Communication method and apparatus, related device, and storage medium

Abstract

The application discloses a communication method, device, network slice admission control function (NSACF), access and mobility management function (AMF), access network equipment, terminal and storage medium. The method comprises the following steps: the NSACF determines that the number of terminals registered in a first slice meets a first condition; and a first message is sent to the AMF, wherein the first message is used for notifying that an early availability check (EAC) mode for the first slice is deactivated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication, and more particularly to a communication method, apparatus, related equipment, and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Network slicing is one of the key technologies in fifth-generation mobile communication (5G). Due to the flexibility of the service-based architecture of the 5G core network, network slicing allows for the flexible combination of network functions based on the network needs of vertical industry customers, forming a virtual logical network. Instances of different network slices can be distinguished based on their Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI).

[0003] In related technologies, the Network Slice Admission Control Function (NSACF) can control the number of users accessing a network slice, i.e., the number of terminals registered in the network slice. However, when the number of terminals registered in the network slice meets certain conditions, there is still no effective solution for how to achieve communication between the NSACF and the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF). Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the related technical problems, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, apparatus, related devices, and storage medium.

[0005] The technical solution of this application embodiment is implemented as follows:

[0006] This application provides a communication method applied to NSACF, including:

[0007] Determine that the number of terminals registered in the first slice meets the first condition;

[0008] Send a first message to the AMF, the first message being used to notify the Early Availability Check (EAC) mode for the first slice to be deactivated.

[0009] In the above scheme, the first condition includes the number of terminals registered in the first slice decreasing from a first number to a first threshold.

[0010] In the above scheme, the first message includes at least one of the following:

[0011] The first identifier indicates that the EAC mode flag is deactivated;

[0012] The identifier of the first slice.

[0013] This application also provides a communication method applied to AMF, including:

[0014] Receive the first message sent by NSACF;

[0015] A second message is sent to the access network device, the second message indicating at least that there are available terminals registered in the first slice.

[0016] In the above scheme, the second message includes at least one of the following:

[0017] The identifier of the first slice;

[0018] The second identifier indicates that there are available slots for the number of terminals currently registered in the first slice;

[0019] The first message indicates that a third message should be broadcast.

[0020] In the above scheme, a second message is sent to the access network device through the N2 interface.

[0021] In the above scheme, the first message includes at least one of the following:

[0022] The first identifier indicates that the EAC mode flag is deactivated;

[0023] The identifier of the first slice.

[0024] This application also provides a communication method applied to an access network device, including:

[0025] Receive the second message sent by AMF;

[0026] A third message is sent to the terminals within the service range, the third message being used to notify that there are available terminals registered in the first slice.

[0027] In the above scheme,

[0028] The third message mentioned in the broadcast.

[0029] In the above scheme,

[0030] Receive the second message sent by AMF through the N2 interface.

[0031] In the above scheme, the second message includes at least one of the following:

[0032] The identifier of the first slice;

[0033] The second identifier indicates that there are available terminals currently registered in the first slice;

[0034] The first information indicates that the third message is broadcast.

[0035] This application also provides a communication method applied to a terminal, including:

[0036] The system receives a third message from the access network device; the third message is used to notify that there are available terminals registered in the first slice.

[0037] In the above scheme, the terminal includes terminals whose registration of the first slice was rejected; the method further includes:

[0038] Initiate a registration request, which is used to request the registration of the first slice.

[0039] In the above scheme,

[0040] Initiate a registration request by configuring the update process or the re-registration process.

[0041] In the above scheme,

[0042] Upon receiving the third message and confirming that the timer for the EAC mode of the first slice has not expired, the registration request is initiated.

[0043] This application also provides a communication device, including:

[0044] The first processing unit is used to determine that the number of terminals registered in the first slice meets the first condition;

[0045] The first sending unit is used to send a first message to the AMF, the first message being used to notify the deactivation of the EAC mode for the first slice.

[0046] This application also provides a communication device, including:

[0047] The first receiving unit is used to receive the first message sent by NSACF;

[0048] The second sending unit is used to send a second message to the access network device, the second message indicating at least that there are spare terminals registered in the first slice.

[0049] This application also provides a communication device, including:

[0050] The second receiving unit is used to receive the second message sent by the AMF.

[0051] The third sending unit is used to send a third message to the terminals within the service range, the third message being used to notify that there are available terminals registered in the first slice.

[0052] This application also provides a communication device, including:

[0053] The third receiving unit is used to receive a third message sent by the access network device; the third message is used to notify that there are spare terminals registered in the first slice.

[0054] This application also provides an NSACF, including: a first communication interface and a first processor; wherein,

[0055] The first processor is configured to determine that the number of terminals registered in the first slice meets a first condition;

[0056] The first communication interface is used to send a first message to the AMF, the first message being used to notify the deactivation of the EAC mode for the first slice.

[0057] This application also provides an AMF, including: a second communication interface and a second processor; wherein,

[0058] The second communication interface is used for:

[0059] Receive the first message sent by NSACF;

[0060] A second message is sent to the access network device, the second message indicating at least that there are available terminals registered in the first slice.

