Network slice handover method and apparatus, communication device, and storage medium

Abstract

The application relates to a network slice switching method and device, communication equipment and a storage medium. The method comprises the following steps: acquiring network slice information of a target network, wherein the network slice information is used to represent the category and switching priority of the network slice corresponding to the target network; determining the performance reference value of each network slice of the target network according to current service state information and the network slice information, and determining a candidate network slice from each network slice according to the performance reference value to form a candidate network slice set, wherein the current service state information is used to represent the network running state of a terminal current application; reporting the candidate network slice set to a core network, so that the core network requests the target network to reserve the air interface time-frequency resource of the target network slice according to the candidate network slice set; and switching from a current network slice to a corresponding target network slice based on the resource reservation result fed back by the core network in response to the network switching instruction of the core network. The method can effectively improve the network slice switching efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the development of wireless communication technology, the "network slicing" method, which divides the core network and wireless resources, is usually adopted to provide service guarantees for high-priority user data and improve the quality of mobile communication. This method can flexibly respond to different network application scenarios and service requirements.

[0003] In traditional technologies, each network slice is matched one by one according to a preset network slice switching priority to determine the network slice that can meet the terminal service requirements. However, this method has high latency and signaling overhead in wireless resource scheduling, resulting in low network slice switching efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a network slice switching method, apparatus, communication device, and storage medium to address the aforementioned technical problems, which can effectively improve the efficiency of network slice switching.

[0005] Firstly, this application provides a network slice switching method, including:

[0006] Obtain network slice information of the target network. The network slice information is used to characterize the type and switching priority of the network slice corresponding to the target network.

[0007] Based on the current service status information and network slice information, determine the performance reference value of each network slice of the target network, and determine the candidate network slices from each network slice based on the performance reference value to form a candidate network slice set. The current service status information is used to characterize the network operation status of the terminal's current application.

[0008] The candidate network slice set is reported to the core network so that the core network can determine the corresponding target network slice based on the performance reference value of the network slice in the candidate network slice set and request the target network to reserve the air interface time and frequency resources of the target network slice.

[0009] In response to the network switching command from the core network, and based on the resource reservation results fed back by the core network, the current network slice is switched to the corresponding target network slice.

[0010] In one embodiment, before obtaining the network slice information of the target network, the method further includes:

[0011] Detect the current signal strength of the current network slice and the target signal strength of the target network respectively;

[0012] When the network signal strength is less than the first threshold and the target signal strength is greater than the second threshold, return to the step of obtaining the network slice information of the target network.

[0013] In one embodiment, the service status information includes the service quality level and bandwidth information of the current application; the service quality level is used to characterize the current application's requirements for network performance level; the network slice information includes the type, frequency, switching priority, and service quality scheduling validity identifier of the network slice corresponding to the target network; the service quality scheduling validity identifier is used to indicate that the corresponding network slice meets the current application's requirements for network service quality.

[0014] In one embodiment, based on current service status information and network slice information, performance reference values ​​for each network slice of the target network are determined, and candidate network slices are determined from each network slice based on the performance reference values ​​to form a candidate network slice set, including:

[0015] The network performance weighting method is determined based on the current application's quality of service level and bandwidth information.

[0016] Based on the type, frequency, handover priority, and valid service quality scheduling identifier of each network slice, a weighted fusion is performed according to the network performance weighting method to obtain the performance reference value for each network slice.

[0017] Based on the performance reference value corresponding to each network slice, candidate network slices are determined from each network slice, and a candidate network slice set is formed according to the order of the performance reference values ​​of each candidate network slice.

[0018] In one embodiment, in response to a network handover command from the core network, and before switching from the current network slice to the corresponding target network slice based on the resource reservation result fed back by the core network, the method further includes:

[0019] Receive resource reservation results from the core network;

[0020] When the reservation of air interface time and frequency resources fails, the target network slice corresponding to the current one is removed from the candidate network slice set to obtain an updated candidate network slice set.

[0021] The updated candidate network slice set is reported to the core network so that the core network can determine the corresponding target network slice to be updated based on the performance reference value of the network slice in the updated candidate network slice set and request the target network to reserve air interface time and frequency resources for updating the target network slice.

[0022] In response to the network switching command from the core network, and based on the resource reservation results fed back by the core network, the current network slice is switched to the corresponding updated target network slice.

