Policy control method, device and system

Abstract

The present invention discloses a policy control method, apparatus and system, relating to the field of mobile communications. The policy control method includes: in response to a terminal switching from a first system to a second system, an access control network element of the second system determines whether policy retention ends according to policy retention parameters, where the first system is a 4G system and the second system is a 5G system, or the first system is a 5G system and the second system is a 4G system; in the case where policy retention does not end, the access control network element of the second system does not send updated policy control parameters to the terminal and the radio base station to which the terminal is connected. Embodiments of the present invention enable the terminal to maintain the original policy control parameters for a period of time by using policy retention parameters after the terminal switches systems, thereby improving the stability of terminal access.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of mobile communications, and particularly to a policy control method, apparatus, and system. Background Art

[0002] The RFSP Index (Radio Frequency Selection Priority Index) is an important parameter for the core network to manage radio resources, and can be used to guide a user to access different frequencies or access technologies. In a 4G system, the RFSP Index is mainly selected by the MME (Mobility Management Entity) according to the user's subscription data or local configuration information; while in a 5G system, in addition to relatively fixed information such as the user's subscription data or local configuration, the AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) also receives a dynamic policy from the PCF (Policy Control Function) to adjust the RFSP Index. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, a policy control method is provided, including: in response to a terminal switching from a first system to a second system, an access control network element of the second system determines whether policy retention ends according to a policy retention parameter, where the first system is a 4G system and the second system is a 5G system, or the first system is a 5G system and the second system is a 4G system; in a case where the policy retention does not end, the access control network element of the second system does not send updated policy control parameters to the terminal and a radio base station accessed by the terminal.

[0004] In some embodiments, the policy control method further includes: in a case where the policy retention ends, the access control network element of the second system sends updated policy control parameters to the terminal or a radio base station accessed by the terminal.

[0005] In some embodiments, the policy retention parameter includes at least one of a remaining time of policy retention, an end moment of policy retention, a trigger event for policy retention to end, or an end event of policy retention.

[0006] In some embodiments, the policy retention parameter is statically configured in the access control network element of the second system.

[0007] In some embodiments, the policy retention parameter is configured as subscription data in a user data management network element.

[0008] In some embodiments, the policy retention parameter is sent by the access control network element of the first system to the access control network element of the second system through the N26 interface during the process of the terminal switching from the first system to the second system.

[0009] In some embodiments, the policy retention parameter is dynamically configured by the PCF.

[0010] In some embodiments, the policy control method further includes: the access control network element of the second system obtains the policy retention parameters configured in multiple ways and determines the policy retention parameter with the highest priority, so as to determine whether the policy retention ends according to the policy retention parameter with the highest priority.

[0011] In some embodiments, the multiple configuration methods include at least one of a first configuration method, a second configuration method, a third configuration method, or a fourth configuration method, and the priorities of the first configuration method, the second configuration method, the third configuration method, and the fourth configuration method increase in sequence;

[0012] The first configuration method is: statically configured in the access control network element of the second system;

[0013] The second configuration method is: configured as subscription data in the user data management network element;

[0014] The third configuration method is: during the process of the terminal switching from the first system to the second system, sent by the access control network element of the first system to the access control network element of the second system through the N26 interface;

[0015] The fourth configuration method is: dynamically configured by the PCF.

[0016] In some embodiments, when the first system is a 4G system and the second system is a 5G system, the policy retention parameter is dynamically configured by the PCF and saved in the UDR.

[0017] In some embodiments, when the first system is a 5G system and the second system is a 4G system, the policy retention parameter is a parameter in the integrated network element of the HSS and UDM modified by the PCF, and the integrated network element provides the modified policy retention parameter to the access control network element of the second system in real time.

[0018] In some embodiments, the policy control method further includes: when the first system is a 4G system and the second system is a 5G system, when the policy retention has not ended, in response to obtaining the latest policy retention parameter sent by the PCF, the access control network element of the second system determines whether the policy retention ends according to the latest policy retention parameter.