[0061] This application also provides an access network device, including: a third communication interface and a third processor; wherein,

[0062] The third communication interface is used for:

[0063] Receive the second message sent by AMF;

[0064] A third message is sent to the terminals within the service range, the third message being used to notify that there are available terminals registered in the first slice.

[0065] This application also provides a terminal, including: a fourth communication interface and a fourth processor; wherein,

[0066] The fourth communication interface is used to receive a third message sent by the access network device; the third message is used to notify that there are spare terminals registered in the first slice.

[0067] This application also provides an NSACF, including: a first processor and a first memory for storing a computer program capable of running on the processor.

[0068] Wherein, when the first processor is used to run the computer program, it executes the steps of any of the methods described above on the NSACF side.

[0069] This application also provides an AMF, including: a second processor and a second memory for storing a computer program capable of running on the processor.

[0070] Wherein, when the second processor is used to run the computer program, it executes the steps of any of the methods described above on the AMF side.

[0071] This application also provides an access network device, including: a third processor and a third memory for storing a computer program capable of running on the processor.

[0072] When the third processor runs the computer program, it executes the steps of any of the methods described above on the access network device side.

[0073] This application also provides a terminal, including: a fourth processor and a fourth memory for storing computer programs capable of running on the processor.

[0074] The fourth processor is used to execute any of the steps of the aforementioned terminal-side method when running the computer program.

[0075] This application embodiment also provides a storage medium storing a computer program thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of any of the above-described NSACF-side methods, or the steps of any of the above-described AMF-side methods, or the steps of any of the above-described access network device-side methods, or the steps of any of the above-described terminal-side methods.

[0076] The communication method, apparatus, related devices, and storage medium provided in this application embodiment include: NSACF determining that the number of terminals registered in the first slice meets a first condition, sending a first message to AMF, the first message being used to notify the deactivation of the EAC mode for the first slice; AMF receiving the first message sent by NSACF, sending a second message to the access network device, the second message indicating at least that the number of terminals registered in the first slice is available; the access network device receiving the second message sent by AMF, sending a third message to terminals within its service range, the third message being used to notify the terminals registered in the first slice that the number of terminals is available; and the terminals receiving the third message sent by the access network device. The solution provided in this application, through the interaction mechanism between NSACF and AMF, enables communication between NSACF and AMF when the number of terminals registered in the first slice meets a specific condition (i.e., the first condition). This allows AMF to communicate with access network devices based on the usage status of the first slice, and enables access network devices to communicate with terminals based on the usage status of the first slice. Consequently, terminals can be aware of the usage status of the first slice and register with it promptly when needed. Thus, if a terminal's registration request for a network slice is rejected, the likelihood of subsequent registration requests from the terminal being rejected by NSACF is reduced, while also minimizing the waste of network and air interface resources. Attached Figure Description

[0077] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0078] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating another communication method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0079] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the third communication method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0080] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the fourth communication method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0081] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the communication method in an application embodiment of this application;

[0082] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0083] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another communication device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0084] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the third type of communication device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0085] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fourth type of communication device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0086] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of NSACF according to an embodiment of this application.

[0087] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the AMF in an embodiment of this application;

[0088] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the access network device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0089] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the terminal structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0090] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the communication system according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0091] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0092] In related technologies, the network management center provides fixed resources for each network slice (also known as a slice), namely, the maximum number of users allowed to access a network slice. This value is stored in the NSACF (Network Access Control Fund). The NSACF sets a threshold based on this maximum value. When the number of terminals requesting access to a network slice reaches this threshold, the NSACF notifies the AMF (Application Management Fund) to activate the EAC (Entry-Exit Control) mechanism. Upon receiving the notification, the AMF performs network slice admission control (NSAC) during the terminal's registration process for the slice. Specifically, if the total number of terminals accessing the network slice does not exceed the maximum value, the terminal can successfully register to the network slice; otherwise, the terminal will be rejected from registering. When the number of terminals requesting access to a network slice decreases from above the threshold to below the threshold, the NSACF notifies the AMF to deactivate the EAC mechanism. Upon receiving the notification, the AMF performs statistical analysis and updates the data to the NSACF after a terminal successfully registers for the network slice.

[0093] When the EAC mechanism is activated, if a terminal is refused to register for the network slice, the AMF will send the terminal a reason for refusal and a timer (optional). The reason for refusal will indicate that the terminal was refused to register for the slice because the number of access terminals for the slice has been saturated. The terminal can re-request the slice to register after the timer expires.

[0094] Here, when the timer expires and the terminal initiates another request to register the slice, since the terminal does not know whether the number of terminals currently registered for the slice is saturated, the terminal may still be rejected again. This means that if the timer duration is set too short, the terminal's requests will be rejected frequently, while if the timer duration is set too long, it will affect the terminal's service experience and may result in idle resources.

[0095] Based on this, in various embodiments of this application, a scheme for notifying the usage status of a slice is provided, so that the terminal can know the usage status of the slice and thus register with the slice in a timely manner when registration with the slice is required.

[0096] This application provides a communication method applied to NSACF, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the method includes:

[0097] Step 101: Determine if the number of terminals registered in the first slice meets the first condition;

[0098] Step 102: Send the first message to AMF.

[0099] Here, it can be understood that when the number of terminals registered in the first slice meets the first condition, NSACF sends the first message to AMF.

