Network switching method, device and equipment of user terminal, and storage medium

Abstract

The application relates to a network switching method and device of a user terminal, equipment and a storage medium, and relates to the technical field of mobile communication. The method comprises the following steps: a first access and mobility management function (AMF) determines a target network slice according to a data network name (DNN) to be accessed and a user terminal identifier, and determines a target AMF according to the target network slice. In the case that the first AMF is the target AMF, the first AMF determines a target session management function (SMF) according to a packet data network gateway (PGW) fully qualified domain name (FQDN), a target base station area identifier and the target network slice, and performs network switching on the user terminal according to the target network slice and the target SMF. In the case that the first AMF is not the target AMF, the first AMF sends a relocation request message to the target AMF, so that the target AMF performs network switching on the user terminal. The application is used for realizing network switching of a user terminal and improving the network experience of users.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of mobile communication technology, and in particular to a network switching method, apparatus, device and storage medium for a user terminal. Background Technology

[0002] Fifth-generation mobile communication technology (5G), with its characteristics of high bandwidth, low latency, wide connectivity, and high security, is playing a role in an increasing number of industries. As 5G base stations are being rapidly deployed, users inevitably need to switch networks between 5G and fourth-generation mobile communication technology (4G). Currently, the following method is commonly used for network handover between 4G and 5G: an N26 interface is established between the Mobile Management Entity (MME) in 4G and the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in 5G. User context information is transmitted through the N26 interface, thereby achieving network handover between 4G and 5G.

[0003] However, because 5G provides network services to users through network slicing, and the N26 interface cannot transmit network slicing information, users cannot switch from 4G to 5G. Therefore, how to achieve network switching for user terminals is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a network switching method, apparatus, device, and storage medium for a user terminal, to at least solve the problem in the prior art where the N26 interface cannot transmit network slicing information, thus preventing the user terminal from switching from 4G to 5G. The technical solution of this application is as follows:

[0005] Firstly, a method for network handover of a user terminal is provided. The method includes: a first AMF receiving a relocation request message sent by an MME; the relocation request message includes a data network name (DNN) to be accessed, a user terminal identifier, a packet data network gateway fully qualified domain name (PGW FQDN), and a target base station area identifier; the first AMF determining a target network slice based on the DNN to be accessed and the user terminal identifier; the first AMF determining a target AMF based on the target network slice; if the first AMF is the target AMF, the first AMF determining a target session management function (SMF) based on the PGW FQDN, the target base station area identifier, and the target network slice, and handing over the user terminal's network based on the target network slice and the target SMF; if the first AMF is not the target AMF, the first AMF sending a relocation request message and the target network slice to the target AMF, so that the target AMF determines the target SMF based on the PGW FQDN, the target base station area identifier, and the target network slice, and handing over the user terminal's network based on the target network slice and the target SMF.

[0006] In one possible implementation, the first AMF determines the target network slice based on the DNN to be accessed and the user terminal identifier, including: the first AMF obtaining a first network slice list corresponding to the DNN to be accessed and a second network slice list corresponding to the user terminal identifier from the unified data management (UDM); the first AMF determining the target network slice based on the first network slice list and the second network slice list; the target network slice is located in the first network slice list and the second network slice list.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the first AMF determines the target network slice based on the first network slice list and the second network slice list, including: the first AMF determines the target network slice list based on the first network slice list and the second network slice list; the network slice in the target network slice list is located in the first network slice list and the second network slice list; the first AMF determines the network slice with the highest network quality level in the target network slice list as the target network slice.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the first AMF determines the target AMF based on the target network slice, including: the first AMF determining whether there is a correspondence between the first AMF and the target network slice based on the target network slice and the network slice selection function (NSSF); the NSSF stores the correspondence between multiple AMFs and multiple network slices; if there is a correspondence between the first AMF and the target network slice, the first AMF determines the first AMF as the target AMF; if there is no correspondence between the first AMF and the target network slice, the first AMF determines any AMF corresponding to the target network slice as the target AMF.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the first AMF determines the target SMF based on the PGW FQDN, the target base station area identifier, and the target network slice, including: the first AMF obtaining the first SMF corresponding to the PGW FQDN from the network repository function (NRF); the first AMF obtaining a set of target SMFs from the NRF based on the target base station area identifier and the target network slice; the first AMF determining whether the first SMF belongs to the target SMF set; if the first SMF belongs to the target SMF set, the first AMF determining the first SMF as the target SMF; if the first SMF does not belong to the target SMF set, the first AMF establishing a connection between the first SMF and the second SMF, and determining the first SMF as the target SMF; the second SMF is any one of the target SMFs in the target SMF set.