[0023] In one embodiment, in response to a network handover command from the core network, and based on the resource reservation result fed back by the core network, the system switches from the current network slice to the corresponding target network slice, including:

[0024] Receive resource reservation results from the core network, including the corresponding air interface time and frequency resource information;

[0025] Receive network switching instructions sent by the core network;

[0026] Switch the connection from the current network slice to the target network slice corresponding to the air interface time-frequency resource information.

[0027] In one embodiment, the network slice switching method further includes:

[0028] When the frequency band of the current network slice corresponding to the current application does not match that of the target network slice, the current network slice is switched to the default network slice reserved by the target network.

[0029] Secondly, this application also provides a network slicing switching device, comprising:

[0030] The acquisition module is used to acquire network slice information of the target network. The network slice information is used to characterize the type and switching priority of the network slice corresponding to the target network.

[0031] The determination module is used to determine the performance reference value of each network slice of the target network based on the current service status information and network slice information, and to determine candidate network slices from each network slice based on the performance reference value to form a candidate network slice set. The current service status information is used to characterize the network operation status of the terminal's current application.

[0032] The sending module is used to report the candidate network slice set to the core network, so that the core network can determine the corresponding target network slice based on the performance reference value of the network slice in the candidate network slice set and request the target network to reserve the air interface time and frequency resources of the target network slice.

[0033] The switching module is used to respond to network switching commands from the core network and switch from the current network slice to the corresponding target network slice based on the resource reservation results fed back by the core network.

[0034] Thirdly, this application also provides a communication device. The communication device includes a memory and a processor, the memory storing a computer program, and the processor executing the computer program to perform the following steps:

[0035] Obtain network slice information of the target network. The network slice information is used to characterize the type and switching priority of the network slice corresponding to the target network.

[0036] Based on the current service status information and network slice information, determine the performance reference value of each network slice of the target network, and determine the candidate network slices from each network slice based on the performance reference value to form a candidate network slice set. The current service status information is used to characterize the network operation status of the terminal's current application.

[0037] The candidate network slice set is reported to the core network so that the core network can determine the corresponding target network slice based on the performance reference value of the network slice in the candidate network slice set and request the target network to reserve the air interface time and frequency resources of the target network slice.

[0038] In response to the network switching command from the core network, and based on the resource reservation results fed back by the core network, the current network slice is switched to the corresponding target network slice.

[0039] Fourthly, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program thereon, which, when executed by a processor, performs the following steps:

[0040] Obtain network slice information of the target network. The network slice information is used to characterize the type and switching priority of the network slice corresponding to the target network.

[0041] Based on the current service status information and network slice information, determine the performance reference value of each network slice of the target network, and determine the candidate network slices from each network slice based on the performance reference value to form a candidate network slice set. The current service status information is used to characterize the network operation status of the terminal's current application.

[0042] The candidate network slice set is reported to the core network so that the core network can determine the corresponding target network slice based on the performance reference value of the network slice in the candidate network slice set and request the target network to reserve the air interface time and frequency resources of the target network slice.

[0043] In response to the network switching command from the core network, and based on the resource reservation results fed back by the core network, the current network slice is switched to the corresponding target network slice.

[0044] The aforementioned network slice handover method, apparatus, communication equipment, and storage medium use the terminal's current service status information as slice mobility decision support information. Combined with the network slice information of each network slice in the target network, candidate network slices with strong relevance to the terminal's current service status information are identified and formed into a candidate network slice set. Based on this candidate network slice set, reserved air interface time-frequency resources are obtained, and targeted network slice handover is performed according to these reserved air interface time-frequency resources. This resource pre-scheduling method optimizes the handover process, effectively avoiding the drawback of large signaling overhead caused by attempting to switch connections to each network slice individually in traditional technologies, thus significantly improving network slice handover efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the application environment of a network slice switching method in one embodiment.

[0046] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a network slice switching method in one embodiment;

[0047] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the detection and analysis of network signals in one embodiment;

[0048] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for generating a candidate network slice set in one embodiment;

[0049] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a network slice switching method for a failure to reserve air interface time and frequency resources in one embodiment.

