Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The embodiment of the application provides a communication method, which comprises the following steps: in a pass-through scenario, a first network device can receive a first bandwidth policy applied to a first service of a user equipment and a traffic limit corresponding to the policy through a third network device, determines a cumulative usage of the first bandwidth policy according to monitoring of a second network device, thereby determining whether the current service exceeds the traffic limit of the first policy, further determines and sends an updated second bandwidth policy to the second network device, and realizes bandwidth control on the user equipment, thereby guaranteeing the interests of an operator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and more specifically, to a communication method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] In communication systems, such as 5G mobile communication systems, operators can provide specific traffic for certain services or applications, support specific internet speeds within these specific traffic limits, and adjust the specific internet speeds after these specific traffic limits are used up.

[0003] For example, operators usually offer some special internet packages for high-speed internet access for certain applications. Once the data allowance for these specific packages is used up, the speed of the corresponding specific applications will generally decrease.

[0004] In typical scenarios where the billing system is overloaded or the billing system actively requests to switch from online to offline service, service access is usually granted on the core network side based on the principle of service priority. After access is granted, the core network records the usage of services through offline call detail records (CDRs) and sends them to the billing system for offline billing once the billing system recovers. However, in scenarios where the 4G / 5G Charging Function (CHF) billing system is granted access, the core network does not report billing messages to the CHF billing system. The usage of user-specific data plans cannot be updated in a timely manner at the CHF, directly resulting in the CHF's inability to promptly trigger changes to the user's bandwidth policy based on the user's latest data account information. For example, if a user cannot promptly switch from high-speed to low-speed bandwidth, it inevitably leads to users enjoying high-bandwidth service plans that they shouldn't be enjoying, resulting in revenue loss for the operator.

[0005] How to adjust bandwidth policies based on users' real-time internet usage has become a problem that the industry urgently needs to solve. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a communication method and apparatus that can adjust bandwidth strategies based on real-time service usage of users when the network is open.

[0007] Firstly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a first network device, or by a chip or circuit configured in the first network device; this application does not limit this. The following description uses execution by the first network device as an example.

[0008] The method includes: a first network device receiving a first message from a third network device, the first message including a first policy and a traffic limit corresponding to the first policy, the first policy being used to instruct a first user equipment to run a first service at a first bandwidth rate; the first network device receiving a second message from a second network device, the second message including the cumulative bandwidth usage of the first user equipment using the first policy; the first network device sending a second policy to the second network device based on the cumulative bandwidth usage and the traffic limit corresponding to the first bandwidth policy, the second policy being used to instruct the first user equipment to run the first service at a second bandwidth rate.

[0009] According to the above technical solution, in the system open scenario, the first network device can receive the first bandwidth policy and the corresponding traffic limit of the first service of the user equipment through the third network device, determine the cumulative usage of the first bandwidth policy based on the monitoring of the second network device, thereby determining whether the current service exceeds the traffic limit of the policy, and further determining and sending the adjusted second bandwidth policy to the second network device to realize bandwidth control of the user equipment and protect the interests of the operator.

[0010] In this application, the first network device may be a 5G policy control function (PCF) network element or a 4G policy and charging rules function (PCRF) network element.

[0011] In this application, the second network device may be a 5G network session management function (SMF) network element or a 4G gateway control plane function (PDN gateway, PGW) network element.

[0012] In this application, the third network device can be an example of a billing function, such as a billing system CHF, or any other functional network element that can provide real-time billing and service usage accumulation and can adjust the user's Internet access speed. This application does not limit this.

[0013] In this application, the first network device and the third network device extend the current bandwidth policy request effect interface and add an interface for responding to the traffic limit corresponding to the bandwidth policy.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the second message may be a CCR-U message.

[0015] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first network device determines that the cumulative usage of the first bandwidth exceeds the traffic limit corresponding to the first policy, the first network device determines the second policy, and the first network device sends the second policy to the second network device.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this technical solution can be referred to the above-mentioned technical effects, and will not be repeated here.

[0017] In this application, the third network device sends a third message to the second network device. The third message includes the first authorized service usage. The first authorized service usage is used by the second network device to report the second message when the service usage of the first user equipment using the first bandwidth reaches the first authorized service usage.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this technical solution can be referred to the above-mentioned technical effects, and will not be repeated here.

[0019] In this application, the first authorized service usage may specifically be the authorized service unit under the usage monitoring information of the bandwidth policy request response message.

[0020] In conjunction with the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the first bandwidth rate is greater than the second bandwidth rate, or the first bandwidth rate is less than the second bandwidth rate.

[0021] The beneficial effects of this technical solution can be referred to the above-mentioned technical effects, and will not be repeated here.

[0022] In this application, the first network device determines that the cumulative usage of the first bandwidth reported by the second network device has reached the traffic limit corresponding to the first bandwidth policy, and the first network device determines the second policy to switch the bandwidth rate.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the first network device matches the reported used service unit (USU) with the corresponding traffic limit, and if the limit has been reached, it retrieves the most recently effective bandwidth rule from the preset bandwidth policy library (pendCounter) according to the corresponding rule, or directly uses the configured default relatively low bandwidth and the limit corresponding to the new bandwidth policy to respond to the second network device through a bandwidth policy update request message.

[0024] Secondly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a second network device, or by a chip or circuit configured in the second network device; this application does not limit the method in this regard. The following description uses execution by a second network device as an example.

[0025] The method includes: a second network device receiving a third message from a first network device, the third message including a first authorized service usage; the second network device sending a second message to the first network device based on the first authorized service usage, the second message including the cumulative bandwidth usage of a first user equipment when using a first policy, the first policy being used to instruct the first user equipment to run a first service at a first bandwidth rate; and the second network device receiving a second policy sent from the first network device, the second policy being used to instruct the first user equipment to run the first service at a second bandwidth rate.

[0026] According to the above technical solution, in a system-wide open scenario, the second network device can receive the first authorized service usage of the first service. When the internet traffic reaches the first authorized service usage, it can request the first network device to update the bandwidth policy of the first service. Correspondingly, the first network device can receive the first bandwidth policy applied to the user equipment's first service and the corresponding traffic limit through the third network device. Based on the monitoring of the second network device, it determines the cumulative usage of the first bandwidth policy, thereby determining whether the current service exceeds the traffic limit of the policy. It further determines and sends the adjusted second bandwidth policy to the second network device, thus achieving bandwidth control over the user equipment and protecting the operator's interests.

[0027] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, when the second network device determines that the first user equipment's usage of the first bandwidth reaches the first authorized usage, the first network device sends the second message to the first network device.

[0028] The beneficial effects of this technical solution can be referred to the above-mentioned technical effects, and will not be repeated here.

[0029] In conjunction with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the first bandwidth rate is greater than the second bandwidth rate, or the first bandwidth rate is less than the second bandwidth rate.

[0030] The beneficial effects of this technical solution can be referred to the above-mentioned technical effects, and will not be repeated here.