[0010] Secondly, a network switching device for a user terminal is provided, applied to a first AMF (Application Function). The device includes a receiving unit and a determining unit. The receiving unit is configured to receive a relocation request message sent by an MME (Mobile Equipment Module); the relocation request message includes a DNN (Data Network Node) to be accessed, a user terminal identifier, a PGW (Power Gateway) FQDN (Field-Level Qualification DN), and a target base station area identifier. The determining unit is configured to determine a target network slice based on the DNN to be accessed and the user terminal identifier. The determining unit is further configured to determine a target AMF based on the target network slice. If the first AMF is the target AMF, the determining unit is further configured to determine a target SMF (Service Function Function) based on the PGW FQDN, the target base station area identifier, and the target network slice, and switch the user terminal's network based on the target network slice and the target SMF. If the first AMF is not the target AMF, the determining unit is further configured to send a relocation request message and a target network slice to the target AMF, so that the target AMF determines the target SMF based on the PGW FQDN, the target base station area identifier, and the target network slice, and switches the user terminal's network based on the target network slice and the target SMF.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the determining unit is specifically configured to: obtain a first network slice list corresponding to the DNN to be accessed and a second network slice list corresponding to the user terminal identifier from the UDM based on the DNN to be accessed and the user terminal identifier; determine a target network slice based on the first network slice list and the second network slice list; the target network slice is located in the first network slice list and the second network slice list.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the determining unit is specifically used to: determine a target network slice list based on a first network slice list and a second network slice list; the network slices in the target network slice list are located in the first network slice list and the second network slice list; and determine the network slice with the highest network quality level in the target network slice list as the target network slice based on the target network slice list.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the determining unit is specifically used to: determine whether there is a correspondence between the first AMF and the target network slice based on the target network slice and the NSSF; the NSSF stores the correspondence between multiple AMFs and multiple network slices; if there is a correspondence between the first AMF and the target network slice, determine the first AMF as the target AMF; if there is no correspondence between the first AMF and the target network slice, determine any AMF corresponding to the target network slice as the target AMF.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the determining unit is specifically configured to: obtain the first SMF corresponding to the PGW FQDN from the NRF based on the PGW FQDN; obtain the target SMF set from the NRF based on the target base station area identifier and the target network slice; determine whether the first SMF belongs to the target SMF set; if the first SMF belongs to the target SMF set, determine the first SMF as the target SMF; if the first SMF does not belong to the target SMF set, establish a connection relationship between the first SMF and the second SMF, and determine the first SMF as the target SMF; the second SMF is any one of the target SMFs in the target SMF set.

[0015] Thirdly, an electronic device is provided, comprising: a processor; and a memory for storing processor-executable instructions; wherein the processor is configured to execute instructions to implement the methods of the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0016] Fourthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein when the instructions in the computer-readable storage medium are executed by a processor of an electronic device, the electronic device is enabled to perform the methods described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0017] Fifthly, a computer program product is provided, comprising computer instructions that, when executed on an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform the method described in the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0018] The technical solution of the first aspect provided by this application brings at least the following beneficial effects: In the prior art, the inability of the N26 interface to transmit network slicing information prevents user terminals from switching from 4G to 5G. This application determines the target network slice based on the DNN to be accessed and the user terminal identifier, and determines the target AMF and target SMF based on the target network slice. Furthermore, the network of the user terminal is switched based on the target AMF, target SMF, and target network slice. In this way, by determining the target network slice, target AMF, and target SMF, network switching preparation is completed, enabling user terminals to achieve a smooth and seamless switch from 4G to 5G, enhancing service continuity, and effectively improving the user's network experience.

