Information transmission method, device, communication equipment and storage medium

Abstract

The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to information transmission methods, apparatuses, communication devices and storage media. A network slice admission control function (NSACF) determines statistical information of sessions created within a specific area based on a network slice according to specific area indication information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of wireless communication technology but is not limited to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to information transmission methods, devices, communication equipment and storage media. Background Art

[0002] A network slice can provide complete network functions, such as radio access network functions, core network functions, and Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) functions. A network can support one or more network slices. A network slice can provide different committed services and can be dedicated to a specific user. The same service or slice, but slices with different slice identifiers may have different single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI, Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information).

[0003] A mobile network operator (MNO) can deploy multiple network slices that provide the same functionality. Multiple network slices can serve different UE groups. Multiple network slices can provide different committed services and / or be dedicated to customers. For network slices with different functions of the same slice, the S-NSSAI is different, or the service type of the network slice may be the same but the slice identifier may be different. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of this, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide an information transmission method, apparatus, communication device and storage medium.

[0005] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an information transmission method, which is performed by a network slice admission control function (NSACF), and includes:

[0006] Determine statistics of sessions created within a specific area scope based on the network slice according to the specific area indication information.

[0007] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an information transmission method, wherein the method is executed by a session management function (SMF), and the method includes:

[0008] Send a statistical information update request, wherein the statistical information update request is used to instruct the network slice admission control function NSACF to determine the statistical information of sessions created within a specific area range based on the network slice according to the specific area indication information.

[0009] According to a third aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, an information transmission device is provided, wherein the information transmission device is executed by a network slice admission control function NSACF, and includes:

[0010] The first processing module is configured to determine statistical information of sessions created within a specific area range based on the network slice according to specific area indication information.

[0011] According to a fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an information transmission device, wherein the device is executed by a session management function SMF, and the device includes:

[0012] The third sending module is configured to send a statistical information update request, wherein the statistical information update request is used to instruct the network slice admission control function NSACF to determine the statistical information of sessions created within a specific area range based on the network slice according to the specific area indication information.

[0013] According to a fifth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor, a memory, and an executable program stored in the memory and capable of being run by the processor, wherein the processor executes the steps of the information transmission method described in the first aspect or the second aspect when running the executable program.

[0014] According to a sixth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided, on which an executable program is stored, wherein when the executable program is executed by a processor, the steps of the information transmission method described in the first aspect or the second aspect are implemented.

[0015] The information transmission method, apparatus, communication equipment and storage medium provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure. NSACF) determines the statistical information of sessions created within the specific area range based on the network slice according to the specific area indication information. In this way, compared with only being able to determine the statistical information of the entire network slice, determining the statistical information of sessions created within the specific area range based on the network slice, NSACF can obtain the statistical information of a specific area that is smaller than the granularity of the entire network slice, and then perform network resource management based on the statistical information within the specific area range, to meet the refined management requirements of network operations and services.

[0016] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a wireless communication system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0019] Figure 2 is a flowchart of an information transmission method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0020] Figure 3 is a flowchart of another information transmission method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0021] Figure 4 is a flowchart of another information transmission method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0022] Figure 5 is a flowchart of another information transmission method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0023] Figure 6 is a flowchart of another information transmission method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0024] Figure 7 is a flowchart of another information transmission method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0025] Figure 8 is a flowchart of another information transmission method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0026] Fig. 9 is a flowchart of another information transmission method according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0027] Fig.10 is a block diagram of an information transmission device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0028] Fig.11 is a block diagram of another information transmission device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0029] Fig.12 It is a block diagram of a device for information transmission according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Here, exemplary embodiments will be described in detail, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. When the following description refers to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the embodiments of the present invention. Instead, they are only examples of devices and methods consistent with some aspects of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] The terms used in the disclosed embodiments are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the disclosed embodiments. The singular forms of "a", "said" and "the" used in the disclosed embodiments are also intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates other meanings. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" used herein refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more associated listed items.

[0032] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used to describe various information in the disclosed embodiments, these information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish the same type of information from each other. For example, without departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments, the first information may also be referred to as the second information, and similarly, the second information may also be referred to as the first information. Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein may be interpreted as "at the time of" or "when" or "in response to determining".

[0033] Please refer to Figure 1 , which shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a wireless communication system provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 As shown, the wireless communication system is a communication system based on cellular mobile communication technology, and the wireless communication system may include: a plurality of terminals 11 and a plurality of base stations 12 .

[0034] Among them, the terminal 11 can be a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to the user. The terminal 11 can communicate with one or more core networks via a radio access network (RAN). The terminal 11 can be an Internet of Things terminal, such as a sensor device, a mobile phone (or a "cellular" phone), and a computer with an Internet of Things terminal. For example, it can be a fixed, portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-built-in or vehicle-mounted device. For example, a station (STA), a subscriber unit, a subscriber station, a mobile station, a mobile station, a remote station, an access point, a remote terminal, an access terminal, a user terminal, a user agent, a user device, or a user equipment (UE). Alternatively, the terminal 11 can also be a device of an unmanned aerial vehicle. Alternatively, the terminal 11 can also be a vehicle-mounted device, for example, it can be a driving computer with wireless communication function, or a wireless communication device connected to an external driving computer. Alternatively, the terminal 11 may also be a roadside device, for example, a street lamp, a traffic light or other roadside device with a wireless communication function.

[0035] The base station 12 may be a network-side device in a wireless communication system. The wireless communication system may be a fourth generation mobile communication technology (4G) system, also known as a long term evolution (LTE) system; or, the wireless communication system may be a 5G system, also known as a new radio (NR) system or a 5G NR system. Alternatively, the wireless communication system may be the next generation system of the 5G system. The access network in the 5G system may be referred to as NG-RAN (New Generation-Radio Access Network). Alternatively, an MTC system.

[0036] Among them, the base station 12 can be an evolved base station (eNB) adopted in the 4G system. Alternatively, the base station 12 can also be a base station (gNB) adopting a centralized distributed architecture in the 5G system. When the base station 12 adopts a centralized distributed architecture, it usually includes a centralized unit (CU) and at least two distributed units (DU). The centralized unit is provided with a protocol stack of a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, a radio link layer control protocol (RLC) layer, and a media access control (MAC) layer; the distributed unit is provided with a physical (Physical, PHY) layer protocol stack. The specific implementation method of the base station 12 is not limited in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] A wireless connection can be established between the base station 12 and the terminal 11 through a wireless air interface. In different implementations, the wireless air interface is a wireless air interface based on the fourth generation mobile communication network technology (4G) standard; or, the wireless air interface is a wireless air interface based on the fifth generation mobile communication network technology (5G) standard, for example, the wireless air interface is a new air interface; or, the wireless air interface can also be a wireless air interface based on the next generation mobile communication network technology standard of 5G.

[0038] In some embodiments, E2E (End to End) connections may also be established between the terminals 11, such as V2V (vehicle to vehicle) communication, V2I (vehicle to Infrastructure) communication, and V2P (vehicle to pedestrian) communication in vehicle to everything (V2X) communication.

[0039] In some embodiments, the wireless communication system may further include a network management device 13 .

[0040] Several base stations 12 are respectively connected to a network management device 13. The network management device 13 may be a core network device in a wireless communication system, for example, the network management device 13 may be a core network device in a wireless communication system, for example, an access and mobility management function (AMF), a session management function (SMF), a user plane function (UPF), a policy control function (PCF), a network repository function (NRF), etc. The implementation form of the network management device 13 is not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] The execution entities involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to: mobile phone terminals in a cellular mobile communication system, and network-side devices, such as access network devices such as base stations, and a core network.

[0042] The application function (AF) and / or application service provider (ASP) need to obtain statistical information of network slices based on the needs of ensuring or improving user experience. The statistical information includes: the number of created sessions of the network slice, the number of activated PDU sessions, the proportion of the number of created sessions and / or the number of activated PDU sessions in the network slice to the overall threshold of the network slice, etc.

[0043] Network slicing is supported by multiple network slice instances. For each public land mobile network (PLMN), the PDU session belongs to one and only one specific network slice instance, and different network slice instances do not share PDU sessions.

[0044] In related technologies, the statistical information for network slices is based on the granularity of the entire network slice, that is, the statistics are the coverage information of the entire network slice. The statistical information based on the entire network slice often cannot truly meet the needs of operators and services, especially the business characteristics requirements in specific scenarios, so it is impossible to configure resources accordingly according to the network status to achieve the purpose of improving user service experience.

[0045] For example, operators usually have the ability to flexibly configure resources and ensure service QoS for a specific area within a network slice, such as a province, city, specific venue, or school. Operators need to obtain statistical data such as specific PDU sessions in the specific area to learn and monitor the real-time network status in the area, but related technologies cannot meet operators' needs for statistical data.

[0046] Therefore, how to count, perceive and monitor the number of PDU sessions in a specific area of ​​the network slice to meet the operational and business needs in the specific area is an urgent problem to be solved.

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown, this exemplary embodiment provides an information transmission method, which can be performed by the NSACF of the cellular mobile communication system, including:

[0048] Step 201: Determine statistical information of sessions created within a specific area range based on the network slice based on the specific area indication information.