[0031] Thirdly, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a third network device, or by a chip or circuit configured in the third network device; this application does not limit this. The following description uses execution by a third network device as an example.

[0032] The method includes: a third network device sending a first message to a first network device, the first message including a first policy and a traffic limit corresponding to the first policy, the first policy being used to instruct a first user equipment to run a first service at a first bandwidth rate; the third network device sending a third message to a second network device, the third message including an authorized service usage, the first authorized service usage being used by the second network device to report a second message when the service usage of the first user equipment using the first bandwidth reaches the first authorized service usage, the second message including the cumulative bandwidth usage of the first user equipment using the first policy.

[0033] According to the above technical solution, when the third network device responds to the bandwidth policy of the first network device, it can simultaneously respond to the traffic limit corresponding to the bandwidth policy. This allows the first network device to update the bandwidth policy of the user device based on the traffic limit, thereby achieving bandwidth control over the user device and protecting the interests of the operator.

[0034] Fourthly, a communication system is provided, comprising: a third network device for sending a first message to a first network device, the first message including a first policy and a traffic limit corresponding to the first policy, the first policy being used to instruct a first user equipment to run a first service at a first bandwidth rate; a first network device for receiving the first message from the third network device; a second network device for sending a second message to the first network device, the second message including the cumulative bandwidth usage of the first user equipment using the first policy; the first network device further for sending a second policy to the second network device based on the cumulative bandwidth usage and the traffic limit corresponding to the first bandwidth policy, the second policy being used to instruct the first user equipment to run the first service at a second bandwidth rate; and the second network device further for determining a second bandwidth rate based on the second policy, the second bandwidth rate being used by the second user equipment to run the first service.

[0035] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first network device is specifically used to: determine that the cumulative usage of the first bandwidth is equal to the traffic limit corresponding to the first policy; the first network device determines the second policy; and sends the second policy to the second network device.

[0036] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the first network device is further configured to: send a third message to the second network device, the third message including the first authorized service usage, the first authorized service usage being used by the second network device to report the second message when the service usage of the first user equipment using the first bandwidth reaches the first authorized service usage.

[0037] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the second network device is further configured to: receive a third message from the third network device, the third message including the first authorized service usage; when the second network device determines that the first user equipment's service usage using the first bandwidth has reached the first authorized service usage, the first network device sends the second message to the first network device.

[0038] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, which may be a first network device, or a chip or circuit configured in the first network device, and this application does not limit it in this regard.

[0039] The device includes: a transceiver unit, configured to receive a first message from a third network device, the first message including a first policy and a traffic limit corresponding to the first policy, the first policy being used to instruct a first user equipment to run a first service at a first bandwidth rate; the transceiver unit is further configured to receive a second message from a second network device, the second message including the cumulative bandwidth usage of the first user equipment using the first policy; and a processing unit, configured to send a second policy to the second network device according to the cumulative bandwidth usage and the traffic limit corresponding to the first bandwidth policy, the second policy being used to instruct the first user equipment to run the first service at a second bandwidth rate.

[0040] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some implementations of the fifth aspect, the processing unit is specifically used to determine that the cumulative usage of the first bandwidth is equal to the traffic limit corresponding to the first strategy, and the processing unit determines the second strategy.

[0041] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in some implementations of the fifth aspect, the first bandwidth rate is greater than the second bandwidth rate, or the first bandwidth rate is less than the second bandwidth rate.

[0042] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, which may be a second network device, or a chip or circuit configured in a second network device, without limitation thereof.

[0043] The device includes: a transceiver unit for receiving a third message from a first network device, the third message including a first authorized service usage; a processing unit for sending a second message to the first network device according to the first authorized service usage, the second message including the cumulative bandwidth usage of a first user equipment when using a first policy, the first policy being used to instruct the first user equipment to run a first service at a first bandwidth rate; the transceiver unit is further configured to receive a second policy sent from the first network device, the second policy being used to instruct the first user equipment to run the first service at a second bandwidth rate.

[0044] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in some implementations of the sixth aspect, the processing unit is specifically used to determine that the service usage of the first user equipment using the first bandwidth reaches the first authorized service usage.

[0045] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in some implementations of the sixth aspect, the first bandwidth rate is greater than the second bandwidth rate, or the first bandwidth rate is less than the second bandwidth rate.

[0046] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, which may be a third network device, or a chip or circuit configured in a third network device, without limitation thereof.

[0047] The device includes: a transceiver unit, configured to send a first message to a first network device, the first message including a first policy and a traffic limit corresponding to the first policy, the first policy being used to instruct a first user equipment to run a first service at a first bandwidth rate; the transceiver unit is further configured to send a third message to a second network device, the third message including an authorized service usage, the first authorized service usage being used by the second network device to report a second message when the first user equipment's service usage using the first bandwidth reaches the first authorized service usage, the second message including the first user equipment's cumulative bandwidth usage using the first policy.

[0048] Eighthly, a communication device is provided, including a processor. The processor is coupled to a memory and can be used to execute instructions in the memory to implement the methods provided in any of the foregoing aspects or their implementations. Optionally, the device further includes a memory. Optionally, the device further includes a communication interface, to which the processor is coupled.

[0049] A ninth aspect provides a processor, comprising: an input circuit, an output circuit, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive signals through the input circuit and transmit signals through the output circuit, causing the processor to execute the method provided in any of the above aspects or their implementations.

[0050] In specific implementation, the processor can be one or more chips, the input circuit can be input pins, the output circuit can be output pins, and the processing circuit can be transistors, gate circuits, flip-flops, and various logic circuits. The input signal received by the input circuit can be received and input by, for example, but not limited to, a transceiver, and the signal output by the output circuit can be, for example, but not limited to, output to and transmitted by a transmitter. Furthermore, the input circuit and the output circuit can be the same circuit, which is used as both the input circuit and the output circuit at different times. This application does not limit the specific implementation of the processor and various circuits.

[0051] In a tenth aspect, a processing apparatus is provided, comprising: a processor and a memory, the processor being configured to execute a computer program or instructions stored in the memory, and to receive signals via a transceiver and transmit signals via a transmitter, to perform the method provided in any of the above aspects or implementations thereof.

[0052] Optionally, the processor may be one or more, and the memory may be one or more.

[0053] Optionally, the memory may be integrated with the processor, or the memory may be separated from the processor.

[0054] In specific implementation, the memory can be a non-transitory memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), which can be integrated with the processor on the same chip or set on different chips. The embodiments of this application do not limit the type of memory or the way the memory and processor are set.

[0055] It should be understood that the relevant data interaction process, such as sending indication information, can be the process of the processor outputting indication information, and receiving capability information can be the process of the processor receiving input capability information. Specifically, the data output by the processor can be sent to the transmitter, and the input data received by the processor can come from the transceiver. Here, the transmitter and the transceiver can be collectively referred to as transceivers.