[0019] It should be noted that the technical effects of any of the implementation methods in the second to fifth aspects can be found in the technical effects of the corresponding implementation methods in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0020] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application, and do not constitute an undue limitation of this application.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a network architecture diagram illustrating an interoperability scenario according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a network switching method for a user terminal according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating yet another network handover method for a user terminal according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating yet another network switching method for a user terminal according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating yet another network switching method for a user terminal according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating yet another network switching method for a user terminal according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a block diagram illustrating a network switching device for a user terminal according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of this application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0032] Before providing a detailed introduction to the network switching method for user terminals provided in this application, a brief introduction to the relevant technologies involved in this application will be given first.

[0033] like Figure 1The diagram shown is a network architecture diagram of an interoperability scenario between the evolved UMTS terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN) and the 5G radio access network (NG-RAN). The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) integrates the Home Subscriber Server (HSS) with the User Device Manager (UDM) to create a converged network element, UDM+HSS, thereby achieving convergence of user subscription data. 3GPP also integrates the Policy and Charging Rule Functionality (PCRF) with the Policy Control Function (PCF) to create a converged network element, PCF+PCRF, thereby achieving convergence of user policy data. Furthermore, 3GPP integrates the Packet Data Network Gateway-Control (PGW-C) and the Sub-Screen Function (SMF) to create a converged network element, SMF+PGW-C, thereby achieving control plane convergence. Finally, 3GPP integrates the Packet Data Network Gateway-User (PGW-U) with the User Plane Function (UPF) to create a converged network element, UPF+PGW-U, thereby achieving user plane convergence.

[0034] like Figure 1As shown, the network architecture diagram for the E-UTRAN and NG-RAN interoperability scenario includes a user terminal, E-UTRAN, MME, SGW, UDM+HSS, PCF+PCRF, SMF+PGW-C, UPF+PGW-U, NG-RAN, and AMF. Specifically, E-UTRAN and MME are connected via interface S1-MME, and E-UTRAN and SGW are connected via interface S1-U. MME and SGW are connected via interface S11, MME and AMF via interface N26, and MME and UDM+HSS via interface S6a. SGW and UPF+PGW-U are connected via interface SS-U, and SGW and SMF+PGW-C are connected via interface SS-C. UPF+PGW-U and SMF+PGW-C are connected via interface N4, and UPF+PGW-U and NG-RAN are connected via interface N3. SMF+PGW-C and PCF+PCRF are connected via interface N7. SMF+PGW-C and AMF are connected via interface N11. PCF+PCRF and AMF are connected via interface N15. UDM+HSS and AMF are connected via interface N8. AMF and NG-RAN are connected via interface N2. AMF and user terminal are connected via interface N1.

[0035] When a user terminal accesses a network that supports the N26 interface, the network may configure the user terminal's registration mode to single registration mode. In single registration mode, the user terminal sends a Protocol Data Unit Session Establishment Request (PDUPS) to the SMF+PGW-C. After receiving the PDUPS from the user terminal, the SMF+PGW-C requests the allocation of an Evolved Packet System Bearer Identifier (EPBI) from the AMF.

[0036] The network switching method for user terminals provided in this application embodiment can be applied to, for example, Figure 1 The network architecture diagram for the interoperability scenario is shown.

[0037] The MME is used to receive the source base station handover request message and send a relocation message to the first AMF.

[0038] The first AMF is used to receive relocation request messages sent by the MME and determine the target network slice based on the DNN to be accessed and the user terminal identifier.

[0039] The first AMF is also used to determine the target AMF based on the target network slice. When the first AMF is the target AMF, the first AMF determines the target SMF based on the PGW FQDN, the target base station area identifier, and the target network slice, and performs network handover for the user terminal based on the target network slice and the target SMF.

[0040] The first AMF is also used to send a relocation request message and a target network slice to the target AMF when the first AMF is not the target AMF, so that the target AMF can determine the target SMF based on the PGW FQDN, the target base station area identifier and the target network slice, and switch the network of the user terminal based on the target network slice and the target SMF.

[0041] For ease of understanding, the network switching method for user terminals provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a network switching method for a user terminal according to an exemplary embodiment. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0043] S201, the first AMF receives a relocation request message sent by the MME.

[0044] The relocation request message includes the DNN to be accessed, the user terminal identifier, the PGW FQDN, and the target base station area identifier.