[0050] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of network slicing switching based on reserved air interface time and frequency resources in one embodiment;

[0051] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the network slice switching process in one embodiment;

[0052] Figure 8 This is a structural block diagram of a network slice switching device in one embodiment;

[0053] Figure 9 This is an internal structural diagram of a communication device in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0054] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0055] The network slice switching method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to, for example, Figure 1 In the application environment shown, terminal 102 connects to the current base station 104 via the network, and core network 106 communicates with terminal 102, the current base station 104, and the target network 108 via the network. Terminal 102 obtains network slice information sent by the target network 108; based on the current service status information and the network slice information, it determines the performance reference value of each network slice in the target network, and determines candidate network slices from each network slice based on the performance reference value, forming a candidate network slice set; it reports the candidate network slice set to core network 106, so that core network 106 determines the corresponding target network slice based on the performance reference value of the network slice in the candidate network slice set, and requests target network 108 to reserve air interface time-frequency resources for the target network slice; in response to the network switching command from core network 106, based on the resource reservation result fed back by core network 106, it switches from the current network slice to the corresponding target network slice. Terminal 102 can be, but is not limited to, various personal computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets, IoT devices, and portable wearable devices. IoT devices can be smart speakers, smart TVs, smart air conditioners, smart vehicle devices, etc. Portable wearable devices can include smartwatches, smart bracelets, head-mounted devices, etc.

[0056] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, a network slice switching method is provided, which is applied to... Figure 1 Taking terminal 102 as an example, the explanation includes the following steps:

[0057] Step S202: Obtain network slice information of the target network.

[0058] Among them, network slice information is used to characterize the type and handover priority of the network slice corresponding to the target network. The network slice information may include the network slice type supported by the neighboring base stations of the cell where the terminal is located and the slice priority of different frequency points. Each network slice may correspond to a dedicated frequency point, or multiple network slices may share the same frequency point. The handover priority is the priority relative to the selection order during network handover. Network slices with higher handover priority will be selected with a higher probability during handover.

[0059] Specifically, the terminal initiates the slice discovery process by determining whether it has reached the network handover threshold, and searches for and receives network slice information sent by the target cell base station.

[0060] Step S204: Based on the current service status information and network slice information, determine the performance reference value of each network slice of the target network, and determine candidate network slices from each network slice based on the performance reference value to form a candidate network slice set.

[0061] Among them, the current service status information is used to characterize the network operation status of the terminal's current application, such as the bandwidth requirements, latency, cell signal quality, and whether the cell supports QoS (Quality of Service) level parameters required when the current application carries out the corresponding service. The target network can be the base station where the target cell is located or the core network where the target cell is located.

[0062] Specifically, the terminal determines the network performance characteristics requirement of the current application for the network slice based on the current service status information corresponding to the current application. Then, it assigns corresponding weights to the different attributes of the network slice according to the network performance characteristics requirement. The corresponding attributes are then fused according to their weights to determine the performance reference value of each network slice of the target network relative to the terminal's current service status information. Based on the performance reference value of each network slice, candidate network slices are determined from each network slice. The candidate network slices are then sorted according to their respective performance reference values ​​to form a set of candidate network slices with a specific order. The sorting method can be sorting according to the performance reference value from largest to smallest or smallest to largest, or it can be sorting according to other preset order.

[0063] Step S206: The candidate network slice set is reported to the core network so that the core network can determine the corresponding target network slice based on the performance reference value of the network slice in the candidate network slice set and request the target network to reserve the air interface time and frequency resources of the target network slice.

[0064] Specifically, the terminal reports the candidate network slice set generated in the aforementioned steps to the core network. The core network determines the corresponding target network slice in the candidate network slice set according to pre-set rules. The core network then sends resource reservation request information carrying the target network slice identifier to the target network and receives resource reservation information returned by the target network. This resource reservation information includes the reservation result of the air interface video resources corresponding to the target network slice. The result includes whether the air interface time-frequency resources are successfully reserved or not. When the reservation is successful, the resource reservation information returned by the target network also includes the corresponding air interface time-frequency resource information. After receiving and determining the resource reservation information, the core network sends the resource reservation result to the terminal. The terminal determines the reservation result of the air interface time-frequency resources of the corresponding target network slice through the resource reservation result fed back by the core network.

[0065] Step S208: In response to the network switching command from the core network, and based on the resource reservation results fed back by the core network, switch from the current network slice to the corresponding target network slice.

[0066] Among them, the network handover command is a command used by the core network to instruct the terminal to perform network slice handover. Based on the resource reservation results fed back by the core network, the terminal disconnects from the current network slice and connects to the target network slice corresponding to the air interface time and frequency resources reserved in the resource reservation results.

[0067] In this embodiment, by using the terminal's current service status information as the auxiliary information for slice mobility decision-making, and combining it with the network slice information of each network slice in the target network, candidate network slices that are highly relevant to the terminal's current service status information are determined and a candidate network slice set is formed. Then, based on this candidate network slice set, reserved air interface time and frequency resources are obtained, and targeted network slice handover is completed according to the reserved air interface time and frequency resources. This resource pre-scheduling method optimizes the handover process, effectively avoiding the disadvantage of large signaling overhead caused by attempting to switch connections to each network slice one by one in traditional technologies, and effectively improving the efficiency of network slice handover.