[0019] In some embodiments, the policy control method further includes: when the first system is a 5G system and the second system is a 4G system, and when the policy retention has not ended, in response to obtaining the latest policy retention parameters sent by the converged network element of the HSS and the UDM, the access control network element of the second system determines whether the policy retention ends according to the latest policy retention parameters, wherein the policy retention parameters in the converged network element are modified by the PCF.

[0020] In some embodiments, the policy control parameters are parameters of the access and mobility policy.

[0021] In some embodiments, the policy control parameter is the Radio Selection Priority Index (RSFP Index).

[0022] According to a second aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a policy control apparatus, including: a policy retention determination module, configured to determine whether the policy retention ends according to the policy retention parameters in response to the terminal switching from the first system to the second system, wherein the policy control apparatus is located in the access control network element of the second system, the first system is a 4G system and the second system is a 5G system, or the first system is a 5G system and the second system is a 4G system; a transmission control module, configured not to send updated policy control parameters to the terminal and the radio base station accessed by the terminal when the policy retention has not ended.

[0023] In some embodiments, the transmission control module is further configured to send updated policy control parameters to the terminal or the radio base station accessed by the terminal when the policy retention ends.

[0024] According to a third aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a policy control system, including: an access control network element of the first system, configured to send policy retention parameters to the access control network element of the second system through the N26 interface; an access control network element of the second system, including any one of the foregoing policy control apparatuses; wherein the first system is a 4G system and the second system is a 5G system, or the first system is a 5G system and the second system is a 4G system.

[0025] In some embodiments, when the first system is a 4G system and the second system is a 5G system, the access control network element of the second system is the AMF; when the first system is a 5G system and the second system is a 4G system, the access control network element of the second system is the MME.

[0026] In some embodiments, the policy control system further includes: a data management network element, and the subscribed data of the data management network element is configured with policy retention parameters.

[0027] In some embodiments, when the first system is a 4G system and the second system is a 5G system, the data management network element is a UDM; when the first system is a 5G system and the second system is a 4G system, the data management network element is an HSS.

[0028] In some embodiments, the policy control system further includes: a PCF configured to dynamically configure policy retention parameters.

[0029] In some embodiments, the policy control system further includes: a UDR configured to store the policy retention parameters dynamically configured by the PCF.

[0030] In some embodiments, the policy control system further includes: a converged network element of an HSS and a UDM, which stores policy retention parameters, and in response to the PCF modifying the policy retention parameters, provides the modified policy retention parameters to the access control network element of the second system in real time, where the second system is a 4G system.

[0031] According to a fourth aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an electronic device, including: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute any of the foregoing policy control methods based on instructions stored in the memory.

[0032] According to a fifth aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, wherein when the program is executed by a processor, it implements any of the foregoing policy control methods.

[0033] Some embodiments of the above invention have the following advantages or beneficial effects. The embodiments of the present invention enable the terminal to maintain the original policy control parameters for a period of time by using policy retention parameters after the terminal switches systems, thereby improving the stability of the terminal access. And the above embodiments do not change the architecture and process of the existing 4G and 5G interoperable networks, which is beneficial to the application in the network.

[0034] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0036] Figure 1 A flowchart showing a policy control method according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0037] Figure 2 Shows a schematic flowchart of a policy control method according to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 3 Shows a schematic flowchart of a method for determining policy retention parameters according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 4 Shows a schematic flowchart of a method for determining policy retention parameters according to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 5 Shows a schematic structural diagram of a policy control device according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 6 Shows a schematic structural diagram of a policy control system according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 7 Shows a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 8 Shows a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device according to other embodiments of the present invention. Detailed implementation manners

[0044] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is actually only illustrative and in no way limits the present invention and its application or use. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0045] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangements of components and steps, numerical expressions and values set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0046] At the same time, it should be understood that, for the sake of convenience of description, the sizes of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn in actual proportional relationships.