[0045] As one possible implementation, the source base station determines whether the user terminal meets the network handover conditions based on the measurement report uploaded by the user terminal. The measurement report includes: the signal quality value of the source base station measured by the user terminal, the signal quality value of the target base station measured by the user terminal, the target base station area identifier, the user terminal identifier, and the DNN to be accessed. The network handover conditions include: the signal quality value of the source base station measured by the user terminal is less than or equal to a first threshold, the signal quality value of the target base station measured by the user terminal is greater than a second threshold, and the second threshold is greater than the first threshold.

[0046] Subsequently, if the user terminal meets the network handover conditions, the source base station sends a handover request message to the MME. The handover request message includes: the user terminal identifier, the target base station area identifier, and the DNN to be accessed. Based on the target base station area identifier, the MME obtains the first AMF corresponding to the target base station area identifier from the Domain Name System (DNS). The MME then sends a relocation message to the first AMF.

[0047] Furthermore, the first AMF receives a relocation request message sent by the MME.

[0048] For example, the user terminal identifier can be the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), or it can be the Mobile Subscriber ISDN Number (MSISDN). The target base station area identifier can be the tracking area code, or it can be the tracking area identity (TAI).

[0049] S202, the first AMF determines the target network slice based on the DNN to be accessed and the user terminal identifier.

[0050] As one possible implementation, the first AMF determines the target network slice based on the DNN to be accessed, the user terminal identifier, and the UDM.

[0051] The specific implementation method of this step can be referred to in the subsequent description of the embodiments of this application, and will not be repeated here.

[0052] S203. The first AMF determines the target AMF based on the target network slice.

[0053] As one possible implementation, the first AMF determines the target AMF based on the target network slice and NSSF.

[0054] It should be noted that NSSF stores the correspondence between multiple AMFs and multiple network slices.

[0055] The specific implementation method of this step can be referred to in the subsequent description of the embodiments of this application, and will not be repeated here.

[0056] S204. The first AMF determines whether the first AMF is the target AMF.

[0057] S205. If the first AMF is the target AMF, the target SMF is determined based on the PGW FQDN, the target base station area identifier, and the target network slice. Based on the target network slice and the target SMF, the network of the user terminal is switched.

[0058] As one possible implementation, if the first AMF is the target AMF, it determines the target SMF based on the PGWFQDN, the target base station area identifier, the target network slice, and the NRF. Furthermore, the first AMF performs network handover for the user terminal based on the target network slice and the target SMF.

[0059] S206. If the first AMF is not the target AMF, the first AMF sends a relocation request message and a target network slice to the target AMF, so that the target AMF can determine the target SMF based on the PGW FQDN, the target base station area identifier and the target network slice, and switch the network of the user terminal based on the target network slice and the target SMF.

[0060] The relocation request message includes the DNN to be accessed, the user terminal identifier, the PGW FQDN, and the target base station area identifier.

[0061] As one possible implementation, if the first AMF is not the target AMF, it sends a relocation request message and a target network slice to the target AMF. The target AMF receives the relocation request message and the target network slice, and obtains the third SMF corresponding to the PGW FQDN from the NRF based on the PGW FQDN.

[0062] Next, the target AMF retrieves the target SMF set from the NRF based on the target base station area identifier and the target network slice, and determines whether the third SMF belongs to the target SMF set. Then, if the third SMF belongs to the target SMF set, the target AMF determines the third SMF as the target SMF.

[0063] Furthermore, if the third SMF does not belong to the target SMF set, a connection is established between the third SMF and the fourth SMF, and the third SMF is determined to be a target SMF. The fourth SMF can be any one of the target SMFs in the target SMF set.

[0064] Understandably, in existing technologies, the N26 interface cannot transmit network slicing information, preventing user terminals from switching from 4G to 5G. This application determines the target network slice based on the DNN to be accessed and the user terminal identifier, and then determines the target AMF and target SMF based on the target network slice. Furthermore, based on the target AMF, target SMF, and target network slice, the user terminal's network is switched. In this way, by determining the target network slice, target AMF, and target SMF, network switching preparation is completed, enabling user terminals to achieve a smooth and seamless switch from 4G to 5G, enhancing service continuity, and effectively improving the user's network experience.

