one or more first NSAGs according to the third priority.

[0143] The method by which the terminal determines the first NSAG has been described in the above embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0144] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the target NSAG applicable to random access refers to the NSAG determined by the terminal's RRC layer in the first NSAG and provided by the RRC layer to the MAC layer for random access configuration selection.

[0145] In one possible implementation, the number of first NSAGs is 1, and the terminal directly identifies the first NSAG as the target NSAG.

[0146] For example, a network device can send NSAG configuration information to a terminal. This NSAG configuration information can configure an NSAG of equal priority (third priority) for the terminal. However, the terminal's RRC layer determines that there is only one NSAG associated with the S-NSSAI that triggers random access, is included in the system message, and whose third priority meets the preset conditions. That is, the number of first NSAGs is 1. The terminal directly determines the first NSAG as the target NSAG.

[0147] For example, a network device can send NSAG configuration information to a terminal, which configures multiple NSAGs for the terminal, and the second priorities of these multiple NSAGs are different. The second priority is used to determine a first NSAG. The NSAGs configured by the network device do not include NSAGs of equal priority. That is, the method of configuring NSAG priorities is similar to existing mechanisms, but the network device, such as a core network device, interacts with the base station through signaling to configure NSAGs for the terminal that do not include those of equal priority.

[0148] Accordingly, since the network device is not configured with NSAGs of equal priority, the terminal's RRC layer determines that there is only one NSAG associated with the S-NSSAI that triggers random access, is included in the system message, and whose second priority meets the preset conditions. That is, the number of first NSAGs is also 1. The terminal directly determines the first NSAG as the target NSAG.

[0149] In another possible implementation, there are multiple first NSAGs, and the terminal can identify all first NSAGs as the target NSAG.

[0150] In another possible implementation, there are multiple first NSAGs, and the terminal identifies one or more NSAGs from the first NSAGs as the target NSAG. Alternatively, the terminal can identify all of the multiple first NSAGs as the target NSAG.

[0151] In one possible implementation, the terminal may identify one or more of the first NSAGs as the target NSAG according to at least one of the following: protocol agreement, terminal policy, and instruction information sent by the network device.

[0152] In one example, the terminal policy can be formulated by the terminal according to its own business needs. For example, if the terminal policy can be configured with NSAGs of equal priority (third priority) for the network device, one or more of the first NSAGs can be identified as target NSAGs, or all first NSAGs can be identified as target NSAGs, etc. The specific policy content is not limited in this disclosure.

[0153] In one example, the indication information sent by the network device may be used to indicate at least one of the following: NSAG information; NSAG random access configuration information.

[0154] The NSAG information may include, but is not limited to, NSAG priority. NSAG priority is used to configure the first priority for multiple first NSAGs.

[0155] It should be noted that the first priority here is used to determine the target NSAG. The terminal can determine the first NSAG that meets the preset conditions of the first priority as the target NSAG.

[0156] The preset condition can be that the NSAG (here, the first NSAG) has a higher priority (i.e., the first priority) than the other determined NSAGs (here, the other first NSAGs).

[0157] For example, the first NSAG includes NSAG#1 and NSAG#2. The NSAG priority indicates that the priority of NSAG#1 is higher than the priority of NSAG#2. The terminal determines NSAG#1 as the target NSAG.

[0158] The first priority is an NSAG priority additionally configured by the network device for multiple first NSAGs, and it is a different NSAG priority from the previously mentioned third priority. The first priority can be configured only for multiple first NSAGs determined on the terminal side, or it can be used to further limit the NSAG priorities in the existing mechanism. The first priority may or may not include equal priorities, and this disclosure does not limit it in this way.

[0159] For example, based on the NSAG configuration information previously issued by the network device, the terminal determines that the first NSAG includes NSAG#1, NSAG#3, and NSAG#4. The network device configures the first priority for NSAG#1, NSAG#3, and NSAG#4 through NSAG priority. Assuming that the NSAG priority indicates that NSAG#1 has a higher first priority than NSAG#3 and NSAG#4, the terminal can determine NSAG#1 as the target NSAG.

[0160] Alternatively, if the NSAG priority indicates that NSAG#1 and NSAG#3 are NSAGs with equal NSAG priority and have a higher first priority than NSAG#4, then the terminal can identify NSAG#1 and NSAG#3 as the target NSAG.

[0161] The NSAG random access configuration information includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: random access resource partition configuration information; random access priority configuration information.

[0162] Random access priority configuration information may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: priority of the backoff indication scaling factor; priority of the power ramp-up step size; priority of random access resource partition; priority of features; priority of feature combinations, which are not limited in this disclosure.

[0163] The terminal can determine the target NSAG based on the above-mentioned NSAG random access configuration information.