[0047] For technologies, methods and devices known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art, they may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the technologies, methods and devices should be regarded as part of the authorization specification.

[0048] In all the examples shown and discussed here, any specific values should be construed as merely exemplary and not as a limitation. Thus, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0049] It should be noted that like reference numerals and letters refer to like items in the following figures, and thus, once an item is defined in one figure, further discussion thereof in subsequent figures is not required.

[0050] After analysis, the inventors found that assuming the subscription data of the terminal (UE) is 5G preferred and it accesses the 5G network. The PCF decides to switch the user to the 4G network, that is, adjust its RFSP Index to 4G preferred, according to data such as network congestion or services the user will use. At this time, the user returns to 4G. If the user always maintains the RFSP Index brought from 5G, then the user will stay in 4G all the time under the condition that the wireless conditions remain unchanged; if after the user reaches 4G, the MME immediately adjusts the RFSP Index according to the subscription information, the user may keep pinging between 4G and 5G.

[0051] Therefore, one of the technical problems to be solved by the present invention is: how to improve the stability of user access to the network.

[0052] To solve this technical problem, the present invention proposes a policy control method, device and system.

[0053] Figure 1 The flowchart of the policy control method according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown. As Figure 1 shown, the policy control method of this embodiment includes steps S102 to S104.

[0054] In step S102, in response to the terminal switching from the first system to the second system, the access control network element of the second system determines whether the policy retention ends according to the policy retention parameter.

[0055] The first system is a 4G system and the second system is a 5G system, or the first system is a 5G system and the second system is a 4G system. That is, when the terminal switches between the 4G and 5G systems, the access control network element in the system to which the terminal switches determines whether to perform policy retention currently according to the policy retention parameter.

[0056] When the second system is a 5G system, the access control network element of the second system is, for example, an AMF; when the second system is a 4G system, the access control network element of the second system is, for example, an MME.

[0057] In some embodiments, the policy retention parameter includes at least one of the remaining time of policy retention, the end time of policy retention, the trigger event for the end of policy retention, or the end event of policy retention.

[0058] Taking a certain terminal switching from 4G to 5G as an example, and policy retention means the terminal remains in the 4G system, the usage methods of several policy retention parameters are described exemplarily below. For the remaining time of policy retention, for example, a countdown is set, and the terminal needs to remain connected to 4G before the countdown ends; for the end time of policy retention, for example, before this moment arrives, the terminal needs to remain connected to 4G; for the trigger event for the end of policy retention, it means that before a specific event occurs (such as before a specific session or application starts), the terminal needs to remain connected to 4G; for the end event of policy retention, for example, before a specific session or application stops, the terminal needs to remain connected to 4G.

[0059] In step S104, when the policy retention has not ended, the access control network element of the second system does not send updated policy control parameters to the terminal and the radio base station to which the terminal is connected.

[0060] In some embodiments, the policy control parameter is a parameter of the access and mobility policy.

[0061] In some embodiments, the policy control parameter is the RSFP Index.

[0062] For example, according to the prior art, a terminal accessing the first system determines that the terminal needs to switch to the second system according to the policy control parameters under the first system; when the terminal switches to the second system, according to the updated policy control parameters, the terminal needs to switch to the first system. Thus, a ping-pong effect is generated. After adopting the above embodiments, when the terminal switches to the second system, it is determined according to the policy retention parameter that the terminal needs to continue to use the original policy control parameters, that is, the policy control parameters used before the terminal switches to the second system for a period of time, to prevent the terminal from immediately switching back to the first system.

[0063] The above embodiments enable the terminal to maintain the original policy control parameters for a period of time by using the policy retention parameter after the terminal switches systems, thereby improving the stability of the terminal access. Moreover, the above embodiments do not change the architecture and process of the existing 4G and 5G interoperable network, which is beneficial for application in the network.