[0100] In practical applications, the number of terminals registered in the first slice refers to the number of terminals currently accessing the first slice, which can also be referred to as the usage of the first slice. Additionally, the terminal can also be called a User Equipment (UE) or a user.

[0101] In one embodiment, the first condition may include the number of terminals registered in the first slice decreasing from a first number to a first threshold.

[0102] Here, the first threshold can be set according to requirements. For example, since the network management center provides fixed resources for each slice, in other words, the network management center determines the maximum number of terminals that can access the first slice (also known as the maximum terminal value or threshold value, referred to as the second threshold in the following description), and the NSACF stores the second threshold; therefore, the NSACF can set the first threshold according to the second threshold (i.e., the first threshold needs to be less than the second threshold).

[0103] In practical applications, when the number of terminals registered in the first slice is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the NSACF can notify the AMF to activate the EAC mode (also known as the EAC mechanism). After receiving the notification, the AMF performs NSAC during the process of a terminal requesting to register in the first slice: if the number of terminals registered in the first slice is less than the second threshold, the terminal can successfully register to the first slice; if the number of terminals registered in the first slice is equal to the second threshold, the terminal's registration request is rejected (i.e., a Requested NSSAI is generated).

[0104] In practical applications, the first quantity can be equal to the second threshold; or, the first quantity can be greater than the first threshold and less than the second threshold.

[0105] In practical applications, if the number of terminals registered in the first slice meets the first condition, it indicates that there is a surplus of terminals registered in the first slice. At this time, NSACF needs to notify AMF to activate EAC mode so that AMF will no longer perform NSAC during the process of a terminal requesting to register in the first slice, thereby enabling the terminal to successfully register in the first slice.

[0106] Based on this, in one embodiment, the first message can be used to notify the EAC mode for the first slice to be activated.

[0107] Here, the first message may include at least one of the following:

[0108] The first identifier indicates that the EAC mode flag is deactivated;

[0109] The identifier of the first slice.

[0110] In practical applications, the format of the first identifier can be set according to requirements; the identifier of the first slice may include S-NSSAI.

[0111] In practical applications, after receiving the first message, the AMF can deactivate the EAC mode, meaning that NSAC is no longer performed during the terminal's request to register the first slice, allowing the terminal to successfully register with the first slice. After the terminal successfully registers with the first slice, the AMF can count the number of terminals registered with the first slice (hereinafter referred to as the second number) and send the second number to the NSACF, so that the NSACF updates the number of terminals registered with the first slice. By determining whether the second number is greater than or equal to the first threshold, the AMF is then notified to activate the EAC mode.

[0112] In practical applications, after receiving the first message, the AMF notifies the access network device that there are available terminals registered for the first slice. This allows the access network device to notify terminals within its service range that there are available terminals registered for the first slice, enabling terminals to know the usage status of the first slice and register for it promptly when needed. In this way, if a terminal's registration for a network slice is rejected, it reduces the likelihood of subsequent registration requests from the terminal being rejected by the NSACF, and also reduces the waste of network and air interface resources.

[0113] Accordingly, embodiments of this application also provide a communication method applied to AMF, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the method includes:

[0114] Step 201: Receive the first message sent by NSACF;

[0115] Step 202: Send a second message to the access network device.

[0116] Here, it can be understood that upon receiving the first message from NSACF, AMF sends the second message to the access network device.

[0117] In practical applications, the access network device can be referred to as a Radio Access Network (RAN) device.

[0118] In one embodiment, the second message indicates at least that there are available terminals registered in the first slice.

[0119] In practical applications, after receiving the second message, the access network device can send a third message to the terminals within its service range. The third message is used to notify that there are available terminals registered in the first slice.

[0120] In practical applications, after receiving the second message, the access network device can specifically broadcast the third message to terminals within its service range. Correspondingly, the second message can also instruct the broadcast of the third message.

[0121] Based on this, in one embodiment, the second message may include at least one of the following:

[0122] The identifier of the first slice;

[0123] The second identifier indicates that there are available terminals currently registered in the first slice;

[0124] The first information indicates that the third message is broadcast.

[0125] In practical applications, the format of the second identifier can be set according to requirements.

[0126] In one embodiment, sending the second message to the access network device may include:

[0127] The second message is sent to the access network device via the N2 interface.

[0128] Accordingly, embodiments of this application also provide a communication method applied to access network devices, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the method includes:

[0129] Step 301: Receive the second message sent by AMF;

[0130] Step 302: Send a third message to terminals within the service range.

[0131] Here, in one embodiment, the specific implementation of step 301 may include:

[0132] Receive the second message sent by AMF through the N2 interface.

[0133] It is understood that upon receiving the second message from the AMF, the access network device sends the third message to the terminals within its service range.

[0134] In one embodiment, the third message is used to notify that there are spare terminals registered in the first slice.

[0135] In one embodiment, when the second message carries the first information, the specific implementation of step 302 may include:

[0136] The third message mentioned in the broadcast.

[0137] Accordingly, embodiments of this application also provide a communication method applied to a terminal, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the method includes:

[0138] Step 401: Receive the third message sent by the access network device.

[0139] Here, the third message is used to notify that there are spare terminals registered in the first slice.