[0049] Here, the session may include but is not limited to a PDU session, etc. The session created within a specific area may be a session occupying resources within a specific area of ​​the network slice. Creating a session may include: allocating resources for the session in a specific area.

[0050] NSACF can be used to manage sessions and PDU sessions created in the network slice, for example, to control the number of PDU sessions created in the network slice, etc. NSACF can be the only NSACF deployed in the network slice, or NSACF can be one or more of the multiple NSACFs deployed in the network slice.

[0051] In actual applications, multiple NSACFs may be deployed in the operator network. One NSACF may serve one or more network slices in a service area. In a service area, a network slice is handled by only one NSACF. Here, the S-NSSAI of different network slices is different. NSACF can be an NSACF instance or an NSACF set. A PLMN can have one or more service areas.

[0052] The specific area indication information may be used to indicate a specific area.

[0053] In one embodiment, the network resources of the specific area are smaller than the network resources of the entire network slice, that is, the specific area is smaller than the coverage of the resources of the entire network slice.

[0054] Exemplarily, a network slice may include N service areas, and a specific area may be one or M of the N service areas, where M is less than N, and M and N are positive integers.

[0055] The statistical information may be the statistical result of the NSACF on the sessions created within a specific area of ​​the network slice. The statistical information may include, but is not limited to, the types of sessions created within a specific area, the proportion of different types of sessions created within a specific area, etc.

[0056] In one embodiment, the statistical information includes: the number of sessions created within the specific area.

[0057] NSACF can count the number of sessions created within a specific area of ​​a network slice. NSACF can configure corresponding resources based on the number of determined sessions, and can also manage and control sessions created within a specific area of ​​a network slice, such as adjusting the number of sessions created within a specific area of ​​a network slice. This improves the ability to flexibly configure resources within a specific area, thereby improving the quality of service (QoS).

[0058] NSACF can trigger NSAC based on external factors. NSAC can include: determining statistical information of sessions created within a specific area, etc.

[0059] The NSACF may determine the number of sessions created within a specific area based on the IDs of the sessions created within the specific area.

[0060] In this way, compared with only being able to determine the statistical information of the entire network slice, determining the statistical information of sessions created within a specific area based on the network slice, NSACF can obtain statistical information of a specific area that is smaller than the granularity of the entire network slice, and then manage network resources based on the statistical information within the specific area, meeting the needs of refined management of network operations and services.

[0061] In one embodiment, the specific area indication information includes at least one of the following:

[0062] Cell ID (ID, Identifier);

[0063] Tracking Area ID (TAI);

[0064] Identification of the Area of ​​Interest (AoI);

[0065] Tracking area identifier list;

[0066] Identification of the service area;

[0067] Identifier of the geographic area.

[0068] Here, the cell ID, TAI, AoI identifier, tracking area identifier list, service area identifier and / or geographic area identifier may have one or more. For example, the specific area indication information may include multiple cell IDs for indicating multiple cells.

[0069] The geographical area indicated by the identifier of the geographical area may be a geographical area that can be mapped to a service area, and thus, the NSACF may determine statistical information based on the mapped service area.

[0070] NSACF can determine the statistics of sessions created within a specific area based on specific area indication information, and achieve session information statistics at a smaller granularity than the entire network slice, meeting the refined management requirements of network operations and services.

[0071] In one embodiment,

[0072] The specific area indication information is pre-stored in the NSACF;

[0073] or,

[0074] The specific area indication information is determined based on a communication protocol;

[0075] or,

[0076] The specific area indication information is received by the NSACF from the customer network function.

[0077] The specific area indication information can be pre-stored in the NSACF, and when the NSACF is triggered, the specific area is determined by the pre-stored specific area indication information. The specific area indication information can also be determined according to the communication protocol, and when the NSACF is triggered, the specific area is determined by the communication protocol or the calculation method given in the communication protocol.

[0078] The consumer network functions may include: Network Exposure Function (NEF), Policy Decision Function (PCF), Operation Administration and Maintenance (OAM) and / or the main NSACF in a multi-NSACF deployment scenario.

[0079] The consumer network function can determine a specific area based on its own needs, and instruct the NSACF to drive to the specific area through specific area indication information.

[0080] In one embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0081] The statistical information is sent to the SMF.

[0082] SMF is mainly responsible for interacting with the separated data plane, creating, updating and deleting PDU sessions, and managing the session environment with UPF. Here, SMF can be the SMF of the anchor session during the process of creating or releasing a session.

[0083] After NSACF determines the statistical information, it can provide feedback to SMF for SMF decision-making reference. For example, SMF can determine whether a new session can be created in a specific area based on whether the number of sessions created within the specific area exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0084] In one embodiment, determining statistical information of sessions created within a specific area range based on a network slice includes:

[0085] In response to receiving a statistics update request from a session management function SMF, the statistics of sessions created within the specific area range based on the network slice are determined.

[0086] NSACF determines the statistics of sessions created within a specific area based on network slices, which can be triggered by SMF. AMF can be triggered by events such as UE creating a session, send a statistics update request to NSACF, trigger NSACF to perform NSAC, and then determine the statistics.

[0087] like Figure 3 As shown, NSACF determines the number of sessions created within a specific area of ​​the network slice based on the statistics update request sent by SMF, including:

[0088] Step 302: NSACF receives a statistics update request from SMF, triggering NSACF to determine the number of sessions created in a specific area of ​​the network slice; for example, the statistics update request may be: Nnsacf_NSAC_NumOfPDUsUpdate_Request. The statistics update request is used to instruct NSACF to perform a validity check and update process for sessions created in a specific area of ​​the slice.

[0089] Step 303: NSACF performs validity check and update process of sessions created in specific areas of the slice based on the statistical information update request, that is, determines the number of sessions created in the specific area of ​​the network slice.

[0090] Step 304: NSACF may send a response message of the statistical information update request to SMF, indicating to SMF the number of sessions created in the determined specific area, etc.; for example, the response message of the statistical information update request may be: Nnsacf_NSAC_NumOfPDUsUpdate_Response.

[0091] In one embodiment, the statistical information update request is the statistical information update request generated by the SMF based on a session operation.

[0092] The session operation may include creating a session, changing the session type, etc. For example, the session operation may include: requesting an existing PDU session for Handover switching.

[0093] When a session operation occurs for a network slice, the statistical information update request is a statistical information update request sent by the SMF to the network slice corresponding to the session operation based on the network slice corresponding to the session operation.

[0094] In one embodiment, the session operation includes:

[0095] An operation of creating a session based on the network slice.

[0096] The statistics update request may explicitly or implicitly indicate an increase in the number of sessions. For example, when creating a session in a network slice, the statistics update request may indicate an increase in the number of sessions using a predetermined bit, or may implicitly indicate an increase in the number of sessions by using the create session request as a statistics update request.

[0097] When performing a session creation operation, the SMF may first perform NSACF discovery. For example, the SMF may determine the network slice for the creation operation based on the slice identifier of the session creation, and then determine the NSACF corresponding to the network slice. The SMF then sends a statistical information update request to the determined NSACF. The slice identifier of the network slice may include S-NSSAI, and / or a slice distinguisher, etc.

[0098] The statistics update request can be carried in the operation information for the network slice operation. For example, when creating a session in the network slice, the statistics update request can be carried in the create session request.

[0099] Creating a session in a network slice will cause changes in the statistical information of the sessions created in a specific area. Therefore, SMF can instruct NSACF to determine the statistical information of the sessions created in a specific area.

[0100] Exemplarily, for a scenario in which a session is created in a network slice, NSACF may determine statistical information of sessions created in a specific area before the session is created in the network slice, and may also determine statistical information of sessions created in a specific area after the session is created in the network slice.

[0101] like Figure 4 As shown, during the process of creating a session in a network slice, NSACF determines the statistics of the session created in a specific area, including:

[0102] Step 403: NSACF receives a statistics update request sent by SMF, such as Nnsacf_NSAC_NumOfPDUsUpdate_Request, where the statistics update request is used to trigger NSACF to determine the statistics of sessions created in a specific area of ​​the network slice; the statistics update request can indicate to NSACF to create a session explicitly or implicitly.

[0103] Wherein, the statistical information update request is determined by the SMF according to the request sent by the UE received through the AMF; wherein the request is used to instruct the SMF to create a session in the network slice and trigger the SMF to initiate a validity check and update process for the number of sessions created in a specific area; and the request is used to instruct the SMF to perform NSACF discovery and selection through local configuration information. Wherein, if the SMF does not have the NSACF address, the SMF may discover the NSACF through the NRF. Wherein, when the UE initiates the creation of a session, the S-NSSAI of the network slice for which the session creation request is requested can be carried in the creation session request sent by the UE, and the SMF determines the NSACF at least based on the S-NSSAI. Alternatively, the SMF may also discover the NSACF through the NRF.

[0104] Exemplarily, for a PDU session in SSC mode 3, the SMF of the new PDU session calls NSACF to increase the number of PDU sessions and adds a new PDU session ID in NSACF. When the old PDU session is released, the SMF of the old PDU session calls NSACF to reduce the number of PDU sessions and deletes the old PDU session ID in NSACF.