[0064] Figure 2 The flowchart of the policy control method according to some other embodiments of the present invention is shown. As Figure 2 shown, the policy control method of this embodiment includes steps S202 to S206.

[0065] In step S202, in response to the terminal switching from the first system to the second system, the access control network element of the second system determines whether the policy retention ends according to the policy retention parameters.

[0066] In step S204, when the policy retention has not ended, the access control network element of the second system does not send updated policy control parameters to the terminal and the radio base station to which the terminal is connected.

[0067] In step S206, when the policy retention ends, the access control network element of the second system sends updated policy control parameters to the terminal or the radio base station to which the terminal is connected. Thus, while improving the stability of the terminal access, it can also timely enable the terminal to use the latest policy control parameters.

[0068] In some embodiments, there can be multiple ways to configure the policy retention parameters. Several configuration methods are described below by way of example.

[0069] In the first configuration method, the policy retention parameters are statically configured in the access control network element of the second system.

[0070] In the second configuration method, the policy retention parameters are configured as subscribed data in the user data management network element. Among them, the user data management network element of the 4G system is, for example, HSS (Home Subscriber Server, home subscribed user server), and the user data management network element in the 5G system is, for example, UDM (Unified Data Management, unified data management). The user data management network element can be a converged network element of HSS and UDM.

[0071] In the third configuration method, during the process of the terminal switching from the first system to the second system, it is sent by the access control network element of the first system to the access control network element of the second system through the N26 interface.

[0072] In the fourth configuration method, the policy retention parameters are dynamically configured by the PCF.

[0073] In the 4G and 5G systems, the implementation of the fourth configuration method is slightly different.

[0074] When the first system is a 4G system and the second system is a 5G system, the policy retention parameters are dynamically configured by the PCF and saved in the UDR (Unified Data Repository, unified data storage). Then, the PCF reads the policy retention parameters from the UDR.

[0075] When the first system is a 5G system and the second system is a 4G system, the policy retention parameter is the parameter modified by the PCF and located in the converged network element of the HSS and UDM. Moreover, the converged network element provides the modified policy retention parameter to the access control network element of the second system in real time.

[0076] The access control network element of the second system can obtain the policy retention parameters of each configuration method and determine the policy retention parameter to be used among them.

[0077] In some embodiments, each configuration method has a corresponding priority. The access control network element of the second system obtains the policy retention parameters configured in multiple ways and determines the policy retention parameter with the highest priority, so as to determine whether the policy retention ends according to the policy retention parameter with the highest priority. For example, the priority of the policy retention parameter statically configured in the network element is the lowest, and the priority of the policy retention parameter dynamically configured by the PCF is the highest.

[0078] In some embodiments, the priorities of the first configuration method, the second configuration method, the third configuration method, and the fourth configuration method increase in sequence.

[0079] Next, taking the handover from a 4G system to a 5G system and the handover from a 5G system to a 4G system as examples respectively, the determination method of the policy retention parameter is described.

[0080] Figure 3 The flowchart of the determination method of the policy retention parameter according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown. As Figure 3 shown, the determination method of the policy retention parameter in this embodiment describes the situation where the terminal hands over from a 4G system to a 5G system, including steps S302 to S310.

[0081] In step S302, the AMF checks whether there are configured policy retention parameters and AM policy (access and mobility policy) parameters from four acquisition channels, including:

[0082] The policy retention parameters locally configured by the AMF;

[0083] The subscribed AM policy parameters and policy retention parameters provided by the UDM;

[0084] The real-time policy retention parameters provided by the PCF;

[0085] The in-use AM policy parameters and policy retention parameters provided by the MME.

[0086] In step S304, the AMF selects the policy retention parameter and the AM policy parameter.

[0087] In step S306, the AMF determines whether the policy retention ends.

[0088] In step S308, when the policy retention has not ended, if the PCF updates the policy retention parameters and the AM policy parameters, continue to monitor whether the policy retention has ended using the updated parameters.