[0164] For example, random access resource partition configuration information includes:

[0165] Randomly access resource partition #1 and associate it with NSAG #1;

[0166] Randomly access resource partition #2 and associate it with NSAG#1 and NSAG#2.

[0167] The first NSAG includes NSAG#1 and NSAG#2. The terminal determines the target NSAG based on the number of random access resource partitions. The terminal can determine the first NSAG with the most associated random access resource partitions as the target NSAG, specifically NSAG#1.

[0168] In one example, the terminal can determine the target NSAG by combining two or three of the following: protocol agreement, terminal policy, and instruction information sent by network device.

[0169] For example, the protocol stipulates that the terminal determines the target NSAG according to the terminal policy. If the terminal policy is to determine all first NSAGs as target NSAGs, then the terminal determines all first NSAGs as target NSAGs.

[0170] For example, based on the instruction information sent by the network device, the terminal determines NSAG#1 in the first NSAG as the target NSAG. If the terminal policy is to configure NSAGs of equal priority for the network device, the terminal determines the target NSAG according to the instruction information sent by the network device, and the terminal determines NSAG#1 as the target NSAG.

[0171] For example, the protocol stipulates that the terminal determines the target NSAG according to the instruction information sent by the network device. The terminal determines that all first NSAGs are the target NSAGs according to the instruction information sent by the network device. At this time, the terminal determines all first NSAGs as target NSAGs according to the protocol and the terminal policy.

[0172] For example, the protocol stipulates that the terminal determines the target NSAG jointly according to the instruction information sent by the network device and the terminal policy. Based on the instruction information sent by the network device, the terminal determines that all first NSAGs are the target NSAGs. If the terminal policy configures NSAGs of equal priority for the network device (determined according to the third priority), all first NSAGs are determined as target NSAGs. When the terminal determines that the network device has configured NSAGs of equal priority (determined according to the third priority), it determines all first NSAGs as target NSAGs according to the instruction information and the terminal policy.

[0173] The above is merely an illustrative example. Any method by which the terminal determines all first NSAGs as target NSAGs applicable to random access in accordance with at least one of the following: protocol agreement, terminal policy, and instruction information sent by network equipment, shall fall within the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0174] In one possible implementation, the target NSAG can satisfy at least one of the following: it completely matches the NSAG associated with the random access configuration information; it has the highest first priority; it has the largest number of corresponding random access resource partitions; it has the largest number of features included in the corresponding random access resource partitions; and it has the highest priority of features included in the corresponding random access resource partitions.

[0175] The first priority is used to determine the target NSAG.

[0176] It should be noted that the first priority here refers to the NSAG priority additionally configured by the network device for multiple first NSAGs, which is different from the third priority mentioned earlier. The second priority can be configured only for multiple first NSAGs determined on the terminal side, or it can additionally limit the NSAG priorities in the existing mechanism. The first priority may or may not include equal priorities; this disclosure does not limit this.

[0177] The features include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: Small Data Transmission (SDT); Radio Network Slicing (RAN Slicing); Coverage Enhancement (CE); Reduced Capability (REDCAP); and other NSAG features.

[0178] The other NSAGs here can be different from the first NSAG.

[0179] In one example, the target NSAG can be the first NSAG that perfectly matches the NSAG associated with the random access configuration information.

[0180] For example, random access configuration information includes:

[0181] Randomly access resource partition #1 and associate it with NSAG #1;

[0182] Randomly access resource partition #2 and associate it with NSAG#1 and NSAG#2.

[0183] If the first NSAG includes NSAG#1 and NSAG#2, then the terminal determines that the target NSAG applicable to random access includes NSAG#1 and NSAG#2.

[0184] In one example, the target NSAG can be the first NSAG that meets the preset conditions with the highest priority.

[0185] For example, the first NSAG includes NSAG#1 and NSAG#2. The NSAGs that meet the preset conditions for the first priority include NSAG#1 and NSAG#2. The terminal directly determines NSAG#1 and NSAG#2 as the target NSAGs suitable for random access.

[0186] In one example, the target NSAG could be the first NSAG with the most corresponding random access resource partitions.

[0187] For example, random access configuration information includes:

[0188] Randomly access resource partition #1 and associate it with NSAG #1;

[0189] Randomly access resource partition #2 and associate it with NSAG#1 and NSAG#2.

[0190] The first NSAG includes NSAG#1 and NSAG#2, which correspond to 2 and 1 random access resource partitions, respectively. Therefore, the terminal determines that the target NSAG applicable to random access is NSAG#1.

[0191] In one example, the target NSAG could be the first NSAG that includes the most features in the corresponding random access resource partition.