[0105] The statistical information update request may include: UE identification information such as UE ID, session ID, S-NSSAI of the network slice requesting to execute NSAC, access type and update flag. Among them, the S-NSSAI of the network slice requesting to execute NSAC may be one or more, and the UE may request to establish sessions in multiple network slices at the same time. The update flag can be used to indicate the creation of a session in the network slice, that is, the number of sessions increases.

[0106] Step 404: NSACF performs a validity check and update process on the number of created sessions in a specific area of ​​the slice based on the statistical information update request, and determines the statistical information of the created sessions in the specific area of ​​the network slice, such as the number of created sessions.

[0107] In response to creating a session into the network slice, the NSACF updates the number of sessions created in the network slice and confirms the number of sessions created for a specific area of ​​the network slice.

[0108] In one embodiment, NSACF can determine whether to allow the creation of a session based on the status of the network slice, such as the network slice load, existing sessions in the slice, etc.

[0109] Step 405: After confirming the statistical information of the created session in the specific area of ​​the network slice, NSACF sends a response message of the statistical information update request to SMF. The response message may include: the number of sessions created in the determined specific area, and / or the result of creating the session, etc. The response message may be Nnsacf_NSAC_NumOfPDUsUpdate_Response, etc. Among them, the response message can also be used to instruct SMF to send the response of creating the session to UE through AMF.

[0110] In one embodiment, the session operation includes: an operation of releasing the session from the network slice.

[0111] In some embodiments, a session release request may be initiated by the UE. The UE may carry the session ID and the slice identifier of the network slice in the session release request. The session release request triggers the SMF to determine that the network slice needs to perform the NSAC process, that is, triggers the session number validity check and update process of the network slice. The slice identifier of the network slice may include S-NSSAI, and / or a slice identifier, etc.

[0112] The SMF may send a statistics update request to the NSACF, instructing the NSACF to determine the number of sessions created for a particular area of ​​the network slice. The statistics update request may explicitly or implicitly indicate a reduction in the number of sessions.

[0113] Releasing a session from a network slice will cause changes in the statistical information of sessions created in a specific area. Therefore, SMFF can instruct NSACF to determine the statistical information of sessions created in a specific area.

[0114] Exemplarily, the NSACF may determine statistics of sessions created in a particular area after the session is released from the network slice.

[0115] like Figure 5 As shown, during the process of releasing a session from a network slice, NSACF determines the statistics of the sessions created in a specific area, including:

[0116] Step 502: NSACF receives a statistics update request sent by SMF, such as Nnsacf_NSAC_NumOfPDUsUpdate_Request, and the statistics update request is used to trigger NSACF to determine the statistics of sessions created in a specific area of ​​the network slice; the statistics update request can indicate to NSACF to release the session explicitly or implicitly. The statistics update request can be determined by SMF according to the sending request sent by UE through AMF in the network slice release session process, and the request is used to indicate the validity check and update process of the number of created sessions in a specific area that triggers SMF to initiate. When the UE initiates the release of the session, the S-NSSAI of the network slice for which the session is requested to be released can be carried in the session release request sent by the UE, and the SMF determines NSACF based at least on the S-NSSAI. Alternatively, SMF can also discover NSACF through NRF.

[0117] The statistical information update request may include: UE identification information such as UE ID, session ID, S-NSSAI of the network slice requesting NSAC execution, access type and update flag. Among them, the S-NSSAI of the network slice requesting NSAC execution may be one or more, and the UE may request to establish sessions in multiple network slices at the same time. The update flag can be used to indicate the release of the session in the network slice, that is, the number of sessions is reduced.

[0118] Step 503: Based on the statistical information update request, NSACF performs a validity check and update process on the number of created sessions in a specific area of ​​the slice, and determines the statistical information of the created sessions in the specific area of ​​the network slice, such as the number of created sessions.

[0119] In response to releasing a session from a network slice, the NSACF updates the number of sessions created in the network slice and confirms the number of sessions created for a specific area of ​​the network slice.

[0120] Step 504: After confirming the statistical information of the created sessions in the specific area of ​​the network slice, NSACF sends a response message of the statistical information update request to SMF. The response message may include: the number of sessions created in the determined specific area, and / or the result of releasing the session, etc. The response message may be Nnsacf_NSAC_NumOfPDUsUpdate_Response, etc. Among them, the response message is used to indicate that the SMF sends a response to the release session to the UE through AMF.

[0121] In one embodiment, the statistical information update request carries the service area information of the SMF and / or the location information of the UE corresponding to the session operation;

[0122] The determining of statistical information of sessions created within a specific area range based on the network slice includes:

[0123] Based on the service area information and / or the location information of the SMF, it is determined whether to count the session corresponding to the session operation in the statistical information.

[0124] The UE corresponding to the session operation may include the UE requesting the session operation. The location information may be used to indicate the location of the UE requesting the session operation. If the location of the UE for the session operation corresponds to a specific area, the session corresponding to the session operation is counted, otherwise, the session corresponding to the session operation is not counted.

[0125] The UE corresponding to the session operation includes, but is not limited to: a UE requesting to create a session, a UE requesting to release a session, or a UE requesting to change the session type, etc.

[0126] Here, the location of the UE corresponding to the session operation corresponds to a specific area, including: the location of the UE corresponding to the session operation is within the specific area, etc.

[0127] For example, Figure 4 In step 404 shown, the UE may create a session in the network slice. Since the specific area is only a part of the entire network slice, the location of the UE may be outside the specific area. Then, when the NSACF determines the statistical information of the session created within the specific area, the session may not be counted. If the UE is located within the specific area, the session needs to be counted.

[0128] Determining whether to count the session according to the location information of the UE can improve the accuracy of the statistical information determined by the NSAC.

[0129] The service area information of the SMF can be used to indicate the location of the SMF service area. If the location of the SMF service area corresponds to a specific area, the sessions corresponding to the session operation are counted, otherwise, the sessions corresponding to the session operation are not counted.

[0130] Here, the location of the SMF service area corresponds to a specific area, including: the location of the SMF service area is within the scope of a specific area, etc.

[0131] In one embodiment, the service area information of the SMF includes: service area information of one or more user plane functions (UPFs) corresponding to the SMF.

[0132] The UPF service area information may be used to indicate a user plane function service area. If the user plane function service area is located in a specific area, the sessions corresponding to the session operation are counted; otherwise, the sessions corresponding to the session operation are not counted.

[0133] For example, Figure 4 In step 404 shown, the UE may create a session in the network slice. Since the specific area is only a part of the entire network slice, the location of the UPF service area may be outside the specific area. Then, when the NSACF determines the statistical information of the session created within the specific area, the session may not be counted. If the UPF service area is within the specific area, the session needs to be counted.

[0134] Determining whether to count the session based on the service area information of the SMF can improve the accuracy of the statistical information determined by the NSAC.

[0135] In one embodiment, the location information includes at least one of the following:

[0136] Community information;

[0137] Tracking area information.

[0138] The statistical information update request carries the location information of the UE corresponding to the session operation, and the UE location information is at least one of the following information: cell information and tracking area information.

[0139] In one embodiment, the location information of the UE that creates the session can be sent by the base station (such as gNB) to the AMF, and then sent by the AMF to the SMF, and the SMF carries the location information in the statistical information update request and sends it to the NSACF. Alternatively, the location information can be obtained by the AMF from the Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC).

[0140] In one embodiment, the statistical information update request carries a slice identifier;

[0141] The determining of statistical information of sessions created within a specific area range based on the network slice includes:

[0142] Determine the statistical information of sessions created within a specific area of ​​the network slice indicated by the slice identifier.

[0143] The statistical information update request sent by SMF and received by NSACF may carry the slice identifier of the network slice for which the statistical information needs to be determined. Here, the slice identifier may include: S-NSSAI, slice distinguisher, etc.

[0144] NSACF can determine the network slice for which statistical information needs to be determined based on the slice identifier. Since NSACF can correspond to multiple network slices, the accuracy of SMF indication can be improved by indicating the network slice through the slice identifier.

[0145] In one embodiment, the specific area range of the network slice has a maximum number of sessions that are allowed to be created.

[0146] NSACF can configure a maximum number of sessions for creating sessions for a specific area, that is, a maximum number threshold of sessions created within a specific area.

[0147] During the session creation process, if the number of sessions created in the current specific area of ​​the network slice reaches the maximum number of sessions, NSACF can refuse to create the session.

[0148] In one embodiment, in response to the UE requesting to create a session, the number of created sessions of the network slice does not reach the maximum number of sessions, so the NSACF checks the terminal UE ID. If the terminal UE ID already exists, the NSACF stores the session identifier session ID and increases the number of sessions of the network slice. If the NSACF does not find the terminal UE ID, the UE ID is retained, and the corresponding session identifier session ID of the UE is stored at the same time, and the number of sessions of the network slice is increased.

[0149] In one embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0150] In response to the number of sessions created within the specific area of ​​the network slice reaching the maximum number of sessions, the NSACF sends a maximum number arrival indication information to the SMF indicating that the number of sessions created within the specific area has reached the maximum number of sessions.