[0089] When the policy retention has not ended, the AMF does not send the updated policy control parameters to the terminal and the radio base station to which the terminal is connected.

[0090] In step S310, when the policy retention ends, the AMF updates the AM policy parameters and distributes them to the terminal and the radio base station to which the terminal is connected.

[0091] Figure 4 The flowchart shows a method for determining policy retention parameters according to other embodiments of the present invention. As Figure 4 shown, the method for determining policy retention parameters in this embodiment describes the situation where the terminal switches from the 5G system to the 4G system, including steps S402 to S408.

[0092] In step S402, the MME checks whether the policy retention parameters and the AM policy parameters are configured from four acquisition channels, including:

[0093] The policy retention parameters configured locally by the MME;

[0094] The subscribed AM policy parameters and policy retention parameters provided by the HSS;

[0095] The real-time AM policy parameters and policy retention parameters provided by the HSS, which are modified in real time by the PCF in the converged network element of the HSS and the UDM;

[0096] The AM policy parameters and policy retention parameters in use provided by the AMF.

[0097] In step S404, the MME selects the policy retention parameters and the AM policy parameters.

[0098] In step S406, the MME determines whether the policy retention has ended.

[0099] When the policy retention has not ended, the MME does not send the updated policy control parameters to the terminal and the radio base station to which the terminal is connected.

[0100] In step S408, when the policy retention ends, the MME updates the AM policy and distributes it to the terminal and the radio base station to which the terminal is connected.

[0101] Next, an application scenario of the policy control method of the present invention will be described exemplarily.

[0102] For example, according to the subscription information, the RFSP Index policy of 5G subscribed users is configured to give priority to 5G. When there is congestion in the 5G network, some 5G users using low-value services are to be adjusted to the 4G network through the RFSP Index. Through big data means, the network can predict when the congestion will be relieved. Therefore, this time can be used as the policy retention parameter and sent to the MME when the user switches from 5G to 4G. After the predicted time arrives, the network congestion in 5G may have been relieved and the policy retention has ended. The MME can then adjust the user back to the 5G network according to the user's subscription information.

[0103] If the policy retention parameter is not set, it is possible that the MME will immediately return the user to 5G after the user switches to 4G, causing ping-pong problems in the network.

[0104] The above embodiments can address problems such as inflexible network resource allocation and network resource waste in the scenario of multi-frequency and multi-access networking of telecommunication networks. In the case of limited network resources, the above embodiments can improve the utilization rate of network resources. Moreover, the above embodiments are based on the existing 4G and 5G interworking architectures and processes, with little modification to the equipment and easy implementation.

[0105] Figure 5 The structural schematic diagram of a policy control device according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown. As Figure 5 shown, the policy control device 500 of this embodiment includes: a policy retention determination module 5100, configured to determine whether the policy retention ends according to the policy retention parameter in response to the terminal switching from the first system to the second system, where the policy control device is located in the access control network element of the second system, the first system is a 4G system, the second system is a 5G system, or the first system is a 5G system and the second system is a 4G system; a sending control module 5200, configured not to send updated policy control parameters to the terminal and the radio base station accessed by the terminal when the policy retention has not ended.

[0106] In some embodiments, the sending control module 5200 is further configured to send updated policy control parameters to the terminal or the radio base station accessed by the terminal when the policy retention ends.

[0107] In some embodiments, the policy retention parameter includes at least one of the remaining time of the policy retention, the end moment of the policy retention, the trigger event for the end of the policy retention, or the end event of the policy retention.

[0108] In some embodiments, the policy retention parameter is statically configured in the access control network element of the second system.

[0109] In some embodiments, the policy retention parameter is configured as subscription data in the user data management network element.

[0110] In some embodiments, the policy retention parameter is sent by the access control network element of the first system to the access control network element of the second system through the N26 interface during the process of the terminal switching from the first system to the second system.

[0111] In some embodiments, the policy retention parameter is dynamically configured by the PCF.