[0056] The processing device mentioned in the tenth aspect above can be one or more chips. The processor in the processing device can be implemented in hardware or software. When implemented in hardware, the processor can be a logic circuit, integrated circuit, etc.; when implemented in software, the processor can be a general-purpose processor that reads software code stored in memory. The memory can be integrated into the processor or located outside the processor and exist independently.

[0057] In an eleventh aspect, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product comprising: a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions), which, when the computer program is run, causes a computer to perform the method provided in any of the above aspects or its implementations.

[0058] In a twelfth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, the computer-readable medium storing a computer program (also referred to as code or instructions) that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods provided in any of the foregoing aspects or their implementations.

[0059] In a thirteenth aspect, a chip system is provided, including a processor for calling and running a computer program from a memory, causing a device equipped with the chip system to perform the method provided in any of the foregoing aspects or implementations thereof. Attached Figure Description

[0060] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a communication scenario 100 applicable to embodiments of this application is shown.

[0061] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a communication system architecture 200 applicable to embodiments of this application is shown.

[0062] Figure 3 A schematic framework diagram is shown that is applicable to the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0063] Figure 4 A schematic interaction diagram is shown that is applicable to the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0064] Figure 5 A schematic block diagram of a communication device applicable to embodiments of this application is shown.

[0065] Figure 6 A schematic architecture diagram of a communication device applicable to embodiments of this application is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0066] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0067] The technical solutions of this application embodiment can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Global System of Mobile communication (GSM) system, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) system, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) system, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) system, 5th Generation (5G) system, New Radio (NR) system, or future evolved systems, etc.

[0068] The terminal device in this application embodiment can refer to user equipment, access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user device. The terminal device can also be a cellular phone, cordless phone, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, Wireless Local Loop (WLL) station, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle device, wearable device, terminal device in a 5G network, or terminal device in a future evolved Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), etc., and this application embodiment does not limit this to these categories.

[0069] The network device in this application embodiment can be a device for communicating with terminal devices. The network device can be a base station (BTS) in a Global System of Mobile communication (GSM) system or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), a base station (NodeB, NB) in a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, an evolved NodeB (eNB or eNodeB) in an LTE system, a radio controller in a Cloud Radio Access Network (CRAN) scenario, or a relay station, access point, vehicle-mounted device, wearable device, network device in a 5G network, or a network device in a future evolved PLMN network, etc. The embodiments of this application are not limited.

[0070] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0071] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, firstly, in conjunction with Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a communication scenario 100 according to an embodiment of this application is briefly described.

[0072] like Figure 1 As shown, the communication scenario 100 includes at least one user equipment, for example... Figure 1 The user equipment 111 shown in the diagram, the communication scenario 100 may also include core network equipment, such as... Figure 1 The core network device 121 is shown. This communication scenario 100 also includes billing functions, such as... Figure 1 The billing function 131 is shown.

[0073] In this application, operators typically provide service bandwidth control to user equipment (UE) through a billing function. This bandwidth control can be understood as providing data service bandwidth control functionality. Specifically, UE can request service bandwidth control from the billing function through core network equipment. Correspondingly, the billing function provides a suitable bandwidth policy to the UE according to the operator's instructions. The UE can communicate with the core network equipment through access network equipment, and the core network equipment and access network equipment can be connected via wired or wireless means.

[0074] It should be understood that Figure 1 This is a simplified illustration for ease of understanding only. This communication scenario may also include other network devices or other terminal devices. Figure 1 It was not drawn in the middle.

[0075] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a communication system architecture 200 applicable to embodiments of this application is shown.

[0076] This system architecture 200 can be used in the aforementioned communication scenario 100. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the communication system architecture 200 includes user equipment (UE), core network equipment PCRF / PCF, core network equipment PGW / SMF, and charging function (CHF).

[0077] In this application, CHF is used as an example of a billing system to provide real-time billing and service usage accumulation, and to promptly send bandwidth policy adjustment messages to the core network to adjust the user's internet access speed according to the configured bandwidth policy.

[0078] SMF / PGW is used to report user service usage to CHF via billing requests, and to report service usage to CHF and PCF / PCRF based on traffic monitoring parameters issued by PCRF / PCF.

[0079] PCF / PCRF is used to request the bandwidth policy status from CHF, and based on the returned bandwidth policy status, sends a request to PGW / SMF to adjust the user's internet access speed.

[0080] In this application embodiment, the user equipment may also be referred to as: mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user device, etc.

[0081] User equipment can be a device that provides voice / data connectivity to a user, such as a handheld device or in-vehicle device with wireless connectivity. Currently, examples of terminals include: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving cars, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to wireless modems, in-vehicle devices, wearable devices, user equipment in future 5G networks, or future evolved public land mobile communication networks. User equipment in a network (PLMN), etc., are not limited to this in the embodiments of this application.

[0082] By way of example and not limitation, in this embodiment, the user equipment can also be a wearable device. Wearable devices, also known as wearable smart devices, are a general term for devices that utilize wearable technology to intelligently design and develop everyday wearables, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Wearable devices are portable devices that are worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothing or accessories. Wearable devices are not merely hardware devices, but also achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable smart devices include those that are feature-rich, large in size, and can achieve complete or partial functions without relying on a smartphone, such as smartwatches or smart glasses, as well as those that focus on a specific type of application function and require the use of other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the user equipment can also be a user equipment within an Internet of Things (IoT) system. IoT is an important component of future information technology development, and its main technical characteristic is connecting objects to networks via communication technology, thereby realizing an intelligent network that enables human-machine interconnection and object-to-object interconnection.

[0084] In this embodiment, IoT technology can achieve massive connectivity, deep coverage, and low terminal power consumption through technologies such as narrowband (NB) technology. For example, an NB may include a resource block (RB), meaning the NB's bandwidth is only 180KB. To achieve massive access, the terminals must be discrete in their access. The communication method according to this embodiment can effectively solve the congestion problem when a large number of IoT terminals access the network through an NB.

[0085] In addition, the access device in this application embodiment can be a device used to communicate with user equipment. The access device can also be called an access network device or a wireless access network device. For example, the access device can be an evolved NodeB (eNB or eNodeB) in an LTE system, or a wireless controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. Alternatively, the access device can be a relay station, access point, vehicle-mounted device, wearable device, or access device in a future 5G network or an access device in a future evolved PLMN network. It can be an access point (AP) in a WLAN, or a gNB in ​​a new radio (NR) system. This application embodiment is not limited to these.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the user equipment can also communicate with user equipment in other communication systems, such as inter-device communication. For example, the user equipment can also transmit (e.g., send and / or receive) time synchronization messages with user equipment in other communication systems.

[0087] The access device in this application embodiment can be a device used to communicate with user equipment. The access device can also be called an access network device or a wireless access network device. For example, the access device can be an evolved NodeB (eNB or eNodeB) in an LTE system, or a wireless controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. Alternatively, the access device can be a relay station, access point, vehicle-mounted device, wearable device, or access device in a 5G network or an access device in a future evolved PLMN network. It can be an access point (AP) in a WLAN or a gNB in ​​an NR system. This application embodiment is not limited.