[0151] Here, the number of sessions created within the specific area reaches the maximum number of sessions, that is, the number of sessions created within the specific area is equal to the maximum number of sessions allowed.

[0152] During the process of UE creating a session, if the number of sessions created in the current specific area of ​​the network slice reaches the maximum number of sessions, then the NSACF can reject the UE's request to create a session and indicate the slice identifier of the network slice to the SMF through the maximum number indication information. The SMF can determine the reason for the failure to create a session. At the same time, the maximum number indication information may include statistical information of the network slice, that is, the number of sessions created in the current network slice.

[0153] The SMF may send an indication message to the UE via the AMF, indicating a list of slice identifiers of the network slices for which session creation is refused, and may indicate the reason for refusing session creation for each network slice for which session creation is refused, for example, the number of sessions created within a specific area of ​​the network slice has reached the maximum number of sessions.

[0154] In one embodiment, the SMF may also set a timer for the UE to initiate a re-request to create a session. When the timer expires, the SMF may initiate a network slice creation session request again.

[0155] like Figure 6 As shown, this exemplary embodiment provides an information transmission method, which can be executed by the SMF of the cellular mobile communication system, including:

[0156] Step 601: Send a statistics update request to NSACF, wherein the statistics update request is used to instruct NSACF to determine the statistics of sessions created within a specific area range based on the network slice according to specific area indication information.

[0157] SMF is mainly responsible for interacting with the separated data plane, creating, updating and deleting PDU sessions, and managing the session environment with UPF. Here, SMF can be the SMF of the anchor session during the process of creating or releasing a session.

[0158] Here, the session may include but is not limited to a PDU session, etc. The session created within a specific area may be a session occupying resources within a specific area of ​​the network slice. Creating a session may include: allocating resources for the session in a specific area.

[0159] NSACF can be used to manage sessions and PDU sessions created in the network slice, for example, to control the number of PDU sessions created in the network slice, etc. NSACF can be the only NSACF deployed in the network slice, or NSACF can be one or more of the multiple NSACFs deployed in the network slice.

[0160] In actual applications, multiple NSACFs may be deployed in the operator network. One NSACF may serve one or more network slices in a service area. In a service area, a network slice is handled by only one NSACF. Here, the S-NSSAI of different network slices is different. NSACF can be an NSACF instance or an NSACF set. A PLMN can have one or more service areas.

[0161] The specific area indication information may be used to indicate a specific area.

[0162] In one embodiment, the network resources of the specific area are smaller than the network resources of the entire network slice, that is, the specific area is smaller than the coverage of the resources of the entire network slice.

[0163] Exemplarily, a network slice may include N service areas, and a specific area may be one or M of the N service areas, where M is less than N, and M and N are positive integers.

[0164] The statistical information may be the statistical result of the NSACF on the sessions created within a specific area of ​​the network slice. The statistical information may include, but is not limited to, the types of sessions created within a specific area, the proportion of different types of sessions created within a specific area, etc.

[0165] In one embodiment, the statistical information includes: the number of sessions created within the specific area.

[0166] NSACF can count the number of sessions created within a specific area of ​​a network slice. NSACF can configure corresponding resources based on the number of determined sessions, and can also manage and control sessions created within a specific area of ​​a network slice, such as adjusting the number of sessions created within a specific area of ​​a network slice. This improves the ability to flexibly configure resources within a specific area, thereby improving the quality of service (QoS).

[0167] NSACF can trigger NSAC based on external factors. NSAC can include: determining statistical information of sessions created within a specific area, etc.

[0168] The NSACF may determine the number of sessions created within a specific area based on the IDs of the sessions created within the specific area.

[0169] NSACF determines the statistics of sessions created within a specific area based on network slices, which can be triggered by SMF. AMF can be triggered by events such as UE creating a session, send a statistics update request to NSACF, trigger NSACF to perform NSAC, and then determine the statistics.

[0170] like Figure 3 As shown, SMF instructs NSACF to determine the number of sessions created within a specific area of ​​the network slice through a statistics update request. The specific steps include:

[0171] Step 301: SMF is triggered to instruct NSACF to determine the number of sessions created within a specific area, that is, SMF is triggered to instruct NSACF to perform a validity check and update process for sessions created in a slice specific area.

[0172] Step 302: SMF sends a statistics update request to NSACF, triggering NSACF to determine the number of sessions created in a specific area of ​​the network slice; for example, the statistics update request may be: Nnsacf_NSAC_NumOfPDUsUpdate_Request. The statistics update request is used to instruct NSACF to perform a validity check and update process for sessions created in a specific area of ​​the slice based on the statistics update request, i.e., to determine the number of sessions created in a specific area of ​​the network slice.

[0173] Step 304: SMF receives the response message of the statistical information update request sent by NSACF, and indicates to SMF the number of sessions created in the determined specific area, etc.; for example, the response message of the statistical information update request may be: Nnsacf_NSAC_NumOfPDUsUpdate_Response.

[0174] In this way, compared with only being able to determine the statistical information of the entire network slice, determining the statistical information of sessions created within a specific area based on the network slice, NSACF can obtain statistical information of a specific area that is smaller than the granularity of the entire network slice, and then manage network resources based on the statistical information within the specific area, meeting the needs of refined management of network operations and services.

[0175] In one embodiment, the specific area indication information includes at least one of the following:

[0176] Cell ID;

[0177] Tracking area identifier TAI;

[0178] Identification of the area of ​​interest AoI;

[0179] Tracking area identifier list;

[0180] Identification of the service area;

[0181] Identifier of the geographic area.

[0182] Here, the cell ID, TAI, AoI identifier, tracking area identifier list, service area identifier and / or geographic area identifier may have one or more. For example, the specific area indication information may include multiple cell IDs for indicating multiple cells.

[0183] The geographical area indicated by the identifier of the geographical area may be a geographical area that can be mapped to a service area, and thus, the NSACF may determine statistical information based on the mapped service area.

[0184] NSACF can determine the statistics of sessions created within a specific area based on specific area indication information, and achieve session information statistics at a smaller granularity than the entire network slice, meeting the refined management requirements of network operations and services.

[0185] In one embodiment, the specific area indication information is pre-stored in the NSACF;

[0186] or,

[0187] The specific area indication information is determined based on a communication protocol;

[0188] or,

[0189] The specific area indication information is sent by the consumer network function to the NSACF.

[0190] The specific area indication information may be pre-stored in the NSACF, and when the NSACF is triggered, the specific area is determined by the pre-stored specific area indication information.

[0191] The consumer network functions may include: Network Exposure Function (NEF), Policy Decision Function (PCF), Operation Administration and Maintenance (OAM) and / or the main NSACF in a multi-NSACF deployment scenario.

[0192] The consumer network function can determine a specific area based on its own needs, and instruct the NSACF to drive to the specific area through specific area indication information.

[0193] In one embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0194] Receive the statistical information sent by NSACF.

[0195] After NSACF determines the statistical information, it can provide feedback to SMF for SMF decision-making reference. For example, SMF can determine whether a new session can be created in a specific area based on whether the number of sessions created within the specific area exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0196] In one embodiment, the statistical information update request includes:

[0197] The statistics update request corresponding to the session operation.

[0198] The session operation may include creating a session, changing the session type, etc. For example, the session operation may include: requesting an existing PDU session for Handover switching.

[0199] When a session operation occurs for a network slice, SMF can first determine the network slice corresponding to the session operation and send a statistical information update request to the network slice corresponding to the session operation.

[0200] In one embodiment, the session operation includes:

[0201] Creating a session based on the network slice.

[0202] The statistics update request may explicitly or implicitly indicate an increase in the number of sessions. For example, when creating a session in a network slice, the statistics update request may use a predetermined bit to indicate an increase in the number of sessions, or the UE may create a session request as a statistics update request to implicitly indicate an increase in the number of sessions.

[0203] When performing a session creation operation, the SMF may first perform NSACF discovery. For example, the SMF may determine the network slice for the creation operation based on the slice identifier of the session creation, and then determine the NSACF corresponding to the network slice. The SMF then sends a statistical information update request to the determined NSACF. The slice identifier of the network slice may include S-NSSAI, and / or a slice distinguisher, etc.

[0204] The statistics update request can be carried in the operation information for the network slice operation. For example, when creating a session in the network slice, the statistics update request can be carried in the create session request.

[0205] Creating a session in a network slice will cause changes in the statistical information of the sessions created in a specific area. Therefore, SMF can instruct NSACF to determine the statistical information of the sessions created in a specific area.

[0206] Exemplarily, for a scenario in which a session is created in a network slice, NSACF may determine statistical information of sessions created in a specific area before the session is created in the network slice, and may also determine statistical information of sessions created in a specific area after the session is created in the network slice.

[0207] like Figure 4 As shown, during the process of creating a session in the network slice, SMF instructs NSACF to determine the statistics of the session created in a specific area, including:

[0208] Step 402: SMF receives a request for creating a session in a network slice sent by the UE through the AMF, wherein the request is used to trigger the SMF to initiate a validity check and update process for the number of sessions created in a specific area.