[0112] In some embodiments, the policy retention determination module 5100 is further configured to obtain policy retention parameters configured in multiple ways and determine the policy retention parameter with the highest priority, so as to determine whether the policy retention ends according to the policy retention parameter with the highest priority.

[0113] In some embodiments, the multiple configuration ways include at least one of a first configuration way, a second configuration way, a third configuration way, or a fourth configuration way, and the priorities of the first configuration way, the second configuration way, the third configuration way, and the fourth configuration way increase in sequence;

[0114] The first configuration way is: statically configured in the access control network element of the second system;

[0115] The second configuration way is: configured as subscription data in the user data management network element;

[0116] The third configuration way is: sent by the access control network element of the first system to the access control network element of the second system through the N26 interface during the process of the terminal switching from the first system to the second system;

[0117] The fourth configuration way is: dynamically configured by the PCF.

[0118] In some embodiments, when the first system is a 4G system and the second system is a 5G system, the policy retention parameter is dynamically configured by the PCF and saved in the UDR.

[0119] In some embodiments, when the first system is a 5G system and the second system is a 4G system, the policy retention parameter is a parameter modified by the PCF and located in the converged network element of the HSS and the UDM, and the converged network element provides the modified policy retention parameter to the access control network element of the second system in real time.

[0120] In some embodiments, when the first system is a 4G system and the second system is a 5G system, the policy retention determination module 5100 is further configured to, when the policy retention has not ended, in response to obtaining the latest policy retention parameter sent by the PCF, determine whether the policy retention ends according to the latest policy retention parameter.

[0121] In some embodiments, the policy retention determination module 5100 is further configured to, when the first system is a 5G system and the second system is a 4G system, and when the policy retention has not ended, in response to obtaining the latest policy retention parameters sent by the converged network element of the HSS and the UDM, determine whether the policy retention ends according to the latest policy retention parameters, where the policy retention parameters in the converged network element are modified by the PCF.

[0122] In some embodiments, the policy control parameters are parameters of the access and mobility policy.

[0123] In some embodiments, the policy control parameter is the radio selection priority index (RSFP Index).

[0124] Figure 6 The structural schematic diagram of a policy control system according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown. As Figure 6 shown, the policy control system 60 of this embodiment includes: an access control network element 610 of the first system, configured to send policy retention parameters to the access control network element of the second system through the N26 interface; an access control network element 620 of the second system, including any one of the foregoing policy control devices 500; where the first system is a 4G system and the second system is a 5G system, or the first system is a 5G system and the second system is a 4G system.

[0125] In some embodiments, when the first system is a 4G system and the second system is a 5G system, the access control network element of the second system is the AMF; when the first system is a 5G system and the second system is a 4G system, the access control network element of the second system is the MME.

[0126] In some embodiments, the policy control system 60 further includes: a data management network element 630, and the subscribed data of the data management network element 630 is configured with policy retention parameters.

[0127] In some embodiments, when the first system is a 4G system and the second system is a 5G system, the data management network element 630 is the UDM; when the first system is a 5G system and the second system is a 4G system, the data management network element 630 is the HSS.

[0128] In some embodiments, the policy control system 60 further includes: a PCF 640, configured to dynamically configure policy retention parameters.

[0129] In some embodiments, the policy control system 60 further includes: a UDR 650, configured to store the policy retention parameters dynamically configured by the PCF 640.

[0130] In some embodiments, the policy control system further includes: a converged network element of the HSS and UDM, which serves as the data management network element 630, stores policy retention parameters, and in response to the PCF 640 modifying the policy retention parameters, provides the modified policy retention parameters to the access control network element 620 of the second system in real time, where the second system is a 4G system.

[0131] Figure 7 FIG. shows a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present invention. As Figure 7 shown, the electronic device 70 of this embodiment includes: a memory 710 and a processor 720 coupled to the memory 710. The processor 720 is configured to execute the policy control method in any of the foregoing embodiments based on instructions stored in the memory 710.