[0088] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, the access device is a device in the RAN, or in other words, a RAN node that connects user equipment to the wireless network. For example, by way of example and not limitation, the following can be listed as access devices: gNB, transmission reception point (TRP), evolved Node B (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), Node B (NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home base station (e.g., home-evolved Node B, or home Node B, HNB), base band unit (BBU), or wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) access point (AP), etc. In a network architecture, network devices may include centralized unit (CU) nodes, distributed unit (DU) nodes, RAN devices including CU nodes and DU nodes, or RAN devices including control plane CU nodes (CU-CP nodes), user plane CU nodes (CU-UP nodes), and DU nodes.

[0089] Access devices provide services to cells. User equipment communicates with access devices through the transmission resources (e.g., frequency domain resources, or spectrum resources) used by the cell. The cell can be the cell corresponding to the access device (e.g., a base station). The cell can belong to a macro base station or a base station corresponding to a small cell. Small cells can include: metro cells, micro cells, pico cells, femto cells, etc. These small cells have the characteristics of small coverage area and low transmission power, and are suitable for providing high-speed data transmission services.

[0090] Furthermore, in LTE or 5G systems, multiple cells can operate simultaneously on the same frequency on a carrier. In certain special scenarios, the concepts of carrier and cell can be considered equivalent. For example, in carrier aggregation (CA) scenarios, when configuring a secondary carrier for a UE, the carrier index of the secondary carrier and the cell identification (cell ID) of the secondary cell operating on that secondary carrier are carried simultaneously. In this case, the concepts of carrier and cell can be considered equivalent; for instance, a user equipment accessing a carrier is equivalent to accessing a cell.

[0091] The communication system of this application can also be applied to vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology, that is, the user equipment of this application can also be a car, such as a smart car or an autonomous vehicle.

[0092] The "X" in V2X represents different communication targets. V2X can include, but is not limited to: vehicle to vehicle (V2V), vehicle to infrastructure (V2I), vehicle to network (V2N), and vehicle to pedestrian (V2P).

[0093] In V2X, access devices can configure "zones" for UEs. These zones can also be called geographical regions. Once a zone is configured, the world is divided into multiple zones, defined by a reference point, length, and width. When determining a zone identifier (ID), the UE uses the zone's length, width, the number of zones along the length, the number of zones along the width, and the reference point for a modulo operation. This information can be configured by the access device.

[0094] V2X services can be provided in two ways: based on the Proximity-based Services Communication 5 (PC5) interface and based on the Uu interface. The PC5 interface is defined on top of a sidelink, allowing communication devices (e.g., vehicles) to communicate directly. The PC5 interface can be used both out of coverage (OOC) and in coverage (IC), but only authorized communication devices can use it for transmission.

[0095] The technical solutions of this application will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments. These specific embodiments can be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be described again in some embodiments.

[0096] In this application, Figure 1 This is merely one application scenario of an embodiment of this application, and this application does not limit the scenarios in which the method is applied. The embodiments shown below are for ease of understanding and explanation only, using the example of enabling interaction between network devices and user equipment in a scenario as an example to describe in detail the method provided by the embodiments of this application.

[0097] In this application, "release" refers to the action of suspending credit control over a user's prepaid online billing service when the system experiences failures, rollbacks, upgrades, or other situations that affect the user's use of the prepaid online billing service.

[0098] In communication systems, when the billing system is allowed to resume service, such as when the billing system is overloaded or when the billing system actively requests to switch from online to offline, the service is usually resumed on the core network side based on the principle of service priority. After resumption, the core network side records the service usage through offline call detail records and sends them to the billing system for offline billing after the billing system recovers.

[0099] As an example, not a limitation, in scenarios where the CHF billing system is enabled, the core network side (e.g., PGW / SMF) will not report billing messages to the CHF billing system. The usage of user-specific package traffic cannot be updated in a timely manner by the CHF, which directly results in the CHF being unable to trigger changes to the user's bandwidth policy (enjoying high-speed bandwidth or low-speed bandwidth) based on the user's latest traffic account status.

[0100] In view of this, this application provides a communication method and apparatus that can adjust bandwidth policies based on real-time service usage by users in a controlled environment. This improves the flexibility of bandwidth policies and protects the rights and interests of operators.

[0101] The following will describe in detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a communication method and apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0102] In the following embodiments, for distinction and without loss of generality, the first network device is an example of a core network device, for example, the first network device may be a PCF / PCRF; the second network device is an example of a core network device, for example, the second network device may be an SMF / PGW; and the third network device is an example of a billing function or system, for example, the third network device may be a CHF billing system.

[0103] It is understood that the above examples are merely illustrative and do not limit the embodiments of this application in any way.

[0104] Figure 3 A schematic framework diagram is shown that is applicable to the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 3 The method 300 shown can be derived from Figure 2 The user equipment and network equipment shown are executed.

[0105] S310, the first network device receives the first message.

[0106] Specifically, the first network device receives a first message from the third network, the first message including a first policy and the traffic limit corresponding to the first policy. Correspondingly, the third network device sends the first message to the first network device.

[0107] In this application, the first network device can be a PCF network element or a PCRF network element.

[0108] In this application, the third network device can be an example of a billing function, such as a billing system CHF, or any other functional network element that can provide real-time billing and service usage accumulation and can adjust the user's Internet access speed. This application does not limit this.

[0109] In this application, the second network device can be an SMF network element or a PGW network element.

[0110] In one implementation, the first message may be a bandwidth rate policy status response message, which can be understood as a response to a bandwidth rate policy status request sent by the user equipment to a third network device through the core network device.

[0111] In another implementation, the first message can also be an independent message, which is not limited in this embodiment.

[0112] In this application, the first message includes a first policy and a corresponding traffic limit. Optionally, the first policy can be understood as a bandwidth rate policy and policy state for a user equipment (UE) executing service #A (as an example of the first service). The first policy instructs the first terminal device to run service #A at a first bandwidth rate. The corresponding traffic limit can be understood as the maximum bandwidth used by service #A at that bandwidth rate. The first policy and its corresponding traffic limit are used by the first network device to adjust the UE's bandwidth rate based on the UE's bandwidth usage corresponding to the first policy and the corresponding traffic limit.

[0113] Specifically, the terminal device sends an Internet access service #A request message to the core network device. The core network device then requests the bandwidth rate policy status corresponding to the Internet access service #A from the third network device. The third network device determines the corresponding bandwidth rate policy status (i.e., the first policy) and the traffic limit corresponding to the bandwidth policy based on the user device's service #A, and adjusts the user device's Internet access service #A bandwidth policy in real time through the core network device.

[0114] As an example rather than a limitation, the third network device can calculate the bandwidth policy and corresponding status of the corresponding service #A based on factors such as the user's subscription package and remaining account traffic.