[0068] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, before obtaining the network slice information of the target network, the following steps are also included:

[0069] Step S302: Detect the current signal strength of the current network slice and the target signal strength of the target network, respectively.

[0070] The current network slice refers to the network slice that is currently providing network services for the terminal's current business. The target network can be the base station network of the target cell in the same operator scenario, and the core network of the target cell in the cross-operator scenario. As the terminal moves, its signal strength with the current network slice and the target network may change.

[0071] Step S304: When the network signal strength is less than the first threshold and the target signal strength is greater than the second threshold, return to the step of obtaining network slice information of the target network.

[0072] The size of the first threshold and the second threshold can be set by technicians based on experience, or it can be determined by on-site measurement and repeated experiments, based on factors such as historical network slice switching efficiency and stability. The size between the first threshold and the second threshold is not specifically limited, that is, the first threshold can be greater than the second threshold, or the first threshold can be less than the second threshold, or they can be equal.

[0073] In this embodiment, by detecting the current signal strength of the current network slice and the target signal strength of the target network respectively, when the network signal strength is less than the first threshold and the target signal strength is greater than the second threshold, the step of obtaining the network slice information of the target network is returned. This enables accurate determination of whether the terminal meets the threshold requirements for network slice switching based on the current network signal strength of different networks and terminals, thereby improving the accuracy of network slice switching.

[0074] In one embodiment, the service status information includes the service quality level and bandwidth information of the current application; the service quality level is used to characterize the current application's requirements for network performance level; the network slice information includes the type, frequency, handover priority, and service quality scheduling validity identifier of the network slice corresponding to the target network; the service quality scheduling validity identifier is used to indicate that the corresponding network slice meets the current application's requirements for network service quality.

[0075] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, based on the current service status information and network slice information, the performance reference values ​​of each network slice in the target network are determined, and candidate network slices are selected from each network slice based on the performance reference values ​​to form a candidate network slice set, including:

[0076] Step S402: Determine the network performance weighting method based on the current application's quality of service level and bandwidth information.

[0077] The quality of service level can be the QoS level corresponding to the current application or a user-defined network service quality level.

[0078] Specifically, the terminal determines the importance of each network attribute based on the service quality level and bandwidth information of the current application, and then assigns different weights to different network attributes according to their different importance to determine the weighting method of network performance.

[0079] Step S404: Based on the type, frequency, handover priority, and valid service quality scheduling identifier of each network slice, weighted fusion is performed according to the network performance weighting method to obtain the performance reference value corresponding to each network slice.

[0080] Specifically, after determining the weighting method for network performance according to the aforementioned steps, the terminal assigns different weights to the type, frequency, handover priority, and valid service quality scheduling identifier of each network slice in the target network, based on the type, frequency, handover priority, and valid service quality scheduling identifier of each network slice in the network performance weighting method, thereby obtaining the performance reference value corresponding to each network slice.

[0081] Step S406: Based on the performance reference value corresponding to each network slice, determine candidate network slices from each network slice, and form a candidate network slice set according to the order of the performance reference values ​​of each candidate network slice.

[0082] Specifically, the terminal compares the performance reference value corresponding to each network slice with a preset threshold, and selects the network slices whose performance reference value is greater than or equal to the preset threshold as candidate network slices. Then, the selected candidate network slices are arranged into a candidate network slice set according to the performance reference value and a preset order. Optionally, the preset order can be from largest to smallest, from smallest to largest, or other custom orders.

[0083] In this embodiment, the network performance weighting method is determined based on the service quality level and bandwidth information of the current application. Weighted fusion is performed according to the network slice type, frequency, handover priority, and service quality scheduling validity identifier corresponding to each network slice, based on the network performance weighting method, to obtain a performance reference value for each network slice. Based on the performance reference value of each network slice, candidate network slices are determined from each network slice. A candidate network slice set is formed according to the order of the performance reference values ​​of each candidate network slice. This allows for targeted weighting of different network attributes based on the current service status of the terminal and its network performance requirements, resulting in candidate network slices and a candidate network slice set. This effectively filters out network slices that do not meet the network performance requirements, improving the efficiency of determining candidate network slices.

[0084] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, in response to the network handover command from the core network, and based on the resource reservation results fed back by the core network, before switching from the current network slice to the corresponding target network slice, the following steps are also included:

[0085] Step S502: Receive the resource reservation results from the core network.