[0140] In practical applications, under EAC mode, when a terminal's registration for the first slice is rejected, the AMF can send a rejection reason to the terminal. The rejection reason will indicate that the terminal's registration for the first slice was rejected because the number of terminals registered for the first slice has reached saturation (i.e., equal to the second threshold). Upon receiving the third message, the terminal can re-request registration for the first slice. Thus, when a terminal's registration for a network slice is rejected, the number of subsequent registration requests from the terminal being rejected again by the NSACF can be reduced, while also minimizing the waste of network and air interface resources.

[0141] Based on this, in one embodiment, the terminal may include the terminal that registered the first slice was rejected.

[0142] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the method may further include:

[0143] Step 402: Initiate a registration request.

[0144] Here, the registration request is used to request the registration of the first slice.

[0145] In practical applications, the terminal can initiate a registration request through a configuration update process or a re-registration process.

[0146] In practical applications, under EAC mode, when the terminal's registration of the first slice is rejected, the AMF can also send a timer to the terminal, allowing the terminal to re-request registration of the first slice after the timer's set time has elapsed. Furthermore, upon receiving the third message, the terminal can request registration of the first slice in advance, even if the timer's set time has not elapsed (i.e., the timer has not expired). This reduces the likelihood of the terminal's subsequent registration requests being rejected by the NSACF again, and also reduces the waste of network and air interface resources.

[0147] Based on this, in one embodiment, upon receiving the third message and determining that the timer for the EAC mode of the first slice has not expired, the registration request is initiated.

[0148] The communication method provided in this application embodiment involves the NSACF determining that the number of terminals registered in the first slice meets a first condition, and sending a first message to the AMF. The first message is used to notify the deactivation of the EAC mode for the first slice. The AMF receives the first message sent by the NSACF and sends a second message to the access network device. The second message at least indicates that there are available terminals registered in the first slice. The access network device receives the second message sent by the AMF and sends a third message to the terminals within its service range. The third message is used to notify the terminals registered in the first slice that there are available terminals. The terminals receive the third message sent by the access network device. The solution provided in this application, through the interaction mechanism between NSACF and AMF, enables communication between NSACF and AMF when the number of terminals registered in the first slice meets a specific condition (i.e., the first condition). This allows AMF to communicate with access network devices based on the usage status of the first slice, and enables access network devices to communicate with terminals based on the usage status of the first slice. Consequently, terminals can be aware of the usage status of the first slice and register with it promptly when needed. Thus, if a terminal's registration request for a network slice is rejected, the likelihood of subsequent registration requests from the terminal being rejected by NSACF is reduced, while also minimizing the waste of network and air interface resources.

[0149] The present application will be further described in detail below with reference to application examples.

[0150] In this application embodiment, the terminal is referred to as UE; the EAC mode is referred to as EAC mechanism; the number of terminals accessing the first slice is referred to as the usage status of the first slice; and the access network device is referred to as RAN.

[0151] In this application embodiment, when the number of UEs accessing the first slice decreases from above the first threshold to below the first threshold, and the NSACF notifies the AMF to deactivate the EAC mechanism, the AMF generates information about the usage status of the first slice and sends this information to the RAN, instructing the RAN to broadcast this information to the UEs within the current service range; if a UE wants to request the service of the first slice, it can generate a slice registration request based on the broadcast information.

[0152] Specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, the communication method in this application embodiment may include the following steps:

[0153] Step 501: NSACF detects that the number of UEs registered in the first slice has dropped from a high point (i.e., the first number mentioned above) to its own set first threshold; then proceed to step 502;

[0154] Step 502: NSACF sends the Nnsacf_NumberOfUEsPerSliceEACNotify message (i.e., the first message mentioned above) to AMF; then proceed to step 503;

[0155] Here, the Nnsacf_NumberOfUEsPerSliceEACNotify message includes the identifier of the slice whose EAC mode is deactivated (i.e., the identifier of the first slice) and the flag that sets the EAC flag (which can be expressed as flag in English) to deactivate (i.e., the first identifier mentioned above);

[0156] Step 503: AMF sends an N2 message (i.e., the second message mentioned above) to RAN; then proceed to step 504;

[0157] Here, the N2 message includes the identifier of the first slice, a status identifier indicating that there are available UEs currently registered in the first slice (i.e., the second identifier mentioned above), and an identifier indicating that the RAN should broadcast the N2 message (i.e., the first information mentioned above).

[0158] Step 504: The RAN broadcasts the N2 message sent by the AMF; then proceed to step 505.

[0159] Here, the RAN broadcast message (i.e. the third message mentioned above) is used to notify the UEs within the service range that there are available UEs currently registered in the first slice, and they can request to register.

[0160] Step 505: After receiving the broadcast message, the UE initiates a configuration update process or a re-registration process to request registration of the first slice.

[0161] Here, the broadcast message has a higher priority than the timer of the EAC mode of the first slice. In other words, after the UE receives the broadcast message, even if the timer has not been set, the UE can still directly initiate a configuration update process or a re-registration process to request registration of the first slice.