[0192] For example, random access configuration information includes:

[0193] Random access resource partition #1 is associated with NSAG #1, and includes the characteristics CE and REDCAP;

[0194] Random access resource partition #2 is associated with NSAG #2, and includes the features SDT and RAN Slicing.

[0195] The first NSAG includes NSAG#1 and NSAG#2, and the number of features included in the random access resource partitions corresponding to them are 2 and 2 respectively. Then the terminal determines that the target NSAGs applicable to random access are NSAG#1 and NSAG#2.

[0196] In one example, the target NSAG could be the first NSAG with the highest feature priority included in the corresponding random access resource partition.

[0197] For example, random access configuration information includes:

[0198] Random access resource partition #1 is associated with NSAG #1, and the included feature is CE;

[0199] Random access resource partition #2 is associated with NSAG #2, and includes the features SDT and RAN Slicing.

[0200] Among them, CE has the highest priority.

[0201] If the first NSAG includes NSAG#1 and NSAG#2, then the terminal determines that the target NSAG applicable to random access is NSAG#1.

[0202] In this embodiment of the disclosure, a feature may also refer to a combination of two or more features. The way the terminal determines the target NSAG is similar to the way the target NSAG is determined based on the number of features or feature priority described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0203] In one example, the target NSAG can be the first NSAG that satisfies at least two of the above conditions.

[0204] For example, the target NSAG can be the first NSAG that completely matches the NSAG associated with the random access configuration information and has the largest number of corresponding random access resource partitions.

[0205] For example, the target NSAG could be the first NSAG that completely matches the NSAG associated with the random access configuration information and has the largest number of features included in the corresponding random access resource partition.

[0206] For example, the target NSAG could be the first NSAG in the corresponding random access resource partition that has the most features and the highest feature priority.

[0207] For example, the target NSAG could be the first NSAG that satisfies all of the above conditions.

[0208] The above is merely an illustrative example. The conditions that the target NSAG must meet may also be other conditions, and this disclosure does not limit them.

[0209] In the above embodiments, the terminal can determine one or more first NSAGs as target NSAGs suitable for random access. This clarifies the terminal's behavior in selecting target NSAGs suitable for random access, improving the reliability of random access resource selection.

[0210] Next, we will introduce the method for configuring network slice packets NSAG provided in this disclosure from the perspective of network devices.

[0211] This disclosure provides a method for configuring Network Slice Groups (NSAG), referring to... Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for network slice packet NSAG according to an embodiment, which can be executed by network devices, including but not limited to base stations and access network devices. The base station can be a 4G base station, a 5G base station, or a future 6G base station, and the access network device can be a 4G access network device, a 5G access network device, or a future 6G access network device, etc., and this disclosure does not limit this. Optionally, the network device may further include core network devices, and the method may include the following steps:

[0212] In step 301, NSAG configuration information is sent to the terminal; wherein, the NSAG configuration information is used to configure multiple NSAGs, and the second priority of the multiple NSAGs is different.

[0213] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the protocol may stipulate that network devices are not allowed to configure NSAGs of equal priority for terminals.

[0214] Network devices can send NSAG configuration information to terminals. This NSAG configuration information is used to configure multiple NSAGs, and the second priority of these multiple NSAGs is different. That is, the way to configure NSAG priorities is similar to the existing mechanism, but network devices, such as core network devices, communicate with base stations through signaling to configure NSAGs for terminals that do not have equal priorities.

[0215] Accordingly, the terminal determines that the first NSAG satisfies at least one of the following: it is associated with the S-NSSAI that triggered random access; it is included in a system message; and the second priority meets the preset conditions.

[0216] Among them, the NSAG associated with the S-NSSAI that triggers random access refers to the NSAG visible at the RRC layer.

[0217] System messages include, but are not limited to, SIBs, such as SIBn, where n is a positive integer. NSAGs included in system messages can be NSAGs broadcast via SIBs.

[0218] The second priority is used to determine a first NSAG.

[0219] Network devices, including but not limited to base stations and core network devices, can configure a second priority for the terminal using NSAG configuration information. Since the network devices are configured with multiple NSAGs with different second priorities, the terminal determines that the number of first NSAGs whose second priority meets the preset conditions is 1, and the terminal can directly determine the first NSAG as the target NSAG suitable for random access.

[0220] The first NSAG refers to the candidate NSAG for random access.

[0221] Optionally, the first NSAG can be determined by the terminal's RRC layer. The method for determining the first NSAG has already been described above and will not be repeated here.

[0222] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the target NSAG applicable to random access refers to the NSAG determined by the terminal's RRC layer in the first NSAG and provided by the RRC layer to the MAC for random access configuration selection.

[0223] In the above embodiments, the network device can configure multiple NSAGs with different second priorities for the terminal, such that the number of first NSAGs determined by the terminal is 1. This improves the reliability of random access resource selection.