[0065] In some embodiments, in order to determine the target network slice, such as Figure 3 As shown, the above S202 can be implemented in the following way:

[0066] S301, the first AMF obtains the first network slice list corresponding to the DNN to be accessed and the second network slice list corresponding to the user terminal identifier from the UDM according to the DNN to be accessed and the user terminal identifier.

[0067] It should be noted that the UDM stores at least one network slice corresponding to each user terminal identifier, and at least one network slice corresponding to each DNN.

[0068] S302, the first AMF determines the target network slice based on the first network slice list and the second network slice list.

[0069] The target network slice is located in both the first network slice list and the second network slice list.

[0070] As one possible implementation, the first AMF obtains at least one network slice from the first network slice list and the second network slice list, and determines any one of the at least one network slice as the target network slice.

[0071] Understandably, the UDM stores at least one network slice corresponding to each user terminal identifier, and at least one network slice corresponding to each DNN. Thus, by using the user terminal identifier and the target network slice determined by the DNN to be accessed, which is a network slice that has been subscribed to by the user terminal and is supported by the DNN, the network needs of the user terminal can be met, enabling a smooth and seamless network switch for the user terminal, thereby improving the user's network experience.

[0072] In some embodiments, in order to determine the target network slice, such as Figure 4 As shown, the above S302 can be implemented in the following way:

[0073] S401, the first AMF determines the target network slice list based on the first network slice list and the second network slice list.

[0074] Among them, the network slices in the target network slice list are located in the first network slice list and the second network slice list.

[0075] S402. The first AMF determines the network slice with the highest network quality level in the target network slice list as the target network slice based on the target network slice list.

[0076] Understandably, network slices with higher network quality levels can provide better network quality for user terminals. Therefore, the target network slices determined based on the network quality level and the target network slice list can further improve the network quality of user terminals while meeting user network needs, thereby enhancing the user's network experience.

[0077] In some embodiments, in order to determine the target AMF, such as Figure 5 As shown, the above S203 can be implemented in the following way:

[0078] S501. The first AMF determines whether there is a correspondence between the first AMF and the target network slice based on the target network slice and NSSF.

[0079] The NSSF stores the correspondence between multiple AMFs and multiple network slices.

[0080] As one possible implementation, the first AMF obtains multiple AMFs corresponding to the target network slice from the NSSF based on the target network slice. Then, the first AMF determines whether it is one of the multiple AMFs corresponding to the target network slice. If the first AMF is one of the multiple AMFs corresponding to the target network slice, it determines that there is a correspondence between the first AMF and the target network slice; otherwise, it determines that there is no correspondence between the first AMF and the target network slice.

[0081] S502. If there is a correspondence between the first AMF and the target network slice, the first AMF is determined to be the target AMF.

[0082] S503. If there is no correspondence between the first AMF and the target network slice, the first AMF determines any AMF corresponding to the target network slice as the target AMF.

[0083] As one possible implementation, the first AMF obtains multiple AMFs corresponding to the target network slice from the NSSF based on the target network slice, and determines any one of the multiple AMFs corresponding to the target network slice as the target AMF if there is no correspondence between the first AMF and the target network slice.

[0084] Understandably, the target AMF determined by the target network slice and NSSF can support the target network slice, meet the network needs of the user terminal, and enable the user terminal to achieve smooth and seamless network switching, thereby improving the user's network experience.

[0085] In some embodiments, in order to determine the target SMF, such as Figure 6 As shown, the first AMF determines the target SMF based on the PGW FQDN, the target base station area identifier, and the target network slice, including:

[0086] S601. The first AMF obtains the first SMF corresponding to the PGW FQDN from the NRF based on the PGW FQDN.

[0087] S602. The first AMF obtains the target SMF set from the NRF based on the target base station area identifier and the target network slice.

[0088] The NRF stores the target base station area identifier, the correspondence between the target network slice and the SMF.

[0089] S603. The first AMF determines whether the first SMF belongs to the target SMF set.

[0090] S604. If the first SMF belongs to the target SMF set, the first SMF is determined to be the target SMF.

[0091] S605. If the first SMF does not belong to the target SMF set, the first AMF establishes a connection relationship between the first SMF and the second SMF, and determines the first SMF as the target SMF.

[0092] The second SMF is any one of the target SMFs in the set.