[0162] The solution provided in this application example uses the interaction mechanism between NSACF, AMF, RAN and UE to broadcast the usage status of the slice to the UE. The UE can flexibly make slice registration requests based on the broadcast message, avoiding the situation where the UE frequently initiates registration requests and is repeatedly rejected after being rejected due to the saturation of the number of UEs accessing the slice. This can reduce the waste of network and air interface resources and avoid the timer setting being too long, which will affect the UE's service experience.

[0163] To implement the method on the NSACF side in the embodiments of this application, the embodiments of this application also provide a communication device, which is disposed on the NSACF, such as... Figure 6As shown, the device includes:

[0164] The first processing unit 601 is used to determine that the number of terminals registered in the first slice meets the first condition;

[0165] The first sending unit 602 is used to send a first message to the AMF, the first message being used to notify the deactivation of the EAC mode for the first slice.

[0166] In practical applications, the first processing unit 601 can be implemented by a processor in the communication device; the first sending unit 602 can be implemented by a communication interface in the communication device.

[0167] To implement the method on the AMF side in the embodiments of this application, the embodiments of this application also provide a communication device, which is disposed on the AMF, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the device includes:

[0168] The first receiving unit 701 is used to receive the first message sent by NSACF;

[0169] The second sending unit 702 is used to send a second message to the access network device, the second message indicating at least that there are spare terminals registered in the first slice.

[0170] In one embodiment, the second sending unit 701 is specifically used to send a second message to the access network device through the N2 interface.

[0171] In practical applications, the first receiving unit 701 and the second sending unit 702 can be implemented by the communication interface in the communication device.

[0172] To implement the method on the access network device side of this application embodiment, this application embodiment also provides a communication device, which is installed on the access network device, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the device includes:

[0173] The second receiving unit 801 is used to receive the second message sent by the AMF;

[0174] The third sending unit 802 is used to send a third message to the terminals within the service range, the third message being used to notify that there are spare terminals registered in the first slice.

[0175] In one embodiment, the third sending unit 802 is specifically used to broadcast the third message.

[0176] In one embodiment, the second receiving unit 801 is specifically used to receive a second message sent by the AMF through the N2 interface.

[0177] In practical applications, the second receiving unit 801 and the third sending unit 802 can be implemented by the communication interface in the communication device.

[0178] To implement the terminal-side method of this application embodiment, this application embodiment also provides a communication device, which is installed on the terminal, such as... Figure 9 As shown, the device includes:

[0179] The third receiving unit 901 is used to receive a third message sent by the access network device; the third message is used to notify that there are spare terminals registered in the first slice.

[0180] In one embodiment, the terminal includes a terminal whose registration of the first slice was rejected; the device further includes a registration unit 902 for initiating a registration request, the registration request being used to request registration of the first slice.

[0181] In one embodiment, the registration unit 902 is specifically used to initiate a registration request through a configuration update process or a re-registration process.

[0182] In one embodiment, the registration unit 902 is further configured to initiate the registration request upon receiving the third message and determining that the timer for the EAC mode of the first slice has not expired.

[0183] In practical applications, the third receiving unit 901 can be implemented by the communication interface in the communication device; the registration unit 902 can be implemented by the processor in the communication device in combination with the communication interface.

[0184] It should be noted that the communication device provided in the above embodiments is only illustrated by the division of the above program modules. In actual applications, the above processing can be assigned to different program modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different program modules to complete all or part of the processing described above. In addition, the communication device and communication method embodiments provided in the above embodiments belong to the same concept, and their specific implementation process can be found in the method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0185] Based on the hardware implementation of the above program modules, and in order to implement the NSACF-side method of the embodiments of this application, the embodiments of this application also provide an NSACF, such as... Figure 10 As shown, the NSACF 1000 includes:

[0186] The first communication interface 1001 is capable of exchanging information with AMF;

[0187] The first processor 1002 is connected to the first communication interface 1001 to enable information interaction with the AMF and to execute the methods provided by one or more technical solutions on the NSACF side when running a computer program. The computer program is stored in the first memory 1003.

[0188] Specifically, the first processor 1002 is used to determine that the number of terminals registered in the first slice meets a first condition;

[0189] The first communication interface 1001 is used to send a first message to the AMF, the first message being used to notify the deactivation of the EAC mode for the first slice.

[0190] It should be noted that the specific processing procedures of the first processor 1002 and the first communication interface 1001 can be understood by referring to the above method.

[0191] Of course, in practical applications, the various components in the NSACF 1000 are coupled together via bus system 1004. It can be understood that bus system 1004 is used to implement communication between these components. In addition to the data bus, bus system 1004 also includes a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus. However, for clarity, in... Figure 10 The general labeled all buses as Bus System 1004.

[0192] The first memory 1003 in this embodiment is used to store various types of data to support the operation of the NSACF 1000. Examples of such data include any computer program used to operate on the NSACF 1000.

[0193] The methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be applied to the first processor 1002, or implemented by the first processor 1002. The first processor 1002 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above method can be completed by the integrated logic circuit of the hardware or by instructions in the form of software in the first processor 1002. The first processor 1002 may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The first processor 1002 can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware decoding processor, or being executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules may be located in a storage medium, which is located in the first memory 1003. The first processor 1002 reads the information in the first memory 1003 and completes the steps of the aforementioned method in combination with its hardware.