[0086] Step S504: When the air interface time and frequency resource reservation fails, the current target network slice is removed from the candidate network slice set to obtain an updated candidate network slice set.

[0087] Specifically, when the terminal confirms that the air interface time and frequency resource reservation for the corresponding target network slice has failed, the current target network slice is removed from the candidate network slice set to obtain an updated candidate network slice set. At this time, the network slice with the largest performance reference value in the updated candidate network slice set is the network slice corresponding to the second largest performance reference value in the previous candidate network slice set.

[0088] Step S506: The updated candidate network slice set is reported to the core network so that the core network can determine the corresponding target network slice to be updated based on the performance reference value of the network slice in the updated candidate network slice set and request the target network to reserve air interface time and frequency resources for updating the target network slice.

[0089] Specifically, the terminal reports the updated candidate network slice set to the core network, so that the core network takes the network slice corresponding to the largest performance reference value in the updated candidate network slice set as the target network slice for the update. Then, the core network sends a corresponding request to the target network to reserve air interface time and frequency resources for the target network slice to be updated.

[0090] Step S508: In response to the network switching command from the core network, based on the resource reservation results fed back by the core network, switch from the current network slice to the corresponding updated target network slice.

[0091] Specifically, the terminal receives a network switching instruction sent by the core network, instructing the terminal to start switching network slices. Based on the resource reservation results fed back by the core network, the terminal disconnects the connection with the current network slice and establishes a connection with the corresponding target network slice to be updated.

[0092] In this embodiment, by receiving the resource reservation results from the core network, the updated candidate network slice set is reported to the core network. This allows the core network to determine the corresponding target network slice for updating based on the performance reference values ​​of the network slices in the updated candidate network slice set. The core network then requests the target network to reserve air interface time-frequency resources for the target network slice for updating. In response to the network handover command from the core network, the core network switches from the current network slice to the corresponding target network slice for updating based on the resource reservation results from the core network. This target network slice update mechanism effectively solves the problem of resource scarcity in the target network slice, effectively reselecting the next target network slice to request resource reservation, and improving the update efficiency and accuracy of the target network slice.

[0093] In one embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, in response to the network handover command from the core network, and based on the resource reservation results fed back by the core network, the network slice is switched from the current network slice to the corresponding target network slice, including:

[0094] Step S602: Receive the resource reservation results fed back by the core network. The resource reservation results include the corresponding air interface time and frequency resource information.

[0095] Step S604: Receive network switching instructions sent by the core network.

[0096] Step S606: Switch the connection between the current network slice and the target network slice corresponding to the air interface time-frequency resource information.

[0097] In this embodiment, by receiving the resource reservation results fed back by the core network and receiving the network switching instruction sent by the core network, the connection between the current network slice and the current network slice is switched to the target network slice corresponding to the air interface time-frequency resource information, thereby realizing fast network slice switching, effectively filtering out network slices that do not meet the current service requirements of the terminal, and improving the network slice switching efficiency.

[0098] In one embodiment, the network slice switching method further includes:

[0099] When the frequency band of the current network slice corresponding to the current application does not match that of the target network slice, the current network slice is switched to the default network slice reserved by the target network.

[0100] Frequency band mismatch refers to the situation where different network slices are deployed on different frequency bands because operators operate different wireless frequency bands. These network slices may also have different attributes. The default network slice is the basic network slice reserved by the operator for users, and its network performance can basically meet the user's business needs.

[0101] In this embodiment, when the current network slice and the target network slice are mismatched due to cross-frequency or other reasons, the terminal will switch from the connection between the current network slices to the default network slice reserved by the target network. When all target network slices of the target network are experiencing resource shortages, the terminal's network slice switching process is effectively guaranteed to continue, avoiding switching failures caused by air interface time and frequency resource shortages, and improving the continuity of terminal services.

[0102] This application also provides an application scenario where the network slice handover method described above is applied to a scenario where a terminal moves across cells and undergoes network slice handover. The network slice handover process is as follows: Figure 7 As shown, the application of this network slice switching method in this application scenario is as follows:

[0103] During movement, the terminal detects in real time the first signal connection strength between itself and the source cell network slice, and the second signal connection strength between the terminal and the target cell base station. When the first signal connection strength and the second signal connection strength meet the preset network handover conditions, the terminal enables slice discovery and searches for the network slice types supported by the target cell base station.