[0224] In some alternative embodiments, the network device may also send indication information to the terminal, which is used by the terminal to determine the target NSAG for random access among a plurality of first NSAGs.

[0225] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the first NSAG refers to a candidate NSAG for random access.

[0226] Optionally, the first NSAG can be determined by the terminal's RRC layer.

[0227] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the target NSAG applicable to random access refers to the NSAG determined by the terminal's RRC layer in the first NSAG and provided by the RRC layer to the MAC for random access configuration selection.

[0228] The indication information can be used to indicate at least one of the following: NSAG information; NSAG random access configuration information.

[0229] For example, NSAG information includes NSAG priority, which is used to configure a first priority for multiple first NSAGs.

[0230] The first priority is used to determine the target NSAG.

[0231] It should be noted that the first priority here refers to the NSAG priority additionally configured by the network device for multiple first NSAGs, which is different from the third priority in the prior art mentioned earlier. The first priority can be configured only for multiple first NSAGs determined on the terminal side, or it can be used to additionally limit the NSAG priorities in the existing mechanism. The first priority may or may not include equal priorities, and this disclosure does not limit it in this way.

[0232] For example, the NSAG random access configuration information includes at least one of the following: random access resource partition configuration information; random access priority configuration information.

[0233] The random access priority configuration information may be the priority of random access resource partitions, and / or the priority of random access features and / or combinations of features, which are not limited in this disclosure.

[0234] The method by which the terminal determines the target NSAG from multiple NSAGs based on indication information, or in combination with protocol agreements and terminal policies, has already been introduced on the terminal side and will not be repeated here.

[0235] In some alternative embodiments, refer to Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining network slice packets (NSAG) according to an embodiment, which can be applied to... Figure 1 The system shown includes the following steps:

[0236] In step 401, network device 102 sends NSAG configuration information to terminal 101; wherein, the NSAG configuration information is used to configure multiple NSAGs, and the second priority of the multiple NSAGs is different.

[0237] In this embodiment of the disclosure, a second priority is used to determine a first NSAG.

[0238] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the protocol may stipulate that network devices are not allowed to configure NSAGs of equal priority for terminals.

[0239] Network devices can send NSAG configuration information to terminals. This NSAG configuration information is used to configure multiple NSAGs with different second priorities. The NSAGs configured by the network device do not include NSAGs of equal priority. That is, the method of configuring the second priority is similar to the existing mechanism, but the network device, such as core network equipment, interacts with the base station via signaling to configure NSAGs for the terminal that do not include those of equal priority.

[0240] In step 402, terminal 101 determines the first NSAG based on NSAG configuration information.

[0241] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the first NSAG refers to a candidate NSAG for random access.

[0242] Optionally, the first NSAG can be determined by the terminal's RRC layer.

[0243] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the first NSAG satisfies at least one of the following: it is associated with an S-NSSAI that triggers random access; it is included in a system message; and the second priority satisfies a preset condition.

[0244] The preset condition can be that the NSAG has a higher priority (in this case, the second priority) compared to other determined NSAGs.

[0245] Since the network device is configured with multiple NSAGs with different second priorities, the number of first NSAGs whose second priority meets the preset conditions determined by the terminal is 1.

[0246] In step 403, the terminal determines the first NSAG as the target NSAG suitable for random access.

[0247] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the target NSAG applicable to random access refers to the NSAG determined by the terminal's RRC layer in the first NSAG and provided by the RRC layer to the MAC for random access configuration selection.

[0248] Since the first NSAG number is 1, the terminal can directly use it as the target NSAG suitable for random access.

[0249] The above embodiments clarify the behavior of the terminal in selecting the target NSAG suitable for random access, thereby improving the reliability of random access resource selection.

[0250] In some alternative embodiments, refer to Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5This is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining network slice group NSAG according to one embodiment, which can also be applied to... Figure 1 The system shown includes the following steps:

[0251] In step 501, terminal 101 determines one or more first NSAGs as target NSAGs suitable for random access.

[0252] In this embodiment of the disclosure, network devices are allowed to configure NSAGs of equal priority.

[0253] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the first NSAG satisfies at least one of the following: it is associated with an S-NSSAI that triggers random access; it is included in a system message; and the third priority satisfies a preset condition.

[0254] It should be noted that the third priority here refers to the NSAG priority in the existing mechanism. This third priority can be configured by network devices such as base stations and core network devices, and may include NSAG priorities of equal priority. Accordingly, the terminal determines one or more first NSAGs according to the third priority.

[0255] The number of first NSAGs determined by the terminal can be one or more, and this disclosure does not limit this number.