[0209] SMF can perform discovery and selection of NSACF through local configuration information. If SMF does not have the NSACF address, SMF may discover NSACF through NRF.

[0210] When the UE initiates the creation of a session, the S-NSSAI of the network slice for which the session is requested to be created can be carried in the creation request sent by the UE, and the SMF determines the NSACF based at least on the S-NSSAI. Alternatively, the SMF can also discover the NSACF through the NRF.

[0211] Exemplarily, for a PDU session in SSC mode 3, the SMF of the new PDU session calls NSACF to increase the number of PDU sessions and adds a new PDU session ID in NSACF. When the old PDU session is released, the SMF of the old PDU session calls NSACF to reduce the number of PDU sessions and deletes the old PDU session ID in NSACF.

[0212] Step 403: SMF sends a statistics update request, such as Nnsacf_NSAC_NumOfPDUsUpdate_Request, to NSACF, triggering NSACF to determine the statistics of sessions created in a specific area of ​​the network slice; the statistics update request can indicate to NSACF to create a session explicitly or implicitly.

[0213] The statistical information update request may include: UE identification information such as UE ID, session ID, S-NSSAI of the network slice requesting to execute NSAC, access type and update flag. Among them, the S-NSSAI of the network slice requesting to execute NSAC may be one or more, and the UE may request to establish sessions in multiple network slices at the same time. The update flag can be used to indicate the creation of a session in the network slice, that is, the number of sessions increases.

[0214] Step 405: SMF receives a response message to the statistics update request sent by NSACF. The response message may include: the number of sessions created in the determined specific area, and / or the result of creating the session, etc. The response message may be Nnsacf_NSAC_NumOfPDUsUpdate_Response, etc. Among them, the response message to the statistics update request is sent by NSACF based on the statistical information of the created sessions in the specific area of ​​the confirmed network slice. Among them, the response message to the statistics update request is determined by NSACF performing a validity check and update process on the number of created sessions in the specific area of ​​the slice based on the statistics update request, and determining the statistical information of the created sessions in the specific area of ​​the network slice (such as the number of created sessions, etc.). In response to creating a session in the network slice, NSACF updates the number of sessions created in the network slice. And confirm the number of created sessions in the specific area of ​​the network slice. In one embodiment, NSACF may determine whether to allow the creation of a session based on the status of the network slice, such as the network slice load, existing sessions in the slice, etc.

[0215] Step 406: SMF may send a response to create the session to the UE via AMF.

[0216] In one embodiment, the session operation includes: an operation of releasing the session from the network slice.

[0217] The UE may initiate a session release request. The UE may carry the session ID and the slice identifier of the network slice in the session release request. The session release request triggers the SMF to determine that the network slice needs to perform the NSAC process, i.e., trigger the session number validity check and update process of the network slice. The slice identifier of the network slice may include S-NSSAI, and / or a slice identifier, etc.

[0218] The SMF may send a statistics update request to the NSACF, instructing the NSACF to determine the number of sessions created for a particular area of ​​the network slice. The statistics update request may explicitly or implicitly indicate a reduction in the number of sessions.

[0219] Releasing a session from a network slice will cause changes in the statistical information of sessions created in a specific area. Therefore, SMFF can instruct NSACF to determine the statistical information of sessions created in a specific area.

[0220] Exemplarily, the NSACF may determine statistics of sessions created in a particular area after the session is released from the network slice.

[0221] like Figure 5 As shown, during the process of releasing a session from a network slice, SMF sends a statistics update request to NSACF, triggering NSACF to determine the statistics of the session created in a specific area, including:

[0222] Step 502: SMF sends a statistics update request, such as Nnsacf_NSAC_NumOfPDUsUpdate_Request, to NSACF, triggering NSACF to determine the statistics of sessions created in a specific area of ​​the network slice; the statistics update request can indicate to NSACF to release the session explicitly or implicitly. The statistics update request is determined by SMF based on the request for releasing the session in the network slice sent by the UE received through AMF; the request is used to trigger SMF to initiate the validity check and update process of the number of created sessions in a specific area.

[0223] When the UE initiates a session release, the S-NSSAI of the network slice requesting the session release can be carried in the session release request sent by the UE, and the SMF determines the NSACF based at least on the S-NSSAI. Alternatively, the SMF can also discover the NSACF through the NRF.

[0224] The statistical information update request may include: UE identification information such as UE ID, session ID, S-NSSAI of the network slice requesting NSAC execution, access type and update flag. Among them, the S-NSSAI of the network slice requesting NSAC execution may be one or more, and the UE may request to establish sessions in multiple network slices at the same time. The update flag can be used to indicate the release of the session in the network slice, that is, the number of sessions is reduced.

[0225] Step 504: SMF receives the response message of the statistical information update request sent by NSACF. The response message may include: the number of sessions created in the determined specific area, and / or the result of releasing the session, etc. The response message may be Nnsacf_NSAC_NumOfPDUsUpdate_Response, etc. Among them, the response message of the statistical information update request is determined by the NSACF according to the statistical information of the created sessions in the specific area of ​​the confirmed network slice. That is: based on the statistical information update request, NSACF performs a validity check and an update process on the number of created sessions in the specific area of ​​the slice, and determines the statistical information of the created sessions in the specific area of ​​the network slice, such as the number of created sessions, etc. In response to releasing the session from the network slice, NSACF updates the number of sessions created in the network slice and confirms the number of sessions created in the specific area of ​​the network slice.

[0226] Step 505: SMF may send a response of releasing the session to the UE via AMF.

[0227] In one embodiment, the statistical information update request carries the service area information of the SMF and / or the location information of the UE corresponding to the session operation;

[0228] The location information is used by the NSACF to determine whether to count the session corresponding to the session operation in the statistical information.

[0229] The UE corresponding to the session operation may include the UE requesting the session operation. The location information may be used to indicate the location of the UE requesting the session operation. If the location of the UE for the session operation corresponds to a specific area, the session corresponding to the session operation is counted, otherwise, the session corresponding to the session operation is not counted.

[0230] The UE corresponding to the session operation includes, but is not limited to: a UE requesting to create a session, a UE requesting to release a session, or a UE requesting to change the session type, etc.

[0231] Here, the location of the UE corresponding to the session operation corresponds to a specific area, including: the location of the UE corresponding to the session operation is within the specific area, etc.

[0232] For example, Figure 4 In step 404 shown, the UE may create a session in the network slice. Since the specific area is only a part of the entire network slice, the location of the UE may be outside the specific area. Then, when the NSACF determines the statistical information of the session created within the specific area, the session may not be counted. If the UE is located within the specific area, the session needs to be counted.

[0233] Determining whether to count the session according to the location information of the UE can improve the accuracy of the statistical information determined by the NSAC.

[0234] The service area information of the SMF can be used to indicate the location of the SMF service area. If the location of the SMF service area corresponds to a specific area, the sessions corresponding to the session operation are counted, otherwise, the sessions corresponding to the session operation are not counted.

[0235] Here, the location of the SMF service area corresponds to a specific area, including: the location of the SMF service area is within the scope of a specific area, etc.

[0236] In one embodiment, the service area information of the SMF includes: service area information of one or more user plane functions (UPFs) corresponding to the SMF.

[0237] The UPF service area information may be used to indicate a user plane function service area. If the user plane function service area is located in a specific area, the sessions corresponding to the session operation are counted; otherwise, the sessions corresponding to the session operation are not counted.

[0238] For example, Figure 4 In step 404 shown, the UE may create a session in the network slice. Since the specific area is only a part of the entire network slice, the location of the UPF service area may be outside the specific area. Then, when the NSACF determines the statistical information of the session created within the specific area, the session may not be counted. If the UPF service area is within the specific area, the session needs to be counted.

[0239] Determining whether to count the session based on the service area information of the SMF can improve the accuracy of the statistical information determined by the NSAC.

[0240] In one embodiment, the location information includes at least one of the following:

[0241] Community information;

[0242] Tracking area information.

[0243] The statistical information update request carries the location information of the UE corresponding to the session operation, and the UE location information is at least one of the following information: cell information and tracking area information.

[0244] In one embodiment,

[0245] The location information is received from the AMF,

[0246] and / or,

[0247] The location information is obtained from the Gateway Mobile Location Center GMLC.

[0248] In one embodiment, the base station (such as gNB) may send the location information of the UE that creates the session to the AMF, which is then sent by the AMF to the SMF, and the SMF carries the location information in the statistical information update request and sends it to the NSACF. Alternatively, the location information may be obtained by the AMF from the GMLC.

[0249] In one embodiment, the statistical information update request carries a slice identifier;

[0250] The statistical information update request is used to instruct the NSACF to determine the statistical information of sessions created within the specific area of ​​the network slice indicated by the slice identifier.

[0251] The statistical information update request sent by SMF to NSACF may carry the slice identifier of the network slice for which the statistical information needs to be determined. Here, the slice identifier may include: S-NSSAI, slice distinguisher, etc.

[0252] NSACF can determine the network slice for which statistical information needs to be determined based on the slice identifier. Since NSACF can correspond to multiple network slices, the accuracy of SMF indication can be improved by indicating the network slice through the slice identifier.