[0104] The terminal continuously monitors the application bandwidth, latency, and other status information running on the source cell network slice, and simultaneously receives the network slice types supported by the target cell base station and the slice priorities of different frequency points.

[0105] The terminal uses parameters such as the slice type supported by the target cell, slice frequency, slice priority, bandwidth required by the terminal application, cell signal quality, and whether the cell supports QoS scheduling as variables to form a candidate slice parameter vector, calculates the feature value of each candidate parameter vector, forms a candidate network slice set, and uses the feature value of the candidate parameter vector corresponding to each candidate network slice in the candidate network slice set as the target network slice of the candidate network slice set.

[0106] The terminal reports the candidate network slice set to the core network, which then notifies the target cell (same operator scenario) or the core network where the target cell is located (cross operator scenario), reserves air interface time and frequency domain resources in the target cell, and receives the resource reservation results fed back by the core network.

[0107] The terminal determines the resource reservation status of the target cell based on the resource reservation results, specifically as follows:

[0108] 1) If the target cell resources are successfully reserved, the terminal performs direct handover of inter-cell slices through the Xn interface between base stations or the NG interface between the base station and the core network.

[0109] 2) If the target cell resource reservation fails, the next target network slice will be tried in turn according to the eigenvalues ​​of the candidate slice parameter vector.

[0110] The terminal determines whether the handover was successful. If it is successful, it will access the target network slice normally and start communication. If it is unsuccessful, it will try the next target network slice.

[0111] When the terminal accesses the new slice and begins normal communication, the network slice switching process is completed.

[0112] The aforementioned network slice handover method uses the terminal's current service status information as auxiliary information for slice mobility decision-making. Combined with the network slice information of each network slice in the target network, it determines candidate network slices that are highly relevant to the terminal's current service status information and forms a candidate network slice set. Then, based on this candidate network slice set, it obtains reserved air interface time-frequency resources and completes targeted network slice handover according to the reserved air interface time-frequency resources. This resource pre-scheduling method optimizes the handover process, effectively avoiding the drawback of large signaling overhead caused by attempting to switch connections to each network slice one by one in traditional technologies, and effectively improving the efficiency of network slice handover.

[0113] It should be understood that although the steps in the flowcharts of the embodiments described above are shown sequentially according to the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless explicitly stated herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and they can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least some steps in the flowcharts of the embodiments described above may include multiple steps or multiple stages. These steps or stages are not necessarily completed at the same time, but can be executed at different times. The execution order of these steps or stages is not necessarily sequential, but can be performed alternately or in turn with other steps or at least some of the steps or stages of other steps.

[0114] In one embodiment, such as Figure 8 As shown, a network slicing switching device is provided. This device can be a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of both, integrated into a communication device. Specifically, the device includes: an acquisition module 802, a determination module 804, a transmission module 806, and a switching module 808, wherein:

[0115] The acquisition module 802 is used to acquire network slice information of the target network. The network slice information is used to characterize the type and switching priority of the network slice corresponding to the target network.

[0116] The determination module 804 is used to determine the performance reference value of each network slice of the target network based on the current service status information and network slice information, and to determine candidate network slices from each network slice based on the performance reference value to form a candidate network slice set. The current service status information is used to characterize the network operation status of the terminal's current application.

[0117] The sending module 806 is used to report the candidate network slice set to the core network so that the core network can determine the corresponding target network slice based on the performance reference value of the network slice in the candidate network slice set and request the target network to reserve the air interface time and frequency resources of the target network slice.

[0118] The switching module 808 is used to respond to the network switching command from the core network and switch from the current network slice to the corresponding target network slice based on the resource reservation results fed back by the core network.

[0119] In one embodiment, the acquisition module 802 is further configured to detect the current signal strength of the current network slice and the target signal strength of the target network respectively; when the network signal strength is less than a first threshold and the target signal strength is greater than a second threshold, the step of acquiring the network slice information of the target network is returned.

[0120] In one embodiment, the service status information includes the service quality level and bandwidth information of the current application; the service quality level is used to characterize the current application's requirements for network performance level; the network slice information includes the type, frequency, switching priority, and service quality scheduling validity identifier of the network slice corresponding to the target network; the service quality scheduling validity identifier is used to indicate that the corresponding network slice meets the current application's requirements for network service quality.

[0121] In one embodiment, the determining module 804 is further configured to determine the network performance weighting method based on the service quality level and bandwidth information of the current application; perform weighted fusion based on the type, frequency, handover priority and service quality scheduling validity identifier of each network slice according to the network slice type, frequency, handover priority and service quality scheduling validity identifier of each network slice, and obtain the performance reference value corresponding to each network slice; determine candidate network slices from each network slice according to the performance reference value corresponding to each network slice, and form a candidate network slice set according to the order of the performance reference values ​​of each candidate network slice.