[0256] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the target NSAG applicable to random access refers to the NSAG determined by the terminal's RRC layer in the first NSAG and provided by the RRC layer to the MAC for random access configuration selection.

[0257] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the terminal may identify one or more of the first NSAGs as the target NSAG based on at least one of the following: protocol agreement, terminal policy, and indication information sent by the network device.

[0258] The specific implementation method is similar to step 201 above, and will not be repeated here.

[0259] In the above embodiments, the terminal side can determine the target NSAG suitable for random access in the first NSAG, which clarifies the terminal's behavior of selecting the target NSAG suitable for random access and improves the reliability of random access resource selection.

[0260] The above scheme is further illustrated with examples below.

[0261] Option 1: Network devices are not allowed to be configured with equal priority NSAG.

[0262] The terminal identifies a first NSAG that is associated with the S-NSSAI that triggers random access, is included in a system message, and whose second priority meets a preset condition, and uses it as the target NSAG for random access.

[0263] The second priority is used to determine a first NSAG. The method for determining the first NSAG has already been described above and will not be repeated here.

[0264] The method of configuring the second priority is similar to the existing mechanism, but network devices, such as core network devices, interact with base stations through signaling to configure NSAGs for terminals that do not include equal priority.

[0265] Option 2: If there are multiple first NSAGs, the terminal determines all or one or more of the first NSAGs as the target NSAG suitable for random access.

[0266] Specifically, identifying one or more of the first NSAGs as target NSAGs suitable for random access includes at least one of the following:

[0267] The terminal determines one or more of the first NSAGs as target NSAGs suitable for random access according to the terminal policy;

[0268] The terminal determines one or more of the first NSAGs as target NSAGs suitable for random access based on the indication information sent by the network device;

[0269] The terminal determines one or more of the first NSAGs as the target NSAGs suitable for random access based on the protocol agreement.

[0270] The indication information can be used to indicate at least one of the following: NSAG information; NSAG random access configuration information.

[0271] For example, NSAG information includes NSAG priority, which is used to configure a first priority for multiple first NSAGs.

[0272] The first priority is used to determine the target NSAG.

[0273] It should be noted that the first priority here refers to the NSAG priority additionally configured by the network device for multiple first NSAGs, which is different from the third priority in the prior art mentioned earlier. The first priority can be configured only for multiple first NSAGs determined on the terminal side, or it can be used to additionally limit the NSAG priorities in the existing mechanism. The first priority may or may not include equal priorities, and this disclosure does not limit it in this way.

[0274] For example, the NSAG random access configuration information includes at least one of the following: random access resource partition configuration information; random access priority configuration information.

[0275] In this embodiment of the disclosure, if there are multiple first NSAGs, optionally, the terminal may further determine one or more NSAGs among the first NSAGs based on terminal policies, protocol agreements and / or the above-mentioned indication information, and use them as target NSAGs applicable to random access.

[0276] For example, the terminal determines the target NSAG based on the random access resource partition configuration information in the system message, and the target NSAG satisfies at least one of the following:

[0277] The NSAG associated with the random access configuration information is a perfect match;

[0278] The first priority meets the preset conditions;

[0279] The corresponding number of random access resource partitions is the largest;

[0280] The corresponding random access resource partition contains the most features;

[0281] The features included in the corresponding random access resource partition have the highest priority.

[0282] The preset condition can be that the NSAG (here, the first NSAG) has a higher priority (here, the first priority) than the other determined NSAGs (here, the other first NSAGs).

[0283] For example, if a combination of multiple first NSAGs in the first NSAG can completely match the NSAG associated with the random access configuration information, then the multiple first NSAGs that completely match are determined as the target NSAGs applicable to random access.

[0284] For example: Suppose the first NSAG includes NSAG#1 and NSAG#2, and the random access resource partition configuration includes: random access resource partition #1 is associated with NSAG#1; random access resource partition #2 is associated with both NSAG#1 and NSAG#2.

[0285] The terminal can identify NSAG#1 and NSAG#2, which are completely matched with the NSAG associated with the random access configuration information, as the target NSAG.

[0286] For example: Suppose the first NSAG includes NSAG#1 and NSAG#2, and the random access resource partition configuration includes: random access resource partition #1 is associated with NSAG#1; random access resource partition #2 is associated with both NSAG#1 and NSAG#2.

[0287] If the terminal determines the target NSAG according to the number of corresponding random access resource partitions, then the terminal can identify NSAG#2 as the target NSAG.

[0288] Of course, the terminal may also determine the target NSAG according to other conditions, and this disclosure does not limit this.

[0289] One possible implementation is as follows:

[0290] If there are multiple first NSAGs that are associated with the S-NSSAI that triggers random access, are included in the system message, and whose third priority meets the preset conditions, the terminal determines the target NSAG suitable for random access from the first NSAG.