[0115] It should be understood that when the third network device responds to the bandwidth request message, in addition to sending the bandwidth policy and corresponding status for the corresponding service #A, it also includes the traffic limit corresponding to the first policy mentioned above.

[0116] In one implementation, the first network device sends the first message to the second network device, and the second network device can set the internet access speed of user equipment service #A based on the first message. Correspondingly, the user equipment runs service #A using the first policy.

[0117] It should be understood that in this application, the first network device and the third network device extend the current bandwidth policy request effect interface and add an interface for responding to the traffic limit corresponding to the bandwidth policy.

[0118] S320, the first network device receives the second message.

[0119] Specifically, the first network device receives the second message from the second network device, and correspondingly, the second network device sends the second message to the first network device.

[0120] In this application, the second message includes the cumulative bandwidth usage of the first terminal device using the first strategy.

[0121] In one possible implementation, the second network device receives a third message from the third network device, the third message including a first authorized traffic volume. The second network device then sends the second message to the first network device based on the first authorized traffic volume.

[0122] It should be noted that the second network device can send the second message to the third network device at the same time as sending the second message to the first network device. This message is used by the third network device to accumulate bandwidth usage. After the network returns to normal from the open scenario, the third network device can update its bandwidth policy.

[0123] Specifically, the user equipment runs service #A using the first policy. The third network device sends the first authorized service volume to the second network device through the third message, requesting the second network device to report to the first network device when monitoring the service usage after the usage of the first policy reaches the first authorized service volume.

[0124] As an example and not a limitation, the third message could be a bandwidth policy request response message.

[0125] In one possible implementation, the first authorized service usage may specifically be the authorized monitoring service usage (Granted-Service-Unit) under the monitoring usage information (Usage-Monitoring-Information) of the bandwidth policy request response message.

[0126] In one possible implementation, the second message may be a CCR-U message.

[0127] One possible interpretation is that the second network device sends an accounting request message to the third network device through the first network device. However, due to a malfunction in the third network device, it cannot properly respond to the accounting request message sent by the second network device, resulting in a timeout or a direct response with the corresponding error code (e.g., 3004 Overload). Upon receiving a timeout response or a result code other than 2001 (success), the second network device will, based on its configuration, either allow the user's internet access or directly reject the user's request. In the allowed scenario, when the second network device detects that the first bandwidth usage has reached the first authorized service usage, it reports the cumulative bandwidth usage of the first policy via a CCR-U message.

[0128] S330, the first network device sends a second policy to the second network based on the cumulative usage of the first bandwidth and the traffic limit corresponding to the first bandwidth policy.

[0129] Specifically, the first network device determines that the cumulative usage of the first bandwidth is equal to the traffic limit corresponding to the first policy, and then the first network device determines the second policy.

[0130] In this application, the second strategy is used to instruct the first terminal device to run the first service at a second bandwidth rate.

[0131] In this application, the first bandwidth rate is greater than the second bandwidth rate, or the first bandwidth rate is less than the second bandwidth rate.

[0132] Alternatively, if the first network device determines that the cumulative usage of the first bandwidth reported by the second network device has reached the traffic limit corresponding to the first bandwidth policy, the first network device determines the second policy to switch the bandwidth rate.

[0133] In one possible implementation, the first network device matches the corresponding traffic limit based on the reported USU and finds that the limit has been reached. Based on the corresponding rules, it retrieves the most recently effective bandwidth rule from pendCounter or directly uses the configured default relatively low-speed bandwidth and the new limit corresponding to the Counter to respond to the second network device through a bandwidth policy update request message.

[0134] It should be noted that the first network device can detect the anomaly of the third network device through DWR messages. If the DWR (5G uses the SOAP page detection mechanism) detects that the third network device is normal, it needs to send a bandwidth policy status update request to the third network device to re-request new bandwidth. The second network device matches the Internet access speed policy according to the latest issued bandwidth rules and re-monitors and reports services according to the traffic limit (volume-threshold) corresponding to the newly issued rules.

[0135] It is understandable that when the third network device recovers, the second network device will request the bandwidth policy from the first network device again.

[0136] According to the solution provided in this application embodiment, in a system open scenario, the first network device can receive the first bandwidth policy and the corresponding traffic limit of the first service of the user equipment through the third network device, determine the cumulative usage of the first bandwidth policy based on the monitoring of the second network device, thereby determining whether the current service exceeds the traffic limit of the policy, and further determining and sending the adjusted second bandwidth policy to the second network device to achieve bandwidth control of the user equipment and protect the interests of the operator.

[0137] In the following embodiments, the UE is used as an example of a user equipment, the PGW / SMF as an example of a second network device, the PCRF / PCF as an example of a first network device, and the CHF as an example of a third network device.

[0138] Figure 4A schematic interaction diagram is shown that is applicable to the communication method provided in the embodiments of this application. Method 400 can be regarded as a specific implementation of method 500, and method 400 may include the following steps.

[0139] S410, the UE sends request message #1 to the PGW / SMF.

[0140] Specifically, the UE sends a request message #1 to the PGW / SMF according to the requirements of service #A. This request message #1 can be understood as a request for Internet access initiated by the UE. This request message #1 is used to request the network side to issue a bandwidth policy #1 for executing the current service (as an example of the first policy).

[0141] In this application, the bandwidth policy can be understood as the bandwidth rate and bandwidth status of the UE when performing a specific service (e.g., service #A).

[0142] For example, the request message #1 can be any Internet access service request message, and this application embodiment does not limit it.

[0143] S420, PGW / SMF sends request message #2 to PCRF / PCF.

[0144] Specifically, the PGW / SMF sends a request message #2 to the PCRF / PCF based on request message #1. This request message #2 is used to request the PCRF / PCF to implement the bandwidth policy #1 for service #A.

[0145] For example, the request message #2 can be any bandwidth control policy request message, and this application embodiment does not limit it.

[0146] S430, PCRF / PCF sends request message #3 to CHF.

[0147] Specifically, the PCRF / PCF sends a request message #3 to the CHF based on request message #2. This request message #3 is used to request the status information of bandwidth policy #1 from the CHF.

[0148] S440, CHF sends response message #1 to PCRF / PCF.

[0149] Specifically, CHF determines response message #1 (an example of the first message) based on the user equipment's account information. Response message #1 includes the bandwidth policy #1 of service #A (an example of the first policy) and the traffic limit corresponding to the policy.

[0150] Specifically, response message #1 is used in response to the aforementioned request message #3.

[0151] In one possible implementation, CHF calculates the corresponding bandwidth policy and status based on factors such as the user's subscription package and remaining account traffic.

[0152] It should be understood that this step is to extend the current bandwidth policy request and response interface for CHF and PCF / PCRF during normal business interactions before they are allowed to resume, and to add traffic limits for the returned policies.

[0153] For example, the response message #1 can be any bandwidth control policy response message, and this application embodiment does not limit it.

[0154] S450, PCRF / PCF sends response message #2 to PGW / SMF.