[0122] In one embodiment, the switching module 808 is further configured to receive resource reservation results from the core network; when air interface time-frequency resource reservation fails, the current target network slice is removed from the candidate network slice set to obtain an updated candidate network slice set; the updated candidate network slice set is reported to the core network so that the core network determines the corresponding updated target network slice based on the performance reference value corresponding to the network slice in the updated candidate network slice set, and requests the target network to reserve air interface time-frequency resources for the updated target network slice; in response to the network switching command from the core network, the current network slice is switched to the corresponding updated target network slice based on the resource reservation results from the core network.

[0123] In one embodiment, the switching module 808 is further configured to receive resource reservation results fed back by the core network, the resource reservation results including corresponding air interface time-frequency resource information; receive network switching instructions sent by the core network; and switch the connection with the current network slice to the target network slice corresponding to the air interface time-frequency resource information.

[0124] In one embodiment, the switching module 808 is further configured to switch from the current network slice to the default network slice reserved by the target network when the frequency band of the current network slice corresponding to the current application does not match that of the target network slice.

[0125] The aforementioned network slice switching device uses the terminal's current service status information as auxiliary information for slice mobility decision-making. Combined with the network slice information of each network slice in the target network, it determines candidate network slices that are highly relevant to the terminal's current service status information and forms a candidate network slice set. Based on this candidate network slice set, it obtains reserved air interface time-frequency resources and performs targeted network slice switching according to the reserved air interface time-frequency resources. This resource pre-scheduling method optimizes the switching process, effectively avoiding the drawback of large signaling overhead caused by attempting to switch connections to each network slice one by one in traditional technologies, thus effectively improving network slice switching efficiency.

[0126] Specific limitations regarding the network slice switching device can be found in the limitations of the network slice switching method described above, and will not be repeated here. Each module in the aforementioned network slice switching device can be implemented entirely or partially through software, hardware, or a combination thereof. These modules can be embedded in hardware or independently of the processor in the communication device, or stored in software in the memory of the communication device, so that the processor can call and execute the corresponding operations of each module.

[0127] In one embodiment, a communication device is provided, which may be a terminal, and its internal structure diagram may be as follows: Figure 9 As shown, the communication device includes a processor, memory, communication interface, display screen, and input device connected via a system bus. The processor provides computing and control capabilities. The memory includes non-volatile storage media and internal memory. The non-volatile storage media stores the operating system and computer programs. The internal memory provides an environment for the operation of the operating system and computer programs stored in the non-volatile storage media. The communication interface is used for wired or wireless communication with external terminals; wireless communication can be achieved through Wi-Fi, mobile cellular networks, NFC (Near Field Communication), or other technologies. When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements a network slicing switching method. The display screen can be an LCD screen or an e-ink screen. The input device can be a touch layer covering the display screen, buttons, a trackball, or a touchpad mounted on the device's casing, or an external keyboard, touchpad, or mouse.

[0128] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 9 The structure shown is merely a block diagram of a portion of the structure related to the present application and does not constitute a limitation on the communication device to which the present application is applied. Specific communication devices may include more or fewer components than those shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0129] In one embodiment, a communication device is provided, including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program to implement the steps in the above-described method embodiments.

[0130] In one embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps in the above method embodiments.

[0131] In one embodiment, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps in the above method embodiments.

[0132] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the above methods. Any references to memory, databases, or other media used in the embodiments provided in this application can include at least one of non-volatile and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can include read-only memory (ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash memory, optical memory, high-density embedded non-volatile memory, resistive random access memory (ReRAM), magnetic random access memory (MRAM), ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), phase change memory (PCM), graphene memory, etc. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory, etc. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM can take many forms, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) or Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM). The databases involved in the embodiments provided in this application may include at least one type of relational database and non-relational database. Non-relational databases may include, but are not limited to, blockchain-based distributed databases. The processors involved in the embodiments provided in this application may be general-purpose processors, central processing units, graphics processing units, digital signal processors, programmable logic devices, quantum computing-based data processing logic devices, etc., and are not limited to these.