[0291] In one example, the terminal identifies all first NSAGs as target NSAGs.

[0292] In one example, the terminal identifies one or more NSAGs in the first NSAG as the target NSAG, which may specifically include:

[0293] Based on terminal measurements, the terminal identifies one or more NSAGs in the first NSAG as the target NSAG;

[0294] The terminal identifies one or more NSAGs in the first NSAG as the target NSAG based on the instruction information sent by the network device.

[0295] Based on the protocol agreement, the terminal identifies one or more NSAGs in the first NSAG as the target NSAG.

[0296] The indication information can be used to indicate at least one of the following: NSAG information; NSAG random access configuration information.

[0297] NSAG information includes NSAG priority, which is used to configure a first priority for multiple first NSAGs.

[0298] The first priority is used to determine the target NSAG.

[0299] It should be noted that the first priority here refers to the NSAG priority additionally configured by the network device for multiple first NSAGs, which is different from the third priority in the prior art mentioned earlier. The first priority can be configured only for the multiple first NSAGs determined on the terminal side, or it can additionally limit the NSAG priority in the existing mechanism. The first priority may or may not include equal priority, and this disclosure does not limit it in this way.

[0300] The NSAG random access configuration information includes at least one of the following: random access resource partition configuration information; random access priority configuration information.

[0301] For example, the first priority of the NSAG priority configuration includes equal priorities, and the terminal determines one or more first NSAGs whose first priority meets preset conditions as target NSAGs.

[0302] For example, if the first priority of the NSAG priority configuration does not include equal priority, the terminal can determine a first NSAG whose first priority meets the preset conditions and use it as the target NSAG.

[0303] If the NSAG priority indications are equal, the terminal determines, according to the first priority, that any of the multiple first NSAGs whose first priority meets the preset conditions can be used as the target NSAG. Optionally, the terminal can further determine one or more of the first NSAGs based on terminal policies or other indication information (such as random access resource partitioning configuration information) and use them as the target NSAG.

[0304] For example, the indication information includes random access resource partition configuration information broadcast in system messages. The terminal determines one or more first NSAGs based on the random access resource partition configuration information and uses them as target NSAGs, wherein the determined target NSAGs satisfy at least one of the following:

[0305] The NSAG associated with the random access configuration information is a perfect match;

[0306] The first priority meets the preset conditions;

[0307] The corresponding number of random access resource partitions is the largest;

[0308] The corresponding random access resource partition contains the most features;

[0309] The features included in the corresponding random access resource partition have the highest priority.

[0310] For example, if a combination of multiple first NSAGs can completely match the NSAG associated with the random access configuration information, then multiple first NSAGs are identified as target NSAGs; otherwise, one of the NSAGs can be identified as the target NSAG.

[0311] Based on the above, if only one first NSAG satisfies at least one of the above conditions, the terminal determines that first NSAG as the target NSAG. If multiple first NSAGs satisfy at least one of the above conditions, the terminal determines the multiple first NSAGs that satisfy at least one of the above conditions as the target NSAGs. Alternatively, the terminal may combine terminal policies and / or other indication information (e.g., first priority) to determine a unique first NSAG and use it as the target NSAG applicable to random access.

[0312] In the above embodiments, the terminal can determine one or more first NSAGs as target NSAGs suitable for random access. This clarifies the terminal's behavior in selecting target NSAGs suitable for random access, improving the reliability of random access resource selection.

[0313] Corresponding to the aforementioned embodiments of the application function implementation method, this disclosure also provides embodiments of the application function implementation apparatus.

[0314] Reference Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a block diagram of an apparatus for determining a network slice packet NSAG according to an exemplary embodiment. The apparatus is applied to a terminal and includes:

[0315] The determination module 601 is configured to determine one or more first NSAGs as target NSAGs suitable for random access.

[0316] Reference Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a block diagram of an apparatus for configuring network slice packets NSAG according to an exemplary embodiment. The apparatus is applied to a network device and includes:

[0317] The sending module 701 is configured to send NSAG configuration information to the terminal; wherein the NSAG configuration information is used to configure multiple NSAGs, and the multiple NSAGs have different second priorities; wherein the second priority is used to determine a first NSAG.

[0318] For the device embodiments, since they basically correspond to the method embodiments, the relevant parts can be referred to in the description of the method embodiments. The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative, and the units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this disclosure according to actual needs. Those skilled in the art can understand and implement this without creative effort.

[0319] Accordingly, this disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program for executing the method for determining any of the network slice packets NSAG on the terminal side described above.

[0320] Accordingly, this disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program for executing a method for configuring network slice packets NSAG on any of the aforementioned network devices.