[0155] Specifically, the PCRF / PCF determines response message #2 based on response message #1, which includes bandwidth policy #1.

[0156] Specifically, this response message #2 is used to respond to request message #2.

[0157] In one possible implementation, the PCRF / PCF issues bandwidth policy #1 through the policy rules in response message #2.

[0158] For example, the response message #2 can be any bandwidth control policy response message, and this application embodiment does not limit it.

[0159] S460, PGW / SMF determines the UE's internet access speed based on response message #2.

[0160] Specifically, PGW / SMF determines bandwidth policy #1 based on response message #2, and then sets the corresponding internet speed according to the bandwidth rules included in bandwidth policy #1.

[0161] S470, PGW / SMF sends request message #4 to CHF.

[0162] Specifically, the PGW / SMF sends a charging request to the CHF via request message #4, requesting the CHF to begin charging accumulation for the UE's account.

[0163] S480, CHF sends response message #3 to PGW / SMF.

[0164] Specifically, the CHF sends response message #3 (an example of a third message) to the PGW / SMF in response to the charging request and to begin charging accumulation for the UE's account. This response message #3 includes authorized service usage #1.

[0165] Specifically, response message #3 is used to respond to request message #4.

[0166] In this application, authorized service usage #1 is used by the PGW / SMF to request re-deduction and re-authorization from the CHF when the usage of monitored user equipment reaches the limit of authorized service usage #1.

[0167] In one possible implementation, the PCRF / PCF sends the granted service unit (i.e., granted service unit #1) to the PGW / SMF via the usage monitoring information in response message #4. This is used to request the PGW / SMF to report to the PCRF / PCF when the usage of bandwidth policy #1 reaches the granted service unit #1.

[0168] S490, PGW / SMF sends response message #4 to UE.

[0169] Specifically, the PGW / SMF sends the corresponding internet access rate to the UE via response message #4, and the UE then starts using the internet access service, executing service #A. After the user's internet traffic reaches the authorized service usage #1, a request message is sent to request deduction and reauthorization.

[0170] S491, PGW / SMF sends request message #5 to CHF.

[0171] In this application, when the PGW / SMF detects that the UE's Internet traffic has reached the authorized service usage #1, the PGW / SMF sends a request message #5 to the CHF to request a second charge and re-authorize the service traffic.

[0172] In one possible implementation, when CHF is working normally, the following step S492 is performed.

[0173] S492, CHF sends response message #5 to PGW / SMF.

[0174] Specifically, CHF sends response message #5 to PGW / SMF in response to the second billing request, authorizing service usage #2.

[0175] It is understandable that the PGW / SMF can execute step S490, allowing the UE to continue performing service #A.

[0176] Specifically, response message #5 is used to respond to request message #5.

[0177] In another possible implementation, when the CHF function is malfunctioning, the CHF cannot respond to request message #5 normally. In this case, the billing request message (request message #5) may time out or directly respond with the corresponding error code on the PGW / SMF side. The PGW / SMF can then allow or deny the UE's Internet access request according to the configuration.

[0178] It is understandable that during the opening process, CHF cannot receive real-time user service usage reports from the core network in a timely manner, thus failing to match and update the latest bandwidth policies for users in a timely manner. Inevitably, some users who should have their speed limited still enjoy the initial high bandwidth speed, resulting in losses for the operator's revenue.

[0179] In this application, when the PGW / SMF detects that the UE's Internet traffic has reached the authorized service usage #1 in the PGW / SMF enabled scenario, step S493 is executed.

[0180] S493, PGW / SMF sends request message #6 to PCRF / PCF.

[0181] Specifically, the PGW / SMF sends the cumulative usage of bandwidth policy #1 to the PCRF / PCF via request message #6 (an example of the second message) to request bandwidth policy updates and reauthorize service traffic.

[0182] In one possible implementation, the PGW / SMF reports request message #6 to the PCRF / PCF in the USU.

[0183] It should be noted that while the PGW / SMF sends the cumulative usage of bandwidth policy #1 to the PCRF / PCF, it can also send the cumulative usage of bandwidth policy #1 to the CHF for the CHF to accumulate bandwidth usage. After the scenario returns to normal, the CHF can update the bandwidth policy in a timely manner.

[0184] S494, PCRF / PCF sends response message #6 to PGW / SMF.

[0185] Specifically, the PCRF / PCF determines bandwidth policy #2 (as an example of a second policy) based on the cumulative usage of bandwidth policy #1 and the traffic limit of bandwidth policy #1.

[0186] Alternatively, if the PCRF / PCF determines that the cumulative usage of bandwidth policy #1 reported by the PGW / SMF has reached the traffic limit of bandwidth policy #1, the PCRF / PCF updates bandwidth policy #1, for example, by switching the bandwidth rate, to obtain bandwidth policy #2.

[0187] In one possible implementation, the PCF / PCRF matches the corresponding bandwidth policy (counter) based on the reported USU. If the traffic has reached the limit, it retrieves the most recently effective bandwidth rule from the preset bandwidth policy library according to the corresponding rules, or directly uses the configured default relatively low bandwidth and the limit corresponding to the new bandwidth policy to respond to the PGW / SMF through a bandwidth policy update request message.

[0188] It is understandable that the PGW / SMF determines the bandwidth policy #2 based on response message #6, thereby determining the internet access speed (second bandwidth speed) for service #A.

[0189] In this application, the bandwidth rate of bandwidth strategy #1 is greater than the bandwidth rate of bandwidth strategy #2, or the bandwidth rate of bandwidth strategy #1 is less than the bandwidth rate of bandwidth strategy #2.

[0190] It is understandable that the UE applies bandwidth policy #2 to execute service #A. When the cumulative usage of bandwidth policy #2 reaches the authorized service usage #1, the UE can send a billing request message to CHF again and execute step S491.

[0191] It should be noted that PCF / PCRF can detect CHF anomalies through DWR messages. If DWR (5G uses SOAP page detection mechanism) detects that CHF is normal, it needs to send a bandwidth policy status update request to CHF to re-request new bandwidth. PGW / SMF matches the Internet access rate policy according to the latest issued bandwidth rules and re-monitors and reports services according to the traffic limit corresponding to the newly issued rules.

[0192] According to the solution provided in this application embodiment, in a system open scenario, the PCF / PCRF can receive the bandwidth policy applied to the UE service and the corresponding traffic limit through the CHF. Based on the monitoring of the PGW / SMF, the cumulative usage of the policy is determined, thereby determining whether the bandwidth usage of the current service exceeds the traffic limit of the policy. Further, an updated bandwidth policy is determined and sent to the second network device to achieve bandwidth control of the UE and protect the interests of the operator.

[0193] Figure 5 A schematic block diagram of a communication device 500 applicable to embodiments of this application is shown.

[0194] The device 500 includes a transceiver unit 510, which can be used to implement corresponding communication functions. The transceiver unit 510 can also be called a communication interface or a communication unit.

[0195] The device 500 may also include a processing unit 520, which can be used for data processing.