[0194] In an exemplary embodiment, the NSACF 1000 may be implemented by one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), DSPs, programmable logic devices (PLDs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), general-purpose processors, controllers, microcontrollers (MCUs), microprocessors, or other electronic components to perform the aforementioned methods.

[0195] Based on the hardware implementation of the above program modules, and in order to implement the AMF-side method of the embodiments of this application, the embodiments of this application also provide an AMF, such as... Figure 11 As shown, the AMF 1100 includes:

[0196] The second communication interface 1101 is capable of exchanging information with NSACF and access network equipment;

[0197] The second processor 1102 is connected to the second communication interface 1101 to enable information interaction with the NSACF and access network equipment. When running a computer program, it executes the methods provided by one or more technical solutions on the AMF side. The computer program is stored in the second memory 1103.

[0198] Specifically, the second communication interface 1101 is used for:

[0199] Receive the first message sent by NSACF;

[0200] A second message is sent to the access network device, the second message indicating at least that there are available terminals registered in the first slice.

[0201] In one embodiment, the second communication interface 1101 is further used to send a second message to the access network device via the N2 interface.

[0202] It should be noted that the specific processing procedure of the second communication interface 1101 can be understood by referring to the above method.

[0203] Of course, in practical applications, the various components in the AMF 1100 are coupled together via bus system 1104. It can be understood that bus system 1104 is used to implement communication between these components. In addition to the data bus, bus system 1104 also includes a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus. However, for clarity, in... Figure 11 The general designated all buses as Bus System 1104.

[0204] The second memory 1103 in this embodiment is used to store various types of data to support the operation of the AMF 1100. Examples of such data include any computer program used to operate on the AMF 1100.

[0205] The methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be applied to the second processor 1102, or implemented by the second processor 1102. The second processor 1102 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above method can be completed by the integrated logic circuit of the hardware or by instructions in the form of software in the second processor 1102. The second processor 1102 may be a general-purpose processor, a DSP, or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The second processor 1102 can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware decoding processor, or being executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules may be located in a storage medium, which is located in the second memory 1103. The second processor 1102 reads the information in the second memory 1103 and completes the steps of the aforementioned method in conjunction with its hardware.

[0206] In an exemplary embodiment, the AMF 1100 may be implemented by one or more ASICs, DSPs, PLDs, CPLDs, FPGAs, general-purpose processors, controllers, MCUs, microprocessors, or other electronic components to perform the aforementioned method.

[0207] Based on the hardware implementation of the above program modules, and in order to implement the method on the access network device side of the embodiments of this application, the embodiments of this application also provide an access network device, such as... Figure 12 As shown, the access network device 1200 includes:

[0208] The third communication interface 1201 is capable of exchanging information with the AMF and the terminal;

[0209] The third processor 1202 is connected to the third communication interface 1201 to enable information interaction with the AMF and the terminal. When running a computer program, it executes the methods provided by one or more technical solutions on the access network device side. The computer program is stored on the third memory 1203.

[0210] Specifically, the third communication interface 1201 is used for:

[0211] Receive the second message sent by AMF;

[0212] A third message is sent to the terminals within the service range, the third message being used to notify that there are available terminals registered in the first slice.

[0213] In one embodiment, the third communication interface 1201 is also used to broadcast the third message.

[0214] In one embodiment, the third communication interface 1201 is also used to receive a second message sent by the AMF through the N2 interface.

[0215] It should be noted that the specific processing procedure of the third communication interface 1201 can be understood by referring to the above method.

[0216] Of course, in practical applications, the various components in the access network device 1200 are coupled together through the bus system 1204. It can be understood that the bus system 1204 is used to realize the connection and communication between these components. In addition to the data bus, the bus system 1204 also includes a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus. However, for the sake of clarity, in... Figure 12 The general designated all buses as Bus System 1204.

[0217] The third memory 1203 in this embodiment is used to store various types of data to support the operation of the access network device 1200. Examples of such data include any computer program used to operate on the access network device 1200.

[0218] The methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be applied to, or implemented by, the third processor 1202. The third processor 1202 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by the integrated logic circuitry of the hardware or by instructions in the form of software within the third processor 1202. The third processor 1202 may be a general-purpose processor, a DSP, or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The third processor 1202 can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as execution by a hardware decoding processor, or execution by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules may be located in a storage medium, specifically a third memory 1203. The third processor 1202 reads information from the third memory 1203 and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the aforementioned method.

[0219] In an exemplary embodiment, the access network device 1200 may be implemented by one or more ASICs, DSPs, PLDs, CPLDs, FPGAs, general-purpose processors, controllers, MCUs, microprocessors, or other electronic components to perform the aforementioned method.

[0220] Based on the hardware implementation of the above program modules, and in order to implement the terminal-side method of the embodiments of this application, the embodiments of this application also provide a terminal, such as... Figure 13 As shown, the terminal 1300 includes:

[0221] The fourth communication interface 1301 is capable of exchanging information with access network devices;

[0222] The fourth processor 1302 is connected to the fourth communication interface 1301 to enable information interaction with the access network device. When running a computer program, it executes the methods provided by one or more of the aforementioned terminal-side technical solutions. The computer program is stored in the fourth memory 1303.