[0253] In one embodiment, the specific area range of the network slice has a maximum number of sessions that are allowed to be created;

[0254] The method further comprises:

[0255] A maximum number reaching indication information is received, where the maximum number reaching indication information is used to indicate that the number of sessions created within the specific area has reached the maximum number of sessions.

[0256] Here, the number of sessions created within the specific area reaches the maximum number of sessions, that is, the number of sessions created within the specific area is equal to the maximum number of sessions allowed.

[0257] NSACF can configure a maximum number of sessions for creating sessions for a specific area, that is, a maximum number threshold of sessions created within a specific area.

[0258] During the session creation process, if the number of sessions created in the current specific area of ​​the network slice reaches the maximum number of sessions, NSACF can refuse to create the session.

[0259] In one embodiment, in response to the UE requesting to create a session, the number of created sessions of the network slice does not reach the maximum number of sessions, then the NSACF checks the terminal UE ID. If the terminal ID already exists, the NSACF stores the session identifier session ID and increases the number of sessions of the network slice. If the NSACF does not find the terminal UE ID, the UEID is retained, and the corresponding session identifier session ID of the UE is stored at the same time, and the number of sessions of the network slice is increased.

[0260] During the process of UE creating a session, if the number of sessions created in the current specific area of ​​the network slice reaches the maximum number of sessions, then the NSACF can reject the UE's request to create a session and indicate the slice identifier of the network slice to the SMF through the maximum number indication information. The SMF can determine the reason for the failure to create a session. At the same time, the maximum number indication information may include statistical information of the network slice, that is, the number of sessions created in the current network slice.

[0261] In one embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0262] In response to receiving the indication information indicating that the maximum number has been reached, stop creating the session in the network slice indicated by the slice identifier.

[0263] The SMF may send an indication message to the UE via the AMF, indicating a list of slice identifiers of the network slices for which session creation is refused, and may indicate the reason for refusing session creation for each network slice for which session creation is refused, for example, the number of sessions created within a specific area of ​​the network slice has reached the maximum number of sessions.

[0264] In one embodiment, the SMF may also set a timer for the UE to initiate a re-request to create a session. When the timer expires, the SMF may initiate a network slice creation session request again.

[0265] The following provides three specific examples in combination with any of the above embodiments:

[0266] The statistical methods for the number of created sessions in a specific area of ​​a network slice include:

[0267] 1. In the session establishment process or the session release process, NSACF performs statistics on the number of created sessions based on the specific area information of the slice, and increases or decreases the number of created sessions in the specific area of ​​the slice.

[0268] 2. The specific area information is at least one of the following information: cell ID, tracking area ID TAI, area of ​​interest AoI, tracking area ID list TAI list, service area (Service Area), and a geographic area (Geography Area) that can be mapped to the service area.

[0269] 3. The specific area information is configured on the NSACF; or provided to the NSACF by one of the following consumer network functions: network exposure function NEF, policy decision function PCF, main NSACF when multiple NSACFs are deployed in a slice; or configured to the NSACF through the operation and maintenance management system OAM.

[0270] 4. The NSACF performs statistics on the number of created sessions within a specific area of ​​the slice based on the SMF service area information.

[0271] 5. The SMF service area information is the service area information of all UPFs corresponding to the SMF, or one or more UPF service area information corresponding to the SMF.

[0272] 6. The SMF service area information is obtained from the SMF and carried to the NSACF in the request message sent by the SMF to the NSACF.

[0273] 7. The NSACF performs statistics on the number of created sessions within a specific area of ​​the slice based on the location information of the user who created the session.

[0274] 8. The location information of the user who creates the session is at least one of the following information: cell information and tracking area information.

[0275] 9. The location information of the user who creates the session is obtained from the SMF and carried to the NSACF in the request message sent by the SMF to the NSACF.

[0276] 10. The location information of the user who creates the session is obtained by SMF from AMF or GMLC.

[0277] 11. After receiving the slice creation session number update request message from SMF, NSACF updates the creation session number for the specific area of ​​the requested slice.

[0278] 12. The NSACF updates the number of created sessions for the specific area of ​​the requested slice based on the created user location information and / or SMF service area information carried in the SMF request message.

[0279] 13. The NSACF is the only NSACF deployed in the slice, or one of the multiple NSACFs deployed in the slice.

[0280] 14. The NSACF is configured with the maximum number of creation sessions allowed in a specific area of ​​the slice, or the threshold for creation sessions allowed in a specific area of ​​the slice.

[0281] 15. When the number of created sessions in a specific area of ​​a slice reaches the maximum number of created sessions or the allowed threshold, NSACF carries the slice identifier S-NSSAI(s) indicating that the number of created sessions in the specific area of ​​the slice has reached the set threshold / maximum value, and the result parameter indicating that the maximum value has been reached in the response message sent to SMF.

[0282] Example 1:

[0283] This example provides a specific example of the validity check and update process of the number of created sessions in a specific area of ​​a network slice.

[0284] The availability check and update process for a specific area of ​​a network slice is used to update (i.e. increase or decrease) the number of PDU sessions established in the corresponding area on the slice (the corresponding slice is configured to execute the NSAC process). The session management function SMF is configured with information indicating which one or several network slices need to execute the NSAC process.

[0285] Among them, the specific area information can be configured on the NSACF, or provided to the NSACF by the consumer network function in the 5G network (such as the network open function NEF, or the policy decision function PCF, or the main NSACF in the multiple NSACF deployment scenario), or configured to the NSACF through the operation and maintenance management system (OAM, Operation Administration and Maintenance).

[0286] The NSACF in this process is applicable to the scenario where the only NSACF is deployed in the slice, or the scenario where there is an NSACF in multiple NSACF deployments in the slice.

[0287] like Figure 7 As shown in the figure, the validity check and update process of the number of creation sessions in a specific area of ​​a slice specifically includes:

[0288] Step 701: SMF is triggered to perform validity check and update process for the number of sessions created in a specific area of ​​the network slice.

[0289] If the SMF does not know the peer NSACF, the SMF first performs NSACF discovery and selection. The SMF (SMF anchoring the PDUsession) triggers the validity check and update process for the number of sessions in a specific area of ​​the slice. The triggering condition of this process can be that the SMF triggers this process for the slice that needs to perform NSAC at the beginning of the PDU session creation process, or after a PDU session is successfully released.

[0290] Here, the slice-specific area information executed by NSACF can be at least one of the following information: cell ID, tracking area ID TAI, area of ​​interest AoI, tracking area ID list TAI list, service area ServiceArea, and geographic area Geography Area that can be mapped to the service area Service Area.

[0291] For an existing PDU session whose session request type is for Handover switching, the same process is also applicable, but the creation of this existing session type based on the operator policy may not perform interactive update with the NSAC.

[0292] Step 702: SMF (SMF anchoring the PDU session) sends a Nnsacf_NSAC_NumOfPDUsUpdate_Request request message to NSACF, which carries UE-ID, session ID, slice identifier or identifier list S-NSSAI(s) that needs to execute NSAC, access type and update flag. The update flag is used to mark whether the number of sessions is increased or decreased. For example, it increases during the session establishment process and decreases after the session release process.

[0293] For PDU sessions in SSC mode 3, the SMF of the new PDU session calls NSACF to increase the number of PDU sessions and adds a new PDU session ID in NSACF. When the old PDU session is released, the SMF of the old PDU session calls NSACF to reduce the number of PDU sessions and deletes the old PDU session ID in NSACF.

[0294] Optionally, the SMF also carries the SMF service area information in the request message, where the SMF service area information is all UPF service area information corresponding to the SMF, or one or more UPF service area information corresponding to the SMF. The SMF service area information is obtained from the SMF and carried to the NSACF in the request message sent by the SMF to the NSACF.

[0295] Optionally, the SMF also carries the location information of the UE for creating the session in the request message, and the UE location information is at least one of the following information: cell information, tracking area information. The location information of the UE for creating the session is obtained by the SMF from the AMF or GMLC, and is carried to the NSACF UE location information in the request message sent by the SMF to the NSACF.

[0296] Step 703: The NSACF updates the number of PDU sessions currently established in a specific area of ​​the network slice. For example, based on the update flag parameter, the session anchor SMF performs an increase or decrease in the corresponding session.

[0297] If the update mark is increased, and the maximum number of PDU sessions established on the slice S-NSSAI has been reached, the NSACF returns a result parameter indicating that the maximum number of PDU sessions for the slice has been reached. If the maximum number of PDU sessions allowed for the slice has not been reached, the NSACF checks the terminal UE ID. If the terminal ID already exists, the NSACF stores the session identifier Session ID and increases the number of sessions for the slice. If the NSACF does not find the terminal UE ID, the UEID is retained, and the corresponding session identifier Session ID of the UE is stored at the same time, and the number of sessions for the slice is increased.

[0298] If the update is marked as reduced, NSACF finds the terminal UE ID, reduces the number of sessions for the slice, and deletes the session ID. If this is the last session for the terminal, NSACF deletes the terminal UE ID from the list after deducting the number of slice sessions.