[0196] Optionally, the device 500 further includes a storage unit, which can be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing unit 520 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage unit so that the device can perform the actions of different devices in the foregoing method embodiments, such as the actions of a first user equipment, a first network device, a second network device, or a third network device.

[0197] As a design, the device 500 is used to perform the actions performed by the first network device in the various method embodiments described above.

[0198] Specifically, the transceiver unit 510 is configured to receive a first message from a third network device, the first message including a first policy and a traffic limit corresponding to the first policy, the first policy being used to instruct a first user equipment to run a first service at a first bandwidth rate; the transceiver unit is further configured to receive a second message from a second network device, the second message including the cumulative bandwidth usage of the first user equipment using the first policy; the processing unit 520 is configured to send a second policy to the second network device according to the cumulative bandwidth usage and the traffic limit corresponding to the first bandwidth policy, the second policy being used to instruct the first user equipment to run the first service at a second bandwidth rate.

[0199] Optionally, the processing unit 520 is further configured to determine that the cumulative usage of the first bandwidth exceeds the traffic limit corresponding to the first policy, and the processing unit 520 determines the second policy.

[0200] Optionally, the first bandwidth rate is greater than the second bandwidth rate, or the first bandwidth rate is less than the second bandwidth rate.

[0201] The device 500 can implement steps or processes corresponding to those executed by a terminal device in a method embodiment according to the present application. The device 500 may include tools for performing... Figure 5 The method executed by the first network device in the illustrated embodiment may include units or components. Figure 4 Units of the method for performing PCRF / PCF in the illustrated embodiment.

[0202] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit performing the above-mentioned corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above-mentioned method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0203] As a design, the device 500 is used to perform the actions performed by the second network device in the various method embodiments described above.

[0204] Specifically, the transceiver unit 510 is configured to receive a third message from the first network device, the third message including a first authorized service usage; the processing unit 520 is configured to send a second message to the first network device according to the first authorized service usage, the second message including the cumulative bandwidth usage of the first user equipment when using a first policy, the first policy being used to instruct the first user equipment to run a first service at a first bandwidth rate; the transceiver unit 510 is also configured to receive a second policy sent from the first network device, the second policy being used to instruct the first user equipment to run a first service at a second bandwidth rate.

[0205] Optionally, the processing unit 520 is specifically used to determine that the service usage of the first user equipment using the first bandwidth reaches the first authorized service usage.

[0206] Optionally, the first bandwidth rate is greater than the second bandwidth rate, or the first bandwidth rate is less than the second bandwidth rate.

[0207] The device 500 can implement steps or processes corresponding to those executed by a terminal device in a method embodiment according to the present application. The device 500 may include tools for performing... Figure 5 The method executed by the second network device in the illustrated embodiment may include units or components. Figure 4 Units of the method executed by PGW / SMF in the illustrated embodiment.

[0208] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit performing the above-mentioned corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above-mentioned method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0209] As a design, the device 500 is used to perform the actions performed by the third network device in the various method embodiments described above.

[0210] Specifically, the transceiver unit 510 is used to send a first message to a first network device. The first message includes a first policy and a traffic limit corresponding to the first policy. The first policy is used to instruct the first user equipment to run a first service at a first bandwidth rate. The transceiver unit 510 is also used to send a third message to a second network device. The third message includes a first authorized service usage. The first authorized service usage is used by the second network device to report a second message when the first user equipment's service usage using the first bandwidth reaches the first authorized service usage. The second message includes the cumulative bandwidth usage of the first user equipment using the first policy.

[0211] The device 500 can implement steps or processes corresponding to those executed by a terminal device in a method embodiment according to the present application. The device 500 may include tools for performing... Figure 5The method executed by the third network device in the illustrated embodiment may include units or components. Figure 4 The unit of the CHF execution method in the illustrated embodiment.

[0212] It should be understood that the specific process of each unit performing the above-mentioned corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above-mentioned method embodiments, and will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[0213] Figure 6 A schematic architecture diagram of a communication device 600 provided in the embodiments of this application is shown.

[0214] The device 600 includes a transceiver 610, a processor 620 coupled to a memory 630, the memory 630 for storing computer programs or instructions and / or data, and the processor 620 for executing the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory 630, or reading the data stored in the memory 630, to perform the methods in the above-described method embodiments. Figure 6 As shown, the device 600 also includes a transceiver 610 for receiving and / or transmitting signals. For example, a processor 620 is used to control the transceiver 610 to receive and / or transmit signals.

[0215] Optionally, there may be one or more processors 620.

[0216] Optionally, the memory 630 may be one or more.

[0217] Alternatively, the memory 630 can be integrated with the processor 620, or it can be set separately.

[0218] As one option, the device 600 is used to implement the operations performed by the first user equipment, the first network device, the second network device, or the third network device in the various method embodiments described above.

[0219] For example, processor 620 is used to execute computer programs or instructions stored in memory 630 to implement relevant operations of the first network device in the various method embodiments described above. For example, Figure 3 The method executed by the first network device in the illustrated embodiment, or Figure 4 The method for performing PCRF / PCF in the illustrated embodiment.

[0220] For example, processor 620 is used to execute computer programs or instructions stored in memory 630 to implement the relevant operations of the second network device in the various method embodiments described above. For example, Figure 3 The method executed by the second network device in the illustrated embodiment, or Figure 4 The method for PGW / SMF execution in the illustrated embodiment.

[0221] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be a central processing unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0222] It should also be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM). For example, RAM can be used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, RAM includes the following forms: static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous linked dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0223] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) can be integrated into the processor.

[0224] It should also be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0225] This application also provides a computer-readable medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a computer, implements the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0226] This application also provides a computer program product that, when executed by a computer, implements the functions of any of the above method embodiments.

[0227] This application also provides a system comprising the aforementioned first access network device, second access network device, access and mobility management function device, and first session management function device.

[0228] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., high-density digital video discs (DVDs)), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks (SSDs)).

[0229] In the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplary," "for example," etc., are used to indicate that they are examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design options. Specifically, the use of the term "exemplary" is intended to present the concept in a concrete manner.

[0230] It should be understood that the term "embodiment" used throughout this specification means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, various embodiments throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0231] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application. All node and message names in this application are merely names set for the convenience of description, and the names in the actual network may be different. It should not be understood that this application limits the names of various nodes and messages. On the contrary, any name with the same or similar function as the node or message used in this application is regarded as the method or equivalent substitution of this application and is within the protection scope of this application.

[0232] It should also be understood that in this application, “when…”, “if” and “if” all refer to the UE or base station taking corresponding actions under certain objective circumstances, and are not time-limited, nor do they require the UE or base station to perform a judgment action, nor do they imply any other limitations.

[0233] It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, "pre-setting" and "pre-configuration" can be implemented by pre-saving the corresponding code, table or other means that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device (e.g., terminal device). This application does not limit the specific implementation method, such as the preset rules and preset constants in the embodiments of this application.