[0223] Specifically, the fourth communication interface 1301 is used to receive a third message sent by the access network device; the third message is used to notify that there are spare terminals registered in the first slice.

[0224] In one embodiment, the terminal 1300 includes a terminal whose registration of the first slice was rejected; the fourth processor 1302 is configured to initiate a registration request, the registration request being used to request registration of the first slice.

[0225] In one embodiment, the fourth processor 1302 is further configured to initiate a registration request through a configuration update process or a re-registration process.

[0226] In one embodiment, the fourth processor 1302 is further configured to initiate the registration request upon receiving the third message and determining that the timer for the EAC mode of the first slice has not expired.

[0227] It should be noted that the specific processing procedures of the fourth communication interface 1301 and the fourth processor 1302 can be understood by referring to the above method.

[0228] Of course, in practical applications, the various components in terminal 1300 are coupled together through bus system 1304. It can be understood that bus system 1304 is used to implement communication between these components. In addition to a data bus, bus system 1304 also includes a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus. However, for clarity, in... Figure 13 The general designated all buses as Bus System 1304.

[0229] The fourth memory 1303 in this embodiment is used to store various types of data to support the operation of the terminal 1300. Examples of such data include any computer program used to operate on the terminal 1300.

[0230] The methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be applied to, or implemented by, the fourth processor 1302. The fourth processor 1302 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by the integrated logic circuitry of the hardware or by instructions in the software form of the fourth processor 1302. The fourth processor 1302 may be a general-purpose processor, a DSP, or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The fourth processor 1302 can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as execution by a hardware decoding processor, or execution by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules may be located in a storage medium, specifically a fourth memory 1303. The fourth processor 1302 reads information from the fourth memory 1303 and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the aforementioned method.

[0231] In an exemplary embodiment, terminal 1300 may be implemented by one or more ASICs, DSPs, PLDs, CPLDs, FPGAs, general-purpose processors, controllers, MCUs, microprocessors, or other electronic components to perform the aforementioned method.

[0232] It is understood that the memories (first memory 1003, second memory 1103, third memory 1203, and fourth memory 1303) in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or both. Specifically, the non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), ferromagnetic random access memory (FRAM), flash memory, magnetic surface memory, optical disc, or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM); the magnetic surface memory can be disk storage or magnetic tape storage. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache.By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Synchronous Static Random Access Memory (SSRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM), Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (DDRSDRAM), Enhanced Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (ESDRAM), SyncLink Dynamic Random Access Memory (SLDRAM), and Direct Rambus Random Access Memory (DRRAM). The memories described in the embodiments of this application are intended to include, but are not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0233] To implement the method provided in the embodiments of this application, the embodiments of this application also provide a communication system, such as... Figure 14 As shown, the system includes: NSACF 1401, AMF 1402, access network equipment 1403, and terminal 1404.

[0234] It should be noted that the specific processing procedures of NSACF 1401, AMF 1402, access network device 1403 and terminal 1404 have been described in detail above and will not be repeated here.

[0235] In an exemplary embodiment, this application also provides a storage medium, namely a computer storage medium, specifically a computer-readable storage medium, such as a first memory 1003 storing a computer program, which can be executed by the first processor 1002 of NSACF 1000 to complete the steps described in the aforementioned NSACF-side method. Another example is a second memory 1103 storing a computer program, which can be executed by the second processor 1102 of AMF 1100 to complete the steps described in the aforementioned AMF-side method. Yet another example is a third memory 1203 storing a computer program, which can be executed by the third processor 1202 of access network device 1200 to complete the steps described in the aforementioned access network device-side method. Yet another example is a fourth memory 1303 storing a computer program, which can be executed by the fourth processor 1302 of terminal 1300 to complete the steps described in the aforementioned terminal-side method. The computer-readable storage medium can be a memory such as FRAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash Memory, magnetic surface memory, optical disc, or CD-ROM.

[0236] It should be noted that terms such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0237] Furthermore, the technical solutions described in the embodiments of this application can be combined arbitrarily without conflict.

[0238] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The NSACF, applied to network slice admission control functions, includes: Determine that the number of terminals registered in the first slice meets the first condition; A first message is sent to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) to notify the Early Availability Query (EAC) mode for the first slice to be deactivated. The AMF then sends a second message to the access network equipment, indicating at least that there are available terminals registered for the first slice. The second message includes: The first information indicates that a third message is broadcast, which is used to notify terminals within the service range that there are available terminals currently registered in the first slice.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first condition includes the number of terminals registered in the first slice decreasing from a first number to a first threshold.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first message includes at least one of the following: The first identifier indicates that the EAC mode flag is deactivated; The identifier of the first slice.

4. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to AMF, including: Receive a first message sent by NSACF, which is received when the number of terminals registered in the first slice meets a first condition. The first message is used to notify the EAC mode for the first slice to be deactivated. A second message is sent to the access network device, the second message indicating at least that there are available terminals registered in the first slice; wherein the second message includes: The first information indicates that a third message is broadcast, which is used to notify terminals within the service range that there are available terminals currently registered in the first slice.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second message is sent to the access network device via the N2 interface.

6. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 5, characterized in that, The first message includes at least one of the following: The first identifier indicates that the EAC mode flag is deactivated; The identifier of the first slice.

7. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to access network equipment, including: Receive a second message sent by the AMF, which is sent after the AMF receives the first message. The first message is used to notify the deactivation of the EAC mode for the first slice. A third message is sent to terminals within the service range, the third message being used to notify terminals within the service range that there are available terminals registered in the first slice; wherein, The second message includes: The first information indicates that the third message is broadcast.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The third message mentioned in the broadcast.

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, Receive the second message sent by AMF through the N2 interface.

10. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to terminals, including: The method receives a third message sent by an access network device; the third message is used to notify that there are available terminals for the first slice registration; the terminals include terminals whose registration for the first slice was rejected; the method further includes: Upon receiving the third message and determining that the timer for the EAC mode of the first slice has not expired, a registration request is initiated, the registration request being used to request the registration of the first slice.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, Initiate a registration request by configuring the update process or the re-registration process.

12. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The first processing unit is used to determine that the number of terminals registered in the first slice meets the first condition; A first sending unit is configured to send a first message to the AMF (Access Provider Function), the first message being used to notify the deactivation of the EAC (Electronic Access Control) mode for the first slice. The AMF is configured to send a second message to the access network equipment, the second message indicating at least that there are available terminals registered in the first slice. The second message includes: The first information indicates that a third message is broadcast, which is used to notify terminals within the service range that there are available terminals currently registered in the first slice.

13. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The first receiving unit is configured to receive a first message sent by NSACF. The first message is received when the number of terminals registered in the first slice meets a first condition. The first message is used to notify the activation of the EAC mode for the first slice. The second sending unit is used to send a second message to the access network device, the second message indicating at least that there are spare terminals registered in the first slice; The second message includes: The first information indicates that a third message is broadcast, which is used to notify terminals within the service range that there are available terminals currently registered in the first slice.

14. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The second receiving unit is used to receive a second message sent by the AMF. The second message is sent after the AMF receives the first message. The first message is used to notify the deactivation of the EAC mode for the first slice. The third sending unit is used to send a third message to terminals within the service range, the third message being used to notify terminals within the service range that there are available terminals registered in the first slice; wherein, The second message includes: The first information indicates that the third message is broadcast.

15. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The third receiving unit is used to receive the third message sent by the access network device; The third message is used to notify that there are available terminals for the first slice registration, and the terminals include those whose registration for the first slice was rejected. The initiating unit is configured to initiate a registration request upon receiving the third message and determining that the timer for the EAC mode of the first slice has not expired, the registration request being used to request the registration of the first slice.

16. An NSACF, characterized in that, include: A first communication interface and a first processor; wherein... The first processor is configured to determine that the number of terminals registered in the first slice meets a first condition; The first communication interface is used to send a first message to the AMF, the first message being used to notify the deactivation of the EAC mode for the first slice; the AMF is used to send a second message to the access network device, the second message indicating at least that there are available terminals registered in the first slice; wherein, the second message includes: The first information indicates that a third message is broadcast, which is used to notify terminals within the service range that there are available terminals currently registered in the first slice.

17. An AMF, characterized in that, include: A second communication interface and a second processor; wherein... The second communication interface is used for: Receive a first message sent by NSACF, which is received when the number of terminals registered in the first slice meets a first condition. The first message is used to notify the EAC mode for the first slice to be deactivated. Send a second message to the access network device, the second message indicating at least that there are spare terminals registered in the first slice; The second message includes: The first information indicates that a third message is broadcast, which is used to notify terminals within the service range that there are available terminals currently registered in the first slice.

18. An access network device, characterized in that, include: A third communication interface and a third processor; wherein... The third communication interface is used for: Receive a second message sent by the AMF, which is sent after the AMF receives the first message. The first message is used to notify the deactivation of the EAC mode for the first slice. A third message is sent to terminals within the service range, the third message being used to notify terminals within the service range that there are available terminals registered in the first slice; wherein, The second message includes: The first information indicates that the third message is broadcast.

19. A terminal, characterized in that, include: The fourth communication interface and the fourth processor; among which, The fourth communication interface is used to receive a third message sent by the access network device; the third message is used to notify that there are available terminals for the first slice registration, and the terminals include terminals whose registration for the first slice was rejected. The fourth communication interface is also used to initiate a registration request when the third message is received and it is determined that the timer for the EAC mode of the first slice has not expired. The registration request is used to request the registration of the first slice.

20. An NSACF, characterized in that, include: A first processor and a first memory for storing computer programs capable of running on the processor. Wherein, when the first processor is used to run the computer program, it performs the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

21. An AMF, characterized in that, include: A second processor and a second memory for storing computer programs that can run on the processor. Wherein, when the second processor is used to run the computer program, it performs the steps of the method according to any one of claims 4 to 6.

22. An access network device, characterized in that, include: A third processor and a third memory for storing computer programs that can run on the processor. When the third processor runs the computer program, it performs the steps of the method according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

23. A terminal, characterized in that, include: A fourth processor and a fourth memory for storing computer programs that can run on the processor. When the fourth processor runs the computer program, it performs the steps of the method according to any one of claims 10 or 11.

24. A storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, or the steps of the method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, or the steps of the method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, or the steps of the method according to any one of claims 10 or 11.

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