[0093] As one possible implementation, if the first AMF does not belong to the target SMF set, the first AMF determines any SMF from the target SMF set as the second SMF. Then, the first AMF connects the second SMF to both the first AMF and the first SMF, and connects the second UPF corresponding to the second SMF to both the target base station and the first UPF corresponding to the first SMF. Further, the first AMF determines the first SMF as the target SMF.

[0094] Understandably, based on the target base station area identifier and the target network slice, the target SMF set is determined to be the SMF required for the N3 interface. If the first SMF does not belong to the target SMF set, it can be determined that the user terminal is in a roaming scenario. The second SMF can be any one of the target SMFs. Thus, by determining the second SMF, handover preparation in roaming scenarios can be completed, enabling the user terminal to achieve a smooth and seamless handover in roaming scenarios, enhancing service continuity, and effectively improving the user's network experience.

[0095] The foregoing mainly describes the solutions provided by the embodiments of this application from a methodological perspective. To achieve the above functions, the network switching device or electronic device of the user terminal includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0096] This application embodiment can, based on the above method, exemplarily divide the network switching device or electronic device of a user terminal into functional modules. For example, the network switching device or electronic device of the user terminal may include various functional modules corresponding to each functional division, or two or more functions may be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be noted that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division; in actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0097] Figure 7 This is an exemplary embodiment illustrating a network switching device 700 for a user terminal, applied to a first AMF. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the network switching device 700 of the user terminal includes a receiving unit 701 and a determining unit 702.

[0098] The receiving unit 701 is used to receive a relocation request message sent by the MME. The relocation request message includes the DNN to be accessed, the user terminal identifier, the PGW FQDN, and the target base station area identifier.

[0099] The determining unit 702 is used to determine the target network slice based on the DNN to be accessed and the user terminal identifier.

[0100] The determining unit 702 is also used to determine the target AMF based on the target network slice.

[0101] The determining unit 702 is further configured to, when the first AMF is the target AMF, determine the target SMF based on the PGW FQDN, the target base station area identifier and the target network slice, and switch the network of the user terminal based on the target network slice and the target SMF.

[0102] The determining unit 702 is further configured to send a relocation request message and a target network slice to the target AMF when the first AMF is not the target AMF, so that the target AMF can determine the target SMF based on the PGW FQDN, the target base station area identifier and the target network slice, and switch the network of the user terminal based on the target network slice and the target SMF.

[0103] Optionally, to determine the target network slice, such as Figure 7 As shown, the determining unit 702 provided in this embodiment is specifically used for:

[0104] Based on the DNN to be accessed and the user terminal identifier, obtain the first network slice list corresponding to the DNN to be accessed and the second network slice list corresponding to the user terminal identifier from the UDM.

[0105] The target network slice is determined based on the first network slice list and the second network slice list. The target network slice is located in both the first and second network slice lists.

[0106] Optionally, to determine the target network slice, such as Figure 7 As shown, the determining unit 702 provided in this embodiment is specifically used for:

[0107] Based on the first network slice list and the second network slice list, the target network slice list is determined. The network slices in the target network slice list are located in both the first and second network slice lists.

[0108] Based on the target network slice list, the network slice with the highest network quality level in the target network slice list is determined as the target network slice.

[0109] Optionally, in order to determine the target AMF, such as Figure 7 As shown, the determining unit 702 provided in this embodiment is specifically used for:

[0110] Based on the target network slice and NSSF, determine whether there is a correspondence between the first AMF and the target network slice. The NSSF stores the correspondence between multiple AMFs and multiple network slices.

[0111] If there is a correspondence between the first AMF and the target network slice, the first AMF is determined to be the target AMF.

[0112] If there is no correspondence between the first AMF and the target network slice, determine any AMF corresponding to the target network slice as the target AMF.

[0113] Optionally, in order to determine the target SMF, such as Figure 7As shown, the determining unit 702 provided in this embodiment is specifically used for:

[0114] Based on the PGW FQDN, obtain the first SMF corresponding to the PGW FQDN from the NRF.

[0115] Based on the target base station area identifier and the target network slice, obtain the target SMF set from the NRF.

[0116] Determine whether the first SMF belongs to the target SMF set.

[0117] If the first SMF belongs to the target SMF set, then the first SMF is determined as the target SMF.