[0299] Optionally, the NSACF is also configured with the maximum number of created sessions allowed in the slice specific area, or the allowed threshold for creating sessions in the slice specific area. When NSAC is performed for the slice specific area, if the number of created sessions in the slice specific area reaches the maximum number of created sessions or the allowed threshold, the NSACF carries the slice identifier S-NSSAI(s) indicating that the number of created sessions in the slice specific area has reached the set threshold / maximum value, and a result parameter indicating that the maximum value has been reached in the response message sent to the SMF.

[0300] Step 704: NSACF confirms the corresponding update by returning the corresponding message Nnsacf_NSAC_NumOfPDUsUpdate_Response to SMF. If the number of sessions created for the slice returned by NSACF has reached the maximum allowed value, then in combination with the operator's policy, SMF may reject the session establishment request, and the rejection reason is set to "the number of sessions allowed for the slice has been reached." At the same time, a backoff timer can be set optionally. If the session creation ultimately fails in the subsequent process, SMF will trigger interaction with NSACF again, deduct the corresponding number of sessions, and update the response information.

[0301] Example 2:

[0302] like Figure 8 As shown, when a UE session is created in a network slice, the specific steps of the validity check and update process of the number of created sessions in a specific area of ​​the slice include:

[0303] Steps 801 to 802: UE requests to create a session to a certain network slice. SMF triggers the session number validity check and update process for the corresponding area of ​​the slice.

[0304] Specifically, step 801: UE sends a PDU session establishment request (PDU Session Establishment Request) to AMF.

[0305] Step 802: AMF requests SMF to create a PDU session for the UE through the Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext_Request command.

[0306] Step 803: SMF may perform discovery and selection of NSACF through local configuration information. If SMF does not have the NSACF address, NSACF may discover NSACF through NRF.

[0307] The specific contents of step 804 to step 806 correspond to those in Example 1. Figure 7 Steps 702 to 704 are shown and will not be described in detail here.

[0308] Steps 807 to 808: SMF sends corresponding session creation response messages to AMF and UE based on the corresponding messages returned by NSACF, accepting or rejecting the session creation.

[0309] Example 3:

[0310] like Fig. 9 As shown, during the release process of the network slice session, the specific steps of the validity check and update process of the number of created sessions in a specific area of ​​the slice include:

[0311] Steps 901 to 902: UE requests PDU session release, initiates session release process, and carries session ID and corresponding slice identification information to the network. If SMF determines that the slice needs to execute NSAC process, it triggers session number validity check and update process of the slice.

[0312] Specifically, step 901: UE sends a PDU session release request (PDU Session Release Request) to AMF.

[0313] Step 902: AMF requests SMF to release the PDU session through the Nsmf_PDUSession_ReleaseSMContext_Request command.

[0314] Steps 903 to 905: The specific contents of the execution correspond to those in Example 1. Figure 7 Steps 702 to 704 are not described in detail here. The update instruction sent by SMF is to reduce the number of sessions, and NSACF performs corresponding updates.

[0315] Step 906 to step 907: the network side returns a PDU session release response message to the UE, and the session release process is completed.

[0316] The embodiment of the present invention also provides an information transmission device, such as Fig.10 As shown, the device 100 is applied to NSACF of cellular mobile wireless communication, wherein the device 100 includes:

[0317] The first processing module 110 is configured to determine statistical information of sessions created within a specific area range based on the network slice according to specific area indication information.

[0318] In one embodiment, the statistical information includes: the number of sessions created within the specific area.

[0319] In one embodiment, the specific area indication information includes at least one of the following:

[0320] Cell ID;

[0321] Tracking area identifier TAI;

[0322] Identification of the area of ​​interest AoI;

[0323] Tracking area identifier list;

[0324] Identification of the service area;

[0325] Identifier of the geographic area.

[0326] In one embodiment, the specific area indication information is pre-stored in the NSACF;

[0327] or,

[0328] The specific area indication information is sent by the consumer network function to the NSACF.

[0329] In one embodiment, the first processing module 110 is specifically configured to: in response to receiving a statistical information update request from a session management function SMF, determine the statistical information of sessions created within the specific area range based on the network slice.

[0330] In one embodiment, the statistical information update request includes:

[0331] The statistics update request corresponding to the session operation.

[0332] In one embodiment, the session operation includes one of the following:

[0333] An operation of creating a session based on the network slice;

[0334] An operation of releasing a session from the network slice.

[0335] In one embodiment, the statistical information update request carries the service area information of the SMF and / or the location information of the UE corresponding to the session operation;

[0336] The first processing module 110 is specifically configured to determine whether to count the session corresponding to the session operation in the statistical information based on the service area information and / or the location information of the SMF.

[0337] In one embodiment, the service area information of the SMF includes: service area information of one or more user plane functions (UPFs) corresponding to the SMF.

[0338] In one embodiment, the location information includes at least one of the following:

[0339] Community information;

[0340] Tracking area information.

[0341] In one embodiment, the statistical information update request carries a slice identifier;

[0342] The determining of statistical information of sessions created within a specific area range based on the network slice includes:

[0343] Determine the statistical information of sessions created within a specific area of ​​the network slice indicated by the slice identifier.

[0344] In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises:

[0345] The first sending module 120 is configured to send the statistical information to the SMF.

[0346] In one embodiment, the specific area range of the network slice has a maximum number of sessions that are allowed to be created.

[0347] In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises:

[0348] The second sending module 130 is configured to send maximum number reaching indication information to the SMF indicating that the number of sessions created within the specific area of ​​the network slice has reached the maximum number of sessions in response to the number of sessions created within the specific area of ​​the network slice reaching the maximum number of sessions.

[0349] The embodiment of the present invention also provides an information transmission device, such as Fig.11 As shown, it is applied to the SMF of cellular mobile wireless communication, wherein the device 200 includes:

[0350] The third sending module 210 is configured to send a statistical information update request, wherein the statistical information update request is used to instruct the network slice admission control function NSACF to determine the statistical information of sessions created within a specific area range based on the network slice according to the specific area indication information.

[0351] In one embodiment, the statistical information includes: the number of sessions created within the specific area.

[0352] In one embodiment, the specific area indication information includes at least one of the following:

[0353] Cell ID;

[0354] Tracking area identifier TAI;

[0355] Identification of the area of ​​interest AoI;

[0356] Tracking area identifier list;

[0357] Identification of the service area;

[0358] Identifier of the geographic area.

[0359] In one embodiment, the statistical information update request includes:

[0360] The statistics update request corresponding to the session operation.

[0361] In one embodiment, the session operation includes one of the following:

[0362] An operation of creating a session based on the network slice;

[0363] An operation of releasing a session from the network slice.

[0364] In one embodiment, the statistical information update request carries the service area information of the SMF and / or the location information of the UE corresponding to the session operation;

[0365] The location information is used by the NSACF to determine whether to count the session corresponding to the session operation in the statistical information.

[0366] In one embodiment, the location information includes at least one of the following:

[0367] Community information;

[0368] Tracking area information.

[0369] In one embodiment, the location information is received from an AMF,

[0370] and / or,

[0371] The location information is obtained from the Gateway Mobile Location Center GMLC.

[0372] In one embodiment, the service area information of the SMF includes: service area information of one or more user plane functions (UPFs) corresponding to the SMF.

[0373] In one embodiment, the statistical information update request carries a slice identifier;

[0374] The statistical information update request is used to instruct the NSACF to determine the statistical information of sessions created within the specific area of ​​the network slice indicated by the slice identifier.

[0375] In one embodiment, the apparatus 200 further includes:

[0376] The first receiving module 220 is configured to receive the statistical information sent by the NSACF.

[0377] In one embodiment, the specific area range of the network slice has a maximum number of sessions that are allowed to be created;

[0378] The device 200 further includes:

[0379] The second receiving module 230 is configured to receive maximum number reaching indication information, where the maximum number reaching indication information is used to indicate that the number of sessions created within the specific area has reached the maximum number of sessions.

[0380] In one embodiment, the apparatus 200 further includes:

[0381] The second processing module 240 is configured to stop creating a session in the network slice indicated by the slice identifier in response to receiving the indication information indicating that the maximum number has been reached.

[0382] In an exemplary embodiment, the first processing module 110, the first sending module 120, the second sending module 130, the third sending module 210, the first receiving module 220, the second receiving module 230, the second processing module 240, etc. can be implemented by one or more central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), baseband processors (BPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), DSPs, programmable logic devices (PLDs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), general-purpose processors, controllers, microcontrollers (MCUs), microprocessors, or other electronic components to execute the aforementioned method.

[0383] Fig.12 3000 is a block diagram of an apparatus 3000 for information transmission according to an exemplary embodiment. For example, the apparatus 3000 may be a mobile phone, a computer, a digital broadcast terminal, a messaging device, a game console, a tablet device, a medical device, a fitness device, a personal digital assistant, etc.

[0384] Reference Fig.12 , the device 3000 may include one or more of the following components: a processing component 3002 , a memory 3004 , a power component 3006 , a multimedia component 3008 , an audio component 3010 , an input / output (I / O) interface 3012 , a sensor component 3014 , and a communication component 3016 .