[0234] Furthermore, the terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably in this paper. The term "and / or" in this paper is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent three cases: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone.

[0235] In this document, the terms "at least one of..." or "at least one of..." refer to all or any combination of the listed items. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" can represent six possibilities: A exists alone, B exists alone, C exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, B and C exist simultaneously, and A, B, and C exist simultaneously. "At least one" in this document means one or more. "More than one" means two or more.

[0236] It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, "B corresponding to A" means that B is associated with A and B can be determined based on A. However, it should also be understood that determining B based on A does not mean determining B solely based on A; B can also be determined based on A and / or other information. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and variations thereof all mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0237] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the terms "first," "second," and various numerical designations are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. For example, they can be used to distinguish different information.

[0238] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0239] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0240] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0241] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0242] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0243] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0244] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The policy management network element receives a first message from the billing function network element. The first message includes a first policy and a traffic limit corresponding to the first policy. The first policy is used to instruct the first user equipment to run the first service at a first bandwidth rate. The policy management network element receives a second message from the session management network element, the second message including the cumulative bandwidth usage of the first user equipment using the first policy; The policy management network element sends a second policy to the session management network element based on the cumulative usage of the first bandwidth and the traffic limit corresponding to the first bandwidth policy. The second policy is used to instruct the first user equipment to run the first service at the second bandwidth rate.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The policy management network element sends a second policy to the session management network element based on the cumulative usage of the first bandwidth and the traffic limit corresponding to the first policy, including: The policy management network element determines that the cumulative usage of the first bandwidth exceeds the traffic limit corresponding to the first policy, and then determines the second policy. The policy management network element sends the second policy to the session management network element.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The first bandwidth rate is greater than the second bandwidth rate, or the first bandwidth rate is less than the second bandwidth rate.

4. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The session management network element receives a third message from the billing function network element, the third message including the first authorized service usage; The session management network element sends a second message to the policy management network element based on the first authorized service usage. The second message includes the cumulative bandwidth usage of the first user equipment when using the first policy. The first policy is used to instruct the first user equipment to run the first service at the first bandwidth rate. The session management network element receives a second policy sent from the policy management network element. The second policy is used to instruct the first user equipment to run the first service at a second bandwidth rate.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The session management network element sends a second message to the policy management network element based on the first authorized service usage, including: When the session management network element determines that the service usage of the first user equipment using the first bandwidth reaches the first authorized service usage, the policy management network element sends the second message to the policy management network element.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The first bandwidth rate is greater than the second bandwidth rate, or the first bandwidth rate is less than the second bandwidth rate.

7. A communication method, characterized in that, include: The billing function network element sends a first message to the policy management network element. The first message includes a first policy and a traffic limit corresponding to the first policy. The first policy is used to instruct the first user equipment to run the first service at a first bandwidth rate. The billing function network element sends a third message to the session management network element. The third message includes a first authorized service usage. The first authorized service usage is used by the session management network element to report a second message when the service usage of the first user equipment using the first bandwidth reaches the first authorized service usage. The second message includes the cumulative bandwidth usage of the first user equipment using the first policy.

8. A communication system, characterized in that, include: A billing function network element is used to send a first message to a policy management network element. The first message includes a first policy and a traffic limit corresponding to the first policy. The first policy is used to instruct a first user equipment to run a first service at a first bandwidth rate. A policy management network element is used to receive a first message from the billing function network element; A session management network element is used to send a second message to the policy management network element, the second message including the cumulative bandwidth usage of the first user equipment using the first policy; The policy management network element is further configured to send a second policy to the session management network element based on the cumulative usage of the first bandwidth and the traffic limit corresponding to the first bandwidth policy. The second policy is used to instruct the first user equipment to run the first service at the second bandwidth rate. The session management network element is also used to determine the second bandwidth rate according to the second policy, and the second bandwidth rate is used for the first user equipment to run the first service.

9. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The policy management network element is specifically used for: If the cumulative usage of the first bandwidth exceeds the traffic limit corresponding to the first policy, the policy management network element determines the second policy. The second policy is sent to the session management network element.

10. The system according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The billing function network element is also used for: A third message is sent to the session management network element. The third message includes a first authorized service usage. The first authorized service usage is used by the session management network element to report the second message when the service usage of the first user equipment using the first bandwidth reaches the first authorized service usage.

11. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that, The session management network element is also used for: Receive a third message from the billing function network element, the third message including the first authorized service usage; When the session management network element determines that the service usage of the first user equipment using the first bandwidth reaches the first authorized service usage, the session management network element sends the second message to the policy management network element.

12. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The transceiver unit is used to receive a first message from the billing function network element. The first message includes a first policy and a traffic limit corresponding to the first policy. The first policy is used to instruct the first user equipment to run a first service at a first bandwidth rate. The transceiver unit is further configured to receive a second message from a session management network element, the second message including the cumulative bandwidth usage of the first user equipment using the first policy; The processing unit is configured to send a second policy to the session management network element based on the cumulative usage of the first bandwidth and the traffic limit corresponding to the first bandwidth policy. The second policy is used to instruct the first user equipment to run the first service at the second bandwidth rate.

13. The communication device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The processing unit is specifically used to determine that the cumulative usage of the first bandwidth exceeds the traffic limit corresponding to the first strategy, and the processing unit determines the second strategy.

14. The communication device according to any one of claims 12 or 13, characterized in that, The first bandwidth rate is greater than the second bandwidth rate, or the first bandwidth rate is less than the second bandwidth rate.

15. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The transceiver unit is used to receive a third message from the billing function network element, the third message including the first authorized service usage; The processing unit is configured to send a second message to a policy management network element based on the first authorized service usage. The second message includes the cumulative bandwidth usage of the first user equipment when using the first policy. The first policy is used to instruct the first user equipment to run the first service at a first bandwidth rate. The transceiver unit is further configured to receive a second policy sent from the policy management network element, the second policy being used to instruct the first user equipment to run the first service at a second bandwidth rate.

16. The communication device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The processing unit is specifically used to determine that the service usage of the first user equipment using the first bandwidth reaches the first authorized service usage.

17. The communication device according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The first bandwidth rate is greater than the second bandwidth rate, or the first bandwidth rate is less than the second bandwidth rate.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, include: The transceiver unit is used to send a first message to a policy management network element. The first message includes a first policy and a traffic limit corresponding to the first policy. The first policy is used to instruct a first user equipment to run a first service at a first bandwidth rate. The transceiver unit is further configured to send a third message to a session management network element. The third message includes a first authorized service usage. The first authorized service usage is used by the session management network element to report a second message when the service usage of the first user equipment using the first bandwidth reaches the first authorized service usage. The second message includes the cumulative bandwidth usage of the first user equipment using the first policy.

19. A communication system, characterized in that, Includes a module or unit that performs the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

20. A communication device, characterized in that, include: A processor for executing a computer program stored in a memory, so that the communication device performs the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

21. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

22. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes instructions for performing the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

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