[0132] Among them, the memory 710 may include, for example, a system memory, a fixed non-volatile storage medium, etc. The system memory stores, for example, an operating system, application programs, a boot loader, and other programs.

[0133] Figure 8 FIG. shows a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device according to other embodiments of the present invention. As Figure 8 shown, the electronic device 80 of this embodiment includes: a memory 810 and a processor 820, and may further include an input / output interface 830, a network interface 840, a storage interface 850, etc. These interfaces 830, 840, 850 and the memory 810 and the processor 820 may be connected through a bus 860, for example. Among them, the input / output interface 830 provides a connection interface for input / output devices such as a display, a mouse, a keyboard, and a touch screen. The network interface 840 provides a connection interface for various networking devices. The storage interface 850 provides a connection interface for external storage devices such as an SD card and a USB flash drive.

[0134] An embodiment of the present invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium, on which a computer program is stored, characterized in that when the program is executed by a processor, it implements any of the foregoing policy control methods.

[0135] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments of the present invention may be provided as a method, a system, or a computer program product. Therefore, the present invention may take the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Moreover, the present invention may take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable non-transitory storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0136] The present invention is described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that each flow and / or block in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, and combinations of flows and / or blocks in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to the processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, such that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device generate means for implementing the functions specified in one or more flows and / or blocks Figure 1 in one or more flows and / or blocks Figure 1 or in one or more blocks.

[0137] These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce a manufacture including instruction means for implementing the functions specified in one or more flows and / or blocks Figure 1 in one or more flows and / or blocks Figure 1 or in one or more blocks.

[0138] These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device, such that a series of operational steps are performed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, and thus the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more flows and / or blocks Figure 1 in one or more flows and / or blocks Figure 1 or in one or more blocks.

[0139] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A policy control method, comprising: In response to a terminal switching from a first system to a second system, an access control network element of the second system determines whether policy retention ends according to policy retention parameters, where the first system is a 4G system and the second system is a 5G system, or the first system is a 5G system and the second system is a 4G system; When the first system is a 4G system and the second system is a 5G system, when policy retention has not ended, in response to obtaining the latest policy retention parameters sent by the PCF, the access control network element of the second system determines whether policy retention ends according to the latest policy retention parameters; When the first system is a 5G system and the second system is a 4G system, when policy retention has not ended, in response to obtaining the latest policy retention parameters sent by a convergence network element of the HSS and UDM, the access control network element of the second system determines whether policy retention ends according to the latest policy retention parameters, where the policy retention parameters in the convergence network element are modified by the PCF; When policy retention has not ended, the access control network element of the second system does not send updated policy control parameters to the terminal and the radio base station to which the terminal is connected.

2. The policy control method according to claim 1, further comprising: When policy retention ends, the access control network element of the second system sends updated policy control parameters to the terminal or the radio base station to which the terminal is connected.

3. The policy control method according to claim 1, wherein the policy retention parameters include at least one of the remaining time of policy retention, the end time of policy retention, the trigger event for policy retention end, or the end event of policy retention.

4. The policy control method according to claim 1, wherein The policy retention parameters are statically configured in the access control network element of the second system.

5. The policy control method according to claim 1, wherein The policy retention parameters are configured as subscribed data in a user data management network element.

6. The policy control method according to claim 1, wherein, The policy retention parameters are sent by the access control network element of the first system to the access control network element of the second system through the N26 interface during the process of the terminal switching from the first system to the second system.

7. The policy control method according to claim 1, wherein, The policy retention parameters are dynamically configured by a policy control function PCF.

8. The policy control method according to claim 1, further comprising: The access control network element of the second system obtains policy retention parameters configured in multiple ways and determines the policy retention parameter with the highest priority, so as to determine whether policy retention ends according to the policy retention parameter with the highest priority.