[0321] Accordingly, this disclosure also provides an apparatus for determining network slice packets NSAG, comprising:

[0322] processor;

[0323] Memory used to store processor-executable instructions;

[0324] The processor is configured to perform the method of determining network slice packets NSAG on any of the above-mentioned terminal sides.

[0325] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus 800 for determining a network slice packet NSAG according to an exemplary embodiment. For example, apparatus 800 may be a terminal such as a mobile phone, tablet computer, e-book reader, multimedia playback device, wearable device, in-vehicle user equipment, iPad, or smart TV.

[0326] Reference Figure 8 The device 800 may include one or more of the following components: a processing component 802, a memory 804, a power supply component 806, a multimedia component 808, an audio component 810, an input / output (I / O) interface 812, a sensor component 816, and a communication component 818.

[0327] Processing component 802 typically controls the overall operation of device 800, such as operations associated with display, telephone calls, random data access, camera operation, and recording operations. Processing component 802 may include one or more processors 820 to execute instructions to perform all or part of the steps of the method for determining network slice packets (NSAGs) described above. Furthermore, processing component 802 may include one or more modules to facilitate interaction between processing component 802 and other components. For example, processing component 802 may include a multimedia module to facilitate interaction between multimedia component 808 and processing component 802. Alternatively, processing component 802 may read executable instructions from memory to implement the steps of the method for determining network slice packets (NSAGs) provided in the above embodiments.

[0328] Memory 804 is configured to store various types of data to support the operation of device 800. Examples of such data include instructions for any application or method operating on device 800, contact data, phonebook data, messages, pictures, videos, etc. Memory 804 can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, such as static random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic storage, flash memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0329] Power supply component 806 provides power to various components of device 800. Power supply component 806 may include a power management system, one or more power sources, and other components associated with generating, managing, and distributing power to device 800.

[0330] The multimedia component 808 includes a display screen that provides an output interface between the device 800 and the user. In some embodiments, the multimedia component 808 includes a front-facing camera and / or a rear-facing camera. When the device 800 is in an operating mode, such as a shooting mode or a video mode, the front-facing camera and / or the rear-facing camera can receive external multimedia data. Each front-facing camera and rear-facing camera can be a fixed optical lens system or have focal length and optical zoom capabilities.

[0331] Audio component 810 is configured to output and / or input audio signals. For example, audio component 810 includes a microphone (MIC) configured to receive external audio signals when device 800 is in an operating mode, such as call mode, recording mode, and voice recognition mode. The received audio signals may be further stored in memory 804 or transmitted via communication component 818. In some embodiments, audio component 810 also includes a speaker for outputting audio signals.

[0332] I / O interface 812 provides an interface between processing component 802 and peripheral interface modules, such as keyboards, click wheels, buttons, etc. These buttons may include, but are not limited to, home buttons, volume buttons, power buttons, and lock buttons.

[0333] Sensor assembly 816 includes one or more sensors for providing state assessments of various aspects of device 800. For example, sensor assembly 816 may detect the on / off state of device 800, the relative positioning of components such as the display and keypad of device 800, changes in the position of device 800 or a component of device 800, the presence or absence of user contact with device 800, the orientation or acceleration / deceleration of device 800, and temperature changes of device 800. Sensor assembly 816 may include a proximity sensor configured to detect the presence of nearby objects without any physical contact. Sensor assembly 816 may also include a light sensor, such as a CMOS or CCD image sensor, for use in imaging applications. In some embodiments, sensor assembly 816 may also include an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, a pressure sensor, or a temperature sensor.

[0334] Communication component 818 is configured to facilitate wired or wireless communication between device 800 and other devices. Device 800 can access wireless networks based on communication standards, such as Wi-Fi, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, or 6G, or combinations thereof. In one exemplary embodiment, communication component 818 receives broadcast signals or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management system via a broadcast channel. In one exemplary embodiment, communication component 818 also includes a near-field communication (NFC) module to facilitate short-range communication. For example, the NFC module may be implemented based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, Infrared Data Association (IrDA) technology, ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, Bluetooth (BT) technology, and other technologies.

[0335] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 800 may be implemented by one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, or other electronic components to perform the method for determining network slice groups (NSAGs) of any of the aforementioned terminals.

[0336] In an exemplary embodiment, a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium including instructions is also provided, such as a memory 804 including instructions, which can be executed by a processor 820 of the apparatus 800 to complete the method for determining network slice packets (NSAGs). For example, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be a ROM, random access memory (RAM), CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, and optical data storage device, etc.

[0337] Accordingly, this disclosure also provides an apparatus for configuring network slice packet NSAG, comprising:

[0338] processor;

[0339] Memory used to store processor-executable instructions;

[0340] The processor is configured to perform a method for configuring network slice packets (NSAG) on any of the aforementioned network devices.