[0385] The processing component 3002 generally controls the overall operation of the device 3000, such as operations associated with display, phone calls, data communications, camera operations, and recording operations. The processing component 3002 may include one or more processors 3020 to execute instructions to complete all or part of the steps of the above-mentioned method. In addition, the processing component 3002 may include one or more modules to facilitate the interaction between the processing component 3002 and other components. For example, the processing component 3002 may include a multimedia module to facilitate the interaction between the multimedia component 3008 and the processing component 3002.

[0386] The memory 3004 is configured to store various types of data to support operations on the device 3000. Examples of such data include instructions for any application or method operating on the device 3000, contact data, phone book data, messages, pictures, videos, etc. The memory 3004 can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, such as static random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic memory, flash memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0387] The power supply component 3006 provides power to the various components of the device 3000. The power supply component 3006 may include a power management system, one or more power supplies, and other components associated with generating, managing, and distributing power for the device 3000.

[0388] The multimedia component 3008 includes a screen that provides an output interface between the device 3000 and the user. In some embodiments, the screen may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a touch panel (TP). If the screen includes a touch panel, the screen may be implemented as a touch screen to receive input signals from the user. The touch panel includes one or more touch sensors to sense touch, slide, and gestures on the touch panel. The touch sensor may not only sense the boundaries of the touch or slide action, but also detect the duration and pressure associated with the touch or slide operation. In some embodiments, the multimedia component 3008 includes a front camera and / or a rear camera. When the device 3000 is in an operating mode, such as a shooting mode or a video mode, the front camera and / or the rear camera may receive external multimedia data. Each front camera and rear camera may be a fixed optical lens system or have a focal length and optical zoom capability.

[0389] The audio component 3010 is configured to output and / or input audio signals. For example, the audio component 3010 includes a microphone (MIC), and when the device 3000 is in an operating mode, such as a call mode, a recording mode, and a speech recognition mode, the microphone is configured to receive an external audio signal. The received audio signal can be further stored in the memory 3004 or sent via the communication component 3016. In some embodiments, the audio component 3010 also includes a speaker for outputting audio signals.

[0390] I / O interface 3012 provides an interface between processing component 3002 and peripheral interface modules, which may be keyboards, click wheels, buttons, etc. These buttons may include, but are not limited to, home buttons, volume buttons, start buttons, and lock buttons.

[0391] The sensor assembly 3014 includes one or more sensors for providing various aspects of status assessment for the device 3000. For example, the sensor assembly 3014 can detect the open / closed state of the device 3000, the relative positioning of components, such as the display and keypad of the device 3000, and the sensor assembly 3014 can also detect the position change of the device 3000 or a component of the device 3000, the presence or absence of user contact with the device 3000, the orientation or acceleration / deceleration of the device 3000, and the temperature change of the device 3000. The sensor assembly 3014 may include a proximity sensor configured to detect the presence of nearby objects without any physical contact. The sensor assembly 3014 may also include an optical sensor, such as a CMOS or CCD image sensor, for use in imaging applications. In some embodiments, the sensor assembly 3014 may also include an acceleration sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a magnetic sensor, a pressure sensor, or a temperature sensor.

[0392] The communication component 3016 is configured to facilitate wired or wireless communication between the device 3000 and other devices. The device 3000 can access a wireless network based on a communication standard, such as Wi-Fi, 2G or 3G, or a combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication component 3016 receives a broadcast signal or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management system via a broadcast channel. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication component 3016 also includes a near field communication (NFC) module to facilitate short-range communication. For example, the NFC module can be implemented based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, infrared data association (IrDA) technology, ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, Bluetooth (BT) technology and other technologies.

[0393] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 3000 may be implemented by one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors or other electronic components to perform the above method.

[0394] In an exemplary embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including instructions is also provided, such as a memory 3004 including instructions, and the instructions can be executed by the processor 3020 of the device 3000 to perform the above method. For example, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium can be a ROM, a random access memory (RAM), a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a floppy disk, an optical data storage device, etc.

[0395] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate other implementations of the embodiments of the present invention after considering the specification and practicing the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the embodiments of the present invention that follow the general principles of the embodiments of the present invention and include common knowledge or customary technical means in the art that are not disclosed in the embodiments of the present disclosure. The specification and examples are to be regarded as exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the embodiments of the present invention are indicated by the following claims.

[0396] It should be understood that the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the drawings, and various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the embodiments of the present invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for transmitting information, wherein: Executed by the network slice admission control function NSACF, including: Receiving specific area indication information sent by a consumer network function NF, wherein the specific area indication information includes: a TAI or a service area identifier; Determine statistics of sessions created within a specific area scope based on the network slice according to the specific area indication information.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The statistical information includes: the number of sessions created within the specific area.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The specific area indication information further includes at least one of the following: Cell ID; Identification of the area of ​​interest AoI; Tracking area identifier list; Identifier of the geographic area.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Determines statistics for sessions created within a specific area based on network slices, including: In response to receiving a statistics update request from a session management function SMF, the statistics of sessions created within the specific area range based on the network slice are determined.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein: The statistical information update request includes: The statistics update request corresponding to the session operation.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The session operation includes one of the following: An operation of creating a session based on the network slice; An operation of releasing a session from the network slice.

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The statistical information update request carries the service area information of the SMF and / or the location information of the UE corresponding to the session operation; The determining of statistical information of sessions created within a specific area range based on the network slice includes: Based on the service area information and / or the location information of the SMF, it is determined whether to count the session corresponding to the session operation in the statistical information.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein: The service area information of the SMF includes: one or more user plane function UPF service area information corresponding to the SMF.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein: The location information includes at least one of the following: Community information; Tracking area information.

10. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The statistical information update request carries a slice identifier; The determining of statistical information of sessions created within a specific area range based on the network slice includes: Determine the statistical information of sessions created within a specific area of ​​the network slice indicated by the slice identifier.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The method further comprises: The statistical information is sent to the SMF.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The specific area range of the network slice has a maximum number of sessions that are allowed to be created.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The method further comprises: In response to the number of sessions created within the specific area of ​​the network slice reaching the maximum number of sessions, an indication information indicating that the maximum number of the network slice has been reached is sent to the SMF.

14. A method for transmitting information, wherein: The method is performed by a session management function SMF, and the method comprises: Send a statistics update request, wherein the statistics update request is used to instruct the network slice admission control function NSACF to determine the statistics of sessions created within a specific area based on the network slice according to specific area indication information; the specific area indication information is provided to the NSACF by the consumer network function; the specific area indication information includes: TAI or service area identifier.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The statistical information includes: the number of sessions created within the specific area.

16. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The specific area indication information further includes at least one of the following: Cell ID; Identification of the area of ​​interest AoI; Tracking area identifier list; Identifier of the geographic area.

17. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The statistical information update request includes: The statistics update request corresponding to the session operation.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein: The session operation includes one of the following: An operation of creating a session based on the network slice; An operation of releasing a session from the network slice.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein: The statistical information update request carries the service area information of the SMF and / or the location information of the UE corresponding to the session operation; The location information is used by the NSACF to determine whether to count the session corresponding to the session operation in the statistical information.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein: The location information includes at least one of the following: Community information; Tracking area information.

21. The method according to claim 19, wherein: The location information is received from the access and mobility management function AMF, or, The location information is obtained from the Gateway Mobile Location Center GMLC.

22. The method according to claim 19, wherein: The service area information of the SMF includes: one or more user plane function UPF service area information corresponding to the SMF.

23. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The statistical information update request carries a slice identifier; The statistical information update request is used to instruct the NSACF to determine the statistical information of sessions created within the specific area of ​​the network slice indicated by the slice identifier.

24. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 23, wherein: The method further comprises: Receive the statistical information sent by NSACF.

25. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 23, wherein: The specific area range of the network slice has a maximum number of sessions that are allowed to be created; The method further comprises: A maximum number reaching indication information is received, where the maximum number reaching indication information is used to indicate that the number of sessions created within the specific area has reached the maximum number of sessions.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein: The method further comprises: In response to receiving the indication information indicating that the maximum number has been reached, the network slice creation session indicated by the slice identifier carried in the statistical information update request is stopped.

27. An information transmission device, used to execute a network slice admission control function NSACF, the device comprising: The first processing module is configured to receive specific area indication information sent by the consumer network function NF, where the specific area indication information includes: TAI or service area identifier; and determine statistical information of sessions created within a specific area range based on the network slice according to the specific area indication information.

28. An information transmission device, for executing a session management function SMF, the device comprising: The third sending module is configured to send a statistical information update request, wherein the statistical information update request is used to instruct the network slice admission control function NSACF to determine the statistical information of sessions created within a specific area range based on the network slice according to specific area indication information; the specific area indication information is provided to the NSACF by the consumer network function; the specific area indication information includes: TAI or service area identifier.

29. A communication device, comprising a processor, a memory, and an executable program stored in the memory and capable of being run by the processor, wherein: When the processor runs the executable program, the processor performs the steps of the information transmission method according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or 14 to 26.

30. A storage medium having an executable program stored thereon, wherein: When the executable program is executed by a processor, the steps of the information transmission method according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or 14 to 26 are implemented.

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