9. The policy control method according to claim 8, wherein, The multiple configuration ways include at least one of a first configuration way, a second configuration way, a third configuration way, or a fourth configuration way, and the priorities of the first configuration way, the second configuration way, the third configuration way, and the fourth configuration way increase in sequence; The first configuration way is: statically configured in the access control network element of the second system; The second configuration way is: configured as subscribed data in a user data management network element; The third configuration method is as follows: during the process of the terminal switching from the first system to the second system, the access control network element of the first system sends it to the access control network element of the second system through the N26 interface; The fourth configuration method is: dynamic configuration by the PCF.

10. The policy control method according to claim 7 or 9, wherein, When the first system is a 4G system and the second system is a 5G system, the policy retention parameter is dynamically configured by the PCF and stored in the unified data repository UDR.

11. The policy control method according to claim 7 or 9, wherein, When the first system is a 5G system and the second system is a 4G system, the policy retention parameter is the parameter modified by the PCF in the converged network element of the home subscriber server HSS and the unified data management UDM, and the converged network element provides the modified policy retention parameter to the access control network element of the second system in real time.

12. The policy control method according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein, The policy control parameter is the parameter of the access and mobility policy.

13. The policy control method according to claim 10, wherein, The policy control parameter is the radio selection priority index RSFP Index.

14. A policy control device, comprising: A policy retention determination module, configured to determine whether the policy retention ends according to the policy retention parameter in response to the terminal switching from the first system to the second system, where the policy control device is located in the access control network element of the second system, the first system is a 4G system and the second system is a 5G system, or the first system is a 5G system and the second system is a 4G system; when the first system is a 4G system and the second system is a 5G system, when the policy retention has not ended, in response to obtaining the latest policy retention parameter sent by the PCF, determine whether the policy retention ends according to the latest policy retention parameter; when the first system is a 5G system and the second system is a 4G system, when the policy retention has not ended, in response to obtaining the latest policy retention parameter sent by the converged network element of the HSS and the UDM, determine whether the policy retention ends according to the latest policy retention parameter, where the policy retention parameter in the converged network element is modified by the PCF; A sending control module, configured not to send the updated policy control parameter to the terminal and the radio base station accessed by the terminal when the policy retention has not ended.

15. The policy control device according to claim 14, wherein, The sending control module is further configured to send the updated policy control parameter to the terminal or the radio base station accessed by the terminal when the policy retention ends.

16. A policy control system, comprising: The access control network element of the first system, configured to send the policy retention parameter to the access control network element of the second system through the N26 interface; The access control network element of the second system, including the policy control device according to claim 14 or 15; wherein the first system is a 4G system and the second system is a 5G system, or the first system is a 5G system and the second system is a 4G system.

17. According to the policy control system of claim 16, wherein, When the first system is a 4G system and the second system is a 5G system, the access control network element of the second system is the AMF; When the first system is a 5G system and the second system is a 4G system, the access control network element of the second system is the MME.

18. The policy control system according to claim 16, further comprising: A data management network element, and the subscribed data of the data management network element is configured with policy retention parameters.

19. The policy control system according to claim 18, wherein When the first system is a 4G system and the second system is a 5G system, the data management network element is the UDM; When the first system is a 5G system and the second system is a 4G system, the data management network element is the HSS.

20. The policy control system according to claim 16, further comprising: A PCF, configured to dynamically configure policy retention parameters.

21. The policy control system according to claim 20, further comprising: A UDR, configured to store the policy retention parameters dynamically configured by the PCF.

22. The policy control system according to claim 20, further comprising: A converged network element of the HSS and the UDM, which stores policy retention parameters, and in response to the PCF modifying the policy retention parameters, provides the modified policy retention parameters to the access control network element of the second system in real time, wherein the second system is a 4G system.

23. An electronic device, comprising: A memory; And A processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute the policy control method according to any one of claims 1-13 based on instructions stored in the memory.

24. A computer-readable storage medium, on which a computer program is stored, and when the program is executed by a processor, the policy control method according to any one of claims 1-13 is implemented.

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