[0118] If the first SMF does not belong to the target SMF set, a connection is established between the first SMF and the second SMF, and the first SMF is determined to be the target SMF. The second SMF can be any one of the target SMFs.

[0119] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 8 As shown, the electronic device 800 includes, but is not limited to, a processor 801 and a memory 802.

[0120] The memory 802 described above is used to store the executable instructions of the processor 801. It is understood that the processor 801 is configured to execute instructions to implement the network switching method for the user terminal in the above embodiments.

[0121] It should be noted that those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 8 The electronic device structure shown does not constitute a limitation on the electronic device; the electronic device may include, but is not limited to, other electronic devices. Figure 8 This may indicate more or fewer components, or combinations of certain components, or different component arrangements.

[0122] The processor 801 is the control center of the electronic device. It connects various parts of the electronic device via various interfaces and lines. By running or executing software programs and / or modules stored in the memory 802, and by calling data stored in the memory 802, it performs various functions and processes data, thereby providing overall monitoring of the electronic device. The processor 801 may include one or more processing units. Optionally, the processor 801 may integrate an application processor and a modem processor. The application processor mainly handles the operating system, user interface, and applications, while the modem processor mainly handles wireless communication. It is understood that the modem processor may not be integrated into the processor 801.

[0123] The memory 802 can be used to store software programs and various data. The memory 802 may primarily include a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area may store the operating system, application programs required by at least one functional module (such as a receiving unit and a determining unit). Furthermore, the memory 802 may include high-speed random access memory, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, flash memory device, or other volatile solid-state storage device.

[0124] In an exemplary embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium including instructions, such as a memory including instructions, is also provided, which can be executed by a processor of an electronic device to implement the network switching method of the user terminal in the above embodiments.

[0125] In actual implementation, the functions of both the receiving unit 701 and the determining unit 702 can be provided by... Figure 8 The processor 801 calls the computer program stored in the memory 802 to implement the process. The specific execution process can be found in the description of the network switching method for the user terminal in the above embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0126] Optionally, the computer-readable storage medium may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, such as a read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, and optical data storage device.

[0127] In an exemplary embodiment, this application also provides a computer program product including one or more instructions, which can be executed by a processor of an electronic device to perform the methods described above.

[0128] It should be noted that when one or more instructions in the computer-readable storage medium or computer program product are executed by the processor of the electronic device, they implement the various processes of the above method embodiments and achieve the same technical effect as the above method. To avoid repetition, they will not be described again here.

[0129] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, only the division of the above functional modules is used as an example. In actual applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0130] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of modules or units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another apparatus, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0131] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. A component shown as a unit can be one or more physical units; that is, it can be located in one place or distributed in multiple different locations. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0132] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0133] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, essentially, or the parts that contribute to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solutions, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a device (which may be a microcontroller, chip, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods of the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0134] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A network handover method for a user terminal, characterized in that, include: The first access and mobility management function (AMF) receives a relocation request message from the mobility management entity (MME); The relocation request message includes the name of the data network to be accessed (DNN), the user terminal identifier, the fully qualified domain name of the packet data network gateway (PGW FQDN), and the target base station area identifier. The first AMF determines the target network slice based on the DNN to be accessed and the user terminal identifier; The first AMF determines the target AMF based on the target network slice; When the first AMF is the target AMF, the first AMF determines the target session management function (SMF) based on the PGW FQDN, the target base station area identifier, and the target network slice, and switches the network of the user terminal based on the target network slice and the target SMF. If the first AMF is not the target AMF, the first AMF sends the relocation request message and the target network slice to the target AMF, so that the target AMF determines the target SMF based on the PGW FQDN, the target base station area identifier and the target network slice, and switches the network of the user terminal based on the target network slice and the target SMF. Wherein, the first AMF determines the target SMF based on the PGW FQDN, the target base station area identifier, and the target network slice, including: The first AMF obtains the first SMF corresponding to the PGW FQDN from the Network Storage Function (NRF) based on the PGW FQDN; The first AMF obtains the target SMF set from the NRF based on the target base station area identifier and the target network slice; The first AMF determines whether the first SMF belongs to the target SMF set; If the first SMF belongs to the target SMF set, the first AMF determines the first SMF as the target SMF; If the first SMF does not belong to the target SMF set, the first AMF establishes a connection between the first SMF and the second SMF, and determines the first SMF as the target SMF; the second SMF is any one of the target SMF sets.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first AMF determines the target network slice based on the DNN to be accessed and the user terminal identifier, including: The first AMF obtains a first network slice list corresponding to the DNN to be accessed and a second network slice list corresponding to the user terminal identifier from the Unified Data Management (UDM) based on the DNN to be accessed and the user terminal identifier. The first AMF determines the target network slice based on the first network slice list and the second network slice list; the target network slice is located in the first network slice list and the second network slice list.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first AMF determines the target network slice based on the first network slice list and the second network slice list, including: The first AMF determines a target network slice list based on the first network slice list and the second network slice list; the network slices in the target network slice list are located in the first network slice list and the second network slice list; The first AMF determines the network slice with the highest network quality level in the target network slice list as the target network slice based on the target network slice list.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first AMF determines the target AMF based on the target network slice, including: The first AMF determines whether there is a correspondence between the first AMF and the target network slice based on the target network slice and the network slice selection function NSSF; the NSSF stores the correspondence between multiple AMFs and multiple network slices; If there is a correspondence between the first AMF and the target network slice, the first AMF is determined to be the target AMF; If there is no correspondence between the first AMF and the target network slice, the first AMF determines any AMF corresponding to the target network slice as the target AMF.