[0341] like Figure 9 As shown, Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of an apparatus 900 for configuring network slice packets (NSAG) according to an exemplary embodiment. The apparatus 900 can be provided as a network device. (Refer to...) Figure 9 The device 900 includes a processing component 922, a wireless transmitting / receiving component 924, an antenna component 926, and a signal processing section specific to the wireless interface. The processing component 922 may further include at least one processor.

[0342] One of the processors in the processing component 922 can be configured to perform the method of configuring network slice grouping NSAG for any of the above.

[0343] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the following claims.

[0344] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for determining network slice group NSAG, characterized in that, The method is executed by a terminal and includes: The terminal receives NSAG configuration information sent by the core network device. The NSAG configuration information is used to configure NSAG priority for the terminal, and the configured NSAG priorities have equal priorities. Based on the configured NSAG priority, the first NSAG is determined by the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer of the terminal, wherein the first NSAG satisfies the following conditions: it is associated with a single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI) that triggers random access; it is included in a system message, the system message being SIB1; and the first NSAG has the highest priority. When the first NSAG includes two or more NSAGs, based on the terminal policy, the RRC layer determines one of the first NSAGs as the target NSAG suitable for random access and provides it to the Media Access Control (MAC) layer.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The target NSAG satisfies at least one of the following: The NSAG associated with the random access configuration information is a perfect match; The first priority meets the preset conditions; The corresponding number of random access resource partitions is the largest; The corresponding random access resource partition contains the most features; The features included in the corresponding random access resource partition have the highest priority.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The characteristic includes at least one of the following: Small Data Transmission Technology (SDT); RAN Slicing (Radio Network Slicing) Enhanced CE coverage; REDCAP, a device with reduced capacity; Other NSAGs.

4. A method for determining network slice group NSAG, characterized in that, The method is executed by core network equipment and includes: NSAG configuration information is sent to the terminal. The NSAG configuration information is used to configure NSAG priorities for the terminal, and the configured NSAG priorities have equal priorities. The configured NSAG priorities are used by the terminal's Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer to determine a first NSAG. The first NSAG satisfies the following conditions: it is associated with a single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI) that triggers random access; it is included in a system message, which is SIB1; the first NSAG has the highest priority; and, if the first NSAG includes two or more NSAGs, based on the terminal policy, the RRC layer determines one of the first NSAGs as the target NSAG suitable for random access and provides it to the Media Access Control (MAC) layer.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The target NSAG satisfies at least one of the following: The NSAG associated with the random access configuration information is a perfect match; The first priority meets the preset conditions; The corresponding number of random access resource partitions is the largest; The corresponding random access resource partition contains the most features; The features included in the corresponding random access resource partition have the highest priority.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The characteristic includes at least one of the following: Small Data Transmission Technology (SDT); RAN Slicing (Radio Network Slicing) Enhanced CE coverage; REDCAP, a device with reduced capacity; Other NSAGs.

7. An apparatus for determining network slice packets NSAG, characterized in that, The device is applied to a terminal and includes: The receiving module is configured to receive NSAG configuration information sent by the core network device. The NSAG configuration information is used to configure NSAG priority for the terminal, and the configured NSAG priorities have equal priorities. The determination module is configured to determine a first NSAG by the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer of the terminal based on the configured NSAG priority, wherein the first NSAG satisfies the following conditions: it is associated with a single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI) that triggers random access; it is included in a system message, the system message being SIB1; and the first NSAG has the highest priority. The determining module is further configured to, when the first NSAG includes two or more NSAGs, determine one of the NSAGs in the first NSAG as the target NSAG suitable for random access based on the terminal policy, and provide it to the Media Access Control (MAC) layer.

8. An apparatus for determining network slice packets NSAG, characterized in that, The device is applied to core network equipment and includes: The sending module is configured to send NSAG configuration information to the terminal. The NSAG configuration information is used to configure NSAG priorities for the terminal, and the configured NSAG priorities have equal priorities. The configured NSAG priorities are used by the terminal's Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer to determine a first NSAG. The first NSAG satisfies the following conditions: it is associated with a single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI) that triggers random access; it is included in a system message, which is SIB1; the first NSAG has the highest priority; and, if the first NSAG includes two or more NSAGs, based on the terminal policy, the RRC layer determines one of the first NSAGs as the target NSAG suitable for random access and provides it to the Media Access Control (MAC) layer.

9. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores a computer program for performing the method for determining network slice packets NSAG as described in any one of claims 1-3 or 4-6.

10. An apparatus for determining network slice packets NSAG, characterized in that, include: processor; Memory used to store processor-executable instructions; The processor is configured to perform the method for determining network slice packets NSAG as described in any one of claims 1-3 or 4-6.

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