[0133] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0134] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A network slice switching method, characterized in that, The method includes: Obtain network slice information of the target network, wherein the network slice information is used to characterize the type and switching priority of the network slice corresponding to the target network; Based on the current service status information and the network slice information, the performance reference value of each network slice of the target network is determined, and candidate network slices are determined from each network slice based on the performance reference value to form a candidate network slice set. The current service status information is used to characterize the network operation status of the terminal's current application. The candidate network slice set is reported to the core network so that the core network can determine the corresponding target network slice based on the performance reference value of the network slice in the candidate network slice set and request the target network to reserve the air interface time and frequency resources of the target network slice. Receive resource reservation results from the core network; When air interface time and frequency resource reservation fails, the current target network slice is removed from the candidate network slice set to obtain an updated candidate network slice set; the network slice with the largest performance reference value in the updated candidate network slice set is the network slice corresponding to the second largest performance reference value in the candidate network slice set before the update. The updated candidate network slice set is reported to the core network so that the core network can determine the corresponding updated target network slice based on the performance reference value of the network slice in the updated candidate network slice set, and request the target network to reserve the air interface time and frequency resources of the updated target network slice. Receive resource reservation results from the core network, wherein the resource reservation results include the corresponding air interface time and frequency resource information; Receive network switching instructions sent by the core network; Switch the connection between the current network slice and the target network slice corresponding to the air interface time-frequency resource information.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before obtaining the network slice information of the target network, the process also includes: The current signal strength of the current network slice and the target signal strength of the target network are detected respectively. When the network signal strength is less than the first threshold and the target signal strength is greater than the second threshold, return to the step of obtaining the network slice information of the target network.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The service status information includes the service quality level and bandwidth information of the current application; the service quality level is used to characterize the current application's requirements for network performance level; the network slice information includes the type, frequency, switching priority, and service quality scheduling validity identifier of the network slice corresponding to the target network; the service quality scheduling validity identifier is used to indicate that the corresponding network slice meets the current application's requirements for network service quality.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The step of determining performance reference values ​​for each network slice of the target network based on the current service status information and the network slice information, and determining candidate network slices from each network slice based on the performance reference values ​​to form a candidate network slice set, includes: The network performance weighting method is determined based on the service quality level and bandwidth information of the current application. Based on the type, frequency, handover priority, and valid service quality scheduling identifier of each network slice, a weighted fusion is performed according to the network performance weighting method to obtain the performance reference value for each network slice. Based on the performance reference value corresponding to each network slice, candidate network slices are determined from each network slice, and a candidate network slice set is formed according to the order of the performance reference values ​​of each candidate network slice.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method for determining network performance weighting based on the service quality level and bandwidth information of the current application on the terminal includes: Based on the service quality level and bandwidth information of the current application, determine the different levels of importance of each network attribute that is adapted to it; Different weights are assigned to different network attributes based on their varying degrees of importance, thereby determining the weighting method for network performance.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The target network is the base station where the target cell is located, or the core network where the target cell is located.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: When the frequency band of the current network slice corresponding to the current application does not match that of the target network slice, the current network slice is switched to the default network slice reserved by the target network.

8. A network slicing switching device, characterized in that, The device includes: The acquisition module is used to acquire network slice information of the target network, wherein the network slice information is used to characterize the category and switching priority of the network slice corresponding to the target network; The determination module is used to determine the performance reference value of each network slice of the target network based on the current service status information and the network slice information, and to determine candidate network slices from each network slice based on the performance reference value to form a candidate network slice set. The current service status information is used to characterize the network operation status of the terminal's current application. The sending module is used to report the candidate network slice set to the core network, so that the core network can determine the corresponding target network slice based on the performance reference value of the network slice in the candidate network slice set, and request the target network to reserve the air interface time and frequency resources of the target network slice; The switching module is used to receive resource reservation results from the core network; when air interface time-frequency resource reservation fails, it removes the current target network slice from the candidate network slice set to obtain an updated candidate network slice set; the network slice with the largest performance reference value in the updated candidate network slice set is the network slice corresponding to the second largest performance reference value in the previous candidate network slice set; it reports the updated candidate network slice set to the core network so that the core network determines the corresponding updated target network slice based on the performance reference value corresponding to the network slice in the updated candidate network slice set, and requests the target network to reserve the air interface time-frequency resources of the updated target network slice; it receives resource reservation results from the core network, the resource reservation results including the corresponding air interface time-frequency resource information; it receives network switching instructions sent by the core network; and it switches the connection with the current network slice to the target network slice corresponding to the air interface time-frequency resource information.

9. A communication device comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, characterized in that, When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. A computer-readable 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 7.

11. A computer program product, comprising a computer program, 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 7.

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