5. A network switching device for a user terminal, characterized in that, For use in the first access and mobility management function (AMF), the device includes: a receiving unit and a determining unit; The receiving unit is used to receive a relocation request message sent by the Mobility Management Entity (MME); the relocation request message includes the name of the data network to be accessed (DNN), the user terminal identifier, the fully qualified domain name of the packet data network gateway (PGW FQDN), and the target base station area identifier. The determining unit is used to determine the target network slice based on the DNN to be accessed and the user terminal identifier; The determining unit is further configured to determine the target AMF based on the target network slice; The determining unit is further configured to, when the first AMF is the target AMF, determine the target session management function SMF based on the PGW FQDN, the target base station area identifier and the target network slice, and switch the network of the user terminal based on the target network slice and the target SMF; The determining unit is further configured to send the relocation request message and the target network slice to the target AMF when the first AMF is not the target AMF, so that the target AMF determines the target SMF based on the PGW FQDN, the target base station area identifier and the target network slice, and switches the network of the user terminal based on the target network slice and the target SMF. The determining unit is specifically used for: Based on the PGW FQDN, obtain the first SMF corresponding to the PGW FQDN from the Network Storage Function (NRF); Based on the target base station area identifier and the target network slice, obtain the target SMF set from the NRF; Determine whether the first SMF belongs to the target SMF set; If the first SMF belongs to the target SMF set, the first SMF is determined to be the target SMF; If the first SMF does not belong to the target SMF set, a connection is established between the first SMF and the second SMF, and the first SMF is determined to be the target SMF; the second SMF is any one of the target SMF sets.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The determining unit is specifically used for: Based on the DNN to be accessed and the user terminal identifier, obtain the first network slice list corresponding to the DNN to be accessed and the second network slice list corresponding to the user terminal identifier from the Unified Data Management (UDM). The target network slice is determined based on the first network slice list and the second network slice list; the target network slice is located in the first network slice list and the second network slice list.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The determining unit is specifically used for: A target network slice list is determined based on the first network slice list and the second network slice list; the network slices in the target network slice list are located in the first network slice list and the second network slice list. Based on the target network slice list, the network slice with the highest network quality level in the target network slice list is determined as the target network slice.

8. The apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The determining unit is specifically used for: Based on the target network slice and the network slice selection function NSSF, it is determined whether there is a correspondence between the first AMF and the target network slice; the NSSF stores the correspondence between multiple AMFs and multiple network slices; If there is a correspondence between the first AMF and the target network slice, the first AMF is determined to be the target AMF; If there is no correspondence between the first AMF and the target network slice, then any AMF corresponding to the target network slice is determined as the target AMF.

9. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: processor; Memory used to store the processor's executable instructions; The processor is configured to execute the instructions to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-4.

10. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, When the computer-executable instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium are executed by the processor of the electronic device, the electronic device is capable of performing the method as described in any one of claims 1-4.

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